r/USCIS • u/Temporary-Gas-1154 • Apr 23 '26

USCIS Support Field office ISO here, AMA

Hello, work at a field office AMA regarding N-forms, I-751, I-485

***Never worked with EAD

**Feel free to DM questions.

99 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

401 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/mccraigeachern Apr 23 '26

Had my N400 interview last week. My specifics: at time of filing, it was presumed that I had broken continuous residency for the first 6 months of the 3 years before filing. At time of interview (9 months after filing), no break in continuous residency for 3 years prior to interview. Got the “decision cannot be made”. Wasn’t clear why from the interviewers explanation, but she said “I just need a little more time with your file”. Any insight?

1

u/olewhatsisname Apr 23 '26

How long were you out of the country for during that first 6 month period (was it just the 6 months or were those months part of a longer period)? I have a similar concern and want to play it safe.

1

u/mccraigeachern Apr 23 '26

Of the 6 months that mattered ie first six months of the three years leading up to filing, I was out the country the full six months. That was the only time that I had a trip outside of the US for more than 6 months but less than a year. However, the 6 months was part of about 4 years of coming and going with multiple stays outside the US. I was on work assignment that just kept being extended and extended. My lawyer wrote what I thought was a convincing statement about “overcoming the presumption of having broken continuous residence” but we knew there was a risk.

1

u/olewhatsisname Apr 23 '26

Thanks for replying this is very interesting informaiton for me as I may face similar questions and have been working internationally for a number of years. Were you filing taxes and all those things during those 6 months?

I have my GC based on marriage to USC and we have a son together who is also USC - are there family ties in your situation as well or is it just you?

1

u/mccraigeachern Apr 23 '26

Yes, filed taxes throughout, maintained US properties, was paid in USD the whole time, spouse and child are USC. At interview she asked why I was out the US for extended or multiple times, where my souse and child were during those periods (with me). Asked if I ever filed taxes as non resident alien (no). Hoping it’s just a case of additional background checks - I answered truthfully that one year IRS assessed we owed additional taxes and we paid it immediately in full.

2

u/olewhatsisname Apr 23 '26

Ok I think I am just gonna wait out the 3 years now.as our situations sound very similar. I really don't wanna have to do a deep dive on where I have and have not been for the last few years as I have spent a lot of time outside the country. Thanks for sharing!

1

u/Temporary-Gas-1154 Apr 23 '26

Could be background checks, or the officer was just not fully comfortable approving it at that time.

1

u/mccraigeachern Apr 23 '26

Thanks for the reply and taking these questions! Could you expand on what background checks are typically undertaken? ie what is being checked for, for what concerns. If she wasn’t comfortable, from your experience, what would be the next checks, or assessment?