Has anyone gone through the N 400 ?

[mymexicanman]

I would like to know about the application.

How many times in the past 5 years have u been out the US.
Was u out more then 30 month in the past 5 years.
Since being a LPR how many times out and for how long each time.

My Question :
I have been making so many trips that I cant remember how long etc I was out.

What if I forgot and just simply dont know anymore after such long times ?

In the intructions it seems to me that only the 5 year question is real importend...

Anyway did anyone out there experienced this ?

mmm

[discoviking]

I just filed mine in May, and went to Newark NJ for fingerprints on June 22. Now the waiting game begins.

As for the trip history, I came in 84, so I had a bit of a problem with reconstructing trips taken 20 years or so ago, too. I went by the arrival dates in my cancelled passports, and recalculated departure dates from that.

[hoceas]

if you read the n-400 questions regarding departures, they only ask for trip during the last 5 years.

[discoviking]

That's open to interpretation. If you read point C in the instructions, it says to include information on all trips taken since you became a legal resident, which in my case was in 85 - well over 5 years ago. I can't imagine they really care, though - unless you happen to be interviewed by someone who is having a bad day. We'll just have to see when the interview happens.

[mymexicanman]

yes exactly.... thats why I am concerned.
I been in and out so many times that I cant recall it anymore .... also I remember there were times (2) when I didnt get any stamp at all.

someone mentioned to recalculate but thats also not possible at least not for me... even if I go by the arrivel stamps to usa in my passport I still dont remember how long was I overseas.

anyone else up for info ?

[discoviking]

I think if you come across as being honest and having nothing to hide in your interview, you will be ok. That has always worked for me. I don't have anything to hide either, so I'm not too worried.

[mymexicanman]

I have NOTHING to hide.
I always say the truth.
I am having problems with the length stayed when I was overseas each time. I can tell from some of my stamps in the passport when I arrived in USA but I cant say how long I was gone. Since 1993 I was out about 20 times in all and really cant remember if I was out 3 weeks 4 weeks or whatever. How am I so post to remember that. When my mother has passed away I remember I was gone for a longer time but not sure how long. So there is no way to write this down without estimating which makes me a liar in the eyes of USCIS.

In the 400 Form it says u must state when and for how long have u been gone since being a PR. ....

Any suggestions ?

[discoviking]

I would try to reconstruct the dates the best you can, then if you are questioned about it during the interview, just state that you had to reconstruct the trips from memory and that the dates are correct to the best of your knowledge. If they come up with some computer printout stating different dates, just say 'Sorry, I guess my memory is wrong on that one'. I seriously doubt that will happen, though.

I work in IT for a major international bank where we have cutting edge technology - and still have problems getting systems to talk to each other.
I doubt the government is any more sophisticated than Wall Street. Immigration is still using paper files, so I think you will be ok. Just be honest and truthful at the interview, and you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

[Pinkpig]

I would try to reconstruct the dates the best you can, then if you are questioned about it during the interview, just state that you had to reconstruct the trips from memory and that the dates are correct to the best of your knowledge. If they come up with some computer printout stating different dates, just say 'Sorry, I guess my memory is wrong on that one'. I seriously doubt that will happen, though.

Just be honest and truthful at the interview, and you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

I concur

[mymexicanman]

sorry i havent been on.... -death in the family back home-, anyway... i still do not know how to fill this section out about how long were u gone. again the arrival stamps only states the arrival but not the actual time being away. is it possible to just state the arrival date but then state do NOT know how long I have been out ? is this abviseable to do ?

[mymexicanman]

Any suggestions ?

Can I state just the arrival date and state that I do NOT know how long I have been out. I really dont want to say 3 weeks or whatever, cause they would take it as a lie and I dont want to do that.
Like I said before, I can NOT reconstruct. I have been around the world so many times and in and out USA more then 20 times so its hard for me to say. I can state the past 5 years but before that there been to many trips.
Any advise ?

[Klame1983]

I recently finished with the naturalization process, and also had the same issue. However, since I couldn't reconstruct the dates and length of trips, all I stated was MULTIPLE DEPARTURES / MULTIPLE ARRIVALS - EVERY TRIP APX. 1 WEEK / APX. 3 TIMES PER YEAR.

Then at the interview, the officer simply asked if I had been out of the U.S. for a period longer than 6 months. I stated no. He asked what country I traveled to and why. I simply told him I would go to Mexico to visit my grandparents every once in a while.

He said it was no problem that I wrote it that way and that it was better to not lie and put random dates/departures. They really do understand that people don't keep up with their trips. Like someone already said, they'll just question you a lot if they think you're a liar. Take your income tax returns (or other records) to your interview just in case they question you about really living in the U.S. the past 5 years.

Hope this helps.

[mymexicanman]

wow thats great news. thank you so much. where did u naturalize ? what state ?

[WaitinginSD]

mymexicanman

I just obtained my citizenship and I had the same problem. My hubby lives in TJ and I travel there a lot. Obviously, I was unable to put down everytime I went or for how long since it varied so much. I only ended up writing down any periods over a week and attaching an addendum explaining my situation.

When I had my interview, I was expecting the IO to ask me about it. I waited until he got to that part and I was going to explain and he said there was no need. This was common and as what I had written down was exactly what he needed for the file.

I was approved :thumbup:

[TracyTN]

I want to thank you all for posting this. I now know that I need to keep track of my husband's visits back to the UK for when he applies for his US citizenship. :)

Just another thing for me to be anal retentive about (hubby will be so pleased, LOL).

[discoviking]

I know this is an old thread, and you have probably sent your application in by now. But here is an update: When my interview came up, the trips were not an issue at all. The interviewer just glanced at the trip section, asked if I had been out of the country for any extended amount of time, and I answered that all trips were for a couple of weeks only, visiting family. He was satisfied with that, and moved on to the next question.

[mymexicanman]

thanks discoviking...
i did not apply yet for my citizenship. I want to wait 2 more years cause then I am in USA for 5 years without any break in between.