afrocraft

Good day,
just sharing my experience before i forget it. So i had my interview yesterday, the girl was just coming out of a sickness and i could tell she is irritable and i said to myself oh great maybe she will be done quick or not. Not! Page by page she asked me, then on my name part...i have a fairly long first name 3 first name to be exact bacause my parents have spanish decent and loved naming their kids anyway.. She wanted me to include all 3 names and told her they asked me these when i was getting my green card to just choose the first first name then maiden then last name because only 18 characters can fit so i kept quiet pretended that it hasn't been asked before.. And surely it popped out on her screen..cannot add more letters etc.. So she made a sticky note on my file, ( in my head i was thinking hopefully it will not delay my oathtaking or mess everything up). So unto the part where i left the country for 200 days because i was bringing my 2kids from the Phil their immigrant visa was approved but the processing took too long because of the supertyphoon and it affected everyone. She was quick to tell me that i am not eligible for naturalization because i broke the 3 year residency...if i just suck it up and take it i would have lost all that $$ i paid for the n400 so i stood my ground told her before even applying i consulted with uscis talked to the supervisor and advise me to wait 7more months before i can apply to satisfy the days that i was out in 2014 and make sure to bring documents to prove that you did not abandon the us and maintain residency such as filing tax returns, continue coverage of health insurance despite being away of the country.. So i gave it all to her and that basically silenced her up that i came prepared..but the thing that irritate me is she said granted that i had a biological baby with the american spouse i should be ok.
Anyway ..so i said thank you  after i pass and aced all the test and got the paper saying congratulations you are approved wait for the oath taking letter in 4-6 weeks bring your family..bye 
Questions asked for the test.
1.explain freedom of religion
2. What age is selective service
3. When was constitution written
4. What ocean on the east
5. What state borders mexico
6. How many senators
read something forgot that sentence but i got it right
For written exam.wrote down "We pay taxes. Reminder for would be citizen that you need to pay up haha.
 
so my advice fellow immigrants, stand your ground, bring supporting documents that helps your case anticipate that you will be asked, and keep you cool and pray. Goodluck my journey is complete after the oath taking but will be doing derivative citizenship with my 2minor kids in the future gotta save first that fee..broke mom of 3.

OK, if it only applied to that first year you became a resident, then you should be fine. Some people continue to work overseas during their US residency, and claim foreign earned income exclusion.

Only one person has reported receiving biometrics appointment notice. Which sucks, because I'm leaving in a few days for a 2-week trip, and the delay is making me nervous!

Although you can't walk in without the notice in hand...

Given your location, latino (I assume), and recent immigration actions (e.g., the recent Greyhound bus tickets-please search), I'd suggest at least keeping a copy of the letter in his wallet at all times. You only really need copy the first page, and you can fold it down to wallet size.

I think yes: You can still get a green card. Even people who get divorced before filing the I-751 can, but need to file a waiver of the requirement to file jointly. But if you get divorced, you should notify USCIS immediately.

This is my last comment on this matter, as OP has been duly advised. I'm glad things worked out for you, but the fraud thing is still terrible advice. The reason many people get denied for visas from Nigeria (OP's country) isn't because of "fraud" per se; it's because they fail to show that it's more likely than not that they qualify for the visa. 
 
For marriage-based petitions in particular, many people don't realize that they actually have a strong hand, assuming no major issues like a criminal record, past attempts to cheat on visa applications, and highly unlikely stories (never met, very wide age gaps, etc.). The visa is based on your romantic relationship with a US citizen/resident, and the telling of that intensely private story -- how you met, how you've grown closer, what your future plans are -- is, by definition, within your control. In other words, you define the key parameters by which your application is assessed; you present evidence to make that story more credible; and you decide what to exclude that could complicate your story. 
 
It's like you were handed a blank canvas as well as paint and paintbrushes, and told to paint your best rendition of a family portrait. So paint away, Picasso, but be careful not to leave blots behind. They can and will be used against you.

This is my last comment on this matter, as OP has been duly advised. I'm glad things worked out for you, but the fraud thing is still terrible advice. The reason many people get denied for visas from Nigeria (OP's country) isn't because of "fraud" per se; it's because they fail to show that it's more likely than not that they qualify for the visa. 
 
For marriage-based petitions in particular, many people don't realize that they actually have a strong hand, assuming no major issues like a criminal record, past attempts to cheat on visa applications, and highly unlikely stories (never met, very wide age gaps, etc.). The visa is based on your romantic relationship with a US citizen/resident, and the telling of that intensely private story -- how you met, how you've grown closer, what your future plans are -- is, by definition, within your control. In other words, you define the key parameters by which your application is assessed; you present evidence to make that story more credible; and you decide what to exclude that could complicate your story. 
 
It's like you were handed a blank canvas as well as paint and paintbrushes, and told to paint your best rendition of a family portrait. So paint away, Picasso, but be careful not to leave blots behind. They can and will be used against you.

I'm not even sure where to begin. You took this to another place. Maybe we understand differently the fraud issue when it comes to marriage-based applications.

I think my suggestion -- that applicants from all countries should focus on evaluating whether they will meet the reasonable-person, preponderance-of-the-evidence standard -- is far more useful than name-shaming specific countries. After all, US immigration law requires all adjudicating officers to presume all marriage-based petitions have fraudulent intent, doesn't it?
 
The name-shaming has negative consequences for applicants. Rather than compile thoughtful, high-quality applications (that clarify specific intent, that present corroborating evidence, and that avoid self-incrimination), nervous applicants default to mindless data dumping (one Nigerian once told me you need 200 pictures to be successful, but I only presented 12 well chosen ones), which often works against them (assume everything you present can and will be used against you). 

If I read the Nigeria-is-a-high-fraud-country line one more time ....  My spouse never visited Nigeria, yet I am a now US permanent resident. 
 
OP: Pay the naysayers no attention. Every case is different, and the deciding factor is credibility: Will a reasonable person who has never met you two decide, only on the basis of the evidence you provide, that it is more likely that you have a true, loving relationship that will lead to marriage than it is you're just in it for immigration purposes?
 
If you think about it this way, the way to go is obvious: Craft a clearly structured testimonial of the key milestones of your relationship (how you met, how you stayed together, how your lives/families have become more intricately linked, and your plans for the future). Then put together multiple, carefully curated documentary evidence that corroborates those milestones in your story and credibly addresses the major weaknesses that you anticipate (e.g., why so little physical time spent together).
 
Hope that helps.

Good thing you filed a timely AR-11 change of address, and can prove that you did. USCIS established an administrative process for issues like yours. If you believe you otherwise qualify for removal of conditions, you can file a service request for expedited review of your I-751 by calling the USCIS customer service line at 1-800-375-5283 . When you call:
Have your identifying information at hand, including your A-number and your I-751 ROC receipt number; Be sure to say that you want to make a service request for expedited review because of a USCIS administrative error (use those words); Explain the circumstances of that error: That 1) you understand your I-751 was denied because you did not respond to an RFE, 2) the RFE was sent to the wrong address, and 3) you filed a timely AR-11. This is one of the few reasons USCIS allows for rapid review of petitions/applications, as below. Take note of the service request number so you can follow up. You should expect a response in a little as five days. You can read more here and here. Best of luck!

I would:
File a police report of the loss File the I-751 with the copy you have, the police report, and a written explanation When your card is about to expire, go get the I-551 stamp at InfoPass

Hi all,
 
I know I've been part of some discussions regarding how and when we're eligible to get the I-551 extension stamp to replace an expiring NOA green card extension letter. My wife (green card holder) and I (US citizen) had an InfoPass appointment yesterday in Portland, OR, and here's what we were able to determine:
 
1. Immigration officers have a guideline (not a hard-and-fast rule, I think) that an I-551 stamp should only be given if the green card holder will need it within the next month (30 days?). Apparently part of the reason for this guideline is that if they give you a stamp long before you need it, there's a bigger chance that you'll get your 10-year green card in the meantime, which is not ideal because they prefer you to only have one or the other.
 
2. However, this does not necessarily mean your extension letter must be expiring within the next month. My wife's is expiring in early November, but we were able to get the I-551 stamp yesterday (July 14) because she has to renew her driver's permit on August 5. The stamp is valid for a year from the date it was issued, and my wife had to forfeit her expired 2-year green card because "the stamp counts as a green card, and you can't have two green cards at the same time".
 
3. What if we're traveling abroad for several months and not coming back until after the extension letter expires? This didn't end up applying to us (though a week ago we thought it would), but here's what the officer said: You do need to get a stamp for this (otherwise there's some kind of special consular permission or something you have to get to re-enter the country, I think she said). She said that you can get the stamp for this reason, even if your letter isn't within a month of expiring, but "I would probably ask you to come back in to get the stamp just a week or two before you leave".
 
4. What if you're starting a new job that needs to see your papers, and you expect to stay at the job past the expiration date of the extension letter? This actually did apply to us - my wife was just offered a new job the day before our InfoPass appointment. The officer said that you don't need a stamp for this - that the employer will accept your current extension letter, and wait until it's expiring to ask for documentation of continued residency. (But in our case, she gave us the stamp anyway because of the expiring driver's permit.)
 
I imagine all this could vary from officer to officer, and as I said before, it seems that it's ultimately up to their discretion, but I thought others (including people searching this in the future) might find this general information useful.
 
 

LOL. For future applicants, please do not do this (i.e. "load"). The better strategy is to use multiple, corroborating evidence. Suppose you wish to demonstrate to USCIS that you so love your fiance/spouse that you visited him/her in Lagos between Jan 1-5, 2017. You can send 200 pictures in various states of undress. Or you can send:
An email dated Nov 25, 2016 in which you and your spouse discussed how you're missing each other so much, and how the fever won't break until you meet again on Jan 1; AND Boarding passes that show you actually took a flight from Dallas TX on Dec 31, 2016, arriving Lagos, Nigeria, and departing from Lagos back to Dallas on Jan 5; AND Movie tickets for 2 adults to see a rerun of Titanic at Silverbird Theater in Victoria Island on Jan 3; AND 3 annotated pictures from that visit: one in front of the Murtala Mohammed Airport sign; one in front of Silverbird; one with his/her family. The second option is WAY more convincing than 200 pictures, however sexually explicit.

Kudo's to afrocraft (Love that idea).

OlmMe front loading isn't about alot of evidence. It's really about putting your evidence upfront instead of relying at interview they will bother to look at.
it's about putting quality not quantity upfront. Your evidence should tell a story like afrocraft so eloquently stated. The adjudicator at USCIS really doesn't give a whole lot of hoot what you send in They will approve with just a marriage certificate However the CO at embassy is another matter. They should be able to flip through your evidence page by page and see and feel what is being said without a word.
i have seen people send in 200, 300 pictures of nonsense. people looking like they rather be anywhere but in that picture. Unflattering or worst the kiss of the staged pictures. Too many selfies and staged shots.

I would put in for the vacation. Why can't you get a visit in before interview if you can't be there. It';s about time together not about you standing outside under the canopy or as I did the tree for hours. They aren't impressed.

Your approval could be day tomorrow next year so book that trip and go see your man.

LOL. For future applicants, please do not do this (i.e. "load"). The better strategy is to use multiple, corroborating evidence. Suppose you wish to demonstrate to USCIS that you so love your fiance/spouse that you visited him/her in Lagos between Jan 1-5, 2017. You can send 200 pictures in various states of undress. Or you can send:
An email dated Nov 25, 2016 in which you and your spouse discussed how you're missing each other so much, and how the fever won't break until you meet again on Jan 1; AND Boarding passes that show you actually took a flight from Dallas TX on Dec 31, 2016, arriving Lagos, Nigeria, and departing from Lagos back to Dallas on Jan 5; AND Movie tickets for 2 adults to see a rerun of Titanic at Silverbird Theater in Victoria Island on Jan 3; AND 3 annotated pictures from that visit: one in front of the Murtala Mohammed Airport sign; one in front of Silverbird; one with his/her family. The second option is WAY more convincing than 200 pictures, however sexually explicit.

Unless you really, really, really, really, really have to travel in a hurry, I strongly recommend you apply for a visa outside Nigeria instead of using visa on arrival. You do not want to be at the mercy of Nigerian immigration officers when you arrive at the airport.
 
 

Consider filing a service request for expedited review of your I-751 because of a USCIS administrative error. See information below. Because of the serious adverse consequences you now face (including removal proceedings), I would write the service center that adjudicated your I-751, sending via certified mail so someone signs for it. I would also appeal to your representative in Congress for help.
 
In your letter to USCIS:
Ask for expedited review because of a USCIS administrative error; Explain that you did not receive an invitation to interview. Include the potential adverse consequences you face as a result of this USCIS decision (loss of employment eligibility, initiation of removal proceedings, separation from spouse, health?, etc.) Attach any relevant evidence.  

Yep - just to add another voice here, you should get it corrected to avoid problems with ROC. The people above gave you the wrong advice because they didn't read that you were CR-1 and not AOS. We CR-1s entered with an immigrant visa and became (conditional) permanent residents immediately the day we signed the form at POE, and that should be the date on your 2 year green card.

Unless you really, really, really, really, really have to travel in a hurry, I strongly recommend you apply for a visa outside Nigeria instead of using visa on arrival. You do not want to be at the mercy of Nigerian immigration officers when you arrive at the airport.
 
 

First, check your Green Card for any errors -- names, date of residence (make sure it roughly matches the day your AOS was approved). If anything is wrong, file a paper I-90 and return the card, no fee necessary (because the error is USCIS'). Any unresolved errors will bite you in the behind later. I know from experience.
 
Next, prep for the ROC. I wish I'd started much earlier. Most people get approved without interview. Current timelines for ROC completion around 1 year, but it shouldn't matter to you since you can get temporary stamps in your passport and can apply for naturalization after about 3 years. Your priority is gathering supporting documentation for your I-751 ROC petition every month or quarter (see my suggested framework for guidance, below), and possibly storing them in the cloud so the chance of losing them is low.
 
 

Unless you really, really, really, really, really have to travel in a hurry, I strongly recommend you apply for a visa outside Nigeria instead of using visa on arrival. You do not want to be at the mercy of Nigerian immigration officers when you arrive at the airport.
 
 

Good thing you filed a timely AR-11 change of address, and can prove that you did. USCIS established an administrative process for issues like yours. If you believe you otherwise qualify for removal of conditions, you can file a service request for expedited review of your I-751 by calling the USCIS customer service line at 1-800-375-5283 . When you call:
Have your identifying information at hand, including your A-number and your I-751 ROC receipt number; Be sure to say that you want to make a service request for expedited review because of a USCIS administrative error (use those words); Explain the circumstances of that error: That 1) you understand your I-751 was denied because you did not respond to an RFE, 2) the RFE was sent to the wrong address, and 3) you filed a timely AR-11. This is one of the few reasons USCIS allows for rapid review of petitions/applications, as below. Take note of the service request number so you can follow up. You should expect a response in a little as five days. You can read more here and here. Best of luck!

If I read the Nigeria-is-a-high-fraud-country line one more time ....  My spouse never visited Nigeria, yet I am a now US permanent resident. 
 
OP: Pay the naysayers no attention. Every case is different, and the deciding factor is credibility: Will a reasonable person who has never met you two decide, only on the basis of the evidence you provide, that it is more likely that you have a true, loving relationship that will lead to marriage than it is you're just in it for immigration purposes?
 
If you think about it this way, the way to go is obvious: Craft a clearly structured testimonial of the key milestones of your relationship (how you met, how you stayed together, how your lives/families have become more intricately linked, and your plans for the future). Then put together multiple, carefully curated documentary evidence that corroborates those milestones in your story and credibly addresses the major weaknesses that you anticipate (e.g., why so little physical time spent together).
 
Hope that helps.