N-400 NOT approved because lacking 2 passport photos..

[JaredLCo 5]

Sheesh...

 

My wife had her N-400 interview yesterday at the Fairfax/Washington D.C. Field Office.

 

She passed the test, no problems, etc, however the USCIS case officer (who was extremely unnecessarily rude) DID NOT approve her as she did not provide 2 recent passport style photos for this N-400 application.

 

The reason the 2 recent passport style photos were not provided by us, is because she resides in the United States, & has resided in the United States permanently full-time since September 2011.

 

And as we know, per USCIS.GOV:

 

"only applicants who reside outside the United States must provide two identical color photographs taken recently."

 

https://www.uscis.gov/n-400 (Document Checklist, Current Fees, Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet (PDF, 495 KB) )
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/M-476.pdf

 

I received the official "Request for Evidence" Case Status update today, via email/text from USCIS.

 

Any thoughts, suggestions?

 

I realize submitting the photos & moving on may be the wisest choice, but I can't help but feel infuriated as I feel we've been wronged by someone providing factually wrong information, per their own official .gov website & checklist.

 

[Jojo92122 1,924]

Vent.  Get it out.  Be done.  Provide the photos.  Move on.  You know better than to go off the rail for no gains.  You already know what the wisest choice is.

[Andocjourney 2]

Yeah I was confused about that too, but I sent my photoo too. I believe it is no hurt to do it. It happend anyway, just send them the photo and get it done ASAP and you guy can cheer and party 🎉 

[Jamaican_Gooner 36]

This is very unfortunate, USCIS is so confusing. I didn't submit passport pictures either and will use this situation to be prepared with two photos when i get my interview. I'm sorry for your frustration. 

[JaredLCo 5]

To add,

 

She had her fingerprints AND photos taken at her Biometric Appointment, which was January 18th 2017.

 

We've submitted tons of proof showing she resides full-time in the United States since our marriage in 2011...

 

It's just bizarre at this point...

 

[MyJourney 276]

First off, give them what they want, get what you need. Then, go after them and demand explanation.

[Texaco5 32]

I think the best option in these circumstances is to ask the interview officer if you can go and get a couple of photos taken immediately after the interview  (CVS is a good place to go get them done while you wait) and then bring them back and drop them off at the reception in the field office. It is possible that the photos taken at the biometrics appointment are unsuitable for use on the naturalization certificate for some reason which is why the IO asked for them. In my own case, when the IO noticed I had a couple of photos (which were the ones I intended to use for my passport application) in the papers I had brought along to the interview, he asked me for them 'just in case'.

[Starflyer 59 16]

This happened to us as well.  My wife applied back in November, after the rule change.  She had her interview in late February and they told us to go get two passport photos and bring them back to the reception desk.  We went ahead and did it even though it ticked me off immensely because it wasted the rest of our day for something that wasn't even our fault - we had followed the instructions.  A month later, her status changed to "Oath Ceremony Scheduled", and she took oath in April.

 

My advice to those with upcoming interviews - go ahead and bring photos with you.  If the officer doesn't ask for them, use them in your passport application.

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

It is a golden rule that passport pictures for immigration purposes are only good for 6 months.

I can't speak for the attitude of the officer but I wouldn't pick a fight with an officer who has the power to approve or deny.

You could have simply asked, "can I go to the nearest photo place and get one for you today? and if not today, how early can i provide a new one?"

And remember that, when your interviewer is been obnoxious and unnecessarily rude, you are the one seeking "something" from him/her so it is all about how you respond.

 

Call USCIS to find how when and how to submit the new information?

Good luck to you...I hope you guys won't have to start all over.

 

I have learned to eat my pride and get what i need first.

[JaredLCo 5]

Just to add some tidbits, for detail:

 

We would've been delighted to run out after the interview & obtain passport photos & bring them right back, however her appointment was scheduled at 3:05pm, we arrived at the USCIS office at 2:40pm, & her interview started at 3:50pm. The case officer took a very long time with her, & let her out around 4:45pm, & by that time, the entire office was empty. I was the only one in a waiting room, the receptionist had went home, no security guard to be found, etc. 

 

The case officer had at least acknowledged that the office was "closed," & had given her a paper so she could mail the passport photos back to him. He made no mention of her/us having to physically come back to the office, for another interview, etc.

 

We certainly didn't pick a fight with the case officer; my wife was polite...

 

We've already priority/express mailed the passport photos to them. At this point we'll await their response. 

 

My original intent here with this post was to express my feeling of just being flabbergasted, since we were essentially denied for not providing something that their official .gov checklist clearly shows is not required or even recommended. Hopefully it serves as a 'heads-up' for others heading to their interview with similar concerns...

[MyJourney 276]

6 minutes ago, JaredLCo said:

Just to add some tidbits, for detail:

My original intent here with this post was to express my feeling of just being flabbergasted, since we were essentially denied for not providing something that their official .gov checklist clearly shows is not required or even recommended. Hopefully it serves as a 'heads-up' for others heading to their interview with similar concerns...

It looks like you are from Golden, CO? Did you guys apply in November?
The reason I am asking is I am also in line for interview at Denver Field Office and so far, I have not seen filers with interviews done from Denver Field Office. At least, it is good to see that there are applicants who have interviews scheduled.

[JaredLCo 5]

We're from Virginia. My original post mentions "Fairfax/Washington D.C. Field Office."

 

My profile says Golden Retriever-burg because darn I love those dogs (Golden Retrievers). 

[MyJourney 276]

I see. I was too hopeful I guess. Good luck to you in getting your citizenship though.

[jc84 11]

On ‎5‎/‎10‎/‎2017 at 10:16 AM, JaredLCo said:

We're from Virginia. My original post mentions "Fairfax/Washington D.C. Field Office."

 

My profile says Golden Retriever-burg because darn I love those dogs (Golden Retrievers). 

hi.your wife status online has changed already to in line for oath ceremony yet ? thanks

[JaredLCo 5]

We have yet to hear a single thing after mailing the passport photos to the USCIS office. Package was delivered & signed for May 12th, 2017. No status change, etc.

Edited May 24, 2017 by JaredLCo