N-470- Work in India and have the time count toward 5 years.

[anp]

Hi All,

I acquired my GC in Dec, 2004 and become eligible for citizenship in Dec 2009.

I would like to work in India starting June 2008 for a 2 to 3 year project, as a self employed person and still become citizenship eligible in Dec 2009. [I would form my own corporation, be its only employee and my client would be an SME in India.]

I know I have to get N-470 approval for my time in India to count toward my 5 years after GC.

My questions are-
1. How hard is it to get N-470 approval under item C “…(employed) for the purpose of engaging in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States on behalf of an American firm or corporation or a subsidiary thereof - Check Box C if you are employed by a qualifying firm or corporation.”?
2. Will it hurt my chances that I would be self employed- that is, the employer would be a 1 person US corporation?
3. Would it hurt my chances that my compensation would be very small in USD terms. I would of course maintain my home in the US- rent it out and file tax returns here.

All help is appreciated.

Thank You.

[bansheesmom]

yes the n-470 is okay for trips longer then 6 months, but as far as I know the n-470 is only good for up to one year. If you are planning to stay longer then that your continous residency is broken and you will have to start over once you get back to the US.