helpneeded

We want to travel out of the country in June and we would like to book the trip now (limited availability, $, etc.) The problem is we are waiting, any day for the appointment letter. I have a few questions- if you could answer them in order I would appreciate it as it's easier to read.

1. Does she go for the civics test first or will out next appointment be for the interview and oath? What are the steps? She is a 10 year permanent resident now- conditions have already been removed and we filed the paper for citizen.

2. If we book travel now, what happens if we get the interview between now and the time we leave? Can we still go under her old first name and passport? The airplane tickets and hotel are not changeable. She is only requesting to change her first name.

3. Would we have a period of time so we could wait to change her name?

4. Will they immediately take her passport away?

5. If we use her old documentation, if they look her up on the computer, will it show that her old passport, name are now invalid as her status will have changed to citizen?

6. If we got the letter today- when would the interview be typically e.g., 1 week 2 weeks, a month out?

We filed our N-400 in preparation for Citizen interview less than a month ago. We followed all the rules and submitted every piece of required evidence as stated on the USCIS website. About 1-2 weeks after mailing in the packet we received a yellow paper from USCIS that states:

"After a complete review of your file and Application for Naturalization (Form N-400), this office has found additional documentation may be needed "UNLESS PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED, please bring the below rquested docuemnts to the interview."

"If you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a US citizen, bring an original IRS Form 1722 for the past three years "OR" copies of the income tax forms you filed for the past three years..."

I sent copies of the tax returns for the previous three years (tax years; 2006; 2007; 2008). Did they not see them? The letter seems to imply that they did not look at what I sent e.g., "UNLESS PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED"- if they really looked at the packet, they would clearly see the tax forms- so why this letter?

Also, will the copies of the tax returns suffice or do I have to request transcripts? Can we also bring this years return in addition to the past 3 years? It will be done by our CPA prior to our interview.

Thank you!!!

On the N400 it asks something to the effect of, "How many trips did you make out of the country for more than 24 hrs.?" Technically, 2 but the fill in part asks for the date returned to the US which would almost seem to want to imply one trip. In my mind, it was one trip but it did involve entering yet another country.

We left the US---entered another country (1)---visited yet another country (2?) then returned to the US. Is this viewed as One trip or two? There is only one exit and return date to the US but in that time we visited two other countries. We were in each for several days (more than 24 hrs.).

THANK YOU!!!

"10 year" Greencard holder (already married and currently go by my married last name). Can I apply for name change (first name) before applying for citizenship or do I have to get US citizenship first? I am finally able to apply for citizenship this year and it seems like it would be easiest to just get everything in my new name. Married to a US citizen. Please provide as many process steps/links, etc. as possible. I am not sure about the steps needed to change things like SS card, Passports, Drivers License, etc. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

THANK YOU!!!

Getting a 10 year Passport BUT it will be blank (NO STAMPS). We have expired Greencard AND Extention letter and (Blank) Passport. Will that be enough to get us TO and FROM Korea (returning to US). Currently have Temp. Perm. Resident Card (waiting to remove conditions).

Have a US Greencard and want to travel to S. Korea soon but the GC is expired. In the process of getting the conditions removed (filed 3 months ago) and have the 1 year extension letter in hand. Went for passport today (Korean consulate). They were not confident about re-entry to the US- getting in would not be a problem- just coming back. The passport would be blank (10 year one) and the GC expired. Is it just possible to show them the extension letter? Only going for 2-3 weeks.

THANK YOU!

YES.

YES WHAT? It would be OK and have no problems with re-entry as long as the GC was accompanied with the extention letter?

Have a US Greencard and want to travel to S. Korea soon but the GC is expired. In the process of getting the conditions removed (filed 3 months ago) and have the 1 year extension letter in hand. Went for passport today (Korean consulate). They were not confident about re-entry to the US- getting in would not be a problem- just coming back. The passport would be blank (10 year one) and the GC expired. Is it just possible to show them the extension letter? Only going for 2-3 weeks.

THANK YOU!

We blocked our credit so avoid potential identity theft- we filed with all three credit unions. We cannot even open up a new credit card or take out a loan without getting approvals and temporary access to our account. Will this in any way be an issue- what will they be needing to verify to remove conditions? I would rather know now so this does not delay anything- has anyone else in here had this issue?

THANKS!

I called the USCIS today with the same question and I was informed that you MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT to travel out of the country (and return). They said the extension letter alone is NOT enough- there was a rule that was passed recently. Just go and get the passport updated and bring all the paperwork with you (Greencard with extention letter).

YOUR VERY BEST BET is to print out the exact documentation from USCIS and put that in a little packet with the supporting documentation so that when you are questioned at the boarder upon attempting to re-enter the US you can point to their own documentation. Do not risk it at this point- you have come too far. We just canceled our cruise to the Bahamas to err on the side of caution. We have the extension letter but not the updated passport....looks like Vegas!

Good luck- good news...you are in the home stretch and this will all be over soon!

We did a walk in a week earlier than the appointment last month. We received a stamped recognition paper at USCIS but it is not updated or touched online. I called and they could not find it either- will this delay our approval? They said not to worry that we only filed in Jan. and this is ok but it does not seem very efficient- it should be updated online in real time- this is 2009! The whole process is very frustrating. After all the waiting I thought we were in the home stretch and I was shocked that it takes another year+ to simply get the conditions removed after we did absolutely everything right and provided dozens of pages of supporting documentation- a year is a hell of a long time! They can verify your information at the border in 5 minutes- why does it have to take so long? I've read that they do a background check- what is so complicated- what exactly do they check (criminal record?- anything else?) For employment, these only take 3-5 working days. I understand there is a backlog but still they are dealing with peoples lives here. Ironically, you can

purchase a home in 3 weeks- yet removing conditions takes over a year...doesn't make sense.

Also, a little off topic but can we travel (more importantly return)? She does not have a passport and the date on her temporary green card shows expired (yet extended for 1 year via the paper we have). It is valid to get a DL and to work so will it work for readmission to the US from the Bahamas? (short 3 day cruise).

THANK YOU!

We went on a different date but to the same service center that was in the original appointment. The date they gave was not convenient. We thought we updated the appointment online but it turned out we only made an info-pass appointment. The guy at USCIS took us anyway and completed the biometrics (fingerprints and picture) about two weeks ago BUT when I logged in on the USCIS website I only see the original status "We have received your 751 (removal of conditions)." I do not see an acknowledgment that the biometrics have been taken but we do have the stamped paper receipt. Should we be concerned? I've read if you miss the specified date, they can consider that an abandonment of the case. It takes long enough at this point to remove the conditions (about a year) so we cannot afford anymore delays.

Also, is there any delay or major problems if we buy a house and change our address online or should we keep the apartment address until this madness is done? We had to process via the Vermont Service Center.

When does the clock start for applying for Citizen status? Is it 3 three years from when the immigrant was granted conditional residence status or three years after they remove conditions? We just filed to remove conditions last month- biometrics today! It's with Vermont SC so we think it will take every bit of a year so we want to be prepared for the next step. Also, if we buy a house will that delay things? If so, should we wait?

Thanks!

If one has already filed for the removal of conditions (last month) and is waiting for an answer (which could take a year!- going for Biometrics this week) would buying a house delay the process? How big of a deal is it to change addresses at this stage? The original address might be able to be retained for a while- closing and moving in could take several months. Also why do they make you do biometrics twice?

By "WALK IN" does that mean we can just show up ANY DAY or does it have to be the day of the appointment?

THANK YOU!

Hi,

We just filed to remove conditions on greencard about a month ago. We already received written

notification to go for a biometrics appointment next month. We are using the VERMONT service center

and do not anticipate our file being looked at for at least 6 months to a year (from what we have been reading).

Here are my questions:

Will rescheduling the biometrics appointments delay the removal of conditions process or is that seperate? In a year

or so, do they simply just have to see that the biometrics were done (box checked) OR will the file not get sorted into

the final pile until that box is checked? It is really a procedural question on their end. It is just really hard for us to

make the day and time they gave us- we have a very important reoccuring commitment on that day. Also, if we follow

the instructions on the form and mail it back requesting a new appointment, will we be able to pick the day and or time

or just have to take what they give? Also, the appointent is for 10am. If we got there at 8am or 9am, is there a chance

they would take us? She already did biometrics last year to get the conditional greencard- I assume this time it's just

fingerprints---why does she have to do it again? They have not changed!

THANK YOU!!!

thats the situation

my wife was trying to file taxes joint for me and her

but at H&R block they cant pull up my name

so she had to file alone

and they told her that since i didnt made more than 4000$ income per year,( cuz i just worked for 2 month) so i dont have to file

right now the RFE asking for sponser taxes,

do i just send her taxes?

or should be joint taxes?

As the others have eluded too, they look at the totality of your documentation. If it is a strong bonofide marriage and she can support you then there probably will not be any problems. Don't get to hung up on the joint return thing- it is not required but a big plus if the other docs are weak. If her current year is over 125%- it really has to be- absolutely submit that, yes...even if it is married seperate. Also, again, do not look to a p/t HR Block person for all your answers- call the IRS- call the 800 for USCIC- the people who work there are very professional and helpful if you don't waste their time and ask well thought out questions.

In the end, it will be what it is...they need to do their job so you need to be very detail oriented. We are planning for the worse- lots of documents, pics, all kinds of financial statements, utilities, etc. I even went out and bought a big file holder tonight- again, we will be PREPARED for the worse but of course hoping for the best. LUCK=OPPORTUNITY+PREPAREDNESS.

thats the situation

my wife was trying to file taxes joint for me and her

but at H&R block they cant pull up my name

so she had to file alone

and they told her that since i didnt made more than 4000$ income per year,( cuz i just worked for 2 month) so i dont have to file

right now the RFE asking for sponser taxes,

do i just send her taxes?

or should be joint taxes?

It will help you going forward to be VERY specific with your questions. Based on what you wrote, it is very hard to answer.

WHO IS THE SPONSOR?

I am guessing it is your wife because you would NEVER qualify to sponsor anyone if your current years income is only $4,000.00. Also, I would double check about not having to pay tax since you only made $4,000.00. You still made $4,000.00- call the IRS to verify.

If SHE is sponsoring YOU, she needs to exceed the minimum income amount which is a caluculation and 125% over poverty guidelines. (In most cases it is somewhere over 20k). Also, the sponsor usually has to provide their Federal tax returns for the previous 3 years. Read all the criteria that is required. There is very little room for error.

WHAT ARE YOU FILING FOR- AOS?

The rules are very clear, I would suggest you don't rely on a p/t tax person and hire an attorney or take plenty of time to read what is required. Every form comes with fairly clear directions and a list of what is required. The I864 is clear except it says you can submit the previous years IRS Transcript instead of 3 years returns but I don't think this will fly. Our interview is soon and the paper we need to bring clearly states to bring the 3 previous years tax returns. I was told this document supercedes anything else I was told.

The current tax year's "joint return" would be ideal. '05 '04 '03 might work if you have heavily documented current income/job letter because technically you are not required to file for '06 until April.

The current joint return serves 2 purposes: 1.) It demonstates that your finances are truely co-mingled and 2.) shows your sponsors current income and ability to support.

YOU SEEM A LITTLE CASUAL ABOUT ALL THIS BUT THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS AND THEY DENY PEOPLE ALL THE TIME. IF YOU WANT TO PASS, YOU HAD BETTER BE SAFE THAN SORRY

GOOD LUCK!!!

For a self employed person can I simply bring my IRS Transcript from 2005? I can also provide current copies of checks and invoices with company check stubs attached that equal well over 50k for 2006 and current 2007 checks that are already over 30k. I just have not done my 2006 taxes yet.

Also, question about GROSS or ADJUSTED GROSS- would it work if I were to bring:

2005 (IRS Transcript) $45,000

'04 was $23,000 but the adjusted gross was just 19,000 and

'03 $70,000

Again, I worry about '04- it was a slow year. Is that 125% above poverty? I am sponsoring her- its just the two of us.

THANKS!!!

I know there are threads to a lot of general question but can everyone share with us some of the QUESTIONS WE SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR? DO THEY GO REAL DEEP- we have been together for years so we are not super concerned but we want to be thoroughly prepared.

THANKS!!!

We just received this document today. It says forher to bring her travel documents i.e. passport. Does this have to be current because it is currently expired. The appointment is for March.

It also says I-797C, Notice of Action

REQUEST FOR APPLICANT TO APPEAR FOR INITIAL INTERVIEW re:FORM I-485 Is this the big interview? How many are there?

It also says spouse should bring tax returns for the past 3 years- what if that was already submitted?

Any idea when the EAD should arrive- can we use that to get a Drivers License. The DL does not require a current passport so can we hold off until we get that- that is a priority.

Any other tips are GREATLY APPRECIATAED

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!

In addition to the ones DMV can give you, are there any others? e.g. state municipality Libraries, etc???

your expired passport with a copy of your marriage certificate will work...

How do you know this- was that your situation? Just want to be sure.

Thank you.

The passport is expired- lawyer said that should work if we also bring the marriage certificate...is this true?

If not, they WILL accept "State ID" - we are not near a DMV.

WHAT OTHER KIND OF PHOTO STATE ID CAN WE GET?

She does not have any US State issued Photo ID and her Passport is expired. We have a marriage cert. and an expired passport...the appointment is next week, what can we use?

It says on # 14. "Date authorized stay expired, or will expire as shown on Form I-94 or I-95. ON that form it says D/S. Is that an acceptable responce to that question? It looks like it wants a date. Also she arrived as a student, should I circle that? e.g. He or she arrived as a:visitor, student, stowaway...

Lastly, does anyone know when the new I864 is coming out. It says it expires soon but I need to use it- will it be ok if I use it?

THANKS!