N-400 Application

I am a British citizen living in Tucson, Arizona, and at the end of July 2004 I obtained legal permanent residency in the USA. My understanding is that I can submit my N-400 application for naturalization form up to 90 days before the 5th aniversary of obtaining residency, so I can do this at the beginning of May.

I obtained my "Green Card" based on a work visa, so the 5 year rule applies. At the end of July I will have fulfilled the following

conditions:

Part A:

1) I will have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years.

2) I will have spent at least 50% of the previous 5 years physically in the USA.

3) All my trips abroad have been for a duration of less than 6 months.

4) I will have been resident in Arizona where I plan to file for at least 90 days before filing.

However, I have some questions, which may raise some flags:

Part B:

1) In 2007 and 2008 I was employed by a university in France. I arranged my absences out of the USA to be 3, just under 6, and 4 months, but I am wondering if having worked outside the USA will be an issue. However, I have been declaring my French income on my Arizona and Federal Tax forms, and am filing as a US resident. I also plan to provide the addresses were I lived in France on the N-400 form. I have also been absent from the USA for several much shorter times, but always just for vacation.

2) Will having a bank account in France be an issue at my naturalization interview, if I am asked?

3) For my first visit to France of 3 months I maintained my apartment in Arizona. For the other two visits and the time between these two visits I had all my personal effects in storage. If there is a problem with (B1), can this show my intention to return to the USA?

4) I had two temporary part time jobs before leaving for France for the first time. I gave up my first job before I even knew about a possible job in France, but for the second job involving teaching I had to give it up before leaving. On returning to the USA in 2008 I have been unsucessful to getting back these or other jobs, other than some substitute teaching. Will having given up these jobs and not being able to get new jobs count againt me? I can provide evidence of attempts to get a job, and the college where I taught gave me a certificate at the end of 2008 saying that I am entitled to be employed by them. They just don't have any money or positions at the moment. Again, is this is a problem with (B1).

5) My understanging is that it currently takes 8 months for the N-400 to be processed here in Tucson. It is highly likely that I may travel again outside the USA, but maintain that (A1), (A2) and (A3) remain valid. However, what is the law regarding (A4) if I break my 90 days physical presence in Arizona?

6) Related to (B4), an application for Arizona state health insurance (AHCCCS) earlier in the year was declined on the basis of my residency. I am appealing this, and will have my hearing on April 30. Will this appeal, successful or otherwise, have any affect my application for naturalization?

I would be most grateful for some kind help with these queries.

Christopher Sharp

Hi, I am in a similar situation and was wondering what the outcome was for you. Were you able to apply and pass the interview? thanks!