Fr8dog

I see your point. I just tried to condense the whole thing into the most basic form. I'm sure somebody will argue that one of your examples can be overcome.......etc etc. But in the end it's a choice the parent has to make for the minor and they just have to deal with it later on if the parent went route 2 and decided not to keep track of the records. If they don't keep track of the records and they went route 1 they can try to retrieve a copy from the USCIS later on. (I'm sure ones again for fee)

This keeps on popping up on a regular base and I have found most topics interesting reads (generally just read them as I have no experience with the matter). To me (and please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) it boils down to the following: If the minor becomes a citizen through the parents N-400 process there are 2 options: 1 - file the N-600 (expensive yes we know) - obtain a certificate - Have single document, to keep in a save place, proving they are a US citizen for the rest of their life. 2 - not going through the N-600 (yes that's the cheap option here) - Apply for a US passport using the parent(s) certificates - Have a collection of records, to keep in a save place, proving they are a US citizen for the rest of their life. The choice is up to the parents to figure out what route to follow. Coming from a country that is completely Passport/ID-card based for citizenship claims, I would be perfectly happy going the second route. However I can also see where people are way more comfortable with having a physical piece of paper stating nationality to keep in a save place. As for the original post, these are the only 2 available options. The fact that the USCIS is supposed to be financed by the people that use the service has some unforeseen consequences the $1400,= fee is one of them.

The one thing I have noticed when living in rural area's in the past. Everybody knows everybody and will do almost anything for their neighbors. So don't be surprised if you end up with a bunch of references if from your new neighbors if you decide to move. Also cannot agree more with Po55um's statement to live your live and make immigration work around it. And basically the same with Dashinka about the fact that most likely they will never even look at or ask for the statements at the N-400. You most likely end up leaving the office, after the N-440 interview, somewhat bewildered about the fact you carried all that stuff with you and they didn't even ask to see any of it. Lastly I would like to point out that the USCIS has mastered the act of CYA when it comes to evidence requests. They throw everything that might be used in the instructions. That does not mean you need to have everything. It means you can use all of the examples to provide the required proof.

Or proof of hotel booking if you're planning a land-crossing.

Very true, but if you aren't clearing the limit and can't find a co-sponsor your throwing away perfectly good money on filing fees. The original statement about supporting the USC financially made me wonder.

CR-1 without a doubt (in case you're still debating that part). I wouldn't worry too much about the ESTA entries just don't be "that Dutchman" that gets argumentative with border officers. 😀 Have you guys run the numbers yet for her income, will she be able to clear the bar to support you or do you guys have a co-sponsor lined up? If not get that sorted out first.

I did get the I-551 when I was in the I-751/N-400 limbo. However that was the time you got the short extension time letter. When I called the USCIS for the stamp they only let me make an appointment as my extension letter had expired. So I doubt they will even let you make one. They did not take my expired green-card when giving me the stamp. Your basically waiting for your N-400 to be out of processing time as stated above the I-751 timeline is now completely irrelevant.

If you're planning on bringing it with you to the interview, you might as well upload it now. Added benefit being they will make the prints for you. You should always bring everything with you to any and all visits to the field office. Just in case they have overlooked something, forgot to print something or decided to turn your file upside-down on the floor and loose all your previously submitted evidence during a time there was no online filing or document uploading (ask me how I know that one).

Quick add-on in case anybody overlooked this part. If the DS-3025 is marked as above Include a copy of this form with your AOS implication. The correct info should already be available to them (it was included in the manila envelope handed in at the entry point). There have been numerous cases where this info did not meet up with the AOS and people got the RFE. In my case the whole envelope went AWOL for several years. it did not make it into my file until days before my N-400 interview. As I had included the DS-3025 with my AOS application, it got approved without an RFE for it. (It just caused major delays after submitting the ROC application but we don't think about that time anymore)

Check the DS3025 to verify it's marked with the vaccine requirements completed (it's been a while. I don't know the wording anymore). If it's marked complete include a copy of the DS3025 with the application. This is used as a friendly reminder to them that it was done. If you are not including it you are relying on them to use the info from the manila entry envelope with the current AOS and hope they connect the dots for you. Do not ever rely on them to connect the dots for you if you have a completed and correct DS-3025.

In case anybody is interested; The 6 months for N400 is new. They used to issue 12 months with pending N400 (I got one at the end of 2019)

Should be fine. Nothing you can do about it now anyway just sent it I would say

You can hang on to it for now and see if you get a RFE. Or you can send it in and still might get one. You can open it and then take it from there. You may want to some internet/forum searches to see if you an get some more info from people that recently went through Ghana to see if you can some feed back from them.

If it was given by the medical examiner I tend to lean to this advise. It most likely has a copy of the DS-3025 in it. If he already has a copy of the DS-3025 there is no reason to open it. Sending the envelope in with the AOS application is also an option. However you are then depending on somebody else to open it, figure out what it is and then make sure it gets added to the file. Amsterdam used to hand out sealed envelopes after the medical. But they also gave us a copy of the DS-3025. I never opened the envelope as I assumed it was not needed. I finally opened it after I gotten the naturalization certificate. It was only an additional copy of the DS-3025.

Norfolk usually doesn't do instant approvals or same day oaths. It will be a few days

Don't forget DMV, it gets pretty interesting if you try to renew your license a few years down the road fill out the form as a US citizen and didn't bring your passport.

Try to get the ADIT stamp in your passport. (need to go to the field office for it though). It has the added benefit that you can check with the person, giving you the actual stamp, to make sure they have the correct address (including apt number) in their system.

Not as helpful as I had hoped 😀 Back to the old question, who handed out the envelope? Consulate or Medical examiner?

Just to make sure we are all going to be on the same page here, Are we talking about the manila envelope he got at the embassy or is this the (usually white) envelope that some medical examiners hand out? A picture would be really helpful

Playing phone tag with the USCIS is always a fun way to pass time. I've played it a few times. They will actually call back. It is usually within a few days and they will give you a pin/confirmation number to prove it is them and not some scam. After an infopass appointment is made, tier one needs to send you a confirmation document by email with the appointment info. Print it and bring it with you to the field office. If you haven not received the email within a day, call back and try to get confirmation that the appointment is actually made, you may have to insist to be escalated to a tier two officer. They cannot resend the mail but can send you a different email with a confirmation number on it. print that one and bring it. You will not be let in to the office if your name is not on the list at security and most of the time they want to see some paperwork from you confirming the appointment.

congrats." You can always request a different date, but generally they hand them out as quickly as practical so earlier is basically not going to happen.

I would suggest you stop doing this. Answer questions that are asked. Ones you state "self-employed" they are not going to ask for an employer. These are not some first line help-desk folks working of a cue card list. Also be prepared for the interview to be completely different from what you have"seen" and be more of a friendly chat then anything else. Personally I found it the most relaxed and informal part of the entire journey.

As stated above, you might want to get this in before the certificate gets to you. DMV is generally not known to be the most flexible entity and miss matching names on certificates, Social security cards and immigration papers may turn into issues.

some insight into foreign license operations. If you are a resident of the state you are required to obtain a license from that state. Now if you go to DMV and try to get one, K1 holders run into some potential issues. The system may not accept the K1 or it does recognize the person as a "resident". Then my argument is that you can continue to operate as a "visitor" (what else can you be if the system does not see you as a resident) on your foreign license. When you get the work permit (EAD) or the NOA of your AOS, most states accept that as being a resident and they will issue your license. For the OP this is way down the line.

Just a photo copy of the original.