I have been a Green Card holder for almost 7 years, but the problem is that during the first 3 years of Green Card ( 2017-2020 ), I spent 90% of my time outside of the U.S. finishing my degree in my home country. I would generally return every 11 months, and it went on like that for 3 years
I never stayed outside the U.S. for more than one year, but I would usually come back every 10 or 11 months.
Four years ago ( 2000 ), I returned to the U.S. for good, and I was thinking of applying for citizenship next year (following the 5-year rule). However, I have a friend who is a paralegal, and he told me that my citizenship will likely be denied because of my absences during the first few years( 2017-2020 )
What do you guys think? Have I lost my chance to naturalize? And if I can’t naturalize next year, what do you suggest I do - to naturalize in the future, or thats never going to happen?
Thank you