LaughingBuddha

On 7/11/2021 at 8:42 AM, guys said:

Wow u always got lucky and able to call them, 

I used USPS service because there’s insurance in it and tracking number. 😬

Got my Certificate of Naturalization from UPS. No damage at all.

Received a new SSN card as well.

BTW, you can always find local SSA's number on google map... each SSA processes things slightly differently, for me I was told to just drop the docs by their office and I did, and it worked. Overall very smooth and clear procedure.

On 6/15/2021 at 8:52 PM, guys said:

sorry to hear that, hope u will get back soon ur PC,

anyway, when u sent ur application,  have u/did u receive a letter/receipt from ur local SSA office, in my case, they sent my PC back along with the letter/receipt from local SSA.

and i just got new SS today. :) same number only different date of issue. 

Hi, how did you send your docs to SSA? I called them and they said I can actually drop by their mailbox... not sure if that's a faster way than mailing via USPS.

thank you!

Mailed at USPS on 05/14/2021 (expedited service)

Status changed to In Process on 05/19/2021

Check is being cashed out on 05/20/2021

Status changed to Approved on 06/11/2021,  no online update to "shipped" after that

Received passport on 06/16/2021

Update: Received the Certificate of Citizenship on 06/24/2021. It was mailed in a soft US letter sized envelop through regular USPS with no tracking number. No damage at all and it seemed that it was being handled very carefully. Interestingly, earlier today my USPS informed delivery showed that there's a mail that they don't have an image will be delivered today. Overall the process was quick and smooth.

Mailed at USPS on 05/14/2021 (expedited service)

Status changed to In Process on 05/19/2021

Check is being cashed out on 05/20/2021

Status changed to Approved on 06/11/2021,  no online update to "shipped" after that

Received passport on 06/16/2021

Hi All:

Is it normal that my status hasn't changed to "shipped" after approved last Friday? I was not provided a tracking number, but I see most of you get the "shipped" status either the same day of approval status, or a day later.

thank you!

6 hours ago, JAREmorocco said:

Yes the exact amount and the USPS staff confirmed it. If I had known it would be like this I would have just applied at the fast agency 3 days before my travels but I did not want t take the risk and now I am stuck. After hours on hold when I get to someone they do not help at all and they all say just keep waiting. May be the post office staff made a mistake and sent it as routine? 😪

I am under impression that there's something to do with your check, they usually cash out the check right after status changes to received. You may want to wait until the check is cashed out, if they indeed charge you expedited service, then you may want to call them and update that.

1 minute ago, Chaka Quaker said:

Do you know when they will mail it? My status changed to in process on 5/20. I’m so stressed cuz my flight is on 6/20 and I feel I might not get it on time.

The status indicates that it should arrive on or around next Wednesday. 

54 minutes ago, JAREmorocco said:

Hello everyone! 

I sent my application 10 days ago and chose the expedited service. It was received two days ago and when I check the status it says that I chose the routine service which will take up to 12 weeks. I paid for the expedited fee along with the 1-2 day shipping hopping to get my passport before my urgent travel by the end of this month. I am worried that they made a mistake. They have not cashed the check I sent and when I called them and spoke two times to the phone representative they both seemed to be not sure of what is going on and they kept telling me to wait. Anyone had this experience before? How long did it take them to cash the check after the application was received? Is there a way I can reach someone who will give me a clear answer? I am stressed and tired of waiting 2hrs+ on hold and not get a straight answer 😪 Thank you!!

I applied from Bay Area in California 

Did you include a check with EXACT amount they are requesting for expedited services? 

Hi All:

Just an update for my passport application.

Mailed at USPS on 05/14/2021 (expedited service)

Status changed to In Process on 05/19/2021

Check is being cashed out on 05/20/2021

Status changed to Approved on 06/11/2021.

Good luck everyone!

3 hours ago, Kam🇺🇸 said:

Hi . my processing time exactly same as you but I'm still waiting  for update !

did you got your passport ?

Thanks

Hi Kam,

No, no update since Status changed to In Process on 05/19/2021.

But I think it's normal because based on their website, the processing time for expedited service is 4-6 weeks, and right now it has been not even 3 weeks. I would expect some updates next week, or even 2 weeks later.

1 hour ago, guys said:

i wanna update mine (expedite service )

04-05-2021 Applied passport at USPS near my location

04-26-2021 DOS received the application and  status changed " in process "

04-27-2021 Money Order is being cashed out. 

05-25-2021 Status changed " Approved " and then after in minute it changed to " Shipped " from Tucson 

05-27-2021 Passport arrived and i hold it 😁😁

 

since DOS received my application on 04-26-2021 so it is still in time frame for expedite service (4-6), but my application got floated in the air for 3 weeks  😁😁

 

based on my experience : 

Called US center passport it will not change the processing time more faster, unless if u really have emergency, or want to change the service from " Routine to Expedite " --- CMIIWW 😁😁. 

Asked assistant to congressman in my area, i didn't get very well because the congressman team's reasoned out that my case is not emergency and bla,,bla,bla😁🤪🤪,

 

Passport card and NC still on the way, i hope it will arrive soon too. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yasssss! So happy for you!! Well looks like refund won't be an option since they process it within the normal processing time lol

4 hours ago, cosmonauts said:

My oath ceremony has been scheduled for June 25, San Bernardino office (interview was May 10)

YEEEEEEEES!!!!! FYI you can now schedule an appt with USPS now so that by the time you get your Certificate of Naturalization you will be able to apply for passport same day. Currently the passport appt is very packed at USPS.

On 5/20/2021 at 10:47 PM, guys said:

i told him about my travel plan and then he said it's impossible to get it done on time. so, i can't do nothing, he couldn't either 😭😭 . unless if the congressman called 😁😁 it might be something,.

 

i contacted congressman and sent my casework to him today, so, i hope it will double expedite 🤪🤪.

 

when u called USPS, were u able to get the info where they send the application ?

 

 

 

 

You still didn't hear anything back? Honestly this is overwhelmingly long and not an expedited service. You should apply for a refund regardless. I remember I see someone posted in this topic around page 80-90 about request of refund as they didn't get their passport within the processing time.

11 hours ago, guys said:

i told him about my travel plan and then he said it's impossible to get it done on time. so, i can't do nothing, he couldn't either 😭😭 . unless if the congressman called 😁😁 it might be something,.

 

i contacted congressman and sent my casework to him today, so, i hope it will double expedite 🤪🤪.

 

when u called USPS, were u able to get the info where they send the application ?

 

 

 

 

No, the lady at USPS was annoyed by my call and just told me to wait a few days, plus she said no tracking number lol...whatever I asked she just referred me to passport center general number. 

7 hours ago, guys said:

dang is not fair 😭😭😭, ur usps is more fast than mine, mmm u got lucky tho, 🎉

i just called US paspport and i requested to call me back, after 4 hours someone called me back, according to him my application is on Tuscon, 

he also asked me that number for verification. 

nothing he can do, he only mention to just wait for another 2 weeks, 😭😭

I actually called the USPS yesterday and the lady over the phone was annoyed lol...but all I wanted to know is whether the documents were mailed out or not. She told me there's no tracking number and I should wait for a few days to check the status. But after a few hours I received the email from DOS stating that they received my documents and it's currently in-process. Not sure if this had something to do to speed up the mailing process?

Did you tell them that you have a trip on 05/23? If you do have a flight booked, I still feel there's should be a way to have them speed up, especially the USPS delivery took so long for you.

Hi All:

Just an update for my passport application.

Mailed at USPS on 05/14/2021 (expedited service)

Status changed to In Process on 05/19/2021

Check is being cashed out on 05/20/2021

BTW, DOS sent me an email indicating an application locator number, what is that used for exactly? is there a website that we can see which center is currently processing the passport by entering this locator number?

Thank you!

31 minutes ago, striking19 said:

I had to call the USPS where i submitted my application and they checked it for me. Some people have had luck getting the actual tracking number, but I didn't get a tracking number. Just the info that it was delivered in two days.... Wish there was traceability on this entire thing. USPS said my application was delivered to Philly. But when i got a call from the passport services (due to the Congresswoman involvement), it was from the Charlestown passport center. Wonder if my application and others who had theirs delayed was bounced around between multiple centers to have this happen

 

Note: With USPS, the trick is to find the local number of the location where you submitted your application. General number is useless for this

 

Thank you! I will see if i could find the local USPS contact number on Google. I got the general number on Google map even that's linked to the local USPS address.

1 hour ago, striking19 said:

Created an account just to provide my bad timeline.....

 

5 weeks...

 

weird thing is that USPS said that it was delivered in two days, but DOS didn't have it 'In process' for another 5 weeks.... And the worst part is they don't even take this time into consideration for their SLAs and timelines.... 

 

There were a couple of posts earlier (I was still just following this thread at that time) about reaching out to their congressman/woman. My experience hasn't been great with that. I got a call from the passport center asking me if I want to pay for expedited. Other than that, nothing happened. If you have travel dates or emergencies, you might have better luck reaching out to the local reps.

Hi, thank you for sharing the timeline and it's really helpful. How did you contact USPS? I got a receipt with no tracking number... Is there anyway they can track the delivery status?  I called the general USPS number and got no chance to talk with a real person over the phone, it was always auto reply with some general information...

Thank you! 

Hi All:

I wonder how long did you generally wait from the date you submitted your passport documents to USPS to the date that the checked was cashed out?

Thank you!

16 hours ago, guys said:

Yeah, I paid that too, all it cost $ 217.56. 

If you plan to travel 05/23, i'd say call them. this makes no sense for an expedite services, although that could due to the long delivery of USPS. 

6 hours ago, guys said:

should i worry about it or just chill out ? reading all the progress that u guys have, it seems that the processing time is vary from one center to another and i guess is depend on which state you live in. correct me if i was wrong 

my time line is kind of weird, Applied on 04/05 at USPS redlands CA with EXPEDITE service, and DOS received on 04/26. it is way too long long, isn't it ? yup, i think there's something wrong with the USPS where i live. (cross finger ).

anyway, my current status is still in progress. 

on the passport application, i wrote that i am planning to travel on 05/23 and visa is required now days.

do you think ? do i need to call them and ask U.S passport or i just wait till week 4 or 5

if i called them, do you guys have any idea, what question do i need to ask them since if i asked about the progress u can see online, right, (😁😁 yeah i know that is awkward concern )

 

anyway, i appreciate your input guys, 

thank you, have a good one

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you include the delivery express fee in your check? 1-2 Day Delivery $17.56.

My understanding is that the 60 dollars expedite fee doesn't include express delivery, but only the reviewing + issuing passport process.

Hi All:

I am now a U.S. citizen. The combo interview (i-751 and n-400) went well. Here's my experience today.

1- We were waiting in the lobby for about one hour. A lot of people who checked in after us got call by IOs before us, my husband then went to the reception to check what was happening with our case, the was told our case was currently under review and the officer will call us once she finishes the review.

2- We were finally called about one hour later than our scheduled interview time, the officer said she only needs me. so my husband hands over all his paperwork to me and gave me a kiss LMAO! the officer was laughing all loud and I was a little bit embarrassed since there are so many people in the lobby lol.

3- The officer walked me into her office and said I was waiting longer because she was reviewing my i-751 documents and just approved, so no need to go over i-751 anymore, just n-400.

4- The officer went over basic information of my n-400 and made a few updates, went over civic test, Yes/No questions, and then asked me if I want to do oath today or wait a few weeks, if I want to do today, then I may need wait with her for a while since the system is slow on updating my i-751's approved status. I said i'd like to wait with her since both my husband and I took a day off for today, she said ok. then a few mins later she was able the print a paper stating I was approved for N-400.

5- She directed me to first floor for oath, I signed a paper in the oath room, and a few mins later I took oath and was given my citizenship certificate.

That's it, when I came out from the oath room, my husband seemed to be more excited than me lol...Anyway that's just my experience, it was overall smooth and efficient, I have a relatively simply case too, both me and my husband are first marriage, no crime, no overdue taxes, both working, similar age, etc. and we still submitted tons of documents for both I-751 and N-400s. and I do believe that the officer went over every page of our applications.

For all of you at Visajourney, thank you, it's a great resource during every step of my journey. 

Best best best wishes to everyone at Visajourney.

Just now, cosmonauts said:

Sorry I wasn't clear. They did both interviews. First, N-400, then I-751. My husband was asked to stay in the waiting room for all of it.

I would say that is not bad already! I believe they just want to reduce in-person interactions as much as possible, that's probably why they let your husband stay outside. As long as you were both there it's already good for them. But they did conduct both I-751 and N-400, AND recommended for approval, they may just need a little bit time to review your updated documents. 

8 minutes ago, cosmonauts said:

I had my combo interview this morning. I got the dreaded "decision cannot be made". The officer said because I had a pending GC he couldn't approve me on the spot but he was recommending my case for approval. That I should get something in the mail in 30 days. I'm so f%$%% disappointed. I know they are doing same day oaths because we heard someone given those instructions while we were waiting. The journey continues.

 

Here are the questions I was asked

 

Read: Where is the White House? Write: The White House is in Washington DC.

 

What is one state that borders Canada?

What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

What is one war fought by the US in the 1900?

Who did the US fight in WW2?

What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

What did the Declaration of Independence do?

Thank you cosmonauts! I was waiting for your feedback since I have my interview this Thursday at San Bernardino Filed Office.

So even they sent I-751 interview notice they didn't want to do a combo interview? instead they only did the N-400 with you? 

On 4/13/2021 at 1:53 PM, marthasofi said:

Good afternoon guys,
I had my combo interview yesterday April 12, 2021 at the Portland, OR office and I thought it would be important to share my experience with the VisaJourney community that has helped me so greatly! ♥♥♥♥

--------------------- I applied under the 3-year rule -----------------

◘ March 5th: Interview was scheduled for 12Apr2021 @ 8:40am

1. About the date of the interview:

◘ Got in the building 15 minutes earlier. I was wearing high heels and they made me take them off, lol. I went in with my husband as my I-751 application stated it was mandatory he came with me.

◘ I was the 3rd person to get in the building. At 9:05 my name was called, the Immigration Officer asked us to follow her to her office. She was serious and quiet, I kind of wished I had other Immigration Officers, they looked way more easygoing? Who knows.

◘ Once I was sat there I could tell she had a huge pile! She explained it was everything the government had on file for me, since my K1 fiancee visa was submitted (back to 2016!)

 

     1.1. The Removal of Conditions Interview (or I-751)

     1.1.2. About the relationship:

 

She asked me and my husband:

– Where did you meet?

– When did you meet?

– Where do you like to vacation?

– What are your favorite activities as a couple? We got talking about snow, skiing, Idaho, Wyoming, etc. It was a fun topic.

– When did you guys marry?

– When was the last time you visited her country (Peru)?

– Did you bring with you any additional evidence since  you last file for your ROC (I-751)? Oh yes, sure thing, I had brought with me 6 big files in those huge folder, containing last 4 year taxes, last 4 year bank statements, utility bills, house deed and the whole stack of purchase info (as we bought a house), titles of both of our cars under our names, health insurance which states my husband is under my insurance, dental insurance, photos, 401k information, life insurance. She looked it at all!!! Big FYI. She was extremely thankful I was so organized. I used colorful tabs for all of my info. Taxes were in one folder, bank statements in another and so on.

– She then excused herself for taking some time to "enter" some information in her computer. She took like 5-7 minutes, we were just like looking at the wall when she said "Phew, ok, I'm done, you case looks solid, I'm recommending you for approval. We will move onto the N-400 application". She turned to my husband and said he can stay or he can leave for that portion of the interview, either way, he was welcome to participate. He decided to stay.
 

     1.2. The Citizenship section (or N-400)

I can say this experience is a standard as it can get. I've read past experiences and they are all same Modus Operandi:

– I was asked 6 questions, I got them all right, she stopped right there. They were as follows:

– For the oral exam, I was asked to repeat after her "What state has the most population?"

– For the writing exam, I was asked to write in the pad: "California has the most people". 

– She went through all of the Yes/No questions (terrorism, international organizations, if I had commited any crimes, etc. etc.)

– Officer mentioned I had approved and the last step is the Oath of Allegiance, I should get a letter in the mail and on my online account stating the details of the ceremony. She said I should get a reply from them in a month regarding date and time, no more than that. If that did happened, I should get a hold of them.

– I asked regarding Same Day Oath ceremonies and she said they still do offer them, but only for those who had driven 4 hours or so, not for locals. I thought it was a lame excuse, we were so few of us, I would dare to say only 6. But anyways, I was of course thankful and left the room.

 

**Important: I had done a Change Of Address at the time of my Naturalization Application, but it looks like they never got it. they still had my old address on file, thankfully I had brought with me the screenshot of when I changed my address through "My USCIS" and the confirmation letter they had sent me. She looked surprised. You have to go as confidente as you can!

***Important: She asked to drop off GC, Advanced Parole and Employment Card when taking the Oath. Do not forget!
 

Last update: Checked my account this morning and the N-400 says "Oath Ceremony Will Be Scheduled". Patiently waiting here. Almost there. 

There might be some details I left out that I currently don't remember? I apologize.

If any of you have any questions, please don't hesitate to go ahead and ask me.

 

 

Hi Mathasofi:

Thank you for sharing this information! it's really helpful.

I wonder when you were asked for "any updated supporting documents for your marriage?", did you just hand over ALL documents for the entire marriage, including those you've submitted initially for your I-751/N-400 packages? or just the actual updated portion that were not included in your initial I-751/N-400 Package?

I am preparing my document folders, and not sure how should I better organize them.

Thank you!!!