h.linds

We did received the passport with correct name.  The typo I'm talking about is the spouse name(not about the applicant name) in section 11 on the DS-11.

Status changed to "in progress" on 3/4.
Status changed to "Shipped" on 3/20.
Passport arrived on 3/21.
Took exactly 6 weeks from date of application (2/6) to the date it shipped (3/20) from Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Locator 79.
 

Hi Crazy Cat,
 
Thanks for the info! Has your wife's passport gotten any updates yet?

Our passport has shipped last Friday 3/3/2023. DOS received it on 1/27/2023. Locator number 62.

Found out yesterday that there was a system issue in passport tracking which caused "Not Available" status for passport applications Feb 6-Feb 13.  As of yesterday, my wife's passport status now says "In Process".  Tomorrow will be 4 weeks.   I hope you can get your issue resolved.  

It just a minor issue, so nothing to worry. I'm also put my spouse "' First Name, Middle Name, Last name"' instead of "'Last name, First Name, Middle Name"' on the form too. As long as your name as a applicant matching the name on Nat certificate it should be OK. I'm into week 5 right now since DOS received it on 1/27. Website say 5-7 weeks for expedited, so we will wait and see.

Almost same issue for us.  Status is still "unavailable" after 3 weeks.  I spoke to someone at the National Passport Office, but she was no help.  I also spoke with someone at the passport agency we used.  He said "If they have cashed the check, they have the application.  He said they are flooded with passport applications right now."  I am also planning to contact US Senator soon.  As of right now, wife has no US passport, and her original Naturalization Certificate was in the passport pack, too. 
 
Passport website says expedited is now 5-7 weeks.  

We intend to bring an experienced, licensed, AILA-listed attorney with us,  preferably one who can quote chapter and verse from the USCIS policy manual and INA, and has experience moving cases to federal court jurisdiction.  

Because it’s their right.  
 
Similarly why do people insist on filing N-400 online when the system has proven to be riddled with software bugs: allowing filing before day 90, changing answers on questions, recording the wrong date of filing to name a few?
 
Answer: because it is convenient.  
 
We will be filing early morning day 90, by usps priority mail.  The package might get to Phoenix the same day as we expect to be living near there by then.  And we have zero worries about being dinged for early filing.  
 
We are more worried about the interview being scheduled before the 3 year anniversary and we have a plan to deal with it.  
 
 

Many thanks, Mike! You're always very helpful. I've already applied to fix my name in the N-400. It might take a little bit more time but I'd love to have my proper name back. It was butchered beyond recognition. 

I see two viable options:
 
1. Ask for a new name in your N-400.  You have that right.  Pro: no extra cost.  Con: it can delay your oath by months perhaps a year or more, because a judge has to administer the oath and worse sometimes an accompanying name change document is not provided at oath and you have to chase down.  
 
2. Naturalize, take oath with your current name, and then file for a name change in State court: Pro: keeps naturalization simple, and you can take your time getting your passport, passport card, SSA record updated.  Con: costs more money. 

My understanding is because you are applying under the 3 year rule you don't count the trips made before you became an LPR.
 
The spouse of a U.S. citizen residing in the United States must have continuously resided in the United States as an LPR for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of the filing the application and up to the time of the Oath of Allegiance. 
 
and
18 Months of Physical Presence
The spouse must have been physically present in the United States for at least 18 months (548 days) out of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application.
 
https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-3#:~:text=3 Years of Continuous Residence,of the Oath of Allegiance.
 

Keep it simple and list everything in the last 5 years as the form says. What matters is your physical presence in the USA since you became an LPR.  If you have (366 + 365 + 365) / 2 = 548 days of physical presence in the USA in past 1096 days then you qualify. 
 
Use https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/learn-about-citizenship/naturalization-eligibility to verify your eligibility to apply 

Any trip more than a day is listed and the system does the count for you.
 
File N400 online. Faster, less hustle, it tells you exactly what to submit and you get receipt immediately. 

Hi all,
It takes me a while to make some progresses. :). After calling/emailing the Belgium's Central Registration Office, I managed to get a soft copy of the Police Record. The hard copy is still on its way to my current address though (finger crossed it will eventually show up). Good news: the Belgium "centraal registraar" is very nice and helpful. There are 02 ways that one can obtain Belgian police record: visit the Brussels office and collect the paperwork oneself or they will mail it to you free of charge.  However, the certificate is written in French. Wondering if it is best to have the document translated into English or NVC will accept the original French one?
Many thanks! 
 

Thank you so very much!  I emailed them and will wait until their opening hour to call and talk to someone. Keeping my finger crossed!  

The truth always matters in this process.  Never set yourself up to explain why you were not truthful. Really bad idea to advise others to set themselves up to explain either.

Then his physical address is the same as yours.

There is a distinction between where you "reside" and where you may be temporarily visiting.  If your husband is actually a resident of Vietnam, then the two addresses are different.  If he's only visiting you, even for a few months, then the US mailing address and his physical address are one in the same.
 
The earlier answers are kind of right but none of them addressed the difference between residing and visiting.  It matters.

You are correct. Hubby is kind of correct. Physical address is where you currently sleep. Mailing address is a place where you can safely and securely receive mail. For some people the two addresses are the same. If you can receive mail where you are, then your physical address can also be your mailing address but if you prefer that your mail goes to his parents’ home then this can be his mailing address. Only use his parents’ address if they are able to forward mail to you concerning your case in a timely manner. There are deadlines involved in replying to immigration authorities. 

Agree with JFH, except there is one legal matter. In the U.S., you can only have one legal place of abode. This cuts down on fraud (voting, welfare, etc.). From a practical standpoint, use the American address. Why? Because USCIS and other federal agencies do not mail stuff overseas. Also, Vietnam is notorious for poor mail service. Just use his parents address and have them get his mail. If they can scan and email important papers, he'll be good. They can use Kinko's, etc. for scanning documents. It's tough to do government things from overseas, but not impossible. Use his American address. That's my two cents. Good luck!

No to both answers since you are the only one immigrating

It takes a couple of days to clear, depending on the bank. I sent my packages in before the 2nd payment cleared and it arrived by the time the payment showed as paid in the system. My cases were scanned 2 days later

Yes, the liquid assets in a US savings account can be used to offset the lack of income.
No, the overseas property would not be used as continuing income.
Your husband's sister's household would be 2, just herself and the intending immigrant, (you).  Neither your child or your husband are dependent on his sister for support.
 
It is probably best to use declare and document the savings, AND have the joint sponsor's I-864, tax return, evidence of current income (pay stub) and evidence of US Citizenship along with your husband's affidavit.  I-864 from both.