olna83

Really? I thought only one family member applies and includes his/her family, and if that person gets selected then the whole family is a selectee as well. Please correct if I'm wrong so I'll let them know he has to do the same.

Please help,

My sister was filling out the application and she accidentally put her husband's DOB with a wrong day, it should have been 21 not 29 of January. Does that mean her family won't go through?

One last silly question to that topic. Once the application process starts and the applicant uploads her photo how will she know whether the photo is accepted or not. Also, if the photo doesn't look right does it mean that the entire application will be denied?

Thank you.

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/photos.html That is the tool on the DV website and should be the same one when the lottery opens again

thanks a lot!

1- the registering fro DV 2017 is expected to start in October.

2- yes there is an official online tool to check if the picture meets the requirements.

I appreciate the quick reply.

I've tried that tool..But I think it was for passport photos because when I cropped and adjusted the picture that was already made according the requirements, it accepted the photo but it cut it to look like it's for a passport.

Will the tool for DV program photos be available at the time when application process starts?

Thank you!

Hi,

I hope I can get answers to the questions from a friend of mine who wants to participate in DV-2017.

I heard that the application process starts in October of every year so for the 2017 program it will be in October of 2015, is that right?

Also, she's concerned with the picture requirements. If applying online will there be a way to check if the picture is done correctly?

Thank you in advance.

She had no idea what she was talking about (it's okay--just because they accept passports doesn't mean they know the rules particularly well or the process). The current passport processing time is currently 4-6 weeks and you shouldn't expect to get the passport or the cert until this time period. You may very well get the cert after the passport.

If I were you I would not start worrying at all until the 6 week mark, and you can see the status online with your passport receipt number, though the status doesn't update particularly well; basically there is either "yes we have your application" and "we've issued the passport".

Getting the cert first by weeks makes no sense. It is a crucial part of the packet and the adjudication of the application requires it, so it is looked at during the actual processing of the passport.

Thanks ExPatty!

That's very strange...She did say I should receive my passport in 4-6 weeks which is a standard option. And also she mentioned that I should receive my certificate sooner. I thought at first that this is the process. Once the information on the certificate is verified on their end the passport is then due for generating and printing which will take a few weeks, and the certificate is heading back to me in the meantime.

Anyways, thank you for the comment. Based on your and other VJs' experience I shouldn't worry at this point.

Guys, thank you all!

Hey VJs,

Those who applied for passport or those who may know the answer from other sources.

I applied for the passport last Sunday. I was freaking out to give away my only proof of the immigration status...But they require to attach the original naturalization certificate. And the lady who served me at the agency said they will send my certificate back within a week although the passport will arrive in 4-6 weeks.

It's been a week and three days - I haven't got the certificate back. Does anyone know what's the normal wait? Should I call them and ask?

Thank you.

All that looks good and there's no harm in taking extra documentation just in case, but are there any 5 year applicants who were asked for tax transcripts? I've never read about that... the transcripts are used as proof of married filing status... I suppose an interviewer may want to verify that an applicant has paid his taxes, but again, I didn't know that they asked for this.

JimmyHou,

I agree. That's why I pointed out "depending on a specific case". If there were any issues paying taxes in the past and an IO knows about it he may ask to provide transcripts to prove all has been settled.

My friend was working on cash and she reported her earnings every year during the tax season. So when she applied for citizneship based on 5 yr rule the officer specifically wanted to review her tax returns for the last 5 years.

I was told by my lawyer to bring copies/transcripts for the last 5 years (just in case) - although I was on payroll with all my employers and filed my taxes in a timely manner.

Thanks!

Hello. I'm posting this question in order to make sure that my knowledge is correct. During citizenship interview following documentation is necessary only, 1. Interview notice letter form USCIS, 2. Green Card 3. Current foreign passport. Anything else is necessary?

Grab your current state issued ID as well. My officer asked to show all: GC, passport and driver's license.

Other than that - anything that is relevant to you specific case. Also, refer to the interview letter attachement - it should say what you have to bring. The following is what applicants here had to submit:

1. If based on 5 yr rule - copies of the last 5 tax returns (transcripts, installement agreements if any).

2. If based on 3 yr rule - copies of the last 3 tax returns (transcripts, installement agreements if any); if married - proof of that you're still married like copies of leases, bills, banking accounts. There were cases when they asked for it.

3. If you had arrests/DUIs or traffic tickets and all were resolved - bring receipts, court dispositions or other related documentation showing it's resolved.

4. If you are/were married bring the original and the copy of all marriage certificates/divorce decrees (if married more than once).

5. If marriage certificate/divorce decree is in foreign language - bring a certified translated copy.

6. They also suggest to have a letter of employment - to prove you currently have a job (not required but in some cases they may want to take a look at it).

7. If you have your old foreign passport - they recommend to bring it as well especially if you traveled a lot and your trip history is torn between two passports.

You know your situation better. And if there are issues you think they may question - bring everything that proves your good moral character. I hope it's all clean and smooth.

So best of luck!

So today was my interview in Newark . Well here was my issues. When I was 13 was caught shop flitting. I had paid restitution. No police was called no court. Second problem I had a bench warrent issued for missing court date on a traffic ticket , talking on cell phone ticket. Now I had a lot of traffic tickets which I didn't pay for like 2 years. But that incedent was few years back. Today all tickets paid off and zero points on driver license. Third problem was taxes. I had not filed taxes from 2010 thru 2014. So this year I paid sh*t load of money to straighten all the taxes out. Third problem was I didn't have exact travel dates from when I traveled outside us. Because I'm here as asylee . I traveled on refugee travel documents . When u have refugee travel documents the only last about 2 years and when u re apply u have to send the old one back. I Neva bothered to photo copy the travel logs from travel docs. So I submitted a foia request to cbp for the travel logs. They did send it to me but trust me when I tell u they next to impossible to make sense of. Some dates are very simple to understand some aren't so easy. So I did my best but I knew for fact I Neva traveled for longer then 6 months. So as u can see I was more then nervous going in cuz I thought my case wasn't straight forward. I did mention everything on the application. So in the interview they asked the civic questions I breezed throgh them. So now the hard part the io was going through every question from my n400 . So when it came to taxes she asked if I owe any taxes . I said no. She said but it says on ur application that you failed to pay taxes. I said yes that's true I failed to file taxes on time but I am all caught up with my taxes. She said so u don't owe taxes I said no. Then she asked me tell me about ur arrest ,what happened. So I explained to her that a bench warrent was issued . And it was for traffic ticket .she asked me if I went to court and if I paid the fine. I said yes and gave her the disposition letter. She was looking at that really closely . Btw all docs I brought were original . So after that she was clicking away on her computer. And said congrats I recommending you for approval. And few hours later I took my oath ceremony same day and got my certificate of naturalization. :-) I'm sry for the long post I got a lot of help from fellow vj ers. I got a lot of advice and input so I wanted this post to be as detailed as I can make it

Congratulations! I thought I was the worst

Even my lawyer said that the Newark office has got nice officers.

Go celebrate!

Got a traffic citation in 05/04. I've been calling County Clerk and checking online to pay the ticket but all I get is Still "not been entered into the system" per County Clerk and today "City XYZ is a little behind on entering their citations"

My N-400 Interview is next Tuesday 07/14. So what are my options here?

Last thing I want to do is give USCIS excuse to delay the process any longer

Oh by the way, I may even have a bigger fish to fry with my Pending Amended Tax Return issue.

1. Traffic Ticket. How far is the county clerk from you? Often times they accept payments at the county clerk. Pain in the neck to be in the long line but since it's urgent it may be worth it. I would wait till Friday - if nothing comes up online I would just go there or call and explain why you need it promptly.

2. Tax Return. Similar case was here with my pending documentation from IRS. I know their online system is down and they would only mail stuff which can take up to 10 business days so I called them, explained that I have an interview at USCIS and that my application can get denied if I dont provide the installment agreement. They faxed me over the agreement within 5 min.

In your situation, I would just call them and ask to fax any confirmation/letter stating they received the ammended return and it's in the process. If you filed it online you should have a copy of it. Same if you filed it through an agency they should have given you something.

You should be fine.

My officer didnt even ask if my tickets were paid. He asked if I have any DUI, I said no - only tickets related to speeding, red light etc. He said it's fine. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't resolve your traffic violations before the interview, I just want to alleviate your concern and let you know that in this particular case it may not be a big deal. You can always explain to the officer what happened truthfully.

But honestly, try to call them or go directly to the county clerk. This is way too long, two months...

Good luck!

And the officer told me he couldn't make a decision, because he has to go over my file again, but asked to take 2 passport photos. Should I worry??

I wouldn't worry about it. If you passed your history/English test and he asked to bring two passport photos before he makes a decision - that just means he can't close your case until he has a complete set of supporting materials. Photos are always attached to the application before it gets archived. So once you submit your pictures I'm sure you'll get approved.

Good luck!

1. There is a law that requires non-US citizens to file change of address form after moving. I learned about this after many years of living in the US. Furthermore, the "within 10 days" part evaded me. Either I missed it, or subsequently forgot - I don't remember.

I was moving a lot in the last few weeks prior to naturalization, but only filed one address change form. I wasn't in any trouble with the law and paid for accommodations with my credit card, so I was definitely "traceable" and not hiding. And, of course, I attended the interview and the final ceremony. However, I didn't list any of these address change failures in the papers (the N-400 and on the day of naturalization) since the "10 days" part evaded me, so I didn't realize I broke the law.

THEORETICALLY SPEAKING, can they frame this as immigration fraud and revoke my citizenship?

2. Is there a statute of limitation for this particular law?

Many thanks.

I moved 6 times for the past 5 years and never notified USCIS about the address changes. I became a US citizen last week - the issue of not filing AR-11 never came up during the interview so don't worry!

Best of luck!

Thank you olna93 ok so my husband was about to do is citizenship when Iam meet he was eligible 5 years but we missed up because of me long story than we got married in my country france after he went back renew is green card between 2 kids... actually he ll get is 10 years green card in September mean while last year in July we filled up for me and kids under f2a ...now process taking time a friend he take chance to do his citizen Monday fingerprint .... We calculate thank you jeeper for the link but we did calculate time that you can have every year 6 months ... He don t pass the additional time but he did went over 6 months straight our son was sick and 2 babies taff to manege I was working too anyway we want him to be citizen to accelerate the process f2a ....

He have no criminal record etc... And always payed his taxes too we only worry about the time out... But even when left for a year he came back in airport the officer asked him what happened he told the true about our kid was sick he had to stay and he told him hope he feel better ... That is it and he didn't apply for any extension before to leave.

Lera66,

Can you please specify how did your husband obtain his Green Card? Is this a conditional green card for 2 years or this is already a 10yr green card?

Hello vj fellows... My husband sent is N400 in early June he have is fingerprint appt on Monday Iam still stressing because until the interview we still don't know if is eligible or not right? Outside the test?

My fear is my husband been more than 10 years in USA with green card never left until he meet me I want it to stay in my home country with have 2 children's who lives with me so in the last 5 years he is been traveling back and forth in my country sometime more than 6 months because of kids. Is been more than a year is in USA right now only came one month... Anyway my question it s if they accept so far is he fine or not? Because we are processing now for me and kids to finally to live with him over there. Thank you I really appreciate yours answers.

If it s not clear let me know...?

Hello,

Honestly, your post is not quite clear but let's break it down:

1. Your husband has been in the US for 10 years, he's a green card holder and he applied for US citizenship, correct?

2. He had his fingeprinting done, correct?

3. He met you before he applied for citizenship. You live in the X country, you have two children.

4. Now, as far as I understood he comes to visit you in the X country. If that's true, what was his longest visit timewise? A green card holder technically should not leave US for more than 6 months, it affects his status.

5. If you're married already and your kids are unmarried under the age of 21 - then upon receiving his citizenship you and your kids will get a green card.

6. Prior to filing N400 your husband already petitioned you and your kids under the category F-2A (for spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents, or “green card” holders).

7. What is your concern exactly? That the two applications are overlapping?

I dont think it should be a problem. If your husband is fully eligible to apply for naturalization, if he followed all the rules to obtain a permanent residency (no sham, no fraud etc), if your husband never had serious problems witht the law (DUI, criminal charges etc), if your husband pays taxes on time - then he should become a US citizen with no problem.

That's my opinion.

If my answer is not what you're looking for then please clarify your question.

Will be happy to help.

Good luck!

Well, the IRS states that to qualify for head of household you must be either single or considered unmarried. They go on to state that you are considered unmarried if your spouse has not lived with you for 6 or more months of the tax year, and have a qualifying child. So I'm sure I meet the head of household criteria. I just mentioned the head of household taxes because ever since we separated I've been filing that way. So even though our divorce wasn't final until this year, there is no claiming we were still together during this time. I received my 10 yr GC around December of 2012, and we separated in May of 2013. I was just wondering if the timeline would seem short to immigration and warrant scrutiny. Thanks.

The timeline you've described should not be an issue. You got separated 6 months after you received your 10 yr GC. I don't see any red flags in your case. I separated two months after I got my GC and one month later we filed for divorce. And the only question the IO asked about the marriage is if my ex sponsored me the GC. The answer is yes, and then he moved to another topic.

You will be fine!

You said that "I need a big cup pf frozen yogurt with a bunch of crunchy stuff in it". It's 's time to get sloshed. Have some "Horilka"(Vodka) .

Cheers and Congrats.

LOL Thank you!!

It's cute you found the Ukrainian translation of vodka. Would be nice but this type of drink gives me nausea. I celebrated with a glass of white wine last night!

Also, when I'm stressed I'm craving for sweets. Best medicine ever!

Good luck!

As Olna said, you can correct this on the day of the ceremony. You may have to wait a day or two to get your certificate but you will take the oath and become a citizen that day. Make sure you tell them that there's a mistake when you check the certificate. If there is a mistake, they may want to see proof of your legal name so take your passport and birth certificate (and of course your green card) with you. If you are using a married name then also take your marriage certificate with you.

JimmyHou,

I agree with you but in my case - I only wanted to change my first name and to remove my middle name and they didn't ask me for any proof. In fact, the officer said at the end of interview. "Today you can become whoever you want to be so what name do you want to have?". And I said first and last name, and confirmed - no middle name. That's all.

Olna83, I really liked your story. Thanks so much for sharing it! And...congratulations!

you're so welcome! I'm happy to share it and I also enjoy reading someone else's inspiring stories. Best of luck with your journey!

Hi all my interview is coming up and wanted to know what I should bring? I'm applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen after 3 years.

It all should be saying on the invitation letter - everything proving bona fide marriage (on top of my mind).

In addition, bring everything that can be relevant to your specific case - if you have paid traffic tickets bring copies of receipts, if you have any arrest dismissals bring confirmation of it, if you have any outstanding taxes that are to be paid under installment agreement - grab the copy of it as well, if you were married before - bring the original and the copy of your divorce decree..

I agree with the above posters that there should be no major issues in your case But I completely disagree that your marriage has nothing to do with your application. Since you got your green card through marriage the interviewer has every right to question whether that marriage was valid at the time that you got your green card. If for example, you had got your green card through employment, and then left your job immediately after getting your green card, the interviewer would have the right to look into that as well. In other words, the interviewer can always look back at how you got your green card. Unlike the three-year rule, he will not look into whether or not you are currently in a valid marriage.

Not all, but many, applicants have been asked questions about their exes after divorce. In fact, two applicants this year posted here on Visa journey that their exes were contacted by US CI S after the interview. One ex was was contacted on the phone and one was visited in person at her home. These are uncommon cases, but it is not correct to state that your previous marriage has nothing to do with your naturalization.

JimmyHou,

I didn't say the marriage-sponsorship completely irrelevant, I said it's not as relevant as it is under 3 yr rule. And I actually pointed that as long as an applicant has a straight story, married in good faith and has a reasonable explanation of why marriage was termed then she should be fine.

And certainly, the officer has the right to ask. My officer also asked if my ex sponsored me the green card and I said yes. That was the end of the first marriage discussion.

As far as the applicants whose ex spouses were checked - USCIS should have a serious ground for suspicion in such cases. I'm pretty sure, not everyone wants to share the details - hence we all think the worst. I do remember one of the applicants mentioned that they called her ex but, excuse me, they split some time a year after they got married, and they were apart when he was getting his 10 yr green card.

From a person starting the first step on such an epic journey to a person who successfully has finished it "CONGRATULATIONS"

In case you meant it (because it's crossed over), thank you! Best of luck to you!

Big Congratulations!!! Your story is inspiring you captured our hearts as readers here You really did have an amazing journey and you did it

aw...you're so sweet! Thank you and congrats on your GC! Hope to see you here in a couple of years sharing your story!