You can reschedule or delay your green card interview if your spouse is abroad, yes. U.S. USCIS knows that deployments can disrupt major appointments such as green card interviews, so they make sure to provide some extra room.
Your green card interview is rescheduled on “good cause” if your spouse is deployed and cannot make it to the interview. USCIS is open to service members asking to move their interviews because of deployment or other military commitments.
How to Cancel Your Green Card Interview Because of Deployment?
If your husband is due to go overseas during the time of your green card application, here’s what you should do:
Notify USCIS of the Deployment: If you are filing a petition or application with USCIS and your spouse is about to deploy, make sure to let them know in your paperwork. I have an upcoming deployment” or write this on the cover sheet of your application or petition in large print on the first page.
Already Submitted Your Application?
If you’ve already filed your green card and need to notify USCIS about the deployment, call the USCIS Military Help Line as soon as possible. You can contact them at 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645) or 711 (deaf/hard of hearing) if you have telecommunications relay services.
Special Considerations for Military Families
USCIS understands that deployments and military service are part of life in the military, and they are flexible when it comes to scheduling and admitting military cases. USCIS may also give special processing for military personnel or in emergencies. Ask your local USCIS or the Military Help Line for expedited processing.
Filing Forms While Deployed
If you are a spouse of a military spouse and need to submit a form such as Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, while your spouse is on deployment or stationed overseas, USCIS will accept the form without your spouse’s signature as long as you have included the following:
- Each piece of evidence is listed on the form.
- A copy of your husband’s military service, like a deployment order or a commander’s letter.
- After your spouse gets back to the U.S., you’ll want to call the Military Help Line for more information.
Naturalization and Overseas Orders
If you or your spouse have already completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and are given orders for overseas service before your naturalization interview, you will have to inform USCIS. Email your nearest USCIS office or Military Help Line to cancel your interview.
Though USCIS doesn’t offer video or satellite interviews right now, they’ll try to get your interview before you or your spouse leave. USCIS may even be able to schedule the interview in a foreign territory if your husband or wife is overseas.
Address Updates for Military Families
If you or your family has been deployed/transferred, update your USCIS address. This helps keep you in contact with timely case news and letters, including updates on your rescheduled interview.
The short version is that if your spouse is stationed abroad, USCIS can schedule green card interviews and other immigration applications. So don’t forget to inform USCIS if you’re getting deployed, and inform them soon enough so that your green card application continues without interruption. Law and Visas will guide you further if you need to, in terms of what you have to do for a green card or naturalization application.
