Continuous Residence

Extended absences outside of the U.S. may disrupt an applicant’s continuous residence.

“Continuous residence” means that the applicant has maintained residence within the United States for the required period of time shown above.

Physical Presence

In addition, applicants are required to show they have resided for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of Form N-400 in the USCIS district or state where the applicant claims to have residency (See 8 CFR §316.2(a)(5) & §319.1(a)(5) ).

Exceptions

Section 316 paragraphs (b), (c), and (f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows for certain exceptions to the continuous residence requirement for those applicants working abroad for:

The United States government, including the Military

Contractors of the United States government

A recognized American institution of research (List of Recognized American Institutions of Research and Other Recognized Organizations)

A public international organization

An organization designated under the International Immunities Act

If you seek to preserve your continuous residence for naturalization purposes while employed abroad by one of these recognized institutions you must file Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes with USCIS.

An organization may obtain USCIS recognition as an American institution of research for the purpose of preserving the continuous residence status of its employees who are, or will be, naturalization applicants assigned abroad for an extended period of time. The requesting organization should follow the instructions found on the Requesting Recognition as an American Institution of Research page.