JeffInMX

Hey everyone,

My spouse has the N-400 citizenship interview coming up on Monday 4/1. The interview letter says “if applying for naturalization as the spouse of a US citizen”, bring your spouse’s birth or naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. 

We found a copy of my US birth certificate, but can’t seem to find my original. My question is, would it be acceptable to bring my valid US passport instead?

Thanks in advance. 

Jeff

Case was FINALLY approved today June 8, 2018 after 19 long months!!!

Does anyone know if the Biometrics appointment can be moved to a different date by phone or do we really have to request it by mail like it says on the notice?

What was the date on the letter?

December 2nd

Biometrics appointment scheduled for 12/22/2016. Letter received yesterday.

It's a glitch in their system. Don't worry. Good luck!

Haha ok thank you so much for the quick response and the clarification. I just found it weird because they are time stamped like 9 minutes apart.

NOA just received today in the mail.

Receipt date: 11/28/2016

We just received 2 different letters with two different receipt numbers for the I-797 (NOA). It's interesting because both say "Amount Received: $590", same reference number (A Number), BUT different receipt numbers. Only my spouse is applying for ROC, so does anyone have any insight about this? I appreciate it!

Does anyone know if the CSC cashes the checks in the morning or afternoon? Our package was delivered on 11/25/2016 and the check still hasn't been cashed.

I had a 2 year GC and Driver's License for 4 years too (as other guys that posted from Ohio). All will be fine, Cleveland is a big city, i am sure if you go to the BMV around there they will do all good!

Good luck!

Thank you!!

If it helps at all, I went to the BMV on Snow Rd in Parma. Dunno if that's a little out of your way.

Oh ok thank you. Yeah, that's the main location in the Cleveland area. I might go there if the location near me doesn't know the rules. haha I most definitely keep everyone updated when we go in February. (granted we get that NOA1 soon )

Make sure to take an original of the NOA1. When I was there getting my license last year some guy was trying to renew with a photocopy of his NOA1 and the woman told him she couldn't do anything without the original.

Oh, we will for sure! I wouldn't want to drag that process out any longer than it needs to be. haha

i think every dMV is a bit different or do things differently, when i applied for my Michigan drivers license with my 2 year Green Card I was granted with a 4 year driver's license, I dont know if that was a mistake or thats how Michigan does it but it worked out well for me .

Hmm yeah, he already has the 2 year GC and was originally given an Ohio DL, expiring the same date as the 2 year GC.

I think this forum needs is another pinned thread just for DMV issues during ROC.

It would be very good to know which state does what. Could we create a list of states and territories that give 2+ year GCs hence no issues during ROC (best), states that give 2 year GCs and accept NOA letter without an issue (worse), and states that give 2 year GCs but do not accept the NOA and require a I551 stamp to extend the DL (the worst).

Obviously state DL laws change from time to time, a moderator could update the list as new information arrive. What do you guys think?

That would probably be a really great idea!

My last experience with the Ohio BMV was the best I have had. I had just received my two year conditional green card and was renewing my licence. When I got home I saw that they had actually given me a four year licence instead of a two year licence. That makes my licence good through 2019, by which time, I should be a US citizen.

I suppose I should take the licence back to the BMV and get them to correct their mistake but I'm not going to. I sure do hope that I don't lose this licence!

Good luck OP!

Oh, it sounds like you lucked out! Thank you!

Hi, i just moved from Ohio to TX, but can share my experience with BMV.

I applied for Driver's permit back in 2014 - showed them SS card and AOS paper (NOA1) and marriage certificate and letter on my name and address of residence. - it was all good, they did it at the spot.

Later in 2015 applied for DL at the same BMV - showed SS card, letter on my name at the residence i live, and still NOA1 (since it takes forever to get 2 year GC) - again had no problem.

All in all, comparing with TX, Ohio is a peace of cake when it comes to DL all together. Believe me, you are not the only person in Ohio doing ROC, they should know.

Hope it somewhat helps...

Thank you for the response. I'm not sure if we were referring to the same process. It might be different with a Driver's permit. Were you referring to when the 2-year GC AND the Ohio driver's license is about to expire? That's the situation we are in.

My husband had no problem last month. The new expiration date is in a year, so he'll have to renew again once he has his 10yr GC. You shouldn't have a problem unless you're in a smaller town where there (maybe) aren't as many people doing ROC.

Good luck!

I appreciate this reassurance. It helps to know that someone recently went through this situation. We are in the Cleveland area so I'm hoping they have gone through this before.

California Service Center (17 applicants, 0 approved - 0%)

VJName..............Date of I-751...NOA1 Date....Biometrics.....Approved
MARIA&ABDO..........10/31/16.........11/01/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
MICHELLE13..........11/01/16.........11/03/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
NIKKOSAN............11/03/16.........11/07/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
E&G12.05.13.........11/03/16.........11/04/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
THISISGEE...........11/04/16.........11/12/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
TEXANADIAN1.........11/04/16.........11/07/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
YAMIL...............11/05/16.........--/--/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
COTL................11/07/16.........11/09/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
MYCASE17............11/07/16 ........11/09/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
UNCRUSTABLES........11/07/16.........11/08/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
G&O7................11/10/16.........--/--/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
MDZCPA..............11/14/16.........11/15/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--

JESSICATRAN05.......11/14/16.........11/17/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--

ASIANCULTURE....... 11/15/16.........11/17/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
DREWC...............11/17/16.........--/--/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--

LOVING_GIRL.........11/21/16.........--/--/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--
JEFFINMX............11/21/16.........--/--/16.....--/--/16......--/--/--

Vermont Service Center (10 applicants, 0 approved - 0%)

VJName..............Date of I-751...NOA1 Date.....Biometrics.....Approved
BLUEBERRYPANCAKE....10/29/16.........11/01/16.......11/30/16......--/--/--
ADVICE_APPLE........11/02/16.........11/07/16.......--/--/16......--/--/--
LAS1023.............11/03/16.........11/07/16.......--/--/16......--/--/--
MEEHAN..............11/03/16.........11/04/16.......--/--/16......--/--/--
MRSDIETCOKE.........11/04/16.........11/07/16.......--/--/16......--/--/--
MAKO1017............11/05/16.........11/07/16.......--/--/16......--/--/--
JCI130..............11/09/16.........11/14/16.......--/--/16......--/--/--
HUSBAND_WIFE........11/11/16.........11/16/16.......--/--/16......--/--/--
BOB&ORLANDO.........11/17/16.........--/--/16.......--/--/16......--/--/--
TEDDY_K.............11/18/16.........--/--/16.......--/--/16......--/--/--

**This is specifically for those in Ohio that are in the process of removing conditions on the permanent residency (I-751 form).

My spouse's Ohio driver's license will expire in February (also when his 2-year permanent resident card will expire) and we want to know what your experience has been with the Ohio BMV, as far as showing the NOA1 as proof that the green card has been extended for 1 year.

Thanks for your help!

Ya I heard u could have it picked up in another state in mexico but my husbands from Campeche so.....Not gunna happen lol.Were stucking in Juarez till we get it! Lol and his appt is on a Friday so I feel like that might delay things more...

Oh ok. It might even be available by that Saturday. You'll just have to watch its status online. Good luck!

***Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.***

**Moderator hat off**

If you go to the US with the CR-1 visa in hand, it will be activated by CBP. While you can return to Mexico at the end of the weekend, you will probably want to finish up all your business there within 6 months to avoid unwanted scrutiny.

Ok, thank you! That's what we have been seeing while looking around on the internet.

Thanks. Sounds like you're on a CR-1, which I believe enables you to make entry, get the I-551 stamp, and go back. However, if you're K-3, you must stay in the U.S. and adjust status. Be sure!

Calling ahead would also enable the port to gather some extra agents during the process, to learn how it's done. Ask them if this is something that they'd like to do -- they'd probably be thrilled at your thoughtfulness.

When you report your experience, of course report it as a POE review, and post a new thread in this forum with title "CR-1 Land Entry at Presidio, Texas POE" or similar. This would make it searchable later.

Where do you live now? When you get the chance, visit Boquillas (in the national park).

I currently live in the city of Chihuahua.

And yes, my spouse is a CR-1.

Nice lol but why do u say it like that is that not the good service lol?

No, I'm not saying it like that at all. We only chose to have it sent back to the city we live in because weren't planning on staying in Juarez after the interview was complete. Most people who are coming from out of state/out of the country usually pick it up while they are in Juarez.

1. Calling ahead would score big points and would make the harried CBP agents feel appreciated. The benefit is that they know to expect you and you know that they are expecting you and might process you more rapidly than if you merely showed up.

2. Just the "brownie points" that come from accompanying the beneficiary on such a big day, and letting the CBP agents see the real, live U.S. citizen connected with the K-1.

3. OJ/Presidio is a wonderful port (I was just through there <11 months ago), and in my opinion preferable to El Paso. Call ahead, just as a courtesy. Weekdays after 4 p.m. tend to be congested. In addition, a caution: If you plan to continue driving north from Presidio on U.S. 67, beware the inland CBP station just south of Alpine. My experiences there (as a USC!), and my opinions of them, aren't fit for print.

I like the "Al Super" store in Ojinaga.

Edited to add: Whichever port you choose, let us know your detailed experience. More people here need to hear about land entry. A report about OJ/Presidio would be highly valuable, and possibly unprecedented.

Thank you SO MUCH for clarifying all of that!

Now that you say you just went through OJ/Presidio less than 11 month ago, maybe that sounds like a better idea. After all, it is closer to where I live than Juarez.

I don't know if I am a K-1?? I am the U.S. Citizen spouse of the permanent resident. Would that be a K-3?

We are literally planning to go to the POE, turn in the packet, and then probably turn around and head home. We still haven't finalized the moving plans, but want to turn in the visa packet before the 6 months are up.

Um It's the one that starts with a Z...Zaratoga or something like that lol

Ahhh Zaragoza? Ok, so you will be picking it up in Juarez while you are there for the interview? I've read that it usually only takes a day or two to arrive.

Okay Thanks.My husbands appointment is on a friday,im so worried its going to take forever to actually get the visa lol

Good luck! Where will you have it sent to?

I actually don't have any advice on this,were not there yet but I actually have a random question!? Did it take that long to get your visa from December or is this just when you guys decided to come back?How was ur visit to Juarez?

We actually both currently live in the city of Chihuahua, and the visa arrived in only about 2 or 3 business days. We are just now deciding to go to the border to turn in the visa packet (there is a 6 month time limit).

The visit to Juarez was fine. We have been there many times before, crossing through, only because we live about 3.5 hours away and that's how we go to El Paso, Texas. There's really nothing to worry about in Juarez at this time.

Thanks for your reply. I never even though about calling ahead. Don't thousands of people cross all of the time? Why wouldn't they have adequate staffing at the El Paso border?

What exactly do you mean by "your presence as the petitioner is a boon"?

We thought about crossing at the Ojinaga/Presidio POE, but we are not sure yet. Anyone have any experience?

My spouse and I are planning to head to the Juarez, Mexico/El Paso, Texas border this weekend to turn in my spouse's Visa packet and would like to know what the process is for turning in that packet. Is it very simple, as in just turning it over to the agents and being on our way or what else is involved? Has anyone done the POE recently? What questions, if any, were asked? Thank you for any help that can be provided.

FHmaya, I am also wondering the same thing. My spouse was approved in the beginning of December. We are planning on going to the border (we currently live in Chihuahua, Mexico) this Sunday to take the packet and do the POE before the 6 months are up. Anyone have any advice?

sometime after his POE date, it's hard to forecast.

you paying an ELIS fee?

I'm not even sure what that is.