Interview timing

[Cybex]

I recently sent my N-400 to NSC with local Chicago. I am also scheduled to travel out of the country in spring, for one week. Checking out people's timelines at this forum - there is a slight chance I might get something scheduled by USCIS for that particular week. I'm mostly concerned about interview, of course,- not the event to miss or reschedule by any means.

Does that make sense to mail USCIS a letter describing my blackout dates, ahead of time, pretty much now, asking them not to schedule the interview for particular week?

Thanks for your thoughts and happy holidays to everyone!

[boatbod]

Blackout dates... LOL

You'd probably have more chance booking a trip on the next space shuttle ride.

Probably the best thing to do is wait for the appointment letter to arrive, then reschedule only if necessary. Normally you get between 2-4 weeks prior notice, so it really shouldn't be a problem if your only gone for 1 week.

[N400Applier]

I recently sent my N-400 to NSC with local Chicago. I am also scheduled to travel out of the country in spring, for one week. Checking out people's timelines at this forum - there is a slight chance I might get something scheduled by USCIS for that particular week. I'm mostly concerned about interview, of course,- not the event to miss or reschedule by any means.

Does that make sense to mail USCIS a letter describing my blackout dates, ahead of time, pretty much now, asking them not to schedule the interview for particular week?

Thanks for your thoughts and happy holidays to everyone!

Cybex,

boatbod is correct. Wait for the appointment letter to arrive and then reschedule if necessary. If you are not present to pick up your mail make sure that someone checks your mail box and will let you know when the appointment letter has arrived. USCIS letter are not forwarded. So don't have the Post Office hold your letter. Don't complicate your life by writing to USCIS in advance.

[rwsh]

I would suggest the following:

1) Go ahead and file the N-400
2) Chances are, finger-print letter will arrive within 1-4 weeks. I was amazed how quick mine came and I was also out of town !!!!!!
3) Make sure somebody is opening your mail during any absences
4) If FP letter arrives while you are away, don't sweat it. Go to the FP location WITH your letter when you return and they should accomodate you. In my experience, this was better than trying to write to re-schedule tho' you can do that.
5) The next step (Interview letter) is a whole different situation. I would suggest that you do not miss this appointment under any circumstances. If you are away and your mail-opener tells you the appointment is during an absence, do you very best to return.
6) HOWEVER, remember that you are usually given at least several weeks notice of interview (that is, between interview letter and interview appointment) so unless you are away for a very extended period, this also should not be a problem.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can clarify further.

[Cybex]

Wait for the appointment letter to arrive and then reschedule if necessary... Don't complicate your life by writing to USCIS in advance.

Thanks, guys for your replies. I don't think USCIS would kindly reschedule the interview for me. My week-long trip is not an emergency of any kind (well-planned rather ), so I honestly won’t have any arguments to persuade them!

Besides, shouldn't I inform USCIS about that extra out of the country stay, as an addendum to N-400 I already sent? Mailing another letter seems so much easier to do...

[boatbod]

Thanks, guys for your replies. I don't think USCIS would kindly reschedule the interview for me. My week-long trip is not an emergency of any kind (well-planned rather ), so I honestly won’t have any arguments to persuade them!

Besides, shouldn't I inform USCIS about that extra out of the country stay, as an addendum to N-400 I already sent? Mailing another letter seems so much easier to do...

You'll be asked about additional overseas trips during the interview and again during the oath ceremony, so plenty of time to add to the list. Definitely not a problem.