Leaving the country between the Interview and Oath Cermony

[sam_16002]

Hello,
I am planning on going to India, for 5 weeks and unfortunately my trip is scheduled a week after I have my Citizenship interview. I am just wondering if I can leave the country after the interview and also can I request the Oath Cermony probably 2 months after my interview.

Thanks.
Sam.

 

[takadigi]

Hello,
I am planning on going to India, for 5 weeks and unfortunately my trip is scheduled a week after I have my Citizenship interview. I am just wondering if I can leave the country after the interview and also can I request the Oath Cermony probably 2 months after my interview.

Leaving the country for a short trip between the interview and oath is not a problem as long as you don't miss your oath ceremony. I am not aware of any provision to let USCIS DO know in advance about your preference on an oath schedule. The best approach would to seek postponement after the oath letter arrives. Since the scheduling for oath is done at the local DO level, it is rather easy to reschedule.

 

[ec1c173]

i thought they will take away your passport after you pass the interview... if they take away your passport , how can you leave the country? i am planning to go back to hong kong too, so i don't am i able to leave after the interview. =[

 

[boatbod]

i thought they will take away your passport after you pass the interview... if they take away your passport , how can you leave the country? i am planning to go back to hong kong too, so i don't am i able to leave after the interview. =[

No, the IO checks your passport during interview, but gives it back before you leave the room. Since you have no change in status between interview & oath (i.e. not yet a USC), you are free to travel so long as you don't break any of the original eligibility criteria or inadvertently miss your oath ceremony.

Rescheduling is generally not considered a good idea as it may well result in several months of additional delays.

 

[takadigi]

Rescheduling is generally not considered a good idea as it may well result in several months of additional delays.

Yes, there is certainly the risk for that. However, based on recent history at San Jose, I wouldn't be too concerned about rescheduling oath.

 

[rwsh]

I would have somebody check your mail for sure during your absence. You might not even get your oath date during your trip anyway. Then you can either fly back (expensive !!!!) or reshedule at that time but you will need the help of a friend/relative.

Just one other point of correction. All passports remain the property of the issuing government, not of the passport-holder. Therefore the USCIS is not allowed to take and retain your passport.