ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

That's BS... these stupid price increase. $135? I paid $60 for mine in 2002. Due to renew in 2 years. Damn price increases!


When we become Americans and have the chip inserted under our skulls, we will say that $135 is cheap to carry the passport of the finest country that has ever existed in the history of the world (Mitt Romney)

I prefer to say 'it's cheap to escape the USCIS' as it's less of a mouthful
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 13:08:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

Like I said you have a great idea and I am going to try it, but I just do not have much faith in USCIS, I hope I am wrong and you are right and it works like you say. I just remembered how it was 3 years ago. :thumbs:


Believe me I am right.

At the ceremony you are totally DIVORCED from the USCIS

You have your divorce paper (the certificate of citizenship)
which is now your birth certicate as it were

It's now between you and the department of state for the passport

The uscis is just a horrible memory at that stage and their records are irrelevant and so is ss

The certificate is all that matters. You have to send the original and they send it back - scary - but they NEVER lose it


You are mentally and emotionally scarred by the GC thing - so am I. It's 3 years and I am just getting over it !

But this bit means freedom from the USCIS and it will be instant !

You will soon be paddling in the Chome More
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 12:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

Used to be $65-$85 range for a new one I was told but not sure what it is now and the rates were due to rise and change soon. I think renewals were like $50-$75 but were going up also. Wish they issued them for 20 years instead of 10 at the rates they charge for one! I also think you can only get them done now in US post office, used to get them in county seat courthouse but not sure if you can apply there anymore. I read all this 3 years ago when trying to figure out all these forms to file and steps to take and fees to pay, all overwhelming! Anyway better go look up US State Dept website and find out for certain what the new fees and procedures are now.


I repeat >>>
CLICK This LINK >>>

http://www.suite101....ly-2010-a260286




.

Edited by saywhat, 25 August 2010 - 12:50 PM.

Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 12:48:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers
you don't need ss and uscis to update their systems- you have an actual certificate in your hand after the ceremony. You can apply for the passport immediately - 5 minutes later. The certificate is the only proof the passport people need.
You will have your passport in your hand by the end of November if your ceremony is same day as interview.
If the ceremony is end of november you will have your passport by 15 december
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 12:44:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

How much is the application fee for a US passport?

http://www.suite101.com/content/us-passport-fees-to-increase-july-2010-a260286
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 12:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

Ok I have been in USA since May 1, 2007 living with and married to same US person for over 3 years now even when I filed on 8/18. 8/18/10 was 90 days to 11/15 which is when I got my 2 yr GC approved or it is the date on the GC. Thus I mailed it off one day in advance so it would it arrive in USCIS mail the exact day to file or one day after so like day 89.

So basically I would have to sit and wait until sometime after 11/15 to take the oath no matter if I got interview and biometric approved and done prior to 11/15. That is depressing, hope that does not slow me down, was hoping for interview and approval and oath out of way by 11/15 which I might still get if I do biometric in mid Sept and interview in mid to late October, then another 2 weeks or so and it is 15h of Nov! So about on pace for a 90 day approval, thinking positive once again.

So basically what you made me realize is no matter what I cannot officially take oath and get citizenship certificate until 11/15 or later this year! Was hoping to get it done before then and go apply for passport before end of year, looks like I will have to wait until after 1st of year now, doubt everything is updated in USCIS system, it will be like when I first arrived 3 years ago, took them like 3-4 weeks to get my information and status inputed into the state dept system and social security system along with any and all other agencies, which I am sure it will be same with agency handling passports, even if I file and apply for passport it may sit for several weeks until they get notification it is ok to issue passport and verification I am US citizen then. Oh well no travel plans for me this year at end of fall or winter out of USA. :bonk:

No - you get your certificate at the ceremony; walk across the road to the post office and apply for the passport same day. That is what I am doing.

Pay expedited processing and overnight return so you get it in 7 to 10 days.

Download the form and fill it in and take it to the ceremony so you can skip across to the post office (passport designated post office)
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 12:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

Never thought of what you mention, good point. I wonder so basically we have to wait until the day of or a date after our 2 yr GC approval issue date before we can be interviewed? Or can we do the interview ahead of that date but just have to wait until after that date to take the oath? Or does it matter since we were allowed to file 90 days in advance of our GC issue date and 3 yrs after being married to US citizen? Now you got me thinking what ifs? :innocent:


on the date you file you must have been married to AND living with your USC spouse continuously for 3 years. I was in the UK for the 3 months before my GC started so I had to prove residence there in that 90 days before I flew.

AND it must be no more than 90 days before the third anniversary of you FIRST GC (conditional or not)
My GC is 5th november and I filed 9th august - 88 days. We can do all stages before the GC anniversary incl interview - but the ceremony must be on or after.
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 11:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

Great, thanks for input. I was hoping my check would clear today, and by friday or sooner I would get an email notice they received it! And by next week NOA in mail and by end of August next week the biometric letter for that appointment and hopefully sometime in 10-15th or sooner in Sept, then wait for interview letter and hope by Oct 15-30 interview and oath by Oct 30-Nov 15! I know wishful thinking but it feels so good to dream about it! I mean why not as fast as they are moving it seems now processing this stuff a 90 day period or less seems quite possible now. :dance: :whistle:


The speed of my application is irrelevant as I can't do the oath by law until after November 5 - my GC anniversary

It will be nice to clear the hurdles so quickly but then I will be in limbo until november
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 11:35:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

I am so ready to delete it all or burn it all or shred it all over lock it away and never ever have to worry about collecting that stuff again and opening up all my private personal information to Big Brother US Government, made me think I was back in Soviet Union dealing with SBU! I never dreamed a free democracy country would require or want so much like USA does, oh well, way that it works just glad it is almost done! :star:


get ready for iris recognition within the next 10 years. No passport or driver's license required - jut look at the scanner pen. All data in our data banks from birth onwards. The speed police can even see your school grades and medical records. Total integration.

never happen ?
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 11:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

No check cleared yet for me second time I checked this morning! AHAH I am looosing it like saywhat said we all would! AHAH
So USCIS does not give you a case number in the email notification they send out? We still have to wait for letter in mail NOA1 to look at to get our case number to then track online? :wacko:

yes they put the case number in the email and text
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 11:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

YES! DAH! so true, you said it all! And are so right, it is obessive and complusive to log on and check this stuff, makes me wonder how anyone in previous years stood it and did this without all these email updates or online accounts to look at or 800 number info lines or whatever. It is bad enough right now. We are all just so sick and tired of the hassle of filing all that paperwork, I bet I have about 12 inches or more of all the copies and originals of supporting documents and all the applications I have filed in past 3-4 years! Be so glad to shred it or throw away after this phase! :dance:


I left all my files in england once i got the GC stamp in my passport.
Then I told my daughter to burn em all !

My only data is scanned files on the computer, USCIS fillable pdf's and scanned images of my visas and GC and driver's license and ss card and passport etc etc. I have 5 backups though on external drives and dvd's in different places. Even a scan of my speeding ticket and payment receipt !
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 11:18:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

Cool, right behind you SirLancelot. Mailed mine on 8/17 and they received it on 8/19 so today my check should clear the bank! I had noticed it seemed they were averaging business 5 days from receiving application to cashing a check! And another 3-5 business days to send out email notification and mail NOA! :dance:


we are nuts sat watching the email and mail box for a day here and a day there.
The elation only lasts 24 hours after we receive something good and then we start the anxiety trip again for the next stage

Makes me wonder how we keep from going under...
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 10:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

Check cleared 8/24/10. Online image still not there, so I can't see what our assigned number is. :(

not long... did you send in the form that tells em to email and /or text you with the number ? That's exciting !

Anyway check cleared is great coz it means they are not sending your file back...
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 10:23:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

I hear what you're saying, but it just seems like acquiescing to the big bully. Each time another acquiesces, USCIS thinks its even more justified to do whatever they wish.


I wonder if the USCIS quality control dept ever reads these forums and resolves to improve in these areas. If it was a company and they had a huge forum like this inhabited by their customers, they would monitor it constantly.
I wonder if anyone ever suggests it in their management meetings ?

Could be the public are wise to what happens and that is why our applications are moving so fast - lack of customers - people can't face the hassle again.

If this was an 18 month process as it used to be - I wouldn't bother
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-24 11:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

You should definitely complain. There is no reason to make you drive 200 miles to a distant facility when a local one will suffice. That is just BS. I would contact them. 400 miles round trip is quite a bit in terms of wasted gas--bad for both your pocket and for the environment.


If it was a normal organization I would call em and switch it to Yakima or Seattle - but this is the USCIS. They would likely cancel it in Spokane and forget to reschedule it somewhere else and then after 6 months of calls and letters they would reschedule it back in Spokane !

With this valuable knowledge of the USCIS systems, I am going to hold tight to what I have got and do that drive..

Got to keep it simple with these guys or it invites trouble... I will be the gray man, low profile, straightforward, swim with the stream.....

Come on early November and the USCIS divorce party !
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-24 10:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

what did you guys use to attach all those pages in the naturalization application before mailing it?



I just used a huge butterfly style paper clip on the n400

and an envelope for the photos (unsealed)

and on the supporting docs I use small paper clips and a tiny bit of scotch tape

I put an index page on the front so they could quickly see what's in there
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-24 10:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

Wow you are moving at lighting speed, that is great! Already got biometric letter in hand and date to do that, within 2-4 weeks after that biometric you might have your interview appointment! :thumbs:


I know it's embarrassing - had to reschedule UK holiday

Now leaving 11th and returning 19th sept. I bet the interview letter is waiting for us !

But they always give 3 4 or 5 weeeks notice of interview so should be perfect !

Weird - as we have been switched to Spokane for FP which is 200 miles away rather than Yakima which is my local... even Seattle is 140 miles..not complaining - just going with the flow...
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-23 23:06:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers
UPDATE:



N-400 timeline:
August 09, 2010...Mailed N-400 USPS Express Mail to street address Phoenix
August 10, 2010...Delivery confirmed USCIS Phoenix USPS Express Mail
August 13, 2010...Check for $675.00 clears my bank (Friday the 13th ! oh no)
August 15, 2010...22.38PT - email receipt with case number (NBC*xxxxxxxxx)from USCIS
August 16, 2010...Case available on my account at USCIS - Initial Processing
August 17, 2010...Case 'touched' on my account at USCIS - Initial Processing
August 19, 2010...Notice of Action received from NBC Missouri mailed 16th
August 20, 2010...RFE for Biometrics by txt and email - (mailed 18th)
August 23, 2010...Biometrics appt received. Notice date 19th, appointment September 2
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-23 17:11:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

No problem.
You might do a search on the N400 thread to see if any others went through Yakima office and if they were able to take oath same day they interviewed or how long it takes in between or you could any previous members on VJ you find that went through Yakima office and ask them how it went. That is what I did for St Louis field office. Sadly in STL, no oath allowed on same day of interview if approved, have to wait for several days or weeks for oath ceremony letter and usually oath is like 2 weeks later due to fact they want to corral up a large batch of new immigrants to take oath all at the same time instead of doing it daily or weekly unless in area where it is large enough numbers to happen daily or weekly! Looks like the rate fee hikes from 2007 and the economic downturn hitting at same time have really slowed down these N400 filings this year. Which is good for us now, means we should get through this much faster than normal, with less numbers filing! :star:


yeah mine is spooky fast (so far !)

I have tried searching members with filter on for yakima office

Tried it on naturalization pending and naturalization completed but its a blank

I know they have ceremonies at various towns around the State so it will be a 'save em up' job I reckon
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-20 18:03:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

I bet you get a biometric letter also or at least the first NOA. From what I have been told by others going through this in past 12 months, it is not uncommon for a person to receive a yellow letter stating the RFE part and on same letter your biometric date. And some have told me it came in white letter so who knows why. But usually either color letter would have your biometric date on it usually. And some have told me their interview letter would come with yellow letter and stating RFE to bring for interview so who knows for sure why they do that or use different colors. Seems like now if you get RFE you simply bring it with you on into the interview, to be honest it is kind of confusing since it does not seem to be like the normal or traditional type of RFE letter one would get in prior I485(2 yr GC) or I751(10 yr GC) filings before USCIS would let you move forward. Anyway, sounds like you are in good shape and moving right along. I put you on the updated list for August filers! I hope Yakima, Washington is ok, it is the only one I know of in USA.
 :thumbs:


Thanks very much !

I can't find out how long the gap is from interview to ceremony there, but I will ask at both FP and interview...

Yes the USCIS are pretty much unpredictable so anything can happen..
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-20 17:01:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers

I think you are correct, you are probably going to receive Biometric letter in mail any day now! :yes:


That's identical to what I received today on my account with a mailing date of 18th

I don't believe the mailing date - I think that's the date they produced it and it doesn't leave Missouri mail room until about the email date

Of course we now sit here with a big soppy grin imagining it MUST be FP and not because we did the file wrongly and it really is a RFE

However, always look on the bright side of life !

I expect mine in the mail on Tuesday at which time I will sigh with relief...the other bits can take their time

ps can't do the entry form as my IQ is only 999^99 so I just put my timeline in the signature

Edited by saywhat, 20 August 2010 - 03:03 PM.

Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-20 15:03:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUS Residence - 319b (Non-military)
we were living in the uk when we filed for my GC

2 weeks from the end they raised the question of domicile and wanted to fail us

luckily she had filed state taxes in wisconsin and that, and only that cracked the case.

We still spent hours on the phone to supervisors with faxes flying back and forth.

she couldnt file in the uk as she was under 2 years resident

only us domiciled can be a sponsor
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-25 19:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 Which boxes to check for traffic tickets?

jasminelily, I agree with your approach. It may go above and beyond what they require, but I like to put everything on the table. I think we will do the same that you have done. After much digging through the forums I found at least one other person who did exactly the same thing. In my opinion the questions are rather ambiguous, but I will explain on a separate sheet of paper exactly why we marked "yes" for each one, so they are clear that it is just the two traffic tickets that we are reporting.

There seems to be a lot of confusion surrounding the issue. In my opinion the M-476 is very clear in that ALL offenses must be reported.

"You must report all offenses that you have committed including any that have been expunged..."

In the next paragraph it goes on to state that you must provide documentation for all offenses EXCEPT:

"Note that unless a traffic incident was drug or alcohol related, you do not need to submit documentation for traffic fines and incidents that did not involve an actual arrest if the penalty was a fine of less than $500 and/or points on your driver's license."

The M-476 does not exempt anyone from reporting traffic tickets, but simply from providing the extra documentation that is required for more serious crimes. If they wanted to exempt traffic tickets altogether, they would have stated that in the paragraph before, where it is mentioned that all offenses must be reported. They could easily have said "You must report all offenses that you have committed except traffic tickets...yadda yadda yadda..." They didn't. I realize that many people do not report traffic tickets at all and sail through just fine, but that is not the approach we will be taking.

Thank you for your help everyone.


Dash dash and double drat

I would love to argue with you but I can't coz you are right

As usual, the people at USCIS have written an uneducated fuzzy instruction which is totally ambiguous

My application packet is sealed and ready to go

I will have to open it now and tick the box and add an explanation sheet

Yes I agree there is a 99% chance I don't have to, but knowing how bloody wooden they are, they could interpret it as 'must say yes, but need not submit documentation'

That 1% chance is enough to make me waste another Walmart envelope my ripping this one open and amending the answer

Thanks for that thoughtful post

ps thanks OP - good job you raised it

Edited by saywhat, 02 August 2010 - 11:53 AM.

Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-08-02 11:49:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionYakima Washington Field Office
Hi there

Well I have had no replies to this so nobody must have gone through Yakima...

Does anyone know how I could find out about the gap between test and ceremony at yakima ?

I can't call em so do I just have to find a VJer who has gone through that office ?

Is there any other way to find out ?

thanks

Alan
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-05-17 18:04:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionYakima Washington Field Office
We are trying to figure out our vacation dates for this Christmas/new year.

I am likely to be approved around Xmas.

Does anyone know what the gap is between approval and the ceremony at Yakima - or how I could find out ?

Yakima is constant at 5 months for approving cases - so end of December is looking good for the case to end.

They don't have a phone number of course

thanks
Captain OatesMaleEngland2010-05-14 17:57:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionInterview Document Check List (N-659)
QUOTE (Stella08 @ Mar 28 2009, 01:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (saywhat @ Mar 27 2009, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am a long way off this but I just wondered about the tax returns - do you mean my copy, or do i need to get something from the IRS ?


With my application I had sent in my copies of the tax returns. Then I read in this forum that people had sent in tax transcripts from the IRS and so I ordered those for the interview. The officer never wanted to see them. But they're easy and free to order and it can't hurt to have them. So I would call the IRS, order the transcripts and have a good feeling when I go to the interview. good.gif



Yeah excellent plan


Apparently they ask you for documents that you aren't expecting to be asked for - so I will take my folder with all the birth/marriage/divorce certificates for me and my wife too - and even our social security number cards

If I take everything, then hopefully they wont be able to delay me for some reason. I will probably even take the title deeds to the house and the latest utility bills as we don't have a mortgage. I reckon too much is better than too little and its all here in the house in one folder anyway

If I overwhelm the poor person with paperwork, they will hopefully give in when faced with all that ! It worked at the visa interview...

cheers !

Alan

Captain OatesMaleEngland2009-03-28 09:45:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionInterview Document Check List (N-659)
QUOTE (Stella08 @ Mar 25 2009, 09:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (cookiee @ Mar 24 2009, 09:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Goran @ Mar 19 2009, 06:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If applying for NATURALIZATION AS THE SPOUSE of a United States Citizen... [does not apply to me]




if yes, what are they asking to bring ? (it applies to me smile.gif )

thank you goran


They want to see

-Proof that your spouse has been a US citizen for at least three years (birth certificate or naturalization certificate)
-Marriage certificate
-Divorce or death certificates if applicable


Also, you should have joint tax returns for the past three years and anything that can proof that you have a valid marriage and are living together (e.g. birth certificates of children you have together, mortgage/lease papers with both names on them, bills and contracts with both names on them and so forth). You should take originals of any copies you have sent in with your application.


I am a long way off this but I just wondered about the tax returns - do you mean my copy, or do i need to get something from the IRS ?

Captain OatesMaleEngland2009-03-27 18:42:00
CanadaFailed Medical??

I was worried because I have type 1 diabetes, but it wasn't a problem! I think you really need to have one of the illnesses listed (ie. aids, tuberculosis, etc.), have had serious psychological problems where you were a threat to others or test positive to illicit drugs to 'fail' the medical. The doctors are supposed to let you know before you get to the Consulate though, so that if you need treatment you can get it, or if you need documentation to verify your recovery you can get it.

I saw a similar thread to this where one or two posters were saying that the US has a free health system of sorts (actually they were implying it was equivalent to the uk), and therefore anyone who is fat/smokes/varicose veins/high blood pressure /jay walkers/hot coffee droppers/erotic self stranglers etc would or should be excluded... they even said anyone with blood pressure 20 points above an olympic athlete should be refused unless they submitted to turning themselves into a drugged out zombie who would live forever at no cost to the state

My wife assures me that it isn't free and they take your assets after they treat you if you have no insurance or money... you have to be destitute and remain so in order to escape paying


I reckon the law is more concerned about infectious stuff / drug users as has been mentioned ... the only threads I have seen where a problem has arisen has been with illegal drugs - but the medical centre charges £200 for afull physical so they do everything to justify the money
Captain OatesMaleEngland2007-06-28 13:23:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionIR1 visa but what if a break up ?

IRs are definitely the easy way to go by far.
Alls you have to do is submit the proper evidence to the NVC. Pass the medical and pass the embassy interview.

After that it's a sleigh ride.

No need Biometrics . Messing with civil surgeons. Doing AOS or removing conditions. Or screwing with SSA.

Definitely would be the way to go for scammers.
CR is a piece of cake compared to K visas also as alls you have to do is remove conditions down the line.

If USCIS continues to speed up the CR process I expect to see a LOT less K3s escpecially with the fee increases.

James's Shortcuts or something similiar made easy should add to more CRs also.


Best was my USC wife getting a UK 'green card' - it took about 20 minutes in chicago at the UK consulate - no fingerprints, no medical, no police certificate - stamp stamp there you go !

When I donated blood in the UK they asked me if I had ever been to the USA or Africa - but US Citizens walk into the UK without a medical... I digress..

Yes the IR1 does seem long winded but not as hard as K1 /employment card/AOS/removal of conditions in total.
Captain OatesMaleEngland2007-08-04 12:43:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionIR1 visa but what if a break up ?

NO :no: They consider the fact that they have been married more than 2 years as a bona fide relationship, that is why the un-conditional LPR status is given to the alien. The LPR would have to break a law in the USA before they would consider deportation.


yes the 'moral turpentine' stuff !

Weird really because a lot of folks marry someone abroad and they have been married 2 years but hardly met - I bet most of the more 'commercial' immigration frauds are done like this so they don't have to do removal of conditions where they would be found out...

It would seem an anomaly that someone could just land and split the same day quite legally because they have had the wedding certificate for 2 years...

But they would still have to prove bona fide relationship for an IR1 to be granted. If they hardly met, how would they do that??

When I was researching adjustment of status I read that the interview was really tough and they asked you about the colour of the walls in the bedroom and what programs each liked and all that stuff to prove you had a life together...

I am not sure how deeply they go into it for an IR1 visa - if someone goes back to the ethnic homeland of their family, and marry, and then the USC comes back to the US and goes over for visits a couple of times , then by the time the 'alien spouse' (love that phrase), actually arrives, they will get an unconditional green card - even though they have only 'met' their spouse say 3 times.

The marriage is genuine in that they married and have a certificate and they have 'kept in touch', but nothing like someone adjusting status whilst in the US who is required to actually be together and mingle their lives to a greater degree....

I know that in some countries, people get 'engaged' when they are 7 years old and married in a very pre-planned manner where there is no urgency and it's all carefully arranged years in advance - I suppose in those traditions people tend to stay together more anyway.

I am wandering a bit but basically I am saying that getting an unconditional green card seems easier than adjusting status while in the US as far as the 'closeness' of the relationship is concerned...

We didnt have much trouble on that score as we had lived in Wisconsin and now the UK on a full time basis, but many VJ folk seem to have a genuine marriage on paper, but they really haven't seen much of each other before or since the wedding ...

I suppose it fits the legal requirement but seems a bit easy to establish compared to AOS.... with AOS or removal of conditions, actually living together and doing it for real is required.... seems harder
Captain OatesMaleEngland2007-08-04 12:05:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionIR1 visa but what if a break up ?

NO :no: They consider the fact that they have been married more than 2 years as a bona fide relationship, that is why the un-conditional LPR status is given to the alien. The LPR would have to break a law in the USA before they would consider deportation.


yes the 'moral turpentine' stuff !

Weird really because a lot of folks marry someone abroad and they have been married 2 years but hardly met - I bet most of the more 'commercial' immigration frauds are done like this so they don't have to do removal of conditions where they would be found out...

It would seem an anomaly that someone could just land and split the same day quite legally because they have had the wedding certificate for 2 years...
Captain OatesMaleEngland2007-08-04 10:37:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionIR1 visa but what if a break up ?
Ok a slightly unusual question here... most posts concern conditional residents, but what if :

(let's say it's an academic question...)

An alien arrives on a IR1 visa and has been married 2 years and therefore does not need to remove conditions and gets a 10 year green card on arrival. His USC spouse is his sponsor.


Both need to tell USCIS of any change of address - he as an alien, she as a sponsor


If the marriage goes rocky - say within 3 months of arriving- and she files a change of address form showing a new sponsor's address, will the USCIS realise they are living apart are re-open the file with a few to deporting the alien because the immigration was so recent ?

Is there a time limit ?
Captain OatesMaleEngland2007-08-04 09:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical Green card
QUOTE (samaci @ Apr 28 2008, 04:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What a process! I think I need a stress leave!



It took me months to get over the stress... As an 'alien' I am treated second class by law in WASHINGTON STATE with their 'alien firearms license' (phasers on stun ?) which is now unavailable, but I just don't care any more as long as they leave me alone.

I can always travel 200 miles to Oregon or Idaho or Canada if I want to feel equal

Yes it's nice when you have the GC thing behind you- just great - now don't lose it !
Captain OatesMaleEngland2008-04-28 00:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical Green card
QUOTE (milimelo @ Apr 23 2008, 12:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (saywhat @ Apr 19 2008, 06:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (milimelo @ Apr 19 2008, 01:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good news!

4/15 I-90B received and on 4/17 I receive CRIS email saying "card production ordered".


At last ! big congrats it will be there really quickly now

I know you won't believe until you get your hands on it - but it is coming v soon

Enjoy it !

I am on the way to Washington state where aliens are subject to jim crow laws made to disenfranchise black people who were non- citizens - I cannot even have a .22 target rifle.

In other States you will feel a 'real' person with your green card - equal at last except for voting

Its great to just flash it every time they ask a question in a bank or car insurance or driver's license office or just anything - it feels powerful.

enjoy it ! alan



I've got it!!! On Monday I received another CRIS email saying they mailed it and just as I was about to call my husband he called me saying we got the GC!!! All was correct so now I have the GC!
Alan, one question - did you get the paper with the card that says you should use the top portion with the bar-code for removal of conditions stage (I know you got the 10-year one but thought I'd ask in case someone knows)?


I waited 2 years exactly before entering (entered very next day) so there were no conditions...

sorry for delay - just moved from tampa florida to wenatchee, washington state - 3,100 miles !
Captain OatesMaleEngland2008-04-26 09:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical Green card
QUOTE (milimelo @ Apr 19 2008, 01:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good news!

4/15 I-90B received and on 4/17 I receive CRIS email saying "card production ordered".


At last ! big congrats it will be there really quickly now

I know you won't believe until you get your hands on it - but it is coming v soon

Enjoy it !

I am on the way to Washington state where aliens are subject to jim crow laws made to disenfranchise black people who were non- citizens - I cannot even have a .22 target rifle.

In other States you will feel a 'real' person with your green card - equal at last except for voting

Its great to just flash it every time they ask a question in a bank or car insurance or driver's license office or just anything - it feels powerful.

enjoy it ! alan
Captain OatesMaleEngland2008-04-19 06:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical Green card
QUOTE (samaci @ Mar 26 2008, 03:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This is a house address, no unit #'s or anything complicated. There are 2 others living at the house (husband and wife), and they both have lived there for about 5 years. I'm staying with them for the time being, while husband is back and forth from deployment. My name was added to the mailbox out front back in Dec. I did the AR-11 change of address for me in November. Everything else arrives no problem (SSN, bank statements, personal mail, etc)...

I called today, the lady first tells me, that its a problem with the post office, and go to them to find out whats going on. I explained to her that I have been to them twice now, and made sure my name was added. So, then she proceeds to take my address again (same one I changed it to on the AR-11, and same the same one I gave them again, back in Jan, when the GC was first sent back).. but then she tells me, its hasn't more than 60 days since my last update and the system won't let her in to make any changes, even through the case status update online tells me it was returned again and to call their 1-800 to update my address....UGH! She ends up telling me there is nothing she can do, and I have to call and make an infopass app't, and see if they can override the system and get in to do an update. (I'm not even trying to update, i'm trying to confirm they have the right address, which she can't tell me, cuz she can't see my file!)...

So, I tell my husband, he then calls them back.. (he's mad now.. LOL).. he gets a different woman on the phone, who simply tells him to do another AR-11 for me, call her back in 72hrs with the confirmation #, and she will have GC sent out again, and apologized for the first woman telling me to make an info pass app't and saying there was nothing I or she can do.



ok heck that is awful !!!!!

I am so glad I am through it for now ....

Sounds like you have a good contact there so as long as you speak to that contact it should be ok

It sounds to me like they have messed up their address file somehow.

I assume you got your SS number after a visit to the SS office ? If it came from the visa application then that should be the same address as on the green card file - unless someone manually copied it across and got it wrong.

I got my green card sent to my pal's address in Atlanta where I have never lived and I am not known to the post office. You can ask for that on the visa application form (where to send GC if different)

So all this about the local post office not knowing you live at the house is a red herring and nothing to do with it

So long as it's a valid address and there are no 'forwarding' instructions at the PO, then it WILL be delivered if the address on the file is correct

good luck - it's sounds hopeful now

alan

Edited by saywhat, 26 March 2008 - 07:53 AM.

Captain OatesMaleEngland2008-03-26 07:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical Green card
QUOTE (samaci @ Mar 25 2008, 05:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone else been through this? My GC has been returned twice now to Immigration by the post office, both times marked "undeliverable"... I will be calling them tomorrow to update/confirm my address for the 3rd time, been to the post office twice now, to confirm I am added to the address (which they look at me like I'm crazy when i ask about, one lady even told me she has worked for the post office for 20 years now, and had never heard about what I was asking!).. UGH!


There has to be more to this .. how's about some background info ? - how many people live at the address and is there a redirection service active for anyone at the house or who has lived at the house ?

It has to be something like that which is causing the PO to send the card back.

There is more to this than meets the eye and it's always a redirection which causes this problem

I live in a condo and they like the address to be 1234 joe bloggs avenue #C and the mailman told me their computer cannot handle 1234 apartment C, joe bloggs avenue - so the format has to be correct
Captain OatesMaleEngland2008-03-25 08:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical Green card
QUOTE (Mononoke28 @ Mar 10 2008, 04:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When I was a permanent resident I never carried it with me nor did I carry my SS card, I just memorized both numbers just in case I needed them.

My sister on the other hand did carry them with her, got her purse stolen and had to go through all the hassle of getting a new green card and SS card. It was a hassle, lesson learned.

Diana


I am with you Diana - I would rather spend a night in jail and pay a big fine than fight the USCIS for a year or more for a replacement card

- it isnt a deportable offence anyway


I couldnt find it this morning after my 20 hour return from the UK yesterday ! big sweat ! anyway i did find it so more concentration needed

and no more split flights either - I go non-stop or i dont go - decision made

I got an 'IR1' stamp in my passport in November when I immigrated but yesterday I got my first 'LPR' stamp

It looks nice and I was through immigration in 20 seconds with no fingerprints or mug shot !

alan
Captain OatesMaleEngland2008-03-10 11:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical Green card
QUOTE (Chris Parker @ Mar 2 2008, 03:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (saywhat @ Feb 24 2008, 02:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
just arrived back from my pal's house in atlanta with the green card !

now all i have to do is figure out where to hide it

not carrying it - executive decision - i will take the $100 fine if necessary but I dont want any more uscis stuff for 10 years

I might take nationality if I can get over 'soil' being called 'dirt' but it puts my hackles up every time i hear it

Having a permanent resident card in your possession does not mean you need to have the original card on your person at all times. It means you can't give it to someone else to use.

The times when you will need the original card with you on your person are very narrow... when entering/exiting the U.S., when applying for a driver's license, social security card, or other public benefits that require proof of status, when appearing in person to apply for naturalization or other immigration benefits. That's about it. You can carry a copy with you instead the rest of the time if you want to.


But that isn't the legal position and they keep re- enforcing that - it is a misdemeanor to not carry it 'on the person' at all times

I know its not practical - eg swimming or at the nudist camp, but it is very specific that the gc must be carried at all times so it is a balance between deliberately disobeying the law and the horror of applying for a lost or stolen one which could go on forever as we know

so on balance i am not going to carry it and take the fine if it ever happens


this is what the uscis says:

and here is the link:

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Permanent Resident Card
The Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, is issued to all Permanent Residents as evidence of alien registration and their permanent status in the US. The card must be in your possession at all times. This requirement means that you are not only required to have a currently valid Form I-551 at all times, but also that you must carry your currently valid Form I-551 on your person at all times. The Permanent Resident Card currently is issued with a 10-year validity. You status as a Permanent Resident does not expire with the 10-year validity. Only the card expires. The card is only valid up to the expiration date and must be renewed before it expires.

Edited by saywhat, 10 March 2008 - 09:50 AM.

Captain OatesMaleEngland2008-03-10 09:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical Green card
QUOTE (Coco&Kitten @ Feb 23 2008, 03:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good news!! I finally got my GC after 3 months!!!!!!!!!! My brother in law visited us last week and personaly brought it to me.
Well, I guess I can relax till next year, it is a 2-year card, so I still have to go thorugh one more step on the paper-work. But for now, it is celebration time!!

I hope that all the ones that have not received the GC card yet in this forum get it soon. Be patient, things move very very slow...

Kitten


just arrived back from my pal's house in atlanta with the green card !

now all i have to do is figure out where to hide it

not carrying it - executive decision - i will take the $100 fine if necessary but I dont want any more uscis stuff for 10 years

I might take nationality if I can get over 'soil' being called 'dirt' but it puts my hackles up every time i hear it

'dirt' for sale' and 'plant your roses in some dirt' - it makes me shudder i can't help it

dirt is filthy and soil is nice


nope - i am still an english person right now
Captain OatesMaleEngland2008-02-24 14:03:00