I filed for US citizenship last July, 2011 and is now waiting for the approval. Can I leave the country in case of emergency as my father in...

Question

I filed for US citizenship last July, 2011 and is now waiting for the approval. Can I leave the country in case of emergency as my father in law is very ill and would pass away any time from now according to the doctors.

Answer

Hi,

Your naturalization application will not be negatively impacted due to an absence from the U.S. after filing. The biometrics, when scheduled by the USCIS, can be rescheduled for when you will be back in the U.S. We have general information about the naturalization process here: http://www.h1b1.com/citizenship.htm

Answer

You can travel so long as you do not miss your biometrics appointment, or miss any requests for additional evidence. If you are unable to attend your biometrics appointment, you will need to send in the appointment notice with a request for rescheduling. If you do not have an attorney already, you may wish to retain one to monitor your case while you are gone. Please feel free to contact me at 415-273-9123 or [email protected]/* */ to discuss this matter further.

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Seeta L. Nangia, Esq.

Law Offices of Seeta Nangia

Exclusively Practicing Immigration Law

Phone: (415) 273-9123

Email: [email protected]/* */

Website: www.nangialaw.com