Continuous Residency question

[warlord 72]

Yes the problem here is the fact you don't seem to have much of any proof that you were residing in the US at all. This could be looked at abandonment of the GC. Will they follow up on that? They could, but not always. INS are not predictable in how they deal with everyones situations. People have been away for long extended periods like yours and have been fine (though they didn't meet physical presence and were just denied, but allowed to keep their Green Cards). Others have been found living outside the US, having a non US job and being out for under 6 months and INS proved that they have abandoned their Green Card and LPR status.

So in your case applying now would be like jumping in fire and praying you don't get burned, and burned bad. Also while you try and redeem your residency status in the next while, be sure to have all your bases covered about maintaining US residency.

Now your situtation is a little bit more forgiving then just living outside the US for ANY duration of time, as you were a student. Though this should give you a bit more of an advantage, you still will be under a lot of fire and investigation if you apply now...