10 Things You Need to Know About Naturalization Ceremonies
At an oath ceremony, you are required to swear allegiance to the US, and then you are given your naturalization certificate. After, this, you can apply for a US passport, which allows you to vote in all elections in the US. If you have opted to get a new name, the name will appear on the naturalization certificate. IT will be possible to apply for documents, such as a driver’s license, with the name on this certificate. Here is a bit more detail about these ceremonies that we at RunRex have prepared for you.
- The Same Day As You Receive Notification Might Be The Same Day You Take The Oath
In most cases, you will have to go on an interview, which may be on the same day as the naturalization ceremony. In such an instance, you can take part in the ceremony and become a US citizen on that day. If that is not going to be possible, the immigration department will email you a time and date when the ceremony will take place. You will also be given instructions on the exact location where the ceremony is going to occur. It will be included in the Form n-445.
- You Have to Check-in Before you Attend the Ceremony
When you get to the location of the ceremony, you will need to check in with the USCIS. An officer will review the responses you made on the questionnaire and the Form N-445. It is essential that the form and the questionnaire all be filled out before you arrive for the ceremony. Always consult before filling the forms and questionnaires. Otherwise, you may be disqualified, although it rarely ever happens.
- You Must Bring your Permanent Resident Card with you
Before the oath ceremony begins, you have to give back the permanent resident card to a USCIS official. However, if you lost the card, you can still be waived. However, you should provide proof that you have attempted to find this card after it was lost. This card will no longer be required since you will now have a certificate of naturalization.
- You Have to Take the Oath of Allegiance
You will only become a US citizen after you take the oath of allegiance. If you have any reason that may prevent you from taking this oath, it will not be possible for you to become a US citizen.
- You Need to Practice the Oath
To make it easy for everyone, ensure that you practice the oath before you arrive the ceremony. The oath is taken without any assistance from anyone, and you must say the words yourself. That way, you get to avoid any mishaps.
- The oath is Administered in English
While English is not a requirement to become a US citizen, the oath of allegiance is administered in the English language. Thus, it is up to you to ensure that you master some basic English, which will help you sail through the oath of allegiance.
- Failure to Turn up for an Oath of Allegiance Can lead to Cancellation of US citizenship
If you do not turn up for the oath of allegiance ceremony, there is a good chance you will be denied US citizenship. If you feel that you will not be able to attend the ceremony, you will have to return the From N-455 to the local USCIS office. You will also need to attach a letter with a request for a new date in the letter; you have to be clear about why you will not attend the ceremony. Ensure you provide a valid reason.
- It is Your Responsibility to Review the Certificate of Naturalization
After you are given the Certificate of Naturalization, it is your responsibility to conduct a full visual review. If you find any errors, notify officials of the USCIS immediately. It should be done before you leave the ceremony; otherwise, it can take months to have such mistakes corrected after the ceremony.
- You Have to Fill out a Form if You Lose the Certificate
If you lose the naturalization certificate, you must request a replacement by filling out Form 565. You can download this form online or request the USCIS to send you another one via a phone call. Ensure you fill out the details correctly.
- You can Bring Family and Friends with You
If you have family and friends who already reside in the US, they can come along for the ceremony. There is an area for them to seat as they watch you take the oath of allegiance. It is usually a day of celebration, and many others will be there with their families. However, it is advisable to keep the numbers down since their might not be enough space for all of them to view you take the oath of allegiance. You are also allowed to bring video recorders and cameras to record the event.