UnaMexicana

Journey over. Got certificate today at 9:00AM ceremony. I just can't believe it, after all this time. I wish you all a speedy and smooth process. I'll still be around VJ, amazing community! Best, UnaMexicana

Journey over. Got certificate today at 9:00AM ceremony. I just can't believe it, after all this time. I wish you all a speedy and smooth process. I'll still be around VJ, amazing community! Best, UnaMexicana

I did not mean to stress anyone 😸 However, it was surprising that she would stop at each part of the statement and wait for me to say yes/no. Perhaps others can elaborate on what their experience was... For example, if a question says: "Have you ever assisted, provided, helped, someone to commit an immigration violation?" Then she would pause on every comma and I'd have to say no, no, no. The above is obviously not a real verbatim question but a blunt example that I'm providing. It wasn't super long... We got into a rythm and I just really had to pay attention to what the question was so I knew it was one of the yes or no questions. Went over them rather quickly but was just surprised that she wanted me to say an answer to each part. Let me know if this explanation makes sense! UnaMexicana

Hello Vjers, Always re-posting my post from July filers as I filed June 30 and got receipt notice Jul1, 2020. I contacted USCIS today. They mentioned that I am in line for oath interview (which is what I see on the online tool, so not a lot of additional info). I got a nice rep and he did submit a Tier 2 request for me. Not sure if that will help, but at least helps my peace of mind to know I am taking ownership and doing whatever is in my power to MOVE.... THIS.... ALONG....!!! So close to the finish line and in less than a month we move to a new address (same state, different county). I am waiting and waiting and hoping something happens before the move. I'll keep you posted, and as always: each and everyone of you waiting are in my prayers. UnaMexicana

Hello VJers, Just adding another post. Contacted USCIS today. They mentioned that I am in line for oath interview (which is what I see on the online tool, so not a lot of additional info). I got a nice rep and he did submit a Tier 2 request for me. Not sure if that will help, but at least helps my peace of mind to know I am taking ownership and doing whatever is in my power to MOVE.... THIS.... ALONG....!!! So close to the finish line and in less than a month we move to a new address (same state, different county). I am waiting and waiting and hoping something happens before the move. I'll keep you posted, and as always: each and everyone of you waiting are in my prayers. UnaMexicana

Let me know if you have any more questions, happy to help. It worked for me to know that SF allowed cellphones inside, and was surprised to see a sign mentioning laptops even. Always good to check with officer at door as well though, mine was cracking jokes because I changed my hair color and wearing glasses. I had an ok experience and now just waiting as I've been "placed in line" for oath appointment.

Hello Vjers, Posting here as I always do both in June 2020 and July 2020 filers (filed June 30 but receipt was Jul 1). I had my interview today in San Francisco, CA. Phones and laptops are allowed "for note taking" (e.g., no photos or video). I was wearing ankle length boots and was not asked to take them off. You must remove all metal, keys, etc. and put it on a tray along with whatever document file or bag you're carrying. It's scanned through and then you are on your way to the second floor. You check in and a bit later your name is called, and you are let in by sort of a greeter/host. You're taken to one of the many offices and there are two iPads, one for the interviewer and one where you will do the reading/writing test and also read/review/sign whatever documents they ask you to (if needed). Please make sure that the officer is not trying to call you. I was let in, put in a room and waited for 15 minutes with nothing happening on the iPad. I heard someone calling my name but waited there and as it turns out, two greeters had my name and only one had the right office where I was supposed to be sitting. I was sent to the wrong one (!!!!). The second host said "good thing I came to check..." I wonder what would have happened if she just did not see me. I suppose my interview would have been rescheduled... arrrgh! Anyway, onto the introductions and civic test. Officer asked probably six questions, but I only remember these (I am paraphrasing): - Territory bought from France in 1803 - Why are there 13 stripes in the flag - Name 3 of the original 13 states - Who makes laws - When was the constitution written Then we proceeded to writing/reading the sentence: The President lives in the White House. After that there was the N400 review. I had some additional trip after I submitted my application, so I wanted to mention that and I motioned to open my binder and pulled out the N400 copy. Officer was not upset but was very firm and told me not to take any documents out unless directed to. They sound like robots probably because it is legal stuff and they do it all day every day. Again, not mean or upset, but just firm and clear. So she went over my data on the application. I filed under 3 yr rule, so she asked Date of Marriage, if I was still married, if it were the first marriage for both (it's husbands second), how did his prior marriage end, height, and the travel dates. I interjected politely to say I was not sure if it was needed, but I wanted to volunteer that I had an additional trip after I filed on 2020. She said "It is good that you mentioned it, because I see here in the system that you last entered on XX/2021." I had so many errors on my travel dates because a lot of the back to US flights were red eye, so the itinerary says one thing but the stamp on the passport says another. I was so freaked out because I was under oath and wanted to give her all these corrections (about four out of ten trips). She calmed me down and said "I can see that your entries on the application are only a day off here and there, and you are clarifying it now. This is not lying as I can see it is only one day for every entry, and these are not five month trips. I will just go ahead and note on your file that no trip was over six months." Also my hair was blonde now and I had put brown on the application (original color)... she just found that funny but noted it on the data she provided for sign and review. After the application we went onto the yes/no questions. This was awkward and long because she made a pause after every instance for me to say yes or no, but not just every question, every statement in every question (like those separated by commas, I'd have to say three or four times "no"). But it is what it is. At the end she asked me what the Oath of Allegiance meant in my own words (be prepared for this!), and after that she made me read it and asked to sign that I had understood the questions and what they meant, and that I was OK with being placed for oath ceremony. After that she asked me to receive a paper sheet that she printed. She was very apologetic that she could not make a decision on my case due to pending background checks, but that it was nothing on my end. She said it was on theirs and that my case would eventually update so to check back later. I was so sad because I almost thought I was going to be sworn in right there... She said I prepared very well but unfortunately the background checks are outside her control. Apparently my name is very common. Anyway I did hear some people being congratulated and approved and given oath invitation right then for December 15. I went outside, met my husband and we went for tacos al pastor, haha. When we were at the taqueria I thought of checking my online tool and it already said "Case recommended for approval. Submitted for quality review." And right after that another message "Oath ceremony will be scheduled." So I guess this is the closest I've been to the end of the road, and I take it. I am sharing this super long version in case it helps someone else alleviate the stress! All best and will update when I know more! UnaMexicana

Hello Vjers, I had my interview today in San Francisco, CA. Phones and laptops are allowed "for note taking" (e.g., no photos or video). I was wearing ankle length boots and was not asked to take them off. You must remove all metal, keys, etc. and put it on a tray along with whatever document file or bag you're carrying. It's scanned through and then you are on your way to the second floor. You check in and a bit later your name is called, and you are let in by sort of a greeter/host. You're taken to one of the many offices and there are two iPads, one for the interviewer and one where you will do the reading/writing test and also read/review/sign whatever documents they ask you to (if needed). Please make sure that the officer is not trying to call you. I was let in, put in a room and waited for 15 minutes with nothing happening on the iPad. I heard someone calling my name but waited there and as it turns out, two greeters had my name and only one had the right office where I was supposed to be sitting. I was sent to the wrong one (!!!!). The second host said "good thing I came to check..." I wonder what would have happened if she just did not see me. I suppose my interview would have been rescheduled... arrrgh! Anyway, onto the introductions and civic test. Officer asked probably six questions, but I only remember these (I am paraphrasing): - Territory bought from France in 1803 - Why are there 13 stripes in the flag - Name 3 of the original 13 states - Who makes laws - When was the constitution written Then we proceeded to writing/reading the sentence: The President lives in the White House. After that there was the N400 review. I had some additional trip after I submitted my application, so I wanted to mention that and I motioned to open my binder and pulled out the N400 copy. Officer was not upset but was very firm and told me not to take any documents out unless directed to. They sound like robots probably because it is legal stuff and they do it all day every day. Again, not mean or upset, but just firm and clear. So she went over my data on the application. I filed under 3 yr rule, so she asked Date of Marriage, if I was still married, if it were the first marriage for both (it's husbands second), how did his prior marriage end, height, and the travel dates. I interjected politely to say I was not sure if it was needed, but I wanted to volunteer that I had an additional trip after I filed on 2020. She said "It is good that you mentioned it, because I see here in the system that you last entered on XX/2021." I had so many errors on my travel dates because a lot of the back to US flights were red eye, so the itinerary says one thing but the stamp on the passport says another. I was so freaked out because I was under oath and wanted to give her all these corrections (about four out of ten trips). She calmed me down and said "I can see that your entries on the application are only a day off here and there, and you are clarifying it now. This is not lying as I can see it is only one day for every entry, and these are not five month trips. I will just go ahead and note on your file that no trip was over six months." Also my hair was blonde now and I had put brown on the application (original color)... she just found that funny but noted it on the data she provided for sign and review. After the application we went onto the yes/no questions. This was awkward and long because she made a pause after every instance for me to say yes or no, but not just every question, every statement in every question (like those separated by commas, I'd have to say three or four times "no"). But it is what it is. At the end she asked me what the Oath of Allegiance meant in my own words (be prepared for this!), and after that she made me read it and asked to sign that I had understood the questions and what they meant, and that I was OK with being placed for oath ceremony. After that she asked me to receive a paper sheet that she printed. She was very apologetic that she could not make a decision on my case due to pending background checks, but that it was nothing on my end. She said it was on theirs and that my case would eventually update so to check back later. I was so sad because I almost thought I was going to be sworn in right there... She said I prepared very well but unfortunately the background checks are outside her control. Apparently my name is very common. Anyway I did hear some people being congratulated and approved and given oath invitation right then for December 15. I went outside, met my husband and we went for tacos al pastor, haha. When we were at the taqueria I thought of checking my online tool and it already said "Case recommended for approval. Submitted for quality review." And right after that another message "Oath ceremony will be scheduled." So I guess this is the closest I've been to the end of the road, and I take it. I am sharing this super long version in case it helps someone else alleviate the stress! All best and will update when I know more! UnaMexicana

Hello, I am sad to hear about the decision on your case. I had my interview today and I get what you say about them "making a big deal" out of the longer trips. My interviewer mentioned something to the effect of a trip being okay because it was not over five months. I know the rule is 180 days, but I am sharing because it's fresh on my mind right now. I agree with the advice to consult with an immigration lawyer before deciding whether to appeal or file again. Sending good vibes your way, UnaMexicana

San Francisco, CA. (Super slow, I know)...

Well, this is a trick question, isn't it? You need to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Anyone who says otherwise is breaking the rules of this site. As a K-1 visa holder, you can work in the U.S. only if, after entering, you apply for and receive a work permit (EAD). Your employer may not care, and may even authorize it--but this is not about them, but about you and the U.S. government and its policies. You would have known this by simply googling "can i work on k1 visa for foreign company?" before you came to the U.S. on your K1. Not being a smart a... just letting you know how it is. UnaMexicana

Hello Vjers, Received an email from USCIS today saying an action had been taken on my case. Happy to announce that my interview has been scheduled for the end of the month. I saw the PDF letter online but am yet to receive it in the mail. Time to completion bumped from 8 months to 13 months on the online tool. Not that it means anything, but just thought I'd mention it. One more step toward the end goal. Hang in there those still waiting. Easier said than done, I know. You are all in my prayers! UnaMexicana

Hello Vjers, Received an email from USCIS today saying an action had been taken on my case. Happy to announce that my interview has been scheduled for the end of the month. I saw the PDF letter online but am yet to receive it in the mail. Time to completion bumped from 8 months to 13 months on the online tool. Not that it means anything, but just thought I'd mention it. Hang in there those still waiting. Easier said than done, I know. You are all in my prayers! UnaMexicana