Can You Travel While Your Naturalization Application is Pending?
It is possible to travel after filing your naturalization application. However, your trip cannot last longer than 180 days. Further, after filing your U.S. naturalization application, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will schedule a biometrics appointment to take your fingerprints. You must be available for this appointment and an interview. Your failure to appear for this interview will likely result in a denial.
A citizenship application attorney at Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A. can help you with your naturalization application and advise you on what to do if you need to travel during this period. Remember that once you become a naturalized U.S. citizen and obtain a U.S. passport, there are no travel restrictions regarding how long you are out of the country.
Travel Rules With a Pending Naturalization Application
As noted, USCIS allows those with a pending naturalization application to travel, but the trip cannot last longer than 180 days. Overstaying your visit outside of the U.S. puts you at risk of not continuously residing in this country for at least five years, a requirement for naturalization.
Frequent travel can also affect your application. By law, applicants must spend more than half of their time in the U.S. This physical presence requirement mandates you must prove you were in the U.S. for at least 30 months before filing their Form N-400. You must meet this requirement when submitting your naturalization application and be in the United States for your interview. Your application will likely be denied if you do not meet this requirement.
The Naturalization Process
The formal naturalization process starts when you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with USCIS. This form requires a great deal of detailed information and documentation. An immigration attorney can help ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly, the proper documentation is submitted, deadlines are met, and all fees are paid. Errors on Form N-400 can cause a delay or denial of your application.
As noted, after receiving your Form N-400, the USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting. Once this is completed, the USCIS schedules an interview with a USCIS officer. The timeframe between Form N-400 submission and scheduling your biometrics appointment and interview can take several months.
During this period, try to avoid extensive international travel unless necessary. While it is possible to reschedule your biometrics appointment and interview, it is not advisable. Not only can your naturalization case end up delayed for several more months, but if, for any reason, you cannot show up for your interview, it could cause your application to be denied.
The final step in the naturalization process is taking the oath of allegiance to the U.S., where Green Card holders become U.S. citizens.
Contact a Naturalization Attorney for a Consultation
If you or a family member wants to become a U.S. citizen, a naturalization attorney at Bassey Immigration Law Center can help you navigate the complexity of the system. Our skilled and multilingual team has been through the immigrant process, and we know what you must do to succeed. We fully understand the immigrant experience and know how to fight for your future. Our clients include those from Central or South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and many others. Schedule an affordable consultation today.
