Can I travel abroad during naturalization process?

[tk94110 0]

After I apply for naturalization and before it is approved, is there any period in which I must stay in the U.S.?

[moonhunt 1]

After I apply for naturalization and before it is approved, is there any period in which I must stay in the U.S.?

You can travel, but it is not recommended.

First, you have to disclose "new" travel record to interview officer, and oath ceremony officer.

So it should not break your residency requirement for interview and/or oath ceremony.

Second, you may have received notice from USCIS while traveling.

In that case, if you can not make your appointment scheduled, it may delay significant amount of time for your whole naturalization process and headache to go through USCIS communication.

[AusCal 3]

After I apply for naturalization and before it is approved, is there any period in which I must stay in the U.S.?

As long as you maintain the residency requirements/days out of the country etc & have someone monitering your mail for correspondence from the USCIS while you are away, there is no reason not to travel after submitting your N-400.

Since submitting my N-400 I have traveled internationally three times, also travel & work commitments even made it necessary for me to request my interview rescheduled. It has been a year since I submitted my N-400 - I refused to put my life on hold while my paperwork sat in a pile somewhere.

The only time you cannot travel during this process is, ironically, immediately after your oath ceremony. At that point, you become the same as any American citizen without a passport. So, for the two/three weeks or however long it takes to process your passport application, you will be unable to travel internationally.

So, enjoy your trip!

[NickD 202]

So, enjoy your trip!

When was the last time you heard that after checking in at the airport? Especially since they have added all those people to make your trip as miserable as possible.

My latest means of compensation is not to eat or drink anything 24 hours in advance at arriving at the airport. On the theory that if nothing goes in, nothing will come out, you don't even have that privilege anymore when nature calls.

When I finally do board the plane, swear each time the distance between the seats has been closed another couple of inches. But anyway, enjoy your trip.

[Jelly 0]

Just wanted to clarify this.

So if you have your oath ceremony and then need to fly internationally, you cant do so until you have your US passport.?

So you would not be able to come back in to the US on your ( in my case) UK passport ? Is that because the greencard is taken away from you at the Oath?

Just wondering as this could cause me serious problems around Christmas time.

If this is the case, how long does it normally take to get passport, and is there any way to speed up the process perhaps?

thanks

Jelly

[zyggy 9]

Just wanted to clarify this.

So if you have your oath ceremony and then need to fly internationally, you cant do so until you have your US passport.?

So you would not be able to come back in to the US on your ( in my case) UK passport ? Is that because the greencard is taken away from you at the Oath?

Just wondering as this could cause me serious problems around Christmas time.

If this is the case, how long does it normally take to get passport, and is there any way to speed up the process perhaps?

thanks

Jelly

US Law requires US Citizens to have a US passport upon their leaving and entering the US. So yes, you would not be permitted to enter the US on your UK Passport.

If you need to leave, you can apply for expidited passport processing (takes 2 weeks) or you can go to a Passport Agency (10 cities around the US) and get a US passport the same day with proof of travel within 14 days. There are agencies that will go to the Passport Agency for you for a fee.

Edited August 21, 2008 by zyggy

[Jelly 0]

Thanks zyggy for the info

It does make sense.

Good to know that expediated passports are available too, that ought to fix any possible problems

[kmineo 0]

Just wanted to clarify this.

So if you have your oath ceremony and then need to fly internationally, you cant do so until you have your US passport.?

So you would not be able to come back in to the US on your ( in my case) UK passport ? Is that because the greencard is taken away from you at the Oath?

Just wondering as this could cause me serious problems around Christmas time.

If this is the case, how long does it normally take to get passport, and is there any way to speed up the process perhaps?

thanks

Jelly

Yes you are correct after the oath you don't have the greencard anymore and you have to exit/enter the US on a US passport since you will be a citizenship. You can get a passport within days. You usually have to travel to the nearest true passport office though for that. And they will need proof that you need it expidiated. Like your ticket. But there are also firms out there that promise to do it in 3 days or less. You have to pay a little extra though.

AusCal-

Agree with your philosophy, luckily the process time has been quick for us though. I was worried our interview would land over the christmas holidays when we are back in SA. But there was no way I was going to postpone a trip just on the off chance of a conflict. But just curious, how long does it take them to get back to you with a new interview date. I have only heard from people saying that it will take forever, no one with actual experience.

[AusCal 3]

AusCal-

Agree with your philosophy, luckily the process time has been quick for us though. I was worried our interview would land over the christmas holidays when we are back in SA. But there was no way I was going to postpone a trip just on the off chance of a conflict. But just curious, how long does it take them to get back to you with a new interview date. I have only heard from people saying that it will take forever, no one with actual experience.

Err - I don't know how long it takes for them to get back with an interview date - my interview was scheduled for 8th Sept, 2008. I wrote in early August requesting it to be rescheduled, and with my reasons. I know my letter has been received (due to USPS DC), but, have not heard back - considering my priority date was early Sept, 2007, and my field office is LA - who knows how long it will take - I'll keep you updated :-)