Visas and green cards provide people with lawful opportunities to live in the United States. However, they require regular renewal to protect the documented foreign national living in the United States. Even permanent residents have to submit paperwork once a decade to retain their status.
Many immigrants want to stay forever and strengthen their protections. They may naturalize or become citizens. The naturalization process involves submitting paperwork, undergoing a background check, paying a fee and attending an interview where there are tests in English and civics. Every application is subject to careful review to determine if the applicant meets all naturalization criteria.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews many factors when deciding if an immigrant is eligible for naturalization. Continued residency in the United States and physical presence within the country are both important factors.
Can immigrants who want to become United States citizens travel outside of the country before naturalizing?
There are limits on pre-naturalization travel
The USCIS looks at two main concerns when deciding if travel might make an immigrant ineligible for naturalization. The main concerns are continuous residency in the United States and a physical presence in the country.
International travel is possible, but immigrants must take care that they don’t extend their stay abroad for too long. Typically, those applying to naturalize must have continuously resided in the United States for at least five years before they apply. Any travel to another country has to last no longer than 180 days. Staying out of the United States for more than 180 days at a time can interrupt continuous residence.
How often immigrants travel abroad is another consideration. The total amount of time spent in other countries should account for less than half of the five years before the naturalization request. Spending too much time in other countries may prevent immigrants from meeting the requirement of being physically present in the country.
Limiting travel to comply with naturalization standards can help immigrants complete the process as quickly as possible. Those who hope to become naturalized citizens may need help reviewing the rules that apply and preparing for the naturalization process. A review of recent travel can help determine if it is the right time to begin the naturalization process.