biggish data

How long can a naturalize US citizen can stay out of US

That would be the answer to a question nobody asked. I just answered the question that was asked.

Which question would that be? You brought up the LPR's and others when the OP's question didn't.

The Postmaster

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2011-11-21 18:06:00

Why aren't the Removal of Conditions and Citizenship dates co-ordinated?

Thanks, Kathryn. That does provide some clarity. I just wonder why they couldn't use whatever methods they have to test the validity of a marriage at the 2-year/ROC stage at the 3-year/Citizenship stage instead. If my husband had a 3-year green card we could prove our marriage was in fact real for the past three years when we apply for his citizenship (since I already sent proof of a real relationship at the I-129F stage, Packet 3 stage, and AOS stage), instead of proving it after 2 years and then again after 3 years (assuming that we have to send more proof at that stage...I haven't read all the requirements, just the price tag ). I suppose discussing it won't change anything, it just really irks me to have to send big checks a year apart when nothing has really changed in between (at least for us)...especially after all the previous time and expense. Sigh.

The ROC stage is automatic for most applicants, especially if they had a successful interview at the AOS stage, so that does seem to contradict what Kathryn is saying. However, it does give the DHS/USCIS two bites at the same apple, so there are, theoretically at least, two chances to find the rotten spot in a marriage. One advantage to the USCIS, and to the LPR, is that once he/she has the 10 year card in hand, then that takes the time constraint factor away from both parties, and the USCIS is free to do a more thorough job of verifying whether or not the applicant meets the requirements of an early citizenship based on marriage. If you want to avoid all the extra screening, and some do, wait to apply at the five year mark where much less, if any, scrutiny is given to the applicant's marriage.

The Postmaster

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2011-11-19 00:21:00

Why aren't the Removal of Conditions and Citizenship dates co-ordinated?

Not automatic from my POV. Actually, my wife's ROC took longer than the AOS, almost twice as long. Not sure why . . .
In terms of paperwork, everything went flawlessly, but it took FOREVER!!!!!

I guess experiences will vary. We sent the bare minimum, only what was requested in the instructions, and were the first in our ROC peer group to receive approval. We used the same theory throughout our journey with success. I like when the application fits in the 12.5" x 9.5" Priority Mail envelope.

The Postmaster

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2011-11-23 14:11:00

hi everybody
i dont know what to say or how to satrt my topic....i m really hurt and sad....the time my wife and i have been geting ready to send the the file the packege n4000 my wife sent me an offmessage telling me that "she has been cheating on me for 1 a year and other things she said ....she really hurt me and i am still i cant believe it and i am deeply hurt and sad. she is waiting for my response to her message but i dont know what to say and what kind of answer she wants to hear ... i realy love from my heart i never expect this from her now i need your hepl WHAT DO I SHOULD DO ?
DO i still have to send the package n400 or what? thanks to u all

Who is the USC? That changes the answer. Once the LPR passes his/her five year anniversary, then marriage to an USC becomes irrelevant to the process.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-02 17:06:00

You are the only one that knows what you want to do with your marriage, either go to counselling or get a divorce. Anyway a situation like this is hard to overpass.

When it comes to N-400, if you are the GC holder and you want to become an US Citizen then go ahead and apply!!!

If you had the GC for 5 years than you don't need anything from your wife. But, if you had it only for 3 and you can't work things out with your wife, you might need that divorce paper before you apply (i don't know this for a fact - is just my oppinion).

Good luck!

If the marriage is invalid, or dissolved, then the five year rule applies. The USC is not part of the process, except now they require copies and originals of both spouses' state ID cards, or Driver's License at the interview. If she won't cooperate, then you have wait the full five years.

Edited by Crusty Old Perv, 02 September 2011 - 05:27 PM.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-02 17:26:00

HI i am the LPR just to make it clear u know first i had to remove my conditional residence we didnt succeed coz the officer stated the our marriage is not valid . anyway, our case was in the court and finally i got my green card of 10 years last JUNE 2011 everything was good and we my wife and i decided file and thus i will get my citizenship ....yet this week she admited and said that she has been cheating on me and she is fed up with and the way of life we have ...and thus she is suppressed by me....and she has no freedom coz she cant have what she want ...if i understand she wants her life like drinking and things ....she still said" she loves me"....that s in brief...just wanna mention i have been in us for 3 years and 9 months ....

If she is willing to cooperate further, and you can keep your marriage together, go ahead and file. However, I would be prepared for the same issues from the R.O.C. proceedings to resurface again during your Citizenship interview. If you want to avoid those issues altogether, wait another year, and file 90 days before your five year anniversary as a LPR.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-02 18:08:00

HI.....i am still waiting for more comments and replies and thanks to everyone who replied to me about my issue. Some

talked about the idea that " if she cooperate with me..." what kind of cooperation you mean? Another thing:

if i can send the package including ONE of her ID plus a copy of our marriage certificate , does it mean it s done and

I dont need her and i dont need anything from her anymore?? Thanks

Cooperate, as in coming with you to the interview, possibly being interviewed separately. Cooperate, as in making sure your joint taxes are all up to date. Cooperate, as in continuing to maintain a joint domicile.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-03 10:11:00

How often are wife and husband being interviewed separated at n400?

Not very often, unless fraud is suspected. (Stokes Interview)

" copies and originals of both spouses' state ID cards, or Driver's License at the interview" is required for each case For 3 year n400?

so, for interview, the USC must go with the applicant?

Not required, but a good idea.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-04 15:53:00

Is there a helpful book on the procedures of becoming a U.S. citizen?

As was suggested by I+H, there is a whole series of how-to guides and publications on the http://USCIS.GOV website.

The Postmaster

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2011-10-02 21:24:00

Is there a helpful book on the procedures of becoming a U.S. citizen?

Has he considered filing I-526?

Edited by Crusty Old Perv, 02 October 2011 - 11:11 PM.

The Postmaster

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2011-10-02 23:10:00

Medicaid is a means tested program, and the sponsor(s) that signed affidavits of support on your behalf may be billed for any benefits you received.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-27 13:00:00

Could you please quote this source, kind of contradictory to my searching on this subject, and would like to stand corrected. But is the OP really concerned that her ex be stuck with the bill? What about her, would getting on Medicaid affect her citizenship?

You may be right, I can't find anything current, but this is informative:

http://archives.hud....ubcharge/qa.cfm

Not all publicly funded benefits will be considered by the INS or the State Department in deciding whether someone is or is likely to become a public charge. The focus of public charge is on cash benefits for income maintenance and institutionalization for long-term care at government expense. Examples of benefits that will not be considered for public charge purposes include:

Medicaid and other health insurance and health services (including public assistance for immunizations and for testing and treatment of symptoms of communicable diseases; use of health clinics, prenatal care, etc.) other than support for institutionalization for long-term care
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Nutrition programs, including Food Stamps, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, and other supplementary and emergency food assistance programs
Housing benefits
Child care services
Energy assistance, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Emergency disaster relief
Foster care and adoption assistance
Educational assistance, including benefits under the Head Start Act and aid for elementary, secondary, or higher education
Job training programs
In-kind, community-based programs, services, or assistance (such as soup kitchens, crisis counseling and intervention, and short-term shelter)
Note that not all categories of aliens are eligible to receive all of the types of benefits described above.

Edited by Crusty Old Perv, 27 September 2011 - 09:14 PM.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-27 21:13:00

Could you please quote this source, kind of contradictory to my searching on this subject, and would like to stand corrected. But is the OP really concerned that her ex be stuck with the bill? What about her, would getting on Medicaid affect her citizenship?

(I used the word "may" as a warning, not to be definitive.)

The Postmaster

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2011-09-27 21:16:00

please can you guys explain in simple english , sorry i don't understand is it affect and how much i have to pay to medicaid ?! Thank you !

It has no effect on your Citizenship application, and since Medicaid is administered by the individual states, many that have waivers to run the program anyway they want, it will depend upon the state you live in to determine your eligibility before and after becoming a citizen, and what sort of co-pay is required, if any.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-29 13:30:00

change of the first name when applying for naturalization?

The easiest way is with the N-400. There is a place on the form for it to be easily done.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-25 21:09:00

http://immigration.g...d=163&Itemid=83
http://immigration.g...id=25&Itemid=99

Also http://immigration.g...d=239&Itemid=80

The Postmaster

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2011-09-16 21:01:00

I thought Filipinos who are naturalized U.S. citizens could visit the Philippines for up to a year on a U.S. passport alone. Is that what they call the balikbayan program?

The Filipino Mission in the US seems to have a lot of requirements that do nothing more than collect revenue for the Filipino Mission.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-16 22:11:00

The BALIKBAYAN PRIVILEGE (Visa Stamp) was given to all of us on our last trip to the Philippines. I hear of some Filipinos
using the Philippine Passport to travel to the Philippines and then using their US Passport when entering the USA.

Regards,
Doug

A dual citizen can/should use the US passport for all arrivals/departures. You can use the Filipino passport to prove Filipino citizenship when arriving in the Philippines. They will note that entry in the US passport.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-17 10:10:00

http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2002/ra_9174_2002.html

The term "balikbayan" shall mean a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year, a Filipino overseas worker, or former Filipino citizen and his or her family, as this term is defined hereunder, who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines;

Benefits and Privileges of the Balikbayan. - The balikbayan and his or her family shall be entitled to the following benefits and privileges:

(a) Tax- exempt maximum purchase in the amount of One Thousand five hundred United States dollars (US$ 1,500.00) or its equivalent in Philippine peso and in other foreign currencies at all government-owned and - controlled/operated duty-free shops subject to the limitations contained in Section 4 hereof;

(b) All domestic carriers shall establish a special promotional/incentive program for the balikbayan;

© Visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year for foreign passport holders, with the exception of restricted nationals;

(d) Travel tax exemption as provided under Presidential Decree No, 1183, Executive Order No.283, and other allied laws;

(e) Especially designated reception areas at the authorized ports of entry for the expeditious processing of documents;

Accredited transportation facilities that will ensure their safe and convenient trips upon arrival. The Department of Tourism and the Department of Transportation and Communications and other concerned government agencies are hereby mandated to implement the program for this particular purpose; and

(g) Kabuhayan shopping privilege and additional tax-exempt purchase in the maximum amount of Two Thousand United States dollars (US$ 2,000.00) or its equivalent in Philippine peso and other acceptable foreign currencies; exclusive for the purchase of livelihood tools at all government-owned and controlled/operated duty-free shops.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-18 09:52:00

Citizenship denied for lack of good moral character

First off, I couldn't agree more with one of the member's comment here that some people here are too immature and unprofessional. I appreciate honest and even harsh comments ONLY in respectful manners. Personal attacks and ignorant judgement are NOT considered as an advice.

That is because nobody here should be representing themselves as a professional. If you want professional advice, hire a professional. But first, get the professional to agree that if he doesn't win the appeal on the first shot, he waives his fee, and second, make sure you get a fee estimate in case you do win.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-15 17:49:00

Citizenship denied for lack of good moral character

Boy Bluemoon, I bet that's the last time you'll post on here again!! Wow

By the time he is finished, he will be the go to expert on this subject. Hopefully, he will visit this (his) thread from time to time, and keep us posted.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-15 19:16:00

Citizenship denied for lack of good moral character

Just for your info, Im a woman! I assume you didn't read the earlier posts which is fine because you didn't miss anything! and yes, I'll keep you all posted about my decision and the final result.

@Karen: No. That's not the last time and it won't be. I don't mind to share, discuss and ask questions if I need to. Peace.

Sorry. I was using the generic nonspecific pronoun under the current politically correct rules. Since I am male, I should use he when using a non-gender specific pronoun, as you should use she. :star:

The Postmaster

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2011-09-15 19:40:00

Tax Returns at Interview?

My husband has his citizenship interview tomorrow and just reading over the check list and it says to bring copies of your 3 years of tax returns. Is this needed if I included it with our application?! If yes, I need to run out now and find somewhere to print them...

Are they IRS transcripts? They need to check your account information to verify that the taxes were paid.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-13 22:40:00

Tax Returns at Interview?

Welcome citizen to the hubby!

The Postmaster

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2011-09-14 18:07:00

How long is the Oath Taking Ceremony? (San Antonio, TX)

It will depend on the jurisdiction, and the venue, and of course, how many are attending. For us, it lasted about 2 hours. They opened the doors before 9:00 am, the program started around 10:00am, and we were leaving Oakland about 12:30 pm.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-08 22:43:00

How long is the Oath Taking Ceremony? (San Antonio, TX)

Well I go to school and I have a make up test at 5pm. For some luck means, I got this appointment for the naturalization. I do know this is important too but at the same time if I cannot take the make up test I will lose money and 3 months of my hardwork for this quarter. So im praying that I will be done for the ceremony quickly.

@v333k how do i search for other members who naturalized in San Antonio? Im a newbie sorry.

You can reschedule the naturalization ceremony if you think you might miss the test. They usually do these things once a month.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-09 18:18:00

Documents for N-400 - originals or notarized copies ok?

Never send originals. They will not give them back. Copies are acceptable without being notarized. If they wish to see the originals - they will ask for them during the interview (to look at only).

Well, you can ask for them back, and maybe the IO will give them to you at the interview. Otherwise, file and pray later. If the documents don't appear "original", and are not needed for your file, then they may be discarded before you get a chance to ask for them back.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-12 21:53:00

Jury Duty

Thanks everyone for your replies and helps.

Tolsab, I am having a driving license. Do you think, I was registered as USC in DMV to vote? If so, could it be a trouble for my naturalization?

You shouldn't be registered to vote unless you filled out a voter registration form, such as the one that was attached to the DL application. Juries are selected from a variety of public records, including voter registration rolls. Hopefully, some overzealous A.C.O.R.N. affiliate did not register you to vote without informing you first.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-03 15:20:00

Jury Duty

Get a hold of the clerk of the court, provide your documentation and the end.

A jury summons is still a summons, and more and more courts are issuing bench warrants for not showing up. There should be a contact number on, or with the summons. If you can't get in touch with anybody, or nobody calls you back, even if you are not qualified, you are still required to report for jury duty unless excused. They will take care of all issues then and there, once you show up, and release you sooner, or later, before you actually serve on a jury, as long as you let them know before it gets to that point.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-04 00:08:00

Social Security Update

Make a good color copy for them and take the original, pretype the application. It takes about two weeks to update the system., so they can find you.

They have to make the photocopy themselves to maintain the chain of evidence. It doesn't do any good to make copies ahead of time, unless you are mailing off the original to get your passport. We did everything that we needed the original for first, and then applied for the passport. No need for the passport card, unless you plan on visiting countries on a regular basis where you can actually use the passport card. The new passport book contains a chip and does everything and more that the passport card does.

Edited by Crusty Old Perv, 04 September 2011 - 07:05 PM.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-04 19:05:00

Social Security Update

This is so so so true!!!

It is taking time for us to get used to being just normal citizens, not worrying about saving every shred of evidence.

One nice thing about being a citizen, you no longer have to prove your legal presence to any law enforcement official. And once you make all the rounds, not to the DMV or SSA.

The Postmaster

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2011-09-05 11:17:00

My son was born in the Philippines

I was online when she's here i had a phone call so she's reading some topics on here...i didn't know that she would respond but obviously she didn't know my password..thanks anywy for reminding me atleast i will be more careful.ty

Don't worry. Wrong answers are often just as useful as the "correct" answers on this website. Look how many folks came away from their usual haunts just to jump on an "incorrect" answer. :lol:

The Postmaster

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2011-08-27 09:37:00

Oath ceremony

We all had comfortable seats in a classic theater in Oakland. The ceremony was amateurish and way too long, but slightly moving. We had to get there far too early to get a good parking spot in order to leave quickly, and linking back up in the lobby after the ceremony was insane. But, my wife would have a hard time getting there without me, so I did serve a useful purpose after all, even if the ceremony did not.

The Postmaster

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2011-08-21 10:05:00

WHAT IS REQUIRED WITH THE N 400

If I'm not mistaken, those months that she spent out of the US will add to her 3-year period, so she cannot file just yet.

Use the eligibility checklist contained in one of those links. As long as she had not been out of country for more than 18 months total, or one year at any one time, that will not affect the three year period.

Edited by Crusty Old Perv, 16 August 2011 - 07:28 PM.

The Postmaster

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2011-08-16 19:28:00

Entered with K1, married, divorced a year later, been having CG for 4 years now. When can I apply for citizenship?

So if I start counting 5 years from March 2008, then I should file for citizenship in Jan 2013?

Thank you very much for all your help/suggestion. Much appreciate.....

You can apply anytime after that five years less ninety days expires. Nice thing about applying for US citizenship, there is no deadline, just an eligibility date.

The Postmaster

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2011-08-12 09:58:00

Asking

You can view the various timelines here in your peer group to get an idea. Some offices seem to take longer, and those are almost always east of the Rockies.

The Postmaster

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2011-08-12 10:01:00

Club membership

The N-400 asks about club membership, associations etc. Do they REALLY mean all clubs/ associations? Or just political stuff?
For example I am a Sam's Club member (warehouse store), member of ICAN (International Ceasarian Awareness Network), a director for a cat rescue, default member of our subdivision's HOA (everyone owning a house here is) but we never met or got any notices from the HOA, volunteer for the church playschool and probably more I can't even remember...

PS: It feels odd asking the basic questions again, after so long "knowing" about visa processes!

They are doing a background check and that includes known affiliations. I wouldn't include discount memberships and savings cards, or home owners associations.

The Postmaster

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2011-08-12 09:52:00

Photocopies or originals?

Copies are fine. Don't send originals unless specifically requested. When interview time comes, you get to bring all the originals with you.

The Postmaster

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2011-08-11 16:00:00

Misconceptions About The Naturalization Process

This is required reading for the applicant, but apparently not required reading for the employees of the USCIS.

We went to apply for the wife's passport yesterday at an Acceptance Facility (Post Office). He asks for her ID.

"Um, the Naturalization Certificate is identification."

"Yeah, I know. Does she have ID?"

The wife gives him her California ID card. He photocopies that and comes back.

"Do you have your Marriage Certificate with you?"

(#######) "No."

"That's okay."

(Sheesh!)

The Postmaster

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2011-08-07 15:32:00