ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionPreparing for the Oath Ceremony...
Could you please also create a page for national food - some people think Pizza, Burrito, Spaghetti are national foods - Oops every kid thinks that! jest.gif
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-13 14:44:00
US Citizenship General Discussion3 Months residency Requirement
Since, you are in the process of divorce, you can only file under the regular or 5 year residency rule not the 3 year rule. Make sure and do that or you are just going to waste your filing fee. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-16 10:21:00
US Citizenship General Discussionpassports brought to interview.
My wife was never asked for he rpassports (she had them with her). So, probably it is of no consequence. relax. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-16 10:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 taking a year long ?
Ask him in 'Hindi" - Kya tum pass huey ya Fail? Kya tumhe ek kagaz diya ki nahin?
Yes, everybody is told that they either passed or need some other documentation or have been denied for a specific reason. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-16 10:30:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 taking a year long ?
What was he told at the end of the interview and was he given a paper saying he passed or not? If yes, make an infopass appointment to find out what's going on. Usually, people get the oath letter in 2 to 6 weeks from what I have seen. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-14 10:49:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 Interview on Tuesday - some lingering questions
Hey wait a minute - are you telling me that she never drove in 3 years! Wow! My wife who never drove before, learned driving here and has been driving.
But besides that - your wife will need an ID for her US passport - a state issued ID. So, even with her Naturalization certificate, you might have issues getting a passport - check with the post office near you.
Perhaps, she can get a state ID with her naturalization certificate and then apply for the passport. As far as the interview goes, it doesn't matter as long as she has her greencard. But maybe you can shell out the $10 and get a state ID before the naturalization and avoid this problem. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-16 10:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDocument Requriments for N-400 Naturatlizatoin Interview based on marriage
Do not bring copies of Drivers license and passports - take the originals with you. Also, you must bring your greencard with you, you seem to have left that out of your list as well as the appointment letter. My wife was a=only asked for the copies of the tax returns and nothing else - but she took a few originals with her in case she was asked, your list is good but you must take the originals with you. By the way, the interviewer made copies and returned the tax returns to my wife, even though my wife told her to to keep them since we had copies at home. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-11 11:09:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHow long is waiting time for a replacement of Nat. Certificate?
Also, once you have your US Passport - the Naturalization Certificate is of no use that I can see. I have not used it for anything except the first passport. Since then the only thing it was used for was to sponsor my wife (I could have used my passport copies also). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-21 14:09:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDo I have to go to DMV after oath?
QUOTE (sakura888 @ Jun 20 2009, 09:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys,

I just had my oath ceremony (at last!) and I'm wondering if I have to go to DMV to update my information. I know that I will have to go to SSA office and get a passport, but I havent read anything here about updating my DMV information. What else is next after oath, SSA and passport?

Thanks a bunch.

No, my wife doesn't have to do anything. Nor did I when I became a citizen many years ago. If you expect to live here and get SS pension in your old age and or medicare etc. then you need to update you info at the SS office (my wife isn't going to do that as she will not have enough work history to get a SS pension and we won't be living in USA when we are eligible for Medicare (65). And you get your passport from the Post office (or a passport facility if you choose to expedite). So, No DMV - SS and Post-office for Passport. Good Luck

Edited by motu, 21 June 2009 - 02:07 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-21 14:06:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPicture requirements for N-400
You are too paranoid - I just got pictures from the local walgreens at every stage of this game - K1, AOS, Removel, citizenship and passport - Never had a problem. Just one thing - Do not cover your face (as in a burqa - rest is Ok) - my wife has sent pictures with short hair, long hair, streaked hair, red hair, blond etc. etc. - They don't care and walgreens generally has a white screen they use as a background - you can wear earrings, nose rings whatever you like. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-07-09 14:54:00
US Citizenship General Discussionfee qu
Actually you need to send in two checks - one addressed to homeland security and one to VJ for helping you. jest.gif
motuNot TellingColombia2009-07-09 14:55:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDenver Citizenship test today
QUOTE (jsnearline @ May 5 2009, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Keep us posted on when the Oath ceremony is. We're waiting for my wife's interview letter.

How is the new office in Centennial?

The new office is easy to find - off Arapahoe and Revere - no parking problems - it's a new office (1 month old) and perhaps they are not using all the offices - there were only 25 or 30 cars in the parking area. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-05-05 12:39:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDenver Citizenship test today
My wife had her citizenship test today. We got there abut 20 minutes early and she was called at 9.05 by a lady. She was sworn in first and then the lady asked her some general questions like how she met her husband etc. (my wife thought she was judging her English capabilities). She then asked her to read an English sentence and then write "We pay taxes".
She asked her all the "Yes" questions from the form - The Oath requirement questions. She took 2008 and 2007 tax returns and made copies (We had filed N400 in January before filing 2008 taxes. I had mailed them 2007, 2006, 2005 taxes with the form but maybe she couldn't find the 2007 taxes in the file).
She then printed out a sheet with ten questions (she didn't let my wife see them). She would read them one by one and let my wife answer them. She stopped after 6 since my wife answered all 6 correctly.
1) What is the freedom of religion? (You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion)
2) How many US senators are there? (100)
3) When was the constitution written? (1787)
4) There are four amendments to the constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them. (Citizens 18 and older)
5) What ocean is on the East coast of the United States? (Atlantic)
6) Name one state that borders Canada. (New York + 12 others)

She was told she is passed and that she would get her oath letter in a few days. Then she was given 2 sheets, one saying she has passed, and the other had Oath Information.
She was done in 30 minutes and we were home before 10.00 Oh yes, no I was not in the interview room with her, I was in the waiting room.

Good Luck to all of you still waiting. I got lots of information from Visa Journey and felt better about how to do each step (from K1 to AOS to Removal to citizenship) by reading a lot of posts and taking some info and using it and not taking some info (which I felt was not very logical) - basically I had a comfort level that I used for each part of the step. And I think that VisaJourney is a great resource for this process and I have mentioned it and posted about it on other forums many many times. I hope that I was able to help a few people here and elsewhere from my experience and wish everyone the best. As the Oscar winning song goes - Jai Ho (from Slumdog millionaire - Jai Ho - Be Victorious!)

Edited by motu, 05 May 2009 - 11:31 AM.

motuNot TellingColombia2009-05-05 11:29:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQuestion about citizenship
QUOTE (primerosepk @ May 15 2009, 10:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i want to ask how i cal file tax without income and right now i am able to do it???????
if you know process file tax online .yes i have 10 year green card and i am living with my USC wife.and yes i want file joint tax .
hope hear from you soon

Easy. Total Income put 0; carry the calculations tothe end - o taxes, o withholdings, o refunds! When combined with your wife - the total will be joint income yours 0, hers 'whatever amount'. If unsure, go to a H&R block - they do not charge too much for this. Otherwise ask a family member or co-worker or neighbor to help you if they can. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-05-15 12:27:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQuestion about citizenship
As long as you don't exceed 6 months of a visit abroad (at a time) you will be OK (there is also a limit on maximum days out in the 3 or 5 year period so as to not disrupt your LPR time accrual for citizenship). As far as tax returns - you must file a tax return (for this process) even if you have no income. This is just to establish that you filed a tax return - it has no bearing on that you 'earned' money on which you paid taxes and hence you are filing a tax return. Comprende? There is a list of things for citizenship (though it's not complicated) that you can look at with the N400 application and its instructions.
A question for you - do you have a ten year greencard or a two year greencard - if its 2 year card then you need to worry more about the 'removal of conditions' step first. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-05-14 14:01:00
US Citizenship General Discussionn400 Application review after interview
From reading your post - It seems that you two didn't live together for three years - which is a critical requirement for the 3-year rule; and then the battered spouse memo etc. doesn't matter. But why worry, wait two years and apply on your own as a five year resident. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-10 16:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 - March 2009 Applicants
QUOTE (gyenigun @ May 18 2009, 09:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks for your kindness Tina27...hopefully we`ll get it this week...what do you think...?
I actually have couple questions that
-my wife will not be able to come to the interview with me since she just changed jobs she doesnt have any vacatioin or sick time ...
-and i filed the taxes done with federal but still havent paid the state taxes due to my wifes unemployment and INS sucked all my wallet smile.gif

should I worry about those things...?

thanks in advance smile.gif

Hey gyenigun" I sent you a PM about federal taxes - same holds true for state taxes. Actually you don't need to send copies of state tax returns - I never did (for my wife's K1, AOS, removal and now Citizenship). Relax. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-05-19 14:08:00
US Citizenship General Discussiontax problem for naturalization...
Its very important that you file your taxes, especially Federal. I haven't heard of them looking at state taxes (I never submitted any state returns ever). Many people owe taxes to the IRS and to the state tax depts. and that's OK. As long as you filed your returns - you are OK. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-03-30 10:53:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionSpeeding Ticket and Naturalization
QUOTE (jsnearline @ Apr 2 2009, 11:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here's what the Guide to Naturalization says:

QUOTE
Even if you have committed a minor crime, USCIS may deny your application if you
do not tell the USCIS officer about the incident. Note that unless a traffic incident was
alcohol or drug related, you do not need to submit documentation for traffic fines and
incidents that did not involve an actual arrest if the only penalty was a fine less than
$500 and/or points on your driver’s license.


As I have said elsewhere - you may also read the tag on your mattress that says "Do not remove under penalty of law" and then disclose the removal of the mattress tag as a 'crime'. Yes, do what makes you comfortable, but I think people are being very paranoid - the cases sited where people got into trouble - in one domestic violence was involved, in another an actual arrest took place - a traffic ticket or as others have said, a parking ticket do not rise to the level of crimes in my interpretation - what next - the notice of overdue library books is also a crime now? Yes some people think so - especially the library! Relax and put things into perspective. If you are going to portray yourselves as a criminal for dreaming about blowing up Washington DC (after having watched it in the movie Independence day) - so be it. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-04-03 11:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionSpeeding Ticket and Naturalization
This is not a crime and perhaps should not even have been declared on your N400. When I did my own citizenship application, I marked 'No' to this question because I felt that traffic tickets were not relevant and only traffic offenses for which you may have been arrested etc. were to be disclosed (Yes, I interpreted it this way - may have been incorrect but that's how I saw it, no one questioned me about it for my citizenship interview).
I remembered that one of my acquaintances in India declared his speeding ticket as a 'crime' on his Immigrant application and was rejected - took several months, $$$s and an attorney to overcome his stupidity. Good Luck

Edited by motu, 02 April 2009 - 11:27 AM.

motuNot TellingColombia2009-04-02 11:26:00
Canada30 year old fillané to go visit for 6 monts any danger
QUOTE (feejo @ Apr 10 2008, 08:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No visa is in process so far, we just want some time to know each other more. There is POE with no stamps what do they ask if you cross back border. Would they ask how long I was there? Would I get in trouble if there is no stamps?

Nothing really happens at the border. I used to live in Detroit and Port Huron and used to go to Canada for Lunch or dinner or playing Golf. They normally just wave you through if you have your Identification (these days may require a passport) - nothing was ever stamped (when I had some others in my car that needed to carry their passports). Don't be nervous about this. Have Fun
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-11 10:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionLength of stay outside of the US
I think they frown upon 'long' absences from the states as a sign of 'abandoning' their residency. We are also planning on 2 to 3 months a year travel outside the states - I feel anything under 6 months should be safe! But how can he be gone for such a length of time? Is he a student? (I am retired - so we can be gone for as long as we wish - she hasn't started working yet and may not work.) Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2006-04-24 10:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravel with Conditional Permanent Residents

what Immigration counter do I go to? citizen or just the one tourists go to?

I have entered at Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Seattle, Atlanta (and some others I can't recall) and at every POE there were people from other countries in the line for US citizens (they had Passports other than US.) So, the rule of thumb is "Take the shortest Line" - everyone else does! :lol:
motuNot TellingColombia2006-05-03 11:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionSo which picture do they REALLY use?
Look at your greencard again. The picture they use is the one they take at the biometrics - don't you remember standing next to the wall and them taking your picture? They actually showed the picture to my wife (on the computer monitor) and she said it was ok - don't know if they wanted her Ok or not! :lol: Good Luck

Edited by motu, 06 August 2006 - 12:21 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2006-08-06 12:20:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravel evidence
I haven't applied for removal of conditions yet but I do not intend to send tickets or itineraries of our travels - we went to Mexico, Colombia and several places internally. All I intend to submit is a couple of pictures of us with our friends and families in these places with just a note e.g. In Mazatlan with friends Feb 2007 etc. But I understand some feel more comfortable with different types of evidence. I believe in minimal. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2007-04-15 14:01:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionThe time has come

If anyone can think for anything that might make it a stronger case please feel free to comment...
Kez


You are in very good shape. My wife will be filing in about 6 months and we will not be submitting as much as you have - my comfort level is pretty high! No letters from friends, etc. either.
We will be submitting a photobook - they are about 6" by 8"; with about 40 + photos of us together and with friends and family from our wedding to the time when we file. This means our trip pictures from Colombia, Miami, Mexico, California, Panama and India. With the last picture of us in front of the Tajmahal!
These photobooks are about $25 for 40 or 50 pictures so they are a good bargain and you can write captions e.g. date, place and names of people in the picture on each page. In my opinion much easier than trying to write who, what and where on the back of the pictures with a pencil.
You have a lot of good evidence - Don't worry about it.
Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2007-07-30 08:33:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionshould i hire lawyer to do my I 751 case?
Please do. They need the money.
motuNot TellingColombia2007-08-28 11:13:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWe do not have much evidence in first year of marriage
We do not have a lease or a common title either (the house is totally paid for). I don't feel an iota of worry on that account. We would be sending other evidence like utility bills, insurance, bank and credit card stuff. Don't worry about it, if they ask you then you can explain the reasons why you didn't have a lease at the beginning (or in our case even now).
My reasons are simple enough - my lawyer advised to not do it as my wife was working in a daycare center. In daycare business even minor incidents grow up to be civil law suits by angry parents. (Nothing has happened yet - but I am keeping that in mind till she leaves this line of work.) Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2007-09-15 09:59:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOne more stupid question!
I don't think you should sort them by types but by the sequence that you have on the cover letter - so if you list #5 as Lease and then # 6 as Health insurance - then your 5th document or 5th set of documents should be about the lease and the next set should be about health insurance. This way you make it easier for the examiner. I intend to send only one or two docs for each point and would probably staple all of the documents together with the cover letter on top. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2007-09-14 12:09:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionBank Statements
How many statements are you submitting? My advice - send full statements but only for 2 or 3 months e.g. last month's, and another one from one year ago and perhaps another one from 2 years (or 18 months) back - I wouldn't send them each and every statement - doesn't serve any purpose in my opinion - better to send periodic statements showing same ownerships (both names). I plan to send exactly 3 statements when I file for removal in about 4 months time. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2007-10-07 11:38:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCan I use Fedex to send My I-751 to TSC?
It doesn't matter what mail system you use. Also why don't you trust USPS - they are the same as Fedex? - different names but same bureaucracy - each of them are inefficient (and efficient) in their own way. Good Luck - and don't sweat the small stuff like this
motuNot TellingColombia2007-10-09 11:24:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTraveling to Canada on a Conditional Green Card
QUOTE (Peter @ Oct 18 2007, 09:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So there is absolutely no chance they can deny me?

Just because you are so damned paranoid - doesn't mean they are not after you! devil.gif
Relax and have a Molson. Have fun and think of your green card as a citizenship paper - you have all the rights of a citizen except voting (and working in certain Govt. agencies). laughing.gif
motuNot TellingColombia2007-10-18 11:10:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionevidence questions
I would suggest sending copies of bills showing joint ownership (for Visa and other credit cards) - Insurance companies generally list the primary on the card only (we have the same issue) but I would send the copy of a statement (or bill from a doctor or lab showing the other party's name for medical/dental services etc.) Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2007-10-18 11:15:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHELP SAMPLE OF PAPER WORKS FOR I75 APPLICATION
QUOTE (mylntn0313 @ Mar 7 2008, 12:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i am preparing my documents for submission on april for my removal of condition application. im wondering if anybody ca share how they prepare their documents? how did you present the documents?

I sent in a cover letter listing all the docs I submitted:
1. Joint Bank statements Page1 - May 2006; Page 2-3 April 07; Page 4 Jan 08
1a. Copy of check with both names Page 5
2. Joint ING Savings statements Page 6 - April 07; Page 7- Dec07
3. Joint Visa statements Page 8 - May 07; Page 9 - Jan 08
3. Joint Water Bills Page 10 - May 06; Page 11 - April 07; Page 12 - Jan 08
4. Visa cards - Same account Page 13 copy
5. Kohl’s cards - Same account Page 14 copy
6. Joint Health Insurance coverage Page 15 - copy of a bill with Monica as claimant
7. Joint Dental Insurance coverage Page 16 - copy
8. Life insurance with beneficiary Page 17
9. Joint Home Insurance Page 18
10. Joint Car Insurance Page 19
11. Tax returns filed jointly Pages 20-25 Tax years 2005, 2006 and 2007
12. Copy - Green card (front & Back) Page 26
13. Copy - Monica’s Passport Identity Page Page 27
14. Photo book of pictures with dates and places from September 2005 to December 2007

I used one of those medium size clips at the top, numbered all the documents with a marker and highlighted areas with our names. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-03-08 14:55:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI think the attorney is wrong
Don't stress too much about it. I have also not submitted a lease/mortgage/rental agreement - reason my house is paid for and I have it jointly owned with my sister (in case I die she can take it and dispose of it). I am not intending to add my wife to the lease for a long time in any case. I have sent in as much evidence as I thought appropriate. I do not believe in overkill and am comfortable with the evidence I sent.
Don't worry about it, if they don't like it they will ask for more evidence and then you can work on it - this is my attitude and I am very comfortable with this. As it is in a few months she can file for citizenship, so if there is a hiccup in processing - I am not going to worry too much. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-03-08 14:50:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDue to file next week
And if you are willing to wait out for the divorce - don't let it go uncontested - you need to have your rights honored fully. He has sworn to support you and should be made to do so - hire a competent attorney to represent your interests. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-03-18 14:54:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHard to believe its been 2yrs already!!
QUOTE (Ashish @ Mar 6 2008, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Mar 5 2008, 11:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am a firm believer of more is better. Good luck good.gif


I agree... more is better especially after reading about a couple people getting RFEs recently. Thought rather than sending every bill for an account over two years I would say send a couple of the earliest ones, a couple from the middle and a couple that are most recent. Good luck!

I did not send every month's bills/statements - to me thats overkill and annoys the examiner. I sent one from about 18 months back, one from 1 year back and one recent - for things like bank statements, visa bills, utility bills. The rest I just sent recent statements - for things like insurance on house, car and health etc. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-03-20 11:42:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNebraska Service Center & I-751
QUOTE (iansig40 @ Mar 15 2008, 05:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You have to call USCIS and request a "SERVICE Request " plus contact your congressman or you will be waiting a long ,long time .Nebraska is not processing I-751 applications anymore but they are not transfering the onces they have neither so it's up to us to make them move again
Some are saying that our applications are not important because we are here (bunch of ####### of course) and we should be OK just waiting .I wish I could face one of these people

I am sorry that you are so upset but I would rather be with my wife here than be waiting for the K1 to be approved and not being able to see her or be with her (luckily it took just 5 months for the K1 for us). So, yes I feel lucky to be with her and not be waiting in limbo like some people might be. And my feeling about the ten-year card is - that its not a big deal since I want her to file for citizenship anyway. I see my situation as more than half full (and not half empty) - damn where is another Molson laughing.gif . Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-03-16 11:16:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNebraska Service Center & I-751
QUOTE (tomcat79 @ Mar 15 2008, 04:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I need to read up more on the us immigration law, i profess a certain naiveness. How long does it take to apply for citizenship, and from what point in time is that measured (i.e established residency, 2yr. green card etc.)?

Thanks

For a person married to a US citizen the residency requirement is 3 years - it starts from the date of the green card (not of marriage - a common misconception) - and you can file for citizenship 90 days before the 3 years are done - so if the ten year card has not been processed and you are at that 3 year time-frame, you can file for citizenship. And like I said before even that process has delays but then why would the ten-year card matter - at least that's how I see it. Good Luck to all of you in the same boat - but I believe we can be cool about it - no need to create an ulcer!
motuNot TellingColombia2008-03-16 11:10:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNebraska Service Center & I-751
QUOTE (tomcat79 @ Mar 15 2008, 12:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
-My I-797C notice of action & 1 yr. extension expires on 7/2/08. Will they automatically send me an extension?

Ryan: I too am going through Nebraska but I am not too upset about reading of these delays - I have re-joined the forum as we go through the lifting of conditions process. My feeling is this - they will extend the residency for one year and if nothing happens in 9 months - my wife can file for citizenship. Whether she ever gets her 10 year card is irrelevant - isn't it? And I am aware that there are delays in processing citizenships but wouldn't the 10 year green-card be pointless if she can apply for citizenship and focus on that? Do you agree or do you have a different take on this? At least I don't see the need to be angry as some other people are posting in this forum. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-03-15 17:27:00