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Posted

Hi All,

 

I’m preparing for the interview in a few days. I’ve studied the civics/history test questions (v 2008, really basic stuff), but what to expect for the English test? What blind spots do applicants often have for that part of the test? I’m not particularly worried about it but I don’t wanna leave anything to chance.

 

Applying on the 5-year LPR basis, I’m bringing the listed documents, which is my basically the interview notice, the GC, the last passport, and the originals of some of the documents I submitted with the N-400 (some of which are irreplaceable). This part is pretty straightforward. But for the additional documents/materials I’m bringing:

 

* IRS tax transcripts for the last six years

* State tax summary showing zero balance and the filings

* All the I-20 and H1B visa approvals (copies)

* I-140 and I-485 approval notices (originals)

* Passports for the last 20+ years (all expired, I do not have a valid foreign passport)

* Passport photos

* Printed N-400 form and the addendum

* A recent paycheck and employment verification to show that I’m still in the same field of study (an NIW-based GC).

* Random receipts such as car insurance and registration to show that I fulfill the physical requirements (not sure what else to include here)

* AR-11 forms (last two)

* Organizations (this one is huge): emails, website pages, etc, of various professional and volunteering organizations that I have participated in. This is an open question and I’m just not sure how much material to gather… It’s hard to know what to even list without assuming that they are looking for “problematic” organizations like extremists, Nazis, terrorists, etc, and are not interested in a museum membership, for example.

 

That’s it. It amounts to 240 pages of copies and a few pounds of the originals. Anything else I should bring? Thanks a lot!

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

 

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Australia
Timeline
Posted (edited)
10 minutes ago, randomstairs said:

Hi All,

 

I’m preparing for the interview in a few days. I’ve studied the civics/history test questions (v 2008, really basic stuff), but what to expect for the English test? What blind spots do applicants often have for that part of the test? I’m not particularly worried about it but I don’t wanna leave anything to chance.

 

Applying on the 5-year LPR basis, I’m bringing the listed documents, which is my basically the interview notice, the GC, the last passport, and the originals of some of the documents I submitted with the N-400 (some of which are irreplaceable). This part is pretty straightforward. But for the additional documents/materials I’m bringing:

 

* IRS tax transcripts for the last six years

* State tax summary showing zero balance and the filings

* All the I-20 and H1B visa approvals (copies)

* I-140 and I-485 approval notices (originals)

* Passports for the last 20+ years (all expired, I do not have a valid foreign passport)

* Passport photos

* Printed N-400 form and the addendum

* A recent paycheck and employment verification to show that I’m still in the same field of study (an NIW-based GC).

* Random receipts such as car insurance and registration to show that I fulfill the physical requirements (not sure what else to include here)

* AR-11 forms (last two)

* Organizations (this one is huge): emails, website pages, etc, of various professional and volunteering organizations that I have participated in. This is an open question and I’m just not sure how much material to gather… It’s hard to know what to even list without assuming that they are looking for “problematic” organizations like extremists, Nazis, terrorists, etc, and are not interested in a museum membership, for example.

 

That’s it. It amounts to 240 pages of copies and a few pounds of the originals. Anything else I should bring? Thanks a lot!

English test .. read a simple 5-6 word sentence. Write a simple dictated 5-6 word sentence 

 

Likely the interviewer will want to see nothing that you have listed but youve got it if needed 

Edited by Lil bear
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Myanmar
Timeline
Posted
21 minutes ago, randomstairs said:

but what to expect for the English test?

You will have to read aloud a sentence. Then you will be verbally given a sentence and told to write it out.

 

The vocabulary of English for these two tests is limited. 
 

The writing vocabulary is https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/writing_vocab.pdf

 

Reading is: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/reading_vocab.pdf

 

28 minutes ago, randomstairs said:

What blind spots do applicants often have for that part of the test?

I saw a case posted this year where the applicant passed the civics and english test, then was told to wait while the ISO left the room.

 

Instead the applicant got up to follow the ISO. Enraged, the ISO failed the applicant on the grounds the applicant did not understand English.

Posted
1 hour ago, Mike E said:

I saw a case posted this year where the applicant passed the civics and english test, then was told to wait while the ISO left the room.

 

Instead the applicant got up to follow the ISO. Enraged, the ISO failed the applicant on the grounds the applicant did not understand English.

That is terrifying. I'm almost as concerned about my own nervousness than the actual case. Also my penmanship is atrocious - I've a PhD from a US institution but I'm worried about the writing test for this reason lol 

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

 

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Myanmar
Timeline
Posted
1 minute ago, randomstairs said:

That is terrifying. I'm almost as concerned about my own nervousness than the actual case. Also my penmanship is atrocious - I've a PhD from a US institution but I'm worried about the writing test for this reason lol 

Afaik, the written portion is done on a tablet.

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Australia
Timeline
Posted
2 hours ago, randomstairs said:

That is terrifying. I'm almost as concerned about my own nervousness than the actual case. Also my penmanship is atrocious - I've a PhD from a US institution but I'm worried about the writing test for this reason lol 

Reading / Writing test on ipad. Handwriting not tested 

Posted
6 hours ago, Mike E said:

Afaik, the written portion is done on a tablet.

That's even harder as I don't use a tablet. The only legible text I can print on the tablet is in all capital letters. Is that sufficient? 

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

 

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Myanmar
Timeline
Posted
11 minutes ago, randomstairs said:

That's even harder as I don't use a tablet. The only legible text I can print on the tablet is in all capital letters. Is that sufficient? 

What are you typing on now?

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Australia
Timeline
Posted (edited)
33 minutes ago, randomstairs said:

That's even harder as I don't use a tablet. The only legible text I can print on the tablet is in all capital letters. Is that sufficient? 

Oh you are way way over thinking this :. You will have your self in hospital with an ulcer from worrying !!! Breathe. Its type the words on screen based read/ write ..  chill !!! 😁

Edited by Lil bear
Posted
19 minutes ago, Mike E said:

What are you typing on now?

Oh, typing is not the issue, ofc. I've never used a stylus before. If I write on the touch screen of my laptop it is worse than writing with a pen and paper. Although, I'm getting better with a bit of practice lol

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

 

Posted
2 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

Oh you are way way over thinking this :. You will have your self in hospital with an ulcer from worrying !!! Breathe. Its type the words on screen based read/ write ..  chill !!! 😁

Lol. You're probably right. Thanks for the advice. 

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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