Nervous about handing over naturalization certificate

[jordan85 8]

Hey guys,

 

So I have my naturalization oath ceremony coming up in a few weeks. I'll apply for a US passport soon after. However, going the standard non-expedited route with my passport application has me a little worried.. I am very nervous about handing my naturalization certificate over to the USPS employee, as I fear it may get lost and never get mailed back to me.. Then there's the huge wait time and expense to get a replacement from USCIS.

 

Spouse and I are thinking of doing a little overseas trip to visit family soon, and we were thinking of using this opportunity to expedite my passport at the passport agency, which would help with my worries!

 

Am I over-worrying? And has anyone had any experiences in expediting at the agency? I'm guessing they would need to see my planned itinerary?

Edited April 5, 2017 by jordan85

[kingjulian 81]

Why not try ups or FedEx.. They are more accurate and deliver on time.  You can insure it and mark it as a highly important doc.. That way it's handled carefully 

[charmander 692]

26 minutes ago, jordan85 said:

Hey guys,

 

So I have my naturalization oath ceremony coming up in a few weeks. I'll apply for a US passport soon after. However, going the standard non-expedited route with my passport application has me a little worried.. I am very nervous about handing my naturalization certificate over to the USPS employee, as I fear it may get lost and never get mailed back to me.. Then there's the huge wait time and expense to get a replacement from USCIS.

 

Spouse and I are thinking of doing a little overseas trip to visit family soon, and we were thinking of using this opportunity to expedite my passport at the passport agency, which would help with my worries!

 

Am I over-worrying? And has anyone had any experiences in expediting at the agency? I'm guessing they would need to see my planned itinerary?

I'm sure there are a few people who experienced  USPS mishandling the certificate or even worse losing it that nobody wants to experience. If you are really worried, go with the passport agency route. I believe you pay $60 extra on top of the regular fees. Note that they only accept applications in a specific time window before your trip; they will ask proof of your travel itinerary, so make sure you have an appointment. List of passport agencies are posted at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/where-to-apply/agencies.html

 

Find the one closest to you and follow their instructions.

[milimelo 4,535]

I went the passport agency route for travel in the next two weeks. Extra $60 processing fee but my certificate was returned when I picked up the passport.

 

I heard stories of never getting certificate back, post office people stapling it to rest of paperwork- enough to choose passport agency option. I know some successfully made post office pay for replacement certificate but that's extra months of wait. 

[jordan85 8]

Thanks your your replies and advice guys! Think I'll be going the passport agency route.

[m8cl 5]

On 4/5/2017 at 1:16 PM, jordan85 said:

Hey guys,

 

So I have my naturalization oath ceremony coming up in a few weeks. I'll apply for a US passport soon after. However, going the standard non-expedited route with my passport application has me a little worried.. I am very nervous about handing my naturalization certificate over to the USPS employee, as I fear it may get lost and never get mailed back to me.. Then there's the huge wait time and expense to get a replacement from USCIS.

 

Spouse and I are thinking of doing a little overseas trip to visit family soon, and we were thinking of using this opportunity to expedite my passport at the passport agency, which would help with my worries!

 

Am I over-worrying? And has anyone had any experiences in expediting at the agency? I'm guessing they would need to see my planned itinerary?

You might have reps from the Dept of State during your Oath ceremony (i believe it is stated in the letter).   If so, You can then apply for your passport right after the ceremony.  Execution fee is waived.  They will take your original NC but will give you a photocopy.  it is a scary thought that the original might get lost on its way back to you. But....that is standard procedure  - the original NC has to be sent together with the application form and the fee.  BTw, remember to sign your NC.   The normal processing time is 6 - 8 weeks but, more often than not, it is quicker than that and the passport book, passport card (if you opt to get that together w the book)nd the NC can possibly (which is more than likely) be sent to you in separate envelopes.   Am guessing they do that for security reasons.  Should 1 get lost, you still have the other 2 as proof of citizenship.  If the passport gets lost in transit, i wonder who shoulders the fee to have it replaced.  

 

Passport agency might be the better option for you.  Might cost more but you get it quick.  

[smitherton 3]

I just got all 3 of my documents in the mail this past 7 days.

I had similar reservations, but my NC was returned in very good shape, with only a staple mark on it, No bends, folds, or other forms of wear.

[lilsweetie 32]

I sent mine twice - once for my own passport..  

Then again separately for my son's passport. Both times it got returned promptly no issues!