Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization (N-470)

In certain cases, you can preserve your lawful residence status for naturalization if you are going to be residing outside the US for more than a year by filing form N-470. This form must be submitted before your absence from the US – you must be physically present in the US.

Requirements

If you are a lawful permanent resident who will be absent from the United States for more than one year due to qualifying employment and you want to preserve your residence for naturalization purposes you must file Form N-470. Filing Form N-470 does not waive the requirement for a reentry permit or the naturalization law’s requirement of physical presence. You must be physically present and residing in the United States for an uninterrupted period, without any absences whatsoever, for at least 1 year after your admission as a lawful permanent resident before you can file Form N-470. You can file before or after an absence of 1 year or more if your absence was or will be solely as a clergyman or clergywoman, missionary, brother, nun or sister of a religious denomination or interdenominational mission organization having a bona fide organization within the US.

Qualifying employment

The following are considered as qualifying employment for the purpose of Form N-470:

• Employment with the US government or under contract with the US government
• Scientific research on behalf of a US institution of research
• Engaging in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the US on behalf of a US firm or corporation or a subsidiary thereof
• Protection of property rights outside the US of a US firm or corporation engaged in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States
• Employment with a public international organization of which the US is a member
• Clergyman or clergywoman, missionary, nun, or sister of a denomination or mission having a bona fide organization in the US

Application

Form N-470 requires the following details:

• Your name and contact details
• Date of birth
• Alien registration number
• US Social Security Number
• Country of Birth
• Country of Citizenship
• Reason for absence

You must submit the completed Form N-470 to the USCIS office have jurisdiction over your place of residence in the United States along with a fee of $305 and documentary evidence of your eligibility by way of official communications, letters or affidavits from the US government, organization or corporation.

Getting Legal Help

Consult with an experienced US immigration attorney for assistance with Form N-470. The attorney can assist you to fill the form correctly and ensure that your Form N-470 is correctly filled. Any incorrect or wrong answer can result in your application being denied.