Becoming a U.S Citizen?

Question

I Originally went to America on a Permanent Resident Alien card due to family ties. I lived there for 3 years, then went back to England for 10 months with a girlfriend from America. Then went back to America and lived there for a further 4yrs, so a total of 7yrs. Since ive moved back to England for over a year the Resident card is no longer valid. Unless i apply for a re-entry visa. Could i go for citizenship, or do you have to continually live there for 5 years? Thanks

Answer 1

Since you are green card is no longer valid you cannot apply for citizenship. You must regain perm legal status and wait for five years. You just exemplified why it is not wise to leave that long as you will loose the green card and therefore forfeit your right to become a citizen of the US. Had you come and gone for a few months only each year you would have kept status and then you should have applied to become a citizen.

It will be next to impossible to regain that now.

Answer 2

a permanent resident alien card only needs to be renewed  once renewed then you may apply for US Citizenship

Answer 3

There is a residency requirement for naturalization. Information on the general requirements of naturalization (including residency) can be found in the link in the source below.

Answer 4

I suggest that you go to the "State Department " website, and read  the requirements to " apply to become a US citizen ".

Jim B. Toronto.