Naturalization Eligibility

[yasieghbali]

Hi,

I received my green card in February 2011 and would like to apply for naturalization in February 2016. I'm aware of the continuous residence requirement and the 30 month of physical presence in the US to be able to receive citizenship through naturalization. I left the U.S. on May 30'th 2013 for a short trip to Iran and I was diagnosed with cancer there. Currently, I'm on chemo therapy in Iran and November 30'th will be 6 month since I left the U.S, however my chemo therapy will end in February 2014 and since I have no insurance in the U.S, I have no choice but to complete my treatment in Iran. I would like to know if the fact that I have spent more than 6 month out of the U.S is going to delay my naturalization process in February 2016 or not. If that's the case, I'm willing to take the risk and make a quick trip to the U.S. in order to be able to apply for citizenship through naturalization in February 2016.

Thanks for your guidance!

[cafeconleche]

With such extenuating circumstances, you can argue that you did not INTEND to break continuous residence (when you apply for naturalisation). Documentation that you were undergoing chemo would definitely work greatly in your favor. I think you should relax and work on getting better. Good luck, and take the documentation with you when you enter the US in case they choose to give you trouble at the border.

[osweiti50]

First of all I wish you quick recovery. Now If I were in your place I would take risk and travel to US for a short trip and then back to complete my treatment.