TheCaptain

Yay!! Finally!! After just over a month of waiting, I logged into my account this morning and my oath ceremony has been scheduled!!
 

Hi there, Thought I would pop in to update the timeline for December Filers.
Yesterday was my Oath Ceremony at Sauder Village Archbold Ohio.  I was so tuned in to being careful what I took there.  I expected some type of security check..nope nothing.  Was a hot and muggy day. We arrived early and went straight inside.. around 9.30 am they were ready for around 50 of us, we went into a room  given instructions about how it all will work and waited to be asked to the table and sign our names on the certificate we receive big white envelope and a bag of goodies.  Then walked out of the room. We had heaps of time till 11 am ceremony so we took this opportunity to look around the Village..was some really cool things to look at.
 
Found our seats with pamphlets about the ceremony. Before the ceremony began we all had to get up for a group photo.  So many people in front of us taking photos I couldn't even see my hubby but he did get 2 in horrid looks on my face lol..
The Judge was from where we lived (fingers crossed I don't have to meet him again in his court lol)  The Judge got us to stand up when our Country was called out. This was to show the diversity of all the applicants waiting to say the Pledge of Allegance 🙋‍♀️ on this 243rd Birthday of America. I was sitting next to a fellow Aussie  and there was another lady on the other side in the N surname section, they had us seated in alphabetical order..  After all the speeches our names were called out and we went to receive our Naturalisation Certificates. Lots of hands to shake and was nice to be warmly greeted with smiles and congrats.. and that was that.. I went to work on the way home  showed them my certificate and my manager said ok cool when do you want to come back to work.I said after the World Cup Final. Yep she looked at me weird like...I said Football, still a strange look.. ok ⚽...she shrugged!   I will always chant Aussie Aussie Aussie when the need arises though. 😊😊..lol.. THE END!

Thanks!
Yeah I saw that you are for the 4th of July! What an amazing date to take the oath and become a citizen!
My online status has not changed yet, it is still showing "You attended the interview". I have my fingers crossed that my oath ceremony will be somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd week of July as we are going on vacation at the end of the week to Australia for two weeks. I booked the trip back in August of 2018 so I was lucky when I was given the notice for my interview on the 14th June.
 
I got my daughter to quiz me on all the questions in the days leading up to the interview. She enjoyed watching me squirm with answering some of the history questions because she had to learn it all in school and had fun paying it forward. Lol!
 

Hi Teacake,
 
1) Bring everything you can with you to the interview. They may or may not need it but its always better to have it and not need it rather than not have it and need it.
2) Copies are fine for everything. They do not require any originals as they have everything in your file. It all relates back to #1.
3) I have not heard anything about that and I did not take a CV with me when I went for my interview back in 2014.
 
Make sure that you have everything physically printed in one file or folder. The US Consulate at the MLC building is technically US Soil so you will go through security and will not be able to take any bags/phones etc beyond the initial checkpoint. Security will store your bag/case etc for you while you are there and you will be able to collect it when you come back downstairs but you will not be able to take it in with you.
 
Good Luck!

Hi,
Sorry it took me a few days to get back on here to give everyone a update.
 
My interview was scheduled for 11:00am and I arrived a little early about 10:15am. The letter mentioned not to be there more than 30 minutes before your interview but the waiting area on the 3rd floor was almost completely empty so there was definitely no issue.
Citizenship interviews take place on the 3rd floor so after passing security you follow the signs and take the escalators/elevators to the 3rd floor.
 
Check-in was a breeze. The receptionist takes your interview letter and asks you if you had any legal representation. The interview letter is stamped with your arrival time and you are given a number. There are two doors on the 3rd floor. The receptionist will indicate on your ticket which door to sit and wait to be called.
I was called by the officer pretty much at exactly 11:00am and we walked through door 2 down a hallway and to his office.
 
After the initial identification questions asking if I was changing my name the IO validated my passport and green card.
The IO then discussed information relating to my wife. Questions included how long we had been married and if either my wife or myself were previously married. (Since I was applying under the 3 year rule).
 
After that we got straight into the Civics Test. 
 
My questions were:-
1) How many justices on the Supreme Court?
2) What are the first three words in the Declaration of Independence?
3) We elect a president for how many years?
4) What age do you need to be to vote?
5) Who was the first President?
6) Name one of the writers of the Federalist Papers?
As I answered the first 6 questions correctly they stop the test and continue on with the rest of the interview.
 
The IO then discussed the last time I had traveled outside of the US, what countries were visited and for how long etc.
 
The IO then asked a number of Yes/No questions regarding alliances with foreign governments, military service, etc (All of these questions were asked in your initial N400 application)
 
Once this is complete the IO moved into the reading/writing portion of the interview. This part was completed using an iPad.
The IO ask me to read a sentence that was displayed on the iPad. My question was "What is the capital of the United States"
The IO then asked me to answer the question. The IO verbally stated the answer and then asked me to write on the iPad. "Washington DC is the Capital"
 
The IO then displayed a document that related to the oath of allegiance. The IO will ask you to read through a text version of the oath and get you to sign to verify that you understand and accept the oath.
 
Lastly the IO will display on the iPad your full name as you want it to appear on your Citizenship Certificate. After ensuring that all the information is correct you are asked to again sign to confirm the information is correct and you understand.
 
That was the last step for me. The IO informed me that he was recommending my application for approval and I was given a sheet of paper with the IO's name and that he was recommending my application for approval.
 
Hope this information helped!
 

Just received notification of my interview date.
 
N-400: December 2018 Applicants ================================== USCIS Online Filing ================================== UserName.........|GC-Date.|Sent.|Cashd|NOA..|Fprints.|In Line..|Int ltr..|Intrview.|Pass |Oath.....|Field Office......|NBC/IOE Amhara...........|03/18/16|12/22|12/22|12/22|01/18/19|03/05/19 |03/06/19 |04/23/19 | |--/--/--.|Tucson, AZ........|IOE Leo7777(for wife)|10/20/15|12/06|12/08|12/08|01/09/19|--/--/-- |02/19/19 |03/26/19 |Yes |04/24/19 |Pittsburgh, PA....|IOE Jessica Donahue..|02/18/16|12/08|12/08|12/08|01/04/19|--/--/-- |05/01/19 |06/05/19 | |--/--/-- |San Diego, CA.....|IOE Zeta054..........|10/14/15|12/15|12/15|12/15|01/02/19|--/--/-- |--/--/-- |--/--/-- | |--/--/-- |San Francisco, CA.|IOE Kath2506.........|10/25/06|12/07|12/08|12/10|01/09/19|--/--/-- |--/--/-- |06/04/19 | |--/--/-- |Detroit, MI.......|IOE Beatka1..........|03/28/14|12/28|12/28|12/28|01/09/19|--/--/-- |--/--/-- |--/--/-- | |--/--/-- |Chicago,IL........|IOE Natonstan........|03/16/15|12/13|12/13|12/?.|01/03/19|--/--/-- |--/--/-- |--/--/-- | |--/--/-- |Dallas, TX........|IOE TheCaptain.......|02/09/16|12/06|12/08|12/10|12/26/18|--/--/-- |05/10/19 |06/15/19 | |--/--/-- |Chicago, IL.......|IOE Bperes...........|03/17/16|12/18|12/18|12/19|01/11/19|--/--/-- |--/--/-- |--/--/-- | |--/--/-- |Chicago, IL.......|IOE hobbitspouse.....|03/03/16|12/02|12/08|12/07|12/13/19|--/--/-- |--/--/-- |--/--/-- | |--/--/-- |Chicago, IL.......|IOE Pickle...........|07/17/15|12/13|12/13|12/15|12/31/18|--/--/-- |02/25/19 |04/08/19 |Yes |04/26/19 |Oklahoma City, OK.|IOE kkg325...........|02/07/16|12/03|12/03|12/03|12/17/18|--/--/--.|--/--/-- |--/--/-- | |--/--/--.|Hartford, CT......|IOE Journey_Man......|--/--/--|12/12|12/12|12/12|12/27/18|--/--/--.|02/26/19 |04/02/19 |Yes |TBS--/--.|San Diego, CA.....|IOE torres10 ........|--/--/--|12/10| - - |- - -|- - - - |--/--/--.|--/--/-- |--/--/-- | |--/--/--.|Kansas City, MO ..|IOE APK2019 ........|--/--/--|12/31| - - |- - -|- - - - |--/--/--.|--/--/-- |--/--/-- | |--/--/--.|Los Angeles, CA ..|IOE knicker .........|--/--/--|12/14| - - |- - -|12/19/18|--/--/-- |02/22/19 |04/03/19 |Yes |Scheduled|San Diego, CA ....|IOE ================================== Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox ================================== UserName.........|GC-Date.|Sent.|Cashd|NOA..|Fprints.|In Line..|Int ltr..|Intrview.|Pass |Oath.....|Field Office.. |NBC/IOE karvarall........|09/10/13|12/31|01/02|01/03|01/23/19|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.| |--/--/--.|Dallas, TX.... |IOE ================================== USCIS Chicago, Illinois Lockbox ================================== UserName.........|GC-Date.|Sent.|Cashd|NOA..|Fprints.|In Line..|Int ltr..|Intrview.|Pass |Oath.....|Field Office.. |NBC/IOE .................|--/--/--|--/--|--/--|--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.| |--/--/--.|?????????????. |... =========================================================================== USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Filing Under 319b, 328, or 329 of the INA) =========================================================================== UserName.........|GC-Date.|Sent.|Cashd|NOA..|Fprints.|In Line..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Pass |Oath.....|Field Office.. |NBC/IOE .................|--/--/--|--/--|--/--|--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.| |--/--/--.|???????????... |... TBS - To Be Scheduled Instructions for adding/updating yourself (or assisting others) to this list: 1. DO NOT DELETE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. 2. Please use your VJ name to avoid confusion. 3. Click "Quote" on this new template or most recent/updated version of this template. 4. Copy the entire template or most recent update (Mac users: Select the entire template, then select Command + C) 5. Remove the "Quote Coding" located at the top of this template. 6. Paste the entire template or most recent update (Mac users: Select Command + V) 7. Now make whatever updates/changes you would like, then hit Submit Reply 8. Always use [Courier New] Font and font size.[12] 9. Red Font = "I'm A United States Citizen"

Looks like it has been fixed for me. I checked it again this morning and it is back to Feb 2020 same as before.
Yay! I am also a Melbournite (South Eastern Suburbs to be exact) now in Chicago Suburbs (Not so yay!) hahahahaha.

I just looked up and mine got approved too. Same date - January 15th.

I just looked up and mine got approved too. Same date - January 15th.

I just looked up and mine got approved too. Same date - January 15th.

I just looked up and mine got approved too. Same date - January 15th.

We were routed to the CSC same as you but there is currently a huge backlog at the CSC. Our's took 16 days but they are currently in the 30-40 day range. Your current Green Card will be valid until its expiry which is why it is suggested to submit your paperwork as close to the 90 days as possible to try and ensure you get the NOA1 in time for your Green Card expiry.
 
If you have your Drivers License and a Social Security card with no restrictions (No "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION") then you can use those to satisfy the requirements for the I-9.
 
Take a look at the application form for the I-9 if you want to see what is acceptable.
 
Good luck!
 

Please make sure that you don't go out of your way to bring USCIS's attention to the fact that you filed late. Don't go sending any letters apologizing or explaining your reasons or financial hardship, that is for the RFE if it ever comes.
 
There is a very good chance that nothing will happen and your case will be processed as per normal but putting a big red marker around the date you filed because you are nervous will not help your case at all.
 
 

Please make sure that you don't go out of your way to bring USCIS's attention to the fact that you filed late. Don't go sending any letters apologizing or explaining your reasons or financial hardship, that is for the RFE if it ever comes.
 
There is a very good chance that nothing will happen and your case will be processed as per normal but putting a big red marker around the date you filed because you are nervous will not help your case at all.
 
 

Please make sure that you don't go out of your way to bring USCIS's attention to the fact that you filed late. Don't go sending any letters apologizing or explaining your reasons or financial hardship, that is for the RFE if it ever comes.
 
There is a very good chance that nothing will happen and your case will be processed as per normal but putting a big red marker around the date you filed because you are nervous will not help your case at all.
 
 

Please make sure that you don't go out of your way to bring USCIS's attention to the fact that you filed late. Don't go sending any letters apologizing or explaining your reasons or financial hardship, that is for the RFE if it ever comes.
 
There is a very good chance that nothing will happen and your case will be processed as per normal but putting a big red marker around the date you filed because you are nervous will not help your case at all.
 
 

Please make sure that you don't go out of your way to bring USCIS's attention to the fact that you filed late. Don't go sending any letters apologizing or explaining your reasons or financial hardship, that is for the RFE if it ever comes.
 
There is a very good chance that nothing will happen and your case will be processed as per normal but putting a big red marker around the date you filed because you are nervous will not help your case at all.
 
 

Please make sure that you don't go out of your way to bring USCIS's attention to the fact that you filed late. Don't go sending any letters apologizing or explaining your reasons or financial hardship, that is for the RFE if it ever comes.
 
There is a very good chance that nothing will happen and your case will be processed as per normal but putting a big red marker around the date you filed because you are nervous will not help your case at all.
 
 

Please make sure that you don't go out of your way to bring USCIS's attention to the fact that you filed late. Don't go sending any letters apologizing or explaining your reasons or financial hardship, that is for the RFE if it ever comes.
 
There is a very good chance that nothing will happen and your case will be processed as per normal but putting a big red marker around the date you filed because you are nervous will not help your case at all.
 
 

Fill the PDF out from the link below then print and sign it.
 
https://www.fincen.gov/sites/default/files/shared/fin105_cmir.pdf
 
Where you are asked on the customs form whether you are carrying more than 10K of currency check YES. When the CBP officer asks about the currency, give them the FinCEN Form 105. They will fill out their section and you will be on your way.
I would take two copies of the signed form with you and ask them to complete a copy for your records too.
 
I carried over 30K in cash with me and had no problems, not even a 5 minute slowdown.
 

This is a very simple situation and it happens quite frequently.
Ideally you should have applied for a new passport before you decided to attend the interview and surrender the passport for the placement of the K1 visa.
You will need to visit the closest UK embassy in whatever state you are in and apply for a new passport. It is not advisable for your parents to send the new passport over (not sure if they can even fill it out and submit it let alone send it) due to the possibility of it being lost or stolen. It does not take any more effort to visit the embassy and submit and pay it yourself.
Regarding the K1 stamp, that is done and finished. It is now useless, it is only valid for 1 time entry so having a new passport will make no difference.
You will only need to get the green card temporary stamp I-551 if you loose your physical green card (Once you get it) or your green card expires during Removal of Conditions period and you want an additional layer of protection above and beyond the extension letter for international travel.
Other than that you only need your passport for international travel once you get your green card.

Looking at the CBP website even though they do not require the ESTA to be completed to enter the US, they are required to complete the I-94W upon land entry.
From the CBP Website :-
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1132/~/citizen-of-visa-waiver-country%2C-wants-to-drive-into-u.s.-from-canada-or-mexico%2C
If you are a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and you enter the U.S. by land from Mexico or Canada, you are only required to complete the paper I-94W form at the land border crossing
I-94W Form :-
http://amsterdam.usconsulate.gov/uploads/images/P9Iq5HW2NS8hA2EWdGRSFg/I-94W.JPG
The I-94W question E states :-
Have you ever been denied a U.S Visa or entry to the U.S or had a visa cancelled? If YES, when and where?
They your sister is going to be required to answer YES at this question which may invalidate their ability to enter via land crossing. It will all be based on the investigation by CBP at the time of entry.

This is a hotbed of contention. You may be able to purchase but you also may not. You will simply have to try and see what happens.
This is the major problem you have with what you are intending on doing with the visa class you are under. The K1 is a non immigrant visa for the purposes of immigration. You are also Intending on abandoning residency from Australia.

Non-Immigrant Alien
Description:
No intention of abandoning residence in another country Granted access to the United States for a specific purpose and for a temporary period of time You will most likely be denied at the store level, simply because they don't know or don't want to be held liable if something goes wrong. If the store decides to approve your purchase then you could be denied under the FBI NICS check. Even though you entered the country under a non-immigrant visa designation, it was invalidated the day you entered the country, a VALID visa is required for identification purposes. This does not mean you will not be approved though.
The BATFE may also put a HOLD on your purchase which involves a 72 hour delay while they find a reason to deny you. If after the 72 hours you are not denied then you are legally allowed to continue with the purchase and take possession of the firearm.
Your I-94 is used as your legal ability to purchase a firearm under the Non-Immigrant banner because as you entered the country on October 25th and your your I-94 is valid until January 25th
This means you SHOULD be valid to purchase with your hunting permit exemption (18 USC 922 (G) (5) (y)(2) ) until 25th January.
Once you register for Adjustment Of Status you are in "Limbo" called "A Period Of Authorized Stay"...... not a non-immigrant but not an immigrant, so you will be denied on all purchases.
You should also look at this page
https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/nonimmigrant-aliens
It provides further confirmation of your ability to purchase. Just remember what is written is not always what actually happens.
It may not be "Legal" for the BATFE or FBI to deny your purchase but it is the delay and waiting while you appeal which causes the most pain.
Once you have a green card in hand the process becomes much simpler.

This is a hotbed of contention. You may be able to purchase but you also may not. You will simply have to try and see what happens.
This is the major problem you have with what you are intending on doing with the visa class you are under. The K1 is a non immigrant visa for the purposes of immigration. You are also Intending on abandoning residency from Australia.

Non-Immigrant Alien
Description:
No intention of abandoning residence in another country Granted access to the United States for a specific purpose and for a temporary period of time You will most likely be denied at the store level, simply because they don't know or don't want to be held liable if something goes wrong. If the store decides to approve your purchase then you could be denied under the FBI NICS check. Even though you entered the country under a non-immigrant visa designation, it was invalidated the day you entered the country, a VALID visa is required for identification purposes. This does not mean you will not be approved though.
The BATFE may also put a HOLD on your purchase which involves a 72 hour delay while they find a reason to deny you. If after the 72 hours you are not denied then you are legally allowed to continue with the purchase and take possession of the firearm.
Your I-94 is used as your legal ability to purchase a firearm under the Non-Immigrant banner because as you entered the country on October 25th and your your I-94 is valid until January 25th
This means you SHOULD be valid to purchase with your hunting permit exemption (18 USC 922 (G) (5) (y)(2) ) until 25th January.
Once you register for Adjustment Of Status you are in "Limbo" called "A Period Of Authorized Stay"...... not a non-immigrant but not an immigrant, so you will be denied on all purchases.
You should also look at this page
https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/nonimmigrant-aliens
It provides further confirmation of your ability to purchase. Just remember what is written is not always what actually happens.
It may not be "Legal" for the BATFE or FBI to deny your purchase but it is the delay and waiting while you appeal which causes the most pain.
Once you have a green card in hand the process becomes much simpler.

If she wants to enter the US under a tourist visa with the intention of adjusting status and immigrating then that is visa fraud.
She can be deported and given a lifetime ban from the US for misrepresentation, oh and she can be deported even after she gets her green card if they found out she lied. If she wants to visit on a tourist visa, for which it is intended, then return home while her AOS is processed then that is a different story.