Can I go outside the country while I am file for naturalization?
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Can I go outside the country while I am file for naturalization?
I know I have to be here for biometrics and interview, but is that OK go to another country at that period?
Asked on September 11, 2011 under Immigration Law, California
Answers:
SB, Member, California / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, it is all right for you to travel outside the United States once you have submitted your application for naturalization to the USCIS. However, as you note yourself, you do have to be in the US for the biometrics appointment, which can be sometime around 2-4 weeks after you file your application, and for the interview, which can be anywhere from 3-5 months after the filing.
Additionally, the regulations state, in part, that you have to establish that you have resided continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of admission to citizenship. This means that you are still required to be a permanent resident of the US during this time.
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