Physical Presence Requirement

[asma9]

Hi,

In Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens requirement it is written that "Be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months out of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application",

does that mean uninterrupted/continuous 18 months physical presence before the date of filing or it is just the total time period (whether we have just taken a trip outside USA 1 month before applying)

the immediately preceding thing is confusing me.

Thanks !

[MaryH]

Yes, eighteen months continued in order to filing for some one. No skipping of months and especially, right up to the time you file.

There's just got to be a some certainty, that one is NOT spending more time out of the Country and still want to represent any Beneficiary, either being their Sponsor or Joint Sponsor.

Therefore, if you are out of the country for just a month, just before being a Sponsor, even if it's close to the filing, that time span is not considered abandon.

That's just my understanding and opinion.

[asma9]

Thank you !