Whether it was due to missing paperwork, a failed test, or some other issue with an application, it is possible for someone to become a citizen even if they are not approved in the first naturalization interview. If your naturalization application was not accepted the first time around, keep reading to find out what some of your options are.
What to Do If You Get a Form N-14
The first thing you need to find out is why your application was not approved. You need to make sure that you get a "results sheet", and perhaps a Form N-14 form as well, from an officer from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The results sheet tells you the results of your naturalization interview. If you get a Form N-14, this should tell you if the officer needs more documents or forms from you before a decision can be made in your case.
This form should also give you the details on what information is needed, and on how it should be given. You may need to supply these documents at your next interview, or to submit them in the mail by a deadline. It is absolutely necessary for the Form N-14 to make sense. If it is not written clearly, then you should courteously ask the officer to rephrase the form. If the officer does not do so, you could always go to a supervisor for assistance.
If you need to send information in the mail, be sure to send that out early so that you do not miss the deadline. When you mail the papers, be sure it goes through certified mail and that you ask for a return receipt, or that you send it through overnight express mail so that you can have a receipt and proof that you mailed the papers.
Studying to Retake Tests
If you did not pass a naturalization exam, then you can get a chance to take it again. A second naturalization interview can be scheduled within the following 90 days, enough time for you get some more studying done. Along with any other study tools you may want to use, you can check out some of the studying tools provided by the USCIS on their website.
Waivers for Age or Disability
If you are the relative of someone who could not pass the naturalization exam despite the fact that they studied hard, it is possible that he or she could be eligible for an age or disability waiver for the test. An immigration lawyer may be able to tell you if this is the case. Or sometimes, the problem is that a USCIS officer was unkind or rude to someone taking the test who is older, has issues with hearing, or who has some other issues that need to be taken into consideration in the test.
If this was the case for your family member, then the good news is that at the second interview, you are probably not going to be with the same officer. If you do end up with the same officer though, or if the other officer is still rude, then you can go to a supervisor. You can use the opportunity to courteously tell the supervisor about how your relative has worked hard to prepare for the test and that the officer did not give him or her "due consideration" when they took the test. Ideally, however, you will have an immigration attorney come with you to a second interview. A legal advocate could help you protect your relative's rights, perhaps talking to the officer or a supervisor on their behalf.
If you have any other questions about the naturalization process, do not hesitate to contact an experienced immigration attorney today! With the help of a dedicated lawyer, you can understand how to be prepared for every stage of the process, and on how to defend your rights.