N-400 Part 7 Time Outside the USA

[Lemonslice 4,710]

I have a general idea of when I went back to Canada, but not all the exact dates; how should I answer the question?

I know I went back for Christmas, but I'm not sure it if was from December 23rd or 24th to January 2nd or 3rd in 2011... and then a few really short trips (2 or 3 days) I know I took, but it was in "July 2010" or "Fall 2011"... I don't want to lie, I'm just not 100% sure of the dates.

Trips outside of Canada, I have more accuracy in my records.

Thank you for your help - I know it's all my fault.

Edited March 19, 2013 by Boston~Montreal

[FlipgalRN 19]

I have a general idea of when I went back to Canada, but not all the exact dates; how should I answer the question?

I know I went back for Christmas, but I'm not sure it if was from December 23rd or 24th to January 2nd or 3rd in 2011... and then a few really short trips (2 or 3 days) I know I took, but it was in "July 2010" or "Fall 2011"... I don't want to lie, I'm just not 100% sure of the dates.

Trips outside of Canada, I have more accuracy in my records.

Thank you for your help - I know it's all my fault.

Was your passport stamped? The dates should be there of when you returned. Just be honest during your interview as to approximately how long you stayed in Canada. The main concern is that the USCIS wants to make sure you didn't abandon your GC by being outside the US for more than 6 months at a time.

[Lemonslice 4,710]

Thanks.

No, they didn't even scan my passport every time and then I got a Nexus card. I do have a general idea of when I was out of the USA, and I know for sure I spent most of my time in the USA (total days out of the USA would be approximately 165 days in the last 3 years, longest trip being 70 days). I'll go back and review my credit card statements, but I might still be a little off.

Edited March 19, 2013 by Boston~Montreal

[warlord 72]

I have a general idea of when I went back to Canada, but not all the exact dates; how should I answer the question?

I know I went back for Christmas, but I'm not sure it if was from December 23rd or 24th to January 2nd or 3rd in 2011... and then a few really short trips (2 or 3 days) I know I took, but it was in "July 2010" or "Fall 2011"... I don't want to lie, I'm just not 100% sure of the dates.

Trips outside of Canada, I have more accuracy in my records.

Thank you for your help - I know it's all my fault.

Just give an estimate. I was in the same situation and I told my IO that I couldn't remember every time I went to Canada to visit. He totally understood and just said have there been any extended trips over a month anytime you went? I said no, the most was for a week. He just wanted to know the duration and if I had been going there for extended periods of time or just for short weekend/week trips.

And yes, back then they didn't have the passport thing either, most the time I drove across so there is no real way to get documentation. So just estimate and explain that to the IO and you should be totally fine...

[Lemonslice 4,710]

Thank you, I'll write clearly that this is a list of my trips but that the dates are approximate for some of the Canada short trips as I don't have an exact register of them all. I know I've been in the USA long enough to apply, and I don't want to lie or mislead them, I simply do not remember the exact details

[Keigwyn 1]

I answered that question 'to the best of my ability' and I know that it was not 100%, but on the other hand it was n't far off either...

[Lemonslice 4,710]

Thank you all, I'll write a note and make it clear that I am not 100% sure of the dates but that no stay exceeded x days and that they were not too frequent, about every y months.

I'm still undecided about becoming a citizen, but I want to be ready if/when I do it.