“Missed your interview?” : US issues new rule for citizenship applicants
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- USCIS clarified consequences for N-600 applicants who skip biometric appointments without a valid reason
- Applicants based outside the US face different requirements and will not be scheduled for ASC appointments
- Military personnel deployed abroad are shielded by a special exemption under the updated USCIS policy
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued fresh guidance spelling out what foreign nationals risk when they fail to show up for scheduled appointments connected to their Certificate of Citizenship applications.
The clarification centers on Form N-600, the document used by individuals seeking formal recognition of US citizenship acquired either by birth or through a parent.
What Happens When an N-600 Applicant Misses an Appointment
As part of the N-600 process, USCIS may direct applicants to attend an Application Support Centre (ASC) appointment to provide biometric data such as photographs and signatures.
Children below the age of 14 are allowed to have a parent or legal guardian complete that step on their behalf.
Should an applicant fail to appear at a scheduled ASC appointment without offering a satisfactory reason, USCIS reserves the right to treat the application as abandoned and close the file entirely.
Anyone who wishes to challenge such a decision must submit Form I-290B, the Notice of Appeal or Motion, to request that their case be reopened.
The guidance also sets out separate rules for those applying from outside the United States.
These applicants are required to include two passport-style photographs with their submission and will not be called in for an ASC appointment.
USCIS further confirmed that N-600 application details are not forwarded to the FBI for background checks, which sets this process apart from several other immigration application types.
Military Personnel Receive Special Protection
One of the more significant provisions in the updated USCIS policy concerns members of the US armed forces.
Service members stationed or deployed outside the United States, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, cannot have their N-600 applications ruled abandoned simply because they missed a scheduled appointment.
The exemption acknowledges that active military duty can make it genuinely impossible for some applicants to appear on a given date.
Steps Kenyans Must Follow to Become American Citizens
TUKO.co.ke reported that eligible lawful permanent residents seeking US citizenship must follow a structured 10-step naturalisation process.
Applicants generally need to be at least 18 and have held permanent resident status for five years, or three years if married to a US citizen.
The process includes submitting Form N-400, attending biometrics and an interview, passing the required tests, receiving a decision and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
Source: Legit.ng
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.