New Jersey Immigration Attorney Explains Sponsoring a Person Who Doesn’t Live In the U.S.
As a New Jersey Immigration Attorney, I get questions all the time from client’s about sponsorship of person who lived out the U.S. the past 8 months. Recently, a parent came to my office, and they mentioned that their daughter was living in Mexico for approximately eight months, and they had their green card for about six years. They were wondering if their daughter could file for citizenship.
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The fact that their daughter is 17, means she is not eligible to file for citizenship until she is 18, it’s called naturalization. Secondly, the fact that she’s been out of the US for eight months is another reason why she would not be eligible to file for naturalization. Once she comes back to the US, and she resides in the jurisdiction for a minimum of three months, and she is 18 or older, she would be able to file for naturalization.
I would advise that after she’s 18, have her come back to the US and stay in one jurisdiction for at least three months. Then she can file for naturalization. It takes about four to six months. Then she’ll have her naturalization certificate, and she can leave the country whenever she pleases because there are no restrictions to a US citizen staying outside the US.
Are you having trouble with sponsorship of someone who is outside the U.S.? Contact our professional New Jersey Immigration Attorney for more information.
This educational blog was brought to you by Susan Scheer, an experienced New Jersey Immigration Attorney.