Interview Scheduled - couple of concerns.

[LauraJayne]

Hello!

I received a notice online yesterday morning that my Naturalization interview has been scheduled for Dec 7th. However, I leave for the UK on December 10th until January 11th. I'll be having a dental procedure done while I'm there, so cancelling the trip isn't really an option this time, unfortunately.

In light of this process moving much quicker than I had anticipated, I have a few questions/concerns around potentially having to reschedule my oath ceremony (if it comes to that, of course).




1) I understand that you can reschedule your oath ceremony by returning N-445 with a letter explaining why you can't attend. However, if the N-445 is delivered after Dec 22 (my husband flies out to join me on that day), I won't have access to the original document until I return. Would it be acceptable to print the PDF version they upload on myUSCIS account and return that to the Kansas City field office instead?



2) I have no idea whether KC offers a same-day oath ceremony, but if they do, is it mandatory to complete it that day, or can you opt to attend a later ceremony and receive your oath ceremony date in the mail?



3) Has anyone ever successfully informed their interviewer about upcoming travel and had them schedule the oath ceremony taking this into consideration? (I ask only because one fellow Brit did this and they worked around her travel, but I have a feeling this is not common).





My husband asked whether it would be easier to postpone the interview until I come back in January, but I have no valid reason to not attend the interview on Dec 7th, and I also feel like it would be worse to reschedule the interview vs. just rescheduling the oath ceremony.





If anyone has any prior experience, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much in advance!


LJ.

[Hotaru-Grace]

Hello!

I received a notice online yesterday morning that my Naturalization interview has been scheduled for Dec 7th. However, I leave for the UK on December 10th until January 11th. I'll be having a dental procedure done while I'm there, so cancelling the trip isn't really an option this time, unfortunately.

In light of this process moving much quicker than I had anticipated, I have a few questions/concerns around potentially having to reschedule my oath ceremony (if it comes to that, of course).




1) I understand that you can reschedule your oath ceremony by returning N-445 with a letter explaining why you can't attend. However, if the N-445 is delivered after Dec 22 (my husband flies out to join me on that day), I won't have access to the original document until I return. Would it be acceptable to print the PDF version they upload on myUSCIS account and return that to the Kansas City field office instead?



2) I have no idea whether KC offers a same-day oath ceremony, but if they do, is it mandatory to complete it that day, or can you opt to attend a later ceremony and receive your oath ceremony date in the mail?



3) Has anyone ever successfully informed their interviewer about upcoming travel and had them schedule the oath ceremony taking this into consideration? (I ask only because one fellow Brit did this and they worked around her travel, but I have a feeling this is not common).





My husband asked whether it would be easier to postpone the interview until I come back in January, but I have no valid reason to not attend the interview on Dec 7th, and I also feel like it would be worse to reschedule the interview vs. just rescheduling the oath ceremony.





If anyone has any prior experience, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much in advance!


LJ.

It is a blessing to have your case moving so quickly. It is an opportunity many dream to have and never obtain; I would not risk it. The USCIS seems to expedite cases based on eased COVID restrictions, location that can accommodate 6ft distance seating etc.

Ans. to Question 1.

I recently got my oath ceremony (Oct 15) after the interview (Aug. 16). In several cases, many wait several months after a successful interview before getting an Oath Ceremony. However, I am VERY wary of advising anyone to reschedule an appointment, let alone one very important such as a citizenship interview and/or the other very important concluding step of the oath ceremony with USC immigration services. Their reasons for accommodating a date change are connected to a dire family emergency; unfortunately, your reasons for leaving the country may not fit the requirements and hence, it might not be granted, or if so, your case will be VERY delayed.

Ans. to Question 2. If an oath ceremony is scheduled on the day of the interview, it is strongly encouraged to participate right then and there. The next oath ceremony may be months away (which might be convenient to you, however, based on my experience the OC lasted (usually lasts) 45 mins-1 hr and you leave with your certificate right away. Of course, your green card is taken, and future travel would be obtained through a US passport which you would be required to apply for following the oath ceremony-and that I dare say will certainly offset your plans for travel at this time.

Ans. to Question 3. You may be able to discuss attending another Oath Ceremony if you are given the choice of several or at least told of the upcoming dates of others. If all goes well at your interview you can or may discuss the oath ceremony with the interviewer by asking about upcoming dates and/or sharing your concern for travel. They are usually candid in their responses, which you can use to determine whether you may need to risk it all.

First things first, are you studying for your interview? You may see my experience here Naturalization Interview-Aug 16, 2021 (Applied May 6, 2021) - Immigration forums for visa, green card, visitors insurance, OCI and more (immihelp.com). All the best.