36 Year GC Holder and Naturalization Interview

[bonjour2017 15]

Hello:

 

I am single, 59,  and retired at present.  I am applying for naturalization based on the fact that I have been a green card holder for 36 years. I entered US in 1981 and divorced in 1989.  I have no police record.  I have had a few changes in names due to divorce and the fact that until 2004 I had the Green Card that did not expire.    I indicated these aliases on the N-400 form.   I thought I needed to have ID that indicated my married surname, which was on my original green card.  .  In 2004 I got my Green Card renewed and changed my name to what I use now.       Should I expect a lot of questions about my ability to support myself? The name changes? I am very nervous about applying after waiting so long.

 

 

[charmander 692]

16 minutes ago, bonjour2017 said:

Hello:

 

I am single, 59,  and retired at present.  I am applying for naturalization based on the fact that I have been a green card holder for 36 years. I entered US in 1981 and divorced in 1989.  I have no police record.  I have had a few changes in names due to divorce and the fact that until 2004 I had the Green Card that did not expire.    I indicated these aliases on the N-400 form.   I thought I needed to have ID that indicated my married surname, which was on my original green card.  .  In 2004 I got my Green Card renewed and changed my name to what I use now.       Should I expect a lot of questions about my ability to support myself? The name changes? I am very nervous about applying after waiting so long.

 

 

I don't think they would pick on any of those things that you worry about. They don't care about employment/financial status as long as you paid your taxes. Name changes are totally legal. No issue there either. But I wonder why you didn't do this when N-400 used to cost less than $100 in the 90s . Good luck! 

[Going through 5,668]

The name changes may slightly hold your application back during the background check...but really other than that should not be an issue at all.

 

I think I know why you waited---I waited too.  Seems most Canadians hold off on the whole "apply for citizenship right away" because we don't really see the need to rush it for various reasons...I've been a GC holder for 12 years now.

 

But, yeah, going through the process *now*?  I wish I'd gotten this all settled years ago---easier, cheaper, more streamlined back then it seems.

Edited August 10, 2017 by Going through

[bonjour2017 15]

There were no name change or taxation questions; in fact, no personal questions at all other than confirming my responses on the N-400 form.  If you mention traffic ticket(s), you may get asked to prove you paid them.  He let this go for me,  after checking with his supervisor.  It could have held up the approval decision.   I did offer to provide documentation from my bank confirming I paid my taxes for the last 4 years. I brought  every possible documentation he could possibly ask for on me, except that traffic ticket payment.  I read too late that traffic tickets are considered a "citation".

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

No,

as none of this is relevant.

My educated guess is that the I.O. may be mostly interested in why you waited so long with all of this.

[Going through 5,668]

8 minutes ago, bonjour2017 said:

There were no name change or taxation questions; in fact, no personal questions at all other than confirming my responses on the N-400 form.  If you mention traffic ticket(s), you may get asked to prove you paid them.  He let this go for me,  after checking with his supervisor.  It could have held up the approval decision.   I did offer to provide documentation from my bank confirming I paid my taxes for the last 4 years. I brought  every possible documentation he could possibly ask for on me, except that traffic ticket payment.  I read too late that traffic tickets are considered a "citation".

I think you meant to post this on another thread....it sounds like you are questioning your own original post lol

 

 

Wait---did you just have your naturalization interview??  I'm slightly confused now...

Edited August 10, 2017 by Going through

[Going through 5,668]

1 minute ago, Brother Hesekiel said:

No,

as none of this is relevant.

My educated guess is that the I.O. may be mostly interested in why you waited so long with all of this.

I thought of this too....that I may get asked "why didn't I do it right away based on marriage?"  I think the reason I give him will suffice though, if asked this.

Mine is only 12 years though, not 30+ so it may not be an issue.

[bonjour2017 15]

The IO did not ask why I waited so long.  My original reason was wanting to vote; and now it is for security of my status in the US.

[Going through 5,668]

Did you have your interview?  Was it approved?

[bonjour2017 15]

Yes the interview was August 9. I was approved.

Edited August 11, 2017 by bonjour2017

[Going through 5,668]

4 hours ago, bonjour2017 said:

Yes the interview was August 9. I was approved.

Congratulations!