I reviewed all of the renunciation information and have decided not to renounce my U.S. citizenship.  What do I do?

There is no action required.  Receiving the questionnaire and application forms is not binding.  We will shred your application six months after receipt. After those six months, if you change your mind and chose to renounce, you must restart the process.

Can I renounce my U.S. citizenship via mail?

No, you cannot renounce by mail.  You must appear before a U.S. consular officer at either AIT Taipei or Kaohsiung to sign the oath of renunciation voluntarily and intentionally.

How long does the renunciation process take?

After your renunciation appointment where you sign the oath of renunciation in front of a consular officer, your application will be sent to the U.S. Department of State for final approval.  This process can take four to six months.  We do not have the ability to expedite your renunciation application.

Can I travel to the U.S. while my renunciation application is pending final approval from the U.S. Department of State?

During the time between your renunciation appointment where you sign the oath of renunciation in front of a consular officer and the time when the U.S. Department of State approves your application, you are technically still a U.S. citizen.  Therefore, if you decide to travel to the U.S. with your foreign passport during this period, you are in violation of U.S. law, which requires U.S. citizens to travel to the United States using a U.S. passport.

Can I travel to the U.S. after my renunciation is approved?

After your renunciation is approved, you are no longer a U.S. citizen.  You will need proper documentation to visit, live, work, or study in the United States.  For example, if you are travelling for tourism purposes, you will need approval via Visa Waiver Program and have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or a valid non-immigrant visa.

Why do I need to provide my foreign passport(s)?

We ask for your foreign passports because unless you possess another foreign nationality, you may be stateless after you renounce your U.S. citizenship.  This means you would lack the protection of any government and you may not be entitled to a passport from any country, making it difficult for you to travel.  We want to ensure that you understand the ramifications of becoming stateless.

Can a minor child under the age of eighteen renounce?

A minor child under the age of eighteen must convince the consular officer that they fully understand the nature and consequences of the oath of renunciation, are not under duress or subject to undue influence, and are voluntarily and intentionally seeking to renounce their U.S. citizenship.  Minor children under the age of eighteen are presumed not to have the requisite maturity and knowing intent, making it even more difficult to convince the consular officer that they understand the ramifications of renouncing their citizenship.

Can my parents renounce on my behalf?

No, parents cannot renounce U.S. citizenship on behalf of their children.