some useful tips?

[siwenfrana 7]

I got my US passport today. My long journey finally got to the end.

It has been 12 months long. I have moved from one location to another so the process took longer due to that.

I have some tips to share based on my experience. someone may need it if they feel they are stuck.

1. file online if you can. it seems the system has more transparency regarding the status if you do so.

2. don't do info pass, especially your office is chicago. They won't tell you more than you can see from the system.

3. If the officer from your local office give good info from info pass appointment, try to go there early even though it is earlier than you appointment time. it seems they serve first comer.

4. when you call the 800 number, ask directly to speak to tier 2. there was only one time the tier 1 told me more info than reading out of the screen. when you ask to speak to tier 2, make sure you are persistent and don't give so much detail to tier 1. the more detail you give, they may not even transfer you. I remember I asked tier one about my oath date and location after the status online said it was scheduled. First tier1 refused to tell me and refused to transfer me. So I called back and talked to another tier1 and told her that I didn't believe they could help me and would like to talk to tier2. I got my oath date and location right then. It was only 1 week away. If I gave up the first try, I may not be able to make it.

5. use congressman. I contacted two senates and one district rep. District rep seems get back to me faster. However, each office can do inquiry once a month. So I contact all the congressman. It really doesn't hurt to have all of them follow up with your case. It really seems things move much faster after the case got congressional attention. Usually USCIS give more detail info than what you get from info pass.

6.I am a nurse. when I went for my interview, I took my work badge with me. the officer made a copy of my badge. it seems that helps to show your good morality? I don't know, but at least it shows you are employed.

7. schedule your passport agency appointment the same day with your oath if you want to get your passport first. 

8. if you can, don't move out of the district. it takes a longer for them to move file around and get you back to the normal queque. unless the area you move to has 3-4 months shorter processing time. keeping your old address if you have someone get your mail for you regularly, even though it may means flying back or 6-7 more hours drive. a plane ticket can save you a lot of pain of waiting.

 

 

The above are based on my personal experience. Hopefully they can help some people. It is OK if you don't agree.

Thank you for your time.

 

Siwen

 

[Mushulatubbe 29]

I appreciate it!

[havil80 6]

Very useful, will bookmark it for future reference. I'm so eager to get the citizenship I might actually begin to complain to my congressman before I file

[little immigrant 801]

On 6/30/2018 at 7:23 AM, siwenfrana said:

8. if you can, don't move out of the district. it takes a longer for them to move file around and get you back to the normal queque. unless the area you move to has 3-4 months shorter processing time. keeping your old address if you have someone get your mail for you regularly, even though it may means flying back or 6-7 more hours drive. a plane ticket can save you a lot of pain of waiting.

 

I don't agree with lying about your current address. You should always update it. Yes you need to be in the new district for 3 months before you can file but it's better to wait it out than lie imo