ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General Discussionquick question
QUOTE (princess03 @ Jul 29 2008, 07:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
does uscis accepts money order or are checks preffered?


They do accept money order, cashier's check, and/or personal check.
I prefer personal check because it is easy to check whether it is cashed or not.
Most of banks support Internet banking, so you can check the status, whether it is cashed or not, from home,
also it gives canceled check front/back image from online access.
Basically USCIS write down the case number from the front of cashed check.
If it is marked as LIN3456789, your case number will be LIN*023456789.
Make up 13 digits by adding "*" after three letters representing assigned service center (LIN stands for Nebraska Lincoln service center), then padding 0 before the number.

So it gives one more easy way to track your case. Just in case if your I-797C NOA lost in the mail.

Edited by moonhunt, 29 July 2008 - 02:09 PM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-29 14:08:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWill a speeding ticket stop me from becoming a US citizen?
QUOTE (jtee @ Jul 29 2008, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Traffic violations need to be reported on N400. However you need not provide associated documents if the fine was less that $500 and it was non-DUI/DWI. Please read instruction for the I-400 and the entire M-476 manual carefully and follow the instructions.


When you have interview, don't forget to bring DMV driving record just in case.
Technically you have to answer "Yes" for citation question, then attach separate paper with explanation that it was because of speed ticket, and nothing else.
Then you should show DMV driving record as proof.
Instruction said that traffic ticket with less than $500 and non-DUI related one will not be issue, but it doesn't say you don't have to report it.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-29 14:03:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwish me luck
QUOTE (saby @ Jul 29 2008, 07:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Think you. Yes I got 10/10 because it was a piece of cake .The IO was just asking about the stars and the president. He asked me to write : I drive a blue car to work but didn't ask me to read anything.


I guess it's time to celebrate your citizenship.
Since it was a piece of cake, what about nice cake along with some sparkling wine or champagne ? ^^
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-29 20:30:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwish me luck
QUOTE (saby @ Jul 29 2008, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyboby, I passed the interview today and had the oath the same day .Think you for your help. I'll post my interview experience tomorrow .


Good job! Way to go, saby!
So what was your score from civic test ? 10 out of 10? ^^
Congratulation again!
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-29 18:51:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwish me luck
QUOTE (saby @ Jul 27 2008, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all. Think u so much for your help. I'm nervous because I had a bad experience for my first interview in 2005 ( adjustment of status). We sent all the proofs of bona fida marriage with the application and the day of the interview the IO went through the application and asked us to show her more proofs .At the end of the interview she started looking at our daughter ( she was 1 month old at that time ) and asked my husband if the baby is his daughter even if we showed her the birth certificate . My husband didn't like the question , I began to cry .In my country a man can get really really mad if you ask him this question , I think the IO noticed that my husband didn't like the question ,she told us that she can't made a decision at that time . I didn't have a second interview because she send us a letter and asked us to bring only my passport so she can put the stamp on it( we received the letter 5 days after the interview) and so she did . When I was waiting for the welcome notice I received another letter from her saying that I need to get fingerprinted again . The guy who took my fingerprints didn't inderstand anything he asked me why the IO needs more fingerprints after stamping my passport ( I 551 ) . I received my GC 2 weeks after the second set of fingerprints.


That's very rude even in American standard. There is no doubt that she will be punished when you sue the officer.
For civic question, please use civic test materials when you got fingerprinted. I believe the material they handed out at fingerprint includes Audio CD for civic test questions.
All questions are from 96 questions from that material.

Besides, you may want to bring all original/copy evidences with you even though you mailed to USCIS.
Plus bring some extra documents just in case.
Such as latested utility bills, pay stuffs, some family photos... ^^
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-27 15:38:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwish me luck
QUOTE (saby @ Jul 26 2008, 10:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'll have my interview july 29th in newark, I'm nervous and can't sleep. Someone just tell me today that the IO can ask some questions even if they are not included in the 90 ones. Any advices ?


For Civic question, I don't think so.
I think current exam is 10 questions out of 96 questions.
But for your N400 questions and others related to your application, they can ask whatever question it is necessary to verify your application eligibility.
It may be good to be calm down so you don't make any mistake because you are so nervous or something like that.
If you don't have anything special for your application, civic test, English speaking/writing test should be straight forward.
Don't forget to the basic.
Keep smile, and kind to Interview officer. They are human, too. ^^
And keep straight eye contact during interview process. ^^
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-27 01:53:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNeufield Releases Memo on Naturalization Interview Process Changes
I have read about it, but I don't see the change yet from people's interview review story other than trainee...
There was a couple of people, who had interviewed with boss-like interviewer and trainee.
USCIS is large organization, and it is slow to adapt any kind of new change.
I'm not surprised that interview officer look at N400 application file first time when they interview the people.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-30 16:33:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCitizenship interview mess--can you help?
QUOTE (airforce1 @ Jul 30 2008, 04:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Guys, I am newbie to the forum and thought I might offer this question before sending a letter to my congressman. My wife had to delay her naturalization since they did not have additional documents on hand to review for her interview. What a mess! The file was a previously rescinded fiance visa (we rescinded almost 3 years ago at the LA USCIS office). She could not get naturalized that day since her "files" were in a document processing center in Missouri. #######? Why couldn't they fax or email the file? And why are naturalization/citizenship cases only reviewed the day before the interview? Wouldn't someone smart enough organize all related files BEFORE the interview? As a result of this mess, we were forced to delay or return flight to Germany (I am currently stationed there) at a cost of over $600! So, before sending a complaint to the ombudsman and congressman, what else should I do? Thanks!

Maj Kim USAF


That's why you have to keep everything as copy or another original, and bring with you at interview.
There are so many people from USCIS with different mind-set, so it is impossible to fix the problem from start.
When you go to interview next time, don't trust them for anything.
Have everything as copy or original, plus additional documentations, and bring it with you.
If you think the amount of files/documents they are dealing with, I'm not surprised that they lost your file somewhere, and told you they couldn't process your case because they had no record.

When I think of the amount of data, I don't think any kind of storage device can handle USCIS database at all.
Probably USCIS will generate 10 times or more than IRS's data.

From my past 10 or more years' exprience with INS and/or USCIS, you have to keep every record with them.
And it is you to prove everything is perfect, not USCIS interview officer.
That's what I learned from my journey with INS/USCIS for last 10 years.

Edited by moonhunt, 30 July 2008 - 08:52 PM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-30 20:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionIf I break up my eleven month stay into smaller groups, am I OK?
QUOTE (uvrays @ Jul 31 2008, 10:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone for the input. I am indeed just renting an apartment over there and will be auditioning for symphonies in the US in the foreseeable future. I will probably have to look more into it, what's defined as "residence," since my residence right now in Massachusetts is my parent's house, so that'll be maintained, yes, but not because I'm actively doing anything (paying mortgages, etc.).

Sounds, though, the worst thing that can happen is that my naturalization app will be rejected, but I'll still have my PR since I'll be overseas less than a yea. In that case, I'll just have to spend more time here once I get back, before I submit another N-400.

Incidentally, my citizenship right now is with Korea, so no problems with the "going back to Norway" argument. Thanks again, everyone.


Be careful about that.
After 9/11, immigration officer at Port of Entry such as airport have every right to kick you out when they suspect you are not living in the US in real manner.
LPR - A.K.A. Green Card - has risk to loose your permanent residentship with small cause, which bring immigration officer's attention.
That's why everybody is trying to get citizenship.
Since you don't pay mortgage or utility bill, you have weak proof for your residency in the U.S from my opinion.
From documentations, because you rent the room from oversea, and spent more time there than U.S.,
some people may think you have more strong tie to oversea than here.

Don't get me wrong. I don't want for you to get disappointed.
It is really up to you whether you want to take risk or not.
Immigration lawyer can give advise, but if immigration officer think the other way, and make the decision based on his/her thought, it is for you to take all the pain and cost to get it back.
From my viewpoint, it is very risky.

I guess I would say "Welcome" to another Korean in this forum. ^^
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-31 12:14:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionIf I break up my eleven month stay into smaller groups, am I OK?
QUOTE (uvrays @ Jul 30 2008, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Actually, maybe the better question would be whether I would need to break up the 11-month period at all, since it falls under the "longer than 6 months, less than a year" category. Could I make a case for continued residency if I maintain my Massachusetts address (my parents' house) and pay my taxes?


I would say it's risky.
It is very important how interview officer is thinking with your situation.
If he/she thinks you stay longer oversea than home, he/she can reject your case based on no intention to live here.
6 month rule is example, but whatever you insist your intention to live here, your in and out record for border and your job pretty mich tell them you have stronger connection in oversea than in here.
So it seems to me that it is very risky situation.
Besides you have to live in address in same DO/State for at least 3 months when you apply for N400.
For me, it seems very difficult to show your residency when your passport tell them you are out of country.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-30 20:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDo you get touched when they send interview notice
QUOTE (2long @ Aug 1 2008, 10:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I applied on 06-17-2008 and had biometrics on 06-28-2008 nothing after that.Do we receive Interview letters according to priority date or by who has biometrics first.also will my application be touched when they will send me Interview letter.
Thanks in advance for your response


As far as I know, most people see no update from USCIS online case status query system.
Some people reported that their case number was disappeared from USCIS online case status query system around Interview time.
But that's about it.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-01 10:57:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhen can I apply
QUOTE (ayS @ Aug 1 2008, 12:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
so you can apply 3 months earlier?


Yep, that's current process.
You may check M-476 and N-400 instruction from USCIS ( www.uscis.gov -> Immigration forms ).

http://www.uscis.gov...ticle/M-476.pdf
http://www.uscis.gov...rm/N-400ins.pdf

These are most of things you have to know.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-01 05:08:00
US Citizenship General Discussionconfused about when to apply for us citizenship
QUOTE (ezabelle @ Aug 1 2008, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've been married to my US citizen husband for 4 years goin on 5 years in sept. I just got my green card on my 2008 (thru mariage). when can i apply for my citizenship? do i need to wait 3 years or can I apply now since we've been married over 2 years.. thanks ..

You can read "General info about naturalization" link from top of this forum.
Also, you can read M-476 ( http://www.uscis.gov...ticle/M-476.pdf ) for your understanding.

For short answer if you don't have time for reading, if you don't have out of country for more than 6 months for single trip with other conditions, probably you can apply for naturalization using N-400 after 90 days before 3 years' annivesary date from "residence since" date at your Green Card (I-551, Permanent Resident Card) if you keep marriage life with your american citizen spouse since "residence since" date.

So if you are looking for very short answer, probably you can apply for it from 2 years 9 month marking point or later since "residence since" date for marrying with american citizen for same period, or 4 years 9 month marking point for other cases.

Edited by moonhunt, 01 August 2008 - 08:01 PM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-01 19:57:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionIs online bank statement good or need original ones?
QUOTE (jasonxx @ Aug 1 2008, 07:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Waiting4GC @ Aug 1 2008, 07:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Online Bank Statement should be fine. I never, in the last 5 - 6 years I've been dealing with USCIS, provided paper statements that are sent in the mail. For my N400 Interview, I just printed the latest bank statement, one from the end of the year 2007 and one from almost 6 years ago when my husband and I joined our accounts. The officer had not problems with it. All she did was look at them and then she returned them to me. My interview was in Cleveland, OH.



Hi, Thanks for both of you guys. One of my friend said they needed original bank statement, she worked in an immigration law office about one yr ago so Im not sure if it is different now or what. Im really confused. Because the online statement I printed suppressed our address, but has other information on it. Since it is supporting document i have send by mail, so i don't know if it is different from when they look at it at interview in person.


I think it should be fine. Most banks are preferred e-statements now, and even if you ask for copy of your bank statement, sometimes they just print our same screen that you see from your online bank website.
You can just print out e-statement or online bank screen in the morning of interview date or the day before it.
If they have question about your e-statement, you can just point out bank phone number and ask interview officer to call them up to verify account holder and current balance information.

I used e-statement/online bank statement for various occasions such as embassy interview and USCIS, and had no problem.
If you still have doubt about that, you can ask your bank to write formal letter to USCIS, which states accound holder's name / address, history (how old the bank account was opened), and current bank account in bank official letterhead.

Edited by moonhunt, 01 August 2008 - 07:50 PM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-01 19:47:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionFBI namecheck process for N400
I'm wondering whether this is realistic or not.

http://www.miracoali...sing-projection

According to above URL, USCIS and FBI has agreement to commit themselves to complete 98% of name-check request within 30 days, and remaining 2% within 90 days from orginal request.
They are targetting for June 2009 to make it happened.

I'm wondering whether this move starts to take effective or not.

Here is another FAQ from FBI regarding name-check.

http://www.fbi.gov/p...alnamecheck.htm

So from my finding, you should expect fingerprint response from FBI to USCIS within 3 days - mostly same day -,
and namecheck result within 60 days for most cases, potentially will be reduced within 30 days next year.

Anybody waiting for longer than 60 days for FBI name-check done ?
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-02 10:51:00
US Citizenship General Discussionhow long is the processing time for naturalization
QUOTE (kristimunn @ Aug 2 2008, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
whic form do I need for citizenship????


Check top of this form, "Pinned: General Info on Naturalization".
For short answer, N400.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-02 13:21:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAnother silly question!
QUOTE (samantha_lou @ Aug 3 2008, 10:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So I'm getting ready to send in my N400, and I got the part down about all the times I've left the country since becoming a Permanent Resident, but I'm really badly wanting a trip to the UK this year...my best friends little girl is turning two, another friend is pregnant and another is getting married...and I just wanna go home for a week and surprise them all at some time (nothing booked - airline tickets are way ridiculously priced right now!). I'm reading and trying to get my head around all this stuff, but can I still make a spur of the moment and sporadic trip home, if I feel like it, once I actually send this dang paperwork in? tongue.gif (Still waiting on tax info to come back from IRS, but am totally ready other than that!!)

Thanks! and hope everyone is doing well! heart.gif


As long as it doesn't break residency condition for N400 application, it will be fine.
Make sure that you have everything documented, and when USCIS interview officer ask for traveling record, you have to update him/her with additiona trip record.
But the real problem is that when USCIS send notification such as I-797C for fingerprint, and/or interview schedule, sometimes they send notifice with not much in advanced manner.
For fingerprint, when I recieved fingerprint notice, it was 10 days prior to actual fingerprint scheduled date.
But fingerprint can be done later with walk-in if you can not go for scheduled date.
So it seems to me that it will be o.k. except the period when you are waiting for interview or oath ceremony after fingerprint done.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-04 00:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPassport photos
QUOTE (NickD @ Aug 4 2008, 09:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Photographic quality is a mere 150 dots per inch, can easily double or triple that with state of the art digital. Best shots are taken with a telephoto about 12-15 feet back, subject sitting on a stool 15" a foot forward of a white wall with a 100 watt equivalent CFL plugged directly into a wall outlet 18" above the wall. The camera to subject distance is required to reduce red eye and to avoid hot spots, do have a bounce flash, but too lazy to dig all that stuff out.

With a good photo software with resizing, I just happen to use Corel Draw can mount six photos in a standard 4 by 6 photo size, e-mail that to Walgreens and pick that up for 19 cents, well seem to add a bunch others to that of photos we would like permanent record of. USCIS does have a site explaining what they want in these passport photos, and the wife has a wide choice of photos she wants me to process.

Have to say, her USCIS photos on her green cards are terrible, but those are throwaway cards, we did welcome the opportunity to submit our own with the N-400. She was both tired and nervous, and rushed at the USCIS, we could take our sweet time at home, and these photos are permanent.


If you have digital photo, you can try http://www.epassportphoto.com/ for editing and printing.
Somebody already pointed out from other article, and you may want to avoid to use color inkjet printing, since it may be faded out over the time.
I think you may want to keep "certificate of naturalization" forever, so when you submit the photo for N400, think about photo quality. ^^
I'm thinking re-print using color laser printer at this moment. ^^
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-04 10:14:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPassport photos
QUOTE (samantha_lou @ Aug 3 2008, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
LOL - I was just going off the N400 instructions too, and was getting ready to send USCIS just the form itself! Luckily some very VJer's pointed me in the direction of the good old M-476 which gives a whole honey-do list for evidence to be submitted!

We haven't taken the photographs yet (still waiting for the tax info to come through), but I hate having my photo taken. We took our own for AOS, and funnily enough, they accepted my husbands (the USC) and rejected mine for the background - when they were taken in the same place, same lighting - just a few minutes apart. I know I'm going to be cracking up whilst he's trying to take a more serious and appropriate photograph...oh, I'm already imagining getting an RFE for the photo not being good enough!


Same mistake I made.
When I order N400 form, N400 instructions, and M-476, USCIS only sent N400, N400 instructions with note of "M-476 is under reviewing".
So I ignored M-476 for that moment, and later I found out that M-476 is still valid.
If you miss some documents with N400, you can still bring those with you at your scheduled interview.
USCIS and US court is not ready for modern technology such as digital photo, so you have to provide two passport-size photo to them, so they can use it for "certificate of naturalization".
So probably you may want to have decent photo since it will be part of your "certificate of naturalization".
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-04 00:46:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAlso confused about the oath.
QUOTE (NickD @ Aug 2 2008, 08:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
From the N-400 form:

If your application is approved, you will be scheduled for a public oath ceremony at which time you will be required to take the following
oath of allegiance immediately prior to becoming a naturalized citizen. By signing, you acknowledge your willingness and ability to take
this oath:

Wife said even before she got to this section at the end of her interview, she was approved, but concerned about that as well as another board member was approve but then wasn't required to submit more evidence.

Wife said the IO had her read the oath before signing it, but apparently acknowledging it with the willingness and ability to take this oath is not really taking the oath. Some have reported taking the oath directly at the field office where others went to the department of justice to say that oath. In one instance does an office at the field office hear that oath, and in the other, a district judge? Is one better than the other? And if a person is asked to read aloud the oath during the interview then sign that, isn't that an official act?

Now we are hearing about delays in the justice department in saying this oath resulting in two concerns, was her application really approved and will we ever hear about the oath. We promised each other that we would not let this get to us. We sat on pins and needles for 13 months for that first green card, then another 14 months for that ten year card, hey we are good for another ten years, shouldn't that be a sigh of relief?

Did read that one response where the member is not going to let the USCIS dictate her vacation plans, but also the consequences of not showing up, guess my wife and I are brainwashed.

At least this oath is taking freely, often wondered how legal that oath was that I took to serve this country, if I didn't show up for the draft, would have been jailed and also in deep trouble if I refused to say the oath. Always tomorrow for checking the mail box with hopes it will be there, but have a very poor history to rely upon. The day after leads into months or even years.

Reads the oath aloud, and signs it before an IO, but not official, can that be a bit confusing? Can really appreciate the happiness of those that completed this journey, like a big load taken off of your back you had to carry for years. LOL, maybe tomorrow for us.


I believe only Judge has authrity to perform naturalization oath ceremony and give the citizenship.
Your wife can practice to speak oath in front of you, and you can try to correct the pronunciation, but that doesn't mean that your wife completed the oath and you can give citizenship to your wife. ^^

Edited by moonhunt, 02 August 2008 - 12:58 PM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-02 12:58:00
US Citizenship General Discussioncan u bring a dog
QUOTE (NickD @ Aug 3 2008, 05:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
why would u feel the need to take ur greencard while going to the bathroom LOL..would u make 100 coppies just to make sure..


Just quoting the instructions that came with the green card, you must carry it with you at all times. How else can you interpret that?


I interpret that as putting it in wallet. ^^
Same thing as driver license.
If you get lost or something like that, you can still use the letter coming with Green Card.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-04 12:15:00
US Citizenship General Discussioncan u bring a dog
QUOTE (NickD @ Jul 31 2008, 10:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It was real easy bringing my dog here, shots and some papers that were easy to get, was so dumb thought it would just as easy to bring my wife here. Could it because my dog had to be put in a crate, or was it because he was from Germany and my wife was from Venezuela? Anyway, the dog was very expensive, but the handling was cheap, around 150 bucks. My wife was free, but those handling charges were more than I paid for the dog and I gather wife's have to go through immigration, where my dog didn't have to do all that stuff. He, doesn't have an SS card, EAD, PRC, none of that stuff.

Neither my dog or wife bite anybody, yet.


Are you sure that your wife is free ?
I think your wife is priceless. Probably one of Master Card Commercial. ^^


QUOTE (noone @ Aug 1 2008, 04:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Nick D, I have a favor to ask you: Can you please stop posting comments? Seriously, my stomach is starting to hurt. I’m LOL on written words…  rofl.gif  loco 


Hey, noone

Without nice humor, how can we keep our temper away, and blood pressure low with this USCIS thing?
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-01 05:04:00
US Citizenship General Discussioncan u bring a dog
QUOTE (flavaofsummer @ Jul 31 2008, 08:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
can u bring a dog from over seas. does it need a visa or does it have to go through immigration will they be asking him anything? also if he bites any citizens will he be deported. this isnt funny so dont be ignorant about it just answer as an adult.


Since they don't have passport, I don't think they need VISA.
But they need some paperwork for customs, I believe.
Especially some immunication record, and things like that.
That's what we called "Quarantine?", I believe.
You can find general idea from here.

http://www.dogfriend...elcustoms.shtml
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-07-31 20:48:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUS Citizizen !!! Finally
Congratulation! It's time to get some relax and enjoy your vacation without much of worrying about mailbox checking or lost in mail.
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2008-08-04 00:41:00
Asia: East and Pacifictraveling to vietnam with expired GC and NOA1 letter
QUOTE (tung @ Dec 29 2008, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Robert & Van @ Dec 26 2008, 04:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
your wife does not need a green card to go to Vietnam, She needs a Green card to renter America.
also you need a Passport to travel to and from Vietnam.
A 10 year green card is not a passport to travel. It lets you stay in America and lets you work. Your wife does need a passport.


Hi Robert,
thanks for the response. FYI, she does not need to have a passport to enter vietnam. a valid green card and a visa from vietnam would be enough to enter (my wife have been back using her GC and visa). The problem I have is that the date on the GC has expired but technically it is still valid for another year with the NOA1 letter. I was just concerned that vietnam customs would not recognize that letter. thanks


She needs Passport.
Also NOA1 doesn't do anything.
She needs to visit USCIS local office, and ask for I-551 stamp, which will be valid for 1 year.
Vietnam Government doesn't have access to USCIS system.
Also, depending oh her nationality and passport, it may require VISA, or it may be o.k. without VISA because of Visa Waiver Program by Vietnam Government.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-01-09 15:45:00
Asia: East and PacificThai wives and skin problems
QUOTE (Dave 'n' Hai Au @ Feb 22 2009, 01:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have heard from Vn. women that their skin generally improves with move to U.S. They seem to think that cleaner air and better skin care products made a difference. Who knows. I show my wife the snow on the webcam and she thinks it looks so pretty. I told her the opinion will change when she gets to live with it for 4 months a year. She gets cold in VN. when it gets below 70 degrees, should be interesting.


If you have to shovel the snow in northen area, you will have growing feeling about snow. whistling.gif
That's why we have cable TV. innocent.gif

Before we have cable TV, usually northern area have tendency to have more babies around winter time. whistling.gif
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-02-24 23:41:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Married in US. NVC DS-230 ask Beneficiary for certified marriage certificate
QUOTE (Lisa Momeny @ Feb 13 2009, 03:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can I send the marriage certificate instead of beneficiary?


You could try.
Anything NVC received with the case number will be forwarded to US Embassy.
But still there is a chance that it might be lost somewhere.
I heard that in very rare case, the package was not arrived to US Embassy before the interview, so they had to postpone the decision until they have the info. But at the time, the person was having extra copy of most documentation, so it wasn't a big problem.


moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-02-13 16:27:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Married in US. NVC DS-230 ask Beneficiary for certified marriage certificate

Can you use FEDEX or UPS with signature required service ?
Even though you send to NVC, it may be lost somewhere, so US Embassy in Italy may not have it when they have interviewed with your husband.
You may ask Family Court to issue certified copies and tried to send it to him with multiple carriers.
Or you can visit him and/or accompany him to the interview.


moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-02-13 13:29:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)AOS
QUOTE (xylide @ Feb 14 2009, 09:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
he is planning to file his 2008 tax next month(march) so i was thinking when he should send in the I-864 package.. now or wait till he filed his 08 tax..

he is planning to file his 2008 tax next month(march) so i was thinking when he should send in the I-864 package.. now or wait till he filed his 08 tax..


Let's have him file for I-864 with Tax Year 2007 for now.
Then when you have interview with US Embassy, you can bring Tax Year 2008 copy just in case.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-02-16 00:06:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC phone line
QUOTE (Matt-and-Annie @ Feb 23 2009, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Joe & Nadya @ Feb 23 2009, 11:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
we didn't call to NVC today yet, but usually we call closer to the end of working day..



Do you know when is the end of their working hours??

I think it is midnight Eastern timezone.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-02-23 14:31:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC Appointment Processing
QUOTE (Matt-and-Annie @ Feb 23 2009, 10:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You seem like you might know the answer to my question. My case is a K-1 but on this thread when I read the process of the NVC it mentions that one needs to send a packet to them? I am confused... is this also in regard for the K-1 or something else??


You are confusing with IR-1/CR-1 process.
For IR-1/CR-1 cases, NVC asked for DS-230 plus additional documentation on the behalf of US Embassy.
So most of documentation required by Packet 3/4 needs to be submitted in advance.
But medical exam and few more still needs to be prepared in addition to those.


moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-02-24 23:34:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)How long before I-864 is reveiwed
I don't know whether we can trust NVC's recorded message, or not.
But according to their recorded message, it may take 4 to 6 weeks to review the info. whistling.gif
moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-02-26 12:50:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)New DS-230
QUOTE (Gemma12nel @ Feb 26 2009, 06:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I note on this form that you have to give all your visits over to the USA, I am a US citizen and sponsering my mother who is 76 she has been over to the states more times in the 76 years than I care to think, how would I find out information about dates for this for of ds230?


A bunch of different resources.

I can think of...

- if she uses same airline and have frequent flyer's membership, you can check airline's website for past record for flight check-in.
- her passport with stamp
- immigration department who manage the record of country in/out

Best way to do this is to have all travel records somewhere just in case from the start. whistling.gif

Edited by moonhunt, 26 February 2009 - 12:45 PM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-02-26 12:44:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)RFE at NVC ... original documents needed.
QUOTE (Flofle @ Mar 16 2009, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (queuedup @ Mar 15 2009, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Agreed, check the NVC website, it clearly asks for the Original documents plus photocopies of the originals.



do the original documents need to be legalized/certified (after translating and notarizing them, of course)? do they need the apostille seal or is that only if you send copies of the originals? im kinda confused at this point..... unsure.gif


Original document is original.

But any translation may need to get notarized...

Also, Certified is different. It is government issued document certified by government seal.

NVC asked to send original or certified document plus additional "copy" of each document, I believe.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-03-20 15:46:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)RFE at NVC ... original documents needed.
QUOTE (Haole @ Mar 14 2009, 11:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
VERY basic that originals are required for NVC CR/IR process.


Or certified documents issued by government organization.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-03-20 15:43:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)AOS PACKET
QUOTE (mstangie @ May 21 2009, 10:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When will they send me info on what type of I-864 to fill out?


Be careful.
Nowadays NVC may not send actual papers via USPS.
If you pay via NVC website portal, they may just change your case to "PAID", and have another link listed under your case, so you may have to print out instructions and forms from listed website.
What a digital life it is!
Sometimes they email you PDF files for cover sheet and required document list if you register your email with them.

Make sure that your email system doesn't filter them as SPAM. whistling.gif

Edited by moonhunt, 21 May 2009 - 03:46 PM.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-05-21 15:46:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)AOS PACKET
QUOTE (mstangie @ May 21 2009, 09:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WHAT IS THE AOS PACKET? WHEN NVC SENT ME THE AOS FEE BILL THEY ALSO SENT A BIG #### ENVELOPE, AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PURPOSE OF THE BIG ENVELOPE IS FOR CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP AFTER YOU HAVE PAID THE AOS BILL ONLINE?


AOS package means I-864 and supporting documents such as tax return copy, tax transcript, and/or employment verification letter.
Because of tax return copy or tax transcript, you may need that big envelope.

There will be another batch of documents for DS-230 and supporting document.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-05-21 10:13:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)I-551 stamp?
QUOTE (His_Wifey @ May 22 2009, 09:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
so when the beneficiary passes the interview at the consulate.... what will he/she get then? will the stamp be done at that time or at POE?



After successful interview approval, he/she will get Immigration Visa (a little bit bigger than A4/letter size?) stapled to Misterious Brown Envelope (MBE), which has small cut in the corner.
He/she should not tamper with MBE.
Unopned MBE with immigration visa will be surrendered to POE officer upon arrival to U.S., and POE officer will forward those to USCIS district office, and stamp I-551 stamp on his/her passport.

Usually he/she will receive plastic green card - I-551 - via USPS post mail within 30 days.
He/she will receive "welcome to USA" letter, too, I believe.

Sometimes when you mark "Yes" for social security card applied via USCIS/State Dept,
he/she will get social security card in 2~3 weeks, but sometimes the request disappeared in the middle.
If he/she doesn't receive Social Security Card within 30 days, he/she may stop by local Social Security Administration office to request social security number/card by himself/herself.


moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-05-22 11:05:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)I-551 stamp?
QUOTE (champi @ May 21 2009, 01:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you everyone :-)

In terms of photo ID, it's silly to require that with I-551 stamp since passport already has the photo, right? Anyways, as soon as we get his Social Security card, we'll try to get my husband a driver permit to show as an ID. I believe the photo ID has to be issued by US government.


Passport itself is valid ID.
But if you need additional picture ID, you can get "State ID" or "Driver License" from local DMV office.
State ID is essentially same as to Driver License except driving priviledge.
Actually it looks very similar instead having something like "Identification Card" printed instead "Driver License".
You have to pay small norminal fee, of course.

But you may have trouble to get that done with I-551 stamp.
Experienced officer may identify I-551 stamp on the passport, and know it is identitical to Green Card.
But a lot of people doesn't know about it, and some people have tendency to ignore what they don't know.
So it will be pretty much varied from the case to the case.

moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-05-21 15:18:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)I-551 stamp?
All CR-1/IR-1/CR-2/IR-2 should have I-551 stamp in their passport at POE when they arrive.
When they take MBE with immigration visa, they will stamp I-551 info including A# for 1 year validity.
This is temp green card while waiting for plastic Green Card (I-551).

If you have expired Green Card, or don't have Green Card even though you are LPR, you can schedule Info-Pass with evidence, and they can put I-551 stamp for 1 year validity, which usaually happens when you renew your green card, or remove your condition.

So when somebody enter US with IR-1/IR-2/CR-1/CR-2, make sure that you have I-551 stamp in your passport before leaving immigration and customs area.

Usually ICE employee write down the A# by ommiting leading zero(0).

For an example, if A# is A000123456, they may write A123456.



moonhuntMaleSouth Korea2009-05-21 15:13:00