Hello

Can anyone here asnwer my question or direct me to a site....

I am a GC holder of over 8 yrs. I gained my residency by my self, not throu any marriages.I applied for the N400 but I am planning to be out of the US for a few months, about 4...then return then leave again in the fall... I was wondering if I have a valid reason for leaving, could they deny me for being in and out (but within the 6month max limit)???

Thanks alot for your helps...

I don't think they could deny you on that basis, unless you give them any reason to suspect that you have abandoned your residency. Which shouldn't be a problem if you keep all your ties in the U.S. and have a valid reason for going.

Also, my understanding is that the physical presence requirement extends to the date of the oath ceremony, so you need to make sure that you will have been in the U.S. for 30 of the last 60 months at the time of your oath ceremony. At your interview they ask if you have left the country at all, and then you have to provide that info again at the oath ceremony (or at least I did!)

Thanks Riblet for your reply.

Sorry to sound ignorant or stupid, but I am just trying to find out all I can...But what does it exacting mean "ties"...I mean for me, I am obliviously going to quit my job and leave my apartment, since I will be gone for an extended period of time...I donnot have any assets in the US to count as a "tie" I have some family, including my US born child who will be taking with me... I will going to my desination on a vistor visa and have vistor status... I have my taxes as normal...My DL still is current with my present address... so am I ok? Or do I need more "ties"

Again for sounding ignorant...just trying to cover all the bases!

Thanks again and...Happy Holidays and Good luck on your visa process...

I think the number one thing is to continue to file taxes as a resident. And to not claim anywhere you go to be a resident somewhere else - so that fact that you will be on a visitor visa is a good thing. Hopefully as long as you are gone for less than 6 months you won't have any trouble.

I'm by no means an expert in this area, maybe someone else can contribute. I guess when I was referring to ties, I just mean that in case they question the fact that you did not abandon status, that you would have evidence that you only planned on being gone for a short time and intended to return. And don't worry, you don't sound ignorant We're all here to learn.

Thanks very much again for your help Riblet