Re-Entry Permit

[murtazamm]

I have the following scenario :

Step 1 - Got my GC

Step 2 - Applied for reentry permit and went outside USA for 1 year

Step 3 - Came back to USA after 1 year

Step 4 - Its now been 5 years since my GC

The question I have is that i am counting my 1 year outside (with re-entry permit) towards my 5 years, is that valid?

Or do I have to spend 1 more year to meet the 5 year eligibility requirement for Passport?

Thanks in advance !

[JoeF]

You can apply for naturalization 4 years and one day after your return. In other words, the last 364 days before returning count.

Note that in this situation, you can not apply 90 days earlier.

[Attorney_22]

Generally, if a legal permanent resident of the U.S. has been abroad for one year or more, even if that individual obtained a re-entry permit prior to departure, they broke the continuity of residence and must wait four years and one day prior to eligibility for naturalization. There are limited exceptions to this rule that should be discussed with a qualified U.S. immigration attorney.