Application timeline advice

[shrivast77]

My parents are greencard holder since May 2015 and will be eligible to apply for naturalisation in May 2020 having met 5 years residency and at least 30 months stay in the USA. They want to travel to the UK for few months to see me. They are contemplating if it would be better to stay in the USA until after May 2020 and file application before travelling to the UK. However, I wanted to check what would be impact if they travel in March until August and then go back and file the application? Will they need to wait for three months after returning to the USA before they can file? Any advice/info would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Enub4]

From what I read on the requirements, yes, they will need to wait 3 months.

It will be hard for them to apply, wait for fingerprints appointment then travel for several months because the process could take just a few months (depending on where they live).

I have seen cases where they start the process online, get the fingerprints appointment 3 weeks later and 3 weeks after that the online status changed to "Interview Was Scheduled".

If I were your parents, I will travel without starting naturalization and after eligible again start the process.