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Applying for US passport

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Canada
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Hello VJers!

 

I became a citizen one week ago, and am about to apply for a US passport. Per the guidelines, it says send in a certified copy AND photocopy of your proof of citizenship. Does certified mean notarized photocopy?

 

thanks! 

Applied for Naturalization based on 3-year Residency 

July 05, 2017 (Day 00) -  Submitted N400 Application, filed via USPS to Phoenix Lockbox

July 10, 2017 (Day 05) - NOA received

July 12, 2017 (Day 07) -  Check is cashed by USCIS

July 19, 2017 (Day 14) - Biometrics appointment letter mailed

August 02, 2017 (Day 28) - Biometrics appointment at Seattle Field Office

August 28, 2017 (Day 54) - Case is "in line" for an interview"

August 28, 2018 (Day 419) - Interview is scheduled

October 4, 2018 (Day 462) - Citizenship Interview AND Oath (offered same day oath by ISO in Seattle, WA)

 

Officially a U.S. Citizen - Proud to be an American

 

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Venezuela
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3 minutes ago, sjs87 said:

Hello VJers!

 

I became a citizen one week ago, and am about to apply for a US passport. Per the guidelines, it says send in a certified copy AND photocopy of your proof of citizenship. Does certified mean notarized photocopy?

 

thanks! 

 

certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/citizenship-evidence.html

 

You must send the original document given to you by USCIS.  I know it is very inconvenient.  I went through the same issue when I did mine, so you may want to consider the timing given that a passport application can take several months.  However, it will be returned to you once your passport application is processed -- and yes, it gets bent.

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Canada
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10 minutes ago, ImmHelp123 said:

 

certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/citizenship-evidence.html

 

You must send the original document given to you by USCIS.  I know it is very inconvenient.  I went through the same issue when I did mine, so you may want to consider the timing given that a passport application can take several months.  However, it will be returned to you once your passport application is processed -- and yes, it gets bent.

So dumb question.... but then I can’t travel outside the country until I get it back 🙄. Maybe I’ll pay for expedited if it’s a huge backlog. 

Applied for Naturalization based on 3-year Residency 

July 05, 2017 (Day 00) -  Submitted N400 Application, filed via USPS to Phoenix Lockbox

July 10, 2017 (Day 05) - NOA received

July 12, 2017 (Day 07) -  Check is cashed by USCIS

July 19, 2017 (Day 14) - Biometrics appointment letter mailed

August 02, 2017 (Day 28) - Biometrics appointment at Seattle Field Office

August 28, 2017 (Day 54) - Case is "in line" for an interview"

August 28, 2018 (Day 419) - Interview is scheduled

October 4, 2018 (Day 462) - Citizenship Interview AND Oath (offered same day oath by ISO in Seattle, WA)

 

Officially a U.S. Citizen - Proud to be an American

 

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Canada
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2 minutes ago, sjs87 said:

So dumb question.... but then I can’t travel outside the country until I get it back 🙄. Maybe I’ll pay for expedited if it’s a huge backlog. 

no you cant.

 

processing times can fluctuate but tend to slow down heading into the holiday season and summer vacation season.

 

you do get your originals back in the mail.

i 485, 130, EAD and AP

04/09/2019    NOA1 received/check cashed i 485 and 130 (direct adjustment)

11/7/2019      Interview- Norfolk

11/10/2019    APPROVED (notification rec'd 11/10, approval dated 11/8)

DONE FOR TWO YEARS!!! ;)

 

Filed everything ourselves with no RFE's or delays.

 

CR1 for Child under 21 (20 at time of filing)- Filed by LPR Spouse for his son

4/4/20     Mailed packet

4/12/20   NOA1 rec'd

10/14/21 (havent heard anything... when do i start to get worried?)

9/15/22 APPROVED! Now to wait for NVC and interview....

 

ROC

10/14/21 Mailed to AZ PO Box. Let the waiting begin. Again.

10/16/21 Received at PO Box

10/19/21 Received Text NOA1

10/23/21 Received Mailed NOA1

 

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Venezuela
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Just now, sjs87 said:

So dumb question.... but then I can’t travel outside the country until I get it back 🙄. Maybe I’ll pay for expedited if it’s a huge backlog. 

 

Not a dumb question!

 

If you have a trip planned within the next 2-3 weeks, you qualify to go to the corresponding Agency in a city near you.  You may have to pay the expedited fee anyway, but in my opinion, it is the most desirable option given that you are dealing with the issuing agency directly, and not an intermediary, for instance, a Postal Office.  To qualify for such process, you just need your travel itinerary info to prove that you do have an upcoming trip.

 

I would, however, recommend travel insurance just in case -- you never know how the process is going to go.  I, however, had no issues. 

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/hurry.html

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Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Morocco
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no question is dumb

USC have to send original of birth certificate (kinda of scary to send this thru the mail)

do you also have to send birth certificate (maybe this is the dub question as immigration has seen it but i sent so many things in 2 or 3 times to them that i just wonder)

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2 hours ago, sjs87 said:

Hello VJers!

 

I became a citizen one week ago, and am about to apply for a US passport. Per the guidelines, it says send in a certified copy AND photocopy of your proof of citizenship. Does certified mean notarized photocopy?

 

thanks! 

You don't need a certified copy. You give them the original certificate and a normal copy. Plus your ID and a copy of your ID. Don't forget your picture. 

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/how-to-apply.html

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Canada
Timeline
1 hour ago, little immigrant said:

You don't need a certified copy. You give them the original certificate and a normal copy. Plus your ID and a copy of your ID. Don't forget your picture. 

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/how-to-apply.html

So I have to send them the original of both my certificate of naturalization and the original of photo I’d... meaning drivers license? So I’ll have no original copies of ID until they return? Man, if this is the case, they need to figure out a better way to do it. 

Applied for Naturalization based on 3-year Residency 

July 05, 2017 (Day 00) -  Submitted N400 Application, filed via USPS to Phoenix Lockbox

July 10, 2017 (Day 05) - NOA received

July 12, 2017 (Day 07) -  Check is cashed by USCIS

July 19, 2017 (Day 14) - Biometrics appointment letter mailed

August 02, 2017 (Day 28) - Biometrics appointment at Seattle Field Office

August 28, 2017 (Day 54) - Case is "in line" for an interview"

August 28, 2018 (Day 419) - Interview is scheduled

October 4, 2018 (Day 462) - Citizenship Interview AND Oath (offered same day oath by ISO in Seattle, WA)

 

Officially a U.S. Citizen - Proud to be an American

 

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
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1 hour ago, sjs87 said:

So I have to send them the original of both my certificate of naturalization and the original of photo I’d... meaning drivers license? So I’ll have no original copies of ID until they return? Man, if this is the case, they need to figure out a better way to do it. 

1. Naturalization must be original

2. Driver license not required original.

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1 hour ago, sjs87 said:

So I have to send them the original of both my certificate of naturalization and the original of photo I’d... meaning drivers license? So I’ll have no original copies of ID until they return? Man, if this is the case, they need to figure out a better way to do it. 

They just want to see your driver's license but they'll take the copy. 

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Thailand
Timeline

Processing times are not that long. Just submitted for a friend of mine and was only a 3 week process. If you want to speed things up drastically, you can fill out the passport application online and print out the application, sign, and send with your paperwork. When you generate the form online it creates a 3-D bar-code on the document/ application, and when they receive it the information is already in the computer and they just scan the barcode and process the application. I assure you that applications that just require a simple scan get processed faster than applications where they have to do the whole manual entry. Have it all ready to go and go to your post office for the oath, and to get the money order and to ship the envelope out. I recommend you get photos done somewhere other than the post office as they can be a little pricey., CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart is the cheapest option, or do them yourself using an app or online tool. I just ordered 12 passport photos for my upcoming trip for a whole .56 cents. My friend used a 3 dollar coupon at CVS and got them done for 9.99 I think it was. Coupon is available online if you google it.

Edited by Loren Y

Here on a K1? Need married and a Certificate in hand within a few hours? I'm here to help. Come to Vegas and I'll marry you Vegas style!!   Visa Journey members are always FREE for my services. I know the costs involved in this whole game of immigration, and if I can save you some money I will!

 

 

 

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Jamaica
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Processing time is not long at all I submitted on September 24th and I just got my passport today October 11th so don't worry about it you send the original naturalization certificate and a copy they will return it I've had to do this for both of my sons I had to send the original birth certificates and they returned them

AOS through Marriage Journey

 

10/25/2013: Civil Marriage
10/31/2013 [Day 00]: I-130; I-485; I-693; I-765; I-864 Mailed to Chicago Lockbox, via UPS next day
11/01/2013 [Day 01]: Packet arrives at Chicago Lockbox, notified via UPS Tracking
11/05/2013 [Day 05]: EMail and Texts notifying receipt of documents, NOA1
11/09/2013 [Day 09]: NOA1 Hard copies came in the mail
11/12/2013[Day 12]: Letter arrived via USPS confirming Biometrics Appointment for 12/2/2013
11/18/2013[Day 18]: Successful Biometrics walk in at the Jacksonville USCIS office
11/25/2013[Day 25]: Email and Text confirmation that my status on my I-485 application changed to testing and interview
01/08/2014[Day 68]: Email and Text stating that I-765 changed to "Card/Document Production"
01/16/2014[Day 76]: Received EAD Card
02/05/2014[Day 96]: I-485 Interview Date (rescheduled) Approved on the Spot!!
02/05/2014[Day 96]:Email and Text stating that my I-130 approved, that my green card has been approved
02/12/2014[Day 103]:Received Green Card in the mail



ROC I-751 Journey

 

11/06/2015 [Day 0]: Mailed I-751 Packet to VSC via USPS Priority Mail
11/10/2015 [Day 1]: NOA1 Receipt date
11/13/2015 [Day 4]: Check cashed
11/16/2015 [Day 7]: NOA1 Hard copies came in the mail

11/22/2016 [Day 378]: Email from USCIS that my card went into production, YA!!! :dancing:



N-400 Citizenship Journey

 

11/05/2016 [Day 0]: Mailed N-400 Packet to Texas Lockbox via USPS Priority Mail
11/07/2016 [Day 0]: 1st day of the 90 days, N-400 eligibility based on the married to a US Citizen for 3 years rule

11/08/2016 [Day 1]: Package delivered to the Dallas Lockbox by USPS Priority Mail, confirmed via tracking
11/10/2016 [Day 3]: Pending Fee to USCIS for $680 on my Credit Card

11/15/2016 [Day 8]: Email/Text confirmation that my case was received

11/19/2016 [Day 12]: Hard Copy came in the mail

11/25/2016 [Day 18]: Biometric Appointment for Dec 6th came in the mail

07/01/2017: Moved to Atlanta

02/14/2018: Naturalization Interview (Decision can't be made)

09/05/2018: Case update that my oath ceremony was scheduled

09/24/2018: Oath Ceremony, I'm a US citizen!!

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8 hours ago, sjs87 said:

So I have to send them the original of both my certificate of naturalization and the original of photo I’d... meaning drivers license? So I’ll have no original copies of ID until they return? Man, if this is the case, they need to figure out a better way to do it. 

Lol. So you basically gotta become undocumented until the gods of postal service send you back the originals. But seriously, what happens if the certificate of naturalization gets lost in mail? Removal proceedings? Sounds Kafkaesque. 

03/04/2016 AOS (EB2-NIW concurrent with I-485) mailed to Lewisville TX Lockbox
03/07/2016 AOS delivered to USCIS and signed
03/12/2016 Case received by Nebraska Service Center (NSC)
03/14/2016 Text notification received for I-140/I-485/I-765/I-131.
04/08/2016 Biometrics notice received for 04/21
04/13/2016 Biometrics early walk-in completed.
04/15/2016 EAD/AP combo card received in mail.

 

Long wait begins...

 

11/04/2016 I-140/485 cases transferred from Nebraska to TCS
12/01/2016 Prepared package for EAD/AP renewal (expires 04/09/2017)
12/23/2016 USCIS suddenly changes several forms, invalidating my EAD/AP renewal package (not yet sent)
12/27/2016 USCIS suddenly reforms the entire NIW criteria system, replacing a 20 years old one. Uncharted waters. 
01/07/2017 (Saturday!) EAD/AP renewal package with new forms received in Phoenix "reception desk"
01/17/2017 EAD/AP renewal case accepted; text/email with receipt numbers was received
01/30/2017 Law firm finally confirms that USCIS has suspended processing all EB2-NIW cases due to new criteria. 
02/23/2017 USCIS slowly starts adjudicating NIW cases again.
04/21/2017 Extended EAD/AP received in mail. Valid for 2 years. 
05/06/2017 Received a massive RFE on I-140 NIW case.
07/20/2017 RFE response received by USCIS (a very long response with 30 pages of docs)
09/14/2017 I-140 NIW approved!!! 
11/28/2017 RFE for new medical issued (plus another request re Supp J for employment which is clearly issued in error)
12/04/2017 RFE received in mail
12/07/2017 repeated medical exam for I-485
12/08/2017 Attorney receives documents for responding to I-485 RFE
12/21/2017 Response to RFE received by USCIS 
02/09/2018 I-485 approval (text, email) :)
02/08/2018 I-485 approval notice issued (the "welcome letter") - I'm LPR now
02/16/2018 Green card received
 
11/14/2022 Filed N-400 online; receipt and biometrics reuse form received online
03/07/2023 N-400 Interview scheduled 
04/xx/2023 N-400 approved, same-day Oath ceremony completed. I'm a US citizen.
05/xx/2023 US passport in hand

 

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Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Morocco
Timeline

If it's the first  passport after the naturalization,  you will have  to apply  in person and they going to keep the original certificate of citizenship, then  they will mail it to your house with your passport  (after 2 to 3 weeks) 

 

 

Edited by Moha21
Writing mistake
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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Russia
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I know when my wife applied for her passport, she went to the passport agency in Detroit (I believe there is an office in Seattle as well as the OP is showing Washington) and had her passport in a few days with expedited service.  Also, they did not keep the naturalization certificate, but made their own copy and a supervisor approved it.  I know of other folks that had immediate travel and they were able to get a passport in a few hours at the Detroit office.  At my wife's naturalization ceremony, a representative from the passport office came over and reviewed the process at their office.

 

Here is the link for the office in Seattle.

 

Good Luck!

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/where-to-apply/passport-agencies/seattle.html

 

Visa Received : 2014-04-04 (K1 - see timeline for details)

US Entry : 2014-09-12

POE: Detroit

Marriage : 2014-09-27

I-765 Approved: 2015-01-09

I-485 Interview: 2015-03-11

I-485 Approved: 2015-03-13

Green Card Received: 2015-03-24 Yeah!!!

I-751 ROC Submitted: 2016-12-20

I-751 NOA Received:  2016-12-29

I-751 Biometrics Appt.:  2017-01-26

I-751 Interview:  2018-04-10

I-751 Approved:  2018-05-04

N400 Filed:  2018-01-13

N400 Biometrics:  2018-02-22

N400 Interview:  2018-04-10

N400 Approved:  2018-04-10

Oath Ceremony:  2018-06-11 - DONE!!!!!!!

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