Alphonse

Honestly, I believe that it all depends on the interviewing officer at the end. 5 year rule certainly needs less paperwork to file but could end up with more paperwork at the interview stage and again that depends on the interviewer. So whether it be 3 or 5 years, it's better to have all required documentation available just to cover your bases. As you can read on this forum, experiences are mixed. Therefore I would say to file when you are ready to do so because at the end(interview stage), you will bring those anyways

Good luck!

Hello all,

Not to high-jack the post, but it's so similar to my own question that I figured I'd ask here!

My husband will be eligible under the 5 year rule at the end of June this year. Obviously, he could apply now under the 3 year -still married- rule. Would it ultimately be significantly easier for us to wait to apply after his 5 year anniversary, so do you think starting now would be best?

I get online updated 23th March and received mail 26th. My ceremony at 8 am.

Hey Xinruo,

I finally got my oath letter yesterday and it is the 22nd. But I am in the afternoon ceremony. Too bad we could have met if I was in the morning one

Anyway good luck

Just received my Oath letter dated April 7th. Oath is Scheduled at LACC on April 22

Good luck everybody

why is it so hard? I'm going to applying for dual citizen ship I get tired of having to apply for a visa to travel there

I dont know but let me speak from personal experience. Dual Ghanaian-American citizenship is legal but very tricky. Unlike many countries, Ghanaian immigration has passport control when entering into Ghana and when departing from Ghana. When departing from the U.S youll show your U.S passport going through departure formalities because you cant have a returned-ticket to the U.S when you dont have a valid U.S visa in your Ghanaian passport that allows for you to return. Also, the U.S requires that U.S citizens depart from, and enter the U.S on U.S passport. However, entering into Ghana is what presents the most challenge. If you show your Ghanaian passport, theyll put a stamp in it showing the date of arrival. Now, when departing from Ghana, they (the immigration) check the date of arrival and stamp you out (departure date). You cant use your Ghanaian passport to go through departure formalities because the immigration people have to make sure you have a visa to the country of destination. In this case, youll have to use your U.S passport. The challenge is, the immigration people will want to see the date you entered Ghana shown in your U.S passport along with a visa to Ghana since youre using a foreign passport. If you cant show these (you practically cant because you entered on a Ghanaian passport), youre screwed. You have practically set yourself up to be a meal-ticket and by that I mean youll really have to have a few hundred of dollars (it aint just a woo-fin) to be able to make it to your flight. The only safest bet is to ditch your Ghanaian passport and apply for Ghanaian visa when going to Ghana, and by that I mean you practically ditch your Ghanaian citizenship. The Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, DC will ask you to apply for dual-citizenship to have a Ghanaian certificate of citizenship, but Ive got to tell you, getting out of Ghana with the certificate of citizenship along with your U.S passport presents the same challenge a few hundred dollars is unavoidable.

Hello there,

bdawn is right. I have few friends and relatives who went for the dual citizenship but they never used it for international travels. They only use the US passport because of the headache that bdawn explained. Within Ghana, they use their Ghanian IDs and Ghanian passports for administrative purposes but that is about it. I would not say to ditch your Ghanian citizenship but do not use it for traveling internationally( outside of Africa) but you can use it to travel within West Africa

I heard that when applying for US Passport your Original certificate is required and they won't give it back. does this mean that I will have to spend 345 if I want to get another one? or can I just keep my passport and use it as proof of US Citizenship?

Unless you really want the certificate in your files, there is no need to spend such money to get a new certificate. Your passport serves as proof of citizenship. The certificate is only required when you are applying for a US passport the first time. After that is just a renewal process and only requires your old passport I believe

Just a little update since my interview and oath on March 13th(same day).

i applied for my U.S. passport at a U.S.P.S. on Tuesday March 17th and selected regular service which takes about 4-6 weeks. i received my passport today(3 weeks/15 business days) later.

the reason i am stating the above is because i just checked my case status on uscis.gov(just for the heck of it) and it STILL says "interview scheduled March 4th, you'll receive a letter with the date of the interview....."etc. clearly, they aren't very quick with updating online case status.

Hey Sunnysyed,

What's up man? it's been awhile. I am glad that you are officially at the end of your journey after rescheduling your interview twice.

Take care man

Hi,

Most likely I am able to complete my 2014 returns before my interview, but it looks like that I won't have the transcript copies for 2014. As we all know that IRS may take their time to post the transcript copy for 2014. Do you think if the interviewer can insist to see 2014 transcript copy? or tax returns copy would be enough for them? or should I simply file the extension for 2014 taxes and skip all this situation during interview? Just let you know that I have only filed 2012/2013 taxes in United States.

Thank you!

My transcripts were available on the IRS website 5 days after I filed via Turbo Tax, not sure if it makes a difference though. I would say to file now, if the transcripts are not available at the time of interview just bring the returns with you. transcripts are preferred not required.

Hi fellow members of Visa-journey,

I filed my N400 back in January 2014. I got my Green Card base on marriage. However, I divorce before I got my 10 years Green Card and filed for my 10 years Green Card by myself. (5 years rule). Waited 2 months for my biometric to come but didn't happen like I am expecting. Called USCIS twice 1800 numbers, each time is about 30 days wait. Finally my Biometric came around May. I finished my finger print and my first interview was scheduled on July. Went for the first interview, pass my history, reading test but had some problems with my ex-marriage and I/O said a decision cannot be made. My status was changed to (R.F.E) right away and after a few weeks, my lawyer found out that it was a mistake from them, there were no RFE at all. A second interview was scheduled again on the September. During my second interview, I/O focus on my ex-marriage and asked about my ex-wife and children that she has. Asked about their names, date of birth, and where they were born. I did not have any kids with her and properly they were thinking I got my GC base on marriage. My ex-wife cheated on me and that was the only reason that I wanted to leave her. Nothing else. We stayed together over 2 years and she did a stupid mistake that caused an end to the marriage.

Anyway, I went through my 2nd interview and again!!! Decision cannot be made. From then onwards, I did not received any updates from them until January. I called USCIS again to check on my status and a request was send to my local field office (SF) that was working on my case. after two days, 2 immigration officers went to talk to my EX wife and they asked about our ex marriage. She told everything that happened to our marriage. She admitted that she cheated on me and caused an end to the marriage. The wait continued, for another 3 months. Felt like 3 years. I asked many lawyers about my case. Nobody seem to have an answer to my case. They said Wait for their response. None of them mentioned about suing USCIS. They said it will takes 6 months and lots of money will be wasted. So not recommended to sue them unless I really need to. My last lawyer told me to make an INFO PASS again and request to speak to the supervisor. I was prepared to do that during my appointment which was 4/07/15 yesterday. I got approved She said. I was overwhelmed with tears! Yes Yes Yes I am finally out of this wait! Currently I am waiting for my date for my Oath ceremony. Glad that my wait is worthwhile and hope anyone that has similar case like me, don't give up and keep pushing them for an answer! They will response only if you constantly call them and INFO PASS!

One Happy awaiting citizen here now! That is all for my story! Take Care and bless everyone that is going through their N400.

What a relief! Congratulations! I am glad all the wait and worries ended up a good news. Hope you get your oath schedule as soon as possible

A relative of mine who also applied for his citizenship in the first week of November, like me is waiting for his interview. He called the USCIS office regarding his interview date or lack of it and was told, That at the San Francisco office was dealing with August 2014 applications and to call back if he was outside the time line for his application. On asking what is the the time line, he was told he is within it at the moment and thats all the information they had. So I guess the time line is set to what ever the Office wants.

SMH....That rep on the other line is just quoting the website. Not helpful

Hello, co-vjiers i'm scheduled for a us citizenship interview tomorrow. i came here on a K1 visa (fiancee visa). My wife is a us citizen. just wanna know if she needs to come during my citizenship interview. we also have 1 child. do they have to come with me? please advise.

No. It is not a requirement. It is up to you but if it is going to be hard for her and your child to be waiting in the waiting room, I would say not to bring them along. The wait might be long or short depending on the office you are having your interview at. Nice if they can come if not, not a big deal

On April 7, 2015, we scheduled an interview for your Form N-400.

I guess I should start studying for the civic exam, does anybody know a good website to study from, I cant find the book that they gave to me on fingerprints.

Thanks

Congrats, you are one step closer he USCIS website is a good source. it has flash cards, exercises etc

http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/study-test/study-materials-civics-test

We're scheduled for the morning session. Good luck with yours! Almost there.

Nice! It should be a good experience. especially that you will be going through the excitement with your wife together

Congrats to you both!

Hello all

Here is my interview experience for n400

I arrived around 30 min ago after almost an hour i.o called me to his room.

After sworn we went to directly to civic test. After 6 quession went to reading and writting test which was very easy..

After all over he gave me piece of paper saying that you passed the test but decision can not be made at this time.

He said that you brought the alimony paper but its not an english so we have to check it out. Then i told him that i think you did not see it here is the english translation by certified.

Then he told me that oh okay, but still we need to see more proof that you paying your child alimony example written paper from your ex wife..

Then i told him again i think you miss this evidence too, here is the letter saying exactly what you asking from my ex wife..

Then his like oh.. mm.. you know what this letter suppose to have ur ex wife pictured id..

I was like okay there is no way he will let me go

He said that i need to show ur case my supervisor after that we will send u mail about our decision.

So i guess there is nothing i can do for now, i will sit and wait, i dont know till when..

Hi Thunder_Bold,

I can't stop laughing ......I know it was not funny but I feel like that guy was not just ready to approve you. I cannot believe he kept finding something else. I am sure even if you had the picture, he would have found something different. Anyway, there is nothing he can do against you, the supervisor will approve it shortly.

Alphonse, I did get online updates. Status changed from Interview Scheduled to in-line for Oath Ceremony on 3/27/15. Then changed to Oath Ceremony Scheduled on 3/31/15. Received the letter on 4/3/15. For what its worth, I had my interview the same day and same local field office as my wife and she got her online updates and oath letter a full week before I did. I was worried there for a while but my case eventually caught up with hers.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the update man. I had my interview 2 days after yours and barely got online for oath on the 1st. Hope I am gonna be in the April 22nd batch. Are you for the morning or afternoon?

I received my oath letter today. Oath ceremony is scheduled for 4/22/15. Good luck to those with upcoming interviews!!

N-400: December 2014 Applicants

======================================

Hey jnjcontainer,

Did you status changed online?

Hi Nevin,

First of all, I will just tell you to relax, your case is not as complicated as you make it sound. USCIS will not deny you just because you owe taxes. They will adjudicate base on the actions you have taken to address the delinquency. In you case, you have set up a payment plan so you are in good shape. Just make sure that you answer the question accordingly on the N400 form and submit copies of your payment agreement and other taxes. You need to keep the original to show them during the interview should the question arise.

As for the speeding ticket, there is the question on the N400 form pertaining to any arrest, citation etc.. you should say yes to that and provide a copy of the settlement or final notice from the court showing that the fine was taken care of. You are good to go, do not worry too much.

Yes. I would say to wait, get settled in NY first and then apply. USCIS is not reliable in transferring cases. the worst part is, they are not accountable for their own mistakes. If they cannot find your file, they will ask you to reapply.

How long does it usually take for the interview letter to arrive in the mail? It's been almost two weeks since I got scheduled for an interview and still haven't received the letter. Getting worried ?

Mine came from my field office and it took about 4 days after the update online to receive. But I only live 40 miles away from the field office. Depending on where yours is coming from it could be long but I would say if it goes over 2 weeks call them and maybe request a tier 2 rep and see if he can give you a date and if too close to your interview maybe they can fax the letter to you.

Yes. My online statues update " oath letter was mailed"

Ok cool congrats Xinruo! I hope I get an update this week. when did you get your online update and the actual mail? Are you in the 8 am ceremony or the 1 pm one.

Hi Alphonse,

I received oath letter. My oath at 22th, April. Did you receive letter?

No I haven't. I am still waiting. Next Thursday will be 2 weeks since my interview. My status on the website has not changed as well. Did you had your status updated on the USCIS website?

Do you have anyone know, How long between test and oath ceremony in LA? I passed test two weeks ago but online still didn't update.

Hey xinruo,

I was wondering if you have received your oath letter yet

Ok I have been a permanent resident since 10/5/2010 and married with the same person up to now.last year I file head of

household and she does the same with different address.will this affect me under the 3 years rule or wait for the 5 years rule?

Hey Naksowah,

It will not be a good idea to apply under 3-year rule. Remember that providing taxes under 3 year rule is for multiple purposes. It is not jsut to show that you are married to the same person and you filed taxes. It is also to prove that you are living together as shown by the address on the returns or transcripts. If yours show different addresses, then USCIS might think that you were not living in the same house when you filed or they might not even bring that up at all. However, I would not take the chance. Don't be in a rush. Just wait a little bit bro

How can I minimize this risk? Would hiring a lawyer to walk me through the naturalization process help? The lawyer wouldn't be able to join me for the naturalization interview though, would they?

Another question: if I 5 wait years since September 2011, why would there even be any questions about continuing residency? I'll have a clean period of 5 years of living in in the same city and not not being absent from the US for more than 3 weeks at a time or 5 weeks per year in total. If I understand correctly, I only need to put 5 years of travel/absence history in my naturalization application, so why would the issue of extended absence prior to that even come up in this case?

Hi Starper,

If we based your application on you being here for the past 5 years( since September 2011), you would be eligible by June 2016 but if you go from March 2011 you will be eligible by December 2015.

However, I agree with Jimmy as he pointed out that you should wait a little more before applying if you are not in a hurry. I believe that even if they go by the continuous residence requirement, they also consider the general requirement of being a US resident and if they think that you were not entitled to the US residency at some point, they can base their judgement on that to deny you. I am not sure if you had applied for a reentry permit before leaving the US for 2 years but that could maybe help if you had. So maybe wait a little bit to make your residency history a little longer ( bank history, bills, etc..) I would say maybe wait by 2017

I thought I would give my 5 cent but maybe you can check with a lawyer to see what outcome you could expect in this case.

On March 5, 2015, we started the interview scheduling process for your Form N-400

called USCIS today, the answer was they are currently processing the application received on May 17, 2014. So I need to wait for anorther 5 months. This is rediculous, and if no emergency, there is no wasy to expedite this process.

Hi Newbaby,

The USCIS website is not reliable and the CSR on the 800 number just read what they see on the website as well. Not helpful at all. my Field office. According to the website, USCIS since the last update had processed applications for June 19, 2014 applicants. However, I had applied in November 2014 and completed my interview last Thursday. So you should not rely on that update solely. Let's vross fingers and hope you get it soon. Good luck!

Congrats!

Thank you KASH!