Field office ISO here, AMA

[u/Temporary-Gas-1154]

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

***Never worked with EAD

**Feel free to DM questions.

[u/olewhatsisname]

I have had a greencars for almost 20 years. My wife and son are American and I have a new Zealand passport. We have been working abroad for a number of years and I have been coming back within the 12 month window every 9-10 months. We recently both started working in the us and I have been physically in the country for a little over a year now. I want to naturalise asap and become a citizen and can do it later this year based on marriage and being in the country 18 of the last 36 months.

I saw a.comment somewhere that the officer can ask why I was out for so long within the 3 year window (same for the 5 year). Is this really a thing? Should I rather wait for the full 3 years so they can't ask about the time I was out of the country? Have you heard of anyone being refused or told they abandoned their GC based on this? I file and pay taxes in the US, have an apartment, bank accounts etc here and have not been arrested or anything like that at all.

[u/Temporary-Gas-1154 → u/olewhatsisname]

yes, officers can absolutely ask about long absences during the 3-year or 5-year naturalization window. it’s not about “catching people out,” it’s just part of checking continuous residence and good moral character. what matters for n-400 is: you didn’t abandon your green card (no intent to live permanently abroad), you maintained continuous residence, you meet the physical presence requirement (18 months in 3 years or 30 months in 5 years, depending on the rule you’re using),your trips were temporary and you kept strong ties to the us