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 received orders for overseas service before your naturalization interview, you must 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.
How do I notify USCIS about my spouse’s deployment
To notify USCIS about your spouse’s deployment, follow these steps:
- Expedited Processing: If necessary, you can request expedited processing due to the deployment. Explain your situation when you contact USCIS for assistance.
- If You Have Not Submitted an Application: Write in bold letters, “I have an upcoming deployment,” on the first page of your application or on a cover sheet attached to it. This should be done before submitting any forms to USCIS.
- If You Have Already Submitted Your Application: Contact the USCIS Military Help Line as soon as possible at 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645). This line is specifically for military members and their families.
- Provide Documentation: Prepare to present evidence of your spouse’s deployment, such as deployment orders or a letter from their commanding officer, especially if you are submitting forms like the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (Form I-751) without your spouse’s signature.
What evidence do I need to provide to notify USCIS of my spouse’s deployment?
To notify USCIS about your spouse’s deployment, you will need to provide specific evidence to support your notification. Here’s a list of the required documentation:
- Deployment Orders: A copy of your spouse’s official military deployment orders that clearly indicate their assignment and deployment status.
- Letter from Commanding Officer: If available, a letter from your spouse’s commanding officer stating their deployment and confirming your relationship can be helpful.
- Form DD-1172: This form, which is the “Application for Uniformed Services Identification Card DEERS Enrollment,” should include the names of dependents, including you.
- Military Identification: A copy of your spouse’s military identification card or any relevant documentation that shows their military status.
- Evidence of Relationship: Although not directly related to deployment, providing evidence of your bona fide marriage can strengthen your case. This may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Joint bank account statements
- Photos together
- Joint lease or mortgage documents
- Additional Documentation: Any other relevant documents that demonstrate your spouse’s military status and your relationship can also be included, such as:
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders
- Designation of beneficiary on military life insurance policies
When submitting this information, make sure to clearly indicate that you are notifying USCIS about your spouse’s deployment, especially if you are submitting an application or petition. You can also contact the USCIS Military Help Line for further assistance if needed.
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