Need help regarding complicated n-400 filing

[Exoduso 0]

Hi everyone,

I have been a permanent resident since February 2012, and will be eligible to file my N-400 in the next few months.
I have only traveled out of the country 3 times for a total of 20 weeks (4, 8, and 8), spread out by almost a year each time. Otherwise, I have maintained residency in the states, in the same state and the same address, for the remainder of the time.

I am starting a medical school program abroad, and will be living there for the next 3 years. It is an American program, and in the 4th year I will be spending 6 months in New York. The program is completed with the intent of returning to the US for Residency and onwards.
I am maintaining two cars under my name, several other bills, multiple bank accounts and credit cards that will remain open and active during my time away. I am also taking out a Federal Loan. The address on file is where I've maintained residency up until now, and is my parents' house.

I am leaving the country later this month, and plan on coming back in December during my winter break (before the 6 months are up) and submitting my N-400.

So basically with that said, here are my questions:

1. Is there any sort of requirement where I am required to stay in the states for a certain amount of time prior to submitting the N-400? I've heard anywhere from none, to 30 days, to 90 days. I understand the 90 day rule is only affected if you change addresses, which will not be the issue.
2. Is there anything that will interfere with me being able to apply for citizenship under these circumstances? Assuming I will fly in 4 times for the filing, the fingerprints, the interview, and the oath.
3. Is there any way to file the form while being out of the country if my lawyer does it for me? Or do I physically have to be present during the filing because of the area in the form where you have to mention every entrance and exit and you cannot leave the return date blank for the last one (this upcoming travel).
4. What if an interview or the oath itself fall on a date that I cannot make? Is it frowned upon if you request an extension so they provide you with a different date?
5. Other than explaining my situation, which I think is reasonable given all the information provided above, what other problems could I run into during the interview with the conducting officer?

Thank you for the help.

[zkt101 38]

How are you supposed to maintain your permanent resident status if you stay abroad for 3 year? Even if you can, your break in maintaining continuous residence will disqualify you for naturalization application.

Edited July 7, 2016 by zkt101

[akihon 129]

How are you supposed to maintain your permanent resident status if you stay abroad for 3 year? Even if you can, your break in maintaining continuous residence will disqualify you for naturalization application.

This. I think you need to address how you're going to maintain your permanent residency if you're not going to live in the US for 3 years, rather than worry about citizenship.

[Exoduso 0]

This. I think you need to address how you're going to maintain your permanent residency if you're not going to live in the US for 3 years, rather than worry about citizenship.

Because I will be coming in before breaking the continuous residency requirement of 6 months, and will then fly in for the biometrics, interview, and oath.

I still have a physical address in the states and I will be coming in on a regular basis.

It doesn't matter that it's 3 years because in theory I should be a citizen within 6 months, which will end up being less than a year since school starts. You're allowed to leave the country with green card.

I have a fulfillment of both continuous and physical residency requirements.

[EM_Vandaveer 2,438]

Because I will be coming in before breaking the continuous residency requirement of 6 months, and will then fly in for the biometrics, interview, and oath.

I still have a physical address in the states and I will be coming in on a regular basis.

It doesn't matter that it's 3 years because in theory I should be a citizen within 6 months, which will end up being less than a year since school starts. You're allowed to leave the country with green card.

I have a fulfillment of both continuous and physical residency requirements.

You can apply in November the earliest I assume. So if by the time you apply you'll be living abroad, I am not sure that you are eligible. Are you basically going to pretend to live in the US during the process even though it won't be the case?

[Unlockable 7,322]

Because I will be coming in before breaking the continuous residency requirement of 6 months, and will then fly in for the biometrics, interview, and oath.

I still have a physical address in the states and I will be coming in on a regular basis.

It doesn't matter that it's 3 years because in theory I should be a citizen within 6 months, which will end up being less than a year since school starts. You're allowed to leave the country with green card.

I have a fulfillment of both continuous and physical residency requirements.

But your passport will show how long you have been out of the US. Also, if you continue to have lengthy stays out of the US you will be at risk of having your GC removed for abandonment.