All applicants for the programs set out in Articles 2, 3 and 4 of this Chapter shall be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who have been residents of Guam for a period of not less than five (5) years immediately preceding the date of application. An applicant who has not been a five (5) year resident for the period immediately preceding the date of application may qualify for these programs if the applicant’s residency change was due to active service in the United States Armed Forces or for attendance on a full-time basis at an institution of higher education; provided, that the applicant was a five (5) year resident for the period immediately preceding the start of such active duty or education.