spousewaitingvisa

On ‎3‎/‎12‎/‎2020 at 10:13 AM, lucardo3 said:

Congrats.

How long have you waited to receive your oath ceremony letter after approval?

closer to one month

On ‎3‎/‎13‎/‎2020 at 5:40 PM, mmjm said:

Lucky you got the ceremony done before cancellation chance due to coronavirus!

 

How long did it take until the interview date

was set?

 

My status shows approved on Mar 10th. I'm currently waiting on oath ceremony date to be scheduled. 

 

Location: Fairfax, VA

closer to one month.

but due to coronavirus, I don't know what the outcome of issuing oath ceremony notice will be.  but they will come soon. no worries.  but I congratulate you all.  

Anyone,  I am waiting for one answer: should I report with I-865 (sponsor's change of address) since we moved to new house 15 days before oath ceremony took place?  My spouse already sent her AR-11 one day after we moved to new house and I haven't sent my I-865 yet but she now is a US citizen. 

Everything went smooth at oath ceremony in Fairfax, Va.   Here's my spouse's experience:

My spouse received two oath ceremony notices:  1 pm and 1.30 pm at Fairfax, VA on March 10th, 2020  - it confused my spouse and me. One was delivered to my spouse's email and other notice was delivered to our new address that we moved few weeks ago (my spouse updated AR-11, but I didn't send I-865 - I have 30 days to send, but we got oath ceremony notices.  As US citizen sponsor, should I send I-865 - sponsor's notice of change of address anyways??)  About two notices, we didn't know why we received two notices, but it didn't matter. We arrived at 12.30 pm. We went thru airport-like security screener (took off shoes, belts, everything out of our pockets). We waited in the naturalized ceremony waiting area, then officers came to set up the booth table in the waiting area.  My spouse went to the booth, filled out the N-445 form and signed in front of the officer. Officer gave my spouse the number in order to sit on reserved numbered seat in the other room where every N-400 applicant will be sworn-in.  My spouse and US-naturalized-to-be foreign citizens were escorted by the officer to the room upstairs.  Many attendees (family members, friends) and I were separated and waiting for few minutes, then were directed to go upstairs to the back room to sit in front of every to-be-sworn-in citizens.  The ceremony began at 1.30 pm (narration story, formalities about verifying certificate, post office/passport facility, vote, travel, US embassies, dos website, etc, then we began singing "The Star Spangled Banner" song).  One hour later, they were admitted to become US citizens officially and at the end of ceremony, officers gave certificate to each one, then the pledge of allegiance was performed briefly. Taking pictures and videos were allowed in only ceremony room, not outside the room inside the building.  That's all.  It lasted about 2 hours (ended shortly before 3 pm).  We are happy.   but what should I do about I-865? should I ignore that since my spouse became a US citizen?

Few weeks ago, my spouse passed tests (civic test and English test) and received congratulations notice during the N-400 interview and is waiting to receive the oath ceremony letter.   My spouse and I sold out our place and moved to a new house last Friday.  My spouse filed AR-11 online to change our address yesterday.  As a US citizen sponsor of my spouse, do I need to file I-865?  Many people said I-865 is required for US citizen sponsor to file (I have 30days to file I-865). I was not sure about that.

9 hours ago, HisGlory13 said:

We are filling out form n400 for current husband and its asking what the immigration status is of my ex. I havent had contact with him in over 5 years. When we divorced he was a green card holder, but I dont know what his status is now. How do I answer that? The online application doesnt give me an "i dont know" option.

On N400 form, (8 b) indicate the immigration status of my current Spouse's prior spouse: Other (Explain).  Write an explanation in your own words.   For example: when my spouse married him, he was a green card holder. After divorce, my spouse and her ex-husband hadn't contacted each other for over 5 years and her ex-husband's current immigration status is unknown. The last status I knew before the divorce was that he was a US permanent resident.

1 hour ago, sal0000 said:

First interview attempt the history/civic portion was passed but a retest was required for "Speak" "read" "understand English"
Second interview they only asked to write but when she came out of the interview the letter only had 2 boxes checked 

- USCIS will send you a written decision about your application

- A decision cannot be made yet about your application

 

From this it doesn't state that the test wasn't passed or failed, what does this mean now?  Anyone run into this type of situation?   

1 hour ago, JeanneAdil said:

Adil  interiewed and same was given

but we recd notice of approved the following Monday

My deaf spouse had similar process. My spouse's interview was held last month in Fairfax, VA.  Both portions (history/civic portion and reading-signing-language/writing (via sign language interpreter) portion were passed.     The examiner told my spouse to come back for second interview in 2 months.  We are waiting for 2nd interview notice.  It has been more than one month.  I think sign language interpreter didn't communicate with an examiner very well (according to my spouse).  Hopefully we get a different interpreter or hopefully they make a decision to approve since my spouse passed both portions, verified all questions on N-400 and answered Yes/No questions.  

Sal0000 and JeanneAdil, do you mind telling us what your timeline is so we can determine how long the process will take?  Where were interview taken place?   Sal0000, you are not alone.  There are few people who got second interviews (including JeanneAdil).  As result, they were approved. Don't worry, you will be approved.

Thank you all.  Hope it is positive.

19 hours ago, mhreza said:

I heard I should wait at least 10 days after oath ceremony before going to SSA .. is it true ? 

Yes, It is in instruction.  SSA computer will not get your USCIS record to be verified until 10 days later.   It will take awhile for the system to be updated.

18 minutes ago, Georgia16 said:

Was your ROC approved before the interview or doing the interview maybe?

 

It's kind of sad that the interpreter couldn't get the answers you needed sounds like there weren't translated all good between the officer and you guys.

My spouse's ROC was approved last year as my spouse got IR1 green card.  We filed N400 online based on 3 years marriage.  Perhaps an interpreter was not good.  We will get a new interpreter (hopefully).  We felt upset. I still don't understand because examiner said thumbs up to my spouse..  My spouse answered all questions and writing/reading test.  It should be approved.  but the computer was crashed at the end of the interview as my spouse was about to sign the N400, then told my spouse thru an interpreter that some portion was failed and we were asked to come back for the second interview.  Probably it was the system that was down.   No traffic citation, no violations, clean record, we don't owe taxes as we filed taxes on time every year and paid taxes, just change of name (with court order on name changes based on marriage --  my spouse's last name became middle name and added my last name as my spouse's last name) . no change of address.  My spouse was supposed to be interviewed in Baltimore, MD (huge backlog) but interviewed in Fairfax, VA last Friday.

After naturalization interview last Friday with an ASL (American sign language) interpreter and USCIS examiner, my spouse (deaf) passed 6 questions on civic history and reading/writing test. Also, she confirmed all answers on all N400 questions and answered yes to support constitution and its questions. then my spouse was told to come back for a second interview. Examiner said "we will mail you a notice in two months."  I am not sure why the examiner said that.   Interpreter said "examiner said that there is some portion that was failed", but examiner told my spouse with thumbs up after my spouse answered all 6 questions and reading/writing portion.  What portion was failed?  (perplexing)

We checked the online status and it said "You attended your interview. You do not need to do anything at this time. We will let you know if we need anything else from you as we continue to review your application."  Estimated time is 4 months.  We began to worry.  Anyone has experience like this?

40 minutes ago, Sheryn11 said:

Hello Everyone,

 

In my oath taking ceremony notice, it says there to bring: "Any other documents USCIS issued to you". What does that exactly mean? Do I have to bring all the notices that USCIS sends me? Thank you!

 

 

It means your green card, EAD, any documents USCIS issued to you - even your oath ceremony notice.  You have to return your green card to them because you won't need a green card anymore as you will receive a certificate of naturalization.

Thanks, everyone.

My spouse got an N400 interview appointment letter last week. My spouse's interview will begin on August XX, 2019. (expected 13-24 months according to login information, but got less than 8 months). 

Question: My spouse filed online while residing in Maryland.  I noticed that most Maryland flyers' interview place is Baltimore, MD, but my spouse's interview said it is Fairfax, VA.   Did they make a mistake?  no mistake?

My spouse got an N400 interview appointment letter last week. My spouse's interview will begin on August XX, 2019. (expected 13-24 months according to login information, but got less than 8 months). 

Question: my spouse filed online while residing in Maryland.  I noticed that most Maryland flyers' interview place is Baltimore, MD, but my spouse's interview said it is Fairfax, VA.   Did they make a mistake?  no mistake?

10 hours ago, anniesdream said:

Well, I can't speak for other states, but in Georgia, name change involves paying the filing fee ($200-300), giving public notice like the local newspaper and attending a hearing. That doesn't sound very appealing to me.  Plus, as a green card holder, name change also include updating the change on your current passport and green card. In my county, DMV takes green card as the ONLY legal immigrant ID so in order to change name on my DL, I'd have to file i-90, replacement of the green card.  I'm not sure about the case in Maryland but here's a post from Florida who had the same issue after changing her name before naturalization.  So yes, applying for name change during naturalization can lead to prolonged waiting time but I still think it's the most hassle-free way to do it. 

 

 

Yeah, we already paid $165 plus $50 for publishing legal notice (MD county court took care of it -- still waiting for court order).   I understand that it will require green card holder to update the name (from old name to new name) on SSN card, DL, bank account, credit card, etc before applying for US citizenship.   Wow, in your county in Georgia, I didn't know that you have to replace of the green card with new name in order to update DL.  Can't DMV accept court order?   In my state (Maryland), it allows Maryland to update name on DL per court order. I checked with MVA.   I was told that we don't have to update green card because N400 form had a question "Your Name Exactly as it appears on your permanent residence card (if applicable)".   For Indian citizens, India doesn't allow dual citizenship so we have to surrender Indian passport, but we will apply for Indian permanent visa called OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) with new name.   

2 hours ago, anniesdream said:

I think removal of your middle name is a legal name change and you need to file it on N400 form or request it during the interview. Either way, you will need a court order from a judicial ceremony. 

I was told that another way is to request name change at the county court and then get court order BEFORE filling out the N400 form. -- no need to put new name on name change section on the N400 form, just legal name (new name), exact name on green card, other name (old name) and blank on name change and attach a copy of court order.  That's quick way.  You might get an oath on the same day or in a short time. (administrative naturalization ceremony?) That's what I was told.   Anyone, is that right?

If you request name change during the interview, you won't get an oath on the same day or in a short time. (yes, judicial ceremony)  It will take awhile.  That's what I was told.

We are currently in the process of getting a court order of name change for my spouse (first name will remain unchanged. Maiden name will become middle name and my spouse will use my last name as my spouse's new last name as we got married in 2013. Old name is first_maiden. New name is first_maiden_mylastname) before name will be updated on DL, SSN card, credit/debit cards, bank, utilities, etc, then my spouse will apply on N-400. 

First question: On N-400 form (after obtaining a court order on name change),

a) legal name will use my spouse's new name (first_maiden_mylastname)? 

b) the exact name as name on my spouse's green card will use old name (first_maiden)?

c) other names will use my spouse's old name (first_maiden)?

d) Finally, name change will be blank.  Am I correct?

Second question: (after obtaining a court order on name change), will it delay my spouse's citizenship process?

I received my 10-years green card after the I-751 petition was approved.  Now I am beginning to fill out the N-400 form, but I have few questions regarding my name.  I researched and found some answers, but not very clear. I would like to ask recent people who might know about name change.   I didn't change my name after marriage. I kept my maiden name. My current name has no middle name.  Just first name and maiden name (for example, Jane Smith) --  my foreign passport, green card, driver license, bank, etc. shows Jane Smith (remain unchanged).  Foreign Marriage certificate (in English) shows my current name (Jane Smith) and my husband name (his first, his middle, his last name - for example, John Keith Washington).    I decided to use his last name (Washington) for US citizenship, US passport, DL, etc., but I don't have a middle name so I would like to move my maiden name to middle name like this -- Jane Smith Washington.   I don't want a hyphenated last name.

Option 1

Question 1: Should I go to Social Security office to change my name, then driver license?    or should I go to the court first to change my name? (I am in Maryland. Maryland law doesn't require anyone to go to court for change name if the reason is for marriage, but not sure if they allow me to add maiden name to middle name).

Question 2: After name is changed on SSN card, DL, etc., on the N400 form, should I put Jane Smith Washington as legal name? No need to fill out on the name change on N-400?  right?

or

Option 2

Question 1: On the N400 form, should I put Jane Smith as legal name?  next step, exact name on green card: Jane Smith?  then name change: Jane Smith Washington?   After N400 approval (with judge's approval on change name), can I go head to update my name on SSN, DL, etc?

Please advise me which the best option/way to change name is or which one is much easier.

My spouse received her card (new colorful card) last month and online status said it has been mailed today.    So we didn't rely on online status and we didn't worry about online status as long as we were seeing many approvals and we trust this forum.  

You entered the US on immigrant visa (such as IR1 or CR1) after you have been married more than 2 years so you don't need to worry about removal of conditions (ROC).  Enjoy!   

Some people, who entered the US  at the port of entry (POE) on CR-1 visa after 2 years of marriage or on 2nd anniversary date, got I-551 stamp with IR-1 at POE so they don't have to worry about ROC.  but you got IR-1 visa because you have been married for more than 2 years.

You are eligible to apply for US citizenship if you meet N-400 requirements (For example, be a permanent resident for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing N-400, be 18 or older, have been living in marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse during such time, etc).  

On ‎1‎/‎26‎/‎2018 at 8:25 PM, spousewaitingvisa said:

We opened the letter today!!  Hooray!!  Indeed, it has been approved!!! 

 

Decision date: 1/19/2018

New Classification Symbol: IR1

 

Can someone please update the listing for me? 

 

Thanks! 

Online status has been changed finally and it said: New Card Is Being Produced.   Hopefully the new card will look different as my friend told me that her card is more colorful like this.

13 minutes ago, sind27 said:

hi, how you can see your email thru USPS online?

You can sign up for free if Informed Delivery is available in your area.   Post office will scan every incoming mail every day and email you with scanned images of incoming mail(s) before postman delivers mail(s) on the same day.

Here's the link:

https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action

See examples (click this and scroll down until you see the image of letter):

Hope this helps.

We opened the letter today!!  Hooray!!  Indeed, it has been approved!!! 

Decision date: 1/19/2018

New Classification Symbol: IR1

Can someone please update the listing for me? 

Thanks! 

I am nervous so is my spouse!!!   As of 7.37 am today, I got an email from USPS' Informed Delivery Daily Digest and saw the image of US Citizenship and Immigration Services letter (from VSC).  I showed it to my spouse.   We can't wait for the postman to deliver it today.   I hope it is an approval letter.    We sent almost-500-page evidences to VSC last year (Feb 2017).  

On the email of USPS, I see the image of the letter showing Statue of Liberty thru letter window.  QUESTION: Is it an approval letter or RFE letter?   

I checked the USCIS website to see the status of my case and message "Case was received" still remains unchanged. 

On 3/10/2017 at 5:50 PM, spousewaitingvisa said:

Finally, we received the ASC appointment letter (biometrics) today from VSC! It has been scheduled for 21st of March.   Good to know that VSC is moving. 

 

Please update the listing for biometrics. Thanks! 

Finally, we received the ASC appointment letter (biometrics) today from VSC! It has been scheduled for 21st of March.   Good to know that VSC is moving.