ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionHow to complete address part of form for last 3 years?
I will have been a permanent resident by August 2012 and would like to start preparing my form to apply for citizenship. I took a look at it to see what was needed and note you have to put your address for the past 3 years.
We arrived in Aug 2009 from the U.K. (my husband is a USC)and travelled about until
we lived in Nov 2009 to Dec 2009 in Washington state,
Arizona Jan 2010 to Jun 2010,
again travelled until lived in Washington state again (different town)Nov 2010 to Sep 2011
and then to another town in Washington from Sep 2011 to now.
So for the travelling, living out of our car and camping periods,(Aug 2009 to Nov 2009 and Jun 2010 to Nov 2010, what do I give as our address? Officially I gave them my aunt in New York state, so they had something on record but I never actually went there or lived there. I only advised USCIS of our proper address in Nov 2010 as we had finally settled then. I know this is a muddle but can I just put, living in our car and camping or will it look odd? We were hoping to buy a cheap foreclosure but we never did and ended up renting in several places and looking for work.
Thanks for any insight anyone can give me.

Edited by celtic59, 23 May 2012 - 07:43 PM.

celtic59FemaleScotland2012-05-23 19:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionSEATTLE N400
I sent mine off on Aug 22nd, check has been cashed and Seattle is my nearest place.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-09-02 22:07:00
US Citizenship General Discussionovernight to Canada while in naturalization process?

Don't worry about it. During your interview, the IO will go over the N-400 form with you. Any changes that happened after you've filed can be updated that day.

Thanks for that.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-21 15:24:00
US Citizenship General Discussionovernight to Canada while in naturalization process?
I have applied for naturalization, had fingerprints taken, and am in line to get an interview date. Can I leave to go to Canada overnight? How would that work with the question of how many days have you spent outside the US as it wouldn't be correct at the interview with the form I completed when I applied?
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-21 11:56:00
US Citizenship General Discussionhow long to receive the IL in the mail in Seattle???

I hope your interview office is Seattle because it might process your application much much faster. However, since you had your fingerprint in Portland, it is likely that you will have your interview there too. With that being said, I warn you about receiving the yellow paper. I also received mine on August 28th (about 3 weeks after my fingerprint) and it has been quiet since.

On another thought, my status online still shows "initial review". So I am not sure if my fingerprints were cleared or not.

OK, well I thought because I lived in Washington state I would need to have the interview there, but I don't know. I don't actually want to get the interview until after my college course ends mid December anyway, then I don't have to miss a day of college or worse an exam. Clearly I won't be getting anything anytime soon anyway!
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-11-01 14:11:00
US Citizenship General Discussionhow long to receive the IL in the mail in Seattle???

I didn't even know that it was meant to change from "inline" to "scheduled". Mine still just says "inline" and has done since Oct 9th. Will post if I get a change of status or letter as I am due to go to Seattle as well.

Got a yellow letter today from USCIS saying that it was not an interview letter :angry: , but prior to forwarding my case for interview, they have performed a complete review of my file and need additional documentation. It is my state-issued driver's license. I've to bring it to the interview. I didn't know I was meant to send a copy with my file.So my file is slowing wending it's way up to interview status!
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-25 18:05:00
US Citizenship General Discussionhow long to receive the IL in the mail in Seattle???

I hate customer service. They never tell you anything. I wish they can just tell me the date of the interview so that I take the day off. Any ideas?. I thought they send you the letter once they update the status.


I didn't even know that it was meant to change from "inline" to "scheduled". Mine still just says "inline" and has done since Oct 9th. Will post if I get a change of status or letter as I am due to go to Seattle as well.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-25 15:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPortland Oregon Field Office

yeah I know its 5 months but the waiting time between YOU WERE PUT IN LINE FOR INTERVIEW AND THE DAY YOU ARE SCHEDULED FOR INTERVIEW is a month for most people, mine is wayyy more than that

I was put in line Oct 29th, this changed on Nov 6th to scheduled for an interview and I received the interview letter a few days after that (for Portland office). My interview is Dec 13th.

I was put in line Oct 29th, this changed on Nov 6th to scheduled for an interview and I received the interview letter a few days after that (for Portland office). My interview is Dec 13th.

No wait I was put in line Oct 9th, not 29th.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-11-16 16:14:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionSEATTLE USCIS N 400 INTERVIEW

anyone from Seattle?

I just did a search on this site and this link came up about the Seattle office if it helps.
http://www.visajourn...iew-in-seattle/
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-29 01:19:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionBenifits of citizenship
I agree with the other advice you have been given. I am a UK citizen as well and am about to have my citizenship interview next week. I am doing it so my husband and I have the same citizenship for at least one of our countries, so we know we can always stay in that country. Plus I have the added bonus of the UK passport to allow me (and so him) into Europe should we ever get enough money to retire and live there.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-12-08 14:47:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat happens ta the oath ceremony?

It depends on your venue for sure. In Houston, 2000 new citizens give or take 500. Check-in starts 7 am and ceremony at 10 am. We didn't leave until about 11:30 because all those thousand new citizens have to go through check out to get their certificates. Quite a bit different than the other one described in this thread.

Thanks, I am thinking that Portland, Oregon will be a bit smaller affair than Houston.
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-01-31 19:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat happens ta the oath ceremony?

I think it really depends on the venue and how many people are there. at mine there were 64 people all together (and their families). It was in a courtroom, it took about 40 minutes to get everyone checked in, then the judge was brought in, he spoke some words and then we were sworn in as citizens and then each one was presented with their certificates and given an opportunity to take a photo with the judge. All total we were there just over 2 hrs. That was our experience.

thanks. It's not in a court house, it's in the USCIS office in downtown Portland, where I went for my interview.
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-01-31 16:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat happens ta the oath ceremony?
I have finally got a date for my oath ceremony, next week, Feb 7th in Portland, OR. I thought that when I received my letter it would give details of what happens on the day. All it tells me is what to wear, what to bring and where to go. Can anyone tell me how long it is? What everyone has to do on the day? I am a little anxious about it all. I have invited my 81 year old father-in-law and don't want to think he'll be stuck in a room for a long length of time.
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-01-31 14:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOath Ceremony that wasn't
So glad to hear it finally happened for you. I am scheduled for Feb 7th in Portland, OR so I hope it all goes OK. I hadn't even anticipated something like your set of problems.
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-02-02 16:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionParking ticket for USC husband, car in my name, do I tell them this at oath ceremony on 7th Feb?

I don't think he needs to disclose it since he is not the responsible about this ticket from the law prospective even if he is the one who was driving, I think in front of the law you are the responsible about who you lend your car to. Personally I won't mention that !

Exactly what I thought, as the question is have I been charged for breaking any laws or ordinances, so no, I haven't.
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-02-04 19:27:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionParking ticket for USC husband, car in my name, do I tell them this at oath ceremony on 7th Feb?
So on the list of questions for the final oath ceremony, there is one about having traffic tickets, parking violations between interview and the ceremony. I have never had one. My husband, while driving the car registered in my name,got a parking ticket last week. I have today just paid it online and have printed receipt. Of course it says it is against my name as the car is in my name. Do I have to show this at the oath ceremony?
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-02-04 18:03:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers
Went to the oath ceremony today in Portland, Oregon. Everything went fine.39 people from 24 countries became citizens today. Got a bit teary eyed as we were meant to sing along with the national anthem. Folk were there to get us to sign up and register to vote, for both Oregon and Washington state. Given passport applications in the handout envelope, so all we have to do is complete them and go to social security office re updating our cards. All in all a very stress free ceremony. Glad that is over. It was 7 and 1/2 years ago that I first applied for a permanent visa.
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-02-07 19:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers
February 7th in Portland is my oath ceremony!
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-01-30 18:15:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers

Done with my oath. Did registered to vote. Thanks for the support everyone.

Good Luck to those who are not yet taking their oath at this point.

"On January 28, 2013, we scheduled you for your oath ceremony and sent a notice providing the date, time, and location". My status has been updated today on the USCIS website. :dance: In the next day or so I will have a date for the oath ceremony!
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-01-28 15:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers

I am wondering how long it takes after you submit extra evidence for them to make a decision. I passed my interview on Dec 13th, was told my fingerprints were unreadable, told to get police check for any state I'd lived in for past 3 years and send in paperwork by Jan 12th. I did it on Dec 28th and had it signed for at USCIS. Just don't know how long they take to look at it. :clock:

Update! Just checked my status online yesterday "On January 21, 2013, we placed your application in the oath scheduling que. We will send a notice when the ceremony is scheduled." So I now await a date for my oath ceremony!
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-01-22 12:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers

True . I guess since USCIS has 120 days time frame to schedule for oath ceremony I can't complane for another 3 weeks..

I am wondering how long it takes after you submit extra evidence for them to make a decision. I passed my interview on Dec 13th, was told my fingerprints were unreadable, told to get police check for any state I'd lived in for past 3 years and send in paperwork by Jan 12th. I did it on Dec 28th and had it signed for at USCIS. Just don't know how long they take to look at it. :clock:
celtic59FemaleScotland2013-01-16 16:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers

Had my interview this morning at the Portland, Oregon office. Very pleasant officer, answered all 6 questions correctly. They were : 1. When was the Constitution written? 2. What does freedom of religion mean? 3. What ocean is on the east coast? 4. name a state that borders Canada? 5. What age do you need to register for selective service? 6. How many senators are here?
Everything went fine until he said that my fingerprints had failed again! I already had had them done twice, so when I got the interview I presumed they were OK. But they couldn't read them. So now I have to get a police clearance certificate from every state lived in for the past 3 years, that is Washington and Arizona. WA is easy and I can do it online, but AZ is harder and I have to call the police dept, who may or may not do it, they may tell me to call the sheriff's dept. So apart from that I am OK, I have 30 days to get the certificates to them then I will be placed in the oath queue.
OK hope this helps anyone waiting for the Portland office.

Update: I have received the clearance certificate back from AZ, so will go to Post Office to day and mail that and the WA certificate back via certified mail. Relieved to know paperwork should be back with USCIS in Portland before Jan 13th deadline. Now await my status update and hopefully get an Oath Ceremony scheduled soon. :thumbs:
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-12-27 13:34:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers
Had my interview this morning at the Portland, Oregon office. Very pleasant officer, answered all 6 questions correctly. They were : 1. When was the Constitution written? 2. What does freedom of religion mean? 3. What ocean is on the east coast? 4. name a state that borders Canada? 5. What age do you need to register for selective service? 6. How many senators are here?
Everything went fine until he said that my fingerprints had failed again! I already had had them done twice, so when I got the interview I presumed they were OK. But they couldn't read them. So now I have to get a police clearance certificate from every state lived in for the past 3 years, that is Washington and Arizona. WA is easy and I can do it online, but AZ is harder and I have to call the police dept, who may or may not do it, they may tell me to call the sheriff's dept. So apart from that I am OK, I have 30 days to get the certificates to them then I will be placed in the oath queue.
OK hope this helps anyone waiting for the Portland office.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-12-13 16:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers
Marian 1, how did it go in Seattle?
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-12-01 22:14:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers
That's OK, I haven't input my details, so don't worry.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-11-11 19:53:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers
Got my interview letter today!! Dec 13th 9.35 a.m. Portland. Not sure but did someone say that Portland does same day oaths if done by 10 a.m.? Anyway I am really pleased, it is right after my exams as well.Plus I don't have to go all the way to Seattle.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-11-09 19:33:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers
November 6, 2012: I'm now at "scheduled for an interview"! I await my letter in the mail, better start reading the civics questions:)
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-11-06 21:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers

Hi everyone! So my status changed about a week ago to "Initial Interview and Testing":
On October 18, 2012, your N400, APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION was scheduled for interview. You will receive a notice with a time and place for your interview. If you have not received the notice within 30 days of the date the notice is mailed, please call customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for further assistance. If you move, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address.

From what I understand. they should have sent me the interview notice on October 18? However, I have not received the notice even though it has been 6 days since Oct 18. If it was sent, it couldn't have taken this long to get from Missouri to Arizona, max should be 5 days. Does anyone have the same problem where they got this status update but have not received the interview notice?

Thank you


My understanding is that you should receive the letter "within 30 days of the date the notice". So with 30 days after Oct 18.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-24 23:43:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers

Hello!
I am September 4 ,2012 filer. I had bio on 9/18/12 and put inline interview on 09/24/12.
Do u think my fingerprints are cleared dat I am inline. I am reading dis FBI stuff. I havent heard anything after 09/24/12.
I called and spoke to higher customer service, they said its waiting for an interview. My file is still with nbc.
Please advise

yes, your fingerprints have cleared. I know because mine did not clear first time and I had to go back and have them taken again. Only when that worked did I get a status of "inline for an interview."
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-22 21:37:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers

pls update my timeline oct 9 placed and scheduled for interview. Oct 13 got the interview letter in the mail. interview date is nov 13. Thanks!

wow! that is the same date I was placed in line for an interview. I thought it would be a few months till I got an actual date for it. You only have 4 weeks to memorize all those civics questions, I maybe should start reading mine now :blink:
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-14 22:44:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers

Hey celtic59, Congratulations on your interview. what is your anniversary date? I had my bio in Seattle as well 09/11 but my anniversary is 11/25

August 16th 2009 was the date I entered on my permanent visa card, so I've been here over 3 years now, apart from a 2 week trip to visit my mum last August.I'll post when I get an interview date. I'm not sure if it'll be Seattle or Portland as I had fingerprints done in Portland, it is only a 30 minute drive from here, but then I do live in Washington state.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-10 14:39:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers

What does this mean? I have not received my interview letter yet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Testing and Interview

On October 2, 2012, your N400, APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION was scheduled for interview. You will receive a notice with a time and place for your interview. If you have not received the notice within 30 days of the date the notice is mailed, please call customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for further assistance. If you move, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
just wait for your interview letter in your mail.
I received the same message when I check my status online last October 3, 2012 , and received my Interview letter today.
Goodluck ..

I got similar on my page .."On October 9, 2012, your N400, APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION was placed in line for interview scheduling." So my fingerprints have at last passed!
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-09 20:53:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers
Second attempt at fingerprints today. Lady checking me in had a look at them and said they were very faint, almost worn out, but if they didn't get them this time, I go to a local police station with my SSN and they do a background check on me. That's all they can do, at least it's moving forward(slowly!)
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-10-05 15:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers

Celtic59 when did you have your first BIO taken? and when did you hear about having to redo it? did you get an status change?

first one was Sept 19th, got notification 2 days ago to go in and redo it. No the status hasn't changed on my page.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-09-29 18:38:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers
Have to go back and get fingerprints redone on Oct 5th. Originals weren't readable.I had trouble when I had to get fingerprinted to become a substitute teacher, 3 times I had to get them taken, eventually they just had to accept the final ones.Told the guy that when I was getting them done 10 days ago, but he seemed to think they'd be OK, obviously not. Just glad it's not rescheduled on a school day.
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-09-28 23:06:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August 2012 Filers
Biometrics day is at Portland on Sept 19th, 9 a.m., hope it's not too long, we have tickets for the Mariners in Seattle in the evening:)
celtic59FemaleScotland2012-09-09 16:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpousal Visa Questions, HELP!!!!


My US husband has been granted a spousal settlement visa for here in the UK which is where we live now (we have been here for two months). If he stays here and works, and he has no employment lined up for the states when we apply through the London office, will that be held against us? Would it make more sense for him to take a job now (he is a teacher) in the states and then start all over again, reapplying from the states? Our first attempt from the states was turned down because we didn’t have enough money to use for collateral, my husband could not sponsor me because he had spent the last 4 years in college and did not work. Thanks for your help!!




I don't mean to butt in with only an inkling of how this works, but I'm pretty sure he will need to have a secure income in the US before you can apply, unless you have someone else in the US who is eligible/willing to sponsor you. His UK income will end when the two of you move to the States, and it's your support on US soil that they're going to care about. I'm sure somebody else will come along and elaborate more fully.

Cat :luv:

Does he actually have to be working in the states before we apply in London? He is a teacher, and the only way he would be able to actually work is to leave here first, with me.
celtic59FemaleScotland2006-08-21 10:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpousal Visa Questions, HELP!!!!


1. I need to know before filing in London for a spousal visa, does my husband need to be in the US with a job first, or can he be here in the UK with me? If he is abroad, does that mean he won't come to the interview?
2. What exactly is the benefit of an attorney?
3. I have an abandoned case from the US as my husband couldn't sponsor me as he hadn't sufficient income for the previous 5 years and I needed to sell my UK flat to raise funds. I have an approved I-130, can I use that in
London or do I need to start over with everything again?
4.How long does it all take and how soon after approval must you leave? I mean if I was studying here on a course that ended next June and they said in March I could go,must I leave then?


Okay im going to make the following assumptions...
Your husband is the USC and you are a UKC.... and you are filing for the CR-1 / IR-1 visa to live in the US. If im right read on, if not let me know....

1. It is the US Citizen that petitions for the foriegn spouse not the other way around, so where he sends the petition depends on his location. If he is living in the US he will send the I-130 form to the Service Centre that services his area. He will only DCF (Direct Consular Filing) in london if he resides in the UK, usually you can only apply in London if you have LLR (Limited Leave to Remain) in the UK (although this is not always the case).
2. I see an attorney as no real benefit and they are unable to do anything you are not able to do for yourself.
3. The I-130 is sent to whatever Service Center has jurisdiction over his place of residence, it can only be sent to London if he is in the UK
4. How long does it take?.. How long is a piece of string ?, although many cases seem to be approved in around 9 months from start to finish. Once you case is approved I think you have 6 months to use your visa


My US husband has been granted a spousal settlement visa for here in the UK which is where we live now (we have been here for two months). If he stays here and works, and he has no employment lined up for the states when we apply through the London office, will that be held against us? Would it make more sense for him to take a job now (he is a teacher) in the states and then start all over again, reapplying from the states? Our first attempt from the states was turned down because we didn’t have enough money to use for collateral, my husband could not sponsor me because he had spent the last 4 years in college and did not work. Thanks for your help!!
celtic59FemaleScotland2006-08-21 08:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpousal Visa Questions, HELP!!!!
1. I need to know before filing in London for a spousal visa, does my husband need to be in the US with a job first, or can he be here in the UK with me? If he is abroad, does that mean he won't come to the interview?
2. What exactly is the benefit of an attorney?
3. I have an abandoned case from the US as my husband couldn't sponsor me as he hadn't sufficient income for the previous 5 years and I needed to sell my UK flat to raise funds. I have an approved I-130, can I use that in
London or do I need to start over with everything again?
4.How long does it all take and how soon after approval must you leave? I mean if I was studying here on a course that ended next June and they said in March I could go,must I leave then?
celtic59FemaleScotland2006-08-20 15:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical appointment,when do I make it?
I am about to send the last (hopefully) piece of info and then I will have to get a medical and an interview in London, U.K. Can I make the medical appt myself before I am given an interview date, in order to try and speed (?!) things up, have been waiting since last March and will be in London from next month anyway. I have been told normally it takes another month after the medical to get the interview.
celtic59FemaleScotland2008-03-31 15:56:00