I-751 April 2016 Filers

[BryNef 4]

12 hours ago, jolyn69 said:

Hi.i received the message Dec 10 .I checked my case status everyday but unfortunately no good news..i really pray to receive the approval soon because i am planning to take vacation in our home country.

Give them until the end of these month and after that call them. I did call them before Christmas and was told the same generic info that is why I was surprise to be approved...anyway, I'm just like you I'll be back in Phil. for my brother's wedding...be positive , i know for sure it will happen very soon!!! 

[Sukie 1,439]

The combined I-751/N-400 conundrum is of great interest to us because of our 2017 plans.  My spouse can file the N-400 paperwork as of April 17, 2017.  We are (unfortunately) VSC filers.  As of this moment, I believe that the I-751 will NOT have been touched as of April 17.

 

We need to be in Australia for 3 months in June - August 2017 for several reasons.  My spouse has a medical procedure (annual follow up from a cancer scare 3 years ago) in Australia at the end of June, and I need to spend another 70 days in Australia to renew my Australian permanent residency visa.

 

We believe that our I-751 paperwork is pretty comprehensive.  The only reason we think we might be chosen for an I-751 interview is that we are one of the first same-sex couples to go through the whole 1-130 through CR/1 process after DOMA was repealed.  Our financial co-mingling and our relationship evidence is very solid, so I'm thinking we might be in the 90% who don't get called.  But if we ARE called for an interview, that is going to complicate things if we are in Australia. I really do not want to risk things and try to reschedule.

 

As far as I can see, our local ACS office (Albany, NY) is a year behind (processing April 2016 N-400s at the moment). 

 

Should we wait to apply for citizenship until we are back in the US (September 2017)?  If we apply in April 2017, when eligible, what are the risks that my spouse would be called for an interview during June - August?   I'm not quite sure what happens time-wise when the N-400 comes in on top of the I-751.  I know that forces them to adjudicate the I-751, but does it also speed up the N-400 process?

 

We already know we'll probably have to make an Infopass appointment to get her passport stamped before we leave for Oz.  Her 2-year Green Card expiration date is July 15, 2017.  With VSC now about 15 months behind, I don't hold out much hope for the 10-year Green Card arriving before the end of May.

 

I know most of us are in the same boat - so we don't really know what's happening behind the scenes, but perhaps someone knows someone who is paddling in the same direction....

 

Thanks all!

 

Sukie in NY

[jolyn69 28]

11 hours ago, bryneff said:

Give them until the end of these month and after that call them. I did call them before Christmas and was told the same generic info that is why I was surprise to be approved...anyway, I'm just like you I'll be back in Phil. for my brother's wedding...be positive , i know for sure it will happen very soon!!! 

thank you so much.you make me feel better.Enjoy your vacation .there is no place like home.

[Private One 44]

20 hours ago, Sukie said:

The combined I-751/N-400 conundrum is of great interest to us because of our 2017 plans.  My spouse can file the N-400 paperwork as of April 17, 2017.  We are (unfortunately) VSC filers.  As of this moment, I believe that the I-751 will NOT have been touched as of April 17.

 

We need to be in Australia for 3 months in June - August 2017 for several reasons.  My spouse has a medical procedure (annual follow up from a cancer scare 3 years ago) in Australia at the end of June, and I need to spend another 70 days in Australia to renew my Australian permanent residency visa.

 

We believe that our I-751 paperwork is pretty comprehensive.  The only reason we think we might be chosen for an I-751 interview is that we are one of the first same-sex couples to go through the whole 1-130 through CR/1 process after DOMA was repealed.  Our financial co-mingling and our relationship evidence is very solid, so I'm thinking we might be in the 90% who don't get called.  But if we ARE called for an interview, that is going to complicate things if we are in Australia. I really do not want to risk things and try to reschedule.

 

As far as I can see, our local ACS office (Albany, NY) is a year behind (processing April 2016 N-400s at the moment). 

 

Should we wait to apply for citizenship until we are back in the US (September 2017)?  If we apply in April 2017, when eligible, what are the risks that my spouse would be called for an interview during June - August?   I'm not quite sure what happens time-wise when the N-400 comes in on top of the I-751.  I know that forces them to adjudicate the I-751, but does it also speed up the N-400 process?

 

We already know we'll probably have to make an Infopass appointment to get her passport stamped before we leave for Oz.  Her 2-year Green Card expiration date is July 15, 2017.  With VSC now about 15 months behind, I don't hold out much hope for the 10-year Green Card arriving before the end of May.

 

I know most of us are in the same boat - so we don't really know what's happening behind the scenes, but perhaps someone knows someone who is paddling in the same direction....

 

Thanks all!

 

Sukie in NY

Sukie, I hope they don't give you guys a hard time. I don't think that the repeal of DOMA will have an effect on your case. If there were implications I think it would have been widely publicized because that are thousands in the same boat as you.

 

You said: "As far as I can see, our local ACS office (Albany, NY) is a year behind (processing April 2016 N-400s at the moment)."

In fact, they're processing April 2016 as of October 31. This means that N-400 applications are taking 6 month to process and that's pretty much standard processing time for N-400. However, given your situation I would hold of on filing N-400 until you guys return. If you file N-400 you're guaranteed an interview and there's a good chance you won't be in the country. An interview for ROC is less likely. Chances are, your case will be approve so even if you're not in the country it's no big deal. In the event you are called for a ROC interview, postponing the interview based on a medical related trip is more than excusable. As a matter of fact, it adds to your validity of a real marriage so it can help in the event of an interview.

 

Best Wishes

 

 

[lucybelle 453]

6 hours ago, Private One said:

Sukie, I hope they don't give you guys a hard time. I don't think that the repeal of DOMA will have an effect on your case. If there were implications I think it would have been widely publicized because that are thousands in the same boat as you.

 

You said: "As far as I can see, our local ACS office (Albany, NY) is a year behind (processing April 2016 N-400s at the moment)."

In fact, they're processing April 2016 as of October 31. This means that N-400 applications are taking 6 month to process and that's pretty much standard processing time for N-400. However, given your situation I would hold of on filing N-400 until you guys return. If you file N-400 you're guaranteed an interview and there's a good chance you won't be in the country. An interview for ROC is less likely. Chances are, your case will be approve so even if you're not in the country it's no big deal. In the event you are called for a ROC interview, postponing the interview based on a medical related trip is more than excusable. As a matter of fact, it adds to your validity of a real marriage so it can help in the event of an interview.

 

Best Wishes

 

 

 

You seem to be the most on top of the duel filing of the N400. Is it still advice of the board to go ahead and file the N400 while waiting? We could wait until ROC is done, but I wanted to go ahead and file and just BE DONE with it all. Also, there is a small possibility that my husband wants to move back to his country and I told him "not without a USA passport!!!"

[Sukie 1,439]

Lucybelle, on another site I found out that, in order to adjudicate the I-751 and the N-400 AT THE SAME TIME, the I-751 package has to be sent to your local ACS.  It's the local ACS that does the N-400 work.

 

That's why Private One was suggesting that Julie and I wait to submit the N-400 until we are back in the US.  If the two submissions were adjudicated together, that would guarantee that Julie would have to be present for an interview. 

 

Even so - since it's taking AT LEAST six months for the N-400, I think we might even be safe submitting our package in April!  But we won't risk it.

 

I've seen both GO FOR IT and DON'T CONFUSE THE ISSUE forums.

 

For you, I say GO FOR IT.  Especially if you and your esposo are in the US and can respond to an interview date.

 

Sukie in NY

[Private One 44]

Lucybelle, I'm with Sukie. Go for it! That's where I'm headed. I want to become a citizen for so many reason but none of them more important than filing for my mother who's been here illegally for 23 years. Having the ability to stay out of the country for however long I choose is also on that list. My wife has been talking about going back home to spend a year or so to explore starting a business there.

 

I've been in the US for 17 years (this summer) and have felt like a citizen for much of that time despite the constant reality checks that reminded me otherwise. I went from B2 Visitor to F1 Student to Illegal to LPR but even as a LPR you're reminded that you're not a citizen. There are so many restrictions...so much that I still can't do. A Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) struck up a conversation with my wife and me on our way back from our 1st anniversary trip. Very friendly guy. He saw that I was looking at jobs on my laptop and wanted to know if I'd be interested in becoming a CBPO. He spoke of all the perks and went in pretty deep on other stuff and by the end I was really interested. He gave me info on how to get started and his contact info. He said it wasn't a sure thing but I had a good chance. I was super excited. I got on that website right away to start the application but I had to exit because I failed to meet the very first requirement - United States Citizenship.That was the case for quite a few other jobs I wanted to pursue. I thought I was past the point of rejection based on immigration status. I could go on and on with stories like these and I'm sure many others here can do the same.

 

I'm going to file N-400 in March. Based on current processing time, it may be September till they get to my N-400 case. April 26 will be a year since I filed for ROC. I expect that the ROC case will be adjudicated well before September. ROC may go past a year by a month or two but I highly doubt it will take a year and five months.

[Sukie 1,439]

7 hours ago, Private One said:

Lucybelle, I'm with Sukie. Go for it! That's where I'm headed. I want to become a citizen for so many reason but none of them more important than filing for my mother who's been here illegally for 23 years. Having the ability to stay out of the country for however long I choose is also on that list. My wife has been talking about going back home to spend a year or so to explore starting a business there.

 

******************************************

 

Private One, I found your main reason for becoming a citizen very sweet.  I want my spouse to become a citizen for two main reasons - first of all - as an LPR, she would not get the spousal benefit should I predecease her, and the tax burden might be quite onerous.  While I'm a little younger and a lot healthier than she is, there is always the chance I might go first.  I guess when you are in your 60s, these thoughts hit a little closer to home.

 

The second reason is the ability to move between our home countries without watching out for that six month thingie.  Ideally, I'd like to get my Australian citizenship as well, but the residency requirements for Australia are much harder than the residency requirement for the US!

 

These are really the only differences we can see at the moment. 

 

Sukie in NY

 

[Sukie 1,439]

7 hours ago, Private One said:

Lucybelle, I'm with Sukie. Go for it! That's where I'm headed. I want to become a citizen for so many reason but none of them more important than filing for my mother who's been here illegally for 23 years. Having the ability to stay out of the country for however long I choose is also on that list. My wife has been talking about going back home to spend a year or so to explore starting a business there.

 

******************************************

 

Private One, I found your main reason for becoming a citizen very sweet.  I want my spouse to become a citizen for two main reasons - first of all - as an LPR, she would not get the spousal benefit should I predecease her, and the tax burden might be quite onerous.  While I'm a little younger and a lot healthier than she is, there is always the chance I might go first.  I guess when you are in your 60s, these thoughts hit a little closer to home.

 

The second reason is the ability to move between our home countries without watching out for that six month thingie.  Ideally, I'd like to get my Australian citizenship as well, but the residency requirements for Australia are much harder than the residency requirement for the US!

 

These are really the only differences we can see at the moment. 

 

Sukie in NY

 

[liammc1985 1]

Just noticed that the processing time for the California Service Center has updated and is now processing cases as of May 14th 2016. As an April filer with no updates, this does not make me feel any better!

[AnaMatt 2]

April 29th CSC filer approved! My status changed today! Can someone update the list please. Thank you so much everyone for your help.

[jolyn69 28]

5 hours ago, AnaMatt said:

April 29th CSC filer approved! My status changed today! Can someone update the list please. Thank you so much everyone for your help.

congrats..im still waiting for my approval.i am  also april  29 filer.

[eosorio07 6]

On 1/10/2017 at 3:49 PM, liammc1985 said:

Just noticed that the processing time for the California Service Center has updated and is now processing cases as of May 14th 2016. As an April filer with no updates, this does not make me feel any better!

 

Not Exatcly I am from May 05, and still waiting???

 

Remember VJ member is just a fraction of all applicants nationwaide....!!!

[lucybelle 453]

On 1/8/2017 at 6:29 PM, Sukie said:

Lucybelle, on another site I found out that, in order to adjudicate the I-751 and the N-400 AT THE SAME TIME, the I-751 package has to be sent to your local ACS.  It's the local ACS that does the N-400 work.

 

That's why Private One was suggesting that Julie and I wait to submit the N-400 until we are back in the US.  If the two submissions were adjudicated together, that would guarantee that Julie would have to be present for an interview. 

 

Even so - since it's taking AT LEAST six months for the N-400, I think we might even be safe submitting our package in April!  But we won't risk it.

 

I've seen both GO FOR IT and DON'T CONFUSE THE ISSUE forums.

 

For you, I say GO FOR IT.  Especially if you and your esposo are in the US and can respond to an interview date.

 

Sukie in NY

 

On 1/9/2017 at 10:04 AM, Private One said:

Lucybelle, I'm with Sukie. Go for it! That's where I'm headed. I want to become a citizen for so many reason but none of them more important than filing for my mother who's been here illegally for 23 years. Having the ability to stay out of the country for however long I choose is also on that list. My wife has been talking about going back home to spend a year or so to explore starting a business there.

 

I've been in the US for 17 years (this summer) and have felt like a citizen for much of that time despite the constant reality checks that reminded me otherwise. I went from B2 Visitor to F1 Student to Illegal to LPR but even as a LPR you're reminded that you're not a citizen. There are so many restrictions...so much that I still can't do. A Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) struck up a conversation with my wife and me on our way back from our 1st anniversary trip. Very friendly guy. He saw that I was looking at jobs on my laptop and wanted to know if I'd be interested in becoming a CBPO. He spoke of all the perks and went in pretty deep on other stuff and by the end I was really interested. He gave me info on how to get started and his contact info. He said it wasn't a sure thing but I had a good chance. I was super excited. I got on that website right away to start the application but I had to exit because I failed to meet the very first requirement - United States Citizenship.That was the case for quite a few other jobs I wanted to pursue. I thought I was past the point of rejection based on immigration status. I could go on and on with stories like these and I'm sure many others here can do the same.

 

I'm going to file N-400 in March. Based on current processing time, it may be September till they get to my N-400 case. April 26 will be a year since I filed for ROC. I expect that the ROC case will be adjudicated well before September. ROC may go past a year by a month or two but I highly doubt it will take a year and five months.

 

Thanks so much for feedback guys!

 

The main reason I want my husband to be a citizen is just to BE DONE WITH THIS MADNESS!!!

 

But really more than that is he works for a international company and historically employees are asked to move abroad for 2-3 years.  I would be SO EXCITED to do something like that.  But we can't if he doesn't have citizenship.  He would still be paid as a US employee and obviously would have to maintain status to continued to be employed.  It seems like there could be an opportunity opening up at the end of this year.  It'd be great if we could have a US passport by then!!!!

[Captain Ewok 1,857]

Congrats! This thread has become pretty large indeed! To reduce server loads I will need to close this "large thread" however please feel free to start a "part 2, 3, 4..." of this thread from scratch! :)Thank you for understanding. My goal is to make the VJ server as snappy as possible .