ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionTaking the Oath
I am about a year away from being eligible to apply for citizenship, and was just looking through the N-400 form. Is it just me, or does anyone else have a problem taking the oath of allegiance???? I know the US allows for dual citizenship although it is not encouraged, and the wording in the Oath really bugs me:

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen;"

Dont get me wrong, I understand why it is so strongly worded. My main reason for wanting citizenship is for my daughter who is a US citizen.

Does anyone else feel this way about renouncing their country?
calFemaleAustralia2007-08-16 18:03:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHow are these apps processed
QUOTE (hotairguy @ Mar 20 2008, 04:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (cal @ Mar 18 2008, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was just wondering if anyone knows how N400 apps are processed. I mean we send them to our service center (Nebraska in my case) and the processing dates are through the local field office. What does Nebraska do with these apps before they send them to our local office. Anyone have any ideas?


Hi Cal,

Your case seems similar to mine. We sent our N-400 on 1/5/08, check was cashed on 1/10/08 and we received the NOA1 on 1/16/08. I have been tracking others N-400 from this site, sent to a service centers both before and after ours. I don't know why we haven't received the biometrics notice as it seems everyone else does shortly after NOA1. Also, our service center number cannot be tracked on the USCIS site, it comes back as invalid. I know this happens sometime but what really is annoying is that when you now place a call to the misinformation line, it asks that you enter your service center number before being connected to a human. Since our number hasn't registered, I cannot even connect through the 800 number.

I asked, through a Senator's office, to verify status at the service center (NSC). The reply was that the paperwork was received and the NSC was waiting for an interview availability time from the district office. I am still somewhat concerned that we haven't received a biometrics notice but this is all the Senator's office will do at this early stage. So we continue to wait and see what happens over the next few months.

On a side note, I thought the whole point of taking electronic biometrics was so it didn't need to be repeated with every application. Marilyn has already had two sets completed already, at AOS and again at removal of conditions.

Please let us know if anything happens with your application and we will do the same. As both of our timelines are similar and we share the same service center and district office, please let us know if your status changes.

Take care, Marilyn and Peter.


Hi there,

I think you misunderstood my timeline. Its actually for I-751 which I filed Jan 2007. I remember you guys as you are also in Denver. I think I filed my I-751 around the same time as you. Im still waiting (you are lucky!!!)

Anyways, I just mailed in my N-400 in today (March 19)....so you are ahead of me. Let me know if you hear anything smile.gif

Best of luck to you

Caroline
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-19 15:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHow are these apps processed
I was just wondering if anyone knows how N400 apps are processed. I mean we send them to our service center (Nebraska in my case) and the processing dates are through the local field office. What does Nebraska do with these apps before they send them to our local office. Anyone have any ideas?
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-18 22:33:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAbout to apply....question re passport pages
QUOTE (eau_xplain @ Mar 19 2008, 11:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow, that is so messed up. They have a "different" set of instructions for forms picked up in person?


I have just finished my application and after reading everything I could find, that is the only place I saw a mention of passport pages. It is kinda messed up!!
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-18 22:16:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAbout to apply....question re passport pages
Yea I was a little suprised too as I have never seen this requirement before in all the stuff I have downloaded. It was written on an info sheet attached to the application, not within the instructions which are part of the application.
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-15 09:49:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAbout to apply....question re passport pages
I had an infopass appointment in Denver this week for a different issue (I-751). I happened to pick up a N-400 application (I will be filing soon) and the instructions say you need to include a copy of all pages of my passport. Did anyone do that?

I just got a new passport a few months ago so Im wondering if I should include copies of all pages from both passports. Any ideas?
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-14 21:12:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDual US/British Citizenship for baby
QUOTE (jmk71171 @ Mar 24 2008, 09:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,

My husband and I are due to have our first child in a matter of weeks. My husband is british and at this point will not pursue dual citizenship for himself. He would like our child to have dual citizenship. Does anyone know how to pursue british citizenship for our child?

Jen


Hi there,

I went through the process for my daughter (we are Australian though not British). I happened to find the following website which should help

http://www.britainus...e...016&a=25315

Im not sure if this is the official emabassy website but it appears to be. Otherwise, contact your local British embassy for more info. From what I read it appears you can just apply for a passport for your baby without registering their birth. We had to apply for citizenship by descent for my daughter first so you have it easier. Good luck and congrats on the baby.
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-24 09:17:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHow to answer a Naturalization question
Based on a post I saw a couple of weeks ago, I crossed out 5 and wrote in 3. I beleive a couple of people on here have done that also.
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-31 19:39:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionThey Missed One Letter From My LAST NAME??Please READ!
Hi

When I filed my I-751 they put my maiden name on the NOA. I was worried they would put the wrong name on my 10 yr green card. I called them up and told them about the error. I did receive a letter acknowledging my call. I just received my card 2 weeks ago and they had the right name this time.

Hopefully your call will do the trick and all will be ok.
calFemaleAustralia2008-04-24 22:10:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHave not been "touched" since biometrics
I had my biometrics appointment on April 16, and I was expecting my file would be touched after that but it hasnt since it was first submitted.

Is that normal?
calFemaleAustralia2008-04-24 08:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGoing to interview without US spouse
QUOTE (FVA @ Jul 15 2008, 09:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks, Marilyn adn Peter!

congratulations to both of you! smile.gif

do you guys know how often the oath ceremonies are?


I *think* she said they were every month but dont quote me on that.
calFemaleAustralia2008-07-20 21:06:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGoing to interview without US spouse
QUOTE
Congrats Cal,

Marilyn is leaving today for a few weeks and the officer noted this and mentioned we might make the Aug ceremony. Maybe we will see you there.

Marilyn and Peter.



Thanks so much. Let me know when you get your date.

Caroline
calFemaleAustralia2008-07-14 16:12:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGoing to interview without US spouse
Well im all done. YAY!!! Passed the interview just fine. The immigration officer was very nice. She started off with the civics questions...which was good as that was what I was the most worried about. She had me write a sentence and read out a couple. Then she just went over the application to make sure all the info was correct and current. She asked me the questions about ...have you ever been arrested etc etc as she looked through. I showed her a couple of original documents that had already been submitted...like my daughters birth certificate. And then it was pretty much over. Took about 15-20 mins all up. Very easy.

I did tell her I have a couple of trips booked in the next 2 months, and she wrote down the dates and told me they would try and slot me in for the August 20 Oath ceremony.

Good luck to everyone with interviews coming up.

Caroline
calFemaleAustralia2008-07-14 12:27:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGoing to interview without US spouse
QUOTE (hotairguy @ Jul 14 2008, 09:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Cal.

The interview is yours and I don't believe spouses are even allowed. I was just there Friday and no one asked me to come in with Marilyn or even bothered to look if I was in the room.

Marilyn and Peter.


Good to know. Thanks!
calFemaleAustralia2008-07-13 19:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGoing to interview without US spouse
I have my interview tomorrow in Denver and from other posts I see many have bought their US spouses with them. I wasnt asked to on my interview letter, although I wanted him to come but he has issues at work he needs to deal with so will be working from home in the mornign and watching our daughter. Is there any problem with him not coming with me?
calFemaleAustralia2008-07-13 14:49:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMarch Filers?
I received my interview letter yesterday. Scheduled for July 14 in Denver. Must get to some studying!
calFemaleAustralia2008-06-07 15:40:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMarch Filers?
Ive got my biometrics appointment tomorrow in Denver. Just wondering as you mentioned you were going to call the FBI...will they give you that info and what number do you call. I didnt know you could do that.
calFemaleAustralia2008-04-15 13:37:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMarch Filers?
I sent in my application on March 19. Still waiting on NOA1.
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-31 13:48:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionSTILL No Oath Letter!
QUOTE (coloradogirl @ Sep 8 2008, 02:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, my husband didn't make his oath ceremony, the letter came about 6 - 7 days after his interview, and he had left for morocco in the meantime, thinking it would take a long time. What a predicament! All I could do was type the letter explaining the situation and send it along with the oath letter. That oath ceremony was on August 20th in Denver. Mid last week in the mail arrived a notice of action that said: "This is to advise you that, as requested, we have canceled the Oath Ceremony appointment on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 9:15am for the above applicant. We will advise you of anyfurther action taken on this case, including any rescheduled Oath Ceremony appointment information, under separate notice." The NOA was dated August 29th. My heart kind of sunk at the 'advise you of any further action' part. I could only wonder what that meant! And I was so angry with him for not waiting it out! I still am.....

Then yesterday in the mail arrived another 'invitation' (as I call it) to attend the Oath Ceremony held on Tuesday, September 23rd at 8:45am at another place in Denver. He WILL NOT miss this one!

I hope this information is helpful for others who are facing a similar situation.

I have a question though, all the boxes except for 'other' are checked on the letter. Doesn't he need to take just take his 10 yr. gc? What other immigration documents are they talking about? And he won't have a reentry permit.

Thanks!

Well now im worried. I had my interview in denver back in july and still waiting on oath letter. I didnt get one for Augusts ceremony and looks like i missed out on september too. I did tell them i would be out of town till the 19th sept so maybe that messed something up. You must have got your letter on the 7th. Ugh...what can I do now????
calFemaleAustralia2008-09-12 14:42:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 January Filers
QUOTE (hotairguy @ Jul 12 2008, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Updated ...

1/05/08 - N-400 sent to NSC
1/10/08 - NSC cashes check
1/16/08 - Received NOA1 for N-400. Notice (NOA1) states we should expect to be notified within 450 days. Glad that fee increase gave us the results the USCIS promised!
5/8/08 - FINALLY received biometrics notice for 5/20/08. The USCIS website still does not acknowledge our service center number though and I cannot track any touches or updates. We have also found out that we cannot use the 800 number because it asks for our service center number and since it isn't registered, it hangs up on us.
5/20/08 - Biometrics completed at Denver. In and out in 15 minutes.
6/6/08 - Received interview letter today for Friday, July 11, 2008 @ 10:30am in Denver.
7/11/08 - Marilyn has her interview. Lasts for 17 minutes and she passes with flying colors. 10 for 10 on the questions.


So now we wait for the oath letter, we expect to attend sometime in Aug or Sept and can finally forget about the USCIS (good riddance).

Marilyn and Peter. (Colorado Springs, CO) Denver ASC


Glad everything went well. Congrats. My interview is on Monday. Let me know if you have any tips! Did you bring more passport photos to your interview?

- Caroline

Edited by cal, 11 July 2008 - 09:14 PM.

calFemaleAustralia2008-07-11 21:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 January Filers
QUOTE (hotairguy @ Jan 26 2008, 11:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Updated ...

1/05/08 - N-400 sent to NSC
1/10/08 - NSC cashes check
1/16/08 - Received NOA1 for N-400. Notice (NOA1) states we should expect to be notified within 450 days. Glad that fee increase gave us the results the USCIS promised!


Hey hotairguy...just wanted to let you know I received my NOA1 yesterday for N-400. States 240 days. Weird considering we are both in Denver. Where do they pick these numbers from anyways....
calFemaleAustralia2008-04-01 14:09:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJust now starting this process....here we go again.
HAHA....very true. Cazza is a classic! And all us Melburnians hate Sydney...be proud of that!! Its been a year since I was there. I really do miss it, and we are planning on moving back before our kids are ready for school in a few years. My husband loves it there too.

I was looking at your pics, had to laugh at you guys at the Boxing Day test match. Your husband has turned you into a real Aussie!!! Thats really cool. My dad dragged my husband to the G just before they teared down the members stand and gave him the big tour.
calFemaleAustralia2006-10-10 12:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJust now starting this process....here we go again.

hi! Love your name :)

where in Oz are you from?


Hiya

Thanks. Im actually Caroline, but have always been called Cal. Im from Melbourne also...Ivanhoe area. How about you?
calFemaleAustralia2006-10-09 16:34:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJust now starting this process....here we go again.
Hubby and I have been married 2 years now and the USCIS is rearing its ugly head again as it comes time to apply to have restrictions removed on my greencard. Geesh its been a nice break till now. I have to file in December, and coincedentally Im pregnant and due....in December....so trying to get stuff done early in preparation.

Anyways, just wanted to say hi again to Visa Journey. Its been a while since I have been on, although it feels like I used to live on this website way back when. So....Hi all!
calFemaleAustralia2006-10-05 14:41:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionQuestion on Part 5 - Children

look again.. the form doesn't specify Permanent resident children or citizen children ....:no:

Part 5. Information about your children. List all your children. Attach other sheet(s) if necessary.


took the above statement from the form itself...



Ok thanks!
calFemaleAustralia2006-12-29 15:14:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionQuestion on Part 5 - Children
I am filling out my I-751 form and have a question on Part 5 where it asks you to list children. Does this only apply to children that are also conditional residents?? We just had a baby a month ago and Im not sure if she should be listed in this section. The instructions say to include any conditional resident children applying with you. Nothing about US citizen children. Can anyone shed any light on this?

Thanks

- Caroline
calFemaleAustralia2006-12-29 15:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNew Canadian border crossing passport requirement rules

New rules come in to affect next week requiring passports to be shown when crossing the border in to / out of Canada / US by air, followed next year by land and sea travel also.
I am wondering, will my Green Card still be ok or will I need to show my Australian passport? I understand the new rules apply to Canadian and US citizens only and that anyone with a GC won't notice any difference. Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks!!
Suzie


Hi there,

I would definitely take both. You will probably need your Aussie passport to get in to Canada and your Greencard to get back in to the US. When I have been back home to Australia I take both plus a copy of my marriage certificate as my Australian passport is still in my maiden name.
calFemaleAustralia2007-01-19 17:43:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionName on NOA
I received my NOA and Biometrics appointment notice last week and they spelt my middle name wrong. I just got off the phone with the customer service people and realised that the notice also lists my maiden name not my married name in the address. Is this normal or did they mess up my name?? The guy on the phone didnt know. Did anyone else receive their NOA addressed to their maiden name????
calFemaleAustralia2007-02-05 14:34:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 sent today to NSC with new fee

Another update,

Sent I-751 (mailed express) 12-26-06
Delivered to NSC on 12-27-06
Single $275.00 checked cashed on 1-2-07. I can clearly read the hand written LIN number on rear of check but not registering in the system

NOA1 comes in the mail on 1-12-07 with completely different LIN number and this one is registered

ASC Biometrics appointment letter arrives 1-13-07 scheduled biometrics for next Saturday 1-20-07, 10am in Denver



Wow, you have your biometrics appointment already. Is that pretty normal for NSC?
calFemaleAustralia2007-01-14 00:01:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 sent today to NSC with new fee

I sent Marilyn Petition today, express mail to the NSC. The recent form and fee with biometrics ($275.00) was enclosed on one check.

Marilyn and Peter.


Hey there, I remember you from AOS filing. Im in Denver also, and what a coincidence I just sent in my petition today also! Hope all goes well for you.

- Caroline
calFemaleAustralia2007-01-04 17:50:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNeed help
QUOTE (KTAN @ Oct 10 2007, 05:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Guys,
I found out today that my Dad is seriously ill and may not live. I want to go home for a while but my new baby doesn't have a passport so I am wondering if it would make more sense to get a US passport or a UK one or does he have to have both?


I agree with previous post. Get a US passport. One thing to consider is if your baby has dual citizenship, your home country may require you to have a passport to enter. I ran into this issue with my baby. I obtained dual citizenship for her and found out (thankfully with enough time to spare) that in order for her to get into Australia seeing as she was a citizen she needed an Australian passport.
calFemaleAustralia2007-10-10 11:12:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDistrict manager USCIS experience
Its hardly fair to get upset with Aussie Lad, its the system which is screwed up! Ive been waiting since January for NSC to get off their asses and lots of people are getting approved after their cases have been forwarded to CSC. Ah well. At least for this part im with my wonderful hubby instead of waiting in another country.
calFemaleAustralia2007-10-15 22:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhat happens when extension NOA expires?
Am I obliged to make an infopass appointment to get my passport stamped with another extension to my greencard? I am planning on travelling but not until May (fingers crossed my 10 yr is here by then). This is such #######!
calFemaleAustralia2008-02-16 18:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPassport stamp in Denver
QUOTE (mew5280 @ Mar 7 2008, 03:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, my husband had an Infopass when his GC expired AND the one year was almost up since he had applied for removal of conditions in Denver, they gave him the stamp no problem but good for 6 months, not one year.


Good news! Thanks for the info.
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-07 09:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPassport stamp in Denver
I have an infopass appointment in Denver next week to get a stamp in my passport. Just wondering if anyone has been down there for the stamp and do they give it for 12 months?

Any experiences?
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-06 13:47:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionInfopass appt in Denver.....and some info on Nebraska
QUOTE (coloradogirl @ Mar 14 2008, 07:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (cal @ Mar 13 2008, 05:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
With my extension letter due to expire next week and an upcoming trip home to Australia, I went to get my passport stamped in Denver today. They gave me a one year stamp without any hassle.

I asked about the processing dates going backward by 6 months. The nice lady told me that as they received 3 million apps before the fees went up, they had taken immigration officers off certain types of applications. As the removing condition apps werent "urgent...you are in the country and can get on with your life" our cases are one of the victims. She gave me the impression that they had basically stopped processing this type of application. I mentioned about how they were being transferred to CSC now and she said that yes they had been doing that for a few months with new applications, but the older ones are basically on hold. She said I would be looking at about 18 months (im assuming she meant including the 14 months I have already been waiting but you never know!!!)

So for all those who filed late 2006 / early 2007 like me, the news aint great.


I said it was a snap to get the stamp in Denver without question. biggrin.gif Hope it continues to be that way as my husband will need another stamp in July. We're right around the same timeline you are, so I hope she meant 18 months TOTAL!! Our file was last touched Feb. 1st. When was yours? Just curious.

Mine was last touched feb 9th. Looks like we are in the same spiderweb covered section of the abyss.
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-13 16:49:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionInfopass appt in Denver.....and some info on Nebraska
With my extension letter due to expire next week and an upcoming trip home to Australia, I went to get my passport stamped in Denver today. They gave me a one year stamp without any hassle.

I asked about the processing dates going backward by 6 months. The nice lady told me that as they received 3 million apps before the fees went up, they had taken immigration officers off certain types of applications. As the removing condition apps werent "urgent...you are in the country and can get on with your life" our cases are one of the victims. She gave me the impression that they had basically stopped processing this type of application. I mentioned about how they were being transferred to CSC now and she said that yes they had been doing that for a few months with new applications, but the older ones are basically on hold. She said I would be looking at about 18 months (im assuming she meant including the 14 months I have already been waiting but you never know!!!)

So for all those who filed late 2006 / early 2007 like me, the news aint great.
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-13 16:21:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNebraska Service Center & I-751
Hi there,

Im in the same boat (and a fellow aussie). I had an infopass appointment in Denver this past week to get my passport stamped. They gave me a 12 month extension, and they told me some info on Nebraska which I posted about...click here to see that post.

Regarding being grilled by immigration, that really sucks. Im a bit worried too as I am travelling back to oz in May and my extension letter (although expired by then) has my maiden name on it instead of my married name and they misspelled my middle name. The lady at Denver said I should be fine with my expired greencard and the stamp in my passport. Lets hope!

Anyway hope the info in my other post helps.
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-15 09:44:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionChecking case status online
QUOTE (MandR @ Mar 26 2008, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As with the K-1 application. Can we check case status online for the I-751 ?

Check was cashed last week. SRC number is written on the back of the cancelled check...... but checking online via USCIS it doesn't show



Yes you can, but you will need to wait for your NOA1 which will have your actual receipt number.
calFemaleAustralia2008-03-25 18:39:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOMG I was Touched!!!!
This morning I got an email from CRIS telling me my case had been transferred. It dosent tell me where, but the online case status does. The email makes it sound like we are put to the back of the line now:

Application Type: CRI89 , PETITION TO REMOVE CONDITIONS OF PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS RECEIVED

Current Status: This case is now pending at the office to which it was transferred. The CRI89 PETITION TO REMOVE CONDITIONS OF PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS RECEIVED was transferred and is now pending standard processing at a USCIS office. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address. We process cases in the order we receive them. You can use our processing dates to estimate when this case will be done, counting from when USCIS received it. Follow the link below to check processing dates. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. To receive e-mail updates, follow the link below to register. If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283. *Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.
calFemaleAustralia2008-04-02 08:24:00