Moments after you apply for U.S. citizenship via naturalization, your mind probably turns to one thing—nailing the citizenship test. Studying flashcards for the 100 civics questions is indeed vital to becoming a citizen, but the process of naturalization can be much more complex, especially when it comes to travel.
Before you can apply to become a citizen of the United States, you must be a continuous resident, which requires you to be a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years before the date of filling out the form for naturalization. In addition, any trips you take abroad must be less than 6 months. So, once you apply to become a citizen, do the same travel restrictions apply?
Continuous Residence
After filing for naturalization (Form N-400), the continuous residence requirement is still in effect, meaning you can travel abroad for a maximum of 6 months at a time. Trips should be kept short though, as there are typically 3 mandatory appointments for candidates: biometrics (fingerprints), the naturalization interview/test and the oath ceremony. Although you can reschedule, it is suggested you do not miss these appointments due to travel. Typically, after your biometrics appointment, you’ll have about 4-6 months, which should leave plenty of time for a short trip.
In addition, you should not exploit the continuous residence requirement. Although you can technically leave for 6 months, come back for a week and then leave for another 6 months, the ASCIS may not see this favorably.
Exceptions
U.S. armed forces, government employees, researchers, religious workers and certain business travelers are exempt from the continuous residence requirement. Applicants who wish to be exempt must file Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes and meet the following criteria:
- Applicant must be physically present in the U.S. as a legal permanent resident a year prior to working abroad.
- N-470 application must be filed beforethe applicant has been abroad for one year.
If you or someone you know is going through the naturalization process, you should enlist the legal help of our Los Angeles immigration attorneys from the Law Offices of Elsa Martinez immediately.
Call (213) 985-4550 or contact us online to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.
FAQs
It is possible to travel after filing your naturalization application. However, your trip cannot last longer than 180 days.
Can I travel outside the US after filing for naturalization? ›
The short answer is yes: there is no restriction on international travel when you apply for naturalization nor after you have been recommended for naturalization and are waiting for your oath ceremony.
Can I travel after getting naturalization certificate? ›
You will not be able to travel abroad until you have your U.S. passport. Please allow sufficient time between your ceremony and any planned travel to receive your passport. In addition to your Certificate of Naturalization, a passport serves as evidence of citizenship.
Can I travel overseas right after naturalization interview before the oath )? ›
Yes. You may travel internationally, but you will need to update USCIS after you do.
How long does it take to get citizenship after filing N-400? ›
Form N-400 Processing Times
| USCIS Field Office | Last Week | This Week |
|---|
| Long Island NY | 8.5 months | 8.5 months |
| Los Angeles CA | 7 months | 7 months |
| Los Angeles County CA | 7.5 months | 7.5 months |
| Louisville KY | 7 months | 7 months |
85 more rowsYou can make corrections to your USCIS application up to and including in the interview. Thus, it's essential that you go over everything one last time before meeting with an immigration officer, so you don't miss any key details. Don't panic if you discover an error while reviewing your application.
What is the 4 year 1 day rule for U.S. citizenship? ›
The statutory period preceding the filing of the application is calculated from the date of filing. Once 4 years and 1 day have elapsed from the date of the applicant's return to the United States, the period of absence from the United States that occurred within the past 5 years is now less than 1 year.
How fast can I get my U.S. passport after an oath ceremony? ›
Current Processing Times
| Routine | 6 to 8 weeks |
|---|
| Expedited | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Urgent | Must make an appointment and have international travel within 14 calendar days |
Jun 28, 2024
The waiting time between the interview and oath ceremony is usually no more than 30 days. Find out how long people in your USCIS district normally wait for the oath ceremony notice. Contact USCIS if you have waited longer than normal for your district. What if I cannot attend the ceremony on the scheduled date?
Is a driver's license proof of citizenship in the USA? ›
Enhanced driver's licenses, that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, are offered in 5 northern border states as identification for crossing a U.S. border. 31 states, including MO, require proof of lawful residence to obtain a driver's license (NCSL 2023).
However, it says I must submit my original naturalization certificate. Will they mail that back to me with my passport when it is approved? Yes they will. They are required to return that to you BY LAW just as they are required to return to you any other proof of citizenship, be it birth certificate or old passport.
Can U.S. citizens be denied entry? ›
The same is true for lawful permanent residents: you generally cannot be denied entry to the United States, but declining to answer questions may result in delay or further inspection. Refusal by non-citizen visa holders and visitors to answer questions may result in denial of entry.
Can I leave the country after filing N400? ›
As previously mentioned, traveling outside the U.S. after filing a naturalization application is permissible — as the applicant is a green card holder with no travel restrictions. As long as the trips are short, kept to a minimum and as long as no immigration-related appointments are missed.
Does USCIS do background check after citizenship interview? ›
USCIS conducts an investigation of the applicant upon his or her filing for naturalization. The investigation consists of certain criminal background and security checks. The background and security checks include collecting fingerprints and requesting a “name check” from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
Will I lose my U.S. citizenship if I become a citizen of another country? ›
U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship.
Can I leave US after getting citizenship? ›
At this time, no penalties exist if a naturalized U.S. citizen simply goes to live in another country, even on a permanent basis. This is a distinct benefit of U.S. citizenship, since green card holders can have their status taken away for "abandoning" their U.S. residence.
When can you apply for a US passport after an oath ceremony? ›
Once you're sworn in as a U.S. citizen, you have the option of immediately applying for a U.S. passport. Let's say you just received a notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) containing the date for your citizenship swearing in or "oath" ceremony.
What happens if you move after applying for citizenship? ›
USCIS will usually just go ahead with the interview at that time. Once the interview is complete, USCIS will transfer your file to its office nearest your new address. If your citizenship is approved, your oath ceremony will take place near your new address.
