Filed N-400 and leaving the US temporarily

[VSRoberts 1]

Hello all question. My mother just sent her N-400 by mail yesterday but unfortunately we suddenly got a family medical emergency and she may need to go to the Philippines. Can she still withdraw her N-400 and refund her fees? Will this withdrawal affect her application in the future?

Edited August 30, 2014 by VSRoberts

[js030802 6]

how long is she planning to stay in the philippines? normally after you submitted your N400 application, you will be scheduled for fingerprinting approximately one month after you submitted the application. there is no restriction in traveling after you submitted the application as long as you inform the interviewing officer on the day of the interview at your local USCIS office about your travels from the time you submitted the application up to the interview day. although it is advisable not to do any travels after you submitted your application but is not restricted. i don't think there is any provision not to travel after submitting your application. as long as you go to the application support center for fingerprinting the day you are scheduled which is approximately one month after you submit the application which in your mom's case will be around late september or early october. after the fingerprinting schedule then comes the waiting phase for interview schedule which may be from two months to five months from the time you submitted your application depending on which office the application is adjudicated. i would suggest have your mom go between now and third week of september. I'm not sure about the process of withdrawing application at this point since no file has been created yet for your mom's N400 application. normally when USCIS accepts application, creates receipt number for the application, your check is automatically cashed. if this is the case then withdrawing your application is not the best option since application fees are not refundable once your application is accepted. it's a catchy situation but that's the best advise i can give.... first...have your mom travel between now and third week of september....second...have her travel after her fingerprint appointment which may be around october.