How long do I have to wait in order to file for naturalization?
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How long do I have to wait in order to file for naturalization?
I was out of the country for approximately 4 years and 1 month before I left the US. I applied for a re-entry permit which gave me a 2 year pass to stay in the Philippines. I didn’t exceed the 2 years, so I came back to the US right before the 2 year mark. I applied once again and went back to the Philippines. I then stayed there to finish my 4 year course. At that point, I came back for good.
Asked on June 1, 2015 under Immigration Law, California
Answers:
SB Member California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
When was that? YOu have to have been a permanent resident for 5 years and out of that time you have to have been in the US, physically present, for at least 1/2 of the time. You have to count back from the current time, if you plan to file now. So, for example, going back to June 2000, were you a permanent resident at that time? If so, since that time, have you been physically present in the US for at least 2.5 years? If the answer is no, you have to wait until you have been physically present for 2.5 years before being eligible to file for naturalization.
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