Can a lawful permanent resident apply for U.S. citizenship if they have spent extended time outside the United States, and how does USCIS evaluate whether continuous residence has been broken?

Yes, a lawful permanent resident may still apply for naturalization after spending time outside the United States, but long absences can affect eligibility. Generally, trips longer than six months but less than one year may raise questions about whether the applicant maintained continuous residence in the United States. Trips longer than one year typically break continuous residence unless special steps were taken before leaving the country. USCIS evaluates factors such as maintaining a U.S. home, employment, and family ties to determine whether the applicant truly intended to maintain residence.

If USCIS determines that continuous residence has been broken, the applicant may need to wait longer before applying for naturalization. In many cases, the residency clock must restart after the long absence. Applicants should carefully track travel dates and keep evidence showing strong ties to the United States during trips abroad. This may include employment records, housing leases, tax returns, and family connections. Understanding the residency rules before filing the N-400 can help applicants avoid applying too early and facing unnecessary delays.