I am on a US Green Card, living outside US for about 2 years 3 months, with a re-entry permit and N-470 approved. However, I have been making quarterly trips to the US except for one long stretch of 10 months. Thereby I have totaled perhaps 3-4 months of time spent in the US in this duration.
I am interested in preserving by green card as well as ability to file US citizenship. What would be a good option for the same?
1. Renewal of re-entry permit?
2. Moving back to the US, and then shortly filing for citizenship?
I have heard that to file for citizenship, I need to be present in the US for 2.5 years cumulative in the last five years, and also be there in the last 90 days.
So it seems from this that if I chose option '1' to stay out for two more years before moving back, it will be a few years before I can file for citizenship to complete 2.5 years cumulative spent in the US in the last five years.
If I move back before the expiry of re-entry permit in mid-March 2019, then as I understand, I can file for US citizenship after 90 days of moving back and then perhaps receive it within say 6-9 months of the latter. During this period, including the 90 days, can I make short international trips?
Given the current situation, do you think a reentry permit renewal may even get approved?
Your analysis is completely correct on all points and to answer your question, you should have no problem getting another 2 year reentry permit (if you choose to go that route).
Can you help me with the filing, etc., or recommend someone who could? As a start, I would just need a more detailed calculation of the timeline, looking at my travel dates, etc. I could do the latter myself also if I have enough information. Thanks.
In case the request for extension of reentry permit gets denied, by when would I know. I presume at that point, I would be able to relocate to the US and then proceed with US citizenship filing.
Also, once moved back to the US, during this period, including the first 90 days, can I make short international trips? (I'm asking this again for clarification since I'll definitely need business trips outside the US.)
Honestly I'm not sure that it's worth the money to use an attorney because both the reentry permit and naturalization applications are easy. If you still want help, email me and I'll refer you to some good immigration attorneys in your area.
I am currently based out of India. I used to live in the bay area when in the US.
If during the first 90 days of moving back before filing for naturalization, and after too, I could make international trips, that may be the best route for me.
Thanks for doing this!
I am on a US Green Card, living outside US for about 2 years 3 months, with a re-entry permit and N-470 approved. However, I have been making quarterly trips to the US except for one long stretch of 10 months. Thereby I have totaled perhaps 3-4 months of time spent in the US in this duration.
I am interested in preserving by green card as well as ability to file US citizenship. What would be a good option for the same?
1. Renewal of re-entry permit? 2. Moving back to the US, and then shortly filing for citizenship?
I have heard that to file for citizenship, I need to be present in the US for 2.5 years cumulative in the last five years, and also be there in the last 90 days.
So it seems from this that if I chose option '1' to stay out for two more years before moving back, it will be a few years before I can file for citizenship to complete 2.5 years cumulative spent in the US in the last five years.
If I move back before the expiry of re-entry permit in mid-March 2019, then as I understand, I can file for US citizenship after 90 days of moving back and then perhaps receive it within say 6-9 months of the latter. During this period, including the 90 days, can I make short international trips?
Given the current situation, do you think a reentry permit renewal may even get approved?
Thanks.