If you're looking to get an Antigua and Barbuda passport through the Citizenship by Investment program, there's a new step: a mandatory interview.
We know interviews can be a bit stressful if you're not sure what's coming. To help you out, we've put together 15 common questions people often have about the interview process itself, helping to clear some doubts and ensuring you’re prepared.
1. When did interviews become mandatory?
Interviews were introduced back in December 2023 by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
2. At what point during the application process do I need to participate in the interview?
Interviews are part of the due diligence process, scheduled to take place virtually after the completion of the due diligence investigative phase.
3. Is it mandatory for local agents to attend these interviews, and what is the protocol if an applicant wants an external agent present?
The interviews are carried out by independent service providers, capable of conducting them in the applicant's preferred or native language. Consequently, there is no requirement for Licensed Agents or other external representatives to participate in this process.
4. Will applicants receive advance notice about any issues identified during due diligence that need to be addressed in the interview, including the interview schedule?
Applicants will be informed of the interview date and time by the Unit via the Local Licensed Agent. Any requests for additional information or documentation, as part of the due diligence process, will be communicated after the due diligence is concluded.
5. Are arrangements in place to accommodate multiple interview sessions across different time zones?
Interviews will be held in a single session for all family members aged 16 and older unless otherwise specified by the Unit. Applicants are encouraged to choose the earliest possible date and time to avoid scheduling issues and delays in application processing.
6. Who determines the interview date, and how many options are provided to the applicant?
The Unit will coordinate with the applicant through their Licensed Agent to set the most convenient interview date and time, offering a minimum of three options to choose from.
7. How much notice will applicants receive before their interview?
Applicants will be offered the earliest available dates to choose from, with a minimum of three date and time options provided by the Unit.
8. Are all listed applicants required to be present for the interview, and who will be interviewed?
All application members must be present for the interview, but only those aged 16 and above will be interviewed directly. The principal applicant can present identification for members under 16. Where family members are in different locations, links for the virtual interview will be provided.
9. For applicants not individually interviewed, what is required of them during the interview?
All members aged 16 and over will be interviewed, and they must present their identification documents, including all passports. Identification for those under 16 can be presented by the principal applicant.
10. What documents are applicants expected to present during the interview?
Applicants should have all submitted identification documents ready for the interview, including passports, government-issued IDs, and birth certificates.
11. Can copies of documents be used, or are original documents required at the interview?
Originals of all submitted identification documents are required at the interview, though certified copies may be accepted under exceptional circumstances.
12. Is there a fee associated with the interview, and when is it due?
An interview fee of US$1,500 per application is required at the time of the initial application submission.
13. What are the consequences of rescheduling an interview, and is there a limit before a penalty is applied?
No penalty is imposed for rescheduling an interview, but applicants are encouraged to keep their original appointment to prevent scheduling issues and delays.
14. What follows the completion of the interview, and when will the decision be communicated?
Post-interview, the decision will be communicated as per the usual procedures outlined in Section 5 (14) of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Act, 2016.
15. Do applicants receive a copy or transcript of their interview?
As interviews are part of the due diligence process, neither reports nor transcripts are available to applicants or third parties.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped clarify any doubts you might have had about the Antigua and Barbuda passport interview process. If you have additional questions, the High Net Worth Immigration team is here to assist you.
Not only are we ready to answer your questions, but we are also equipped to help you secure your Antigua and Barbuda passport through the Citizenship by Investment route.
