Travel after interview but before oath ceremony

[Dualie 185]

Hi all!

 

I surfed around trying to find an answer for this, but was not successful.  I hope I am posting in the right area.  Anyway, here is the lowdown.  I had my interview (a combo interview in Duluth MN) on April 15.  Passed both and have been scheduled for an oath ceremony on July 11th in Fergus Falls MN.  Here's where it gets a little hinky...my I-751 took FOREVER and I had to get two I-551 stamps in my passport both for my employment, and because I travel back to Canada several times a year to visit my bestie and other friends (I am only about 4 hours from the border).  

 

My question is...if I wanted to go up north for a few days (that's all I ever stay at a time), what documentation would allow me back into the US?  Is it even advisable to do so until I have a nationalization certificate or passport?  I am thinking that they may accept my letter of my upcoming ceremony, but I am not sure.  Has anyone tried this, or know of someone who has?

 

There is probably an easy answer to this, but I am not sure and I don't want to rock the boat until the deal is done.  Thanks in advance for your responses!

[Crazy Cat 39,369]

So, you no longer have a valid I-551 stamp in your passport?

[Lemon23 400]

7 hours ago, Dualie said:

Hi all!

 

I surfed around trying to find an answer for this, but was not successful.  I hope I am posting in the right area.  Anyway, here is the lowdown.  I had my interview (a combo interview in Duluth MN) on April 15.  Passed both and have been scheduled for an oath ceremony on July 11th in Fergus Falls MN.  Here's where it gets a little hinky...my I-751 took FOREVER and I had to get two I-551 stamps in my passport both for my employment, and because I travel back to Canada several times a year to visit my bestie and other friends (I am only about 4 hours from the border).  

 

My question is...if I wanted to go up north for a few days (that's all I ever stay at a time), what documentation would allow me back into the US?  Is it even advisable to do so until I have a nationalization certificate or passport?  I am thinking that they may accept my letter of my upcoming ceremony, but I am not sure.  Has anyone tried this, or know of someone who has?

 

There is probably an easy answer to this, but I am not sure and I don't want to rock the boat until the deal is done.  Thanks in advance for your responses!

You're fine as long as your I-551 stamp is valid. The oath ceremony letter is not a valid travel document so it's not acceptable at the border.

if you're still skeptical, then wait until you're done with your naturalization ceremony then apply for expedited passport same day after your oath. 

Keep in mind that you have to disclosed to the IO at your oath ceremony that you traveled outside the US after your interview, this is in case you will travel before your oath taking, but shouldn't be an issue since it's only for a few days.

 

[Dualie 185]

Thank you for the replies. My stamp is valid until October of this year.  I guess I was just over thinking it. I thought that because my I-751 was adjudicated, that the stamp may not be valid at the border.  I see now that that makes no sense.  I just don't want any more drama...been through enough in the last while.  I may just wait until I have a valid passport and be done with it. 

 

Thanks again guys.