GoodbyeGirl

Hello from another Brit!  

I'd take a chance and go ahead with the appointment solo. If your case is pretty standard, it may not be an issue that your husband can't make it. My reasoning being that your i-751 may have been approved without an interview had you not applied for the N400. At my combi, the IO didn't ask my husband anything at all. 

Worse case scenario, you'll pass the N400 and get recalled for a joint i-751 interview with your husband. 

It's the luck of the draw. Any which way, I'd prefer the rescheduling of any interview to be in the hands of USCIS rather than mine. That way the action and clock is on them. 

Good luck!

8 hours ago, jz1495 said:

I have my combo I-751/N400 interview on June 12, but my husband has had an important trip come up for work.  Anyone know if this is grounds to get the appointment rescheduled even at this short notice?  If so, how do you go about it?  Thanks!

I doubt it's been waived. I think I read on the official site that biometrics is a standard requirement for all N400 applicants, unless you meet the exemption criteria. Hopefully your appointment letter is on its way.

Good luck!

2 hours ago, AFAL said:

Question: Anyone have their biometrics waived for N-400? We submitted our ROC June 2018. We received NOA stating the biometrics had been waived for the ROC about 2 months ago. We submitted the N-400 1 week ago and only received NOA1  but no biometrics scheduled yet. Everyone filing online in my timeline had their biometrics appointment letter posted to their account within the week and their estimated completion time updated then. I noticed this morning that the completion timeline decreased by 4 months (11months down to 7 months) but nothing else changed from Case Received and NOA1 sent. I'm starting to think they might waive the biometrics for the N-400 too but I've never seen anyone have it waived. 

Hello and welcome!

Which receipt number are you entering, as I think now you can track it all from the i-751 NOA receipt number. Do you get the same error on both sites?

https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/

https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/displayLogon.do

My advice is to try and get an Infopass appointment on the same day as your husband's N400 biometrics. The IO should be able to set you straight on your receipt number and status of your i-751 application. I wouldn't leave it to chance though, at my local office (when I did N400 biometrics), I tried to see an IO and was promptly sent to a machine in the lobby to make an appointment. LOL. 

Other options are to call USCIS and ask to speak to a tier 2, just bypass the tier 1 agent. I was going to suggest raising an online query but I'm not sure how far you'll get if your receipt number isn't recognised. 

Good luck and let us know how you get on.  

PS - How did your husband get you to do all the paperwork? In my situation, I'm the immigrant and I had to do it all myself. LOL!

46 minutes ago, AFAL said:

Hello everyone. I've been ghosting this site since 2015 when I started this journey. Everyone's experiences have provided enough insight before now that I haven't needed to post anything for myself. We've now made it to ROC pending for almost one year and N400 eligibility opened two days ago. We will submit tomorrow when we have the last of the paperwork.

I would also like to preface that I am the US citizen and my husband is the immigrant. He has asked me to handle all the immigration paperwork. I'm just glad I don't have to take the civil test for him! I don't know half the answers really and what I do know came from watching political drama tv shows. lol

Timeline-

Fiance Visa application July 2015

Interview in Paris and Approval Jan 2016

Landed Stateside March 2016

Married and AOS April 2016

2 year Green Card received 8/6/2016

(side note: we welcomed our surprise little boy into the world Aug 2017)

ROC application June 2018- extension letter received but case pending untouched

N400 application May 2019

 

My (or my husband's) dilemma: Every time we try to check the case status online it says there is an error with the recipe number. I called the first time we tried to check 4 months after submitting as my husband was applying for a new job and they were skeptical about his expired green card situation. I waited on hold forever and then they answered and said everything was fine. They received the application and it is in the que. Normally I'm ok with letting it slide since online does say it will take another 4-6 months to finish with his application but this part makes me really really nervous. I'm worried that the ROC won't be transferred to the local office with the N400 since they haven't even entered it in online yet and it's just sitting in some dark corner. I'm going to call after we are done with biometrics for the N400 to see if that will help transfer the case but I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience. I've looked all over online and no one has mentioned being unable to located their case status online. I think this is the first time in this journey that I've been nervous about the outcome! 

Congrats, it's been a looooooog wait! 

You'll only need to get a stamp in your passport if you don't have official documentation of some kind (10 year GC, extension letter) on your person that proves your eligibility to be in the States ahead of getting your citizenship.

Hopefully things will go smoothly and you can avoid the stamp step. At my interview (combi) my IO told me that he would process both my cases that day, and specifically said I wouldn't need to get a stamp, so it might be worth asking if your IO doesn't bring it up. 

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

13 hours ago, JSum said:

YEAH!  I finally get my N400 Interview date... that will be 1 month from now.   Was thinking to go to the field office to have a passport stamp soon, as my GC 18 months extension will due on 07/16, but seeing the schedule now, if my N400 interview goes smooth, then I don't need to get the stamp on my passport, please correct me if I am wrong.

 

My journey is a below.   

Submitted my ROC on 10/27/2017

Got my 18 mths extension letter on 08/11/2018

Submitted my N400 on 11/03/2018

Case transferred to new office on 12/21/2018

Biometrics - 11/30/2018

Received N400 interview date - 05/07/2019

 

Good Luck to everyone, I will update you guys after my interview.

 

 

Yes they do, but in my experience, it's prompted by an inquiry the applicant/petitioner has raised. I've never had a call from them otherwise. They tend to like being as mysterious and anonymous as possible. It's kind of weird at the oath ceremony to see all these USCIS people running around when they've been so faceless throughout the process. 

20 hours ago, LeoFromBR said:

Does USCIS ever contact via phone calls?

 

I have the habit of ignoring any unknown numbers since I started receiving lots of scammy phone calls in the last year. If there's a chance USCIS might contact  via phone, I would like reconsider my old habit...

That's the million $ question! But first, congrats on passing your N400. 

It seems to be luck of the draw. Some combi people get both cases officially approved on the day of interview, others get called back for an i-751 interview (take your spouse along) and some have to wait it out for non-interview i-751 adjudication post N400.

It's encouraging that your officer said that he will adjudicate your i-751, that suggests it's not leaving his desk which should mean a quicker turnaround if your application is pretty standard. And by that I mean no minor or major red flags he'll be required to investigate. But passing your civics, and having a good N400 interview, all points to the positive.

Good luck and keep us posted!

20 hours ago, fcorona85 said:

question, 

 

so I had my interview for the N400 today. However, my I751 is not complete yet. The officer said that he will have to adjudicate the I751 prior to the N400 (I passed the exam though). 

 

my question is, how long does it take for the officer to approve the I751? He had both files with him in the interview. 

 

thanks 

 

LOL.

I totally get the anxiety, I kept getting severe brain fog on anything to do with Benjamin Franklin. Luckily I wasn't quizzed about him on the day.

Not long for you now, I can't wait to hear how it goes so best of luck! You're so close to the finishing line.  

6 minutes ago, Butterfly83 said:

Definitely 100% and 100% lol. It's going well, thanks. So much anxiety but it will be all over next week finally!

Well, I get to keep my UK citizenship so does that mean I'm 100% British and American now, or half and half. LOL.  But thanks! 

How's the study going? 

5 minutes ago, Butterfly83 said:

Congats! It's great to know that you actually got it within 3 weeks for the expedited fee! You are 100% an American now! Yay!

Got my passport on Friday 3 May and took that with me today to get my SSN updated at my local social security office. All done, took about 10 minutes.  

I don't have my certificate back yet from the passport office, but my USA passport was sufficient evidence as proof of citizenship and photo ID. The adviser was friendly, went through my ss-5 form and asked me to confirm the answers. Beforehand he told me this was an interview and I was under oath to tell the truth etc.

He printed out my information - name, address, parents info - and asked me to confirm all was correct. I had the option of declining a new card as it will look the same as my current one. But, I said yes as I have an apostrophe in my surname that's on my current card and not on my certificate or passport, and I'd like for all the official systems to line up. That apostrophe has caused me all sorts of delays at the airport. LOL.

So in 7-10 days I should get my new SSN card, but as of midnight tonight, my status should show on all formal systems as a citizen. Woo-hoo! 

On 4/30/2019 at 12:42 PM, GoodbyeGirl said:

So, found out at my local social security office today, that you cannot update  your status without the original citizenship certificate.

 

I brought a copy, because the passport office currently has the original. 

 

Another plus for expediting your passport application if you want to get your Social Security updated and squared away as soon as possible. 

 

I wasn’t too sure, so thought I’d give it a try.  Hopefully I’ll have my passport in the next couple of weeks and will try again. 😊

Most people get the official study guide at the N400 biometrics appointment, it's a printed booklet. But, all the questions and various study aids are available on the official website. 

Good luck!

1 hour ago, BaconBait said:

i just send in my N400 application last week online, will USCIS send me the study materials or i have to download it myself?

Congratulations! Great review. 🎉🎈🔆

45 minutes ago, gomez02 said:

N-400 Application Timeline:

Sent: Aug 07, 2018

Biometrics: Aug 29, 2018

Interview: Apr 30, 2019

*waiting on Oath schedule

 

Sent an inquiry about I-751 outside processing time on Apr 11, 2019 and if it will be a combo interview because there was no mention of I-751 in the interview notice. I got a reply about 9 days later saying, "On 03/26/2019, we sent you an interview notice requesting that you go to your local office for an N-400 interview on 04/30/2019. We mailed your notice to the most recent address we have on file. Before we can conduct an interview for your N-400 application, your I-751 must be adjudicated. We cannot guarantee that your N-400 application will be adjudicated on the same day, but we will make every effort to adjudicate your I-751 on the same day as your scheduled N-400 interview. To facilitate this, your spouse would be required to attend your N-400 interview, and you will also need to bring the following:
Your N-400 interview notice; your ID; your spouse's ID; your passport; your permanent resident card; originals and one (1) set of copies, proof of your marital union from the filing date of this I-751 application to the present. "

 

My interview was scheduled today at 7:55AM in San Jose and my husband and son came with me to the interview. We got there at 7:10AM (we live about an hr away) and proceeded to security check. We were told that check-in counter opens at 7:25AM so we were sent to wait. I went and checked-in at 7:25AM and went back to the waiting room. We were called a little after 8AM by a really nice IO. He told us to follow him in his office. He was nice to he let us give our son juice while we were being interviewed. Honestly, I was half expecting to be told that they will need to reschedule us just like some of the ones I've read on Visa Journey but Im glad we weren't asked to reschedule. 

 

The IO said he will go thru our I-751 materials first before the N-400. He made us take an oath and checked our IDs. He verified some information from the form and then asked us questions about when we met, where, when we got married, how long before I came over to the US, if we have any other kids, if we lived anywhere else than the address where we currently reside at. Then he asked if we are submitting other docs, I said yes and gave him updated tax forms, insurance forms, our son's school application form and the information on our latest travel to the Philippines. When he was satisfied he said everything is good and that we are now to proceed with the N-400 interview and so he escorted my husband and our son back out to the waiting area.

 

When he came back, he verified more information on the forms, did the questions that were like in the application form. Then he said its the Civics test next. He asked these questions:

1. Name one problem that led to the civil war.

2. Before he was president, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?

3. How many senators are there?

4. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.

5. Name one state that borders Canada.

6. Who is the president of the US now?

 

Then he asked me to read : "Who can vote?" and asked me to write : "Citizens can vote."

 

Then he told me that I passed, everything looks good and that he will recommend my application for approval. He gave me the form that I passed and asked me if I had any questions. I asked if they are going to send me my greencard still and he said they will probably hold the production if I am able to make it to the Oath ceremony, the next one is in 3 weeks. I said yes and he said I will most likely get the letter in a week regarding the Oath Ceremony. I thanked him and he told me "it was nice to meet you." And that was that.  We were out of there by 8:30AM.

 

An hour later, my N-400 had a status change that they have mailed me my Oath Ceremony Notice. Checked my DHS online account it had 3 updates today. One for attending the interview, one for them approving my application and the last one for the Oath Ceremony Notice. Nothing on the documents tab yet but it says that might take a few days so I'll wait. My I-751 status hasn't changed.

 

Sorry for the long post and good luck to everyone who are still waiting for updates. 

 

•  

Perhaps I should have read this before going to social security this morning. LOL   

23 minutes ago, Butterfly83 said:

Thanks! Yea, I was sure that they would need the name change document. I'm just not sure if I have to send in a copy or OG for the passport. I guess it doesn't matter since I will need my passport or naturalization paper for SSN anyways. I wonder if it is better to take care of the SSN and new state ID first (same day) before applying for my passport. I read that here that they advise you to wait for 10 days before going to the SSN office... Does this mean that you are not allowed to take care of your SSN before or they simply prefer it that way? Either way, these are the last steps and soon it will be over... 

Just found this while checking the ss-5 form for what's acceptable as proof of citizenship: 

30 minutes ago, GoodbyeGirl said:

The adviser at social security told me that next time I can bring just my USA passport as that is proof of American citizenship too. That's good as my certificate will be returned after my passport - which I've just been notified should arrive by Monday. Yay! 

 

Will be so great to get to the end of this. Can't imagine throwing a name change into the mix too - good luck.   

 

 

The adviser at social security told me that next time I can bring just my USA passport as that is proof of American citizenship too. That's good as my certificate will be returned after my passport - which I've just been notified should arrive by Monday. Yay! 

Will be so great to get to the end of this. Can't imagine throwing a name change into the mix too - good luck.   

1 hour ago, Butterfly83 said:

Thanks for the tip! I was wondering about that. I'm also changing my name, so I'm wondering if they will take that certificate for my passport  so I have to wait for changing all my IDs/cards/etc as well...

So, found out at my local social security office today, that you cannot update  your status without the original citizenship certificate.

I brought a copy, because the passport office currently has the original. 

Another plus for expediting your passport application if you want to get your Social Security updated and squared away as soon as possible. 

I wasn’t too sure, so thought I’d give it a try.  Hopefully I’ll have my passport in the next couple of weeks and will try again. 😊

Yup, getting the same as you...

1 hour ago, Greencardchicago said:

Hi guys,

Do you have a problem signing in and open the documents tab or its just me? I was trying to see my date for the oath ceremony- but It keeps telling me that there is a problem. ( as you can see from the picture below). I have a problem opening every single document that USCIS sent me as a notice. 

Can someone please do me a favor and check on the account also?  I will be more than thankful. 

 

 

Sounds like you are right on track to pass with flying colours. 😊

You might want to get your husband to test you asking 6 and then up to 10 random questions as that’s the only thing I didn’t do. I got tested on all 100 every time (after I got more confident) and at the interview, it was odd to stop when I got the first 6 right! 

It’s not a big deal but it did sort of throw me a bit as it felt like I was just warming up. LOL. 

30 minutes ago, Butterfly83 said:

Thank you! Yes, I have read that post from a (former?) IO that I'm pretty sure you've recommended a while back. (THANK YOU!) I started w/ 10 Qs at a time and now I go through all 100 w/out an issue. I started having my husband ask me Qs, so I'm used to someone questioning me and practicing out loud (instead of mumbling to myself lol). I just kinda freaked out, cuz I really only learned one answer for each question (except for the few that asks for 2 or 3 examples). I know the interview is quick, and especially w/ combi, they don't have time nor probably want to mess around. Anyways, thanks so much, this helps! 

If you have time to dig around on VJ, you'll find a series of civics posts from an IO whose advice helped me. I don't think they are active on here anymore, but my response below is pretty much based on their recommendations. And it helped me to feel more confident going in to the interview. 

Not long now! Good luck and I hope this helps! 

(Here's how I tackled my study and responses for interview... I passed.  )

7 hours ago, Butterfly83 said:

Civics test (especially to those who've already had their interviews)

Do I need to list ALL the answers or just one from the study guide if the question doesn't specify how many to list? Did you list only 1 answer for each question during your interview?

 

No. There's only one question where you have to give 3 answers (name 3 original states) and a handful where you give two. For most of the questions, you just have to give one answer, even if the answers are the same, just worded differently or if there are different options. Unless the study book tells you to give more than one answer, just one will do.

For example, with Question 12. What is the "rule of law"? The answers are: * Everyone must follow the law * Leaders must obey the law * Government must obey the law * is above the law. OR with Question 61 Why did the colonist fight the British? Answers are *high taxes, *the British stayed in their houses * they have self-gov.

Do I need to know all options, or is enough to list only one (. Q12: everyone must follow the law, Q61: they didn't have self-gov.). 

I know that w/ some questions (. Q11 and Q28) the possible answers are worded differently, but with certain ones, they are not the same but different options (. Q2, 12, 14, 37, 53, 61, 77, 85, 95). 

I've been only memorizing only one answer for each question (unless it specifically asks for 2 or 3 things, eg. original states question), but I want to make sure that's ok. The booklet doesn't really specify it....

 

It's worth knowing that the IO doesn't want you to give more than you need to, as they need to write down everything you say. From what I've read, people who've taken the civics part say it's quick - that was the case with me. So unless you give an answer that veers off from exactly what is says in the book, the IO will accept your correct - and short - response. Put it this way, they are not going to ask you for George Washington's inside leg measurement.  

Maybe I'm just paranoid, my interview is getting close...

 

If you're asking questions like this, then you are more than ready. You've got this! 

I was really lucky. The oath ceremony dates are published for Kansas, so I knew going in that 19 April was the next one. The IO confirmed that at the interview, and said I'd know by the end of the day if he could get me in - there were 25 spots left. 

So after nearly 18 months of hardly anything happening (i-751 + N400) after my interview my phone was buzzing and beeping for the rest of the day as my status rapidly changed. It was great! 

I know other people in the same boat as you who are in line but waiting. I can appreciate the frustration. When you get to this stage, you just want to cross that finishing line... and soon!

3 minutes ago, Greencardchicago said:

Thank you for the reply.

I got the same day notice that I was placed in line for the oath ceremony- but unfortunately the ceremony is not scheduled yet. 

Interview: 12 March

Notice of oath ceremony: 12 March

Oath ceremony: 19 April 

Time between interview and oath: 39 days, or 5 weeks 4 days, or 1 month and 8 days
 

Hope that helps and best of luck with getting your oath ceremony date confirmed soon.  

6 minutes ago, Greencardchicago said:

Hello everyone, can you please share your experience of how long did you wait from the day of the interview( I was approved on the spot) and getting the date for the ceremony? My interview was on Monday April 22nd, and hopefully I will get the date soon. 

I got my 10-year green card and hawked it around for about a month or so before my oath ceremony when I had to hand it in. I really liked not having to carry the extension letter and it just felt good to have something to show for nearly 18-months of waiting.

At my combi interview my IO wasn't sure it if would actually arrive or not, so I wasn't sure but I was really happy to get it it.  

No big deal if it hadn't materialised, I was never asked for it.

1 hour ago, Greencardchicago said:

One question who were approved, did you guys get the green cards? My officer told me that cause we are gonna get the citizenship- there will be no need of getting the green card. What are your experiences?? I really want to get the green card also- I feel like we deserve the green card also besides the passport. Lol 

I submitted my passport application today and it all went smoothly. Here's what happened: 

• Yes, they do take your original citizenship certificate, they won't accept any kind of copy, including notarised
• I was told my passport would arrive first, and my certificate after - both in the regular mail
• I was given tracking details and told if my certificate is lost, how to claim and that the Post Office would pay for it to be reissued (It's about $725)
• The guy processing my application tried to reassure me by saying that my passport is proof of citizenship too, but he was nice about understanding the significance of the certificate
• Processing times are currently 4-6 weeks (in Kansas, not sure about everywhere else) so I paid $60 to expedite and should get it within 3-weeks
• In total I paid $205 ($110 for the passport, $60 for expedite fee and $35 to the PO for processing) so two separate cheques. $170 to 'U.S. Department of State' (cheque only) and $35 to the PO for processing (they accepted cards or cheques).
• I needed to show my driver's license and give my certificate and passport photos (just one needed) - they didn't want to see anything else and took their own copies of my ID
• It helps to have the passport application form, the DS-11 filled in ahead of time, in fact that was the first thing I was asked 'have you got your form completed and all your documentation?'

All in, it took about 15 minutes. 

The guy said they'd had lots of new citizens in today. They keep a schedule of oath ceremony dates as typically they get inundated a couple of days after.

Just social security to go now!

On 4/20/2019 at 10:12 AM, GoodbyeGirl said:

Thank you! 

 

No, you don't get a copy of the citizenship certificate at the ceremony. There was an Office Depot nearby so I popped in after and got a few colour copies, hoping that would suffice as I really don't want to give the original. I took it with me though and a copy, plus my UK passport and the original as well as a front and back copy of my birth certificate. 

 

But, when I got to the PO, it was appointment only and they turned me away. I'm now going at 7am Monday to my local passport office, so I'll let you know if they want to take my original citizenship certificate. I really hope not, that would make me so nervous. 

 

@Geordie You can apply for a US passport once you have your citizenship certificate. For the SSN update, fill out the SS-5 and take that to your local Social Security office, along with your citizenship certificate (and all the other ID and docs required) about 10 days after your oath. That's the time USCIS recommend you wait, I guess they have to get their side of things squared away.

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations! It's been a looooooong wait. Like yours, my IO said he'd update the system and within 2 hours of leaving, my i-751 and N400 were approved. I hope your guy is like mine!  

1 hour ago, nompish said:

just got back home.  interview was great, the young officer was really friendly. He wanted updated documents for my I-751 which i handed over, he said he doesnt need to talk to my husband as long as i have all the documents with me. he asked me a few questions about our relationship and marriage before telling me he is going to approve my removal of conditions. then we moved on to the naturalization stuff which was as everyone has related in previous posts. He told me i have passed but he told me he is giving me a paper that says decision cant be made because he needs to first log into a different system and approve the removal of conditions first and then log back into the naturalization to approve. he said he will try to do all this today and i should expect to hear something either today or in the next few days. 

I am so excited for you. Tell us how it goes?

You've got this!  

20 minutes ago, nompish said:

thank you so much. busy getting all my documents together  excited and nervous at the same time

Thank you! 

No, you don't get a copy of the citizenship certificate at the ceremony. There was an Office Depot nearby so I popped in after and got a few colour copies, hoping that would suffice as I really don't want to give the original. I took it with me though and a copy, plus my UK passport and the original as well as a front and back copy of my birth certificate. 

But, when I got to the PO, it was appointment only and they turned me away. I'm now going at 7am Monday to my local passport office, so I'll let you know if they want to take my original citizenship certificate. I really hope not, that would make me so nervous. 

@Geordie You can apply for a US passport once you have your citizenship certificate. For the SSN update, fill out the SS-5 and take that to your local Social Security office, along with your citizenship certificate (and all the other ID and docs required) about 10 days after your oath. That's the time USCIS recommend you wait, I guess they have to get their side of things squared away.

19 minutes ago, Butterfly83 said:

Yay! Awesome! Congratulations!

Are you going to send in your OG naturalization certificate for passport or a certified copy? If a copy, how are you getting one so quickly? DO they give you a copy at the ceremony?

7 minutes ago, Geordie said:

 

I plan on applying for a US passport very soon.

 

But.

 

I'm not sure yet what order I need to do things.  I'll research that later when I hear about my Oath date.

 

I believe after I receive the naturalization certificate at the Oath Ceremony, I take that to a local Social security office to get my SSN card changed, and THEN apply for a passport?

 

I'm not too concerned yet.

 

My only worry is that I'm vacationing in Florida next month.  If they schedule my Oath that same week, I'm going to be pissed!  I know I can reschedule it.