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Jane D

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    N-400 and I-751 combo pending

    in Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Jane D

    Hello, everyone,

    Just wanted to share my a bit bitter , but not hopeless , experience here, I was inactive and silent for about 6 months in this chat. May be it will be useful for somebody. 

        I was scheduled for Combo I-751 and N400 interview on December 5 of last year. A few days earlier George Bush the senior passed away, and my Combo interview got  moved for 4 weeks to January, as offices were closed that day.

       Meanwhile we started to have some tense relationship with my husband , as it turned out he had an affair on a side..He refused to attend rescheduled interview in January and filed for Divorce shortly in December....Don’t really want to focus on family issues here, just wanted to describe further process...

        After that what happens is - I hired lawyer and we had to quickly withdraw N-400, this had to be done before the new interview date in the early January , so the interview was not marked as unattended , and because it was mid December , I didn’t have really much time to do it, holidays were coming up and it was stressful..

    After withdrawal, there was pending divorce.

      In order to proceed with the case - you have to convert regular I- 751 into waiver. In order to start converting your case into waiver - divorce has to be finalized. If you don’t finalize your divorce and somehow get called to interview again - they will simply deny your case, as nobody will wait for your divorce to be finalized .

      The divorce was not amicable, and each side had lawyers, each side had to provide financial affidavits and it took some time, but finally we were able to achieve marriage settlement agreement . My immigration lawyer did my divorce as well, as it was important as far as I understand, because the language in such agreement has to be done in a proper way to continue with the process.

      After divorce I was able to start converting the case. It was a good- faith marriage and I still have good chances to finish the process. The only thing it will take me a while now. They will call me for an interview for a waiver , but there is no official line to track online.

      My status is still pending and I continue to receive stamps in the passport for extension. When it will be 4 years and 9 months of my pending status - I am eligible to apply for citizenship - after that in this case scenario - there will be a Combo interview with me only - for waiver + citizenship. 

      P.S. My friend with exact same timelines as me - became a citizen in January.

      Hope this story will be useful for someone. Otherwise wish everybody else good luck!

     

      

     

     

     

     

    I-751/N-400 combo filers in Chicago

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted · Edited by Jane D

    Guys, they de-scheduled my interview on December , 5-th! (((((((( ( I received a notice)  because of the National Day of Mourning! Donald Trump issued a proclamation,that  all the federal agencies will be closed on December 5, all naturalization ceremonies and interviews cancelled. I hope they will reschedule it soon, but there is no date yet (((

    I-751/N-400 combo filers in Chicago

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    On 11/15/2018 at 6:10 PM, Lu & Soso said:

    Yesterday, I finally became a US citizen. It was a beautiful ceremony of 129 new citizens. It only took 50 minutes to complete. What a moment! I am still recovering from the whole process. Let me take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to all those members of VJ who took their time to share their stories, answer questions and support everyone who sought support in figuring their case status. What you have done is not only bring hope during moments of despair, frustration, confusion, but motivated everyone to believe in this protracted process. Thank you for all your support, and may your future pursuits bear intended fruits. To those who are still racing towards the finish line, even tiring and uncertain this process is at times, don't ever give up. The finish line, no matter how long, is worth all the struggles. Last but not least, I can never forget the work of the Immigration Officers, who made this journey fruitful by guiding us through the process, eased our nerves when overwhelmed and gave us confidence towards our goal. You have been consummate professionals.

    This is truly a memorable moment, I can’t even imagine the feelings yet, must be something unreal, after all of that frustration and wait!! Really happy for you!! And thank you for your encouraging words!

     

    Chicago N400 filers

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    On 11/4/2018 at 1:01 PM, Lu & Soso said:

    Hi @Jane D! I would advise you to take bills of, at least the last 3-4 years bills (since your marriage if applying based on marriage with an American). You are trying to depict a picture of you still sharing a life together. When in comes to photos, it's photos of you together throughout the years. It could be on a trip, outing (restaurant, family gatherings, with friends). Again, you are trying to show that you continue to share a life together. If you share credit cards, you can make copies showing the same account, but different names. I didn't put photos in an album, but if you can, organize them and write short narrative of the events. Previously submitted picture are not worth taking, because they have them already. It is the latest, or rather the continuation since your last submission that are being sought. Good luck!

    Thank you for your advice! It is really helpful !! The only thing is I just realized today that I didn't take the copies of the bills , which I applied with for 2-d green card.. Originally I thought I would be able to reprint it from online.They have it with that application that I sent to them, but I don't have the copy of them and can't print those 2 years out of 4 total from online, as some service providers don't store that info for more than 2 years, 2 most recent years. The good thing at least Bank statements and Auto insurance , I will probably have all 4 years. Again thanks for your help!

    Chicago N400 filers

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    Guys, question about bills and pictures. How many years of bills do you need to bring, if you are a combo filer.  Like 2 years for green card, that you filed with and around 2 years for citizenship? So like 4 years of bills ? Or just last 2 years?

    Also pictures, in what format ( I mean  do you also put it in album, or they are just photos by themselves)  and how many pictures are you taking with you? Like 20 is enough ? or you are taking previously submitted pictures as well?

    I-751/N-400 combo filers in Chicago

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    Guys, question about bills and pictures. How many years of bills do you need to bring, if you are a combo filer.  Like 2 years for green card, that you filed with and around 2 years for citizenship? So like 4 years of bills ? Or just last 2 years?

    Also pictures, in what format ( I mean  do you also put it in album, or they are just photos by themselves)  and how many pictures are you taking with you? Like 20 is enough ? or you are taking previously submitted pictures as well?

    I-751/N-400 combo filers in Chicago

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    On 11/3/2018 at 7:46 AM, xilef said:

    That's great news, so it basically took 7 months for your interview to get scheduled. Hopefully you get approved on the spot and are able to swear in before Christmas, now wouldn't that be a christmas m iracle :)

    Yes, it sure would be a miracle.  A gift from Santa .😂 Lol lol lol .This forum really helps to keep sanity and not to go crazy while waiting and waiting for something.

    Chicago N400 filers

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    On 10/31/2018 at 9:08 AM, qiaoxiaopang said:

    The N400 interview appointment notice should show the date for your interview. I looked for it in the documents tab but didn't see it the first time I logged on. I logged off and after logging on a second time after maybe a half hour or so, the document showed up out of no where and I was able to check my wife's interview day. Hope that helps.

    My interview was scheduled for December 5. I was able to see it the next day, when I logged in online to my dhs account and went to Tab with Documents, in Citizenship application. But first notification came with Case tracker app.

    Chicago N400 filers

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted · Edited by Jane D

    5 hours ago, qiaoxiaopang said:

    Finally, the interview has been scheduled 12/4/18 in the morning. 😄

    Hopefully the Oath ceremony comes same day or within a few weeks!

     

    Judging by the way you filed and date USCIS received your application, Online filing is the way to go as it's faster.

    My spouse's filing date and your's are pretty much days apart. Biometrics was also days apart and my wife's Interview is 12/4/18.

     

    I've already received FAX copies of W2 transcripts for the last 3 years. It's better to get faxed copies instead of paper copies because mail can take a few days. I'd suggest anyone who needs copies to sign up for Efax and you can received fax copies via your online fax number instantly once you are ready to call the IRS.

    Got copies and originals for marriage certificates and birth certificates.

    - Need to make copies of the green card and drivers license I.D. 

    - Need to get copies of bank statements in case*****

    - Wifey needs to study a little bit more for Civics test. Spoken English won't be a problem as she speaks well. Hopefully they don't throw too many curveballs at her for the Civics test.

     

    They scheduled my N400 interview today too! But I don't know the date yet. I filed for I-751 in May 2017 and for N400 in May 2018, online.

    Chicago N400 filers

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    17 hours ago, flash9153 said:

    Update on my wife's interview this morning at 8:30am today:

     

    Our officer was probably the nicest gentleman there. When he called my wife's #, I accompanied her to the door to ask if I'm needed for a combo interview, and he kindly said, "yes please, you can join her".

     

    I-751

    After going in, the officer took my wife's biometrics and then she was sworn in to tell the truth. The first thing he did was explain to us that he ROC was pending, therefore he will first interview her on that application. He started by collecting all the documents that we had brought for verification of identity, which included  expired GC, both our passports, driver's licenses and social security card. After verifying our identities, he collected evidence for continuing relationship. We provided tax returns for three years, recent bank statements, copy of lease agreement, health and car insurance documents with both our names. I didn't have any utility bills with both our names, but he was content with rest of the evidence. Then he went through the entire application line by line including all the dates, addresses, yes or no questions, etc. He was incredibly thorough and didn't skip over anything. After that, he said that the i751 application looks good, he doesn't have any reservations approving it. However he said that he is new at doing combo interviews, so it'll take a few days before he can have the application adjudicated. I'll take that as a win in my book, waiting a few days is acceptable than having to wait months for NBC to adjudicate the i751. 

     

    N400

     

    After that, he returned my passport and driving license but held on to my wife's. Once again, my wife had her left index finger scanned, and swore to tell the truth. At this point, I thought I was going to have to leave, but he didn't say anything. He already had all the evidence he needed from i751 application, so he didn't ask for it again. Also, all of my wife's evidence was  submitted online, so he had it on his screen for review. He started with the civics exam, then reading, lastly the written portion. She passed all three, so the officer congratulated her. After that, he went through the application line by line. He actually found a couple of minor errors, which he corrected and then asked my wife to review the corrections and then sign off on them through a mounted iPad. After that he printed a piece of paper that says she passed the exam but a decision cannot yet be made. To that he explained, he needs to adjudicate the i751 first, which will take a few days, and then he'll process the N400 to put her in queue for an oath. WE WERE ECSTATIC! Couldn't believe our ears. This crazy journey might actually be coming to an end very soon. I'll keep posted when I see an updates on My USCIS account, or receive something in mail

    Super excited to hear about your experience! Congrats this long journey is over for you!! This must be such a relief!! 

    Did they ask any outstanding questions regards your life within past 2 years?

    17 hours ago, flash9153 said:

    Update on my wife's interview this morning at 8:30am today:

     

    Our officer was probably the nicest gentleman there. When he called my wife's #, I accompanied her to the door to ask if I'm needed for a combo interview, and he kindly said, "yes please, you can join her".

     

    I-751

    After going in, the officer took my wife's biometrics and then she was sworn in to tell the truth. The first thing he did was explain to us that he ROC was pending, therefore he will first interview her on that application. He started by collecting all the documents that we had brought for verification of identity, which included  expired GC, both our passports, driver's licenses and social security card. After verifying our identities, he collected evidence for continuing relationship. We provided tax returns for three years, recent bank statements, copy of lease agreement, health and car insurance documents with both our names. I didn't have any utility bills with both our names, but he was content with rest of the evidence. Then he went through the entire application line by line including all the dates, addresses, yes or no questions, etc. He was incredibly thorough and didn't skip over anything. After that, he said that the i751 application looks good, he doesn't have any reservations approving it. However he said that he is new at doing combo interviews, so it'll take a few days before he can have the application adjudicated. I'll take that as a win in my book, waiting a few days is acceptable than having to wait months for NBC to adjudicate the i751. 

     

    N400

     

    After that, he returned my passport and driving license but held on to my wife's. Once again, my wife had her left index finger scanned, and swore to tell the truth. At this point, I thought I was going to have to leave, but he didn't say anything. He already had all the evidence he needed from i751 application, so he didn't ask for it again. Also, all of my wife's evidence was  submitted online, so he had it on his screen for review. He started with the civics exam, then reading, lastly the written portion. She passed all three, so the officer congratulated her. After that, he went through the application line by line. He actually found a couple of minor errors, which he corrected and then asked my wife to review the corrections and then sign off on them through a mounted iPad. After that he printed a piece of paper that says she passed the exam but a decision cannot yet be made. To that he explained, he needs to adjudicate the i751 first, which will take a few days, and then he'll process the N400 to put her in queue for an oath. WE WERE ECSTATIC! Couldn't believe our ears. This crazy journey might actually be coming to an end very soon. I'll keep posted when I see an updates on My USCIS account, or receive something in mail

    Super excited to hear about your experience! Congrats this long journey is over for you!! This must be such a relief!! 

    Did they ask any outstanding questions regards your life within past 2 years?

    I-751/N-400 combo filers in Chicago

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    1 hour ago, MLChicago said:

    Good News! My spouse had a combo I-751/N-400 interview at the USCIS Chicago office today, 10/01/18. Based on other posts here I knew there might be a strong possibility that our N-400 interview would actually be a combo I-751/N-400 interview, and it was.

     

    We were very relieved because we had not heard anything on the I-751 application since we received the May 2018 notice saying our case had been transferred to the National Benefits Center in Missouri. Therefore, we had no idea what the status of the I-751 case was or where the file actually was. Also, at our most recent Infopass appointment where we received a I-551 stamp extension, the officer at the infopass desk said they don't do combo interviews at the Chicago office (which we now know is not correct).

     

    When our number was called today at the citizenship interview (after waiting about an hour), I went with up with my spouse to the officer and introduced myself. The officer said that was fine if I attended the interview with my spouse and that it is a good thing that I am there because we have to do the I-751 interview first before the citizenship interview can be done. 

     

    When we arrived at the officer's private office she went through the I-751 file folder first (it was the original paper file we submitted, so she had the file in Chicago) and she quickly went through it and asked a few quick questions. Once that was finished she moved on to the citizenship interview and she allowed me to stay in the room. The whole process was very quick, efficient and easy. The officer was very friendly and professional. At the end of the interview, she said she was recommending the file for approval and that we should get a notice of the oath ceremony within the next 6 weeks. The whole interview process took about 30 minutes.

     

    I highly recommend everyone who has a I-751 that hasn't been processed yet to go with your spouse to the N-400 interview. It sounds like they are doing combo interviews in Chicago after all.

     

    This has been a long journey for us. Congrats to everyone in the VJ community and good luck to everyone on your journey to citizenship. 

    Awesome! Thank you for sharing your experience!

    Chicago N400 filers

    in US Citizenship Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    On 9/12/2018 at 8:21 AM, Jane D said:

    Guys, for about a few weeks my case status for N400 is displaying  CASE STATUS page, which is saying that they can’t provide me with any information on my case and when I call the USCIS automated voicemail , before it was giving me my last update, as of right now it is also saying that they can’t provide me with any information on the case. Does anybody else have the same thing?

    86D31A27-4DBA-412E-9B0D-C5B86026C0DF.png

    Guys, just wanted to let you know, that my message updated today ---> and went back to Normal!! Showing the last update that I had that 'My case is being actively reviewed' as of May 31 ( The last update from my biometrics). So I think that's good news. As for Automated voice system - it didn't update the message, still says that they can't provide me with info on my case.

    But at least the first one updated. 

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