MnMJourney
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Posts posted by MnMJourney
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17 minutes ago, NYPeach said:
@MnMJourney I truly hope you get your Oath date soon and will keep my fingers crossed for you. I can't imagine why your process took so long.
Keep checking your online account!
Thanks @NYPeach!
Speaking of the devil, I received email/txt alerts earlier today that I was in line for the oath ceremony, then a few hours later that my oath has been scheduled...yay! Unfortunately, way back then (I know, I sound like an old timer!), paper apps were the way to go, so I can't see the date until I receive the hard copy mailed notice. Here's to the great men and women at USPS delivering some good news to me soon!
Cheers!
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1 hour ago, jefferyd said:
I figured I would share my experience with a request to reschedule my naturalization interview as there are a number of horror stories floating around. I filed October 28 2018, did my biometrics on November 23 and received my interview notification on January 2. As I had feared, my date, February 6, fell during a cruise I had booked to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday- no way we were going to lose around $5,000 and cancel his birthday for an interview, so despite the warnings I had read I decided to reschedule. I printed out the letter that had posted to my USCIS account, and though earlier versions of the letter were specific about mailing the original back, this letter said only "if for any reason you can not keep this appointment, return this letter immediately to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office address listed above with your explanation and a request for a new appointment". Instead of waiting for the original to come in the mail I sent back the copy I printed out with a copy of the confirmation of the cruise and copies of our plane tickets, and a brief letter explaining the situation. I sent it certified mail with subject "Request to Reschedule N400 Interview" on the outside of the envelope, and it went to the Buffalo field office. I have to say that my two previous experiences at the Buffalo office were both excellent so I was hopeful for a good result. It was received on Monday January 7th. The next morning I got the notification of and action being taken on my case- the tracker app said that on January 7th (the same day they received the request) I had been scheduled for an interview. Later that evening two letters posted to my account- one saying my original interview had been descheduled, and another saying I had been scheduled for an interview on February 14th, two days after we will return from the cruise. So in all, a painless process which made me feel a whole lot better about our situation. Of course, caseloads are different at the various offices and YMMV.
Great info. Looks like USCIS's automated system is finally starting to work and payoff. Why it took so long, who knows. But let's hope going forward things are as streamlined as your experience.
Cheers!
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As I posted above, I finally had my interview after 589 days from my N400 PD. I'll share my review below.
My appointment was at Federal Plaza at 7:45AM, and I got to the building around 7:30ish. By the time I made it through security and to the designated room to speak to a window rep, it was 7:36AM. The rep just took my interview letter and asked me to take a seat. I assume during this time the window reps are entering all the your info into the system and getting you in line.
I waited about 20-30 mins before I was called up again, my time stamped letter was returned and I was given a number and asked to listen for my number to be called for Door 1.
I grabbed my stamped letter and sat closer to Door one and waited for my number to be called. I believe I was #J19, last number I noticed was #J16, so I was pretty happy that my wait wouldn't be long. However, I quickly realized numbers weren't being called in sequence, I heard #J14, #J23, etc. I noticed a posted sign that read that applicants would be called based on their appointment time, not time or arrival, so I guess that explained that.
After waiting another 20-30mins, my number was called. I was greeted by a middle-aged African-American lady at Door 1 that escorted me to her office. She was very polite and cordial as professionally as she could be. We got to her room, and she told me that I could put my things down but to remain standing, as she swore me in. I was then asked to sit and she asked me for passport, green card and state ID which I produced. She brought out my file, which was about a couple inches thick and informed me that she would go through the application first. She then proceeded to go through each field in my application to confirm my answers. I cracked a joke or two as ice breakers, and she laughed, so it was an amicable conversation.
Before she got to the Y/N questions, she asked if I had updated tax returns. I came prepared of course, and handed her my 1040s from '17 back to '13, despite the fact that I had included my transcripts in the original filing up to '15. I apologized and mentioned that I wanted to bring her my '16 ad '17 transcripts, but was preparing them just a week ago for the interview and due to the shutdown I was could not get them from the IRS. I was able to give her an account summary from the IRS showing that I had $0.00 taxes due and my last pay stub from 2018 showing federal taxes paid. She understood the shutdown, was happy to receive the docs, complimented me on organization, and filed them in my file. I also gave her an updated sheet on my travel abroad, which she also filed away.
As she was going thought the app, she stated that I had applied under the 3Y rule to which I responded yes and mentioned that I had additional material. She said that since my ROC was done so recently she didn't really need much more. By this time I had already provided her my latest 401K statement with my wife as beneficiary and our family's medical insurance cards. I also gave her our family's last two holiday cards from 2017 and 2018. She complimented them and stuck them in the file.
She then mentioned that we'll go through the Y/N questions and to stop her if she speaks to fast. We cruised them very quickly and I signed the form in front of her.
She stated that she had to administer the test. She pulled out a question sheet which had 10 questions from what I could see. So the questions are pre-determined, and you must get 6 correct. Seems they may be selected for each office and updated periodically. I was asked the same/similar questions that @NYPeach reported:
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
Who was the first president?
Who is the Governor of your state now?
Who was MLK?
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
Name two national U.S. holidays.
I got all of them right and she marked them off. I assume if you don't get them right, they move to next until you get all 6 correct.
The next page the office pulled had the reading test.. he page had 3 boxes, I was asked to read the first one which I read "Who lives in the White House?". She marked it as passed.
The next page was the writing test with another 3 boxes where she asked me to write "The President lives in the White House". She marked it passed and mentioned that she would recommend me for approval and that she needed to take a pic (not to be used) and fingerprints to establish my identity, and issue me a receipt that I was here, passed, and recommended for approval. She went to grab the printed receipt and gave it to me.
I was waiting for a chance to asked if I can take an early. But before I could, the officer asked if I had brought 2 passport pics. I ecstatically thought I hit the jackpot and would be sworn in now! Unfortunately she was just taking it for the certificate in case the digitals don't work. She mentioned that I would hear back in 30-60 days. I then mentioned my urgency as I will be travelling in early February and need to get a new passport. She replied that she can put in a request, but no promises, and interviews for Manhattan are only on Fridays. As I stated in my previous post, she also stated that she didn't know if the courts were still conducting ceremonies over the shutdown, so I may be in trouble. But the SDNY website states that the court is open and operating at full capacity, so hopefully it shows up. But since Fed courts are part of the DoJ, you never know what will happen.
Overall the experience was good and cordial, I appreciated the officer's professionalism. The interview itself was less than 20mins. I was out of there and back in my office in Midtown by 9:10AM. I am very happy that I passed the interview as I've had a long long wait with no explained delays - no background check problems, no additional issues, no RFEs. So I can't for the life of me explain why it took so long. Regardless, I am happy, but I still want to get over the oath within a few weeks. Hopefully this silly government shutdown isn't another hiccup in my process which has been par for the course. Under the new rules, I will be technically outside normal processing times in about 2 months from now so I can complain, but would love to have it done before that.
To all that are still waiting - good luck to you all!!
Cheers!
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38 minutes ago, nyj215 said:
Huge congrats to you... after such a long wait, that sounds like a nightmare. What a relief to get the interview done. Congrats again.
Thanks @nyj215 ! Yes, certainly relieved to be done with the interview. Still not out of the woods just yet, and looking very much forward to having this process behind me!
Cheers!
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Despite being tempted multiple times to post my frustration with the process here - I decided to go on and live my life and not bother people here. My case was technically outside normal processing time for a brief period at the beginning of last year before USCIS changed their reporting. I was able to get a service request in at that time, but to nothing informative. Under the new methodology, I was 4/5 months away from being outside the range, however as the range was updated every month, USCIS was slowly moving the goal posts which started roughly 10-17 months to as high as 13-23 months (if I remember correctly, hence my frustration. Finally processing times for this office seemed to have stabilized, and we saw the first decrease in the December update which now stands at 11.5 to 22 months. Seems as though the NY office is finally catching up in November, and I too saw some some concrete developments which I'd like to share.
My PD is 5/25/2017, and after completing my FPs on 06/12/2017, I heard nothing other than they are scheduling my interview via two service requests and an Infopass visit. My biggest concern during he wait was that my interview would be scheduled during a planned trip abroad, as I travel quite a bit. It wasn't until 11/13/2018 I received email/txt updates that I was actually in line for an interview (despite being told 3 times that I already was). I was happy about that, but also concerned since I was leaving for a 3 week trip abroad in a few weeks. Lo and behold, I was notified my interview was scheduled right as I was leaving the country. Luckily, after I returned from the trip I found the letter waiting for me with my interview scheduled for 1/3/2019.
So after waiting 589 days, I went for my interview at the Federal Plaza and was recommended for approval (will write review of the interview shortly). I was happy, but also just wanted to get to the finish line and asked the officer if there was anyway to expedite the oath. She said she'd put a request in, but no promises. She also mentioned that with the shutdown, she didn't even know if the courts were open - for Manhattan applications, she mentioned they only do oaths on Fridays at the Court House. I checked the SDNY District Court website, and they proudly display they will be open for business with full operations, but who knows how long that will last as its the Courts decision and they are ultimately funded by the Federal Govt.. Hopefully it is coming soon, and but I won't hold my breath.
My whole Journey has been snagged with one hiccup after another, and now this. My personal problem now is, that my old passport is expiring, and I need a new one for an early February trip abroad. My embassy takes about a month to renew for "URGENT" delivery, but I wasn't able to submit the application until after my interview, which is now cutting it close with that and this process. So I have a lot riding on the oath being scheduled within the first week of Feb, and also turning it around into a US passport. This shutdown throws another wrench it to. Still hoping for the best, and wishing you guys all the best too!
Cheers!
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1 minute ago, 876girl said:
well yea that would explain it my receipt number starts with IOE, are you applying based on 5 years or based on 3 year marriage? I often wonder the difference between IOE and NBC
Hey @876girl,
Thanks. Which rule you file under doesn't designate your receipt number. Receipts number are based on centers and the type of benefit/application. Here's a list:
– EAC – Vermont Service Center;
– VSC – Vermont Service Center;
– WAC – California Service Center;
– CSC – California Service Center;
– LIN – Nebraska Service Center;
– NSC – Nebraska Service Center;
– SRC – Texas Service Center;
– TSC – Texas Service Center;
– MSC – National Benefits Center;
– NBC – National Benefits Center;
– IOE – ELIS (e-Filing); and
– YSC – Potomac Service Center.IOE is typically seen when you filed online. However, I do recall others noting that they paper filled, but got IOE receipts, similar to you. That would then explain why your DHS account has the additional information, compared to my NBC receipt.
Cheers!
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3 hours ago, 876girl said:
Hi Yea i was able see my interview letter and print out to take with me to the interview. Every letter they've mailed is in my documents section. A few other members have said that they were told receipt numbers starting with NBC doesn't work for this system.
When you go to your account are you able to see estimated completion time? i you are click on that section and it should open up to show you the rest of information.
Thanks for the response.
I have an NBC number, so for me it says nothing more than the egov site. I'm not given an estimated completion time either.
I assume you are checking at the DHS website, correct? Do you have an IOE number? That may explain the difference.
Thanks,
Ash
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12 hours ago, 876girl said:
Oh no, that's a rough wait. I hope it will be all done for you before the year ends. I filed on paper December 7, 2017. Yes please add my timeline to the chart.
Resident since 4-15-2000 (came here as a child)
Sent: 12/7/2017
Biometrics: 12/28/2017
LONG WAIT! Never got the inline for interview status
Interview scheduled: 8/26/2018
Saw my interview notice in my documents online, haven't received a physical copy yet
Interview Date: 10/04/2018
Are you able to see documents online even after filing paper? I filled paper and on this websites:
There is nothing but just case status.
But I also opened an account here:
https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/
After I heard you check your status there even after filing paper. It is true, I can check my status there, but I see nothing more that the first website.
I'd appreciate if you could point us in the right direction on where to see notices online after filing paper.
Cheers!
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I recently crossed the 1 year mark, but no updates after biometircs. I was hoping the 1-year trigger would cause some movement in my case as some have noted, but no luck.
Also, as luck would have it - my case was outside of normal processing times for a few days before USCIS switched the case processing time reporting process. I was able to put in an SR , but only a generic review that they will schedule an interview soon, and cannot give me any further info. With the new reporting - I am technically within processing times, so cannot escalate.
On the other hand - like others have noted, I received txt and email updates from the USCIS on Thursday. Disappointingly they were related to my ROC over a year old...oh well!
Cheers!
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I got it too, with the same set of emotions - thought it meant something on my N400 app, only to be disappointed.
On that note, still no movement on the N400 side, with over a year waiting t be put in line.
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14 hours ago, susysteele said:
Hi all, I’ve been absent off this board for a long time, so congrats to everyone who’s gotten to take their oath. We received an email this morning and I’m hoping it’s good news, as we haven’t heard anything in almost a year. However the email doesn’t make sense to me.
There has been a recent processing action taken on your case.
Receipt Number: WAC********
Application Type: CRI89, PETITION TO REMOVE CONDITIONS OF PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS RECEIVED
Your Case Status: Card/ Document Production
On January 6, 2017, the Post Office delivered your new card for Receipt Number WAC********, to the address that you gave us. The tracking number assigned is UNAVAILABLE. You can use your tracking number at www.USPS.com in the Quick Tools Tracking section. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
This step applies to applications that result in an applicant receiving a card (such as a "green card") or other document (such as a naturalization certificate, employment authorization document, travel document, or advance parole). Applications will be in this step from the time the order to produce the card/document is given until the card/document is produced and mailed to the applicant. You can expect to receive your card/document within 30 days of the approval of your application. If you do not receive your document, please contact our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.So what does this mean?
Looks like you weren't the only one.
Thread was created here:
I recieved it too - seems to be just an error on their side - but maybe more will be known later.
Cheers!
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Hello all,
The USCIS on Thursday announced they are changing the way they will report processing times. Here is the press release:
https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-updates-webpage-share-more-accurate-processing-times
The N400 is one of the pilot forms in this test. The goal is to report more accurate processing times. As stated in the release, the new methodology allows the agency to report processing times within 2 weeks, versus 6 weeks as was previously done. So it should be a welcome change.
However.....
I'm speaking from tacking NYC FO N400 processing times only as I've kept track of that. Prior to the change, the processing date as of February 28th, 2018 for N400 applications in NYC was PDs as of May 28th 2017 as published on 3/15/2018. The new system now gives a low range and high range. For NYC it is 10.5 months and 17.5 months. This means it takes 10.5 months to process 50% of cases and 17.5 months to process 93 percent of N400 cases in the NYC FO. They've also instituted a "Case Inquiry Date" which is similar to the previously published as of date. For NYC FO that is October 26, 2016.
Just ranting here:
- how can this information be 4 weeks more up to date, yet retrogressed so significantly?? We're seeing a push back in dates of over 7 months!!!
Has anyone else noticed this? How are other FOs faring?
Sorry for ranting here - this is just very frustrating!!!
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On 1/25/2018 at 12:06 PM, n400may said:
This morning I got magical email update and my case is FINALLY "in line for interview" on Jan 25, 2018.
I revisited those 12 cases of 200 which was stuck in fingerprint stage. 10 case were changed to "in line for interview" today.
There are only 2 cases left in fingerprint stage of 200 cases now.
I guess my background check was done after 8 months.
My PD is about 3 weeks after you. So hopefully, after 3 weeks I'll get that magical email too! But since things are soooo random, I won't hold my breath.
Did you do any service requests on your case? I sent one for a "missing notification" in November, but no response. Wasn't even assigned to an officer according to my online status. I submitted another same request just last week - but its the same status, and hasn't been assigned to an officer yet. In the next month or two, I will be beyond normal processing time, then will file a request based on that, but for now, can't do that.
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1 hour ago, Booze&Blues said:
Same here. Philly May 8th filer and fingerprinted on June 2nd. Status says finger print scheduled still. I know that an April filer on this forum got interviewed yesterday and received his oath letter for this Friday the 26th.
I honestly don't know why I wasn't placed inline months ago like other Philly applicants but I remain hopeful. Didn't update May filers table because there's really nothing to add while I'm not the norm being delayed for so long. Keep in touch man and let me know if you hear anything.
I'm a NYC filer, FP on 6/12. No movement for me either. The wait is getting somewhat frustrating now, as there will be a long process once we've moved into line as well. Hopefully we all move soon!
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NYC FO is apparently processing apps from April 17th, 2017 as of October 21st, 2016 per the latest USCIS update on Jan 5th. Its about a 3 month leap from their last update, so it seems surprisingly.
Anyone else notice it on the website and have comments?
Cheers!
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Anyone tracking the new updates posted on Jan 5th which were as of October 31st?
I see NYC has moved from January 13th, 2017, to April 17th, 2017, which seems a bit odd. Unlike the last time during which all FOs were updated incorrectly, this seems to be isolated to NYC only. So perhaps its real, but I am not optimistic.
Anyone else notice FOs updated incorrectly?
Cheers!
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2 hours ago, Uk2bx said:
Hi there , just out of interest I checked the NYC n400 processing times just now , as of September 30 it’s processing applications from January 13 2017 , I’m pretty sure as of August 31 it was processing applications from January 27 2017 , so a month later they are further behind . That makes no sense at all .
Looks like some retrogressing with this release. The release did come is little earlier that expected, so maybe something odd with it. Let's see how things go.
Cheers!
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2 hours ago, Senyorpomidor777 said:
i am in the same boat. in line for interview. NYC
Not even "In-line" yet here!
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Almost 5 months for me since fingerprints......still waiting :-(
Considering putting in a service request finally.
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59 minutes ago, La Isla Bonita said:
I will be in 3 months soon waiting after I was put in line for interview last 6/12. No interview letter yet but Im just taking it easy for now not worrying about it.
Yeah, seems like most on this thread have been put in-line, barring a few exceptions. I, unfortunately happen to be one of those exceptions. And the exceptions just seem to be random - so will just have to wait!
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3 hours ago, ge08 said:
I completely understand you. I did my biometrics on June 7 and today I finally received a notice that I am in line to be scheduled for an interview. I know it's hard to wait especially since it seems like everyones case is moving much faster but that's all we can do. Sending positive vibes your way so hopefully you receive a notice very soon!
That's great! Hopefully the interview is not too far away.
I did mine on 6/12, still no update, already hit 3+months from my PD :-( Not sure what to do next, but for now may just wait a few more weeks.
Cheers!
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10 hours ago, ruby_7 said:
Not entirely true, it just depends on the officer assigned to each case. There were several VJ members here, few months ago and some just recently posted, that they received interview notices by mail without online changes status or updates to "inline for interview or scheduled for interview". As one member said few weeks ago, the L2 officer told her/him that just because it's not updated to inline for interview, it does not mean that your application is not clear of background checks nor scheduled for interview because it depends on the IO, considering the volume of applications they're processing. L2's customer rep reasons does make sense because of some VJ members who posted recently that they received interview letters but without online update of "inline interview or interview scheduled".
Yes, your statement is correct. However, you are pointing out breakdowns in USCIS's processes. The point of my statement was that you will not go in-line for interview without clearing the BGC, whether that be updated or not. L2s are simply saying they can't say one way or the other, because nothing has been updated in their systems.
The N400 process is very clear, and applications must advance from stage to stage for completion. You can review it in the CLAIMS Reference, view page 7 of the first doc:
You are correct, there are stories from members that go through the stages without with on-line status being updated. But that's more of a failure on the officers end to update statuses, then actually not advancing through the stages. Geez...government employees not properly doing their jobs...who would have thunk it!!!
Cheers!
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25 minutes ago, luv2teach77 said:
My situation is much like HK12's in that I've had no issues during any of my other immigration related processes (with the exception of it taking a ridiculous amount of time to get my employment authorization as part of my initial AOS from a K-1). I have traveled outside the country a handful of times over the last 5 years but never to anywhere or for any length of time that would raise any suspicions. The old adage that a watched pot never boils is normally true but it's harder and harder to just wait it out when others are passing me who applied months (or in some cases multiple months) after me !!
Yea, just mind boggling to me how random all this can be!!! USCIS should really strive for more transparency and consistency.
Here's hoping for a quick processing for all.
Cheers!
N-400 Filers @ New York City, Queens and Long Island Field Offices
in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports
Posted
My oath ceremony letter arrived (faster than expected) this weekend, scheduling me on Jan. 18th. I'm very excited and looking forward to crossing the finish line on this! My ceremony will be held at the Federal Plaza - I incorrectly assumed it would be at the SDNY Courthouse based on what the interview officer had told me.
For those of you that had their ceremonies at Fed Plaza as well - and if you're still on this board - would you mind addressing a couple of questions:
- were you allowed to bring your cell phone to the ceremony room?My notice does not mention anything for Fed Plaza, but SDNY website explicitly prohibits it during ceremony.
- how long does the whole process take? I'm scheduled at 11AM, wondering how soon I'll be out.
- after the ceremony are there staff to accept passport applications - or must you go to USPO/Agency to submit?
I appreciate any help with this.
Cheers!