What can a person do if he just received his Certificate of Naturalization and needs to travel outside the US in about 2 weeks? He might not have enough time to make a US passport and travel arrangements has already been made (since early 2007). What are all his options?

I've visited the www.state.gov website and read that its possible for passports to be made within 2 weeks, but I'm wondering what can be done just in case the passport can't be made in time. With all the backlog of applications, you never know.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: -Delta-,

Can you not use your own countries passport?

Usually as long as you put on the form the travel dates and proof (copy) of your tickets, you should get it back in time.

If passport does not come back, then I would suggest that if your native country allows dual citizenship, then use other passport to leave, and then when you US passport arrives, have someone mail it to you, so you could have it to re-enter the US.

Someone where I live needed one in 10 days, and got it back in 5. This was 2 weeks ago. They went to a passport agency.

If I were you, do it immediately otherwise you will be losing precious time.

Make sure you keep copies of your application and anything that you send with it.

quote:

Originally posted by -Delta-:
What can a person do if he just received his Certificate of Naturalization and needs to travel outside the US in about 2 weeks? He might not have enough time to make a US passport and travel arrangements has already been made (since early 2007). What are all his options?

I've visited the www.state.gov website and read that its possible for passports to be made within 2 weeks, but I'm wondering what can be done just in case the passport can't be made in time. With all the backlog of applications, you never know.

Try this link: http://www.passportexpress.com/

The closer you wait to your date of departure the more expensive it becomes. Good luck!

Jake01: He just became an American Citizen...this is his "own" country!!

-Delta-: With all due respect, this is a problem of your own making. You say that your travel arrangements have been known since early in 2007...yet, you still proceeded with your Citizenship application?

Of course, becoming an American is far more important than traveling, as evidenced by your decision to proceed with naturalization. If you are unable to obtain an American Passport in time, you will have to forgo your travel overseas.

an American citizen is required to have a passport (U.S.) when leaving and reentering the country....you cannot substitute some other passport...try for expedited service...I heard that the normal backlog is only about 3 weeks, paying extra should get you your passport within 2.

Going the normal route, I received my passport (October 2007) in 2 weeks. There is an expedited process (which costs more). Check with your local post office to see what estimated turnaround time is for an expedited passport in your area.

S12..it doesn't matter what passport you are leaving with, its what you enter a country with is important.
When you leave they just check it, they don't stamp it.

People who have dual citizenship, can use either one to leave, and often enough, they will use their native countries passport to enter that country (if they are going there) and upon returning they use the US one.
They do suggest however that they should carry both passports with them.

If the worse comes to the worse, they could have their US passport mailed by special delivery to them in their visiting country.

Delta, are you going to visit your native country or some other country?

I know they don't stamp - it is federal law that a USC has in their possession a valid ppt when they leave the US....

OK from what I have read so far, there is no control over exiting the US.
However yes you are supposed to have your US passport with you when you leave.

If you don't and somehow they find out, if you can prove that your application is pending for your new US passport, you could end up with a waiver fee.
However you must take with you your Naturalization certificate when you travel, for further proof.

I do think however you will be able to get your new passport in time, just do it ..well now lol

a naturalization certificate is NOT a travel document...an airline will NOT board you (to return to the US) with only this document....repeat (for the mentally impaired)...a naturalization certificate is NOT a legitimate travel document and an airline will NOT board you (to return to the US)if this is all you have (they would be subject to a $3300 fine...and they are not going to pay this to accommodate you)...please read this again. Neither is a birth certificate a valid travel document.....get a passport (that is a travel document)....

Section 215(b) INA and 22CFR 53.1 Require that U.S. Citizen Exit and Enter the United States on a U.S. Passport.

S12 no I didn't mean it like that.

If he/she left with their native countries passport (as they don't check whether you have a US passport or not)..and their US passport is pending, IF they do get found out upon return they will get fined, however they are asked to produce their Naturalization certificate to prove they are a USC now.

Its not to use for flying with as ID, its just proof that they are in fact a USC now.

It does say on the passport sites..what if your US passport does not arrive in time and you leave without it scenerios.

He/she could have their passport sent to them whilst they are away.

But saying all that, she/he has time to get their US passport.

Adam yes I did say above that it is required but who checks a passport when you leave the US?
The airline just glimpses at it.

...this is why America needs to end the whole concept of dual nationalities. If someone doesn't want to be an American, and only an American, then they should NOT apply for citizenship.

I would even go further and say that permanent residents should be required to apply for American citizenship within 15 years of immigrating to America.

Oh yes that would be a good idea Sundevil..that would also stop the thousands of Americans who also claim citizenship in other countries.

Works both ways you know.

quote:

Originally posted by SunDevilUSA:
...this is why America needs to end the whole concept of dual nationalities. If someone doesn't want to be an American, and only an American, then they should NOT apply for citizenship.

I would even go further and say that permanent residents should be required to apply for American citizenship within 15 years of immigrating to America.

What poppycock, just because I am living in America with my husband, why should I give up my British citizenship, I love both countries, but if that was to happen, then I would go back to the UK, at least they do not object to dual citizenship, by the way, who has supported the US on the war against terrorist's, and has stuck with you throughout!

Jake01: Why are you sooo concerned? Britain is the 51st State...or is that Canada, and Britain the 52nd State. Whichever, you worry unnecessarily.

I notice that your state's flag somewhat resembles that of Hawaii...I wonder who copied whom?

quote:

Originally posted by SunDevilUSA:
Jake01: Why are you sooo concerned? Britain is the 51st State...or is that Canada, and Britain the 52nd State. Whichever, you worry unnecessarily.

I notice that your state's flag somewhat resembles that of Hawaii...I wonder who copied whom?

The eight alternating white, red and blue stripes represent the eight islands of Hawaii. The British Union Jack represents Hawaii's historical relationship with Great Britian as its protectorate. It also represents a stylized puela (a triangular standard laying across two crossed spears called an alia) which is the symbol of the Hawaiian ali'i.

also where do you think the american flag got it's colours from

Jake01: Well, Britain has only been around since 1707, which is not really that long in the larger scheme of things. After all, that is only 69 years before 1776, the year that America won its independence.