N400 Part 8 - Time Outside US

[Derbo/Yamkins 4]

Hi! I'm filling out the N-400 and came across Part 8. I'm a 3-yr filer based on marriage. I'm asking for help on how to answer the following questions.

Question #1 asks: How many total days have you taken outside the US during the last 5 years?

Does this only pertain to travel or should I just write the days that I haven't entered the US yet? Number of days in 2 years?

Question #2 asks: How many trips of 24 hours or longer that you have taken outside the US during the last 5 years?

I've taken trips before I entered the US. Do I include those?

If so, how do I answer #3's Date of Returning to the US?

Thank you very much!

[EmigratingSwede 16]

Since a lot of people apply under the 5 year rule I believe that is why it is stated like that. I just crossed over 5 and replaced it with 3 on the form and just stated any days outside the U.S. after I had immigrated. I haven't had my interview yet, but it has been scheduled, so that appears to have worked fine.

[JimmyHou 610]

I agree with the above response. The majority of applicants apply under the 5 year rule and the 3 year rule is a special case.

If you have been a permanent resident for less than 5 years, then list the trips you've taken since you became a permanent resident.

If you have been a permanent resident for 5 years or more, then list the trips you've taken over the past 5 years.

[Derbo/Yamkins 4]

Thank you for the clarification!

I'm just not sure if I am allowed to alter the form. But if it worked for EmigratingSwede, I guess it will be okay.

[JimmyHou 610]

Thank you for the clarification!

I'm just not sure if I am allowed to alter the form. But if it worked for EmigratingSwede, I guess it will be okay.

You can list all your trips prior to becoming a permanent resident if you feel more comfortable doing that. It won't be relevant to your application. You won't be able to enter anything under "return date" but you can leave that blank.

Alternatively, you could list one entry under "Prior to Green Card" and list the dates of the first two years next to that.

[huy_le 32]

I just listed trips I took AFTER I became GC holder. IO never asked anything more. One thing I do know that my IO pulled up a list of trips I took before I became GC holder from the FBI because I was a foreign student prior, so they had all that data on me.