ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General Discussion6 weeks since citizenship interview
It's within the normal time frame, so really you can't run an inquiry. Just like you said, wait.

2osbor ya 7ag Sherif :)

I know I am being impatient, but they don't help either! I can't do anything but wait I guess :)


OkalianMaleEgypt2011-07-25 04:55:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNEED HELP expediting naturalization.

This is supposed to be a forum to ask questions and receive answers. I have made my reasons and situation clear, and I'm not going to accept your silly accusation of me getting myself into this mess due to the fact I didn't want to jump for joy and become an AMerican 5 years ago. Frankly, and I don't think I'm alone here, there isn't a nationality I'd rather be less. Iraqi included.


Nowhere do I see in Vanessa's response where she could seem "snippy and condescending". If you look at her other posts and see how she's been helpful to others, you'll know that such impression is only on your side.

Trust me, people can choose to simply read your post and move on with their day without giving a lick, and there are others who choose to take the time and advise you with the very thing they would do if they're in your shoes. No one here expects a "thank you" but nor do they anticipate being called "snippy and condescending". Very discouraging indeed.
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-10-08 07:24:00
US Citizenship General Discussionn-400 pending, greencard expiring, should i return to the states to wait for the interview?

I'm not a lawyer and I don't play one on TV but my spider-sense tells me that if you try to re-enter the US on an expired Green Card, you're going to have problems. Border patrol/whomever doesn't "know" you have an application pending, all they will see is an expired Green Card.

If it was me, I'd make sure to be IN the USA before it expires.


ditto..
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-10-08 06:55:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 Checklist for remarried?

Since by your timeline I think that you are filing under the 3-year option, you will need to provide more information. See the complete checklist here and send everything that applies:
http://www.uscis.gov...attachments.pdf


I'm not sure how you can tell by my timeline that it's under 3-year option? i'm filing under the 5-year option :) My first GC was issued early March 2008.

I've went through the checklist and didn't see anything that says i need to send my remarriage certificate. But It's a little vague Posted Image

Edited by Okalian, 19 November 2012 - 04:21 PM.

OkalianMaleEgypt2012-11-19 16:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 Checklist for remarried?
Howdy!

My checklist (according to instructions):
N-400
$680 Check
2 Passport Photos
Divorce Decree.

Now, should I include my remarriage certificate?
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-11-19 12:21:00
US Citizenship General Discussion4years and 1 day

There is no "apply 90 days before" rule for the ones applying in 4 yr and 1 day after resuming their continuous residence.


I stand corrected :) thanks for the clarification.
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-04 13:21:00
US Citizenship General Discussion4years and 1 day

For how long have you been an LPR before you left with your re-entry permit?


Regardless on how long he/she've been LPR before leaving with reentry permit, the clock resets back to 4 years and 1 day. I think you should be eligible at 90 days before 4/28/2013, which is 1/28/2013
http://www.uscis.gov...Calculator.html

I don't see why you should have any problems, especially that you took the extra step and used a reentry permit.

Edited by Okalian, 04 December 2012 - 12:57 PM.

OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-04 12:54:00
US Citizenship General Discussion5-year Resident Package

Tax transcripts for the last 5 years!


Not needed.
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-06 12:10:00
US Citizenship General Discussion5-year Resident Package

I assembled my N-400 application (finally) and I could use a few extra pairs of eyes to make sure that I have everything I need.

Situation: I am applying for naturalization based on 5 years of permanent residency in the US. I am divorced from my immigration sponsor (as of 2011) and we had no dependents. I don't need to send in my marriage certificate with the divorce decree, do I?

  • Cover Letter
  • Money Order: N-400 Application
  • Money Order: Biometrics Fees
  • 2 photographs
  • N-400 Application
    • N-400 Form
    • Green card: front and back
    • Passport: signature page, stamp page (only one)
    • Divorce decree: 3 pages; for divorce and evidence of name change
  • G-1145 Form


My application basis is very similar to yours (5-year, divorced) and I think you package is fine. You don't need a copy of your passport and you can submit one check/money order for everything.

I'm dropping off my application tomorrow. If you're submitting your application in December as well, please join the December 2012 filers thread and share your timeline.

http://www.visajourn...er-2012-filers/


OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-06 00:05:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOath Scheduling Que

Hello,

Can anyone please share how long they were in the oath scheduling status (below)?

"Oath Ceremony
On November 21, 2012, we placed your application in the oath scheduling que. We will send a notice when the ceremony is scheduled."


I have been in this status for 2 weeks now and my interview was almost a month ago.

I am filing via Dallas office.

Can anyone tell me how long it usually takes for them to assign us an oath date?


Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. :thumbs:


check the thread for your corresponding filing month here on VJ and compare your timeline with others. 2 weeks isn't really out of the ordinary..
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-07 07:27:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGotten 10 year green card after divorce N400 turn out to be complicated
Thanks for sharing your experience :)
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-10-02 03:08:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionLPR/ When can I apply for Citizenship?

Married in 08/15/2009, applied for AOS (2-year GC) 11/19/2011? Received 10 year GC 04/18/2012. Yet you have not filed for ROC, but you received a GC based on the marriage being over 2 years--did you file the I-130 with the AOS? I think this is a mistake and you should make an INFOPASS appointment ASAP to get the dates on the GC correct. This is one of those issues that can come back and bite you in the future if not verified.

Dave


It's not a mistake. If she was married for more than 2 years at the time of becoming a permanent resident, he'll be given a 10-year greencard without the need of getting a conditional greencard first.
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-14 06:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNaturalize from green card
It's more than simply entering & exiting the US..It's permanent Residency card, not permanent visitor's card. You need to fully understand 2 things; Continuous & Physical residence. Read "A Guide to Naturalization" by USCIS and you'll find the answer to your question.

http://www.uscis.gov...le/chapter4.pdf

Edited by Okalian, 16 December 2012 - 10:51 AM.

OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-16 10:49:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionEffect of past divorce on n400

Final clarification:

If you apply based on marriage to US citizen:
- Send proof of termination of all prior marriages of your spouse (divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificate(s))
- If you were married before, send proof that all earlier marriages ended (divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificates(s)).


If you apply based on 5 year residency:
- If you were married before, send proof that all earlier marriages ended (divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificates(s)).

.


Ditto
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-20 06:19:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionIndex of VJ's N-400 Timelines
Christmas day - family = PURE BOREDOM

Guess what else can you do, other than arranging forks and spoons in your kitchen? that's right! Bringing my OCD-ness to VJ :) I was trying to look at fellow filers whose district office is New Orleans, and thought it would come-in handy to come up with a list of timelines for the last 3 years (there're even older timelines, but honestly last three years are more than enough). I've noticed that these timelines are easily buried, so it would be nice if a moderator could pin it to keep it updated as the months come by, or simply bookmark it in your browser if you find it useful.

Enjoy! now I'm gonna go back to counting carpet threads or tree leaves :P
January 2012
February 2012
March 2012
April 2012
May 2012
June 2012
July 2012
August 2012
September 2012
October 2012
November 2012
December 2012

January 2011
February 2011
March 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June 2011
July 2011
August 2011
September 2011
October 2011
November 2011
December 2011


January 2010
February 2010
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
June 2010
July 2010
August 2010
September 2010
October 2010
November 2010
December 2010
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-25 10:34:00
US Citizenship General Discussionprocessing time of n400 at the locak office
your best bet is to compare with your corresponding month's timeline for fellow philadelphians.

Check this fresh thread that I created. http://www.visajourn...-400-timelines/
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-25 10:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTravelling before filing N400
The requirement says the candidate "has resided within a state or district for at least three months".


Residence and physical presence are two different things. As long as you've established "Residence" in your district for 3 months prior to filing, you should be fine.
OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-25 08:02:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionChances of being denied...

Sent off papers and evidence to file on my own, but USCIS sent it all back to me.


What did they send back? and what was the reason attached with your returned documents?

It would seem a little suspicious that you got divorced right after receiving your 10-year GC, yet it's not entirely proper grounds for N-400 denial.




OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-24 18:39:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTraveling Plans during US Citizenship Process

so curtailed any traveling plans for the next five months. Exceptions to this would be an emergency, USCIS is considerate in cases like this. But you may experience severe delays if you just decide to take off for any other reason. Consider dealing with the USCIS is no different than dealing with our US military, but the consequences of not being where you are suppose to be aren't quite that bad.


Not entirely accurate. It doesn't have to be an emergency! You can freely travel while pending N-400, as long as you properly time your travel not to miss [or fail to postpone] any appointments (Interview, Oath). But USCIS doesn't stop you from travelling while your n-400 is pending. Of course, postponing will delay your progress.

Just make sure you keep up with following online case status and have someone keep up with checking your mail. Online case status (if it works, not always 100% reliable) will only tell you a notice has been sent, but doesn't tell you the appointment time, thus the need to regularly check the mail.

Inform the IO in the interview about travel dates since filing your application.

Edited by Okalian, 29 December 2012 - 08:57 AM.

OkalianMaleEgypt2012-12-29 08:56:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQuestion on a N-400 Application

Everyone: I am filling out the N-400 for my Dad. My dad is eligible for the 55/15 Rule ( Can take the Civics test in native Language. The question I have is that My dad stayed away from the U.S in 2010 for about 9 months, and continued to stay here in the U.S all throughout the year 2011 and 2012. He has been a green card holder since 1998. Staying away as long as 9 months, would that be a problem OR not shown in the application and pretend that we forgot to put it down. The reason I said this was, one of my cousin who has been here for the past 5 years, and spent more than 2.5 years overseas for school, and got away with it by not placing it on his N-400? All suggestions and opinions welcomed..


9 months would've paused his physical presence clock, but I guess he's seems to be well over the 30 months (over the last 5 years) physical presence requirement so it shouldn't be an issue. Should he has stayed more than a year, his 5-year counter would've reset.

Edited by Okalian, 02 January 2013 - 04:39 PM.

OkalianMaleEgypt2013-01-02 16:39:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHow many Citizenship's can one person have?

Nor does the United States recognize my Canadian citizenship, but that doesn't prevent me from being a citizen of both countries.

My question was "How many citizenship's can one person have?"

It was not my intention to start a political or religious debate and I'll not let this thread come to that either, so I'll refrain from further comment, respect your input to my original question, and leave it at that.


Well-said!
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-01-07 11:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 and Oath in 73 days since submission.

I submitted my application Ion Oct. 29, 2012. I just finished my interview today, Jan. 7, 2013 and my Oath is schedule this Thursday, Jan, 10, 2013. Yay! Thank you, God. Total days from the beginning is 73 days.

Thank you visa journey for keeping me informed on all the happenings regarding immigration.


Congrats!

I'm almost sure you didn't submit your paperwork exactly when the 90-day window started..I'm beginning to believe now that there are many instances when USCIS cannot give an interview/oath early enough because the candidate's 5-year anniversary is still not due. In the end it's the same, with less waiting time :)

Edited by Okalian, 07 January 2013 - 12:00 PM.

OkalianMaleEgypt2013-01-07 11:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionBest, economic way to have someone check the mails while filing N400

I would not recommend relying on email/text updates. Some people have signed up for them and not received anything.


It's better than absolutely nothing Posted Image
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-01-16 07:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionBest, economic way to have someone check the mails while filing N400

Have you looked into the mail forwarding service offered by the postal service? Perhaps you can have the mail forwarded to someone you trust in the states
https://www.usps.com...orward-mail.htm


USPS will not forward government mail. If you have a friend in town, ask him to swing by your home once a week to check the mail. Also, sign up for online case status updates so as to know when to approximately expect notices to arrive.
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-01-15 19:23:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMistake on N400
In the interview you'll be answering questions under oath, and the IO will go over your application to verify coherence of answers. Most likely it's gonna be your best bet to correct such mistake.
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-01-15 10:18:00
US Citizenship General Discussionadvice on citizenship

I've been told i worry too much, but sending off my N-400 is nerve racking.

Conditional GC 05-07 permanent GC 2008-2018

I came to the US in Feb 04. Met my wife about 2 years before. We got married in April that year, but she then divorced me in 2008. Her parents didn't like me, so paid for the divorce, without my knowledge. I tried to save marriage, but to no avail.

She and family emptied our entire house along with all my immigration paperwork and documents proving marriage was entered in good faith. I have proof that i tried to save the marriage and a few documents including tax transcripts. I'm remarried and never been in trouble with the law, paid all taxes etc.

What would be my chances of getting denied my N-400? Should i seek legal advice?



Did you file for I-751 jointly or via a waiver? And if jointly, was it approved before or after divorce was filed/finalized? This makes a HUGE difference..
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-01-15 19:20:00
US Citizenship General Discussionn-400 - Marriage

Good morning,
I met my ex-wife in 2004, and after a while, got married in May, 2006, but things did not work out, and we ended up getting an amicable divorce in December, 2010.
Prior to my marriage, I was waiting for a H1-B visa, which was ultimately denied after I got married.
Because I was married to her in good faith, I was granted permanent residency in May 2007, and even the conditions were removed two year later. We provided photos, affidavits, bank statements and all those.
Now, I am applying for naturalization based on having more than 5 years of holding a GC, but I am afraid that my prior (and only) marriage can be seen as fraudulent, which it was NOT.
Do I need to worry about this?

Thank you for your suggestions/comments!


The legitimacy of your marriage, as far as USCIS is concerned, has been covered during removal of conditions. There would be an issue if you were divorced between filing for removal of conditions and getting the 10-year GC.
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-01-12 12:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400

I have been waiting almost 10 days for N-400 interview letter since my case status was updated to case scheduled for interview( before it was in-line interview). I suppose to received in 2 or 3 days this interview letter but I haven't. Should I make a info pass appointment or not? Please heeeelp. I live in Long Island ,NY.


Usually the interview is about 5 weeks away from the date of status change. If i were you, i would go for an infopass. At least if they insist you wait for a re-print of the interview letter, you'll still have time to receive it prior to the interview.
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-03 23:37:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPut in Oath Ceremony Que

I realize it is up to the local office, but what I'm wondering is if they will update the website again once the date has been determined. Example: " Your Oath Cermony has been schedule for xxxxx xx, 2013"


Nope. Dates are never put in the online status update. You'll receive the notification letter with the oath date and time.
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-05 17:05:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCase in green folder
If you live nearby the USCIS office, i would keep in touch via infopass. Additionally, see if you can have your oath ceremony in Chicago, I believe it must be more frequent than 3 times/year.

Were you asked at all about taxes?

Edited by Okalian, 06 March 2013 - 08:14 PM.

OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-06 20:13:00
US Citizenship General Discussionn400

Does anyone know how long it takes to get interview after you get the finger print done to become a u.s citizen in new jersey? ?


Check the timelines on this forum, but also try this link
http://www.trackitt....ers/n400/page/1
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-07 23:17:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondocument listing

so obviously i didnt mentioned in n400 form when submitted, so should i just mention this during the interview?

i have email confirmation of the fine paid, is that enough?


That's what I plan on doing, God Willing :) In addition to adding a couple of trips as well.
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-08 23:25:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondocument listing

Please note - the advice says you do not have to submit documentation - it does NOT say you don't have to declare it. Yes, you should declare the red light ticket with the fine of $100 where it asks. You don't have to submit documentation to show that you paid the fine. Please be careful because this can trick you up. No where does it state that you should not declare traffic violations - only that you don't need to submit documentation about them, as you do for every other type of charge, fine, citation, arrest, etc. It will not be a problem to disclose the ticket. It could very well become a problem if you fail to disclose the ticket so - DISCLOSE THE TICKET and rest easy that you are filled out the form correctly.


Excellent note! Thanks for the insight.
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-08 19:18:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondocument listing

Should I still to IO about my redlight ticket for which fine of 100$ was paid in time. Or it is less then 500$ and no need to mention it?


"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."


Source: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/chapter3.pdf Page 8, Question 7
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-06 20:55:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondocument listing

Did you file under the 3 or 5 year option?


Seems like he's under the 5-year option, since he mentioned his wife has a concurrent application.

to the OP: Why do you anticipate the need for your birth certificate, utility bills, bank statement, pay stubs, etc?
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-06 20:34:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTaxes and Citizenship denial!

You should file returns for both 2008 and 2009. Based on the information that Nich-Nick posted earlier you definitely need to file a return for 2008 since your income is more than the amount of the personal exemption which means that you probably owe tax for 2008.


Incorrect. Unless he/she is married filing separately, they DON'T need to file for the said years.
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-10 07:12:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTaxes and Citizenship denial!

guys, thanks for all the answers!
Well, when I came here those times as a j1 holder I had no idea one day I would marry an american and move to the US! And had no idea I had to file taxes if I wasn't a resident! Hundreds of international students do Work and Travel every year and don't file taxes! We are completely clueless about it!

I was taking a look at both my W2's and here's what they say (both times I worked in Alaska):
2008: Gross pay - $8171.62; AK SUI (I don;t know what that is) - $40.86 and that's it! No federal income tax withheld!
2009: Gross pay - $3126.76; AK SUI - 15.63; Federal income tax withheld: $88.00!

I'm more confused than ever now! I emailed the HR lady of 2008 about the federal taxes and she responded "We don't deduct those from J-1 paychecks automatically".
So now I don't know what it means... but I probably owe a lot of money.

And from what everyone responded me here, the best thing to do is actually to go ahead and file those tax returns, right?
And I'll probably need professional help, cuz this is all too confusing for me! I don't think I can file it on my own! This is frustrating!


No it's much simpler than you think. You don't need to file for either years ...in 2008, the minimum gross $ to file was $8950 and $9,350 for 2009, so as far as USCIS is concerned, you're not required to file.

Additionally, it's never too late to file for taxes. The only concern you should have is any interests incurred (if you owe taxes at all).

Edited by Okalian, 09 March 2013 - 04:12 PM.

OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-09 16:10:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTaxes and Citizenship denial!

Hi, I have a question about taxes and citizenship.
I came here in 2012 with a K-1 visa and have the intention to apply for citizenship when the time is right. I'm just really worried about something: in 2008 AND 2009 I came to the US as a J1 visa holder in a program we call Work and Travel. We would come to work seasonal jobs (ski resorts, casinos, etc) for about 4 months and then return to our country. Since I wasn't a resident or anything, I didn't think I had to file tax returns, so I didn't! Does anyone know if this could be a reason for denial when I apply for citizenship? Is there anything I could do about it?
I appreciate any kind of help! thanks!


I was requesting the tax transcripts for my upcoming N400 interview, God Willing. I found 2011,2010 and 2009, but no 2008. Turns out they never received them!! So i filed them and dropped them off IN PERSON at the local IRS office with a RECEIVED stamp on it. I also got a document that shows i don't owe anything in taxes.

Even though I don't have to submit any transcripts to USCIS (since I'm filing based on 5 years), there are 2 questions on the N-400 form that ask if you owe any taxes and if you ever failed to file for taxes. Notice that it doesn't ask if you ever failed to file ON TIME, but simply failed to file. So this should clear things up since I'll be asked under oath.

Bottomline: It's never too late to file late taxes and even if it's not for USCIS, it's for your own peace of mind.

Edited by Okalian, 07 March 2013 - 05:52 PM.

OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-07 17:52:00
US Citizenship General Discussionsticky situation

Employer is more than at fault, by paying cash, and not submitting a W-2, paying his share of FICA taxes and withholding federal and state if applies, income taxes. Then taking advantage of more than likely an ignorant immigrant worker.

Just saying, don't put the entire blame on this girl, she is not responsible for the actions of her employer. He is the one that is liable to take care of his employees, sure a court of law would sort this out.


Coudn't agree more. If he tries to report her, he's in deeper (BLEEP) than she is.
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-12 07:37:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAccidental Claim to US Citizenship back in 1988

Then you have to go through the lineup of untrained clerks and several layers of supervision that have no clue what to do next because you are the FIRST one that ever said "no" to that question in all 7 weeks of their employment and they were never trained WHAT to do for THAT!


You're absolutely right...
OkalianMaleEgypt2013-03-12 16:56:00