Family Emergency - Should I reschedule Interview or Oath Ceremony?

[FlyingGreen 14]

Hi all, I would like to hear your opinion on this.

 

I'm currently dealing with some family emergency (someone in my family is receiving end of life care). My naturalization interview is in a week. Timing wise, I can attend the interview, but I am almost certain I won't be able to attend the Oath Ceremony that comes after a few week (Washington DC field office doesn't do same day oath). My understanding is, if you miss the Oath Ceremony twice, your application will be denied.

 

I'm wondering if it'd be better if I just go ahead and request to reschedule my interview now to avoid missing multiple Oath Ceremony, OR, attend my interview now, and ask to reschedule the Oath Ceremony later (and hope for the best)?

Edited June 19, 2022 by FlyingGreen

[Family 4,025]

42 minutes ago, FlyingGreen said:

I'm wondering if it'd be better if I just go ahead and request to reschedule my interview now to avoid missing multiple Oath Ceremony, OR, attend my interview now, and ask to reschedule the Oath Ceremony later (and hope for the best)?

Edited 37 minutes ago by FlyingGreen

Reschedule the interview, given the nature of your family tragedy. You can specifically ask them for a target date ( for example please reschedule after 8/15/22 or whatever time you estimate will be needed to attend to your family member). 
 

But if you are in strong state of mind and  choose to attend the interview next week, then make the same detailed request to move up oath ceremony and provide documentation of the exceptional circumstances you are facing.
 

[FlyingGreen 14]

50 minutes ago, Family said:

But if you are in strong state of mind
 

I don't think the "state of mind" is my major concern, just want to make sure I don't have to miss oath ceremony (multiple times) and ended up getting my application denied.

[Family 4,025]

20 minutes ago, FlyingGreen said:

don't think the "state of mind" is my major concern, just want to make sure I don't have to miss oath ceremony (multiple times) and ended up getting my application denied.

Then you can request the oath ceremony be scheduled far enough in advance ( maybe a 3 or 4 month window) , submit the request in writing ( w evidence of hardship) at the time of interview and can ask to be scheduled sooner if that time is no longer needed.

 

This creates a paper record of the request/ hardship and would overcome any unforeseen denial. And again same request can be made to reschedule the interview and deal w it later

 

 

[Bob in Boston 734]

Once you take the oath your passport from your old country is no good and you cant get back to the states as they take your green card. you can get a passport in a couple of days but you need tickets to travel and such.... real pain and expensive Ive heard. just something to think about. If I were in that position I would reschedule the interview and do it later. No telling what date they will give you though.

[JeanneAdil 6,543]

3 hours ago, Bob in Boston said:

Once you take the oath your passport from your old country is no good and you cant get back to the states as they take your green card. you can get a passport in a couple of days but you need tickets to travel and such.... real pain and expensive Ive heard. just something to think about. If I were in that position I would reschedule the interview and do it later. No telling what date they will give you though.

Country dependent

some countries still recognize and even renew passports of their people as they allow dual citizenship

[Cathi 5,770]

12 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

Country dependent

some countries still recognize and even renew passports of their people as they allow dual citizenship

True, Jordan is one of those countries. In fact Jordan renews passports the same day, takes about 45 minutes. My husband just had his renewed in May.

[Bob in Boston 734]

2 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

Country dependent

some countries still recognize and even renew passports of their people as they allow dual citizenship

But how will you get back in US without no greencard? 

[JeanneAdil 6,543]

1 hour ago, Bob in Boston said:

But how will you get back in US without no greencard? 

He does not turn in the green card till he has the oath

he turns  the green card in at the oath ceremony not at the interview

 

and at the oath ceremony  he will have a document of naturalization and can  copy and carry it  (please leave original in the US )  he can use his foreign passport and naturalization document to return / this is just to return to the US 

what happens in other countries ????? not something i know as he does not mention what country he is from

 

my husband still travels to Morocco with his Moroccan passport and has been a citizen since 2019

[African Zealot 1,455]

8 hours ago, Bob in Boston said:

Once you take the oath your passport from your old country is no good

That’s incorrect.

 

My advise is go for the interview and request a favorable oath date.

Edited June 19, 2022 by African Zealot

[Bob in Boston 734]

8 hours ago, Bob in Boston said:

Once you take the oath your passport from your old country is no good and you cant get back to the states as they take your green card.

This is what I said. For philippines you have to reapply for citizenship. When they give oath they take your greencard. Thus you have a time when you cant come home. That was my point. As I dont know where OP is from I dont know their countrys laws.

 

14 minutes ago, African Zealot said:

That’s incorrect.

 

Thats incorrect, depends on the country. In ours it is correct.

[FlyingGreen 14]

On 6/19/2022 at 3:44 PM, JeanneAdil said:

and at the oath ceremony  he will have a document of naturalization and can  copy and carry it  (please leave original in the US )  he can use his foreign passport and naturalization document to return / this is just to return to the US 

what happens in other countries ????? not something i know as he does not mention what country he is from

 

my husband still travels to Morocco with his Moroccan passport and has been a citizen since 2019

Hi, did your husband use his US passport or Moroccan passport to return to the US? Do the airlines accept Naturalization Certificate as a valid travel document? What will happen at the US immigration?

 

My old country has a slightly more complicated dual citizenship law, but in short, yes I will have my old country passport no problem.

Edited June 20, 2022 by FlyingGreen

[JeanneAdil 6,543]

he used moroccan  to travel to morocco (layover in paris)

and the us passport to return

check with airlines to make sure of documents

 

we were prepared to show copy of the US passport application if it did not come in time

 

[FlyingGreen 14]

A quick update regarding this in case someone else is experiencing a similar problem.

 

At the end, I asked the officer if I can request for a favorable date for my Oath Ceremony. He said no, but he's able to put in a date range. I ended up telling him I will be available after September. This is at Washington DC field office.

Edited June 30, 2022 by FlyingGreen