When traveling abroad would-be U.S. citizens must be aware of the physical presence and continuous residence requirements

If permanent residents spend too much time outside the United States, will that prevent them from becoming a U.S. citizen? That’s a common question asked callers at the annual Daily News/CUNY Citizenship NOW! Call-in. This year’s call-in will run from April 27 - May 1. We’ll publish the call-in numbers the week of April 20. Most travel abroad won’t keep you from naturalizing. Let’s look at the rules.
Travel abroad can impact two requirements to naturalize, the physical presence requirement and the continuous residence requirement. To meet the physical presence requirement you must have spent at least half your time in the U.S. in the qualifying years before you apply to naturalize. For most applicants, the qualifying years of permanent residence needed is five years. Three years if you are applying under the special rules for the spouse of U.S. citizen. Only religious workers and members of the military are exempt from the physical presence requirement. Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/important-requirements-affect-naturalization-article-1.2175170
Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney Las Vegas, for more information.