ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 (319B) - Florida, Guam or Virginia?
Hi everyone,

I am hoping someone here can offer some BTDT advice.

Is there a list of offices that allow same day interview and oath ceremony? I know Fairfax, VA allows it, but are there others that anyone knows of? I am particularly interested in South Florida.

Has anyone applied through Guam?

Anyone used the Oakland Park or Fort Lauderdale offices? I would love to hear about your experiences, my previous dealings with the Miami office were not good, so I would prefer to avoid them at all costs.

Thanks,
Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-30 10:34:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNewbie with questions
Thanks everyone for their replies. I am slowly moving forward with my application and hope to have everything ready to go next week. We are using an immigration attorney in the US to help since we are living in China and will be sending all the info in the next couple of days.

I am curious if others who filed under N-400 (319b) used an attorney. To me the process seems pretty straight-forward, but my attorney is erring on the side of caution and crossing every t and dotting every i. Obviously, we don't want to make a mistake, but how often does anyone get denied?

If anyone has advice on which office to apply through for speedy turnaround including same day interview and oath, I would appreciate it. Since we are living outside the US and applying under 319b, we can choose the office we apply to. Would prefer an office that knows what they are doing?

Thanks,
Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-30 10:48:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNewbie with questions
Hi everyone,

This is my first post and I am hoping that someone can point me in the right direction for what to do next.

I am an LPR and have been since May 2004, I am married to a USC, have 3 children and am currently living in China due to my husband's employment.

We basically just discovered that I am eligible under 319b for expedited naturalization, but are still trying to figure out our best plan of action.

We are living in China and will be here for the next 2 years. My DH works for a large US company and we are here on a temporary assignment. We arrived in 2008 and I have a re-entry permit for the US that is valid until Nov 2010. From what I understand, we can file the N400 from China, but I would need to travel to the US for the interview and oath ceremony. Is this correct?

What happens about the biometrics? Can I do them here in China? It seems crazy to travel to the US just to be fingerprinted and then come back to China until the interview a few months later. Since we do not have a residence in the US at the present time, can I choose to have the interview anywhere? I had read that Fairfax, VA was the best option, but since we moved from South Florida, I was hoping to use the field office there (Fort Lauderdale, Miami or Oakland Park) and then I could visit friends and family too.

I still have a lot of research to do, but I was hoping someone could help start me off. Thanks so much.
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-09 11:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionExpedited Naturalization, request for change of venue for interview and testing
Hi again,

So funny that you are in Japan. Last night I was reading up on the info given by the US embassy in Japan and they recommended going via Honolulu for 319b. I discussed this possibility with my husband, since I have always wanted to see Hawaii.

The other coincidence is that I am literally searching online for a hotel in Osaka. My family and I are taking a short break away from China next month and are coming to Japan for a few days (Niseko, Sapporo & Osaka).

I am not sure on the passport availabilty in Guam (I do not think there is a passport agency there), but you can definitely get one processed in Honolulu in 2 days. And yes, you do need to get a passport before you leave. You must leave US as an American on an American passport once you have taken your oath.

For more info, check out this link:

Note from US Embassy Japan

see the 2nd from last paragraph on page 1 and last para on page 3 - for the info on passports

BTW: Which USCIS office told you to have the interview and oath in Guam?

Also, another VJ'er just replied to me regarding their 319b experience in Honolulu back in March of this year - here is the reply.

Hi,

about taking the oath, if you are not a local (over sea like me) you will be schedule to have an interview and taking the oath ceremony within the same week. The interview was pretty easy but they also check every information that you provided on the application also, if something is questionable they would ask you - in my case, was the last name. If you passed the interview, they will give you the paper to bring it back to them on Wednesday for the oath ceremony. The ceremony won't take long, I suggest you made the reservation for the U.S. Passport on that Wednesday after you finish the oath ceremony (the officer at the immigration will also tell you that too if you're over sea). The U.S. Passport office is within the walking distance, make sure you tell them that you want it expedite so you will get the passport around 2 p.m. on Friday.

Good luck and let's keep in touch.
Kim C




[quote name='peteysgurl' date='16 July 2010 - 07:49 PM' timestamp='1279280972' post='4069108']
Hello Kim!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my queries. We are currently in Japan. We asked USCIS already about our case and they say that we need to make a letter request to transfer the venue for interview to Guam and also for a same day oath. We are still waiting for their reply, since they already scheduled my interview to a local office in California. I am hoping that we get it soon.

About the leaving the US with a US passport within 45 days, is it required? If I have a same-day oath and interview in Guam, how will I get a passport if I have to leave and come back to Japan the next day?

Thanks again.
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-16 07:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionExpedited Naturalization, request for change of venue for interview and testing
Hi there,

You don't mention where you are living now, but I am under the impression that you cannot do the interview and oath outside the US. I have just started the 319b process and am living in China and will need to travel to the US in a few months to complete the application.

No matter that you are currently overseas, you will need to return to the US to do the interview and oath ceremony. Everything I have read here and elsewhere online says to request the interview and oath ceremony for the same day in Fairfax, VA. Do a search for 319b and you will find a lot of info.

I am sure you can contact the office you filed your application (do you have a receipt notice?) and ask them to move everything to Fairfax, VA. The other thing to consider is that once you have taken the oath ceremony, you need to leave the US on a new US passport within 45 days.

I hope this makes sense, I am learning all about this process too.
Kim


Where can the interview and naturalization take place?
As an applicant for naturalization under section 319(b), you may be interviewed at any USCIS office of your choice in the United States, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you choose to be interviewed at our office, you will be naturalized the same day as your interview, in most cases. Please note that, if you want to change your name, you cannot be naturalized by our office. You will be required to attend your oath ceremony at a Federal Court. Court ceremonies are held only one day each month and, depending upon when in the month you are interviewed, it may take at least two months to be scheduled for a ceremony.
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-15 08:18:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 Applicant Filer Listing - Nebraska Lockbox?
These are probably silly questions, but on the month N-400 applicant filer template, I see that the last choice is Nebraska Lockbox. In parenthesis, it says Filing under 319b.

My questions are -

Should anyone that is filing under 319b only add their info to the Nebraska list?

I see that a few applicants for Texas and Arizona have received their interview and oath on the same day, are these applicants 319b too?

Thanks,
Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-07-05 11:08:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionBiometrics when overseas
I read a lot about the Biometrics letter being the next step in the process, but for those living overseas and who included fingerprint cards, did you receive a biometrics letter?

What is the biometrics appointment for?

I know when I was getting my green card, everything went electronic and they took a digital photo and scanned in my signature at my fingerprint appointment. Since I will not do the fingerprints in the US this time, when will the photo ect be done? I am assuming it happens at the same time as the interview.

Anyone overseas gone through this recently?
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-20 09:58:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionApplied to VT, but NOA from MO
I received a copy of my NOA and receipt number. Like you, when I check my case status it says 'case cannot be found'.

On looking through the VJ archives, it seems that this is 'normal' for the NBC office.

Did you update you info on the Sept filers log? You and I have very similar timelines. My NOA was also Sept 21, I really hope we hear something soon. My DH is in the US this week and my kids and I are so jealous. We can't wait to make the trip.
Best wishes,
Kim C


The same happened to me:packet sent to Vermont, requested Fairfax, received NBC. I can't check my case status online-it says"case can not be found".


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-22 09:11:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionApplied to VT, but NOA from MO
Hey everyone,

Just curious to see if anyone knows why my 319b (non-military) N400 application would have been forwarded the National Benefits Center in MO.

My application was sent to the Vermont Service Center (VSC) requesting an appointment in Fairfax, VA (as per the instructions online), but I have just received a copy of the NOA and the office address is listed as NBC in MO.

Has this ever happened before? I seem to remember someone mentioning that Fairfax had a heavy caseload, could this be the reason?

I have tried logging on to the USCIS website to check my case status and the system tells me that my case does not exist. Living in China it is hard to access information easily. If I managed to call the NBC would they be able to tell me anything over the phone...?

My attorney told me the current processing time is 5mths, and to expect an appointment letter in the mail in the 'next month or so'. Doesn't sound too expedited to me... I started investigating this all back in May/June due to my Re-Entry Permit expires on Nov 6th. I guess I am not going to make that deadline after all.
I seriously will be glad when this is all over.
Sorry for ranting and rambling, just feeling very frustrated today.
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-20 04:16:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionREALLY unhappy
Venusfire,

Sorry it didn't work out, that sucks. At least you know for sure that the call was real, still strange though.

It is frustrating, but then so much of this process is. I hope you and DH got to at least spend some time together and you made the most of it.

Good luck with getting a new appointment date. We here all feel and understand your pain.
Keep smiling, toady is a new day.
Kim C
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-08 18:26:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionREALLY unhappy
Hmmn, that does sound odd. I think you are right to go anyway. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and all that.

Good luck in the morning. Can't wait to read how things go and hope congratulations are in order.
Kim C
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-07 19:35:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionREALLY unhappy
Urgh! That really sucks. I hope you get some answers on why it was canceled and that the new date comes in very soon. I feel your frustration and sympathize.

Good luck,
Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-04 19:01:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionInterview at Fairfax, VA
Does anyone have any updates on how things are progressing in the Fairfax office?

Anyone had an interview there recently?

I am trying to see what the current wait is like and find others who are on the same journey.

I hear the workload is heavy right now, and would love to hear from anyone that is in line and still waiting.

FYI - My file was transferred to Fairfax on Nov 24th and is now 'awaiting an available slot for interview'. I am filing for N400 under 319b as non-military.

Kim C
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-06 10:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNaturalization interview experience In Chula Vista - San Diego
Congratulations, your interview sounds like it went very well. Thanks for the details, it always helps to hear of others experiences.

Now I hope your oath letter comes very soon. Take some deep breaths and relax, you DID it! Yeay!

Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-13 18:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 August 2010 Filers
Having been to Darwen, I can understand your actions completely ;-)




quote name='Alan the Red' timestamp='1289077511' post='4276289']
If anyone deported me to the hellhole I crawled out of - (Darwen, Lancashire for 10 months), I would rent a car and drive over the Pennines to North Yorkshire - the garden of Eden but without talking snakes and unauthorised rib extractions.
[/quote]
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-07 00:07:00
US Citizenship General Discussionhow to contact Fairfax Office
Chrissepwoz,

Thanks for posting this info. on Sunday night I used it to send an email requesting an update and was amazed to receive a reply on Monday night complete with my interview date!


Whoohoo! After 6 months of nothing, we are now on fast forward.
Kim C
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-09 08:43:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 October 2010 Filers
Congratulations Nangrove! Only one more week of USCIS for you. Thanks for sharing your interview experience.

Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-13 18:55:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 October 2010 Filers
Bonnerbonner - Congratulations!

Thanks for sharing your experience. It is so great to read success stories as we wait.

Kim C


Thank you guys. It was such an amazing day.


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-12 19:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
So thrilled to be able to do this....

I am an American!!!! :D


1. DO NOT DELETE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
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3. Click "Reply" on the most recent/updated posting version of this list.
4. Remove top and bottom quote commands around the list.
5. Always use [Courier New] Font.
6. Red Font="I'm A United States Citizen"!

***Fprints and Int Ltr: Please put the date of those appointments, not the day that you receive the letter.

==================================

N-400 September 2010 Applicants
==================================

============================
USCIS Arizona Lockbox
============================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
newbie81...........09/03/10..09/07/10..09/08/10..09/23/10..10/08/10..11/15/10..12/13/10..Utah
luckytag...........09/09/10..09/15/10..09/15/10..10/20/10..10/25/10..12/02/10..12/02/10..Seattle, WA
RichardShane.......10/11/10..10/13/10..10/14/10..11/09/10..12/15/10..01/20/11..02/16/10..Sacramento, CA
DOZ................09/11/10..09/22/10..09/24/10..10/26/10..11/04/10..12/07/10..12/07/10..Seattle, WA
Dannyh86...........09/14/10..09/21/10..09/24/10..10/14/10..10/25/10..11/30/10..12/16/10..San Diego, CA
Morrocco4ever......19/15/10..10/06/10..10/04/10..10/28/10................................Salt Lake City, UT
mae................09/23/10..09/29/10..10/04/10..10/20/10..12/01/10..01/04/11..02/25.11..San Bernardino, CA
JeanneVictoria.....09/25/10..10/01/10..09/30/10..10/21/10..11/16/10..01/12/11............Tucson, AZ
canuck_girl........09/16/10..09/24/10..09/27/10..10/14/10..12/08/10..01/20/11............Los Angeles, CA
============================
USCIS Texas Lockbox
============================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
Way2Go.............09/01/10..09/07/10..09/10/10..09/27/10..10/12/10..11/23/10..01/26/11..Jacksonville, FL
Agnar..............09/01/10..09/07/10..09/07/10..10/07/10..12/03/10..01/06/11..01/06/11..Newark, NJ
mzswing............09/01/10..09/09/10..09/11/10..09/28/10..01/20/11..02/16/11............Atlanta, GA
Almostthere2010....09/10/10..09/17/10..09/14/10..10/06/10..12/18/10..01/19/11..01/21/11..Orlando, FL
PedroH.............09/13/10....n/a.....09/16/10..10/07/10..12/13/10..01/18/11..02/09/11..Charlotte NC
Lace ..............09/15/10..09/22/10..09/27/10..10/15/10..01/26/11..02/24/11............Washington, DC
j_infy.............09/16/10..09/22/10..09/20/10..10/22/10................................Newark, NJ
mainyasha .........09/18/10....n/a.....09/22/10..10/25/10............03/04/11............Dallas, TX
hhN400.............09/20/10..09/24/10..09/27/10..10/25/10..01/26/11..03/01/11............Washington, DC
BL&LC..............09/20/10..09/22/10..09/26/10..10/18/10................................NYC, NY
Ja_Tam.............09/21/10..09/24/10..09/29/10..10/15/10..12/03.10..01/06/11..03/09/11..Oakland Park, FL
R&W................09/22/10..09/28/10..09/28/10..11/01/10..11/05/10..12/14/10..12/14/10..Dallas, TX
MJZ................09/25/10..10/01/10..10/04/10..11/04/10................................Newark, NJ
Anh map............09/27/10..10/04/10..10/04/10..11/04/10..12/07/10..01/10/11..03/03/11..Boston, MA
SM&LP..............09/29/10..10/08/10..10/06/10..11/01/10..12/11/10..01/18/11............Oklahoma City, OK

=================================================================================
USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Filing Under 319b, 328, or 329 of the INA)
=================================================================================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
Manohara...........09/20/10..09/27/10..09/28/10..10/25/10..11/03/10..12/03/10............San Diego, CA
Jodee..............09/28/10....n/a.....10/07/10..10/27/10..11/10/10..11/30/10..12/16/10..San Bernardino, CA
Choir001...........09/03/10..09/21/10..09/21/10.(inc cards)03/07/11..03/30/11..03/30/11..Fairfax, VA
Chrissepwoz........09/01/10..09/15/10..09/15/10.(inc cards)03/31/11..04/13/11............Fairfax, VA
[/quote]
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-31 08:08:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Chrissepwoz,

Congrats on your letter. Not long to wait now. Good luck!

Kim C

[quote name='Chrissepwoz' timestamp='1301575469' post='4576987']
Yay, got my interview letter by email, it is on April 13th =)

Edited by choir001, 31 March 2011 - 08:06 AM.

choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-31 08:05:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Yeehaw!

Congrats JA Tam1 It was a long painful journey, but you made it!!!!!

So happy for you and loving see more Sept filers turning red.:D

Kim C


[quote name='JA Tam' timestamp='1299709016' post='4529980']
SO EXCITED TO FINALLY DO THIS!!! :dance:
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-10 03:26:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Received my interview letter by email. March 30 cannot come soon enough!
Kim C

1. DO NOT DELETE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Please make sure you are using Rich Text Editor as your message setting (Settings->Posting Settings->Enable visual (RTE))
3. Click "Reply" on the most recent/updated posting version of this list.
4. Remove top and bottom quote commands around the list.
5. Always use [Courier New] Font.
6. Red Font="I'm A United States Citizen"!

***Fprints and Int Ltr: Please put the date of those appointments, not the day that you receive the letter.

==================================

N-400 September 2010 Applicants
==================================

============================
USCIS Arizona Lockbox
============================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
newbie81...........09/03/10..09/07/10..09/08/10..09/23/10..10/08/10..11/15/10..12/13/10..Utah
luckytag...........09/09/10..09/15/10..09/15/10..10/20/10..10/25/10..12/02/10..12/02/10..Seattle, WA
RichardShane.......10/11/10..10/13/10..10/14/10..11/09/10..12/15/10..01/20/11..02/16/10..Sacramento, CA
DOZ................09/11/10..09/22/10..09/24/10..10/26/10..11/04/10..12/07/10..12/07/10..Seattle, WA
Dannyh86...........09/14/10..09/21/10..09/24/10..10/14/10..10/25/10..11/30/10..12/16/10..San Diego, CA
Morrocco4ever......19/15/10..10/06/10..10/04/10..10/28/10................................Salt Lake City, UT
mae................09/23/10..09/29/10..10/04/10..10/20/10..12/01/10..01/04/11..02/25.11..San Bernardino, CA
JeanneVictoria.....09/25/10..10/01/10..09/30/10..10/21/10..11/16/10..01/12/11............Tucson, AZ
canuck_girl........09/16/10..09/24/10..09/27/10..10/14/10..12/08/10..01/20/11............Los Angeles, CA
============================
USCIS Texas Lockbox
============================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
Way2Go.............09/01/10..09/07/10..09/10/10..09/27/10..10/12/10..11/23/10..01/26/11..Jacksonville, FL
Agnar..............09/01/10..09/07/10..09/07/10..10/07/10..12/03/10..01/06/11..01/06/11..Newark, NJ
mzswing............09/01/10..09/09/10..09/11/10..09/28/10..01/20/11..02/16/11............Atlanta, GA
Almostthere2010....09/10/10..09/17/10..09/14/10..10/06/10..12/18/10..01/19/11..01/21/11..Orlando, FL
PedroH.............09/13/10....n/a.....09/16/10..10/07/10..12/13/10..01/18/11..02/09/11..Charlotte NC
Lace ..............09/15/10..09/22/10..09/27/10..10/15/10..01/26/11..02/24/11............Washington, DC
j_infy.............09/16/10..09/22/10..09/20/10..10/22/10................................Newark, NJ
mainyasha .........09/18/10....n/a.....09/22/10..10/25/10............03/04/11............Dallas, TX
hhN400.............09/20/10..09/24/10..09/27/10..10/25/10..01/26/11..03/01/11............Washington, DC
BL&LC..............09/20/10..09/22/10..09/26/10..10/18/10................................NYC, NY
Ja_Tam.............09/21/10..09/24/10..09/29/10..10/15/10..12/03.10..01/06/11..03/09/11..Oakland Park, FL
R&W................09/22/10..09/28/10..09/28/10..11/01/10..11/05/10..12/14/10..12/14/10..Dallas, TX
MJZ................09/25/10..10/01/10..10/04/10..11/04/10................................Newark, NJ
Anh map............09/27/10..10/04/10..10/04/10..11/04/10..12/07/10..01/10/11..03/03/11..Boston, MA
SM&LP..............09/29/10..10/08/10..10/06/10..11/01/10..12/11/10..01/18/11............Oklahoma City, OK

=================================================================================
USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Filing Under 319b, 328, or 329 of the INA)
=================================================================================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
Manohara...........09/20/10..09/27/10..09/28/10..10/25/10..11/03/10..12/03/10............San Diego, CA
Jodee..............09/28/10....n/a.....10/07/10..10/27/10..11/10/10..11/30/10..12/16/10..San Bernardino, CA
Choir001...........09/03/10..09/21/10..09/21/10.(inc cards)03/07/11..03/30/11............Fairfax, VA
Chrissepwoz........09/01/10..09/15/10..09/15/10.(inc cards)..............................Fairfax, VA


[/quote]
[/quote]
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-09 08:47:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Chrissepwoz,

Congratulations on getting some news. I am so excited for you, seeing you move forward hopefully means I am not far behind you. When do you think you will travel, maybe we will be there together? I am happy to see that there is life and movement at the Fairfax office.

Good luck,
Kim C

Today I received an email from wasn400.overseas@dhs.gov stating that they are ready to interview me for my N-400 application and that I should pick a date to be seen. Also stated that they would email me NOA for interview as confirmation of my date. Yay!


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-06 09:37:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Yeay, congratulations!

Hope you had fun celebrating.


[quote name='JeanneVictoria' timestamp='1294854467' post='4402589']
:dance: :dance: My husband passed his citizenship interview today!! :dance: :dance:
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-12 19:17:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
JA Tam & Agnar,

Congratulations to you both!

I hope you are doing something fun to celebrate. :D

Best wishes,
Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-06 21:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Hy JA Tam,

Thanks for your support, I appreciate it. I called Tier 2 yesterday, but the very nice ISO lady was unable to offer any timeline other than to say my file was marked as 'in line and awaiting an available slot for interview - so I just need to wait until such time an interview slot becomes available. I am applying under 319b, but not as military, so the military hotline can't help me.

I will have to sit and wait impatiently a little while longer, I guess.

I also wanted to say good luck to your interview today. I wish I was with you there in Florida. I used to live in Weston, prior to moving to China in 2008, with zero degrees here I am missing my Florida sunshine.

Hope to hear your good news very soon.
Kim

Kim, so sorry that you are being frustrated with the process. It feels horrible to be in limbo. Is the 319(b) the military citizenship application? If so, have you tried calling the military line? (Sorry, I don't remember if you have been through this already or not). If you don't hear something in a few more weeks, I think it's time to escalate to the Tier 2 supervisor and to contact a congress person for assistance. You are stationed overseas, but you very much have rights to find out what's going on!
I pray that you get some clarification soon.


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-06 11:00:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Happy New Year Everyone!

Hope you all had a pleasant holiday season and a nice break from dealing with USCIS. Now we are back to the grind of waiting and waiting for news. I have to admit, I am totally fed up after being so excited on Dec 3rd to learn that my file had transferred to the local office, I have not heard anything more.

So much for 319b, I started the process in June, my attorney finally filed on Sept 3rd and here we are Jan 3rd and still no interview letter. I thought the idea was 319b sped up the process, but many of you are further forward or even complete and I am still waiting. Even many of the October and November filers are ahead of me :wacko:

I will be so glad to get this thing finished. This waiting is killing me, mainly due to the fact I have three young kids who have been waiting for a vacation/visit to the US since the summer. Please, please keep your fingers crossed the letter comes in time for us to travel over Chinese New Year (Feb 2)?

For those of you with interviews in the coming days, good luck and best wishes. I know you will be so glad to put this all behind you and start a USCIS-free 2011.

Thanks for listening,
Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-04 01:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Hey everyone,

I am so excited that I just had to share... I have been watching my online case status since early last month and absolutely nothing has changed. I was beginning to get really bummed that nothing would ever happen and so today I spoke with the USCIS Customer Service Center helpline.

Rather than mess around (okay it took me about 2.5hrs to actually get through to a live person since I am calling from China), I asked to be transferred to a tier 2 level supervisor and here is what he told me:

Sept 3 - Application received inc fingerprint cards
Sept 20 - Check cashed and application entered into system
Sept 21 - I797c sent out as official receipt
Nov 4 - Online system updated to reflect the I797 dated Sept 21 (only 6 weeks after)
Nov 24 - Background Check cleared - YEAY!
Nov 25 - File updated confirming our request for interview in Fairfax
Nov 26 - Fairfax Office, requested file to be sent to them

He then said I should receive a letter with an interview date sometime in the next 60 days!!!! Of course, who knows if that will happen, but I am just so happy to know that things have been happening even though my online status has never changed. Just goes to show the online status is not up to date. So for those of you still waiting with me, keep the faith our turn is coming soon. :yes:

I don't think I can add any new info to the database, but I am copying the latest one below as a form of celebration.

BTW - the 2nd tier supervisor man was REALLY helpful and polite. I think it was the best interaction I have had with USCIS in all of the 7 years I have been dealing with them.

Kim C

Instructions for adding/updating yourself (or assisting others) to this list:
1. DO NOT DELETE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Please make sure you are using Rich Text Editor as your message setting (Settings->Posting Settings->Enable visual (RTE))
3. Click "Reply" on the most recent/updated posting version of this list.
4. Remove top and bottom quote commands around the list.
5. Always use [Courier New] Font.
6. Red Font="I'm A United States Citizen"!

***Fprints and Int Ltr: Please put the date of those appointments, not the day that you receive the letter.

==================================

N-400 September 2010 Applicants
==================================

============================
USCIS Arizona Lockbox
============================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
newbie81...........09/03/10..09/07/10..09/08/10..09/23/10..10/08/10..11/15/10............Utah
luckytag...........09/09/10..09/15/10..09/15/10..10/20/10..10/25/10..12/02/10............Seattle, WA
RichardShane.......10/11/10..10/13/10..10/14/10..11/09/10................................Sacramento, CA
DOZ................09/11/10..09/22/10..09/24/10..10/26/10..11/04/10..12/07/10............Seattle, WA
Dannyh86...........09/14/10..09/21/10..09/24/10..10/14/10..10/25/10..11/30/10............San Diego, CA
Morrocco4ever......19/15/10..10/06/10..10/04/10..10/28/10................................Salt Lake City, UT
mae................09/23/10..09/29/10..10/04/10..10/20/10................................San Bernardino, CA
JeanneVictoria.....09/25/10..10/01/10..09/30/10..10/21/10..11/16/10..01/12/11............Tucson, AZ
canuck_girl........09/16/10..09/24/10..09/27/10..10/14/10................................Los Angeles, CA
============================
USCIS Texas Lockbox
============================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
Way2Go.............09/01/10..09/07/10..09/10/10..09/27/10..10/12/10..11/23/10............Jacksonville, FL
Agnar..............09/01/10..09/07/10..09/07/10..10/07/10................................Newark, NJ
mzswing............09/01/10..09/09/10..09/11/10..........................................Atlanta, GA
Almostthere2010....09/10/10..09/17/10..09/14/10..10/06/10................................Orlando, FL
PedroH.............09/13/10....n/a.....09/16/10..10/07/10................................Charlotte NC
Lace ..............09/15/10..09/22/10..09/27/10..10/15/10................................Washington, DC
j_infy.............09/16/10..09/22/10..09/20/10..10/22/10................................Newark, NJ
mainyasha .........09/18/10....n/a.....09/22/10..........................................Dallas, TX
hhN400.............09/20/10..09/24/10..09/27/10..10/25/10................................Washington, DC
BL & LC............09/20/10..09/22/10..09/26/10..10/18/10................................NYC, NY
Ja_Tam.............09/21/10..09/24/10..09/29/10..10/15/10................................Oakland Park, FL
R&W................09/22/10..09/28/10..09/28/10..11/01/10..11/05/10..12/14/10............Dallas, TX
MJZ................09/25/10..10/01/10..10/04/10..11/04/10................................Newark, NJ
Anh map............09/27/10..10/04/10..10/04/10..11/04/10................................Boston, MA
SM&LP..............09/29/10............10/06/10..11/01/10................................Oklahoma City, OK

=================================================================================
USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Filing Under 319b, 328, or 329 of the INA)
=================================================================================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
Manohara...........09/20/10..09/27/10..09/28/10..10/25/10..11/03/10..12/03/10............San Diego, CA
Jodee..............09/28/10....n/a.....10/07/10..10/27/10..11/10/10..11/30/10............San Bernardino, CA
Choir001...........09/03/10..09/21/10..09/21/10.(inc cards)..............................Fairfax, VA


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-12-02 11:06:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Danny & Jodee,

Congratulations to you both. So weird you had the same dates and the same questions!

Anyway, here's hoping Santa brings you a Naturalization Certificate for Christmas this year. What a great gift it would be to never have to deal with immigration again :crying:

Kim C


Congrats Jodee!!! I know, what are the odds of getting the same interview date, and same questions huh? And yes that is the question I was about to post, name three of the 13 original colonies. :) thanks LOL Do they do the same questions daily or do you think it was pure coincidence??? Anyway congrats again and hope you get your oath letter soon. Late christmas shopping?????? I do late christmas shopping, a day before or sometimes the same day LOL I had to say it LOL good luck jodee


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-12-01 20:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Jodee & Danny,

Good luck tomorrow and don't forget to share your news with us asap.

You are almost done!!!

Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-29 18:26:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Congratulations on being one step closer.
Kim

hi there, today i have received an email and txt message saying that ...." your file has been sent to local office........" and the online status changed to testing and interview..


so by the end of this week or may be next week i should be receiving my interview date... :whistle: :whistle: :dance: :dance: :dance:


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-29 18:24:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
It is so great to see all the dates getting filled in. Whoohoo!
Good luck to those of you with upcoming interviews and congratulations to those of you who are done with the crazy system.
For those of you still waiting, here hoping for news.
Kim C
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-16 18:42:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Can anyone offer their thoughts on the following:

I sent in my application on Sept 3, the check was cashed and the NOA was dated Sept 21. However, I have just checked the Status Update and see the following:

Initial Review

On November 4, 2010, we received this N400 APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. 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 or contact our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.


Since I already included fingerprint cards, I will not be getting a biometrics appointment, so any ideas on a likely interview date based on my timeline? How long is the average period between Initial Review and Testing & Interview?

Thanks
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-12 09:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
Wanted to share with people that understand. I just called the FBI helpline to get an update on my fingerprint clearance and was told that there are no current records on my file :-(

The nice officer told me that since I had sent fingerprint cards in the approval process normally takes 6-8 weeks!!!

I applied on Sept 3rd, but my NOA was not sent out until Sept 21st... so I guess I still have a few more weeks before I hear anything.

While I am grumbling, I want to know why oh why the USCIS/FBI do not keep previous records on file. My fingerprints have been processed at least 3 times previously, but of course those digital sets have long since expired. Life is so much easier on tv, CSI would have no problem tracing down my old prints.

Okay, I am done moaning for today. Thanks for listening.
Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-28 08:44:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN 400 September 2010 applications
I really hope I don't mess this up.

It seems like I have been here forever, but at last I can add myself to the list - whoohoo!

Applying under 319b (non-military) while living in Shanghai, China. I will be so glad when this is all over and I can kiss USCIS goodbye.


========================================

Instructions for adding/updating yourself (or assisting others) to this list:
1. DO NOT DELETE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Please make sure you are using Rich Text Editor as your message setting (Settings->Posting Settings->Enable visual (RTE))
3. Click "Reply" on the most recent/updated posting version of this list.
4. Remove top and bottom quote commands around the list.
5. Always use [Courier New] Font.
6. Red Font="I'm A United States Citizen"!

***Fprints and Int Ltr: Please put the date of those appointments, not the day that you receive the letter.

==================================

N-400 September 2010 Applicants
==================================

============================
USCIS Arizona Lockbox
============================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
newbie81...........09/03/10..09/07/10..09/08/10..09/23/10..10/08/10..11/15/10............Utah
luckytag...........09/09/10..09/15/10..09/15/10..10/20/10................................Seattle, WA
Just Bob...........09/11/10..09/21/10..09/23/10..10/05/10................................Los Angeles, CA
RichardShane.......10/11/10..10/13/10..10/14/10..........................................Sacramento, CA
DOZ................09/11/10..09/22/10..09/24/10..10/26/10................................Seattle, WA
Dannyh86...........09/14/10....??......09/24/10..10/14/10................................San Diego, CA
mae................09/23/10..09/29/10....................................................San Bernardino, CA
JeanneVictoria.....09/25/10..10/01/10..09/30/10..10/21/10................................Tucson, AZ

============================
USCIS Texas Lockbox
============================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
Way2Go.............09/01/10..09/07/10..09/10/10..09/27/10..10/12/10..11/23/10............Jacksonville, FL
Agnar..............09/01/10..09/07/10..09/07/10..10/07/10................................Newark, NJ
mzswing............09/01/10..09/09/10..09/11/10..........................................Atlanta, GA
Almostthere2010....09/10/10..09/17/10..09/14/10..10/06/10................................Orlando, FL
PedroH.............09/13/10....n/a.....09/16/10..10/07/10................................Charlotte NC
Lace ..............09/15/10..09/22/10..09/27/10..10/15/10................................Unknown
j_infy.............09/16/10..09/22/10..09/20/10..10/22/10................................Newark, NJ
mainyasha .........09/18/10....n/a.....09/22/10..........................................Dallas, TX
hhN400.............09/20/10..09/24/10..09/27/10..10/15/10................................Washington, DC
BL & LC............09/20/10..09/22/10..09/26/10..10/18/10................................NYC, NY
Ja_Tam.............09/21/10..09/24/10..09/29/10..10/15/10................................Oakland Park, FL
R&W................09/22/10..09/28/10..09/28/10..11/01/10................................Denton, TX
MJZ................09/25/10..10/01/10..10/04/10..........................................Newark, NJ
Anh map............09/27/10..10/04/10..10/04/10..........................................Boston, MA
SM&LP..............09/29/10............10/06/10..........................................Oklahoma City, OK

=================================================================================
USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Filing Under 319b, 328, or 329 of the INA)
=================================================================================
UserName...........Sent......ChkCashd..NOA.......Fprints...Int Ltr...Intview...Oath......Office
Manohara...........09/20/10..09/27/10..09/28/10..........................................San Diego, CA
Jodee..............09/28/10....n/a.....10/07/10..10/27/10................................San Bernardino, CA
Choir001...........09/03/10..09/21/10..09/21/10.(inc cards)..............................Fairfax, VA
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-20 02:16:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUS Residence - 319b (Non-military)
Hey Natalia,

Glad to hear everything went well for you. My interview is tomorrow morning (March 30th) at 9am in Fairfax, VA. I have to tell you I am nervous, but after spending the past 48 hours wandering around DC, I am excited at the opportunity to become a US citizen tomorrow.

Please, please keep your fingers crossed that everything goes well and the interview passes quickly. I don't think I have been this nervous for years, I want to breath normally again - lol

Will update everyone later tomorrow.
Best wishes,
Kim C

Hi Kim,

Have not heard form you in a while... so did everything go well???
I had my interview in February and everything was great, it worked out perfectly since I was already in the US. I hope everything went smoothly for you as well.

Natalia


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-29 21:16:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUS Residence - 319b (Non-military)
Hey Natalia,

Have you checked your online status recently? I just checked mine today and it is showing as in Initial Review as of Nov 4th.

I am interested to see where you are too, since we may end up in VA together.

When I called them a few weeks ago, they said it would take 6-8 weeks from receipt for my fingerprint cards for the clearance to be approved, so I guess the timing in correct so far. I just wish I could get an idea of when the appointment might be. My kids are due to be off school from Dec 16 to Jan 8, so it would be ideal if the appointment could fall so we could be in the US for their whole vacation. Knowing my luck, the appointment will be after Jan 1 and they will end up missing more school or we will have to keep the trip short. Poor things are desperate to visit the US again and have been waiting since the summer. I would hate to short change them.

Anyway, check you status and let me know.
Kim
choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-12 10:26:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUS Residence - 319b (Non-military)
Hey Nat,

Good to hear from you and great to hear you managed to get into Beijing to get your fp's taken.

As for me, I am still waiting to hear from my attorney. Supposedly, my application was sent in on Sept 3, but I haven't heard anything since. I checked today and my check was cashed on Sept 22, so that is something.

When did you send in yours and how long until you received confirmation of receipt?
Just trying to figure out how quick things are moving. I am hoping to hear from my attorney today, I sent her an email yesterday asking for any news, so will post here once I get a response.

I think it is funny we both checked in today, maybe its a sign that something is happening over there in USCIS world.... I saw a lady before us who applied Aug 14 had her interview scheduled for oct 28, however she is rescheduling due to an accident.
Best wishes,
Kim C

Hi Kim!

Last month I was finally able to have the embassy take my fingerprints... thanks for suggesting to be persistent with them! So I sent the application in and just recieved the letter notice that they got my paperwork.

How is your process going? You sent your application earlier than me... anything aside the reciept notification letter?

I hope everything is going well, keep in touch!!!

Nat


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-18 06:38:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUS Residence - 319b (Non-military)
Hey Nat,

Urgh! I feel your pain. Don't give up.

I am not sure what email address you are using, but this is the one I used ("CIS, DHS Beijing" <dhsbeijing-cis@dhs.gov>). I believe it is actually Homeland Security rather than the regular ACS email. Although, having visited them I know the office is one office, they just don't seem to communicate to each other.

In answer to your question, I am not here through the military. My husband works for General Motors (private sector US company), so don't accept the 'we only do military fingerprints' line. They did mine and I am not military.

I would tell you they insisted I send a scanned version of my DH's employment letter to prove we were eligible to apply under 319b, before they would agree to give me an appointment. As for the application, on one of the USCIS forms (I seem to think it is the guide notes on N400), it says that if you send in fingerprint cards, you do not need to pay for the biometrics. However, my attorney suggested we send a check for the full amount to everything. We wrote two checks and hope they will not cash the biometrics check unless they really need to (I know they will and of course they won't issue a refund - lol). Anyway, yes, I sent the fingerprint cards (2 sets of originals) and the fee for biometrics too.

The dates for outside the US were left as 08/01/2008 until 08/25/2010 (which was a couple of days after I signed the application). Obviously, that 08/25/2008 is not when I returned but this was what my attorney has done in the past, so I trusted her experience. I would also note that I had to list all my trips outside of China during that period (08/01/08 - 08/25/10), even though I did not return to the US. My attorney seemed to believe that even though the dates were already accounted for, I need to account for my exit stamps in my passport separately.

Good luck and please let me know if you have any other questions. I figure you and I are in this thing together, so we need to stick together. :-)
Kim

.


Hi Kim,

Thank you for your reply.
I also plan to request Fairfax, VA for my interview and oath, I have all my paperwork ready to be sent, except for the prints.
I'm in Beijing... literally 10 minutes away from the US embassy, but you know how that embassy works, it's not like you can drop by and as them a question, you can only go in by appointment and I cannot get one. I have called twice, emailed four times and they still refuse to take my fingerprints! According to the last person I talked to they only take fingerprints for people who are in the military..... I get a different answer every time in contact them, and as with you, they also refuse to give out their names. And they don't tell me what to do either, mail the application without the fingerprints, send the biometrics fee or not, and I would hate to have to go to the States for fingerprints and then again for an interview. (I'm about to start school and it would be very hard for me to do so).
How did you manage to have them agree to take your fingerprints? are you in China because of the military or something related to it? or are you applying based on employement with a US company?

I really appreciate you wishing to help me, and I'm sorry you had to make a tip all the way to Beijing just for fingerprints and then find out you could have done it in Shanghai... everything is so confusing when it comes to immigration!

Let me ask you another question, on the application, when they asked for the dates of time spent outside the US, what did you put down as the first date of return to US? did you list that day's date or simply typed "still in china" or something like that?

Good luck to you too, please keep in touch and let me know how things go, I will do the same.

Nat


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-31 02:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUS Residence - 319b (Non-military)
Hi Nat,

It has been a while since my original post, but honestly I am not that much further forward. I have an immigration attorney working on my application and I literally just couriered the signed application back late last week. I am hoping my attorney files the application in the next week.

Having said that in answer to your question, we used our China address as our primary address (part 4.a), then my attorney's office address as the mailing address (part 4.b).

With reference to the fingerprints, I had them processed in Beijing at the consulate. It was a nightmare, since I could not get them done here in Shanghai and really couldn't get any help from anyone at USCIS. Anyway, they finally agreed to make an appointment, I went to Beijing, got fingerprinted and they gave me the fingerprint cards back in a signed, sealed envelope to mail in with my application. I wish I had a name of someone there that could help you, but they seem to enjoy the anonymity and no one gave me their name. To add insult to injury, the officer that took my prints said 'why didn't you do this in Shanghai?' She was quite surprised that I had to travel to Beijing just to do it.

Where in China are you? We are living in Shanghai and I have requested Fairfax, VA for my interview and oath.

Good luck and please keep in touch, it sounds like we are on a similar timeframe.

Kim C


Hi Kim C

I have the same problem as you... I'm about to send my application, under the same conditions, but I dont know if I should list on "Home Address" my address overseas or an address in the states (by the way Im also in China). From what I have read on this forum some people think their application was rejected because they listed their overseas address... but Im not certain what is the right way to go... I know it has been a while since you posted your question... what did you decide to do?
You could list a family member's address... what address does USCIS have from you?

If you are still around please let me know what is the status of your application, if you sent it yet.
Also, what did you do about fingerprints? did you have them taken in China? the people from USCIS office at the US embassy in beijing refuse to take mine because they say I need a request from USCIS in the states that asks for fingerprints to be taken overseas... how did you figure that one out?

Hope to hear from you,

Nat


choir001FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-28 10:06:00