meadowzephyr

On 3/12/2022 at 7:50 AM, melusine10 said:

Hi, I’m on the same boat. Did you ever receive the name change certificate?

Hi there! No, I didn't. We appealed on the basis of an USCIS error. My husband wanted to remove his second last name. That's how it appears on the certificate, without the second last name. They informed us that since a name was removed and not changed per say, the name that appeared on the certificate is his legal name and we don't need a name change document. 🤷🏾‍♀️ Let me know if this isn't clear.

An error was made on my husband's Naturalization Certificate. He filed for a replacement in July. A situation has come up where he may qualify for an expedite. Is there any way to request an expedite online? Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello everyone!

Long story short, my husband had to apply for a naturalization certificate replacement due to a USCIS error. So far everything has been smooth sailing. Friday he has his biometric appointment in Alexandria, Virginia. Does anyone know what we should expect?

On 7/20/2021 at 11:07 AM, illidanx said:

Confirmed. I had mine at USCIS field office in Houston, no judge present yet I still received my name change document along with my certificate.

How do you know that no judge was present? I'm not challenging you. I'm just curious. 

On 4/7/2021 at 8:43 AM, Scandi said:

Doesn't matter if the ceremony is held in a courtroom, a park or at a circus, he should still get form N-662 together with his certificate. 

 

USCIS sends the name change request to the court, a judge approves and signs it, and USCIS receives the form back. They then make a copy of it and attach it to the Naturalization certificate that the new citizen gets after the oath ceremony. 

Hello @Scandi I hope you are well! I just wanted to provide you with an update on this, in case you run into this question again in the future.  I also think it will help any future readers of this thread.

I spoke with an IO manager and he told me that where you take your oath absolutely affects whether your name has been legally changed. You can only have your named changed at a  judicial ceremony with anauthorized federal  judge present. This type of oath ceremony takes place in a courthouse (or Zoom during COVID-19). Once he found out that my husband took his oath at the Fairfax USCIS office he immediately informed me that no name change took place. That's why we didn't receive the N-662.

I hope this is helpful. Take care and I wish you a smooth visa journey.

Good morning,

On March 27th my husband took his oath as a US Citizen. He opted to get his name change. Although his new name appears on his naturalization form, we're more than a month out of his ceremony has not received the N-662 proof of a name change document, although he received the Naturalization certificate immediately.

Any suggestions on what we should so?

THANK YOU!

On 4/7/2021 at 8:43 AM, Scandi said:

Doesn't matter if the ceremony is held in a courtroom, a park or at a circus, he should still get form N-662 together with his certificate. 

 

USCIS sends the name change request to the court, a judge approves and signs it, and USCIS receives the form back. They then make a copy of it and attach it to the Naturalization certificate that the new citizen gets after the oath ceremony. 

Sorry, I'm late to this. Thanks for your response. This didn't happen. That's why I'm concerned. We're more than a month out of his ceremony and still have no proof of name change, although he received the Naturalization certificate immediately. 😟

On 4/5/2021 at 2:09 PM, jxn said:

Does the oath ceremony need to be in your home state or is that no longer the case due to coronavirus (or was it never the case?). My impression was that all DC naturalizations occurred at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia / E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse. I know the DC ASCs are in Alexandria, VA and Glenmont, MD and the field office is in Fairfax, VA, but at least as of a few years ago the Fairfax field office wouldn't do naturalizations for DC residents. I don't know about Virginia residents. Following your question out of curiosity—good luck!

You're right. It ocurred in Fairfax.

Good afternoon!

My husband took his oath for US citizenship on March 17, 2021. He requested for his name to be changed. His oath ceremony was held at Washington DC USCIS office.  However, since the oath ceremony didn't take place at a courthouse, he has not received a legal document regarding his name change. Although, his new name does appear on his naturalization certificate. 

Will the naturalization certificate be sufficient for him to update his social security card with his new name? Or will a name change document be arriving in the mail?

Thank you!

5 minutes ago, elin123 said:

Hello. What document should you bring to the interview (based on a 5 year rule)? I have not received an interview letter yet, but I just wanted to check for the future.

Your Interview Letter

Your Passport that has your original Visa and that shows all of your intl trips in the last 5 years.

Your Driver's License/State ID

Green Card

It's highly advisable that you also bring tax transcripts from the last 5 years and any documents proving that you've resolved any traffic violations if you have any. 

3 hours ago, Boston19 said:

Congratulations 🎉🎈🍾🎊! You must be relieved because of the BC being a non issue.

 

Mind telling us about the modified oath if you are comfortable?

did that increase your processing times by additional scrutiny ?

 

 

THANK YOU! 😊

The modified oath doesn't appear to have increased processing time at all. Very happy about that. He explained his reasons and the IO was very understanding. 

4 hours ago, Scandi said:

@meadowzephyr Congratulations! It does indeed feels a bit surreal to finally be done with everything immigration related. It's a great feeling but I'm a bit crazy so I'll probably miss it too as it's been such a big part of my life for several years now.

Thank you @Scandi I can relate to what you're saying.

Hello Everyone!

My sincere gratitude for all the help that you offered in these months leading up to my husband's Citizenship interview. Our journey has come to an end! March 16th was my husband's interview. Here's a little about our experience: If you are scheduled for the Fairfax office, there is free parking in front of the building. But it is limited, so you must arrive early. My husband went to the entrance 15 minutes before his interview as instructed in the letter.

He said that he was let in and passed through security. Here is the interesting thing: you are not only allowed to have your cellphone, but it is the way you will be called for the interview. My husband turned his off and the IO had to walk downstairs to get him. Oops. 

He said that she was EXTREMELY friendly. She made him feel at ease.

She started right away with the civic questions. From what he could remember they were:

• Who is the father of our country?
• Name one Native American tribe.
• Name one branch of the federal government.
• What is one freedom guaranteed in the Bill of Rights?

He couldn't remember the others. But he got them all right.

She told him to write on an iPad. "Everyone wants to vote."  I can't remember what the reading question was.

She asked him about our last trip and got excited when he said Mexico. She's heard a lot about Tulum. 😄 She asked  about his current address, employment, job, what I do and where I work and she asked him about his history paying taxes. She didn't ask for our tax transcripts although we had them ready. She asked him about a traffic citation that he had and was pleased that he brought the original paperwork and fine payment receipt. So bring any paperwork. This makes a good impression. You all were right, she did not ask for my birth certificate at all. After that she asked the final oath questions (he had a modified oath), and cleared up some things on the form, then she congratulated him! We were over the moon when he told me the good news. I was waiting in the car. hahaha

Another thing to note Washington DC folks--the ceremony was the next day! So, it may be a good idea to take off two days from work instead of just one. We were very happy about this. We just booked another night at our hotel and called my husband's job. They were thrilled and happily gave him the day off. Today was the super quick oath ceremony. The officials apologized for a more subdued ceremony and congratulated each new citizen. And then we were on our way! 

It's absolutely surreal that his journey from K1 visa holder to citizen is over just like that! This site has been an immense help! Thank you to each one of you for help, answers and reviews. We could not have done it so affordably without you. For those still waiting, I wish you the best. You're at the final stretch. I'm happy to answer any questions. 

A peaceful journey to all!

6 hours ago, Boston19 said:

Then your passport is the best option right now ( unless someone else has a better idea ). Wouldn’t hurt to start the process to get the BC  and you can maybe supplement your passport with the BC retrieval details e.g fees paid, order received email.

 

 

I appreciate you taking the time to answer. Thank you so much!

1 hour ago, Scandi said:

Since he's filing under the 5 year rule he's filing based on 5 years as an LPR, he's not filing based on his marriage to you. So chances are they won't care one bit to see anything that has to do with you other than possibly the marriage certificate, but even that is probably low chance. 

 

I filed under the 3 year rule and brought my USC husband's birth certificate AND passport, I was never asked for any of it. I wasn't asked for the marriage certificate either. All she wanted to see were things only specific to me other than the latest tax return that me and hubby filed jointly. She asked for my greencard, driver's license and passports. That's it.

I thought this might be the case. Thanks so much for this detailed response!

1 hour ago, Boston19 said:

I carried my wife’s original BC but wasn’t asked to display at the interview. How long do you have? You can request the county for the BC. It took 2 weeks for it to come in the mail. 
 

I am not sure about carrying your passport. If the IO is satisfied with the country of birth on the passport, then it should suffice. If he is adamant on the BC then it could be a sticky matter. Did you submit a copy with the application?

Unfortunately, the interview is on Tuesday. 😟 I didn't submit it with the packet.

My husband and I are preparing all that he needs for his interview. He is applying on the basis of 5 years as a US Citizen. He came on a K1 visa and I was the petitioner. We just realized that we can't find the original copy of my birth certificate, although we have a color copy. 😭 Will this suffice?  I am also going to give him my passport as well. Thanks everyone for your help!

1 hour ago, Boston19 said:

Hi All,

My journey ended last week.

Timelines:

Application based on 3 year rule.

 

5/28/2020 - application received notice.

12/11/2020 - biometrics reuse notice.

12/21/2020 - interview notice

02/04/2021 - physical interview

03/11/2021 - oath ceremony 

 

Interview was straightforward. IO did mention, I was lucky as the day before all systems were down and all the interviews for that day had to be rescheduled.

 

6 questions boom.

1 reading

1 writing.

 

Went over the application. Asked me if anything had changed. I said my physical address ( bought a new house)  new work company and weight gain due to Corona. He chuckled.

Any crimes ? He asked this sternly with an audible change in his voice. I said yes, moving violation tickets promptly paid off. He asked me for documentation.

I said it is still in the mail from the DMV and haven’t received my drivers record yet due to slow postal services holiday season, Corona et al. I mentioned, if I hadn’t paid off the tickets, then, there would’ve been warrants issued for me which would have been caught in the background check. IO was satisfied with my answer.

 

IO collected recent documents which proved marriage in good faith.

1) Mortgage + title in our names.

2) Insurances (health + auto )

3) rental accommodation leases showing our names

 

Printed out the naturalization interview result with tick marks on both English + US  history AND congrats you have been recommended for approval check boxes.

 

I was in and out in 40 minutes right from security check to approval. Actual interview was 25 minutes tops.

 

I was extra careful about the time between post interview and oath ceremony so as not to gather any tickets. Bit of a lead foot. Not into drugs/alcohol/weapons/major/minor crimes so that was easy.

 

Reached the oath ceremony 1/2 hour before. They collected just the 10 year card and the questionnaire of if anything changed post interview. There were around 40 people. Strictly no hugging, kissing, pictures within the building. You can celebrate outside the building.

Again 40 minutes from security check to receiving naturalization certificate. Actual ceremony 17 minutes.

 

Best of luck to all who are waiting.

I might not respond to questions if any rightaway, but, eventually whenever I get to it, I will. This is a great community with tonnes of resources and guidance.

 

Sincere thank you to all contributors!

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for this detailed review! Did they go over section 12 question by question or did they just summarize and skip around?

 @CLT_CZ2020 I am happy for you. Thanks for the tips about bringing every doc you can think of.

On 3/2/2021 at 11:13 AM, Dashinka said:

The instructions say that he should bring it along with any other marital status information such as divorce decrees, etc.  Whether the IO will actually ask to see it is another matter.

 

Good Luck!

 

Below is a list of documents to bring with you to your Form N-400 interview.

1. Permanent Resident Card.

2. State-Issued Identification. Bring a valid State-issued identification, such as a driver’s license.

3. Passports and Travel Documents. Bring valid and expired passports, as well as any travel documents issued by USCIS.

4. Evidence of Your Current Legal Marital Status. Bring the original of all marriage certificates, divorce or annulment decrees, death certificates, and other official records to confirm your marital history and your current legal marital status.

5. Evidence of the Termination of Your Spouse’s Prior Marriage(s). Bring the original of your current spouse’s divorce certificate. If your spouse is widowed, bring the original of his or her former spouse’s death certificate. If neither of these are available, bring any other evidence that indicates the termination of your spouse’s marriage for consideration.

 

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/n-400instr.pdf

Just now seeing this. Thanks so much!

1 hour ago, mushroomspore said:

Always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

Thank you! Good advice.

Hello Everyone,

My husband arrived to the US on a K1 visa in 2012. He became a permanent resident in 2013. He finally applied for his citizenship last year based on 5 years of continuous residency.

Do you think it's necessary for him to bring our marriage certificate to the Naturalization interview? He has it in two weeks and we're trying to get everything ready. Thanks for your help!

11 hours ago, MXcompadre said:

Check their USCIS Fairfax website FSO website, it will provide you with that information. 

Thank you for responding! I had checked already but it only said "limited public parking available." So I wasn't sure if it was free or not.

But I did find a review on Yelp a that says you have to pay for parking at the back of the building for anyone that has a similar question.

4 hours ago, NVE said:

Im just writing here to give an update on Los Angeles. (Marriage 3 years)
Applied for N400 on may 3rd 2020, received reuse biometrics late december 2020, mid january 2021 I received a letter that my interview was scheduled in Los Angeles for feb 22, yesterday (feb 22) went to the interview and passed, took 15 min after the officer called my name in the lobby, they asked me 6 questions from the 100, got every one of them correct, read and wrote a sentence and they ask me couple questions, they didnt ask for any other paperwork other than ID, green card and passport. Even though I brought taxes, pics etc etc... after the officer said I passed the tests and was approved to become a citizen she scheduled a date for my oth ceremony which is tomorrow (2 days after the interview). I hope everyone in this forum gets their interviews soon. This entire journey is very stressfull and wish everyone the best! 

Were you asked all of the questions from the N400 application?

A quick question for anyone who had their citizenship interview at the DC (Fairfax) USCIS office-

Is there free parking at the office?

Thank you!

37 minutes ago, Linyahui said:

 

 

I checked hubby's USCIS online account after I read your message and his interview has been scheduled, too! I am so happy!! I think the news is still sinking in for him; when I woke him up at 3:00 am to share the good news, he mumbled 'hooray' and went back to sleep. Ha!

 

His interview is scheduled for March 19, 2021. The notice posted to the online account didn't indicate whether I should attend the interview, too. I assume I should, since he filed the N-400 based on marriage to me, a U.S. citizen. Does anyone know?

 

Also, since his i-751 is still pending, does anyone know if the March 19 interview will be a combo interview? The case status for the i-751 still says "case is ready to be scheduled for an interview," not "interview is scheduled."

Thanks!

 

Wowww! That's awesome news. Congrats! The letter said that no  one can accompany my husband. But he is not applying based on being married for three years. So it may be different for you. My husband has been a resident for almost 8 years.

Hopefully someone who knows will answer.