The decision to renounce your U.S. citizenship is an exceptionally serious and irreversible step that warrants careful and thorough deliberation. Understanding the profound implications of this choice is crucial before you take the step to request a Certificate of Loss of Nationality, emphasizing that this action cannot be undone.
Legal Requirements
Prior to embarking on this journey, it is essential to meticulously review the legal requirements and potential actions that might lead to expatriation. Comprehending the full spectrum of its consequences is vital before you proceed to apply for a Certificate of Loss of Nationality.
Remember that expatriation can never be exercised by another person, including parents and/or legal guardians. If you are intent on applying for a Certificate of Loss of Nationality, you will need to participate in an interview with a consular officer. During this appointment, the officer will conduct an interview and may administer the Oath of Renunciation, subsequently forwarding your application to the Department of State for their assessment. Be aware that this entire process could extend over several months.
Please do not use our online calendar to schedule your Loss of Nationality appointment. All appointments for this service must be arranged through email communication only.
Brasília – brasiliaacs@state.gov
Porto Alegre – portoalegreacs@state.gov
Recife – recifeacs@state.gov
Rio de Janeiro – acsrio@state.gov
São Paulo – saopauloacs@state.gov
RENUNCIATION
Renunciation refers to the formal act of taking an oath to renounce your citizenship. If you are applying for expatriation under Section 349 (a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), please submit the following documentation:
- Evidence of U.S. Citizenship, such as your most recent U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
- Bio-pages of all current foreign passports.
- Certificates of Naturalization for any country, including the United States, if applicable.
- Certificates of Citizenship for any country, including the United States, if applicable.
- Evidence of any name changes, if applicable (for instance marriage or divorce certificates, court orders, or deed polls).
- Fee: USD 2,350.
RELINQUISHMENT
Relinquishment is defined as the voluntary act of relinquishing citizenship with the intention to do so. If you have performed a potential expatriating act as outlined in Sections 349 (a)(1)-(4) and (6)(7) of the INA, please prepare to submit the following documentation:
- Evidence of U.S. Citizenship, such as your most recent U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
- Bio-pages of all current foreign passports.
- Certificates of Naturalization for any country, including the United States, if applicable.
- Certificates of Citizenship for any country, including the United States, if applicable.
- Evidence of any name changes, if applicable (for instance marriage or divorce certificates, court orders, or deed polls).
- Fee: USD 2,350.
**Interview with Immigration Expert Dr. Emily Carter on Renouncing U.S. Citizenship**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Carter. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the serious decision of renouncing U.S. citizenship. To start, could you explain why this is considered an irreversible step?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Renouncing U.S. citizenship is indeed a significant decision because it permanently severs your legal ties to the United States. Once you receive a Certificate of Loss of Nationality, you cannot reverse that choice, which can have profound implications on your status, rights, and responsibilities, both in the U.S. and abroad.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the legal requirements one must consider before taking this step?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s crucial for individuals to thoroughly review the legal requirements surrounding expatriation. This includes understanding the actions that may lead to losing citizenship, seeking proper legal guidance, and, of course, preparing for the process itself. The U.S. State Department provides valuable resources outlining these obligations, which every potential applicant should be familiar with.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the process itself. Can you walk us through what applicants can expect during the consular interview?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly! The consular interview is a critical component of the process. During this appointment, a consular officer will ask you questions to ensure you understand the implications of renouncing your citizenship, and they may administer the Oath of Renunciation. After that, the officer will forward your application to the Department of State, which can take several months for processing.
**Interviewer:** Are there any specific instructions for scheduling these appointments that applicants should keep in mind?
**Dr. Carter:** Yes, that’s an important detail. Applicants should not schedule their Loss of Nationality appointments online. Instead, all communications should happen through email to the appropriate U.S. consulate in their area. It’s essential to follow these guidelines to ensure everything is processed smoothly.
**Interviewer:** what advice would you give to someone considering renouncing their U.S. citizenship?
**Dr. Carter:** I would strongly advise anyone contemplating this decision to carefully evaluate their reasons and the long-term consequences. Consulting with a legal expert specializing in immigration can provide guidance tailored to their specific situation. It’s crucial to approach this decision with a fully informed perspective since it cannot be undone.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for shedding light on this complex and important issue. Your insights will undoubtedly help our viewers understand the gravity of renouncing U.S. citizenship.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s essential to have open discussions about such important matters.