N400 application Interview round two.

[Hounslow 0]

Today was my wife's of 5 years second N-400 marriage application interview, the first N-400 application a USCIS denial stating she did not meet residency requirements. Before filing her application this second time around, she did meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements. After filing this second N-400 application and her interview today, she traveled to Colombia for 14 days. (even traveling the 14 days she still meets both residence requirements) Well before this interview I had made copies of her travel days from her passport, and while waiting for her appointment today, reminded her no less than 5 times to be sure to bring this matter up and give this copy to the interviewing officer. At the end of the interview she was "recommended for approval". On the way home, I asked her what questions were asked, and if the interviewing officer asked if she had traveled. Well she could not remember if the officer asked her if she had traveled before filing this second application, or asked her if she had traveled since filing the application and the interview today. Well she told the officer no. In any case I then find out she never gave the officer her copy of travel either. My opinion is mine alone and decided she is as about as incompetent as one can be, and being nervous is a non issue, as this is the second time around and should have been a "piece of cake".

In any case my question is---Should she write a letter tomorrow to the interviewing officer with a copy of her passport stamps of the 14 day travel and explain she misunderstood the question?

I notice the form N-445 naturalization form it asks if one has traveled asks "have you traveled outside outside the United States" but only stats between the interview and naturalization

Thanks

[Hounslow 0]

Well thought about the above, so just returned from Fed-ex having sent a letter to San Antonio USCIS explaining the mistake and a copy of her passport travels.

Will advise of the outcome

[M.Add 5]

My opinion is mine alone and decided she is as about as incompetent as one can be, and being nervous is a non issue, as this is the second time around and should have been a "piece of cake".

I think this is a little harsh. Of course she was nervous, maybe even more than the first time. Is human nature to be scared of an outcome when you "failed" in the past. She is probably devastated right now, and you blaming her doesn't help, no matter how mad you are.

At the end of the interview she was "recommended for approval"

On the other hand, in that little info video USCIS has on the site, the IO is checking the applicant's passport. Maybe the IO saw the stamps or maybe she/he didn't but in the end your wife was recommended for approval. Either way you can't really wait and see what's next and SHE has to inform them of the missunderstanding. If i was in her shoes i would make an INFOPASS asap and explain to them what happend. Something like "I was really emotional and when i was asked about trips outside US i thoght it was ment as trips between the two N-400 applications i've submited"

Also, i think you rushed to send that letter (but this is my opinion) before talking face to face with someone working for USCIS.

[NickD 203]

Feel even you are having problems explaining her situation, had to read it twice.

Asked that did you travel question twice and more precisely, leaving the USA for a period of greater than 24 hours. First time between the date you sent your application in and the date of your interview. Second time between your interview and the day of your oath ceremony. That gets real simple if you are fortunate to have the same day oath.

So if she did travel outside of the USA for greater than 24 hours between the dates of her application and interview, she should definitely correct that. Its never the seriousness of the situation, but its the fact, the USCIS interprets his as a lie at her interview. That can be all the reason they need for deportation.

Wife was also born in Colombia and walking into our AOS seeing all those armed guards made her completely brain dead at our interview. But fortunately she got a job in patient assistance dealing with many government agents. What was frustrating for her was her deadlines and unable to contact a specific agent as was either one of their many paid holidays, sick leave, or super long vacation periods. Another thing she quickly learned, if they don't know an answer to a question, they never say, I don't know, let me check. But give some line of BS instead. This gave her plenty of experience for her interview.

But it did take her good long while to return items she purchased at a store that was unheard of her country. Gave her my own certificate when she finally did that.

[w8inglongtime 29]

Well thought about the above, so just returned from Fed-ex having sent a letter to San Antonio USCIS explaining the mistake and a copy of her passport travels.

Will advise of the outcome

Take it easy on her. We all react differently under pressure. Besides, her application was approved so obviously it wasnt a problem. Now you sending un-requested info to USCIS could make them call her for a 3rd interview. I DOUBT that will happen but never give USCIS information unless they specifically ask for it.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Today was my wife's of 5 years second N-400 marriage application interview, the first N-400 application a USCIS denial stating she did not meet residency requirements. Before filing her application this second time around, she did meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements. After filing this second N-400 application and her interview today, she traveled to Colombia for 14 days. (even traveling the 14 days she still meets both residence requirements) Well before this interview I had made copies of her travel days from her passport, and while waiting for her appointment today, reminded her no less than 5 times to be sure to bring this matter up and give this copy to the interviewing officer. At the end of the interview she was "recommended for approval". On the way home, I asked her what questions were asked, and if the interviewing officer asked if she had traveled. Well she could not remember if the officer asked her if she had traveled before filing this second application, or asked her if she had traveled since filing the application and the interview today. Well she told the officer no. In any case I then find out she never gave the officer her copy of travel either. My opinion is mine alone and decided she is as about as incompetent as one can be, and being nervous is a non issue, as this is the second time around and should have been a "piece of cake".

In any case my question is---Should she write a letter tomorrow to the interviewing officer with a copy of her passport stamps of the 14 day travel and explain she misunderstood the question?

I notice the form N-445 naturalization form it asks if one has traveled asks "have you traveled outside outside the United States" but only stats between the interview and naturalization

Thanks

I think you're more nervous then her.....dude, I am Canadian, well educated, speak english perfectly and had all my ducks in order and I was still nervous as hell , so much so that I couldn't recall my own cell # at the time. Did she not have to show her passport in the interview? I'm sure the IO saw whatever he/she needed to see. It's done now but I think sending the additional letter was a bit overboad.

Hope it all works out.

Edited August 12, 2011 by Udella&Wiz

[Hounslow 0]

She has many travel trips over the years so the IO only glanced at her passport. We think the reason, was during her the first N-400 application they had researched her passport stamps thoroughly, so yesterday the IO only asked about travel during this second time around (from this application date to her interview yesterday). With a passport full of stamps it is easy to miss a stamp. The problem is after recommendation for approval by her IO, the approval supervisor will do a thorough computer check, and sure to catch this travel she neglected to admit to.

I agree about sending USCIS info they did not request, however if they catch the travel dates on their computer, by sending a letter by Fed-Ex overnight last night, at least she admitted to her mistake for reason of nervousness. If they still deny her petition, they will do so on information not given during her interview, and not taking in to consideration her state of nervousness. In may well be a hard lesson learned.

The problem here is Infopass appointments take 2 weeks, so too long after the fact.

Thank you for all your input-- and will advise of outcome

Edited August 12, 2011 by Hounslow