Q&A ForumCategory: Immigration LawCitizenship after 15 months outside the U.S
Ricardo DelgadoRicardo Delgado asked 1 year ago
I’ve been a permanent resident for 10 years but was recently out of the U.S. for 15 months due to family obligations. Will this affect my ability to apply for citizenship?
1 Answers
911Lawyer911Lawyer answered 1 year ago
Ricardo, your 15-month absence from the U.S. does break your continuous residence, meaning you must restart the 5-year residency requirement from the date you returned to the U.S. You will be eligible to apply for citizenship after 4 years and 1 day from your return, as long as you also meet the physical presence requirement (at least 30 months in the U.S. over the last 5 years). If you ever need to travel outside the U.S. for an extended period in the future, applying for a Reentry Permit (Form I-131) beforehand can help protect your permanent resident status and prevent issues with your naturalization timeline. If you have specific concerns about your case or need assistance with your application, it’s best to consult an immigration attorney to ensure you’re on the right path. This answer was generated by AI and is not 100% legal advice. For reliable support, consult one of our attorneys who understand the complexities of your case and can help you achieve a positive outcome.