kanga

At last the status has changed & now says an Oath Ceremony will be scheduled & mailed

Finally! Congrats!

Hello everyone,

I received a letter from USCIS stated that your application is pending review now. I have applied for naturalization roughly more than five months ago and completed fingerprinting too.

Please, if anyone had the received the same sort of letter, respond to this text would be highly appreciated.

Part of the processing involves getting in touch with our countries law enforcement for background checks. I don't want to sound horrible kabul but given the turmoil in recent years I can imagine those kind of records are going to be hard to get.

Have you called anyone yet?

Congrats to everyone that have recieved updates, attended ceremonies etc

How long does the ceremony usually take? Trying to decide if I'm taking my son out of school to watch.

Mine was a three hour drive and then a long wait so I didn't have family there (a friend came) - I would take him, it is a wonderful experience and he is old enough to understand it. Our guest speaker was an immigrant and had his 12 year old there and he totally enjoyed it Go for it - it will never happen again

We also found out that the Portland office holds an oath ceremony every week. We asked what should we do if we don't get our interview letter and have the same problem as our biometrics letters not arriving. They told us to call the USCIS number in 6 weeks if we don't get a letter for an interview to inquire when it's scheduled.

They gave him the naturalization booklets to study which is around 29 pages long. Everything went smoothly enough. I just hope our interview letter makes it to us in time. We might have it scheduled for November sometime and hopefully sooner since we're already delayed a month because of the late biometrics letter.

Both my friends that went through Portland had their interview in the morning and were told to return a couple of hours later for the oath ceremony - so dress for the Oath ceremony

I know we are all used to "proving" our relationships up to this point. But at this stage of the game the only thing we have to prove is the time in the U.S.A (3 or 5 years depending on the circumstances of our application.) ... and of course passing the citizenship test!

So I don't think there is much to stress about. I just sent what they asked for, no more - no less.

But send what makes you feel comfortable.

What you said is so true. I have just become an American citizen. I had a lovely officer that I was able to chat with and he said the same thing. They have done a lot of their homework, you have stayed legal and not broken any laws - I actually said to him that his job must be a very nice one, seeing all these people that have actually applied, that want to become an American citizen. He loves his job - his only issue was with people that lied on their application and apparently there are more than I could have imagined (I don't suppose they are members of visajourney lol) Often the lies are silly ones that they get caught with. He said the fact that someone has visited Mexico a lot of times is not going to rule them out, they usually have good reason (family ill etc) but to say it - honesty is the most valuable trait at this stage.

Apart from me being impatient the process was fine. I stressed about a test that I had studied for so that was a wasted emotion, I stressed that I would be denied even though I knew there was no reason and I stressed about the checks - I have never been in trouble in my life, the only law I have broken is probably speeding and I don't do that intentionally, so once again stress not worth it.

Going back, the only advice I would give anyone at this stage is send in what they ask when they ask, be patient and enjoy - this is the end of the road

• If your case has a receipt number, you can check the status.

We offer 4 kinds of appointments for a case that you have already filed. Please choose from the following - Order from Immigration Court - If you were directed to us for processing based on an order from the Immigration Judge. You must bring all documents required in the post order instructions given to you by the court.

Case Processing Appointment - If you received a notice to go to your local office for further case processing.

EAD inquiry appointment - If your I-765 employment authorization application has been pending for more than 90 days.

Case Services follow-up appointment - If it has been over 45 days since you contacted NCSC and have not received a response to your inquiry. You must bring the Service Request ID Number related to your inquiry to the appointment.

Which one should I select for infopass appoitment? my case has been inline for 85day today. I thought about second option Case processing Appointment but I had a doubt so I think I'll ask someone before I do anything. Thank you!

Found your answer - the first option is:

• If your case has a receipt number, you can check the status.

We offer 4 kinds of appointments for a case that you have already filed. Please choose from the following - Order from Immigration Court - If you were directed to us for processing based on an order from the Immigration Judge. You must bring all documents required in the post order instructions given to you by the court.

Case Processing Appointment - If you received a notice to go to your local office for further case processing.

EAD inquiry appointment - If your I-765 employment authorization application has been pending for more than 90 days.

Case Services follow-up appointment - If it has been over 45 days since you contacted NCSC and have not received a response to your inquiry. You must bring the Service Request ID Number related to your inquiry to the appointment.

Which one should I select for infopass appoitment? my case has been inline for 85day today. I thought about second option Case processing Appointment but I had a doubt so I think I'll ask someone before I do anything. Thank you!

I made an info pass appointment 2 weeks before my oath ceremony last week and I was sure there was just an option for a "your case is pending and ...blah blah blah"

I assume you are filing based on 3 years of marriage to a USC? I know people can file early but a few on other forums have not received anything until 30 days before they are eligible (based on your PR card not marriage date) - just thought I would let you know to save you a trip in need - otherwise I am sorry I have no idea which one.

• If your case has a receipt number, you can check the status.

We offer 4 kinds of appointments for a case that you have already filed. Please choose from the following - Order from Immigration Court - If you were directed to us for processing based on an order from the Immigration Judge. You must bring all documents required in the post order instructions given to you by the court.

Case Processing Appointment - If you received a notice to go to your local office for further case processing.

EAD inquiry appointment - If your I-765 employment authorization application has been pending for more than 90 days.

Case Services follow-up appointment - If it has been over 45 days since you contacted NCSC and have not received a response to your inquiry. You must bring the Service Request ID Number related to your inquiry to the appointment.

Which one should I select for infopass appoitment? my case has been inline for 85day today. I thought about second option Case processing Appointment but I had a doubt so I think I'll ask someone before I do anything. Thank you!

I made an info pass appointment 2 weeks before my oath ceremony last week and I was sure there was just an option for a "your case is pending and ...blah blah blah"

I assume you are filing based on 3 years of marriage to a USC? I know people can file early but a few on other forums have not received anything until 30 days before they are eligible (based on your PR card not marriage date) - just thought I would let you know to save you a trip in need - otherwise I am sorry I have no idea which one.

Hello,

After my interview I went home to the Philippines bacause my mother is so ill. I stayed for 2 weeks. We discovered that she has stage 4 cancer. My husband stayed because of work. On my oathtaking letter there are questions that needs to be answered and one is "if I travelled outside the US", and of course the answer is yes, Will there be a problem on my side that I left at once after the interview.

There won't be a problem, just tell them the truth. I was chatting to my officer and this is one of the things he said that makes people's applications be rejected - they seem to think if they lie it will look better than saying they travelled. Just tell the truth, there are very few reasons for needing to travel better than yours. I am sorry to hear about your mother.

Ahhhhh I see my British cousin passed! Congrats! Loved he asked you about what the Declaration of Indepence did - Made America free from my ancestors? .... and sorry they bummed a room from you guys - very rude of them lol

So happy for you - can't wait to meet you both <3

Just popping in quickly before heading out to celebrate my citizenship - will tell all about the ceremony later tonight.

Song41 - have a great time tomorrow, enjoy it, it is the second last step. Everything will be fine - I promise xoxxox

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps7xmW-9LXQ

I'm having my interview pretty soon (sep/3) and we moved this weekend. What do I do? Do I fill an A-11 form and take it with me to the interview? Or shall I just mail it? do I submit it online? All if the above? Help! Please!

I would do all of them. Do it online for sure, don't wait until the interview because it is done at a different place, but I would take a copy of the A-11 with me to the interview - they may be able to check if it has been changed. Also make sure you have mail from your old address forwarded.

Can anyone give me an idea when we should be expecting an interview letter? How long after getting in line do you get the letter for the interview? We will be going through the Dallas location.

Thanks

Mine was about a week after I recieved the email saying I was inline, but it was dated 2 days after the email date. I received the interview letter about 6 weeks before the actual interview (long wait compared to others). I went through Dallas and San Antonio

Could someone just confirm that I have everything?

I'm helping my grandmother apply for her citizenship and just want to double check.

It's been a little over 5 years. She's 71 and divorced.

So we have...

Money order

Application

Copy of green card, front and back

2 passport style photos

Copy of divorce document plus translation and notarized

Is that it....? it seems so little compared to what i've had to send for my ROC!

Unless your grandmother is applying for change of name at the ceremony I can't see why the divorce decree is required. Filing for 5 years stops the need for a heap of things lol I just had my interview yesterday (I am a may filer, just love seeing people go through the process ) I filed on the 5 year basis and my paperwork was minimal.

There is a form to get email notifications (it was mentioned in the instructions) but I also applied online when I got my NBC case number.

Thanks Terry J!

Thanks for the compliment song

You'll be fine song41, my nerves actually left when I heard my name. As long as hubby is right with the questions. One thing I do wish I had done was get someone to read the questions to me - I used the CD and book and an online site that asked the questions, I did find that I wasn't really listening to the questions, they were just in order lol When he asked me Who wrote the declaration of Independence every single name we had to remember was in my head lol hmmm maybe I was still a little nervous.

I know you will be fine - don't stress it, the stress I put myself through for 6 questions in hindsight was hideous. Just enjoy it.

Ohhhhh one thing I did do wrong on the application - it asks whether you are or have been a member of any groups. This was in the section where they also ask if you have had any terrorist contact or nazi party affiliations or whether I had been a prostitute (still makes me laugh) so I assumed it was asking if I had had any affiliations with not-so-nice groups and said no. At the interview, when he asked me it sounded different and I just blurted out "wait do you mean like community groups because I have." That is actually what they wanted. He listed mine down during the interview (they were CERT (community emergency response team), the Sheriff's Posse and CPAA (Community Police Academy alumni) - so nothing at all dodgy) I just misunderstood that question - no penalty - I just explained and he was happy.

Ohhh and an added bonus! Song41 (who I always think of as songbird for reasons I have yet to learn lol) have struck up a lovely friendship which I am sure will continue for many years

Thank you all so much It has been wonderful looking on here daily and seeing the progression and nerves - just makes you know you are not alone I will still be checking in to cheer you on.

Nothing to worry about though, I think they understand this is our choice and they know what we have been through - just be honest. he officer said that so many people tell little fibs and they always get caught out. He stressed that (which then made me think did I screw up lol)

It was a very emotional day for me too - last time I walk in to the Department of Homeland Security building, last three hour trip to San Antonio for immigration - I will be an American (I never intended on getting citizenship when I arrived 10 years ago - then again I never imagined living in America lol)

So trading in my Akubra (google it) for a Stetson lol ( I will always be an Aussie, I am proud of my roots, but I will be very proud next week to be a dual citizen )

I received the yellow letter today, just saying I need to bring my ID and documents demonstrating the termination of a previous marriage. Strange they send a yellow letter for documents that were already in the appointment list

My yellow letter said to bring my driver's license lol

Thanks songbird and sumer - here to deliver the good news

Arrived at 8:50 for 9am appointment - went in at 10 (never ever been early down there lol)

The man was really lovely, we chatted on the way to his office. He swore me in. Had computer problems - had to reboot, went through my application. Asked me the questions:

Who is the President?

What are the parties in America?

What party does the President belong to?

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Name three of the original states.

There was probably one more but I can't think what it was (sorry)

He asked if I would be able to attend a ceremony soon. I said yes. He said How does next Thursday the 29th sound? I said great - he said go down stairs and I will bring you the letter.

I received the text saying I had been scheduled for oath ceremony on the way home (it was a 3 hour drive there and back)

So next week I will be an AusMerican or an AmerStralian - take your pick lol

Can someone update please - Oath ceremony August 29. Three months from start to finish Actually a little longer cause I screwed up initially lol

Thank you for all your warm wishes and help along the way. Good luck to everyone waiting on letters and tests etc - I will still be popping in to check on you all

It was really lovely, I was nervous but it was good - great day all round

Congrats to everyone - that is a good question sumer - I would get some taken just to be sure


My test is tomorrow morning at 9am Central Time Nerves have set in, as usual lol Think of me over breakfast lol

I got my yellow letter after my interview date letter.

What does the yellow letter means? Does it mean that I am in line for interview because I haven't heard anything after my bio in May 23.

Have you checked on the USCIS site? the yellow letter will tell you what is required to take to the interview.

Ya'll (see me new Texan accent there ) are beating me lol Congrats everyone - love that posts are so regular now. My test is on Friday

Thank you so much kanga for your words of encouragement! I am feeling a little less nervous now. We have plenty of proof, including my son's college savings account, in which we are all included. I hope my IO will be a nice one

By the way, I have a cousin that is half Australian and half Spanish. She is living in Melbourne. We are meeting for the first time since I was 10 this Christmas in Mexico. If everything goes well I will be traveling as a US Citizen then!

Take care!

Your cousin is half an absolutely wonderful person LOL

Hope you have a wonderful meeting with her, has she been to Mexico before? Australia has so many different nationalities there, mostly from Asian countries, I don't think I had met any hispanics until I came to America!

You will be an American citizen for sure

Well done S.Umer! I think the officer is a purely personal thing. Some are chatty and some are not. I spoke to a lovely man yesterday who had been to Australia to live for three years (a long time ago) - speaking with him was like chatting with a new friend. I have also come across the person that makes me feel nervous (the building does initially lol) and they have sometimes been a little rude, but when I see some of the people they have to deal with I think I would be the same lol

I really have never had a bad experience with any part of immigration - mainly just the wait that gets to me and no one can really control that a lot of the time.

There was a man there yesterday that was just so rude, he spoke to America owed him and that becoming a citizen was his right - it isn't but I bet he complained about the lady talking to him (she did nothing wrong but she was straight forward to him after he put on his little performance.

Wow! Now I am getting nervous, we did not take many pictures together last year. My husband's mom is in hospice care now and my parents have helath issues too, so we did not celebrate Christmas or other holidays Plus we have not traveled that much because we have to pay my son's college. I wish I could have some feedback from Portland office

Congratulations though

My friend just went through Portland office, she had a wonderful experience AND after the interview they said "come back at 1:30 for your oath ceremony!"

You have good reason to not have photos but I think that is judged personally. I have worked in the media all my life, my face has been in living rooms all over the world (no not famous i just happened lol) - I avoid cameras like the plague, I value my private life so much that I don't have one photo of me in the last 3 years lol

The very fact that you have stuck by your hubby in such a trying time and been their for HIS mother says a lot more than any photo you could ever provide. If you were here just to get a greencard then you wouldn't need to be hanging around a hospice. He is a lucky man to have someone so supportive <3