Hi mytammy,
My eligibility period is from Dec 2013 to Dec 2018. I landed in June 2016 but was on a temporary visa (study and work permit) since 2009. My address is always in Canada for the 5-year eligibility period; however, I have been traveling to the US a lot over the past four years before I signed my application. It accumulated to over 183 days in 4 years, so I had to obtain an FBI clearance in my case. (Reference to Guideline 10.2 Within the last four years, if you spent 183 days or more in another country (other than Canada), you must provide a police certificate. You must provide a police certificate for each country where you spent 183 days or more.)
In your case, the four year period would be Jan 2015 - Jan 2019. So from Jan-Aug 2015, you were still in your home country and that's more than 183 days. I'd say you'll have to answer yes to 10.b, list the country and an explanation.
Hope this helps. Cheers.
