Does a trip to Puerto Rico count as a trip outside the United States for purposes of N-400 or Application for Naturalization?

Question

Does a trip to Puerto Rico count as a trip outside the United States for purposes of N-400 or Application for Naturalization?

Anonymous May 15, 2015 3 views 3 answers

Part 8 of the form asks for all time spent outside the U.S. within the last 5 years. Does a trip to Puerto Rico count?

Giacomo Jacques BeharImmigration AttorneySan Diego, CACA licensed · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T14:39:10+00:00

Giacomo Jacques BeharImmigration AttorneySan Diego, CACA licensed

Giacomo Jacques BeharImmigration AttorneySan Diego, CACA licensed · Jun 15, 2026

No, a trip (and stay) in PR does not count, since PR is US Territory, and as such your trip to PR was the same as domestic travel to any one of the 50 states.

0 upvotes

Hany Brollesy · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T14:39:10+00:00

Hany Brollesy

Hany Brollesy · Jun 15, 2026

A trip to Puerto Rico is not considered a trip outside the U.S.

0 upvotes

Cameron Huey · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T14:39:10+00:00

Puerto Rico is a US Territory. However, if your flight stopped in a foreign country it could be considered foreign travel. Please speak to an immigration attorney and have one prepare your N-400 application for you if you have problems.

Does a trip to Puerto Rico count as a trip outside the United States for purposes of N-400 or Application for Naturalization?

Attorney Answers

Browse by Practice Area

Browse by State