Experienced naturalization lawyers in Atlanta at Manji Law, P.C. can help you become a U.S. citizen and realize your American Dream. Contact us today!
Manji Law, P.C.
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 400 (4th Floor)
Decatur, GA 30030
Can I Take Trips Outside the US During the Naturalization Process?
Citizenship procedures typically allow for international travel. Given that you are already a permanent resident of the United States and a green card holder, you are free to travel as you wait for your citizenship.
What Does Continuous Residence Mean?
To qualify for U.S. citizenship, you must have maintained continuous residence for at least five years. Although the general rule is that you must wait five years, exceptions exist, such as if your spouse is a U.S. citizen.
This doesn’t mean you can’t travel outside the U.S. within those five years. Instead, you must have lived in the United States continuously for at least 30 months out of the preceding five years.
To avoid any issues with your application, try to avoid traveling outside the U.S. for more than six months at a time, or better still, consult your immigration attorney for advice before you go.
What Is the ‘Physical Presence’ Requirement in Naturalization?
The applicant’s physical presence in the U.S. is essential for naturalization. It means that the applicant must be physically present in the U.S. for at least half the time for which continuous residence in the U.S. is required. An applicant can establish a physical presence by producing documents like employment records.
Any trips taken throughout the citizenship application process would likely count against your physical presence. Verify that your trip won’t result in the refusal of your N-400 application by speaking with trusted immigration lawyers before you go.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Us Naturalization?
It is not a requirement to have an immigration lawyer when applying for U.S. naturalization, but having one on your side can be beneficial.
Your attorney can help you understand the process, ensure that all documents and forms are properly prepared and filled out, review your application for accuracy, and meet all deadlines.
Immigration lawyers can also provide helpful advice on increasing your chances of approval and keep you informed on any changes to the naturalization process.