ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionUK/US citizenship
There are also some very interesting laws in some of the other countries - my Iranian born friend who became a US citizen - his US citizenship is not recognized by Iran - he has to carry his Iranian passport and be subject to all their rules including military service! The basis is - even though you may renounce all other citizenships when taking the US oath - the other countries do not recognize that as applying to your citizenship of your native country.
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-17 11:07:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondocument checklist question
QUOTE (ives_damian @ May 22 2008, 11:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i sent in a whole load of other stuff like the car loans, insurances, etc. anything with both our names on it.

Thats not required at this step - just the tax returns or lease or bank statements - read the requirements for evidence. http://www.uscis.gov...00048f3d6a1RCRD

Edited by motu, 22 May 2008 - 01:49 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-22 13:47:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondocument checklist question
I would suggest give them three bank statements - from 2 years back, one year back and a recent one. Yes, you should get a copy of the recent tax return - can you redo it and send it - as long as it is the same info - you should be able to reproduce it. (You will need the W-2s though). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-21 10:25:00
US Citizenship General Discussionfiling n-400 while waiting for permanent green card
Since your wife is a LPR (even though removal of conditions is pending - the LPR is extended automatically) go ahead and file for citizenship. Many people have done this - they will adjudicate the I751 concurrently, if its not done by that time, so its not a big deal. I intend to do the same for my wife whether the greencard is received or not in 8 months. Good Luck

Edited by motu, 20 May 2008 - 01:59 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-20 13:58:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionProcessing time question
QUOTE (NickD @ May 24 2008, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wanted another culvert on my property, but the city only pays for one, so I hired a private contractor. Came out with two guys, one driving a dump truck, the other an end loader, in the dump truck was crushed granite and the culvert. In less than 90 minutes these two guys leveled and installed the culvert, only blocked traffic for about a minute to dump the granite, sweep up the street and were gone.
blah blah blah ....

Nick if you hate this country and it's govt. and people so much, why are you bringing your loved one here. Consider relocating to Venezuela - you might really like Chavez. laughing.gif
Relax Nick - this is a great country - don't be so jealous of others - I am sure you can make it on your own too. Stop looking at others and look at yourselves. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-24 11:11:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 Short Trips to Canada?
When I filed for my citizenship - I was in a similar position - I lived in Detroit and Port Huron and went to Canada for lunch, to buy gas, to buy pizza, to play golf etc. etc. -
So, what I wrote for my N400 (on a separate sheet) was this - While going to school in Detroit, Michigan from year xx to year yy; and while working in Michigan from year yy to year zz; And while living in Michigan from year xx to year zz - I went to Canada several times (up to 3 or 4 times a month or more) for very short periods (less than 1 day) and a few times a few days. The means of travel was by own car or with friends. Port of entry were Detroit and Port Huron.

That's all I wrote - the last line was to cover the entire period (xx to zz) even though it had been covered individually (xx to yy and then yy to zz). I just wrote the years since I have no idea which months and days. It was never questioned.
Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-26 12:01:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionInterview attire?
No ties, unless you like them. My job required a tie and coat but for my citizenship interview I left my coat and tie in the car - I don't like them. Do what you want to do. Relax
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-22 10:55:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 C. If you have ever used other names, provide them below.
QUOTE (Gulskjegg @ May 28 2008, 11:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, other names used. I assume that for female filers, this means maiden name before marriage?

Thanks in advance!

Some males also change their names - quite common among Chinese who take on a first name of Daniel or John etc. - have met many of them at school and at work. So, if you used another name put it on the form. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-29 14:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 question-have you ever been detained by a law enforcement officer?
QUOTE (Jomo @ May 29 2008, 09:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I agree with this completely.
Some people are way too literal about everything.

I disagree - signed William Shakespeare rofl.gif

Edited by motu, 29 May 2008 - 02:39 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-29 14:38:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 question-have you ever been detained by a law enforcement officer?
When I applied for my citizenship - I said "NO" even though I had been stopped various times for speeding, illegal U-turn and a couple other traffic offenses - for some of which I got a ticket and for some, I didn't. As long as I was not taken to the police station and held for questioning/processing - I consider it to be a "NO' for detained by an officer. I had no issues with my citizenship. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-28 11:12:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400... part 7..????
I doubt the date with your signature has any value - some of us forget to date these forms - The postal date is the most important one for counting the 90 days prior to the expiration of the 2-year card - I would have 'your' wife mail it for you; by the way, I have also heard that some people have mailed the N400 prior to the 90 days and were still OK. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-29 14:34:00
US Citizenship General Discussionlate taxes
You are OK. I assume that you have filed by now, if they RFE you or ask you at the interview, you can provide a copy. Many people file late or under extension - as long as you do provide them with a copy of the recent tax return you are OK. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-01 11:53:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUSCIS false info prompted me applying for N400 and was denied. Any way I could get Refund?
You wrote that you confirmed it with an Immigration lawyer - why don't you ask him to support your case now? At the very least, it appears that your situation is very uncommon for the USCIS as well as the attorney you talked to - that being the case - he should be able to back you up with the statutes that he thinks support your case. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-29 10:02:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDoes 90 day rule apply to Citizenship?
Thousands of people have filed 90 days prior to their third year of getting the greencard - and have been perfectly OK. If you are so worried about it, you can wait till after. Some do not file for citizenship for 10, 20 or 30 years, so you don't have to file for citizenship. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-31 11:21:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWorking for a US company abroad
Read up the instructions for N400 and you may get some better understanding. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-08 19:34:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHow long until we can apply for citizenship?
Correct. 5 year of legal residency if not married to US citizen, else just three. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-10 09:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionInterview letter in Jacksonville, Florida
This is moving fast. Good to know some centers are moving quickly. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-10 11:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionBEEN HERE SINCE 1985-87
I assume he is illegal. He needs to talk to an attorney and see what his options are. If he marries a US citizen then he will need to get a waiver for his illegal status - again better to talk to an attorney. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-10 09:57:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUS resident on becoming a citizen and marring a Colombian
QUOTE (yatsarel @ Jun 9 2008, 04:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i thought you were supposed to live in the States at least 5 years ?

Since you are not married to a US citizen - you will need to meet the 5 year requirement. As far as moving and living in Colombia - if you can maintain a US address (use the address of a relative or friend) it will be good as well as filing taxes - yes you should file US taxes even though you may be able to exempt all of your Colombian income. Especially since, you will at least have one part year (unless you move out on the 31st of Dec) - I am assuming you will wait till you get your citizenship before you move out of here and US citizens are required to file taxes on worldwide income (yes, you can exempt it if earned abroad (within limits) and probably won't have to pay US taxes. Lastly, why do you want US citizenship if you are content to live in Colombia? We may be moving out of USA in a few years (perhaps to Colombia). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-09 19:03:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 citizenship
No. You have all the rights as any other citizen (except for voting and federal jobs or running for presidency etc.) If you are filing based on marriage to a US citizen then the three years residency should work otherwise 5 years.
Note: the 3 year residency applies if you are married to the same person all the three years - read the instructions for N400 they have lots of info. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-10 09:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOath necessary papers
All you need to go for the oath is your appointment (or Oath or 797NOA letter); Your ID (Drivers license) and your greencard. Don't worry about traffic citations or such stuff, they are irrelevant and immaterial for this purpose. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-08 19:33:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionI need help answering a question on N-400
QUOTE (viktoria @ Jun 12 2008, 10:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Please advise again, I am not sure

Thank you

There is another answer - you can wait two more years and follow the form literally! Just think, are you one of those that are scared to remove the labels on your mattresses that say 'do not remove under penalty of law'? laughing.gif The form N400 is meant for multiple purposes - so you can have the courage to draw a line through 5 and write 3 - or else ignore the 5 years and answer as if they asked for 3; or else wait for 2 more years.
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-12 11:10:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionI need help answering a question on N-400
QUOTE (NickD @ Jun 11 2008, 04:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You should know the date you entered this country and subtract five years from the date you put on your application, put in the five year day in that link above and the day you first entered this country, that will give you the number of days before you entered this country going back five years. Then add the number of days you spend out of the country since becoming a permanent resident and put that number of days in that box.

If you spent time out of the country since your first entry and the time you got your green card which is the date stated on it, should add those days too.

Math is easy, remembering those dates is not.

Nick sees everything one way - his way and I like reading his posts. But he doesn't know that many people go to another country on a daily basis for lunch, dinner, pizza (yes I have done that too) or for work or school.
In such cases - I lived in Michigan - when I filed for my citizenship, I just wrote the years I lived in Michigan and that I took several trips lasting a day or less and some lasting a few days (e.g. to Niagra falls) and I didn't have any issues with it. No, I didn't try to guess any dates and how many times I went to Canada - we even used to go over for lunch sometimes when working (Port Huron to Sarnia) 10 minutes!
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-11 18:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionI need help answering a question on N-400
Many others have filled the form only covering the last 3 years and some have crossed out the '5' on the form and written in '3'. So whichever you want to choose, you should be OK.
Yes, some have stated that they have been out of the country for 2 years - since they didn't come in till 3 years ago also - so apparently anything goes here. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-11 15:14:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionFiling N-400 on Monday
I believe most times, they do not make an issue of not reporting change of address. Send your AR-11 now - better late than never. I do not believe they would impose any penalty on you - I have never heard of it being imposed. Most examiners do understand that many of us forget these things and do not report these changes - not a big deal in my opinion. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-21 09:09:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMarried name on application
This is another chance for her to take on your last name for free. So, she can do whatever she chooses. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-23 10:51:00
US Citizenship General Discussionhow long between the interview/test and the ceremony?
When I had my interview/test - the woman told me that some people were no shows (they had empty spots I guess) and if I wanted to, she can put me in for the ceremony the same day (about 2 hours later in the afternoon). I told her that I was not in any hurry for the oath and certificate of citizenship; so others who need it for traveling or filing for their relatives etc. can take my spot. My gut is that you can ask the examiner if they can add you to the same day ceremony (if one is being held that day) or an earlier one or a later one depending on your schedule - some may help you. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-03 12:39:00
US Citizenship General Discussionanything i can do to stop my wife?
siga - consider a few things - you can't do too much at this point to help or hinder her (you already sent USCIS the info suggesting fraudulent marriage); your child's mother is linked to you because you had a child together. No matter how bad she is or isn't, the baby should have a relationship with the mother (thank you Dr. Phil) or she may blame you for not letting her/him have a mother the rest of their lives. Do not dwell on what bad stuff she had done or how you are the victim or the need for revenge for this - instead focus on the good things - you have a loving child; you are no longer with a bad/fraudulent person; you have the rest of your life to find someone better.
Please send a check for $5,000 as a retainer for these sessions. laughing.gif Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-13 10:52:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionInterview done!
QUOTE (sam75 @ Aug 22 2008, 07:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
US doesn't allow dual citizenship as far as I can tell which is a blow. Its a touchy subject overall of being a dual national.

Wrong - US does allow dual citizenship to several countries including India, UK, Colombia and yes even Canada - do some research - you should be able to have both citizenships. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-08-22 11:43:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNaturalization Certificate
Some of these presiding officers are nuts - When I got mine, there were mostly Asians in that ceremony and the presiding officer specifically told me to write my name in capitals - I argued with him that I want to sign it in my usual way and that I know and use English everyday - he said "NO!" Yikes, so my naturalization certificate has my signature in capitals! Ha ha ha. No one ever gives a damn about the signature on that in any case - I got my passport without any problems and have used the certificate (copies) in filings for my wife's visa applications etc.
motuNot TellingColombia2008-10-01 10:26:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNeed Help
You just need to file the N400 and attach tax transcripts. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-10-04 12:34:00
US Citizenship General Discussion3 years N-400
QUOTE (NickD @ Oct 4 2008, 03:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
You do not need to send anything more than the IRS transcripts (or copies of tax returns).


Where did you hear that from, sure wasn't my wife's experience nor her friend that was ten months ahead of her. Her friend did bring in tax returns, joint home ownership, copies of divorce papers, marriage certificate, etc., her IO wanted utility bills as where with both their names on it.


I only submitted copies of tax returns (3 years) with my N400 application; drove to the interview from work and carried nothing other than my driver's license and some money.
The interviewer had my tax returns in front of her, asked me a few questions and then asked me if I wanted to go for the oath ceremony the same day (some people were no shows that day)! I told her No, since I wasn't in a hurry to travel or anything (told her to give the spot to someone else who wants it since I know a lot of people might be in a hurry for this to get their passports or to sponsor relatives etc. - none of which I was planning to do at that point).
Got my oath letter a few weeks after that.

So, I didn't hear it from anyone. This is what I did - I followed the instructions on the N400 and nothing more. You can do what you feel comfortable with but in my opinion, you do not need anything other than the basic tax transcripts. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-10-06 11:16:00
US Citizenship General Discussion3 years N-400
You do not need to send anything more than the IRS transcripts (or copies of tax returns). Your husband should go to the interview in case they want to ask if you are still married and together (but may be OK if he doesn't go - I am going to my wife's interview when it happens); No need to carry any other evidence to the interview (unless you want to take copies of the same N400 application and IRS transcripts). This is the easiest of all the interviews - so relax and don't worry too much. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-10-04 12:33:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCitizenship for minor child
The daughter (12 yrs old) of my wife's friend will need to wait for the full 5 years of residency (according to her lawyer); the wife is filing for her citizenship now - 3 years of residency based on marriage to US citizen. The daughter came with her mother - mother K1, daughter K2. It seems from your timeline that your daughter has been a resident here since 2004 - so probably another year to wait for her filing - just treat hers as a separate case based on 5 years of residency. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-11-04 11:20:00
US Citizenship General Discussiontme outside the united states
DO waht I did for my countless trips to Canada - write that during MM/200z I went to Puerto Rico for 4 days -
I wrote that I went to Canada numerous times during 19xx through 19yy and most of my trips were less than 24 hrs but some were 5 to 7 days. Don't worry about being too accurate - I think that as long as your trips were less than 180 days it doesn't matter. Good Luck

motuNot TellingColombia2009-01-17 13:50:00
US Citizenship General Discussiontiming of naturalization vs.
One of the things your husband can do is to ask for oath ceremony the same day (ask the interviewing officer). Sometimes they can accommodate you. I was offered same day oath ceremony but I was in no hurry for citizenship (or passport) and told the interviewer to give the spot to someone else as I know many people want to get their passport or want to sponsor their relatives immediately (I didn't have any such needs). They had empty spots because some people had canceled their appointments (this was in Denver). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-01-24 11:56:00
US Citizenship General Discussionforeign document
You are Ok with the old translation - I used old notarized statements in lieu of my birth certificate and they were OK. Some countries require fresh (not older than 6 months) wedding and/or birth certificates - USA doesn't. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-01-29 10:16:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPart 7A
I just crossed the five years and put three and used the last three years' numbers - will see what happens, if anything.

motuNot TellingColombia2009-01-29 10:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAbout CitizenShip
You can still file taxes even if you don't make any money - for example you can file the tax return and state 0.00 as income and therefore you will have a tax return for each and every period that you may need in filing for citizenship - not only that, a tax return is required to get any stimulus checks. Remember that there is a minimum amount - somewhere like $10,000 - that a couple can make without owing any taxes; but its a good idea to file taxes no matter how much you made (for records to buy a house and/or generally to establish your credit). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-01-31 11:33:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400: Filing Later...But need help now...
For #6 - You can say something like this - Made several trips to Canada during years XX-YY; some for a day or less; others for a few days; none lasting more than 15 days (or some such number).
This is what I wrote, as I had made trips to buy gas in Canada, to buy Pizza in Canada and even to play Golf or go on a date (Canada was 10 minutes away from Port Huron and 20 minutes away from Detroit during 4 years of my stay). I didn't provide any dates (I didn't know the dates anyway) and no one ever questioned it. Good Luck

Edited by motu, 02 February 2009 - 11:48 AM.

motuNot TellingColombia2009-02-02 11:47:00