Hi Folks,
I have been permanent resident since 07/29/2014 as a spouse of US citizen. I was based in UK and we took some years to gradually move to states. So I was travelling back and forth for number of years (ensured that none of my visits were longer than 12 months and when I did, I got a re-entry permit before departing) - We have been filling our tax returns all these years as well.
We made our move permanent back in Dec 2021 (13th Dec 2021 to be precise). I have been on short trips of couple of weeks since but nothing more than 2 weeks away so since Dec 2021 I have been mostly in states. As per my understanding, you need to be physically present 18 months in last 3 years (as a spouse of US citizen) - I think I have met that requirement now but I wonder if I need to wait till Dec this year so that when I apply, it will count that I was physically present in states back in Dec 2021. Whereas if I apply now, it goes back to Aug-21 when I was not physically present in states (although I would meet the 18 months physical requirement) - am I correct in my thinking or can I apply now? I received a letter from USCIS stating that I may be eligible now but not sure if that means anything.
Also, do I need to provide all absences since becoming a permanent resident or only last 3 years? Please can someone clarify this for me? will be greatly appreciated. Thank you