US Moves Against Foreigners Who Miss Citizenship Appointments

US Moves Against Foreigners Who Miss Citizenship Appointments

Foreign nationals seeking formal recognition of their US citizenship could face a major setback if they fail to show up for certain scheduled appointments, according to new guidance from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The warning affects people filing Form N-600, which is used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship by individuals who acquired or derived US citizenship through birth or a parent.

USCIS said some applicants may be required to attend an appointment at an Application Support Centre (ASC) to provide photographs, signatures and other biometric information.

But missing the appointment without an acceptable explanation could have serious consequences.

The agency may consider the application abandoned and close the case if the applicant fails to appear and does not provide a satisfactory reason for the absence.

Applicants who want the decision reversed must file Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, to ask for the case to be reopened.

Those applying from outside the United States face a different procedure. USCIS said they must submit two passport-style photographs with their applications and will not be scheduled for ASC appointments.

The agency also clarified that information provided through Form N-600 is not forwarded to the FBI for background checks.

Military personnel get special protection

US military personnel serving outside the United States are covered by a specific exception.

USCIS said N-600 applications filed by service members who are stationed or deployed abroad cannot be treated as abandoned simply because they miss an appointment.

The protection applies because military assignments may make it impossible for service members to appear at the scheduled time.

The clarification comes as the US continues to enforce and explain its citizenship and immigration requirements, including a separate three-year naturalisation route available to certain permanent residents married to US citizens who meet the required conditions.