ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionA little bit faster ?
QUOTE (NickD @ Aug 14 2008, 10:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
I wish they can give you an option to choose Milwaukee, WI DO.
It seems that Milwaukee DO is moving much faster than St. Paul DO.
USCIS processing estimate is checking only from N400 application to initial interview.
I'm curious to see what's average time taking from initial interview to oath ceremony.


Ha, can only wonder if we would have requested a different field office if the one they sent us to was in hell. Probably not.

In that counterfeit version of St. Paul's interview form, did say to write to your IO with the address if you have any questions. So did drop her off a nice note, just asking where our oath letter is. Other letters to St. Paul resulted in no response, but at least trying, if you don't try, nothing will happen.


Probably you tried your congressman and things like that.
What about this?
http://www.ailf.org/..._mandamus.shtml

If USCIS schedule the oath ceremony for your wife in the meantime, you have to pay for legal fee and court cost.
But if the court is quicker than USCIS's action, USCIS should pay for those cost.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-15 11:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionA little bit faster ?
QUOTE (NickD @ Aug 12 2008, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (savina @ Aug 12 2008, 02:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hey all the best for the interview good.gif ...am in the same situation as my husband as applied for my I-130 application however he is awaiting citizenship then he can upgrade my application.Its such a long wait and a long seperation as well.


Could be correct for St. Paul, 3 months for the interview, another three months for the oath letter.


I wish they can give you an option to choose Milwaukee, WI DO.
It seems that Milwaukee DO is moving much faster than St. Paul DO.
USCIS processing estimate is checking only from N400 application to initial interview.
I'm curious to see what's average time taking from initial interview to oath ceremony.


QUOTE (savina @ Aug 12 2008, 02:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hey all the best for the interview good.gif ...am in the same situation as my husband as applied for my I-130 application however he is awaiting citizenship then he can upgrade my application.Its such a long wait and a long seperation as well.


Thanks, savina
I think we all need best luck for dealing with USCIS.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-13 17:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionA little bit faster ?
It seems that 2bornot2b already posted this info.
Please ignore this one if you already read 2bornot2b's article.
Since I couldn't find the way to delete this, I will leave this as-is.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-12 11:39:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionA little bit faster ?
USCIS released new projected N400 processing time around September 2008.

http://www.uscis.gov...0004718190aRCRD

Term defined as processing time is the average date taken from N400 received date to initial interview.
So it seems a little bit better.

Difference ?
It seems that they shorten average processing time for nation-wide from 16-18 months to 10-12 months according to USCIS.

Remember that this is average processing time.

Edited by moonhunt, 12 August 2008 - 11:33 AM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-12 11:31:00
US Citizenship General Discussionis it ok if I send a tax transcript for N-400?
QUOTE (sparkofcreation @ Aug 17 2008, 11:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Where does this "10 days" thing everyone talks about come from? The last three times we needed tax transcripts (I-751, N-400, and naturalization interview), the IRS faxed them directly to us the same day.


IRS Form 4506T itself mentioned up to 10 days for Tax Return Transcript, and up to 30 days for Tax Account Transcript.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-17 17:49:00
US Citizenship General Discussionis it ok if I send a tax transcript for N-400?
QUOTE (gigant @ Aug 16 2008, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,The filing date is approaching and I theCopy of taxes for 2005 that I have isIncomplete; auch auch.......... either some page is missingOr the signature of the preparer is not there - so I'm afraid my application will not be 100% correct.Can I ask you: can I send a transcript just for that year? How much will it cost me?Or can I go back to my tax preparer of 05And ask for a copy?For the N 400 purposes what is the best way to present the taxes: a transcript orThe exact copy of the filed taxes??Thank you for your responses


Actually USCIS prefer tax transcript to the copy of your tax returns.
It is simple, less space-consumed, and certified by IRS.
It is free, and takes 10 days for tax return transcript, and 30 days for tax account transcript.
The difference between both is whether it is before IRS audited/adjudicated or after.

http://www.irs.gov/i...=110571,00.html

You can call them up to ask for it, or fax the form 4506T.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-16 09:06:00
US Citizenship General Discussionno tax returns filed because im a full time student
QUOTE (Aussielad @ Aug 15 2008, 07:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi there,

Well hopefully the N-400 goes off next week, my question is since becomming a permanent resident, i haven't filed any tax returns because i've been a full-time student, and my wife has unfortunately been unemployed,

So how do i explain this on the N-400 when it is something that they really want???

do i write a basic attachment letter stating why? does it have to be notorized? what do i do???


Probably you can get IRS statement for not filing the tax return using following form.

http://www.irs.gov/p...-pdf/f4506t.pdf

But I'm curious how you manage your financial situation.
If you get some paycheck through part-time, you may have to file the tax return even if you are full time student.
Otherwise, you may have some proof of following.

1) you are student during the period
2) how you manage the finanacial situation - financial aid from parents or scholarship ? -
3) summarized statement that you were not required to file tax return per IRS regulation ( probably notarized? )
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-15 11:05:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionInterview finished, and passed!
QUOTE (coloradogirl @ Aug 7 2008, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hubby had his interview on Tuesday (Aug. 5th) and was only in for 20 minutes. Interviewer told him how much she loved Marrakech and said how lovely Morocco was then said let's get started. Asked how we met, did we have any kids (no). Asked 6 questions about constitution etc., asked him to read 3 sentences and write one. Said congratulations you've been approved and gave him the paper stating so. She said he'd hear in about 3 weeks or so when the oath ceremony would be. So, it's finally over.
Makes me wonder though why we even spent the $275 for the lifting of conditions. Took forever for his 10 yr gc to arrive, only to have applied for naturalization in the meantime. Nice chunk of change to have just thrown away.... grrrrrr mad.gif


Hey Coloradogirl,

Anyway you are almost done.
Congratulations!

And I think we need to manage stress in some other way instead of throwing out some words we can hurt each other.
Don't loose temper. It may cost a lot of things from you.
Probably we may need to put "USCIS" logo in the wall, and practice shooting game with it. ^^
Come on! Everybody is going through tough time when dealing with USCIS.
Let's encourage each other for better mood.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-08 14:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOath Ceremony was Yesterday!!!
Conguratulations!
So no Drew Carry showed up for celebration? ^^
Actually that's all I remember from Cleveland, Ohio!
Cleveland Rock!
Any way, I think Tom's case was moving so fast.
I hope all USCIS case was processed at that speed including NickD's case.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-16 09:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUS Citizenship- when to apply?
QUOTE (WhiteDaisy @ Aug 19 2008, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am married to a US citizen and got my GC a year ago. I heard rumors about a possibility of applying for citizenship 9 months prior to the 3rd GC anniversary?

I know that I can do it 90 days prior (as per USCIS , N-400 instructions and etc.) but have never heard of 9 months. Just making sure. innocent.gif

Thanks in advance! star_smile.gif


I don't think so.
It may be some confusion from 2 year "9 month" or 4 year "9 month" after receiving green card.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-19 17:15:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat do we bring to the oat ceremony?
QUOTE (Oasis @ Aug 15 2008, 09:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well good Luck today.. maybe you are already there right now biggrin.gif

Well my outfit is all picked out. Blue dress with flags allover on it, white belt, blue shoes and a big red bow in my hair.. matching purse ofcourse.. how does that sound rofl.gif


That reminds me of Wonder Woman.
Something like this ?

http://www.mables.co...man-costume.php
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-15 16:46:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCan I travel abroad during naturalization process?
QUOTE (tk94110 @ Aug 19 2008, 06:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
After I apply for naturalization and before it is approved, is there any period in which I must stay in the U.S.?

You can travel, but it is not recommended.
First, you have to disclose "new" travel record to interview officer, and oath ceremony officer.
So it should not break your residency requirement for interview and/or oath ceremony.

Second, you may have received notice from USCIS while traveling.
In that case, if you can not make your appointment scheduled, it may delay significant amount of time for your whole naturalization process and headache to go through USCIS communication.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-19 20:21:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTelling work you are a citizen
QUOTE (Tammi @ Aug 22 2008, 05:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So my husband went into his work's office to tell them to update their files that he is a citizen now. They want to see either his certificate or passport. They told him a copy is fine for the certificate. i said oh no, you are not giving them a copy, it says right on there no copies allowed. It seems weird to me. Every job I've ever had, you just check that you are a citizen and you don't have to show a passport or birth certificate to prove it. My husband said that his one co-worker (an American by birth) did have to show his passport though. Weird.


Actually Employer needs to keep those info for 3 years.
But "Certificate of Naturalization" is removed from required documentation as far as I know.

http://www.uscis.gov/i-9

If your husband update Social Security Admin record, employer could verify it through E-VERIFY system easily.

Or he can wait until he could get US passport, and use it for evidence.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-22 06:46:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat to do with Green Cards after citizenship....
QUOTE (AntandD @ Aug 17 2008, 06:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Moonhunt: Ahh...now I know that they do in fact take the green card and the oath letter away during the oath ceremony. Lol..I guess I have to make a copy of both then, for souvenir's sake, before I go. I wonder why they take the oath letter too, as it's not like it's going to be any use to anyone later on? When you say current green card, I'm assuming you mean at the time it would be the 10yr green card. What did you do with your 2yr green card then? Or did you give them that card too?


That's why I didn't mention expired 2 year conditional card.
I had never received 2 year conditional card, so I'm not sure.
But if USCIS people didn't figure out that you have expired 2 year conditional green card, you may keep it as souvenir.

The reason why they take green card, and oath letter is simple.

First, for green card part, you don't need it any more. So they take it back. Plus if you guys don't dispose well, it may be used by somebody else. For an example, illegal aliens, identity thefts, etc...
So they better take it back, and dispose it properly.

Second, for Oath letter, in the back of oath letter, I believe you have to answer the questions, and sign the form.
So USCIS needs to keep it as record. Simple! Right?

As a souvenir, they are giving "The Certificate of Naturalization", and a "flag".
So it should be enough. And you have a lot of documents and I-797C Notice of Action from USCIS.
So I think that's fair enought.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-17 21:29:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat to do with Green Cards after citizenship....
QUOTE (AntandD @ Aug 16 2008, 09:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Everyone,

I asked this question before in another forum on VJ, but I was wondering if anyone here knows the answer to this too, especially if you've experienced this first hand:

What exactly does the USCIS require a person do with the 2 year conditional green card and the extension letter after it's expired? Do I have to give it back to them, during citizenship? Or can I keep it for as long as I want to forever as momento/souvenir of my immigration journey? Do I have to give back my 10 year unconditional green card too during citizenship? If they do take these green cards away, do they take it during the interview, or during the oath ceremony, or before that? I would like to know beforehand, as I would like to make copies of them before they take them away, just in case....

Any information and thoughts and ideas appreciated. Thanks.

Ant


One of things they do prior to oath ceremony is that they will collect your green card and oath letter.
So you have to surrender your current green card and oath letter in order to proceed oath ceremony.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-16 21:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionI am new
QUOTE (Calif_shasha @ Aug 20 2008, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
does it matter if you filed 2 months ago and had your finger prints cleared already and still did not get your Interview letter? are they over the backlog?


Did you check other people's timeline to compare ?
USCIS is not only checking fingerprint, also checking Namecheck for background check.
Fingerprint process is digitalized in most case, so USCIS will get the result mostly same day or next day.
But Namecheck request to FBI may take a couple of days to a couple of years.

Some District Office can schedule Interview quickly than others.
So some people is waiting for a couple of months to receive Interview Letter.
Sometimes it takes more than a year.

To get better answer, you may have to check other people's timeline from same DO as you are in.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-22 06:53:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 and traffic ticket
QUOTE (Digital @ Aug 16 2008, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,
I am applying for Citizenship end of August and I just got a traffic ticket for faliure to obey highway sign. I think the fine is under $200 and my court date is 09/19/08

When I am filling out the form for part 10 for Good Moral Character it asks me if I had:

1. ever been arrested, cited or detained by any law inforcement officer.
2. ever been charged with any crime or offense.

Does this apply to minor traffic ticket or no?

Please let me know. I am sure few ppl might have gotten traffic tickets before.

Thanks.


http://www.immigrati...ad.php?t=197782

You can find "citation" area to get your answer.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-18 09:46:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwhats the difference?
QUOTE (NickD @ Aug 24 2008, 07:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
CITIZENSHIP

11/08/08 - Sent N-400 application to become a citizen to VERMONT


How did you manage that, that date is three months from now.


He just use DD/MM/YY format. So what he means from above is August 11, 2008 from 11/08/08.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-24 09:24:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionFinally!! Interview letter for VSC in NYC
QUOTE (david71 @ Aug 22 2008, 11:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Guys,

My wife just received her interview letter yesterday. Actual interview in Oct 9th, 2008. Now I have few questions?

1) which question she should study, Old or New?
2) We have a one year old son. Is she allowed to take him to the interview room or Can I go with her to the interview room with my son?

Thanks in advance

David


If the paperwork was applied before October 1, 2008, she has choice for old or new exam.
For your one old son, probably it's better you going with your wife, and take care of your son during interview process.
You don't want for your wife to be distracted from interview process, and causing the problem.
It's better interview officer and your wife let focus on interview process itself.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-23 21:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionProbably very common question
QUOTE (daphne2109 @ Aug 26 2008, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would like to ask, and I'm so sorry if already asked for 1000 times, my question is:

1) when you become US citizen how long you're allowed to stay outside of US, and if there is a maximum of period of time a person can be outside of USA without loosing what he/she has obtained?

Thanks all again!!!!


For your own citizenship, as others already pointed out, there is no limit for out-of-state period.
But if your children be born outside of U.S.A, and your spouse is not U.S. Citizen, you have to live in U.S. for at least 7 years including 2 years - right? - after naturalization in order for your children to be eligible for being native born American.
Also, it doesn't matter where you live. You should report your income tax to US government wherever you are.
Even when you are not in U.S., and you earn income from other country, you still have to report your tax returns to federal government. There may be tax treaty to honor each other's tax withholding for tax deduction purpose.
But you "have to" report the tax return no matter where you live if you become U.S. citizen.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-26 16:51:00
US Citizenship General Discussiongetting ready to apply...
QUOTE (tmman @ Aug 26 2008, 09:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys, i m gonna apply for citizenship in couple weeks, i need to know what do i need to send..i have an idea i just wanna make sure so i won`t forget anything....i ve heard that i need to send all documents i ve sent for removing condition plus my spouse prooves of being american...can you guys tell me what exactly i need to send ....thanks a loot and good luck to everybody


Most of answers for your questions may be already in this.

http://www.uscis.gov...ticle/M-476.pdf
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-26 16:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionSt. Louis office
QUOTE (Lyuba @ Aug 26 2008, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has somebody naturalized through St. Louis office? How much time does it actually take?

Thank you, guys!!!!

PS. My NOA1 says 150 days but I know not to trust those. smile.gif


It is a little bit old data, but you can use it with consideration that it was last year data.

http://www.visajourn...lis...0,11&cfl=
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-26 17:05:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 Interview letter
QUOTE (Jelly @ Aug 24 2008, 09:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for your reply MoonHunt and NickD

I was just curious as to whether or not everyones letter said the same thing


Mine said same thing as yours.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-24 22:53:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 Interview letter
QUOTE (Jelly @ Aug 22 2008, 11:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All

I got my IL, and was just wondering if everyones' letter says that the proceedings will take about 2 hours!!?
I have read a few reports on here and seems like people are in an out in about 30 mins max.

was just wondering if all letters are just standard wording?


thanks

Jelly


Everybody said every cases are unique. So you never know what's going to happen in your interview. ^^
But in reality, it may take 10~20 min for actual interview.
I think USCIS is talking about 2 hours because of waiting time and etc for safe side.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-23 06:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 California
QUOTE (viktoria @ Jul 22 2008, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you
I am planing on going on vacation to Mexico. I had the fingerprints appointment on 7/21 and planning to go to Mexico around Agust 10th. I think I should be good, looks like they r not mooving that fast. I believe I can go to Mexico w/ my green card. Is that correct?

Thank you very much


Green Card has nothing to do with Mexico travel.
Green Card will let you into U.S. from Mexico, but if you want to visit Mexico, you better check with Mexico Embassy or Consular office to see whether your home country - Bulgaria? - needs VISA or not.
From Mexico viewpoint, you are not US citizen, so they have to check whether you are VISA exempted or not based on your home country's passport.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-22 17:56:00
US Citizenship General Discussion91 days!!!!
QUOTE (amnonbabs @ Aug 23 2008, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
OMG, I sent my petition today saturday because it was convinient for me but I didn't check the 90 day rule, I got confused and thought 3 months was 90 days and it is 91 days! , OMG, is my petition going to be sent back?, I sent it Priority Mail, that'd be like 2 days (Today and Monday so I imagine it'll arrive Tuesday?) Any thoughts besides me being a total loser? crying.gif


Don't worry about it!
It should be fine for a couple of days.
Actually I did the same thing, and it was fine. ^^
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-23 21:24:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDidn't send selective service Status Information Letter’
QUOTE (Aussielad @ Aug 26 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
is it true that i had to send the Selective Service Status information letter with my N-400??? i don't remember reading about that..

Will i now get an RFE??

What i did though was with the N-400 application, i photocopied BOTH sides of the Selective-service card as well as the green card,


Do you think they will accept that or am i looking towards an RFE???


You can bring it to your interview when it is scheduled.
Probably they will not look at your file until interview date comes any way.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-26 16:55:00
US Citizenship General Discussionplease help when exactly can I send N400?
QUOTE (tayoff @ Aug 27 2008, 06:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,my wife is US citizen I just called the uscis 800 number and asked when exactly I can send out my N400 and she said 6 months before 3 yrs end. I have read here that I can apply for Naturalization 3 yrs minus 90 days. or I can send it now??, the date on my greencard gonna be 3 yrs this December 13,2008 Which is correct? Thanks.


Most of things you have to know is in M-476 publications.

http://www.uscis.gov...ticle/M-476.pdf
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-27 22:04:00
US Citizenship General Discussionpassport
QUOTE (ShallowShrek @ Aug 28 2008, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
my native country passport expired when i go to the interview they will ask for it to see how much i have traveled. what do i do about this since it is expired do i show them the expired passport because the expired one is the only one that shows all of my travelings.


You have to bring all of your passports including expired one.
Technically you don't need to renew your passport, but some Interview Officer may question what happened after the date your passport expired.
So for safety net, I would recommend to renew your passport, or get new one ASAP.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-28 15:15:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwhat is up with the uscis date not updating?
QUOTE (ShallowShrek @ Aug 22 2008, 11:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KyngSilva @ Aug 22 2008, 10:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I called today, and they said they were working really hard on all our files and had no time to update the site jest.gif

that is not possible. people who are working on our case are different people. the ones who update are the engineers who do this sort of thing of updating.


One more clarification.
Working people for N400 is located in District Office.
Updating people for CRIS system is located in Service Center or some hidden location.
So working people in District Office doesn't want to bother/spend time to communicate "updating people", and they rather spend the case processing for their available resources.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-23 06:28:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwhat is up with the uscis date not updating?
QUOTE (NickD @ Aug 22 2008, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In any industry I have worked in, weekly progress reports were required, here we are dealing with monthly. Would take on guy to compile these and update the site in about two hours, well maybe six hours for a government worker.

Nevertheless, if they can't keep them updated, should no longer use them as the de facto standard as to whether one can inquire about their case status. Was really a mess with the I-751, glad that is now history. The I-751 does have a time limit to remain here legally, the N-400 does not, well at least about ten years for most of us.


I think Service Center is updating the case status with CRIS system, but N400 is handled by District Office in most time.
So for N400, CRIS is pretty much useless.
But for other type of applications, it provides good way to track it .
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-22 16:29:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwhat is up with the uscis date not updating?
QUOTE (NickD @ Aug 20 2008, 05:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ShallowShrek @ Aug 19 2008, 11:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
why did they not update the august dates. they still have july on and its already august 20th


Seems ironic as the USCIS, your congressman, that ombudsman all go on these processing dates as posted on the internet. While our N-400 receipt notice said would be nine months to our processing date that site posted more like 15 months, but the actual processing took 3 1/2 months. Was just the opposite for the I-751 where according to their site, that application should have been processed 7 months ago and we were still waiting.

I sincerely believe they are using a pseudo-random generator to come up with those dates, but you are helpless to do anything until your application date is at least a month prior to the posted date. We were lucky enough to get our receipt date posted, but has never changed, the Department of State is the same way.

And you want to know why? Even if they did update the dates, won't even be in the ballpark, can only assume someone isn't doing their job. We would be better off if they dumped that site as whatever it says, is law.


I'm sure there will be more reasons, but I can think following reasons.

1) USCIS decided to focus on putting more resources to process the cases than case record tracking/update.
If it is processed in Service Center, they could train people and have dedicated team to update the record.
But N400 case is mostly processed from District Office, and it may not be realistic to give access to all people, manage the access control for system access, and/or train them for consistency data update.

2) USCIS posted processing time is estimated processing time based on average. Since every cases are unique, posted processing time may not be applied to anyone. Average can be meaning-less depending on assumption you use. Some people takes a couple of years because of FBI namecheck. Some people may delay the process for not providing required information. Depending on the USCIS's load and resource allocation, actual processing speed can be changed from day to day. Right now USCIS is keep pushing N400 processing faster. I don't know whether it is because of election, or it is because they want to keep their promise to keep N400 processing time less than 6 months. My gut tells me it may be former. But you never know.

Personally I prefer processing faster w/o update to processing slower w/ update.
But that preference may be differ from person to person.
At least, I know it's not working, so I don't care.
What I care is how fast they could process my case.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-22 07:14:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGoing overseas to work while Us citizenship papers filed
QUOTE (aussie girl @ Sep 2 2008, 01:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Lucyrich,
Thank you very much for your reply. This really help me have more insight and knowledge in making my decision. My main thing is..I don't want to throw away the continuous presence that I have already spent in the U.S.

You have basically confirmed all what I have read in my research so far. I think I will concentrate on getting my U.S. citizenship first before anything else. And then take it from there--> either work for my federal job (they are waiting for me until I get my citizenship) or accept a contract in the UK.

I already said 'No' to the UK contract but had gotten some more increase to the offer and a suggested work around to the citizenship issue, like letting me work from U.S. home after every 5 months for a month and then back there. It is only a suggestion from them.

It is very tempting to accept this work, really.

Would showing that we bought a house and having my family here in the U.S. show that my primary residence is in the U.S.? If I do go, I intend to only stay in a hotel or a room. This time, if I do go, I am not planning on renting a flat/apartment. or house at all. The main aim is to just earn and save money for a year, not have much expenses and then come back home for good ...working at a federal job. I was thinking I could shoot the bird with 2 stones. While I am waiting for my citizenship I can work and earn big money overseas. Here in the U.S> both my husband and I earn good enough money but for some reason we can hardly make ends meet. Even though we are not spending anything other than living expenses and paying bills for things that are a necessity.

What would be a safe work around, if you can think of one? I already asked for a remote work, which at first was not possible due to a bad experience they had with one of my colleagues. But, hearing my citizenship issue, they seemed more flexible with remote work so long as it is not a totally remote work. I still have to work out if they can pay my airfares.

My bottomline is to settle down here in the U.S> working for my current Federal agency where I know I can make a difference in the coming future. My IT skills and business application knowledge is going to be a big help to them once they can employ me.

As you can see, I have this decision to make - stay in the US and wait for citizenship, in the meantime earn enough to live (borderline poverty-like living) OR earn lots of money overseas that can cover education and proper living expenses but possibly lose my chance to get the US citizenship which we have been working hard on for the last 5 years.

Its so hard especially when we could use the extra earning. Thanks again.

Aussie girl



Hey, Aussie girl,

Remember that one of thing you have to consider for job from foreign country is that you have to report all your earning to federal government for taxation purpose no matter where it is happening.
So you have to pay the tax for high income and maintain your another bona-fide residence there.
I don't know whether it is really make sense or not.
If your earning goes high, you may have to pay a lot of tax.

Also, if you work for foreign company in foreign country, when USCIS interview officer find out, he/she may ask for employer letter to confirm whether your remote working is permanent or not.
Employment can be considered as big reason for residency intention.
If you spend more time from foreign country, you will have always chance that USCIS interview officer consider that you have no intention in living in U.S.

Even if you can get away with citizenship thing, you may still end up with paying high tax bracket for federal government and/or state government.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-09-02 14:23:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionInterview
QUOTE (Thomas F @ Aug 26 2008, 08:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

My wife and I are making some travel plans and wondered when we should file our citizenship application. If we get an interview in December, for example, can we move it back to January or February given the fact that we might be abroad for 4 weeks in December?

Thanks!


You can ask for rescheduling your interview for your convenience.
But USCIS will reschedule it for "their" convenience. So you may never know when next rescheduled interview will be.
Therefore most people just choose to take small incovenience to sacrifice their freedom of travel to deal with first scheduled interview instead of dealing with "huge" inconvenience of unknown rescheduled interview time-frame.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-26 16:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCan't believe that I am married to an American woman.
Finally, NickD!
Congratulation on your wife and you!

The reason they are so kind is because she is U.S. Citizen now. ^^
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-09-04 08:55:00
US Citizenship General Discussioncheque has NOT been cashed yet for N-400
Don't worry too much about it.
It will be cashed eventually.
Sometimes it takes longer than usual.
As long as you send it with delivery confirmation, or return receipt, which can be tracable,
it will be fine.

One of thing you may learn from USCIS to deal with immigration is patience you need for your whole life.
Not that I want to learn, but that I must have to learn the case with USCIS...
Otherwise, you will have blood pressure, and colestrel increased a lot.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-09-10 15:42:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionClarification on the 3 years MINUS 90 days...
QUOTE (vylex @ Sep 10 2008, 09:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
2) My close friend also filed 3 years minus 90 days. However when he went to the interview, they told him he filed too early. I was stunned to hear that...especially when they let him do the fingerprinting and had him wait for the interview before dropping the bomb. I never pressed him for info but I am thinking he did something like 3 years minus 91 days. blink.gif


Did your freind file N400 based on marriage to US Citizen, who is same person when he/she got permanent residency?
I accidently sent my application to USCIS 2~3 days earlier than 90 days rule, but any way, postal delivery and USCIS processing takes time, so priority date is within 90 days.
So I think it is safe.
Let me see what happened next week. ^^

But USCIS assume that 90 days will be take for fingerprint and other internal processing before first interview.

Usually interview officer doesn't look at the case file until first interview date.
So make sure that priority date is fall within 90 days from 3/5 year anniversary date.

Anniversary date can be found from Permanent Resident card with "resident since".

In order to qualify for 3 years to apply naturalization, you should receive permanent residency though marriage, and you have to keep the marriage with same person for whole 3 year period until interview (and probably oath date?).
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-09-11 12:58:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCitzenship Interview decision pending - TWO A files!
My ex-wife had same situation about 10 years ago.
But she had documentaiton such as INS I-797 notice, and told them she only knew only one number.
So interview officer just processed the case without much delay.
If you have all back-up documentation that you only had one number so far,
you can argue that the other number should not influence this case unless it was issued earlier than the number you use.
In that case, it should be no problem with your residency requirement.
In my opinion, it is their internal issue, so it should not affect petitioner's case for N400 application.


QUOTE (kud @ Jul 22 2008, 09:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Made Infopass appointment for next Monday. Hope to hear something positive.

Edited by moonhunt, 22 July 2008 - 02:47 PM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-22 14:46:00
US Citizenship General Discussionmailing address "in case different" question on N-400
QUOTE (gigant @ Sep 11 2008, 06:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

I will be filing my application next week,

Me and my wife have a main address and another address in a different location where we spend a lot of time also;

I wonder if I fill in a #mailing address# different from the #regular email address# will create any problems for this application...........

Will cis get somehow confused or suspicious if 2 different addresses are selected one as main and the other as mailing address?

Thanks


regular email address ?

If you are talking about other mailing address, I don't think so.
USCIS will just send all notice to mailing address you did submit.
But if there is any problem to check incoming mails from mailing address, it's going to delay the process.
It's your choice. ^^
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-09-12 00:09:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDo they take your picture when you go for biometrics?
QUOTE (sami76 @ Sep 9 2008, 04:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everybody, Maybe a silly question!!
Do they take your picture when you go for your citizenship biometrics?


If I remember correctly, USCIS ASC will take photo when you apply for Permanent Residentship.
But for US citizenship, they don't take the photo. They just take fingerprint for all 10 fingers.
So answer is No.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-09-12 00:05:00