Soonest Time To Expect Interview in California?

[Bluehorse 0]

Hi, folks,

I am eligible to file N-400 since mid Feb. but I have hold it back because I am planning a 3 weeks trip outside US from June 13th to July 4th, in which period I will not be able to participate the interview.

I am in California so my USCIS center will be at Phoenix, AZ.

I appreciate if experienced folks here can give an idea when is the earliest time I could be scheduled for an interview after USCIS Phoenix recieves my package? And average time?

Also will USCIS schedule an interview and then send me a notification letter, or I am supposed to receive a letter asking me to call to schedule an interview? If it is the later, I need to be careful not to miss it in mail while I am travelling.

Thanks!

[arvinb 17]

Depends on where in California. I am in Los Angeles and it was a month between the NOA and the biometrics, and then another 3 months to the interview (so four months).

[Luv2travel 0]

Might be better for you to apply when you get back. That's cutting it close.

[Bluehorse 0]

I live in bay area.

What is NOA? Sounds like there are other activities IN ADDITION TO interview I need to worry about if I am not in US second half of June?

Thinking if I send package in late April, I will have 6 weeks to deal with NOA/biometrics, and then interview probably won't happen within 2 months of mailing my N-400?

Thanks!

[arvinb 17]

Here is Fatmouse's timeline based in San Jose (we need to know your actual office, because the differences matter)

UserName....|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|Field Office.....|

Fatmouse....|10/31/11.|11/08/11.|11/04/11.|02/21/12.|02/27/12.|03/29/12.|--/--/--.|San Jose, CA.....|

NOA is the notice saying your application has been received.

So based on that, NOA in about 5 days from sending, FPrints 6 weeks after that, interview 6 weeks after that, which would throw you pretty much right in the middle of June for the interview. Again, I would not risk applying until you return; perhaps you can apply the week before you leave so you can get your NOA to make sure it's all good, and then you'll probably be back in time for your fprints. But personally I still wouldn't risk it.

[Jessica24 3]

I live in bay area.

What is NOA? Sounds like there are other activities IN ADDITION TO interview I need to worry about if I am not in US second half of June?

Thinking if I send package in late April, I will have 6 weeks to deal with NOA/biometrics, and then interview probably won't happen within 2 months of mailing my N-400?

Thanks!

NOA is not an activity. It is just an intimation that your citizenship application has been accepted by the USCIS. NOA stands for Notice of Approval.

[Bluehorse 0]

Looks like it makes sense to mail my N400 after my return. Sending it before my trip really just gain me 2 to 3 weeks only.

I live in Fremont, CA 94539. I thought entire California applicants use the Phenix, AZ office?

Thanks!

[arvinb 17]

The main facility is in Phoenix. After you get your NOA they take it back to your local office where they'll do the fingerprints and interview.

[ManuFred 10]

Hi, folks,

I am eligible to file N-400 since mid Feb. but I have hold it back because I am planning a 3 weeks trip outside US from June 13th to July 4th, in which period I will not be able to participate the interview.

I am in California so my USCIS center will be at Phoenix, AZ.

I appreciate if experienced folks here can give an idea when is the earliest time I could be scheduled for an interview after USCIS Phoenix recieves my package? And average time?

Also will USCIS schedule an interview and then send me a notification letter, or I am supposed to receive a letter asking me to call to schedule an interview? If it is the later, I need to be careful not to miss it in mail while I am travelling.

Thanks!

on the other hand, applying now wouldn't be the end if the world either. If you don't show up for an appointment, your case will be automatically suspended until you contact USCIS. You can call them within one year to have them resume your case.

Also, usually interview letters are send out more than 3 weeks in advance so if you get an appointment during your trip you will find out before you leave allowing you to reschedule. Only risk is that you receive a letter during your trip, perhaps leaving you little time to study.

[ManuFred 10]

btw, I will be in similar situation. I will be leaving for the month of May, had my bio done last week i.o.w. Chances of interview in May are big.

Reason for me to apply even though is that I found out the dual citizen option for Dutch nationals might be taken away within this year, otherwise I would have applied after my trip.

[Luv2travel 0]

Is the oath letter from the district office too?