Can I Reschedule My Citizenship Test?
Yes, you can request to reschedule the citizenship test and interview.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services modified Form I-797C, Notice of Action for Naturalization Interviews:
If you are ill, have any symptoms of illness, have traveled outside the United States within the past two weeks or had contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 within the past two weeks, or are at heightened risk due to age or an underlying health condition, call the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. (emphasis added).
The USCIS website (last reviewed/updated: 09/17/2020) likewise confirms that if you need to reschedule an appointment, you should follow the instructions on your appointment notice.[i]
Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations at § 335.6, however, indicates:
- (a) An applicant for naturalization shall be deemed to have abandoned his or her application if he or she fails to appear for the examination pursuant to § 335.3 and fails to notify USCIS of the reason for non-appearance within 30 days of the scheduled examination. Such notification shall be in writing and contain a request for rescheduling of the examination. In the absence of a timely notification, USCIS may administratively close the application without making a decision on the merits.[ii]
Lally Immigration Services, LLC strongly recommends that if you need to request to reschedule a citizenship test, that you timely call the USCIS Contact Center and send a written request to the USCIS office listed on the interview notice which explains both why you are unable to appear for the interview as well as your request for a new interview.
If you recently filed a n400 form or are considering applying for naturalization, contact Lally Immigration Services, LLC at (617) 870-1000 or email immigration lawyer, Dayna Lally, at [email protected].
[i] See: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-a-uscis-office/if-you-feel-sick-please-consider-canceling-and-rescheduling-your-uscis-appointment.
[ii] See: 8 CFR § 335.6(a).