EmilyW

I have no advice.

Just wanted to say to the OP that what you and your wife have tried to do is very kind, and your niece is fortunate to have people who love her and are looking out for her.

You file the N-400 online. Include your divorce certificate in the documents you submit.

You will be asked to list marriages and divorces, and the form does ask for some basic information (name, DOB) of the previous spouse, but it does not ask for any information like passport numbers.

I never said there would be an issue.  I just said it would not be true unless, at the time of filling out the form, you do have the documentation.

When we filled out our DS260, we did what Top Secret did.  'No' and then an explanation that, by the time of interview, we would.  It was not a problem.

Saying 'Yes' when it's not true is a lie.

She's not in a great spot, from an immigration perspective.  She is deportable and, given the length of her overstay, she will have a ban when she leaves the country.

If you were a US citizen, you could marry her, and then do an adjustment of status.  Her overstay would be forgiven.

You are not a US citizen, so this option is not available to you.

The petitioner having a criminal record is less of an issue (unless it's Adam Walsh related): they will grill as.a means of ensuring the beneficiary knows who they are marrying.

A beneficiary having a criminal record is different.  The information is less about the relationship being bonafide and more - in my opinion - about trying to figure out if the beneficiary would be a criminal risk once in  the US.

The test isn't multiple choice, and the officer will ask the questions.

Don't sweat the test too much.  A few minutes a day on the app, going through each question, and you will be fine!

No it is not.

I didn't submit the transcripts with my N400, but I did take them with me for the interview.  They were not asked for by the IO: he only asked me if I had paid my taxes.

So today ended my journey with USCIS - I became a US Citizen.

In terms of timeline, I submitted the application on February 5 2021.  Biometrics were conducted July 2021.  And interview (and oath ceremony) was today at the Charlotte Field Office.

For reference, I was a Diversity Lottery winner so I had to wait five years to apply.  My life in the US has been reasonably boring (lived in the same place, worked at the same employer, no misdemeanours or tickets etc), but I did divorce my ex-husband.

Can't speak highly enough of the Charlotte Field Office.  They have just nailed their processes - I was in and out within 2 hours - interview and oath included.

Hey team,

I filed for naturalization on February 5, did the biometrics on July 7 and have my interview scheduled for September 21 2021 at the Charlotte Field Office.

Am praying that my journey with USCIS ends that day!

It might be easier for them to visit you, I suspect.

@Cathi speaks the truth.  It's a joint account.  You take what is yours and let him have a toddler tantrum about it.

Your income status has nothing to do with her.

She has to apply on her own merits and prove why she will leave the US.  If she was denied once, and HER circumstances haven't changed, she will likely get another denial.

From memory, Melbourne doesn't do immigrant visas.  All immigrant visas go through Sydney.

I'm not sure about your other question, but I'm sure a helpful member of the site will be able to assist.

You need to have legal custody of the child.

Lawyers aren't paid to play it safe.  They are paid to make money.

If playing it safe makes them money, then that is what they will do.  If playing it unsafe made them money, they'd be just as keen to take your money.