What to expect after Citizenship interview? ETA to get passport.

[rashij76]

We submitted N400 application in July 2021 and both of us got the Interview letter for Mar 26, 2022. Post the interview, assuming that we clear the interview, what would be the next steps? When can we expect the US passport - approximate timeframe? We are planning for a Europe tour in July, so trying to find out this info. Typically how far out could be Oath after clearing the Citizenship interview.

[Enub4]

From interview to Oath could take a few months. After Oath you will need to make an appointment to get your passport and that could take some time too.

[okccanary]

I think my interview to Oath was about a month. I had my oath on feb 14th. Applied for passport on the 17th. They received it on Feb 25th and according to their tracker its still being processed. I did not expedite it and their stated timeline for that is 8-11 weeks. If you pay $60 more for expedited then processing times are 5-7 weeks. You could also do what my Sister in Law did. (American by Birth) She had to fly down to El Paso (we live in OK may be a different center depending on where you live) and get an appointment to get the passport made. But international trip has to be within a few days of that appointment and it sounded pretty stressful. Unfortunately as soon as you become a US Citizen you have to leave and return on an American Passport. So if it didn't arrive in time don't risk it by using your birth country passport.

If you have a quick turn around on your oath ceremony then I think you would definitely be fine with the expedited passport application. I guess it just depends on when your ceremony will be scheduled. Might also be worth telling the officer at your interview about your international travel plans they might be able to move it forward or wait until afterwards.

[SouthBay2019]

We submitted N400 application in July 2021 and both of us got the Interview letter for Mar 26, 2022. Post the interview, assuming that we clear the interview, what would be the next steps? When can we expect the US passport - approximate timeframe? We are planning for a Europe tour in July, so trying to find out this info. Typically how far out could be Oath after clearing the Citizenship interview.

1) Make sure during your interview you let the officer know that you have an international trip coming up and that you still need time to get passport. If you do not have a name change, they might be able to accommodate your oath ceremony sooner (name change requires oath ceremony with a judge, which may take longer).
2) Once you have your oath ceremony date assigned, you have a few options: You could make an advanced appointment with USPS office to turn in your passport application. Make the appointment for the next USPS available day after your oath ceremony. Complete the passport form application in advance. This will allow you to take your Naturalization Certificate (which you will have after your ceremony) and completed passport application/fee/pictures straight to the post office. Pay for expedited processing and shipping. You may get passports in a few weeks later.

Lastly if your oath ceremony is too close to your travel date, you can always do an "emergency passport same day service". This will take some efforts. You will need to call them and make an appointment and have proof that your travel is within next 3 days or so (airline tickets, etc). Keep in mind the next available appointment may not be near where you live.

Good luck.

[rashij76]

Thank you for your precise responses and details. Good to know that it will hep to mention to officer about upcoming international trip. Appreciate it.