Father passed citizenship interview. He suddenly passed away before oath ceremony.

[tadli77 18]

My dad died last June 24 at age 69. It was sudden. He died at work. We are all very much heartbroken. More so because all he wanted to do was be at his oath taking ceremony. You see, dad passed his citizenship interview on June 11 of this year. He was waiting patiently for his oath taking notice in the mail and was very excited about becoming an American.

My question is this, what happens now? Does he get his citizenship certificate posthumously?

I have called the USCIS and spoke to an agent, who was very sympathetic, however, all she could say was for us - the family - to wait for dad's oath ceremony notice in the mail. She then said we should write USCIS that my dad has passed away with a copy of his death certificate. But she didn't really answer if we will still get his citizenship certificate.

Considering he did not take the oath when he died, I assume dad died a non-American... is this right?

All very heartbreaking. We buried dad wearing an American flag tie... something he was saving for the oath taking ceremony.

Any information will help. Thank you.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Without taking the oath he can't become a citizen.

[TBoneTX 45,293]

May you be comforted among all who mourn.

[JimmyHou 611]

My dad died last June 24 at age 69. It was sudden. He died at work. We are all very much heartbroken. More so because all he wanted to do was be at his oath taking ceremony. You see, dad passed his citizenship interview on June 11 of this year. He was waiting patiently for his oath taking notice in the mail and was very excited about becoming an American.

My question is this, what happens now? Does he get his citizenship certificate posthumously?

I have called the USCIS and spoke to an agent, who was very sympathetic, however, all she could say was for us - the family - to wait for dad's oath ceremony notice in the mail. She then said we should write USCIS that my dad has passed away with a copy of his death certificate. But she didn't really answer if we will still get his citizenship certificate.

Considering he did not take the oath when he died, I assume dad died a non-American... is this right?

All very heartbreaking. We buried dad wearing an American flag tie... something he was saving for the oath taking ceremony.

Any information will help. Thank you.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.

To answer your question, your father did not become a US citizen because he did not take the oath of citizenship. The oath is the crucial last step in becoming a citizen. To give you an example, if an applicant is approved at his interview based on marriage to an American wife, but the wife dies before the oath ceremony, then the husband will not be allowed to take the oath and become a citizen.

There's a little more information here on this non-USCIS website: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/youre-not-naturalized-us-citizen-until-you-take-the-oath.html

Congress can award posthumous naturalization, but that is very rare and is usually reserved high profile cases.

It's probably best that you focus on your family at this time and put your father's natiralization behind you. However, if it helps you and gives you something to do, then there's no harm in trying to contact USCIS for more information.

I hope that this does not affect the immigration status of the rest of your family.

[MiaPA 12]

I am so sorry for your loss, it is such a sad story. My condolences to you and your family, God Bless.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

How horrible, so sorry for the loss in your family

[tadli77 18]

Thank you for the kind words. I figured that dad did not become an American but I take comfort in knowing that he died knowing he passed the citizenship interview and was on his way to becoming one. I am sad for him... but comforted nonetheless.

His becoming a citizen or dying as a non-US citizen doesn't hinder any of us since mom, myself and my siblings are all Americans. He was the last one to become an American. He waited so long since he was so nervous about the interview. But we encouraged him and encouraged him and finally, he had the interview and he passed! He was so happy. But I hope this is a lesson for people who wait before they file their N400. Do it soon. Don't wait too long.

Thank you again for reading.

[lemontrees 1]

Sorry to hear that

Hope you and your family live well.

Thank you for the kind words. I figured that dad did not become an American but I take comfort in knowing that he died knowing he passed the citizenship interview and was on his way to becoming one. I am sad for him... but comforted nonetheless.

His becoming a citizen or dying as a non-US citizen doesn't hinder any of us since mom, myself and my siblings are all Americans. He was the last one to become an American. He waited so long since he was so nervous about the interview. But we encouraged him and encouraged him and finally, he had the interview and he passed! He was so happy. But I hope this is a lesson for people who wait before they file their N400. Do it soon. Don't wait too long.

Thank you again for reading.

[Shauna&Wael 211]

My deepest condolences. But as you mentioned, I am sure he felt so proud of himself passing the interview. He knew he would have become a citizen in a matter of time. Maybe that in itself made him really happy. He will always be with all of you in your hearts. May his soul rest in peace

[Ayman___ 92]

We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. (F)

[Cathi 5,748]

Don't be sad for him, he was happy knowing he passed the test and was about to take the oath. My condolences to your family, and what a wonderful gesture burying him in the tie he was going to wear at the oath ceremony. He was an American at heart

[JimmyHou 611]

Thank you for the kind words. I figured that dad did not become an American but I take comfort in knowing that he died knowing he passed the citizenship interview and was on his way to becoming one. I am sad for him... but comforted nonetheless.

His becoming a citizen or dying as a non-US citizen doesn't hinder any of us since mom, myself and my siblings are all Americans. He was the last one to become an American. He waited so long since he was so nervous about the interview. But we encouraged him and encouraged him and finally, he had the interview and he passed! He was so happy. But I hope this is a lesson for people who wait before they file their N400. Do it soon. Don't wait too long.

Thank you again for reading.

He didn't become a US citizen, but he raised children who clearly appreciated him, cared for him, and who now miss him. He sounds like a 100% successful man to me.

[annina78 0]

I am so sorry to hear this. I would like to offer my sincere condolences for your loss.

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

So sorry for your loss.