I have been holding the green card since 1999. But, I stayed the first
1.5 years outside the states to get my self ready to come here. I
didn?t file the form "Application to Preserve Residence for
Naturalization Purposes" (Form N-470) because I didn?t know of it at
that time. Since then I stayed continuously in the states for 5 years.
Would that first 1.5 years prevent me from applying to citizenship?

The Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet in the web states that I am
not eligible. But following the worksheet in the ?Guide to
Naturalization? (Page 22), I am eligible. So, I am really confused.

Thanks,