MidAtlantic

Yes, I got my green card back then I had to give it in at the ceremony.

Sally Redux

Oh! I didn't know that. How long? (Planning to get a re-entry permit for my daughter).

Rete

At the oath ceremony at the Federal Court in Manhattan they took your green card from you.

MrMuffin

I had mine in Concord, NH and it was the same for me. They took my Green Card at the ceremony. Also what was nice was that they had passport people downstairs waiting so you could apply for the US Passport there and all the applications were expedited for free. I had the passport within a week or so.

To the OP: Like a previous poster said... at your interview tell them when you're leaving and hopefully they can arrange for a sign-in for you. My ceremony was six weeks after the interview as the first one afterwards was already full. There were at least 100 people being signed in... I remember there were people from 34 different countries!! I was one of 5 Brits

Noorah101

Check the USCIS Guide to Naturalization at www.uscis.gov.

Rene

Sally Redux

Thanks Rene!

RICH

At my Oath Ceremony, they took the Green Card away on the way in, and handed out the Naturalization Certs on the way out. I wonder what happens if for some reason one "fails" the oath ceremony - does one get the GC back?

They do not take the card at the interview.

Guindalf

You cannot 'fail' the oath ceremony. You can, however be refused to take it if, say, you're not dressed satisfactorily (as happened to a couple of punk-goths when I did mine).

I think you just have to return at a later date, but I don't know what happens regarding the green card. I would guess that if you go through the expense and time to apply, it's unlikely that the ceremony itself would be a problem.

sir_eccles

I recall at my ceremony, several officers walking round the room watching us carefully as we said the oath. Not sure what might have happened if they thought someone had their fingers crossed or something.

yorkieuk

Thanks! Going to tell officer we are flying within a month so would like the oath ceremony ASAP!

Also silly q but does spouse have to go to citizenship interview with you? The letter didn't say anything about it just said bring drivers license...

RICH

No to spouse at interview, but bring anyone you like to the ceremony

nun

In your family circumstances I would definitely get US citizenship. But make sure you understand the obligations and potential restrictions it will place on your financial life so that you can plan for them.