Citizenship eligibility???

[riteaid]

Hi I got my greencard issued on april 7, 2004. After I got my green card I was in India from April 22, 2004 to Sept21, 2004. I stayed for 3 years continuosly till 2007 september and was in India for one month for vacation. Again i Travelled to india on april22, 2008 to june6 2008 for personal reasons. Next april 2009 it will be 5 years I have been issued green card and I dont have any plans to travel outside United States till then. I have stayed out of United states for a period 7 months during this period. When will I become eligibile to file for my Naturalisation application and what are the processing times. I live in Houston, texas.

Thank you

[aftergcquestions]

You will eligible as soon as you complet 5 years from Apr 2004. 7 months break in the past 5 years is not a big deal. I think you lose eligiblity only if you stayed past 180 days outside the US, I am not sure, please check with a reliable source.

[C4us]

Your minor child tags along with your citizenship. You have to apply for certificate.

You may actually apply 90 days befor your 5 year anniversary.

Check with the immigrant support groups in your area - such as Catholic Charities or your local ethnic support group. They may have citizenship classes that you would benefit from taking. They can help you through the process.


The last I checked, the processing time was running 15-18 months but they were working on shortening the waiting time.