Effective December 15, 2023, the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) has implemented mandatory interviews for all citizenship applicants. This significant change to the application process aims to enhance the integrity and thoroughness of the citizenship assessment.

Purpose of Mandatory Interviews

The introduction of mandatory interviews serves several key purposes:

1. Enhanced Scrutiny: Interviews provide an opportunity for CIU officers to gain a deeper understanding of applicants' backgrounds, motivations, and intentions. This additional layer of scrutiny helps to ensure that only individuals who genuinely meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate a commitment to becoming valuable members of the country are granted citizenship.
2. Verification of Information: Interviews allow CIU officers to verify the authenticity of information provided in the application forms and supporting documents. Direct interaction with applicants enables officers to assess their credibility and resolve any discrepancies or ambiguities.
3. Assessment of Integration Potential: Interviews provide valuable insights into applicants' potential to integrate into the country's social, cultural, and economic fabric. Officers can gauge applicants' language proficiency, understanding of local customs, and plans for contributing to society.

Interview Process and Requirements

All principal applicants and their dependents aged 16 or above will be required to participate in an interview. Interviews will be conducted virtually by independent service providers contracted by the CIU, ensuring objectivity and consistency in the assessment process.

To ensure a smooth and efficient interview experience, applicants are advised to:

1. Schedule Interviews Promptly: Once notified of their interview date and time, applicants should promptly confirm their availability. This helps to avoid scheduling conflicts and potential delays in processing their applications.
2. Attend with Identification: All members of the application, including dependents aged 16 or above, must be present at the interview. Applicants should bring along the identification documents submitted with their application for verification purposes.
3. Prepare for Language Assistance: While interviews are primarily conducted in English, alternative native language options are available for applicants who cannot communicate effectively in English. Applicants should indicate their language preference when scheduling their interviews.

Cost of Interviews

The cost of mandatory interviews is US$1,500 per application. This fee covers the expenses associated with engaging independent service providers to conduct the interviews.

Impact on Application Processing

The implementation of mandatory interviews is expected to have a slight impact on the overall processing time for citizenship applications. However, the CIU remains committed to maintaining efficient and streamlined processing procedures while ensuring the integrity of the citizenship program.

Conclusion

The introduction of mandatory interviews for Antigua & Barbuda citizenship applicants reflects the CIU's commitment to upholding the highest standards of due diligence and ensuring that only individuals who meet the country's citizenship requirements are granted this privilege. By conducting thorough interviews, the CIU can make informed decisions that safeguard the integrity of the citizenship program and contribute to the country's overall well-being.