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Can You Travel Abroad During The Naturalization Process?

Are you currently going through naturalization in the United States? Have you considered whether you can travel abroad while your application is still in progress? It is a common concern for many individuals in a similar situation. Understanding the rules and regulations regarding international travel during this waiting period is essential.

This article will discuss if you can travel outside the country while applying for citizenship. It also highlights the requirements and other restrictions while waiting for approval.

Leaving The United States While Waiting For Naturalization

While you are awaiting citizenship, you can travel. Traveling will not have an impact on your capacity to naturalize. You can enjoy the freedom to travel abroad while continuing to work toward becoming a citizen.

The Form N-400 is the one you use for your application, which does not restrict your ability to travel abroad. Also, as a permanent resident, you have a valid green card. It allows you to leave and re-enter the country as needed.

Remember, you will only become a naturalized citizen after receiving the certificate. Until then, you will remain a lawful permanent resident or a green card holder with its duties and privileges.

However, you must know some considerations when traveling after submitting your application. Leaving the United States for an extended period can impact the result, particularly if you fail to return after 180 days. Knowing the potential implications and ensuring a timely return is essential to avoid complications.

Ideally, try to remain in the United States during the process. But if you want to travel, make every effort to return early enough or complete a walk-in appointment beforehand. USCIS will monitor your time abroad to ensure it does not affect your continuous residency status.

In line with this, knowing the requirements if you plan to travel while waiting for your citizenship is vital. With this understanding, you can proactively prepare for your journey during the waiting period for your citizenship.

Guidelines For Travel During The Waiting Period

Discover the essential travel guidelines to ensure a seamless journey toward your dream of becoming a citizen. With these, you can enjoy your travel abroad while awaiting the result of your application.

Check Your Mail Frequently

It is crucial to check your mail regularly while traveling. Ensure you get all essential notifications or appointments. Keep an eye out for any correspondence from USCIS.

Attend The Required Appointments

Attending appointments is crucial for legal compliance, eligibility verification, process progression, and avoiding delays or penalties. It demonstrates your commitment to the U.S. legal system and citizenship goals.

• Interview. You are required to attend an interview as part of the application requirements. This interview assesses your eligibility and includes questions about your background and application.
• Biometrics appointment. A biometrics session will require you to submit fingerprints, pictures, and a signature for background checks.
• Oath ceremony. Once your application is approved, USCIS will schedule you to attend an oath ceremony where you will officially become a naturalized citizen. Missing this ceremony may lead to delays or even denial of your application.

Comply With The Continuous Residence Requirement

Compliance with the continuous residence requirement is essential because it demonstrates a commitment to establishing strong ties to the country. It also upholds immigration laws and meets the eligibility criteria for becoming a U.S. citizen.

• Five-year residency requirement. You must have lived in the United States continuously for at least five years. It is if you are applying based on a five-year permanent residency.
• Three-year residency requirement (marriage-based). The continuous residence requirement applies. It is if you are using based on a three-year permanent residency while married to a U.S. citizen. You must have lived continuously in the United States for at least three years before applying.

Be Mindful Of Trip Duration

Being mindful of trip duration is vital when planning your travels.

You must ensure your journey overseas goes smoothly if you want to stay with the continuous residence requirement. Plan your travel so that your absence from the United States is less than six months.

Prolonged trips abroad can cause uncertainty over your continued residency and affect how you handle your application. Adhering to these requirements ensures a smooth process. So, staying informed about appointments and deadlines is crucial.

Meanwhile, it is also essential to identify various factors during the citizenship waiting period.

Factors To Consider During The Citizenship Waiting Period

During the waiting period for citizenship, there are several restrictions that you need to know. You must do so to avoid denial of your application. These restrictions include:

• Travel restrictions. During the waiting period, individuals should avoid taking longer trips abroad of more than 180 days. It may raise concerns about the continuous residence requirement.
• Change of address notification. It is essential to promptly notify the appropriate authorities of any change in residential address. It is to ensure crucial correspondence reaches the applicant.
• Criminal offenses . Individuals must avoid illegal activities as they can negatively impact their application.
• Compliance with immigration laws. Adhering to all immigration laws, rules, and regulations is crucial to maintaining eligibility.
• Attendance at interviews and biometrics appointments. Applicants must attend all scheduled interviews and biometrics appointments as required by the immigration authorities.
• Provision of accurate information. Providing truthful and accurate information is vital to avoid delays and denial.

These factors are implemented to guarantee a just and comprehensive process, upholding the integrity of the citizenship system. With this in mind, you must seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer. They can provide you with a clear understanding of the requirements and process.

Several Reasons To Hire An Immigration Lawyer

An immigration lawyer can assist you when traveling abroad while waiting for citizenship. You can contact them at Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. They are eager to help you with your application and travel needs.

Understanding Travel Restrictions

A lawyer can provide explanations of the specific travel restrictions and requirements while waiting. Individuals must be aware of these restrictions and requirements to navigate the waiting period successfully.

They can offer in-depth guidance on the permissible duration of their absence from the United States. This guidance ensures that individuals maintain the progress to citizenship.

The lawyer can determine how much an individual can safely travel without negatively impacting their eligibility for citizenship. They can consider factors such as the length of the waiting period and the different stages of the process. It also includes the applicant’s overall immigration history.

Assessment Of Risks & Impact

An immigration lawyer can assess the potential risks and impact of traveling abroad. They evaluate how international travel during the application period may affect an individual’s eligibility for citizenship.

The lawyer can provide a thorough analysis of the potential risks involved. It is by considering various factors such as the length of the trip and the purpose of travel. It also includes the individual’s immigration history. This assessment helps individuals understand the potential consequences of their travel plans and make informed decisions.

Document Preparation

A lawyer can assist in preparing and organizing the necessary documents before the individual’s departure. They ensure all travel-related documents, such as passports and visas, are in order. The lawyer helps individuals avoid any issues or delays when traveling abroad. They review and verify the completeness and accuracy of these documents.

The lawyer can advise individuals on the specific documentation requirements for their immigration process. They can assist in obtaining and keeping copies of essential paperwork, such as immigration forms and receipts. It also includes correspondence with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Communication With USCIS

A lawyer can act as a liaison between the individual and the USCIS. They can effectively communicate with USCIS on behalf of the individual. They represent their interests and address concerns or inquiries about their travel plans.

The lawyer has professional communication skills. They understand immigration procedures. They can ensure that the individual’s travel plans are conveyed correctly to USCIS. The lawyer can also ensure that any required travel documentation is submitted accurately and on time.

Mitigate Risks

A lawyer can help minimize the risks of traveling abroad while waiting for citizenship. They can advise on strategies to maintain compliance with residency requirements. They minimize potential delays or complications that may arise.

Legal Representation

In case of any unforeseen issues or complications during the individual’s absence, a lawyer can provide legal representation. They can advocate for the individual’s rights and interests. They ensure a fair and just resolution to any immigration-related matters that may arise.

The immigration lawyer provides personalized advice and guidance based on individual circumstances. They do this when someone leaves the United States while waiting for citizenship.

After applying for citizenship, you can still travel abroad while waiting for the result. Your ability to become a citizen won’t be affected by traveling. However, it is crucial to be mindful of lengthy trips, which might cause delays. Thus, staying in the country within the application period is best.

If you do travel, make sure to check your mail regularly and attend required appointments. Hiring an immigration lawyer can help you understand the travel requirements and ensure a smooth process.

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Can I Travel Abroad After applying for U.S. citizenship?

You can travel abroad after applying for U.S. citizenship without any restrictions. However, you can travel only as a permanent resident by using your Green Card as you will become a U.S. citizen only after taking your oath of allegiance.

So you need to follow the rules applicable to permanent residents which require applying for a re-entry permit if the trip is for one year or more.

Can you travel abroad after the naturalization interview?

Even if you are done with your naturalization interview, you will only be a permanent resident until you attend the oath ceremony and receive your naturalization certificate. Hence, you can travel abroad as a Green Card holder, while your U.S. citizenship application is pending.

How travel can affect the naturalization application process?

Even though you can travel abroad there are ways that your travel can affect your citizenship application . All the laws that are applicable for permanent residents in order to travel will still be applicable.

Understanding the laws regarding travel and planning accordingly will help you to travel and at the same time not let it affect your naturalization application process .

While  Form N-400 , Naturalization Application is pending, you must fulfill the continuous residence and the physical presence requirement for the citizenship application. So your trip must not be lengthy.

At the same time, if you have not registered for updates by emails or text messages, you will have to ask your friend or your relative in the United States, to check your mails and inform you about your biometrics appointment and about your citizenship test and interview . You will have to see that you do not miss these appointments and missing your interview or your biometrics appointment will delay your citizenship application process.

Generally, it takes around 12 months or more to process a U.S. citizenship application but you are likely to receive your biometrics appointment notice within one month from the date of your application.

Hence it is better to travel abroad after you submit your biometric information. Some service centers accept walk-ins and if your USCIS service center accepts walk-ins, you can visit the application support center at any time and submit fingerprints and then travel abroad.

As mentioned before, until you take the oath of allegiance, you can travel abroad as a Green Card holder and return to the United States with your valid Green Card. Remember that, you will have to surrender your Green Card only at the time of taking the oath so do not lose your Green Card until then. If you lose it, you should replace the Green Card .

It is recommended to remain in the United States during the naturalization process. But if you are required to travel abroad due to a genuine reason, you may do so, but remember to get back to the United States for your biometrics appointment and your naturalization interview.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship?

U.s. naturalization process explained, step by step instructions on filling out form n-400, u.s. citizenship is denied: what next, ways to become a u.s. citizen, u.s. citizenship test & interview: everything you need to know, what is a citizenship certificate (updated-2024), replace lost naturalization/citizenship certificate(2024).

Can I travel while I am applying for U.S. citizenship?

Yes. As long as you have a valid permanent resident card, you are welcome to travel during the citizenship process. However, it is essential that you do not miss your fingerprinting appointment, naturalization interview, and oath ceremony. Any missed appointments can severely delay your application for U.S. citizenship.

What travel dates are needed for a U.S. citizenship application?

All travel dates outside of the U.S. from the last five years are required for every naturalization application.

As a green card holder, can I spend six months or more outside of the United States to care for a sick family member without losing my permanent residence status?

Permanent residents are not supposed to travel outside of the U.S. for trips longer than 6 months. If you spend more than six months outside of the U.S., when you return, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may ask you to explain why you were away for so long. CBP may give you a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court. Trips less than six months long are rarely an issue.

Trips over six months long can also cause problems with U.S. citizenship applications. An immigration officer may ask for proof that you did not abandon your U.S. residence while out of the country for more than six months. To do this, you may be asked to provide evidence of tax returns, bank accounts, mortgages, or other ties to the U.S. during the time that you were traveling. One of the greatest benefits of U.S. citizenship is the ability to travel outside of the U.S. indefinitely.

What if I travel for a year or more?

Any trip of one year or more means that a person must be in the U.S. for four years and one day after their return to be eligible for U.S. citizenship. If you think you will be outside of the United States for one year or longer, you should apply for a re-entry permit before leaving. That permit will allow you to be away for up to two years. If you need to be away for longer, return before the two years have passed and apply for a new permit.

<– Return to FAQ List

Common Questions about Traveling During the Naturalization Process

June 1st, 2023

Categories: Green Cards Travel US Citizenship

If you currently have a naturalization application pending with the U.S. government, you may be wondering if you can travel in the period between your naturalization interview and your oath ceremony. The short answer is yes: there is no restriction on international travel when you apply for naturalization nor after you have been recommended for naturalization and are waiting for your oath ceremony. 

Green card holders may also wonder if there are any relevant travel restrictions for them. Green card holders are required to maintain continuous presence in the United States, which means generally not accumulating absences of 6 months or greater outside of the U.S. and are required to be physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the past 5 years (if you are applying for naturalization based on your continuous cohabitation with your spouse who is a U.S. citizen, then this latter requirement is half of the past 3 years). If you have had or plan to have a significant amount of travel outside of the U.S. or if your trips were long in duration, it is important to speak with an immigration attorney prior to applying for naturalization. 

As you will be handing in your green card at your oath ceremony, you cannot travel internationally after the ceremony and then reenter the U.S. without having your new U.S. passport in hand. On the day of your oath ceremony, you will receive a certificate of naturalization. You can use this document to apply for a U.S. passport. It can take several weeks for a U.S. passport to be processed; however, this can be expedited should an emergency arise. 

If you have questions on the naturalization process, be sure to contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today! 

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• Application for Naturalization & U.S. Citizenship (Form N-400)

How do I list time outside the United States on Form N-400?

Home » How do I list time outside the United States on Form N-400?

April 20, 2021

Part 9 of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization , requires applicants to list each trip of 24 hours or more that was made outside the United States over the previous five years. Itemizing this “time outside the United States” can be a challenging task for applicants with numerous trips abroad.

List Individual Trips Outside the United States

It’s easiest to start by listing your individual trips. Include any trip (including visits to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean) that lasted 24 hours or longer. Next, enter the dates of the trip and determine the number of days you spent outside the U.S. during each absence. If you visited two or more countries before returning to the U.S., it still counts as a single trip. If you are having trouble remembering the dates of travel, read how to find travel records . Form N-400 accommodates only six trips.

Mistakes on your N-400 application can cause costly delays or a denial.

  If you’ve run out of room, you’ll need to add a separate sheet with the itemized trips. When preparing Form N-400 on CitizenPath, our software will automatically prepare you an Additional Information sheet if necessary. Your additional trips (as well as other overflow information) will be neatly itemized so that USCIS can quickly process the application. Try it now >>

Why USCIS Requires This Information

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants details about your time spent outside the U.S. to determine if you’ve met the continuous residence and physical presence requirements for naturalization. Extensive time outside the United States raises a presumption that continuity of residence has been disrupted. Assume that USCIS can obtain this information on it’s own. So part of the exercise is a test in good moral character.

What is Extensive Time Outside the United States?

Extensive time outside the United States could come in the form of one long trip or the combined days from several trips outside the U.S. Here are some general guidelines:

• Avoid any single trip outside the U.S. that lasts six months or longer
• Avoid cumulative trips that add up to at least half of the required residence period (30 months for a five-year permanent resident or 18 months for a three-year permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen).

For more information about the dangers of extensive absences from the U.S., read about the continuous residence and physical presence requirements . If you have spent a significant number of days outside the U.S. (over 180 days), CitizenPath recommends that you consult with an attorney before filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

RECOMMENDED: Travel Abroad Affects N-400 Citizenship Eligibility

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Parviz Malakouti-Fitzgerald, Esq.

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• Apr 6, 2023

How to Travel Safely With a U.S Naturalization Application Pending

Updated: Apr 18, 2023

By Parviz Malakouti-Fitzgerald, Esq.

An application for U.S. naturalization doesn’t have to stop you from hopping on a flight to Bali, Paris, or any other amazing destination.

Article Outline:

Fingerprint Appointment & Interview

Maintaining “Continuous Residence”

Maintaining Enough “Physical Presence”

Video Explainer

Request a Consultation With Malakouti Law

For green card holders with a U.S naturalization application in process, the idea of leaving the United States can be scary.

You may fear that your journey will have an adverse effect on your application or possibly impede you from reentering the country. However, with the right guidance, it is possible to travel without worry. To make sure your overseas trip goes smoothly while a naturalization request is pending here are some helpful tips.

If you'd like to have an experienced immigration lawyer review your situation for issues, you can skip the reading, and request a consultation immediately .

Can You Travel While Your Naturalization Application is Pending?

Yes, you can. But before you go that route, there are a few important things to take into account.

1. Fingerprint Appointment and Interview

When filing for naturalization, one must take the timing of international travel into account. After filing your U.S. naturalization application (N-400), USCIS will book you for a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints taken.

The fingerprints must be taken in the United States. This means that if you are traveling, you must return for your biometrics appointment. Alternatively, you can try to reschedule your biometrics appointment, but understand that this rescheduling could result in a delay in your naturalization case.

After you've completed your biometrics appointment, you will be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer. This interview also takes place within the United States. This meeting may take place several months after submitting your application due to processing times and USCIS officers' availability in the region.

If you intend to travel internationally while your naturalization application is still pending, make sure that you are available for your biometrics appointment and interview. Your failure to appear for your naturalization interview could result in a denial of your application.

Related: How to Make a Correction On Your Naturalization Application at a USCIS Interview

2. Maintaining “Continuous Residence”

When applying to become a U.S. citizen, the length of time you have resided in the country , maintaining continuous residence are vital components that must be taken into account before traveling abroad. Naturalization eligibility requires applicants to maintain continuous residence even while the naturalization application is pending . As a practical matter, this usually means avoiding trips outside of the United States for six continuous months or longer.

3. Maintaining Enough “Physical Presence”

To successfully naturalize in the United States, you must not only fulfill the continuous residency requirement but also prove that you have been physically present in the United States for at least half of your time as a U.S. legal permanent resident.

For instance, if you gained permanent residency five years ago, then for that period of time you must have been residing physically within the United States for at least two and a half years. If your stay outside the USA was extended, this condition may not be fulfilled which means that naturalization could be denied to you.

Note: the physical presence requirement must be met both a) at the time of submission of your U.S. naturalization application and b) at your U.S. naturalization interview. Therefore, if you are traveling internationally, you must make sure you do not fall afoul of the physical presence requirement while your application is pending.

4. Video Explainer

5. Request a Consultation With Malakouti Law

Traveling internationally while your naturalization application is still pending is possible, but it requires careful consideration of the factors mentioned above, such as your biometrics appointment and interview, continuous residence, and physical presence. By keeping careful track of these factors, you can safely travel and still ensure that your naturalization application remains on track.

Once you’ve successfully naturalized in the United States, your freedom of movement opens up dramatically. You can request a U.S. passport, with visa-free access to 180+ countries, and as a U.S. citizen, you can stay outside of the U.S. for however long you’d like.

To have your situation screened for particular issues or to discuss being represented in your naturalization process, you can request a consultation with Malakouti Law here .

Each immigration and citizenship case is particular and you should consult with a qualified, licensed immigration lawyer about your case before taking any steps. The Law Office of Parviz Malakouti does not guarantee the accuracy of information presented nor assume responsibility for actions taken in reliance of this information. The information in this page could become outdated. Attorney marketing.

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Can I Travel as a Legal Permanent Resident with a Pending N-400?

You have been patiently awaiting your opportunity to apply for Naturalization and that time has finally come! Now you have a pending N-400 Application for Naturalization and want to know if it is possible to travel during this pending stage.

First, travel is permissible during the application process for U.S. naturalization and alongside it being permissible there are no travel restrictions once you have filed your form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Why are there no restrictions? There are no restrictions because you are a green card holder and as a green card holder you are a permanent resident allowed to travel abroad even with a pending naturalization application.

Second, although you do not have any travel restrictions you do still have residence and physical presence requirements you must satisfy to maintain your legal permanent resident status within the U.S. For this reason it is important that any trip you plan to take must not be for longer than 180 days and you must remain mindful of the amount of accumulated time that you spend outside of the U.S. If you accrue more than 180 days outside of the U.S., USCIS will presume that you have disrupted the continuous residence requirement, consider your continuous presence broken, and will deny your N-400. For reference:

• If you are applying for naturalization based on 5 years as a permanent resident then you will need to show that you have at least 30 months of physical presence within the U.S. in order to have maintained your status.
• If you are applying for naturalization based on 3 years as a permanent resident as a qualified spouse of a U.S. citizen, then you must show at least 18 months of physical presence within the U.S. in order to have maintained your status.
• Additionally, in all cases, you must show that you have resided for at least 3 months immediately prior to filing form N-400 in the USCIS district or state where you claim to have residency.

Third, there are 3 major and essential naturalization appointments during the process and attendance to these appointments is paramount to the success of your N-400 application:

• Your biometrics appointment within a few weeks of filing your application;
• Your naturalization interview; and
• Your oath ceremony to officially become a citizen in the U.S.

Careful consideration of when you travel is important because should these appointments be scheduled during your time outside the U.S., it can lead to unnecessary complications. While it is possible to reschedule these appointments doing so would only likely lead to significant delay in your naturalization process. Moreover, ignoring the appointment notices will more than likely lead to a denial of your application.

Fourth and lastly, while there are no restrictions, per se, to your ability to travel outside the U.S. with a pending N-400 it would be wise to err on the side of caution and remain within the U.S. until your application has been adjudicated to ensure that you do not miss any appointments, do not need to reschedule any appointments because of your absence, and prevent avoidable delays.

Please always consider seeking advice with an experienced immigration attorney when making travel decisions during any portion of the Green Card or Naturalization application process.

By: Juanita Deaver

Juanita Deaver  is a Staff Attorney in the I-140 and AOS Department, where she assists clients in the middle and later stages of the green card process.

Juanita earned her J.D. from South Texas College of Law Houston in May 2021. As a law-student, Juanita interned at a non-profit organization where she discovered her passion for immigration while working on family-based cases helping file I-130 petitions and I-485 adjustments of status. During her time at South Texas, she further pursued her interest in the field of immigration law through enrollment in the school’s Immigration Clinics where she worked on TPS, T visas, and DACA cases. Her experience working with families and clients in emergency situations has provided Juanita the tools and experience to provide clear and concise explanations to the seemingly daunting immigration process.

Juanita joined Reddy & Neumann as a law clerk in December 2019. While clerking, she gained valuable experience by working closely under attorneys from each of the firm’s departments on drafting successful requests for evidence, appeals, motions to re-open, and through legal research on immigration matters. Juanita understands that every case is unique and hopes to provide each client with a better understanding of the ever-changing immigration process.

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• Can I Travel Outside Canada While My Citizenship Application Is Being Processed?

1. Overview of the Canadian Citizenship Application Process

The Canadian citizenship application process involves several steps and typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete. After obtaining permanent resident status and meeting the residency requirements, eligible applicants must submit a completed citizenship application along with required documents and fees to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once the application is reviewed and approved, the applicant must pass a citizenship test, attend an interview, and participate in a citizenship ceremony to take the Oath of Citizenship.

2. Traveling While Your Application is Being Processed

Validity of your permanent resident (pr) card.

While your citizenship application is being processed, you still hold permanent resident status in Canada. You can travel outside the country, provided that your PR card is valid. A PR card is usually valid for five years, and you must ensure that it does not expire while you are abroad. If your PR card is nearing its expiration date, you should apply for a new one before leaving Canada.

Maintaining Your PR Status

To maintain your PR status, you must meet the residency requirements, which involve being physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within a 5-year period. When you travel outside Canada, you must ensure that your time spent abroad does not breach this requirement. Otherwise, you could risk losing your PR status.

Potential Risks and Consequences of Traveling

While traveling outside Canada during the citizenship application process is allowed, there are some risks and potential consequences you should be aware of:

Delays in processing: If you are required to attend an interview, take the citizenship test, or participate in a citizenship ceremony, being away from Canada might cause delays in your application process. It’s crucial to stay informed about any updates on your application and promptly respond to IRCC communications.

Lost or expired PR card: If your PR card gets lost or expires while you are abroad, you will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada. Obtaining a PRTD can be time-consuming and may lead to unexpected delays in your return.

Maintaining residency requirements: As mentioned earlier, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within a 5-year period to maintain your PR status. Spending too much time outside Canada could jeopardize your citizenship application if you fail to meet these requirements.

Travel advisories: It’s essential to stay updated on travel advisories issued by the Canadian government. Traveling to countries with high-risk advisories may result in additional scrutiny upon your return to Canada and could potentially impact your citizenship application.

To minimize these risks and ensure a smooth travel experience, plan your trips carefully and stay informed about your application’s progress. Keep records of your travels, and always ensure your PR card is valid before leaving Canada.

3. Meeting the Residency Requirements for Citizenship

Physical presence requirement.

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within a 5-year period before submitting your application. This requirement ensures that applicants have a strong connection to Canada and have experienced life in the country.

Calculating Your Days Outside Canada

When calculating your days outside Canada, keep a record of your travels, including departure and return dates. You can use the IRCC’s Physical Presence Calculator to determine if you meet the physical presence requirement. Remember that time spent outside Canada as a permanent resident counts toward this requirement, but you must ensure that you still meet the residency obligations for maintaining your PR status.

Exceptional Circumstances and Exemptions

There are some exceptional circumstances and exemptions to the physical presence requirement:

Crown servants: Time spent abroad as a Crown servant (e.g., working for the Canadian government or the Canadian Armed Forces) or as a family member of a Crown servant can be counted as time spent in Canada.

Humanitarian and compassionate grounds: In very limited cases, the IRCC may grant citizenship on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. However, these cases are rare and are considered on an individual basis.

4. Travel Documents Needed for Your Journey

Valid permanent resident card.

A valid PR card is required for permanent residents traveling outside Canada. You must present your PR card to airline staff before boarding your flight to Canada, as it serves as proof of your status in the country.

Valid Passport from Your Home Country

In addition to your PR card, you must also have a valid passport from your home country for international travel. Make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your trip and has at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.

Visas and Entry Requirements for Your Destination

Before traveling to any foreign country, you should research the entry requirements for your destination. Depending on your nationality and the country you are visiting, you may be required to obtain a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) in advance. You can find this information on the destination country’s embassy or consulate website, or by using the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page.

Keep in mind that each country has its own entry requirements, and these may change without notice. Make sure to verify the most up-to-date information before booking your trip and apply for any necessary visas well in advance to avoid delays or complications.

5. Re-entering Canada After Your Trip

Procedure at the port of entry.

Upon returning to Canada, you will go through the standard procedure at the port of entry. This involves presenting your valid PR card and passport to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. The officer may ask you questions about your trip, such as the purpose and duration of your stay outside Canada. Answer all questions honestly and provide any requested information or documentation.

Providing Proof of Residency

The CBSA officer may also ask for proof that you have maintained your PR status by meeting the residency requirements. It’s a good idea to carry documents that demonstrate your ties to Canada and your physical presence in the country, such as:

• Employment records
• Tax documents
• Lease agreements or property ownership documents
• Utility bills
• School or medical records

Having these documents readily available can help expedite the re-entry process and avoid potential issues at the border.

Impact on Your Citizenship Application

Re-entering Canada after a trip abroad should not have a negative impact on your citizenship application, provided that you have maintained your PR status and met the residency requirements. However, if you have spent a significant amount of time outside Canada or traveled to high-risk destinations, you might be subject to additional scrutiny by the IRCC. In such cases, it’s essential to provide accurate and complete information about your travels to avoid delays or complications with your application.

6. Steps to Take If Your PR Card Expires While Abroad

Applying for a permanent resident travel document (prtd).

If your PR card expires or gets lost while you are abroad, you will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada. The PRTD serves as a one-time-use document that allows you to board your flight back to Canada. To apply for a PRTD, you should visit the nearest Canadian visa office, embassy, or consulate in the country where you are located. You will need to provide:

• A completed application form
• Proof of your identity and PR status
• Documents demonstrating that you have met the residency requirements
• A recent passport-sized photo
• The required processing fee

Processing Times and Fees

Processing times for PRTDs can vary depending on the location and the volume of applications. It is advisable to check the current processing times on the Government of Canada’s website. As of September 2021, the processing fee for a PRTD is CAD $50; however, fees may change, so you should verify the current fee before submitting your application.

Preparing for Your Return to Canada

While waiting for your PRTD, make sure to gather all necessary documents proving your PR status and residency in Canada, as you may be asked to present these at the port of entry. Keep in mind that a PRTD is a one-time-use document and cannot be used for multiple trips. Once you return to Canada, you should apply for a new PR card immediately to avoid issues with future travels.

7. Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience

Informing the immigration, refugees and citizenship canada (ircc) of your travel plans.

While it’s not mandatory, informing the IRCC of your travel plans can be helpful, especially if you have a pending citizenship application. If there are any updates or requests related to your application, the IRCC can contact you while you’re away. To inform the IRCC about your travel plans, you can use the online IRCC Web form or call their helpline.

Keeping Records of Your Travels

Maintaining detailed records of your travels is essential for calculating your days outside Canada and meeting the residency requirements for both PR status and citizenship. Keep track of the following information:

• Dates of departure and return
• Destination countries
• Purpose of the trips

Additionally, retain any travel documents, such as boarding passes, tickets, or entry/exit stamps, as these can serve as proof of your travels if needed during the citizenship application process or when re-entering Canada.

Staying Informed on Travel Advisories

Before traveling, check the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page for information about your destination, such as safety and security, entry requirements, health risks, and local laws. Stay updated on any changes in travel advisories, as visiting high-risk countries may result in additional scrutiny upon your return to Canada and could potentially impact your citizenship application.

Monitoring travel advisories can help you make informed decisions about your travel plans and ensure your safety while abroad. In case of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances in the destination country, register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. This service allows the Canadian government to contact and assist you in case of an emergency during your trip.

By following these tips and staying informed about travel advisories, you can minimize potential risks and enjoy a smoother travel experience while maintaining your permanent resident status and progressing through the Canadian citizenship application process.

8. Summary of Key Points

Traveling outside Canada while your citizenship application is being processed is allowed, but you must maintain your PR status and meet the residency requirements.

Understand the potential risks and consequences of traveling, such as delays in processing, lost or expired PR cards, and maintaining residency requirements.

Ensure you meet the physical presence requirement of 1,095 days within a 5-year period before submitting your citizenship application.

Carry the necessary travel documents, such as a valid PR card, passport, and any required visas or entry permits for your destination.

Be prepared for the procedures at the port of entry when re-entering Canada, providing proof of residency and PR status if needed.

If your PR card expires or is lost while abroad, apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada.

Keep the IRCC informed of your travel plans, maintain records of your travels, and stay updated on travel advisories to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Final Recommendations for Traveling While Awaiting Citizenship

Plan your trips carefully to avoid any negative impact on your citizenship application.

Stay informed about your application’s progress and promptly respond to any IRCC communications.

Always ensure your PR card is valid before leaving Canada and apply for a new one if needed.

Follow the tips mentioned above for a smooth travel experience and to minimize any potential risks.

By being well-prepared and informed, you can confidently travel outside Canada while awaiting your citizenship, ensuring you maintain your PR status and progress through the application process.

9. Official Government Websites

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) : The official source for information on Canadian immigration, citizenship, and related services.

Travel Advice and Advisories : The Government of Canada’s website for travel advice, advisories, and information about entry requirements for specific countries.

Physical Presence Calculator : An online tool provided by the IRCC to help you calculate your physical presence in Canada.

Registration of Canadians Abroad : A free service that allows the Canadian government to contact and assist you in case of an emergency during your trip.

Citizenship Tracker

• Top Reasons for Canadian Citizenship Application Denial
• How to Check the Status of Your Citizenship Application in Canada
• Do I Need to Hire an Immigration Lawyer for My U.S. Citizenship Application?
• Canadian Citizenship Test: Resources and Study Tips
• How to Update Contact Information on a Canadian Citizenship Application

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• Trusted Traveler Programs
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• How To Apply

How to Apply for Global Entry

It’s easy. just follow these steps..

Before applying, make sure you are eligible for Global Entry .  

Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account

Regardless of your age, you must have your own Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account.

Log in to your TTP account and complete the application

A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application.

Schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center

After accepting your completed application, CBP will conduct a review. If your application is conditionally approved, your TTP account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center . Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.

Complete the application process

Bring your valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card, to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine readable permanent resident card.

Non-Refundable Application Fee

A $100 one-time fee is required with your Global Entry application and must be paid at time of application submission through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) system. You can pay by credit card or through an electronic bank transfer.

The fee is non-refundable, even if an application is denied.

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Can I Travel While My Visa Application is Being Processed?

Anne morris.

• 17 November 2022

IN THIS SECTION

Recent changes to the way in which immigration applications are processed means that most in-country applicants will have possession of their passports while awaiting a decision on permission to stay in the UK. However, this has created a great deal of confusion, where applicants are often unsure as to whether they can travel outside the UK during this period.

The following guide for visa applicants looks at the rules relating to travel outside of the UK pending an immigration decision, and provides a full and detailed response to the frequently asked question: “Can I travel while my visa application is being processed?”.

Will I have a passport while my visa application is being processed?

When applying for a visa, settlement or citizenship in the UK, you will either need to verify your identity by using an online IDV (identity verification) app or, alternatively, attend an in-person appointment at an UKVCAS service point to provide proof of your identity, your biometric information and any supporting documents. UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) is the official partner of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) , providing administrative services in connection with immigration applications, whereas UKVI is the division of the Home Office responsible for making visa and immigration decisions.

If you are eligible to use the IDV app, you will be told when you start your online UKVI application. If given the option of using the app, this will enable you to verify your identity and re-use your existing biometrics from a previous application. It will also allow you to upload your supporting documents, which will be sent directly to UKVI. In this way, a decision can be made on your application without the need for an UKVCAS appointment.

However, even if you are required to attend a face-to-face UKVCAS service point, changes to the way in which UKVCAS are processing applications means that your passport or other travel document will not usually be retained until a decision is made by UKVI, but rather it should be immediately returned to you once this has been used to verify your identify.

Rules on retaining passports pending decisions

Under paragraph 34(5) of the UK’s Immigration Rules, you must provide proof of your identity when making an application for leave to remain, including all extension applications and any switching between visas, as well as applications for settlement and citizenship. In most cases, proof of identity will mean a valid passport or other travel document. However, pursuant to paragraph 34J (introduced in October 2021), any proof of identity provided will usually be returned to you while your application is being considered.

The only exception to the new rule on returning an applicant’s passport or other travel document is “unless the Secretary of State considers it necessary to retain it”. This essentially means that, in very limited circumstances, a decision will be made to retain an applicant’s proof of identity. However, generally speaking, this will only be considered necessary where an applicant is either an overstayer or in the UK as a visitor.

If I have my passport, can I travel while my application is being processed?

With visa applications regularly taking several weeks or months to be decided by UKVI, and with any passport or travel document in hand, it is not uncommon for applicants to want to travel outside the UK prior to a decision having been made. This could be, for example, to take a holiday, to visit friends and family living abroad, or for an overseas business trip.

Still, even if there is a legitimate reason for wanting to travel outside the UK, and with very limited exceptions under the Rules, the short answer to the frequently asked question “Can I travel while my visa application is being processed?” is usually “NO”.

The fact that you have not been required to give up your passport does not, of itself, give you permission to travel abroad. This is because, if you have applied for either further or indefinite leave to remain, paragraph 34K of the Immigration Rules provides that where a decision has not been made on an application, and the applicant travels outside the Common Travel Area (CTA): “their application will be treated as withdrawn”. The CTA refers to the UK, as well as to the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland.

The restriction on travel is not very well-advertised when making a visa application. The restriction is also often inconsistently enforced, where UKVI may not even be aware of any absence unless the applicant declares this in later applications. Still, the risks of travelling outside of the CTA are serious, including being refused entry at the UK border. Below we look at the rules relating to overseas travel, together with the exceptions to these rules.

Rules on overseas travel with a pending immigration application

If you travel outside the CTA before a decision is made on your application to stay or settle in the UK, UKVI will automatically treat your application as withdrawn. In turn, if your application is withdrawn because you have used your passport to travel abroad while awaiting a decision, you will no longer have an application pending with UKVI. As such, depending on whether or not your previous visa remains valid, this will not only determine your right to re-enter the UK, but also your ability to make a fresh in-country application.

If you applied for further or indefinite leave to remain prior to expiry of your previous visa, but still had existing leave when you left the UK, known as extant leave, unless the visa expiry date has since passed, this leave will still be valid. In these circumstances, you should be allowed to return to the UK, but you would need to file a fresh visa application.

In contrast, if you applied for further leave prior to expiry of your previous visa and transferred onto what is known as section 3C leave, because your visa expired while awaiting a decision, your section 3C leave will have expired on the date that you left the UK. This means that you will be refused re-entry back into the UK, as you no longer have a valid visa, and you will also be out of time to renew your application to UKVI for further or indefinite leave to remain. The purpose of section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 is to prevent anyone who has made an in-time application to extend their leave from becoming an overstayer pending a decision on their application. However, this leave will automatically lapse if you travel outside the UK during that decision-making period.

If you have an outstanding visa application and travel outside the CTA, that application will not provide you with any right to re-enter the UK to receive a decision. This is because the application will be automatically treated as withdrawn. This means that you will probably be refused entry to the UK unless you are allowed to re-enter with a different type of leave, for example, if your existing leave has not yet expired or if you have made, and have been successfully granted, another immigration application before returning to the UK.

The following example clearly illustrates how travelling outside the UK can cause serious and potentially very costly problems for an applicant:

Sarah, an American national, was originally granted permission to live and work in the UK on the basis of her marriage to Mark, a British citizen. Sarah filed an extension application on 1 September 2022 and her original grant of leave expired on 4 September, such that Sarah was benefitting from section 3C leave. As Sarah needed to travel to the States for business, she left the UK on 1 October and attended a series of meetings over the course of just one week. However, when Sarah tried to re-enter, the UK Border Force Officer refused her entry, explaining that leaving the UK had withdrawn her extension application. Sarah was also refused entry to the UK as a visitor because she was clearly not a visitor. Sarah was therefore forced to return to the US and file a new partner application from outside the UK.

Rules on overseas travel with a pending citizenship application

If you have made an application to naturalise as a British citizen, the rules relating to travel are different. Generally speaking, applicants can travel outside of the CTA while awaiting a decision. This is because, to be eligible to apply for citizenship by way of naturalisation, you must already have indefinite leave to remain. In turn, with the grant of indefinite leave, and provided you do not remain outside the UK for any longer than 2 years ‘and’ maintain an intention to settle in the UK, you are permitted to travel freely in and out of the country. Further, citizenship applications are not actually made under the Immigration Rules.

Equally, if you have submitted an application to settle under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), your application should not be treated as automatically withdrawn if you travel outside the CTA. This is based on the most recent caseworker guidance for EUSS applications, which states that an application made under Appendix EU (which sets out the rules relating to these applications) will not be treated as automatically withdrawn if an applicant travels outside the CTA before the application has been decided.

There is, of course, a great deal to be said about proposals for reform in the context of permissible travel pending decisions on all other immigration applications. Despite all the recent changes to the UK’s Immigration Rules, it still appears to be a rather archaic system when individuals who are desperate to travel outside of the CTA have to choose between maintaining their lawful immigration status and visiting loved ones, or simply getting on with their jobs and lives as they would normally. The exceptions to the travel requirement in the context of naturalisation and EUSS applications show that applicants can still have the intention to remain and live in the UK, while travelling for family or work reasons during the typically lengthy processing periods . Such applicants can also be easily contacted by UKVI.

However, as the Rules currently stand, applicants awaiting decisions on further or indefinite leave applications must exercise patience and await a decision before leaving the CTA. It is therefore important that travel plans are put on hold once a visa application has been filed from inside the UK or that applicants are fully aware of the potential risks before departure.

Can I cancel and re-submit my visa application at a later stage?

If you have submitted an application for further or indefinite leave to remain and would like to withdraw that application, either because you have to urgently travel overseas or for any other reason, you can ask UKVI to cancel, or withdraw, your application online.

You will be entitled to a refund of the immigration health surcharge paid if you cancel before a decision has been made by UKVI about your application. However, whether or not you will be entitled to a refund of the application fee will depend on what stage your application is at when you cancel. Your fee should still be refunded, provided you have not yet attended an UKVCAS appointment and enrolled your biometric information. Equally, if you were not required to attend an appointment in the first place, because you were eligible to use the IDV app to prove your identity, you can again cancel your application and should receive a fee refund, provided you have not yet uploaded your documents.

Importantly, however, whether or not you can subsequently re-submit the same application having left the UK is by no means guaranteed. If your existing leave is due to expire or has already expired, you may lose your permission to stay in the UK. This means that you would need to make a fresh application from outside the UK before being able to return. In some cases, by leaving the UK, this could also impact your eligibility, for example, this could break your continuous residence period for the purpose of an indefinite leave application.

If you make a decision to withdraw a visa application, you cannot stop the cancellation once this request has been received by UKVI, so it is always important to seek expert legal advice from an immigration specialist before deciding whether to cancel your application. Equally, advice should always be sought before risking taking a trip abroad while awaiting a decision on your application. In this way, all options can be explored to protect your position, including paying to expedite any decision using UKVI’s priority services.

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DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists . Contact us for expert guidance and support with your UK visa and nationality application.

Travel during the application process FAQs

Can you travel while visa application is being processed uk.

If you have applied to switch to another visa from within the UK or for a visa extension, including applications for ILR, you will not be permitted to travel overseas until you have been given a decision.

Can you travel while UK citizenship application is pending?

If you have made an application to naturalise as a British citizen, generally speaking, you will be able to temporarily travel overseas while awaiting a decision from UK Visas and Immigration, provided you still intend to settle in the UK.

Last updated: 17 November 2022

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Guide to Travelling to the UK
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Explore Commonwealth Visa Options
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ How to Live Permanently in the UK
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ UK Immigration Appeal & Status Guide 2024

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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Canada to introduce new rules around off-campus work hours for international students

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

International students enrich Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. That is why, in recent months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced reforms to the International Students Program, to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.

April 29, 2024—Ottawa— International students enrich Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. That is why, in recent months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced reforms to the International Student Program, to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today that the temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus will come to an end on April 30, 2024, and it will not be extended. This fall, we intend to change the number of hours students may work off campus per week to 24 hours.

Students who come to Canada must be here to study. As such, allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week will ensure they focus primarily on their studies, while having the option to work, if necessary.

As we head into the summer session, students who have a scheduled academic break can continue working unlimited hours.

In developing this change, we looked at the needs of students, policies in other countries, as well as research that has shown that academic outcomes suffer the more a student works while studying. It also strikes the appropriate balance so students have the option to work without compromising academic outcomes. More details will be shared in due course.

We also continue to develop the new Recognized Institutions Framework to reward post­secondary institutions that set high standards for selecting, supporting and retaining international students. We will continue to support and protect international students from financial vulnerability and keep protecting the integrity of the International Student Program.

“Working off campus helps international students gain work experience and offset some of their expenses. As international students arrive in Canada, we want them to be prepared for life here and have the support they need to succeed. However, first and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student program.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Recent studies conducted in the US and Canada have shown that there is a considerable decline in academic performance for students working more than 28 hours per week, and that working more than 24 hours per week increases the chances that a student will drop out of their program.

Most countries that welcome international students set limits on the number of hours they may work while they study. Australia recently changed its policy to allow a student to work 48 hours every 2 weeks. In the US, students must meet additional criteria before being permitted to work off campus at all.

In December 2023, the Government of Canada raised the cost-of-living threshold that students must meet to be approved for a study permit so they are financially prepared for life in Canada and are not as dependent on working.

International students who begin a college program delivered through a public-private curriculum licensing arrangement on or after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit when they graduate. Those who already started this type of program prior to May 15, 2024, will still be able to access a post-graduation work permit, provided they meet all other criteria .

The new letter of acceptance (LOA) verification process has been a success. Since its launch on December 1, 2023, through April 1, 2024, IRCC has

•  received almost 162,000 LOAs for verification
• confirmed nearly 142,000 LOAs as valid directly with designated learning institutions (DLIs)
• identified almost 9,000 LOAs that didn’t match any LOA issued by a DLI or that the DLI had already cancelled before the foreign national applied for a study permit

Associated links

• Statement: Minister Miller issues statement on international student allocations for provinces and territories
• Notice: Update on public-private college partnership programs for international students
• Notice: Additional information about International Student Program reforms
• News release: Canada to stabilize growth and decrease number of new study permits issued
• News release: Revised requirements to better protect international students
• News release: Changes to International Student Program aim to protect students
• Website: Work off campus as an international student

Aissa Diop Director of Communications Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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Fiscal Year 2024 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

On April 24, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services began accepting applications for a competitive funding opportunity under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. Through this opportunity, USCIS will offer up to $10 million in competitive funding for organizations that help prepare immigrants for naturalization and promote civic integration through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics. 

This opportunity is for public or nonprofit organizations that prepare immigrants for citizenship by offering both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services.

Funding Opportunity:                           DHS-24-CIS-010-001 Application Deadline:                           June 21, 2024 (no extensions)  Estimated Number of Awards:         Up to 40 Anticipated Funding Amount:          Up to $10 million  Performance Period:                             Two years (comprising two budget periods, each lasting one year)   Anticipated Award Date:                     September 2024 Maximum Grant Award:                      Maximum grant award is $300,000 ($150,000 for the first year and an anticipated $150,000 for the second year)

Program Requirements

To be eligible for funding, you must provide the following types of services under the program: 

• The provision of at least 40 hours of citizenship instruction over a 10- to 12-week class cycle with managed enrollment to at least 120 students at the National Reporting System for Adult Education (NRS) low beginning to advanced (NRS Levels 2-6);
• Instruction in U.S. history and government for test preparation and the promotion of civic integration;
• Activities that promote civic and linguistic integration; 
• Civics-based ESL instruction in reading, writing, and speaking for the naturalization test, naturalization process, and required integration activities; 
• Instruction on the naturalization interview and Form N-400; and
• Instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
• Instruction primarily delivered in English on the naturalization process and eligibility interview;
• The use of a nationally normed standardized test of English proficiency and the CASAS Citizenship Assessment to place and assess progress of all students enrolled under this program (at least 80% of post-tested students must demonstrate educational gains as shown by improved standardized test scores); 
• The use of a current adult citizenship textbook that aligns with the skill level of the students in the class (published textbooks only; we will not accept compilations of worksheets or handouts); all students must be issued a textbook for their own personal use to keep; and
• The use of citizenship teachers who have degrees in education (K-12 Social Studies, History, TESOL or Adult Education) or who have at least one year of experience as the lead teacher in a class for adult immigrants.  
• Provide naturalization eligibility screenings;
• Prepare and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, over the two-year period of performance for at least 120 immigrants;
• Provide ongoing case management;
• Prepare students for the naturalization interview; and
• Use a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representative (partial accreditation is acceptable) or an attorney who is an employee of the applicant’s organization or the sub-awardee organization. Attorneys and accredited representatives must sign Form N-400 as the preparer and submit Form G- 28 with each Form N-400 filed under this grant.

Organizations may also use grant funding to: 

• Have an accredited representative or licensed attorney appear with clients at the naturalization interview; and
• File other naturalization-related forms or documents (such as Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions), if applicable.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible entities include:

• City or township governments;
• County governments;
• Independent school districts;
• Native American tribal governments;
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of higher education;
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education;
• Special district governments; and
• State governments.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the below requirements:

• Applicants must be an organization with public or non-profit status;
• The applicant or sub-applicant must have at least one year of experience in the past three years providing citizenship instruction in a classroom setting that follows a curriculum and uses a citizenship textbook; and
• Be recognized by the DOJ and employ at least one DOJ-accredited representative employee (partial accreditation is acceptable) with experience providing clients with naturalization representation; or
• Have at least one attorney on staff as a paid employee with experience in providing clients with naturalization representation.

Not Eligible

Organizations are not eligible to receive funding under this opportunity if they are:

• A for-profit law firm or attorney in private practice;
• A current awardee or sub-awardee under the FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services Grant (funding opportunity DHS-23-CIS-010-002) or Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (DHS-23-CIS-010-003).

If DHS determines at any point during the review process that an application does not meet these eligibility requirements, we will remove the application from further consideration.

Additional Information

For additional information and updates on the FY 2024 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, visit uscis.gov/grants or email the USCIS Office of Citizenship at [email protected] .

We will hold a stakeholder engagement on May 22, 2024, to address questions about this grant opportunity. An invitation to the engagements will be forthcoming. To learn more about applying for federal funding opportunities, visit grants.gov or contact the support line at 800-518-4726.

Please direct all media inquiries to the USCIS Office of Public Affairs at 202-272-1200.

Since it began in FY 2009, USCIS has awarded $155 million through 644 competitive grants to immigrant-serving organizations in 41 states and the District of Columbia. The program has helped more than 300,000 immigrants prepare for citizenship. Through this grant opportunity, USCIS seeks to expand the availability of high-quality citizenship preparation services and to provide opportunities for immigrants to gain the knowledge and training necessary to promote their integration into the fabric of American society. Increased learning opportunities and additional citizenship instruction resources in communities will help immigrants improve their English language skills, increase their knowledge of U.S. history and government, and gain the tools to become successful citizens and meet their responsibilities as U.S. citizens.