Why Is My Oath Ceremony Taking So Long? What You Can Do Next
If you’ve been waiting for your naturalization oath ceremony for months after your interview, you might be wondering, why is my oath ceremony taking so long? After all, you passed your naturalization interview, received a recommended approval, and were told the swearing-in ceremony would happen soon. Yet, the official invitation never came. It’s frustrating and, understandably, you’re eager to finalize your citizenship and start the next chapter of your life, especially if you plan to petition for your parents’ green cards.
What’s Behind the Delay in Scheduling an Oath Ceremony?
The truth is, delays in scheduling the oath ceremony are common. While waiting a few weeks is normal, waiting months can be a cause for concern. Here are some of the reasons your ceremony might be delayed:
- Pending FBI Security Checks: Even though your application has been approved, there’s a final step where the FBI runs a security clearance check. This can take longer if you have a common name or if your name matches someone with a security concern.
- Backlog in Scheduling Oath Ceremonies: USCIS is facing a major backlog in scheduling ceremonies, especially in areas where federal courts are responsible for conducting them. In some regions, USCIS handles the ceremonies directly, which could speed up the process, but in others, delays can stretch longer due to court involvement.
- Errors or Lost Files: Sometimes, USCIS makes mistakes or misplaces files. It’s possible that your swearing-in notice got lost in the mail or there was a clerical error. If you’ve changed addresses, make sure USCIS has your updated information.
What Can You Do If Your Oath Ceremony Is Taking Too Long?
If you’re asking, why is my oath ceremony taking so long? and want to take action, here are a few steps you can take:
- Contact USCIS: Call their Contact Center or visit your local office. Be prepared for long wait times, and have all your documentation, including your green card and any letters of approval, ready. If necessary, they might schedule an in-person appointment.
- Write to USCIS: If calling doesn’t help, consider sending a letter to the USCIS office that handled your case. Include your A-number, and a copy of the recommended approval letter from your interview.
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: If delays continue, an experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the process and advocate on your behalf. They’ll know the usual wait times and can assist in getting your case moving.
Remember, you cannot petition for your parents’ green cards until you’ve been sworn in as a U.S. citizen and have received your citizenship certificate. Patience can be tough, but following these steps might help speed things up.