ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (artz501 @ Oct 24 2008, 10:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Received interview letters for both of my husband and myself. The interview is scheduled at 8:00am on 12/2 in Denver.

UserName................... Sent......Check cashed...........NOA1......... Biometrics.......Interview.............Oath

dcl766......................08/05..........08/11..............08/07............09/10..............10/20................xx/xx
kyng silva..................07/28..........08/05..............08/06............08/28..............xx/xx................xx/xx
coderjay....................08/01..........08/05..............08/04............09/08..............xx/xx................xx/xx
zolo39......................08/05..........08/12..............09/04............09/19..............xx/xx.................xx/xx
Ilona.......................08/02..........xx/xx..............xx/xx............xx/xx..............xx/xx.................xx/xx
statman78...................08/22..........08/26..............08/28............xx/xx..............11/19................xx/xx
feyser......................08/28..........xx/xx..............xx/xx............xx/xx..............xx/xx................xx/xx
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-24 10:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (feyser @ Oct 13 2008, 09:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here is what my U.S. Senator's office heard back on our issue: "This case has been in our 'Case Resolution Unit.' The applicant had marked conflicting information on the application that needed an officer's review before being receipted into our system. That review has now been completed and the application will be receipted and the check deposited. A receipt notice will be mailed soon. Regards, Susan, Congresional Liaision Specialist, NSC"

I'm looking all over our N-400 application and can't find any conflicting information. We have a lawyer and she obviously didn't see anything conflicting so maybe that's an excuse. In any case, it sounds like we might be processed normally now. No receipt or check cashed yet, but today is a holiday.

I got another e-mail from my Senator's office today:
"It took a little while for this application to get data entered. It was entered today. -Susan - Congressional Liaison Unit NSC"

I guess you could call 9 weeks "a little while" in the world of immigration. I'll believe it when I see it!

Edited by feyser, 23 October 2008 - 11:17 AM.

mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-23 11:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (zolo39 @ Oct 21 2008, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We got a yellow letter today from uscis today asking us to bring to the interview a certified copy of her birth certificate a state issued id card or drivers license and certified copies of the daughters birth certificates so i hope we will get a interview app. soon.


Did you send in a birth certificate with your application? The reason I ask is that it took a lot of work for my wife to get her birth certificate. USCIS already had one on file and we sent another one in with her N-400 application. I really hope they don't ask for it again. unsure.gif

Edited by feyser, 21 October 2008 - 09:30 PM.

mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-21 21:26:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
Congrats Dave! I added a couple dates to this. Update it if anyone is further along.

UserName................... Sent......Check cashed...........NOA1......... Biometrics.......Interview.............Oath

dcl766.........................08/05..........08/11..................08/07............09/10..............10/20................xx/xx

kyng silva....................07/28..........08/05..................08/06............08/28..............xx/xx................xx/xx

coderjay......................08/01..........08/05..................08/04............09/08..............xx/xx................xx/xx

zolo39.........................08/05..........08/12...................xx/xx............xx/xx..............xx/xx.................xx/xx

Ilona...........................08/02...........xx/xx....................xx/xx............xx/xx..............xx/xx.................xx/xx

statman78..................08/22...........08/26...................08/28.............xx/xx.............11/19................xx/xx

feyser.........................08/28...........xx/xx....................xx/xx.............xx/xx..............xx/xx................xx/xx
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-20 23:23:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
Here is what my U.S. Senator's office heard back on our issue: "This case has been in our 'Case Resolution Unit.' The applicant had marked conflicting information on the application that needed an officer's review before being receipted into our system. That review has now been completed and the application will be receipted and the check deposited. A receipt notice will be mailed soon. Regards, Susan, Congresional Liaision Specialist, NSC"

I'm looking all over our N-400 application and can't find any conflicting information. We have a lawyer and she obviously didn't see anything conflicting so maybe that's an excuse. In any case, it sounds like we might be processed normally now. No receipt or check cashed yet, but today is a holiday.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-13 09:44:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
I got a call from my U.S. Rep's office this morning. The NSC is passing off a bunch of N-400 applications to the National Benefits Center for processing so they can focus on other work. Those are her words, not mine. I have no idea what that means but she is going to get more info. I'll keep updating as I get any useful info.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-06 10:49:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (Ilona @ Oct 3 2008, 04:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, here is what happend! I called USCIS today,because it was 60 days since they got my papers and still even my check has not been cashed! I was transfered to an IO,who was very unhelpfull and with an attitude on top of that!!! She said they still dont have me in the system and that I could wait 30 more days (!!!) or refile again!!! Just when I was about to let her have it,cause I was royally pissed, she told me to hold for a moment and then we either got disconected or she hung up on me!!!!
So I call again right after that and I got transfered to another IO who, listen to this, tells me that "Yes, I see that NCS got your application and they are working on your case, you should get something from them by december" I was speachless for a moment and when I regained my verbal abilities I told him that I actualy just spoke to another IO right before him,who couldnt even find me in the system,so where the hell is he getting his info from?! He said that he sees me in the system and that they are working on my case, so I go-how come my check hasnt been cashed then and he said that maybe is been cashed as we speak!!!! So, needless to say I have no idea whom to beleive. I just called my bank and the check is still not cashed!!! So, I'll wait untill monday and check with the bank again and if nothing I am calling USCIS again,because they need to stop giving me contradicting statements!
So this is it so far,sorry if I have typos-its from the frustration!!! wacko.gif

I agree that you should call a Senator or Representative. I doubt you'd have much luck with Obama's office at the moment, but Durbin has a page just for you. I'm assuming your local office of Chicago means you're still in Illinois. http://durbin.senate.../guidelines.cfm and http://durbin.senate...act.cfm#contact

You could try a U.S. Rep too. I'd recommend actually going to the nearest local office and calmly explaining the situation. I've done this several times before and have gotten great results. Both my Senator and Rep's office staff called me on Friday and are making inquiries. You are their constituent and will probably be happy to help. Good luck!

Edited by feyser, 04 October 2008 - 09:29 AM.

mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-04 09:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
I'm moving to Vermont. The NSC staff must be going to too many Cornhusker football games.... headbonk.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-02 09:42:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (KyngSilva @ Oct 1 2008, 09:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I called the USCIS for "shits and giggles". I asked the young man what's going on with my application. He asked me several times during this process if I was filing for n-400, even thou the first 3 times I assured him that I WAS APPLYING FOR MY CITIZENSHIP. He then told me to go online, to which I told him I did. I was curious to see what he would say or do. Well he told me the same thing that I knew. That the file has been updated of August 8th, to which I replied, why haven't they updated my file since then. He stated it was up to blah blah blah to update the blah blah blah. It's been 34 days since my FP appointment, but who's counting. laughing.gif

It's like they lost all their summer interns, they are moving extra slow now.

The money in CJ gets better as you move upwards.

feyser sorry about they way your process is going. It SUCKS!!!. What sucks even more is that they can't give you any answers.

haha, it's sad that we know exactly what to expect when we call. That's an interesting new theory you have about interns. It's like they hit Labor Day and took an extra few weeks off. Go take a look at the September filers from all the other service centers. They are flying through the process! So much for that December trip overseas...
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-02 06:49:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
I called the USCIS support line since it's past the 30 day mark with no receipt notice or check cashed yet. I didn't expect to get anywhere, but figured I'd try... They assured me that they are working hard on my case and that I shouldn't call back until it's been 60 days without a receipt. sad.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-09-30 17:45:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (tayoff @ Sep 27 2008, 06:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HI Hey, Feyser! i look at ya timeline seem like u guy have not been married for 3 yrs yet when you sent out N400 i just wanna make sure that's all


Read this page. http://www.visajourn...h...136606&st=0
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-09-29 14:38:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (Ilona @ Sep 26 2008, 03:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey, Feyser!
And now we are 2! Its been over 7 weeks since Nebraska got my N-400 and my check still hasnt been cashed and of course I dont have NOA! I called them for a 3rd time last week and this time the IO seemed to be a little more inclined to help-meaning she took a little longer to research, but still told me that Nebraska havent entered me in the sistem yet and when I told her my check still hasnt been cashed, just by the tone of her voice I could tell that this is not normal and that something is wrong. Anyway she told me to give at at least 2-3 more weeks and if nothing by then-to call them back! I am now about 90% sure they have lost my papers and what bothers me the most is that they wont do or let ME do anything about it until they meet their time lines!!! mad.gif So, now I have decided to call back on the 1st of october if the situation is still the same by then. I am really curious what they will tell me or what they do in a situation where they have lost somebody's paperwork! What sucks is that I was required to send a original of a document which was hard to get and if they want me to resend everything where the hell am I going to get that document again from?! girlwerewolf2xn.gif But I am going to try to keep my cool and not get ahead of myself, cause I still have a tiny bit of hope left,so we'll see!!!


Call your local U.S. Representative or Senator's office and ask if they will "file an inquiry with the USCIS Congressional Liaison Unit." It's a common request so you should be able to get some information on your case. I did it twice during adjustment of status and got results both times. I just did it again today so we'll see what happens.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-09-26 22:21:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (KyngSilva @ Sep 23 2008, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (zolo39 @ Sep 20 2008, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wife had her bio app. yesterday at the Seattle office.It was scheduled for 12 noon but we got there two hours early (we have a long drive) so we checked in at 10 and were out at 11.One step closer now to being done,


Good deal zolo.

Has anybody heard anything lately?


This Friday is 4 weeks since our application was received in Nebraska and our check still hasn't been cashed. :-/
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-09-23 14:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (dcl766 @ Sep 12 2008, 03:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, don't shoot the messenger but unbelievably Marina received her interview notice letter in today's mail. It was dated 9/9/08, which was one day BEFORE her biometrics were completed.

I don't know what's going on, but her interview is scheduled for October 20th in Chicago.

I know alot of you have been waiting for much longer so I wish speedy processing for all those waiting. Maybe this is some payback in a good way for our long wait for Carina's FBI name check.


kicking.gif Awesome! Congratulations!
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-09-13 08:24:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
What does it mean when you see your check has been cashed? Is it just another milestone in the process? I'm still waiting to see mine go through.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-09-10 13:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (dcl766 @ Sep 9 2008, 09:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You have every right to be angry/frustrated and I give you credit for getting on the phone with USCIS even though their answers are always canned. We went through the same thing with Carina's I-485 (the FBI name check fiasco) and I couldn't just sit by & wait and did everything from an Infopass appointment to contacting the Ombudsman and even writing the First Lady!

Of course I don't think you are quite at the stage to write Laura Bush but I do understand your frustration...I mean how hard is it to cash a stupid check and send a NOA? They have done it for the rest of us and your case should not be treated any differently.

Hang in there...we are all rooting for your case to get moving.

Dave


Actually, contacting government is a great idea. Twice during my wife's green card application, we received RFE's that boggled our lawyers mind because they didn't make sense. Both times I contacted my local U.S. Representatives office and they got details USCIS wouldn't give us. They have a standard way of contacting USCIS and can get case specific information. I should also mention that the last time we had an issue and called our Reps office, we received notice of approval within a couple days. Coincidence? Maybe. But I think you should give it a shot.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-09-09 21:21:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (zolo39 @ Sep 4 2008, 08:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well we finally got our biometrics letter today and she has her app. on the 9/19/08 in Seattle at noon. GETTING CLOSER TO THE END.

Sweet! By the looks of the June Nebraska filers, USCIS is getting N-400 applications done in 3 months. Not bad!

Edited by feyser, 04 September 2008 - 08:42 PM.

mnbinthMaleThailand2008-09-04 20:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
QUOTE (dcl766 @ Sep 2 2008, 05:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The new (old) mailman delivered Marina's biometrics letter today...whew! I think the regular guy must be back on our route since the summer is now officially over; today's mail was back to being delivered by 11:30am instead of 2:30pm so I got it when I was home for lunch. Definately glad I don't have to call USCIS this week!


I'm glad I'm not the only one that religiously follows mail delivery times. I guess immigration will have that effect. haha
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-09-02 18:33:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 August Nebraska filers
Hello, I know I'm a bit late this month, but I filed an N-400 to the NSC today so you can add me to the list. Thank you!
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-08-28 10:01:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 Interview and Test PASSED
QUOTE (Zephod @ Jan 12 2009, 08:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all,
I am happy to inform one and all that my wife passed her N-400 Interview and Test today.
We now await an appointment letter for the oath Ceremony. Our journey through visa hell is about finishd.

We both would like to thank everyone for all the help over the years.

Many Thanks...

Zephod

Congratulations!
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-02-01 23:11:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 Interview and Test PASSED
Here is a link to the page that explains it. Click here
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-14 23:05:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
QUOTE (KyngSilva @ Dec 8 2008, 01:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ALL DONE!!! Interview started at 12:35. I was scheduled for 12:30. I bs'd with the officer a little bit before we started. He made me swear to tell the whole truth....Started of by going through my entire N-400, asked me about the same things that were on the application. Then went inot the Yes/ No question and answers. Finally asked me what book did I study from, Blue or Red. Is stated the old book. He then pulled out a form and begin asking me the questions. They were very simple questions. Asked me to read a line and the write a statement. Was done in 20 mins. Told me I had passed my interview and that I would be hearing from them shortly by mail about my oath ceremony. He stated he had approved me and then handed me the letter. He told me to relax and wait for the letter as I had asked how long would it take. He also stated that he had approved me so not to worry. =0) Good experience. IO was a civil dude.

Did you have to show any of your legal documents?
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-12-08 14:55:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JULY 2008 Filers
Hello July Filers! I'm a late August filer and have a question. What documents were you asked to bring to your interview? I've already sent the only 2 birth certificates I had and if they ask for another one, I'm going to have to start getting another now because it's a royal pain in the butt to get one in Thailand. Blah! Thanks for your help! blush.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-22 09:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 December filers
QUOTE (so2008 @ Dec 13 2008, 05:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I checked my money order today, they have not cashed yet. What is going on?


They took 2 months to cash mine. After a couple weeks I called USCIS and they told me not to call again until 30 days. At 30 days I called and they told me to wait until 60 days. I finally asked my U.S. Senator's office for help and it went through a few days later. If it doesn't go through soon, go to your local Senator or Representatives office and ask them to make an inquiry with the "Congressional Liaison Office" of your service center.

Edited by mnbinth, 15 December 2008 - 03:28 PM.

mnbinthMaleThailand2008-12-15 15:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (texaspanpan @ Apr 6 2009, 07:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yea, it sucks that i waited for over two month after my interview. well, anyway. finally made it!


Once you're done, all the troubles leading up to this point just don't matter anymore. I'm telling you, it's quite a relief. good.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-04-17 21:45:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (avvypudge @ Feb 21 2009, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I had my interview at the Newark office on Wednesday 2/18/09 and am so happy to say the journey is finally over!!!!!!

Congratulations! One long day for sure, but one extremely long journey over! good.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-02-22 19:40:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (Thomas and Milena @ Feb 19 2009, 07:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has anyone had this experience where the IO verbally tells you your oath date but no letter arrives? Has anyone showed up at the District Office without an oath letter and gotten in?

We tried calling the District Office and there is no way to get a human being on the phone without knowing his/her extension. The national hotline has not been updated since October 2008, so no help there. Our congressman's office is looking into it.....thoughts?

My wife was told her oath time and day, and we never received a letter. We just showed up and her name was already on the list.
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-02-19 09:08:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (thea @ Feb 3 2009, 03:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
kicking.gif I got approved this morning and the oath ceremony was this afternoon.

Congratulations!!!

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics....Int letter rec.....Interview.....Oath.........Office

kaino.......................................................12/31/08.........2/09/09
pdxBoof.........09/29/08......10/13/08......11/07/08........12/07/08.........1/27/09.....1/27/09......NSC/Portland
mnbinth.........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08........12/09/08.........1/15/09.....1/29/09......NSC/Des Moines
Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08........12/08/08.........1/29/09.....2/09/09......VSC/Baltimore
Chelsea.........10/07/08......10/22/08......11/28/08........12/08/08.........1/26/09..................TSC
Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08.........1/2/09..........2/18/09..................VSC/Newark
bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08........1/23/09..........3/23/09..................CSC (NBC transfer)/
thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08........01/07/09.........02/03/09....2/03/09......VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC
stiglet.........10/14/08......10/30/08......11/19/08........11/28/08.........12/29/08....2/20/09......VSC/Manchester
TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08..................................................TSC/Texas
AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC (Newark/NBC transfer)
zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08........12/26/08.........2/09/09..................TSC/Atlanta
tyme............10/20/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/xx.........1/25/09..........3/9/09..................TSC/Charlotte/Durham
ikinNJ..........10/21/08......10/31/08................................................................VSC (NBC transfer)
Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08........12/17/08.........1/29/09..................NSC/Indianapolis
T and..M........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08........12/26/08.........2/12/09..................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta
tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08..................................................TSC/Memphis
drs.............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/20/08........12/27/08.........2/09/09..................NSC/Cincinnati
kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC/Baltimore
oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08........01/10/09.........2/04/09.................VSC/Washington DC
Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08..................................................VSC/Norfolk
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-02-03 16:48:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
My wife had her oath ceremony yesterday. Des Moines does same day oaths for everyone that gets approval so under normal circumstances that's pretty nice. We got there half an hour early and they started promptly at 3 so make sure you're there early. I guess they consider this a little more important than interviews. There were only 5 people being naturalized including my wife and they were all from different countries which was special. One person was approved and never showed up. The director of the office who ran the ceremony said "I can't believe how many people miss their oath." What?!?! Everyone had several family members with them. Yes, you can bring your cell phones. Yes, you can bring your cameras and even video camera.

Before the ceremony, you'll have to fill out the form about not being arrested or joining the communist party since the interview if you haven't done that already. Then you turn that form in along with your green card, EAD card or whatever gov't issued cards you have. (I'm not sure what else there is). They never looked at any other documents we brought. The ceremony was pretty straight forward. The director had some welcoming words, a short speech about being a citizen, and then everyone took the oath standing up at the same time. There was much applause and we all waved our little flags that were handed out. Normally there would be a long video from the President, but since Obama hasn't made one yet and they can't show Bush's, they didn't show anything. We have the option of coming back to watch it next month if we want. Uhmmmm, no thanks.

Next, everyone stood up and did the pledge of allegiance, then came up to the podium one by one to receive their certificate, and that was it. The whole thing lasted about 15 minutes. There was a social security office below us so we went and ordered my wife's new card immediately after and drove straight to Chi-town to get a passport. First we stopped in at our Senator's office. Unfortunately he's in DC but everyone in the office congratulated my wife and made her feel so welcome. We took a few pictures in the big man's office so that was cool. What a feeling it was to walk out of the building; even more so for my wife. All the security in the building knew about the ceremony and were congratulating everyone as we left which was a nice ending to our journey. good.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-30 08:24:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (Ze Maria @ Jan 29 2009, 09:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Although I passed all the tests, my case not being the norm got my IO a little confused. By her accounts I wasn't even a permanent resident anymore unsure.gif... so she said she had to consult with her supervisor and even gave me that dreadful form that reads: "A decision cannot yet be made about your application" crying.gif. I'm keeping that one as a souvenir devil.gif . She said I should go back home and wait for a letter helpsmilie.gif

Well I pleaded with her not to send me away (it got a little tense for a minute -- because I knew she was only doing her job, the supervisor wasn't available for an immediate resolution, yadda, yadda, yadda). She finally agreed that I wait until her supervisor become available for the final verdict kicking.gif . Of course I had to wait them finish almost everyone before she called my name again whistling.gif. Did I mention that place was packed? whistling.gif... anywayz... in the end it seems like experience spoke louder and the supervisor agreed to go ahead with the Naturalization proceedings (can I have an amen!)

I got a little panicked too when our IO couldn't approve. That's 2 of us that have had issues on the day of the interview where persistence paid off. Congratulations!
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-30 08:09:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (Dima @ Jan 29 2009, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all,

Well, it's over! I had my interview this morning and it went fine. The officer was friendly and I had no difficulties. The interview was scheduled at 9 am and the officer called me around 9:15 - we went to his office, and he asked to see my ID, greencard and passport (I had brought lots of other stuff but he never asked for them). He had me swear to tell the truth and then reviewed some demographics and questions from the N-400. Then he printed out a randomly generated civics test and asked me the 10 questions. Then we did the English test - I had to read and then write a sentence. And that was it! He gave me a form stating I had passed and that my "application has been recommended for approval". They don't do same-day oaths here, so he said I'd get a notice in the mail regarding the oath ceremony. Almost done! I really appreciate the information and help available on this site, as it helped me know better what to expect. Oh by the way, I did bring my poor husband along but they ignored him smile.gif Oh well, better to be over-prepared than under I guess. Good luck to everyone else!

haha, I know the ignored feeling. smile.gif Congratulations!
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-30 08:05:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (JOSHIE @ Jan 28 2009, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
mnbinth - Do they allow cellphones inside Des MOine Office ? Hubby & me have interviews 9 & 11 will I be allowed to wait. Is there a coffee shop or something inside the building where we can wait


They let me bring my cell phone in last time. I thought it would be an issue, but they said nothing when I put it through the security scanner. The stupid zipper on my sweatshirt kept going off so I got "wanded" a few times. I'm planning to bring a camera to the oath ceremony in the same building tomorrow; we'll see how that goes. There's no coffee shop or waiting area that I saw, but I had no intentions of being anywhere but in the USCIS office the whole time in case they needed me during my wife's interview. I suggest you hang out there too. It's a long wait sometimes so I'm sure your spouse would appreciate the company. They seemed a bit ####### about people leaving the USCIS waiting room for anything but emergency bathroom breaks. I'm sure every office is setup different though. Ours had a bunch of magazines to read and a fuzzy tv to watch, but I was so anxious I couldn't read and just stared at a giant pictures of President Bush for an hour and a half. I don't suggest doing that. whistling.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-28 23:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (dianabd @ Jan 27 2009, 08:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What was the interview like did u have to take a Multiple choice question test ,did they ask u questions and did u take the new N-400 test. plz reply at reffar_ali@yahoo.com.


I just realized I forgot to talk about the interview. My wife and I got there 50 minutes early because it was snowing and we weren't sure of traffic. The interview letter says not to get there more than 30 minutes before and the security guard didn't look too thrilled, but we weren't going to risk being late. We sat in a room with other people until 30 minutes past our scheduled time. When we first got there, we had to show the interview letter to the security guard and then shove the paper through a hole in the wall which seemed odd. They called my wife into an office and I wasn't allowed in until later when she wanted to explain the initial denial, but that won't happen to any of you hopefully. The office was just a small office you might walk into at a bank with comfortable chairs. First my wife had to swear to tell the truth. Then the IO went through her entire N-400 and asked her every question (are you communist, are you a prostitute, etc...). Then the computer chose 10 random questions of the 100 you study. Since the questions are chosen randomly, make sure you know all 100 fairly well. The IO read 10 orally and my wife got them all right. Boo yah! Then the IO gave her a list of 3 sentences to choose from on paper. She was to read one sentence out loud. After my wife read the question out loud, the IO gave her the answer orally. My wife had to write down the answer to show her English writing skills. The IO also went through each of the documents they say to bring on the interview letter. Even though they initially denied her, the IO was very friendly; probably the friendliest face we've ever met in a federal building or embassy. So that was our experience.

Other thoughts...
1. I thought it was awful the way the waiting room was set up. It's the same room where you go if you have an infopass meeting. You could sit and listen to other people ask questions. There was absolutely no privacy and there were people talking about some very private issues. One guy's wife abandoned him and he needed help with documents; I felt so bad for the guy having 25 strangers listen in.
2. The security guard did NOT have us scheduled on his list of people coming in that day, but it wasn't a problem since we had the interview notice with us.
3. They were throwing away and giving away anything with George Bush's name on it. I thought that was a nice use of our tax dollars.
4. I can understand why some of the people that work in USCIS are so upset when you talk to them. There were 2 people that showed up without any ID. Who are these people? They must not use visajourney!
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-27 22:30:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
We got a call today that the director of our office reversed the IO's decision and my wife's oath is on Thursday! The end is in sight! kicking.gif Thanks for all your help and support!

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics....Int letter rec.....Interview.....Oath.........Office

kaino.......................................................12/31/08.........2/09/09
pdxBoof.........09/29/08......10/13/08......11/07/08........12/07/08.........1/27/09..................NSC/Portland
mnbinth.........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08........12/09/08.........1/15/09.....1/29/09......NSC/Des Moines
Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08........12/08/08.........1/29/09..................VSC/Baltimore
Chelsea.........10/07/08......10/22/08......11/28/08........12/08/08.........1/26/09..................TSC
Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08........1/2/09...........2/18/09..................VSC/Newark
bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08..................................................CSC (NBC transfer)/
thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08........01/07/09.........02/03/09.................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC
stiglet.........10/14/08......10/30/08......11/19/08........11/28/08.........12/29/08....2/20/09......VSC/Manchester
TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08..................................................TSC/Texas
AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC (Newark/NBC transfer)
zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08........12/26/08.........2/09/09..................TSC/Atlanta
tyme............10/20/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/xx.........1/25/09.........3/9/09...................TSC/Charlotte/Durham
ikinNJ..........10/21/08......10/31/08................................................................VSC (NBC transfer)
Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08........12/17/08.........1/29/09..................NSC/Indianapolis
T and..M........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08........12/26/08.........2/12/09..................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta
tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08..................................................TSC/Memphis
drs.............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/20/08........12/27/08.........2/09/09..................NSC/Cincinnati
kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC/Baltimore
oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08........01/10/09.........02/04/09.................VSC/Washington DC
Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08..................................................VSC/Norfolk

Edited by mnbinth, 27 January 2009 - 09:41 PM.

mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-27 21:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
I got an e-mail from the local office director via Senator's office. She said "I am reviewing today. An answer is shortcoming." Ohhh the suspense! wacko.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-27 11:01:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (stiglet @ Jan 27 2009, 06:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello All,

My wife finally got her oath notice yesterday. So if you can update the table the oath date is 2/20/2009.

Thanks

Congratulations!

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics....Int letter rec.....Interview.....Oath.........Office

kaino.......................................................12/31/08.........2/09/09
pdxBoof.........09/29/08......10/13/08......11/07/08........12/07/08.........1/27/09..................NSC/Portland
mnbinth.........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08........12/09/08.........1/15/09..................NSC/Des Moines
Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08........12/08/08.........1/29/09..................VSC/Baltimore
Chelsea.........10/07/08......10/22/08......11/28/08........12/08/08.........1/26/09..................TSC
Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08........1/2/09...........2/18/09..................VSC/Newark
bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08..................................................CSC (NBC transfer)/
thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08........01/07/09.........02/03/09.................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC
stiglet.........10/14/08......10/30/08......11/19/08........11/28/08.........12/29/08....2/20/09......VSC/Manchester
TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08..................................................TSC/Texas
AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC (Newark/NBC transfer)
zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08........12/26/08.........2/09/09..................TSC/Atlanta
tyme............10/20/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/xx.........1/25/09.........3/9/09...................TSC/Charlotte/Durham
ikinNJ..........10/21/08......10/31/08................................................................VSC (NBC transfer)
Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08........12/17/08.........1/29/09..................NSC/Indianapolis
T and..M........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08........12/26/08.........2/12/09..................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta
tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08..................................................TSC/Memphis
drs.............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/20/08........12/27/08.........2/09/09..................NSC/Cincinnati
kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC/Baltimore
oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08........01/10/09.........02/04/09.................VSC/Washington DC
Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08..................................................VSC/Norfolk
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-27 10:58:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (bgbirl @ Jan 26 2009, 03:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
mnbinth,

sorry for all the trouble you are going through! I was honestly convinced that there would be a happy ending for your experience a lot sooner! I still believe that but the USCIS is soooooooo slow and disappointing! Good luck and let us know when there is a development!

Thanks for the support. smile.gif I'll update again soon hopefully. I'm waiting to hear from my Senator's office this afternoon.
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-26 16:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (tyme @ Jan 25 2009, 11:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh Thank you!Thank you!My FP expires March 12,3 days after my interview...

Any news mnbinth?

Not yet. The director of the Des Moines local office got our 55 page appeal on her desk Friday morning. We don't know when she'll choose to look at it and make a ruling. We're supposed to leave the country in 2 weeks so it had better be soon. Under section 319 you're required to bring proof of travel to the interview so they know exactly when we leave. Our Senator's office said they'll call her everyday for updates until it's done. I guess we'll have to drive to Chicago to get a passport if my wife is approved. There's another $400 for travel on top of legal fees. *sigh* I sold my car, a video camera, and guitar set to pay for this so it had better work.

I hope for everyone's sake that President Obama makes some progress on his immigration agenda to "Fix the dysfunctional immigration bureaucracy and increase the number of legal immigrants to keep families together."
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-25 13:53:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
Update: Our attorney spoke with the immigration officer this morning. The IO says that 319b waives 3 years of residency but does not waive 3 years of marriage. Our attorney gets to present her case to the director of the local office and he's going to make the final decision. I don't know when that will be. The IO is fairly new and she says this is her first 319 case so hopefully the director knows his stuff. wacko.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-20 11:56:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 2008 October Filers
QUOTE (Stella08 @ Jan 18 2009, 11:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I keep my fingers crossed. I think Thomas&Milena is right and 319(a) and 319(cool.gif are two separate items.

I wish I would have had time to read through it and make a case during the interview. I admit I wasn't thinking straight because everything happened so fast and we were caught off guard. I did find one thing amusing... or maybe it was disturbing. The immigration officer told us we would now need to apply for a re-entry permit so that my wife doesn't lose her green card. When I asked how to do it, the immigration officer GOOGLED how to do it. I'm not kidding. The officer was very pleasant to speak with, but I found it disturbing that the person who makes the final decision of something so important has to go to Google to find answers for a basic immigration question.
mnbinthMaleThailand2009-01-18 15:48:00