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!
 
  
 
 
 
 

Thank you, @Jane D! I am still not used to bring a citizen yet. Come to think of it, it's only been a week since the Oath Ceremony. I already applied for my passport, the very next day. That should take 4-6 weeks. I already received a notification that they have received my application, and have also received fee payment. I cannot wait to receive my new passport, and then I'll feel complete. Fortunately, I just got back from visiting my home country in March. It was the long lines (for green card holders) and the extra scrutiny in the custom offices that resulted in applying for citizenship the very next day. Now, December 5, is around the corner, 13 days to go for your Naturalization interview @Jane D, and chances are, you'll most probably have your Oath ceremony the last days of December or latest, early January 2019. Our prayers are with you! You are now on homestretch, and go get 'em! Happy Holidays, everyone!

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!
 

As soon as I found out the date and time of my oath ceremony, I made an appointment on-line (USPS) same date as my oath ceremony. I had my oath ceremony at 9A, and done by 11:30am. My appointment at USPS was at 2pm. Make sure to make an appointment on-line, USPS personnel doesn't accept walk-ins.

Hi everyone, finally my 2 cases (I-751 and N-400) approved yesterday. 

Hi Jane D! Don't worry about the copies you mailed, they have those and don't need them. It is the recent or updated ones, like a continuation of when you were last interviewed or continuation of what you sent already. For instance, if you previously sent, say an electric bill or bank statement of October 2016. I would bring October 2017 and 2018 copies of those bills, etc. If you also additional recent activity between you and your, like new accounts, recent photos, etc, bring them with you.

Thanks Lu & Soso, it's been a long road to US citizenship for her and I'm sure she'll be glad after finishing up the interview. I'm just hoping that she can get to take the Oath ceremony same day. We'll see what happens and post a reply once it's said and done

Thanks a lot, I have the similar timeline with you and I just checked and found my interview was scheduled as well!

Hi, guys. They scheduled my N400 interview today! I don't have the date yet,  but I am very glad in general, that there is some movement! I applied for I751 in May 2017 and for N400 in May 2018 , online filer.

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.

What a journey for you @Lu & Soso!! Congratulations on the outcome of your interview!!!!! That must have been a very stressful day for you.

What a day! Yesterday was my N-400 interview. Things didn't start good, and it was my fault. I arrived 20 minutes after my scheduled appointment. When my IO called me, which is apparent that she had tried before, she was not happy at all. I decided, at that time not to request to be joined by my wife and newborn because I did want to subject them to any tension. While walking to her office, she asked why I was late and firstly, I apologized and explained . She is one of the most consummate professionals I have encountered. She didn't waste no time, advised me of every step she was about to take. We went through the civic test, and here are the questions she asked; What is the national anthem called?, What took place on September, 11, 2001?, What ocean is on the west coast of USA?, Which war did Dwight Eisenhower fight on?, Who does a US Senator represent? We went through sentence reading and writing. She went through everything that I filled in my N-400 application; and verified, I mean, name, birth date, address, work, international visits to those YES or NO questions. When she finished, she asked for additional updated information since my last interview, which was in July, for I-751. I submitted my current (2017) taxes, recent auto insurance, life policy I took last year which we never requested in my last interview. She asked for updated bank statements, and unfortunately I didn't bring. My other mistake was to bring the original taxes without making copies. She advised me that she couldn't make a decision about my case until she receives copies of my taxes, bank statements, and I was given a month to mail or a possibility of my case being dismissed. I requested to submit them within an hour and she liked the idea. That's the first time I sensed her warm nature, because we went through the interview so fast after my late arrival and she was just all professional.  She told me to submit those documents with the receptionist. We left and I asked the security guard for the nearest printing business, and  was directed to UPS which was not far. I made copies and accessed my banks online and made copies of current statements. My online case status was already showing that RFE (needed more information). 
We need more information from you
View your letter on your documents tab for more information. You must respond with your document(s) on or before the date in your letter or your application may be denied.
I submitted those documents and was given a receipt by the receptionist. When I got home, my USCIS App notified me that:
Oath Ceremony Will Be Scheduled
We placed you in line for your oath ceremony and will send you a notice for Receipt Number IOEXXXXXXXXXX, with the date, time, and location of your oath ceremony. You should receive your notice within 30 days of its mailing date. 
 
  What a surprise and joy because I was beating myself for everything that led to a delay in deciding my case. My story is a combination of PATIENCE, WHAT NOT TO DO, DETERMINATION TO MAKE UP FOR MISTAKES and RESILIENCE UNDER THE STORM. I want to take this opportunity to thank those contributing members of this community, because you have given me so much SUPPORT, HOPE and KNOWLEDGE, though your own stories and advice. I also want to extend APPRECIATION and THANKS for those professional IOs who have made this journey worth every step, especially in our anguish because of protracted delays in adjudication. It has been a long road, 2 years and 2 months, for I-751 and 7 months for N-400. I hope my story will help those facing similar challenges to keep your head because there is hope and this road will come to an end. This is my current online status:
We approved your application
Your final step to becoming a citizen is to attend your naturalization ceremony
We will mail you a letter when we schedule your naturalization ceremony.
 
This journey is finally over!

Hi everyone, I just want to share my experience with my combo interview (I-751 and N-400) last October 16, 2018 (sorry for the late post). My spouse was with me the day of my interview. When my number was called in, I went in first. The IO was very nice, friendly,  and professional. She went through and reviewed my I-751 application first. She did not ask a lot of questions but more on verifying the documents I sent - like, our joint account, utility bills with both our names on it, the past three years of our joint income taxes, and letters from our friends (supporting our bonafide relationship). Then after that, she did the N-400 applications. Asked me 6 questions and I got it all correct.  Then the IO called my spouse to come inside. She only verified my spouse's SS# and a copy of his driver's license - making sure we have the same address. She congratulates me, and told us that our relationship is legit and bonafide, no red flags, , and she approved both my I-751 and N-400 applications.  On Friday, October 19, 2018, I received a notification about card being produced for I-751 application. Today, I received a notification saying that "oath ceremony will be scheduled. I would like to thank visa journey and its' members for all the guidance and support. Good luck everyone!  

I woke up to the enclosed message, after two years of waiting, an August 2016 filer (I-751), two RFEs and finally an interview July 2018. 
:
New Card Is Being Produced
On October 15, 2018, we ordered your new card for Receipt Number WACXXXXXXXXXXX, and will mail it to the address you gave us.
 
Thank you to everyone for their contributions, because in my sleepless nights, it is the feedback I received from this platform that kept me strong, hopeful and resolute in my pursuit. Next week, it is my N-400 interview and now I don't have to worry about a decision not being made because of a pending I-751. I want to wish everyone best outcome in your cases, please don't tire, continue to believe and keep fighting!
 
Background
 
Filed I-751:  August 2016
Went through 2 RFE 
Filed N-400:  March 2018
Interviewed (I-751):  July 2018
Card in Production (I-751): October 2018
Interview (N-400):  October 2018

Interview Scheduled this morning, Interview date: Nov-21st

Nov 20, 2018 at 10 am philadelphia office

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. 

This is great news, thank you for sharing. Do you by any chance remember the officer's name?
 
My wife's interview is on Wednesday, we are crossing our fingers to get a combo interview. I have gathered all the evidence and planning to go with her. 

Hi Jane,
 
My officer was really even keel, she didn't show much emotion but was not mean in anyway. It was a really chill interview.
 
I applied for
 
I-751 - March 2017
 
N-400 - February 2018

Hi All,
 
I have been following this chain for sometime now.
 
I had my N400 / I751 interview today at the Chicago Office and would like to share my experience.
 
I showed up to my 9am interview 5 mins before ( Cutting it close i know lol), any way i signed in and saw a ton of people waiting. I found out that some folks were waiting for their Oath Ceremony to begin and the others we there for their interview. Anyway i was still expecting a decent wait time, but got called within 5 mins of sitting down.
 
Now, my wife was not with me at the time as she is in school and is not allowed to miss classes, being that it was the N400 interview and it never asked for her to be present. I told my wife to come after she got out of class at 10am, so i was actually banking on having a long wait time so she could show up. As i mentioned i got called within 5 mins of sitting down by the interviewing officer, and would you know the first thing she said to me was
"I noticed you did not come with your spouse" of which i responded she is on her way. The officer followed with, "Okay, we will try to get through the pending I-751 as much as possible without her. I said Okay, and explained that she is in school and is not allowed to miss classes.
 
I751 Interview
 
We walked in her office and she asked to me to remain standing as she placed me under oath. From their she pulled out an extensive detailed file of all my filings, and God knows what other info she had on her screen but she had tons of info. She spent some time going through my file and it looked like she was getting familiar with what was already submitted and not submitted. Anyway she then asked if i had my most recent Tax forms, and additional proof to show a bonafide marriage. I gave her all my tax documents dating back 4 or 5 years, and the original marriage certificate, as well as info showing my wife on my insurance plan, and a car insurance card with both or names on it. She took all of that and then asked for all my passports issued, as well as my green card. From their she started flipping through my file again and it seems she was looking at pics we submitted when we applied for the ROC, she then asked if we still had our dog and i said yes we do.
 
Then she started fact checking all that was inputted in the application, asking me my name, DOB, Address, Phone # etc. Then she asked me my wife's DOB, and if she currently resides with me.
 
The we moved on to the N400 Application.
 
We jumped right into the Civics test. (Sorry i do not remember the questions) I got the first 6 right and we moved on to the Reading and Written piece which i also passed. We verified that my info submitted was correct and she asked me a long list of the Yes or No questions on the application, Goes without saying that the majority of the time spent was me saying No to questions like "Have you ever supported a communist party" etc.
 
Then she asked me if i had traveled out the country the last 5 years, i said yes and listed all the places. Then she asked if i stayed 6 months outside of the US at anytime since my residency i said no
 
From their she had me sign some papers and docs on an Ipad, and told me she was approving my I751 and Recommending my N400 for approval. So i then asked her does she still need to see my wife. She replied: "No, you provided enough info" Then i asked if i could text my wife to not come anymore, she said it was okay. Then she told me that i should receive a letter in the mail advising me on my oath ceremony date in 6 weeks or less.
 
The interview took around 30 -35mins, i was expecting it to be longer. However i had a great experience with the officer, i walked out on cloud nine as i was terrified i wouldn't be approved without my wife being present.
 
I hope this info helps someone as much as your submissions have helped me prepare.
 
Thank You all!

I-751: October 2016
N400: February 2018

call the uscis early on today and the nice guy 😏said its normal and there is no update

hi !
just received status update saying that my interview was scheduled. Don’t know the date yet, document will show up later. 
I applied in March 2018 with pending ROC, Los Angeles area. 
Damn why am I so nervous now??? Like the interview is tomorrow and I’m not even ready! I have to start preparing for history test immediately. My heart beat is crazy right now! I might have a heart attack 😂

Hello!
I am a divorced filer and received my approval letter yesterday for my 10 year green card. NO INTERVIEW!
The letter said they will mail my card within 60 days. Good luck to all  Congrats to those who were already approved and to those who are still waiting, your notice will come very soon! 
 
PS: I started the removal process late April 2017.
 
 
 

Yes, they do . Multiple cases with WAC17227 exist, and I am one of them.