Citizenship eligibility and returning to India

[toms]

Hi,
My GC says that I am resident since 09/28/01. I am planning to go back to India for good in May '06. However, I wanted to apply for US citizenship before leaving. I have a few questions below:

1. How is the eligibility for applying to US citizenship calculated? Is it calculated from the "resident since" date on the GC?

2. If so, what is the exact date I can apply for the citizenship considering my residency date mentioned above? The reason, I am asking for a specific date is due to the timing. I am planning to leave for India in May '06 due to the school admission for my kid. However, I am not sure if leaving in May would jeopardise my eligibility for citizenship. What options do I have for applying for citizenship?

3. Am I allowed to leave (return to India) US after applying for citizenship? Or, do I need to stay here for a specified period after applying?

Please advise.

Thanks
-toms

[mku]

5 years are calculaled from date on your GC.
You can apply within 3 months of completing that time.
Are you sure you can return to India and not jeopardize your citizenship?
Thanks

[nowinfl]

The date is what's on GC..so, resident since is what counts, and subtract 90 days from 5 yrs after Resident Since date.

If I were you, I'd not leave US right after applying since at the time of interview, your intent is reviwed again, and the time spent. If time spent on GC is < 5 yrs, which is possible if you apply 3 months short, and leave never to come back, you application might be in jeopardy. No experience though.