Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out the "Time outside the US" part on the N-400. I'm confused, because I'm applying for citizenship on basis of marriage, as I've been married to my husband for 3 1/2 years and a permanent resident for the last 3 years. In the "Time outside the US" section they ask you about trips in the last FIVE years.. so that includes the last two years of college, where I studied abroad in Australia for half a year! I'm confused as to this will be counted toward my disadvantage.

Should I calculate the time outside the US for 5 years, then attach a sheet of paper with a separate calculation for the last 3 years (PR time) ? Very confused..

Thanks a lot in advance!

ALSO, do you calculate years ahead since the day you became a PR (the day that's printed on your card)? or since the day you are submitting the form hence literally 5 years before?

Time since becoming PR. Need to be present in the USA for 18 months of past 3 years, no more than 6 months out of country at a time.

Thanks!

What about calculating time abroad for 5 years (as stated on the form) or for 3 since I've only been a PR for 3 years?

Calculate for 3 years because you are applying for citizenship based on marriage to US Citizen.

Thanks a lot!

I just called the USCIS hotline to doublecheck, and they also said that I only need to calculate the time and number of trips abroad for the last 3 years!