US Citizenship?

Question

Hi, my friend came to the US 10 years ago (1997). He is permanent resident and stayed in the US for about 4 to 5 years. He went back to his original country for a year and half. He came back to the US 2 years ago (Sep/04).

Now he wants to file the citizenship. He heard that one of the requirements is that he has to stay in the country continuously for at least 5 years. Since he left the county for more than 1 year, the time before he left won't be counted in the 5 years period. Is it correct?

Does he have to wait for another 5 years (from Sep/04 onward) to send the application? Can he do that earlier? Also, usually how long it takes for all the procedures until he gets the citizenship?

Thank you.

Answer 1

YES, he need start over with his residency requirement to become a U.S citizen.
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has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence;
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has resided continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing with absences from the United States totaling no more than one year;
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has been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than six months but less than one year break the continuity of residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period);
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has resided within a state or district for at least three months.

Answer 2

Yes he has to start all over and wait another 5 years. Once the 5 years are up, I don't know how long it takes for citizenship. I have heard it can take several months.

Answer 3

a per res cannot stay out that long. he now has to jump through hoops now.

Answer 4

Yep he has to start again...

Answer 5

uscis.gov