randomstairs

The organization should be a "typical" one for volunteer work and should not offer similar paid positions. You should have applied for a B1 and submitted the letter from the organization hosting you. You should've at the very least mentioned the volunteering on your visa application as a purpose of travel. Think of it like this: Does it *look* like an internship? If so, you're taking at least a moderate risk. 

The organization should be a "typical" one for volunteer work and should not offer similar paid positions. You should have applied for a B1 and submitted the letter from the organization hosting you. You should've at the very least mentioned the volunteering on your visa application as a purpose of travel. Think of it like this: Does it *look* like an internship? If so, you're taking at least a moderate risk. 

Yeah, I know the CoN is very important - that's why I prefer to use other documents if possible, especially if mailing is involved. (How long does it take to replace the CoN if needed?)

This is a good question, which I don't have answer to. Maybe it's a thing to try in 10 years? 😃
 
I'd argue certificate of naturalization is very important doc though. I know somebody close who couldn't get a government related job with passport and passport card. They needed to present certificate of naturalization specifically.
 
This can also happen at SSA when trying to get some benefits. Also, when sponsoring an immigrant, proving derivative citizenship for child or renewing passport. There's more and more stories of DOS asking for certificate again when renewing passport, many years later after successfully renewing it in the past without having to present it.
 
Think of it as "remember me" checkbox on website. Many times you wouldn't have to enter password again, but occasionally the security system will ask you to reenter password.
 
You wouldn't want to have to certificate when you're prompted for it.
I do believe PPC is useful to restore the certificate quicker if it's lost or damaged though.
 

Here's a big one: Can the PP card be used to renew/replace the PP book? It is not explicitly stated on the DoS website as an example of sufficient evidence (at least the last time I checked it wasn't). Ideally, naturalized citizens won't have to use the Certificate of Naturalization ever again, after obtaining the first passport (so no mailing worries). As such, the PP card would be a great backup to the PP book, replacing the need for the CoN! 

Ironically perhaps, when I later brought a PP book, a different official stated that the PP card would've been perfectly fine as a full proof of citizenship.  

MM/YYYY: Spring 2023
Location: California, US
Business / organization: SSA 
Check type: Evidence of citizenship status 
Reason: Register citizenship status
Result: Failure (later worked with the passport book)
 
Details: The official refused to accept the PPC outright. I requested that he consult a manager but eventually gave up. Brought the PP book from home ($50 Uber trip) and that, ofc, worked.     

Awesome thank you for sharing this report and even sticking to the format 😃
 
This is super useful! I'm yet to try it at DMV.

MM/YYYY: Spring 2023
Location: California, US
Business / organization: DMV 
Check type: Citizenship verification
Reason: Register citizenship and get new ID
Result: Success after some discussion
 
Details: At first the clerk refused to take it as evidence of citizenship, falsely claiming that the US PPC is merely evidence of legal resident status. I pointed at the "Nationality USA" field on the card and the clerk, seemingly begrudgingly, accepted it.  

Now that I got PPC I'm prioritizing using it for 2 reasons:
 
1. It doesn't show my home address. I don't want any guy at grocery store, Home Depot or night club / bar to know my home address.
With DL, in some states you can get a PO of course and put that as mailing address that would appear on DL.
 
2. DL number doesn't change (AFAIK, at least in California), but PPC number does change every 10 years. If info gets to wrong hands, I suspect more damage can be done with DL. I just think of TurboTax and some online government websites where they validate identity using DL number.

I would give it at least two weeks. It's perfectly normal for USPS to not update the tracking info correctly or not at all. If you report it lost, then you will really have to wait for several months to get a new one. There's no reason to even suspect it got lost, much less assume that. 

I would give it at least two weeks. It's perfectly normal for USPS to not update the tracking info correctly or not at all. If you report it lost, then you will really have to wait for several months to get a new one. There's no reason to even suspect it got lost, much less assume that. 

File at least 5 years (3, if N-400 is based on marriage to a US citizen) after the end of your probation and the proceedings. If you don't have the tickets try asking the pertaining court if they can provide you with a copy of the record. If they can't, you can still use that statement as the evidence. Other than that I think you're fine.  

File at least 5 years (3, if N-400 is based on marriage to a US citizen) after the end of your probation and the proceedings. If you don't have the tickets try asking the pertaining court if they can provide you with a copy of the record. If they can't, you can still use that statement as the evidence. Other than that I think you're fine.  

I see. Interesting. I would strongly advise you to naturalize first, and change the name only after that. I've seen countless cases, on these forums and elsewhere, where applicants can't naturalize in a reasonable amount of time on the account of requesting to change their name. Some cases are going for years, with the applicant being in the dark about any progress. All because they requested to have their name changed before the Oath. Given the current dynamics in the immigration system, it seems extraordinarily risky to proceed with it. You can always do it as a citizen.

I see. Interesting. I would strongly advise you to naturalize first, and change the name only after that. I've seen countless cases, on these forums and elsewhere, where applicants can't naturalize in a reasonable amount of time on the account of requesting to change their name. Some cases are going for years, with the applicant being in the dark about any progress. All because they requested to have their name changed before the Oath. Given the current dynamics in the immigration system, it seems extraordinarily risky to proceed with it. You can always do it as a citizen.

Understood. We will work as quickly as we can! Thank you very much.

I understand and we are very aware that this is a possibility. We are working on getting it done as fast as we can. Thank you.
This was our thought too but we wanted to hear people's thoughts here. Thank you.

Your need to change name is understandable, but doing it before oath ceremony can cost you more in time and money in the end.
 
Good luck and keep us posted!

Good point, home country vs country of origin.

Further delays and confusion at USCIS. They have to run background check on any names you ever used.
 
Naturalize and then change it if you want. That would be my vote.
 
Why is your ceremony at different state to where you live? Is this normal for filers in your state?

I'm not sure I understand the reasoning here. You want to change your name because another country drops it from documents issued there? Why would the "mismatch" be an issue? Are you concerned about USCIS not liking the mismatch? I wouldn't worry about it, since you're obviously all but finished with the process.
 
BTW: If you're a GC holder, the US is your only home country.

I'd say it's even better to file (electronically) by yourself. I've come across cases where the lawyer didn't file electronically, prolonged the whole process, and even failed to properly communicate with a client. If it's a simple case, as yours seems to be, electronic filing is the fastest, safest, and cheapest option.  

You're asking a good question. Legally, yes, they have I-551 stamps in passports which is the same as physical green card. Some airlines, may not be familiar and indeed deny boarding. This happens to some travellers on expired 2 year GC and valid extension letters. It's worth printing airline carrier guide and taking on trip, to be able to explain to airline if boarding is refused. They need to arrive to airport early too in case if verification takes more time.

I'd say it's even better to file (electronically) by yourself. I've come across cases where the lawyer didn't file electronically, prolonged the whole process, and even failed to properly communicate with a client. If it's a simple case, as yours seems to be, electronic filing is the fastest, safest, and cheapest option.