ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionNew or old test
QUOTE (roscove @ Oct 2 2008, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,

I will have the option of taking the old or the new test. While I know the answer to my question is subjective I am interested in people's opinion as to which one is easier? I will study both to make my decision but I would like to hear some thoughts.

Thanks,

Dave


Old one! ^^
Not much of thought you need.
If you practice a little bit, it is automatic reaction to the answer.
Besides, English test seems much easier.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-02 13:29:00
US Citizenship General Discussionany february filers
QUOTE (den_grain @ Aug 7 2008, 06:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey guys! Can I complain here, it is going to be my 7th month for N400 process and I still did not get IL. I wonder if I am the only one who did get Interview Letter yet. I tried to call several times but they keep telling me tha my case is in the normal processing time frame. It is ugly! wacko.gif


It seems normal for Seattle, WA.

According to http://www.aila.org/...spx?docid=25258 ,
Seattle, WA DO will take average 9.8 months from N400 application date to initial interview date.
Above estimate was released by USCIS around April, 2008 for forecasting processing time by Sep, 2008.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-07 18:58:00
US Citizenship General Discussionany february filers
QUOTE (Vouge @ Aug 4 2008, 03:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
3 more days!!!! (just like Olympics) kicking.gif I'm having my Oath on board of USS Massachusetts / Battleship Cove...kind of exciting. Can't believe that I will be done with USCIS for good. Wow...that was a loooooonnnnnggggg journey for all of us.

Miri, one month will go by fast! wink.gif


Actually duplicated number 8 is chinese favorite numbers.
It is similar sound to "richness" in chinese, I believe.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-04 16:54:00
US Citizenship General Discussionhow do i register on uscis website?
QUOTE (gigant @ Oct 3 2008, 11:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks

i found a number on the back stamped with ESC and 10 numbers but as i typed them in
the system say its not a valid #

there is another # on the front apparently ESC with 6 additional numbers but they dont work
as well even if i add zero

is ESC the code for n400?


Probably # in front will be the one.
ESC stands for Estern Service Center.
If it is ESC123456, it may be ESC*000123456. You have to add "*" character after ESC, too. ^^

But for N400, USCIS doesn't update online status query system except initial "Case received and pending" for most cases.
So probably it is meaningless.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-04 07:28:00
US Citizenship General Discussionhow do i register on uscis website?
QUOTE (gigant @ Oct 3 2008, 10:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi
i filed the n400 last week and my check has been cashed

can i register now on the online uscis with my a# or

do need to wait for the fingerprint appointmen letter
and register with the case # on the letter?


thank you


You can check the returned check from USCIS to find the case number.
Usually it is written in front, or back.
Then they tend to omit 0 (zero) beween alphabetic characters and numbers, so you may need to add 0 (zero) between those to make up 13 digits.

With the case number for your portfolio, you can register yourself, and add the case number for portfolio.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-03 23:10:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionProcessing times?
I think it is the law that all foreign nationals should carry their "valid" passport along with immigration documents such as I-94, or I-551 Permanent Resident Card - A.K.A. Green Card.-
It doesn't matter whether you are planning to make the trip or not.
Technically your wife and daughter is "traveling" in U.S. with "permanent resident" intent.
So they need valid passport all the times until they get naturalized.

Edited by moonhunt, 09 October 2008 - 01:23 AM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-09 01:22:00
US Citizenship General Discussionemployment and travel dates
QUOTE (ziia @ Oct 10 2008, 04:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello. I am completing the form N400. I know the month and year i started working at most my previous jobs, but i don't know the exact date. I guess i can look up at my pay stubs, but I'm afraid i have misplaced some of them. Do i need the exact date when i started working in all my jobs or can an approximation do?
Also, i had two jobs I've only stayed in for a couple of weeks. Can't remember the time i had those jobs. Should i declare them on N400?
Can i approximate the date i traveled to Canada? Went there with my bike(didn't have a plane ticket) and never received any stamp on my passport(leaving or entering back to US). Leaving, the officer just looked at my passport, entering US, my GC was slided through their scanning system. Can i just write the month and year and approximate the day?


Pls a quick response would be appreciate it. I have to send my N400 in a couple of days.

thx


You can do your best to record accurate information.
Probably it will be much better with accurate information, but if you can not get it, you can't do much about it.
Interview officer - adjudicator - will either accept it as fact, or try to get more accurate info from IBIS system, which has in/out record for border/POE.

For tax return, tax transcirpt will be enough for most of cases.
Actually USCIS prefer tax transcript since it is compact, and certified by IRS.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-10 17:17:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 Interview Descheduled - Boston - Any Thoughts?
QUOTE (silanone @ Sep 26 2008, 09:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all - I sent in my N400 application to VSC in early June and in the last week of Aug, I received an interview date of Oct 1. Then about two weeks ago, I received another letter telling me that my interview was cancelled. The last line of the letter reads "We will advise you of any further action taken on this case, including any rescheduled interview information, under a separate notice."

Don't quite know what to make of this. Any thoughts/suggestions?


Usually it happens when they are moving to new locations, and/or somebody is on vacation, so they don't have enough manpower to handle the case.
You may get another interview letter in next month or so.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-09-26 10:08:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionApplication on a expired N-400 form
QUOTE (haiti @ Oct 12 2008, 10:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In other word, if the form is on the website, then it is good.

QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Oct 12 2008, 10:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
THE OMB date is NOT the forms expiration date, the OMB date is the due date for USCIS to complete a survey mandated by Office Of Management and Budget to satisfy the "Paperwork Reduction Act" it is an internal date.

Compare the date at the bottom of the form to the editions indicated as acceptable by USCIS.



Yes. it does.
EVen USCIS accpeted a couple of previous versions, too.
Expiry date is NOT really expiring date.
It indicates that USCIS may need to review the form for any change necessary.
But the change is minor, then they accepts those one, which may not affect the overall process with changes.

For an example, for latest update for most of forms was because of reformatting and/or better arrangement for computer scanning.
I would say, "Some cosmetic changes."
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-12 10:17:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 INTERVIEW DESCHEDULED
You have to call to USCIS to find out why.
Some cases were reported for rescheduling because USCIS changed their location to other office/building.
You can not hold the breath until you have oath ceremony and have "certificate of naturalization" in your hands. crying.gif
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-09-17 21:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionChange of name during the naturalization process
QUOTE (Marika @ Oct 14 2008, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all,

I hope somebody can help me out and answer my questions.
In June 2008 I applied for the naturalization. I got my biometrics in July and since than I am just waiting for an interview letter, as many of you are (good luck to all of us, BTW).
Anyway, in September I got married to the love of my life good.gif . He is American citizen, but once again, I am not applying based on this marriage.
I changed my last name to my husband's. I called to the INS and they told me to bring the marriage certificate to the interview and that I do not need to update my info till the actual interview.
However, I still did not change any of my papers, including ID, SSN and others. I am kind of scared if I change it now it will make the name check process longer.
Does anybody knows will change of papers make the timing longer? Or I can just go ahead and change all my paper not waiting till the interview?

Thank you!!!


I don't think it will delay your processing.
You can just go ahead with changing your name, and bring your marriage certificate when you have your Interview.
Adjudicator - interview officer - will go over the N400 form, and if you need to change the name, he/she can update the N400 form from there.

FBI namecheck is done for your past, and it shouldn't be a problem.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-14 14:33:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN652 Issued After Interview
As far as I remember, you should provide divorce decree for all previous marriage even though you are filing based on 5 years condition.
You can get it from the court house where you filed for the divorce.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-20 15:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQ re processing times
QUOTE (awaterlily @ Oct 21 2008, 04:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
do you check the status of N-400 current process times by the USCIS local field office? For example, look here (this isn't my local office)

TIA


Processing time for N400 is average time from N400 receipt date to initial interview data.
So it may not indicate much.
Besides the statistics for N400 is less reliable than others since it is not done from service center.
Service Center processing is pretty good at updating the status, so you can get more accurate data.
But District office work, especially N400 thing, is not up-to-date for computer data update.
Therefore those data may be out-dated, or in-accurate...
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-22 12:12:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCitizenship interview in December?
QUOTE (amnonbabs @ Oct 21 2008, 04:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have plans to go on vacation to my country in December, I haven't gotten my interview yet and I am afraid I'll get the interview during the days I'll be away. Is there any way to make sure that I don't get the interview during the days I'll be away or there is no way to know? Thanks.


Interview schedule is varied from each District Office to another District Office based on their resource constraint and facility.
But it is normally scheduled after your FBI namecheck done.

In order to make sure that your interview is not scheduled for your vacation time,
you may check with your local district office for InfoPass and asked for detailed information.
Or let them know for your vacation schedule.

But it is all varied from DO to DO.
If DO is not busy, then they can assist you better.
But if DO is busy such as NYC or something like that, they may not have resource to deal with each indivisual's request.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-22 12:24:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionYOU will be notified within 540 days?????
QUOTE (gigant @ Oct 22 2008, 10:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi,

finally my NOA come in the mail

but i noticed some few "strange" points:

- my application (filed at vermont
) has been transferred to the uSCIS NATIONAL benefits center
in order to assist with the process
transfer is administrative only"

- you will be notified within 540 days: r u serious???????

- my priority date is sept 30 but as of today oct 22
i have not received the FP appointment (why????)


anyone in the same situation??

thank you


Right now USCIS is transitioning from 4 service center system to dedicated service center for N400 processing.
They used to let 4 regional service centers - Vermont Service Center, Nebraska Service Center, Texas Service Center, California Service Center - to process each region's N400 cases, but recently they have dedicated service center for N400 regardless regions.
That's what they called "National Benefit Center", but it was basically Missouri Service Center.
So they may be slight delay for administrative transition.

That's the reason why you don't get FP appointment letter yet.

For 540 days, it is usual message.
Actual processing time is usually shorter than that.


For your comport, USCIS doesn't give much time for actual fingerprint and/or interview.
They may try to give us some surprise, but when you receive the notice, it will be one week or 10 days time until actual appointment or something like that.
So be prepared for surprise appointment at any time.

Edited by moonhunt, 22 October 2008 - 10:34 PM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-22 22:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionYUPPY,I am an American Citizen today.................
QUOTE (atk_721 @ Oct 24 2008, 08:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (moonhunt @ Oct 24 2008, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, it seems that they impoved the hold time for customer representative call pick-up.
But other than that, not much of change.

For I-130 petition upgrade, I believe you can fax the request to California.

Here is PDF file I got from immigrationportal.com.


Thanks a lot all those to congragulated me,May you all get ur processes done soon...........
Thanks Moonhunt, Do you have the upgrade form for VSC ,I called and the lady told me that I dont have to send anything as they will have record.But I will call on Monday to see if my upgrade went through and asked once again if I should send the hard copy.
Thanks for your help


I don't have a file for VSC.
As far as I know, they need the copy of certificate of naturalization.

So you may have to send the request with cover letter, copy of I-797 NOA1, and copy of certificate of naturalization to USCIS.
Or asked them to provide the fax number for VSC.

You know the form for CSC, so you can make similar form for VSC, and ask them to provide the form.
Then fax the information to VSC.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-24 21:37:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionYUPPY,I am an American Citizen today.................
Yes, it seems that they impoved the hold time for customer representative call pick-up.
But other than that, not much of change.

For I-130 petition upgrade, I believe you can fax the request to California.

Here is PDF file I got from immigrationportal.com.

Attached Files


moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-24 19:24:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 Interview Cancelled with no reason
QUOTE (tonymate @ Sep 30 2008, 08:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all,

I have gone through the archive in this forum and other fora for cancellation of interview. Reading them gives me some consolation and continuous painful waiting. However, my case seems to be unique from all other cases that I have read so far.

My N400 application priorty date March 2008 and interview date was scheduled for September 30. I received another letter within two weeks interval that my interview has been cancelled. The letter reads: This is to advise you that due to unforseen circumstances, we have had to cancel the previously scheduled interview on September 30, 2008 for above application. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. We will advise you of any further action taken on this case, including rescheduling interview information under separate notice.

I called my attorney and he confirmed that he received the same notice. I was curious to know what could be the reason since I have read a lot about cancellations lately. The only reasons he gave me was that my interview date fell within end of government fiscal year. Therefore, there was likelihood that due to this, my interview was rescheduled. Secondly, it could be that many people were scheduled for interview within same time with limited USCIS personnel to conduct the interview.

Well, it has been more than a month and half since I received the cancellation notice and I have not received another letter for the reschedule. I have not read where some stayed this long without reschedule notice.

The uniqueness in my case is that I called customer service number and found out that my receipt number could not be located in the system. The system said that status of this receipt number cannot be found on the automated system, please check your receipt number again. The customer service said the same thing, they could not locate my case.

This is not clear to me. At least, I read that when interview is cancelled, the automated system and customer service should be able have at least the information.

Please help me clear this fuzzy situation.

Regards
Tony



I don't see the reason to see uniqueness from your story.
It is discussed several times.

There may be a couple of different reasons.

For an example,

1) USCIS District Office is renovating or moving to different location.
2) USCIS District Office is runnig out of resources because somebody goes on vacation/sickness, or somebody scheduled interviews more than they can handle.
3) USCIS has resource re-allocation for preparing new fiscal year thing since most of visa quota will restart from October 1.
4) USCIS anticipated new hired people to be on case handling, but they found out that training didn't go well, so they have to reschedule some overload cases with current available manpower.
5) etc...


USCIS National Customer Service have access to service center processing, but they don't have much of information from local District Office processing.
N400 is considered as local District Office processing.

It's your laywer's job to catch USCIS district office to get some further information if he/she feel something wrong.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-09-30 21:27:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOath in Los Angeles?
QUOTE (amnonbabs @ Oct 25 2008, 04:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, So I got my interview letter which I know should make me happy but the problem is it is in December 11, right before a trip I planned back to my country to my brother's wedding (my trip is the 14). My frustration is how would I leave and come back??? And I already bought the tickets sad.gif

If I have the oath ceremony the same day they'll take away my green card and then how do I come back home? And if they don't give me the Oath ceremony the same day, can I tell the officer I need the Oath to be in January since my plane leaves the 14th and I come back the 28th?, what do they usually do in Los Angeles, oath same day or do they call you in?

Please help!, I am so frustrated, I don't want to miss my bro's wedding but I also don't want to not get my citizenship sad.gif


If you think your trip is more important, you can reschedule the interview.
It will delay another month or two.
But at least, you can have safe feeling for your trip.
It will delay a couple of month for US citizenship, but that's something you have to pay for your trip.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-25 08:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionJuly Filer at VSC still no appointment date
1) You can call USCIS and bug them to find the info. Then you may find the info you want. Sometimes they don't check the info in details, so you may get general answer, "we don't have anything for you yet". But some cases you may get transfered to interview officer to get detailed answer.

2) The place you went for Fingerprint is Application Support Center. It is not same as District Office. In some cases, it may be located in same building. In most case, it will be same, but in some cases, it may be different. Since you were sent to different state, you may be assigned to different location for District Office to process your case.

3) For lost mail, there is not much you can do except to open mail box, and change mailing address to mail box. Or change mailing address to your office address if it is more reliable.

At this moment, most holding point between fingerprint and interview is FBI namecheck process. I believe USCIS implemented the policy to schedule interview after they receive the clearance from FBI namecheck.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-27 06:57:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionSSN in N400 application
QUOTE (Completely @ Oct 28 2008, 08:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am just trying to help a friend of mine.

Can someone applies citizenship without a Social Security Number? She is an immigrant though..


I'm curious why she doesn't have valid social security number.
If she is eligible for US citizen, she should have it.
Does she know the number ? That's different story.
But then as somebody else pointed out, how did she file tax return?
It doesn't make sense to me.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-28 09:27:00
US Citizenship General Discussionmistake on N400..??
QUOTE (tmman @ Oct 31 2008, 08:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i sent my app a week ago, and i just realized that i made a mistake, i was out of the country twice, the first time lasted for 2 weeks from the 29th of dec to the 12 of january , total of 15 days. on the application i put i was gone for 15 days which is correct but the mistake is in the dates i put which are the 29th and came back on the 15th, instead of the 12th. and i just realized that when i check my passport yesterday.....so, do you think thats gonna a big issue for my application or not..has anyone made a mistake ? tell us what your experiances please...thanks blush.gif


Nay! When you have initial interview, adjudicator - interview officer - will go over the N400 form with you again for verification.
At the time, you can correct it or pass updated N400.
That's why interview officer is doing that.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-31 08:35:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTravel immediately after oath ceremony question
QUOTE (Jelly @ Nov 3 2008, 01:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Guys for all your answers.

My question was about the legality of leaving without a US passport, which has been thoroughly answered here thankyou so much.

I do remember leaving for holidays before obviously on my UK passport, but they have always asked for my greencard as well. Is it actually possible that they physically wouldnt let you leave without being able to show either greencard or US passport. ?

Nick D in answer to your last question, I do want to come back at some point, and as mentioned I was curious about the legality of it I suppose.

thanks for your responses

Jelly


By the law, you should use US passport as soon as you take the oath for naturalization.
If you leave without US passport, depending on whom you are dealing with, you may get penalty, or be o.k.
But if somebody is trying to give hard time, you have to swallow it because it is the law.

Leaving from U.S. with U.K. Passport without green card or VISA ?
Your mileage may vary.
But technically you will get hardtime by airline employee, and/or DHS ICE employee.
From DHS ICE viewpoint, you are potential illegal alien, who may sneak into this country without valid immigration document.
I hope you don't go that far.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-03 21:38:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTravel immediately after oath ceremony question
QUOTE (Jelly @ Oct 31 2008, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Lucyrich

In that case is there such a thing as getting passport on same day as long as I have evidence of travel plans?

thanks

Jelly


Yes, you can.
But the location is limited and you should expect that you can spend whole day from there.

http://www.travel.st...ssing_1740.html
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-10-31 16:42:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTravel outside US effect wait time for citizenship??
QUOTE (guamcouple @ Nov 5 2008, 05:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a question since my wife said the lady that did here interview at her biometrics appointment said if she travels outside the US it counts against the time time she can apply for citizenship, To me this seems a bit ridicoulous. Her green card is approved and on the way. Say she can apply for citizenship in November 15 2012. But if she goes to Japan to stay with her sister since I am in Iraq and stays for 5 months then she cannot apply until April 2013? I'm not sure I'm buying what the local office here in Guam is saying about that.

Does anyone have a link to the instruction about this or are they just plain nuts.

Thanks


Probably it's time to check M-476 to understand the requirement and whole process for naturalization.

www.uscis.gov/files/article/M-476.pdf
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-05 13:40:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCheck Status Online
QUOTE (sabrina bossie @ Nov 6 2008, 05:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i'm trying to check my status online with the 13 digits Application Numbers, but sadly this is what i always get right after i enter the WSC*000000000
Validation Error(s)
You must correct the following error(s) before proceeding:
Case Status Retrieval Failed
The status for this Receipt Number is incomplete at this time in this automated system and can not be displayed. Please check your case receipt number to see if it is correct. If you have questions or concerns about your case status, please contact the National Customer Service Center.

i don't understand what just happen. because the 1st 3 times i check my status online i'm getting a good responds. but after i take my fingerprints. maybe 2 days after that i go online to check it, till now that's all i'm getting that "Case status Retrieval failed?" what's this suppose to mean? anyone else ever experience this? just curious wacko.gif


Also there was some reports that the case was removed from Online Query system after interview scheduled, and/or oath ceremony done.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-06 18:33:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTravel outside country before the oath
QUOTE (sam75 @ Nov 7 2008, 12:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (lucyrich @ Nov 6 2008, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sam75 @ Nov 6 2008, 08:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
lucyrich,

Thanks for the response. Yes, I have to out of US for 3-4 days max. So I think it should be fine. I just wanted to ask one more thing if you were asked so many questions about your 10 day visit to mexico which you took between the interview and oath ceremony?.

thnx


No questions. They just noted the answer on the back of the form, and noted that it didn't cause an ineligibility under the rules.


cool - thanks for confirming.


Just to point out.
Please make sure to bring your current passport to prove your travel in/out.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-07 14:17:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionI FORGOT MY GREEN CARD AT FINGERPRINTS APPOINTMENT
QUOTE (gigant @ Nov 7 2008, 08:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,

i woke up at 5 am today all excited to have my FP done

but when i showed up the clerk asked me for the fisical green card as ID;

I dod not have it with me and she said i have to come back;

She mentionned a number of days that i barely heard i think she said
"you have 65 days" or some like that;

I want to ask you if the information she gave me is correct,
meaning I can show up anytime next week from 8am to 4pm and

have my FP taken or

do i need to reschedule?

pls advice

thank you



From your fingerprint notice letter, you will find that if you can not make scheduled appointment, you can visit same ASC with the letter after scheduled date/time on specific schedule.
Normally it is every wednesday or something like that. It is varied from ASC to ASC.
No need to reschedule it.
You can just follow the instructions on fingerprint notice letter.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-07 14:21:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionU.S. passport news
QUOTE (Cdnwmn @ Nov 6 2008, 03:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My son and I applied for a U.S. passport book as well as the passport card on October 27th. Happy to report that both arrived in the mail today. The paperwork I sent for my son came back as well but I didn't receive my Citizen Certificate. Hopefully that shows up tomorrow or Saturday.

Next stop is Social Security office to change our status with them.

Then it will all be done!!! kicking.gif


In my case, I stopped by SSA office first since they don't keep the certificate of naturalization.
SSA office needs to see/verify it, then you can keep the certificate of naturalization.
I did apply Passport after I made plenty of copies for other purpose. devil.gif

I guess Department of State Passport application center is only place to request the original sent to them via mail.

It must be my habit, but without proof of my identity as US Citizen, I wasn't comfortable, so I requested Passport Book AND Passport CARD.
The lady from US Post office told me why I needed both.
I kind of feel better something in my wallet. whistling.gif
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-07 14:26:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCharleston SC
QUOTE (haiti @ Nov 8 2008, 12:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations and may God bless you!

I am from SC for some reason I had to go to NC for my fingerprint when I was adjusting my stats to permanent resident but went to Charleston, SC for the Interview so should I say that my local office is Charleston, SC or Charlotte, NC? I need to know so that I can update my profile!


Fingerprint place is called as "Application Support Center", or ASC.
The place for Interview is actuall your District Office, which has jurisdiction for your case processing.
So you have to contact Charleston, SC DO for your case since it is your so-called "local office".
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-08 14:57:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCharleston SC
QUOTE (DDL @ Nov 6 2008, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Denise and Tony
Charleston, SC



Congratulations!
Probably Interview officer may be difficult to interprete English English Divorce Decree. ^^
Or since we have so many divorced people not to pay their child support, so she wasn't sure how it works from U.K. whistling.gif
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-07 14:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQuestion about Marriage to an illegal immigrant
QUOTE (Peter @ Nov 9 2008, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the great comments Moonhunt and Tabta. I am fairly certain that he came illegal. If I understand correctly they will both need to divorce and he will have to return to Mexico and wait for the k-3 or K-1 visa. Obviously on the forms he would need to note that he lived illegally in the United States. Would that be an automatic rejection of his case?


I would recommend definetely to consult with immigration attorney.
If he goes back to Mexico, he will have to wait for 10 years.
If illegal stay is more than 1 year, it will be 10 year banning to U.S.
If I were him, I would consult with Immigration laywers for all possible options.
It may cost some money, but he can save time and money by separating with her for indefinite time - 10 years ban plus immigration processing time -.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-09 13:44:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQuestion about Marriage to an illegal immigrant
For illegal immigrant marrying to US Citizen, you should have answer for this one.
Did he/she come to US legally?
If he/she came to U.S. with proper documentation, then he/she became illegal alien because his/her stay was over the allowed date, usually USCIS will not punish for it, and it shouldn't have a problem.
But if he/she came to U.S. without proper documentation such as I-94 or I-94W, it will be a problem.

Besides, depending on the State where they are living, the law may not allow re-marrying within certain time from divorce date such as 6 months or 1 year.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-09 12:32:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQuestion about application
QUOTE (tabta @ Nov 9 2008, 10:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Maybe this has already been posted in this thread several times or maybe this is silly but I am not sure so I thought I would ask anyways. We can apply for citizenship tomorrow. Needless to say we werent very good about getting things ready in advance. So my question is

Do we have to put all the info for the last 5 years or when we are putting where he has worked or lived do we just put for 3 years since we are applying in just 3 years due to the fact that we are married?

Thanks everyone


Some people with 3 year marriage to US citizen did for only 3 years. Others did 5 years.
So it is up to you.

Just in case when you go to Interview, you can bring both versions with you, and ask to adjudicator for which one he/she wants.
In most case, they will ask for 3 year version. whistling.gif
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-09 13:48:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionBiometrics location flexibility
QUOTE (k1spain @ Nov 10 2008, 10:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,
I am coming back for help after a long time. My question is related to how flexible the USCIS is regarding changing the location of the biometric center. I would like to file my N-400 with my home address as NJ cause my house is there. However, I am living in Michigan at this time and this is where I would like to get my biometrics done. The reasoning behind this is that my current MI address is a rental and I may be moving in a couple of months to another apartment in MI, so I don't know which apartment I would be living by the time the oath appointment comes. However, my address is NJ is permanent but I won't be able to get my biometrics done there at this time.
In summary I would need to get my biometrics done in MI and my oath, etc,... done in NJ.
What should I do? whistling.gif


You can try to call USCIS to change the location along with schedule, but you should convince them that it is for temporary.
Don't give them the impression that you are moving to MI.
I don't see why not, but again you are dealing with government organization, so it might be tough.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-10 12:12:00
US Citizenship General Discussionplease help, N400 issue!!!
QUOTE (N400transfer @ Nov 9 2008, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you for your reply, greatly appreciated:
My N400 interview is next month. I filed my N400 early this year in California based on 3 year marriage. Later in summer, I decided to go to graduate school at another state. I wish I can stay in California, but no good school accepted me and give me scholarship. I went back to California for my interview after couple weeks in the foreign state. However, the interview officer told me that since I am not physically present in California and my parents are not supporting me, so they have no jurisdiction over me. They need to transfer me to the field office where my university is located. I told him that I will come back to California after my program is over. I never change my driver license, lived in California for the past 10 years, filed income tax in California every year and I am only left California 7 weeks, my wife is still working in California.
I received my re-interview notice couple days ago. My re-interview will be next month.
However, I have one question. My wife is still working in California, there is a living together requirement in N400 that you have to living with you USC spouse if filed as 3 year. Will the interview officer deny my application if my wife work at California and I am in other state for school that we are not physically living together?
I found the federal immigration rule that govern my issue. However, it is not clear. See the following:
Base on 319(cool.gif
(ii) Separation--
© Involuntary separation. In the event that the applicant and spouse live apart because of circumstances beyond their control, such as military service in the Armed Forces of the United States or essential business or occupational demands, rather than because of voluntary legal or informal separation, the resulting separation, even if prolonged, will not preclude naturalization under this part.

Do I qualify as involuntary separation since I am going to school at another state?



You have to convince adjudicator - nice word for interview officer - that you are temporarily away for school purpose, so your permanent legal address should be considered as your address in driver license, where your wife is living.
It is no different than kids going to school in other states.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-09 12:24:00
US Citizenship General Discussionneed some questioned answered about oath
QUOTE (Completely @ Oct 15 2008, 11:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am not aware of this Nick, we are working overseas, company pays for our insurance, and the child is our dependant.
We dont pay taxes here only Social Security Tax. We may go to the US next year and update my status., after I gave birth..



Be careful about TAX!
Permanent resident AND US citizen is reponsible for tax no matter where you work.
Even if you work for foreign company in foreign county, you still have to pay for tax when Federal Tax return concerns.
If there is tax treaty between U.S. and the country you are working, you can deduct the tax you paid for foreign county.

For Oath ceremony, usually it is varied by where you live.
Some DO takes one month or less, but some takes 2~3 months, or longer.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-11 17:34:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionStupid mistake
Congratulation!
It all depends on whom you are interviewed with.
They have internal rules, and etc.
But still human is enforcing those.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-11 12:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionStupid mistake
QUOTE (Sweetoosohni @ Nov 10 2008, 09:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've heard and seen that sometimes they ask for the passport only for identification purpose. I am sure they pre-investigate all the overseas trips beforehand and use passport info to see if there are any inconsistencies.

We'll see how it goes. Three more hours to go before we find out!


They asked for Passport for two reason.

One is to verify your travel records. They may have some access to IBIS to check, but not all of them have their homework or have access to it.
So it is convenient to check applicant's passport for travel records.

Second is to verify applicant identity along with birth date information.
They can confirm the identity with Driver license and green card, but only authenticated document to show your birth record is the passport unless they check family census record or some thing like that.
But their preferred document is the valid passport.

Probably adjuicator can give you two options.
Easy with you, and go ahead with other information available.
Or he/she can say "come back later with your passport!"

But it is today, so give it a try.
Make sure that you bring certified birth record just in case.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-10 12:19:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOne last dumb question
QUOTE (Cdnwmn @ Nov 12 2008, 01:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm heading over to the Social Security office this afternoon to have my status updated to Citizen along with my son's status.

Just wondered if my son had to be present to have his done or can I just take his U.S. passport along and have it updated? He is 17 1/2 years old. He's grumbling about having to go...lol.



This may be answer your questions.

http://ssa-custhelp....swers.search_nl

Until he/she becomes 18 years old, he/she can not sign SSN card, and you should be there for his/her SSN card replacement.

For specific question, it doesn't sound that your kid's presence is required, but I agree that it is better bring him/her to SSA office to do his/her replacement request since it is his/her card. whistling.gif

It may not be required by SSA procedure, but it is his/her card.
So do his/her due dilligence as a part of education. ^^
Sometimes parents' word is beyond the law if you are living with them and under their support. devil.gif
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-11-12 17:30:00