The naturalization ceremony as the final step

People in Florida who are working towards naturalization as U.S. citizens generally know that the final step involves the naturalization ceremony, but they may not know what to expect. Prior to being scheduled to attend the ceremony, the other steps, including taking the civics and language tests as well as sitting for the naturalization interview, will need to be completed.

In some cases, a person will be fortunate enough to be scheduled for the naturalization ceremony the very same day the interview is completed. Others should expect to receive a notice of their scheduled date and time in the mail. A person who is unable to attend the scheduled date and time must return the notice along with a written request for a new date and time. An explanation as to why the ceremony cannot be attended as scheduled must also be enclosed. A new date will then be given. If two scheduled ceremonies are missed, the naturalization application will be denied.

The ceremony itself may either be a judicial or an administrative one. In either case, participants must arrive ahead of time and bring their permanent residence cards with them. They will be required to check in and turn in their residence cards. They will then be admitted to the ceremony itself. During the ceremony, all will need to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States. Upon doing so, participants will be given a Certificate of Citizenship.

The naturalization ceremony is the culmination of all of the steps needed for successful and complete immigration and naturalization as a U.S. citizen. An immigration and naturalization attorney may help people prepare to take the required tests, prepare for the interview and submit all of the materials required to attain the status.

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, “Naturalization Ceremonies”, accessed on Jan. 27, 2015