Travel right after the citizenship oath

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longines88

Registered Users (C)
Hi,

I am about to have an international trip right after my citizenship oath ceremony. There is a little problem here though..

I am currently holding a Canadian passport and a US green card. I've already got the foreign visa stamped on my Canadian passport for the upcoming trip.

My US citizenship oath ceremony is scheduled in several days. So I will become US citizen before the trip and I need to surrender the green card. But I do get to keep my Canadian passport.

I can see 2 options for me. a.) get a US passport right after the ceremony, and re-apply the foreign visa again. But the foreign visa takes time. I am not sure if I can get the visa before the trip date. b.) get a US passport, and then go ahead with my trip using Canadian passport and visa on it. On my way back, enter US with the new US passport.

Anyone can comment if you see any issue with my option b? Thanks.
 
longines88 said:
I can see 2 options for me. a.) get a US passport right after the ceremony, and re-apply the foreign visa again. But the foreign visa takes time. I am not sure if I can get the visa before the trip date. b.) get a US passport, and then go ahead with my trip using Canadian passport and visa on it. On my way back, enter US with the new US passport.
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There should be no problem with (b). However, be aware that if you use the Canadian passport to enter a foreign country, and you end up in some kind of trouble and need diplomatic help, you'll have to rely on the Canadian government because the US government won't help you if they know you didn't use the US passport for your entry to that country.
 
Hello -

I have a similar question. I have a Canadian passport too. If I've decided not to apply for a US passport before I travel internationally, can I still enter the US with my Canadian passport and the oath certificate (but not with the greencard as it will be gone after the oath ceremony)?

Thanks!
 
ptshc said:
Hello -

I have a similar question. I have a Canadian passport too. If I've decided not to apply for a US passport before I travel internationally, can I still enter the US with my Canadian passport and the oath certificate (but not with the greencard as it will be gone after the oath ceremony)?

Thanks!
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As a USC, you must use your US passport to leave and enter the US. A Canadian passport and US naturalization certificate are not acceptable replacements.
 
Thanks Bobsmyth! I don't recall I need to go through US custom when I go to Canada. What if I leave US on a Canadian passport, apply a US passport while in Canada, and then enter the US with the new US passport? Is that okay?
 
ptshc said:
Thanks Bobsmyth! I don't recall I need to go through US custom when I go to Canada. What if I leave US on a Canadian passport, apply a US passport while in Canada, and then enter the US with the new US passport? Is that okay?
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Technically, leaving without the US passport* is not legal, although I don't think they ever enforce that. But a US citizen entering the US with a non-US passport is a big no-no.

How soon after the oath do you intend to travel? You can get a US passport the same day or the next day at a passport agency.

*if you have an "Enhanced Driver's License" it would be legal to leave to Canada or Mexico by land without a US passport.
 
ptshc said:
Thanks Bobsmyth! I don't recall I need to go through US custom when I go to Canada. What if I leave US on a Canadian passport, apply a US passport while in Canada, and then enter the US with the new US passport? Is that okay?
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No, but you would go through Canadian customs which would ask for your citizenship and your status in US. You can apply for a US passport while in Canada, but contact the US embassy in Canada first for details and processing time. Also, by doing so the US embassy might ask you how you left the US and why you didn't have US passport to begin with.
 
I would advise you not to consider this as an alternative. A friend of mine did this and had to pay $100 fine at the POE. He was however granted entry since it was his right!!!

ptshc said:
can I still enter the US with my Canadian passport and the oath certificate (but not with the greencard as it will be gone after the oath ceremony?
Click to expand...
 
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