Citizenship Question???

[drmavi23]

Hello,
I have a question regarding applying for citizenship here in the US. Alittle background information.....

I have lived my whole life with a green card here in the US. My parents came to the United States when I was 3 months old . I am 33 years old now. The first time I applied for citizenship I had an interview a week after September 11, 2001 and they cancelled my appointment due to the Attacks. Later they told me they lost my file and I had to begin the whole process again. But then I started university till 2005 and went to Medical school in Europe for 6 years till september 2011 and I didnt have time to go through the process again as I was busy in school. Now I'm back in the USA for over a year now.

My question is when can I apply for citizenship? Do I have to wait a certain amount of time before I can apply even though I lived here in New York for most of my life and done all my schooling here up until and including university??

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

thankyou very much

[immihelp]

Please use US Citizenship Eligibiilty Calculator

[cafeconleche]

First of all, did one/both of your parents become US citizens before you turned 18, and did you live with them during that time? If so, you might already be a citizen.

If not, when you were in Europe for 6 years, did you have re-entry permits, or did you visit the US every few months to maintain your permanent residence status? If not, you might technically have lost your status, and will have to make other arrangements.

[drmavi23]

citizenship

First of all, did one/both of your parents become US citizens before you turned 18, and did you live with them during that time? If so, you might already be a citizen.

If not, when you were in Europe for 6 years, did you have re-entry permits, or did you visit the US every few months to maintain your permanent residence status? If not, you might technically have lost your status, and will have to make other arrangements.

To answer your question only one parent was a citizen b4 i was 18 thats why I couldnt become a citizen automatically b4 18. I had to wait till I was 18 to apply myself which I did but then september 11th attacks happened and my file was lost so they told me to start again but I was unable to bc I was in school and then went abroad to med school in europe. and yes I did live with my parents

While in school in Europe I entered the US with my greencard. Every time I came in I showed them my green card and my school ID bc they always asked me why I was away from the US for so long so I showed them school transcripts and Id from my university there but I made sure to come into the US once a year so I wouldnt lose my greencard.

What do you think I have to do now??

[cafeconleche]

Ah you're right, you do not qualify for the CCA. I'd say you have to wait 4 years + 1 day past your return from the last long trip. You can also wait 5 years, if you are not in a hurry for citizenship.

If you can afford to lose the fee if your application is not successful, and if you have enough physical presence, go ahead and apply now, and provide proof that you did not break continuous residence. This includes showing you maintained ties to the US, like bank accounts, driver license, etc., and a letter from your parents stating they supported you, and that you had access to their home, which was your home. Take proof of your student status. You MIGHT be approved, but you could be denied. If you have the money, and feel the need to apply now, go ahead.

[drmavi23]

Citizenship

Ah you're right, you do not qualify for the CCA. I'd say you have to wait 4 years + 1 day past your return from the last long trip. You can also wait 5 years, if you are not in a hurry for citizenship.

If you can afford to lose the fee if your application is not successful, and if you have enough physical presence, go ahead and apply now, and provide proof that you did not break continuous residence. This includes showing you maintained ties to the US, like bank accounts, driver license, etc., and a letter from your parents stating they supported you, and that you had access to their home, which was your home. Take proof of your student status. You MIGHT be approved, but you could be denied. If you have the money, and feel the need to apply now, go ahead.

Do you think I should look for an immigration lawyer? Or its a waste of money because he will tell me the same thing you just did..

[cafeconleche]

I've heard that attorneys tend to be less pessimistic. So, you might get a better answer. I see you posted on another forum, too. Wait and see what responses you get there.