What would happen if I miss the oath?

nurulz

New Member
I'm applying for US citizenship and passed the interview in July. Now that only the oath ceremony is left, I'm in a somewhat troubled situation. Because I recently moved, my case is being forwarded from the Vermont service center to California (bay area). However, I'm going to be out of the country for August - September and I'm afraid that the oath ceremony will fall within the time I'm away. What would happen if I miss the oath? Is there a number I can call while I'm away to find out about my status and/or hopefully reschedule the date?
 
I think if you miss the oath it is considered that you abandoned your application for naturalization. Anyway, to be honest there are not that many stories here about this, as most people do an utmost effort not to miss it ;) I understand that you're under circumstances a bit beyond yourself. My advice would be to get someone you trust to check your mail and see when you get the oath letter to let you know, and plan a trip to do your oath, but you could also ask for a delay. Your case is further complicated because you have moved and it is not clear where your case is now. I would suggest to schedule an Infopass with the office that is supposed to have your case now and tell them the whole situation. Try to find out if the case has been transfered and if the oath can be delayed until you come back. Other than that I don't know what else to say. I think an Infopass is your best bet, phone call is not going to take you anywhere. Infopass link can be found at the uscis website www.uscis.gov

My 2 cents.
 
I'm applying for US citizenship and passed the interview in July. Now that only the oath ceremony is left, I'm in a somewhat troubled situation. Because I recently moved, my case is being forwarded from the Vermont service center to California (bay area). However, I'm going to be out of the country for August - September and I'm afraid that the oath ceremony will fall within the time I'm away. What would happen if I miss the oath? Is there a number I can call while I'm away to find out about my status and/or hopefully reschedule the date?

You will be rescheduled provided you make contact with the DO and explain the reasons why you had to miss the oath. The best option would be to contact the DO prior to event.
 
thanks for your reply. my case is still in the Vermont service center and it will not be forwarded to California until after 8/15. So I guess I should tell the Vermont officers about this?

I think if you miss the oath it is considered that you abandoned your application for naturalization. Anyway, to be honest there are not that many stories here about this, as most people do an utmost effort not to miss it ;) I understand that you're under circumstances a bit beyond yourself. My advice would be to get someone you trust to check your mail and see when you get the oath letter to let you know, and plan a trip to do your oath, but you could also ask for a delay. Your case is further complicated because you have moved and it is not clear where your case is now. I would suggest to schedule an Infopass with the office that is supposed to have your case now and tell them the whole situation. Try to find out if the case has been transfered and if the oath can be delayed until you come back. Other than that I don't know what else to say. I think an Infopass is your best bet, phone call is not going to take you anywhere. Infopass link can be found at the uscis website www.uscis.gov

My 2 cents.
 
All of us are in the same boat facing such practical issues.
USCIS has their own timelines for everyone. This is not predictable so we have to make guesses.

In the meanwhile, we have to carry on with our family, work life etc. Part of that is we have family trips, business trips, engagements to travel out of country etc etc. Tough job in trying to schedule all these things. But, what to do!
 
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