Can I R2I while on GC and still be eligible for Citizenship

rvepra · Post by **rvepra** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:21 pm

Hi,

What options does one have if they want to R2I during their first year of GC and still maintain the requirements to file for Citizenship?

Thanks

Robs · Post by **Robs** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 3:07 am

If one is out of the US over 180 days in a year, you loose continuity (4.5 year continuous presence required) to apply for citizenship. Therefore, only option is work 6 months in the US and 6 months in India.

rvepra · Post by **rvepra** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 7:29 pm

Thanks for your response. I believe if we take Re entry Permit then we cans tay upto 2 years out of US>

Will there be any problems at Port of Entry while returning on REP? ANybody with such an experience can you please share your thouhgts on this. Appreciate your response.

shapra · Post by **shapra** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:06 pm

Please discuss with an attorney. This path is hazardous. Heres what I learnt:

Worst cases (for long absense from the US):
***********
(1) At the Port Of Entry, they *may* take away your green card and permit you in as a visitor.
(2) During Citizenship interview they may take away your green card or simply deny your application (with option to reapply after another 5 years).

If you are lucky, none of these will happen. You can swing in and out of the US, having a Re-entry permit, paying taxes as a resident, maintaining a drivers license, a real mailing address (own a home, if possible), credit card, Bank Accounts, etc. It all depends on the Immigration/Border Patrol officer you meet during entry and naturalization.

Hit and Miss :(

BrownUmriki · Post by **BrownUmriki** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:49 am

It's a slippery slope and be prepared to slip. Exercise this option only if you are not too serious about USC, else, stay on.