alien2006

no need to do so. Instructions apply to form in general that used to be and still could (i.e. stateside I guess) be submitted by snail mail.
 
since you are using ceac that operates "online" only, everything gets uploaded into your "account". 

Interview was scheduled on 7/29 at 12:55pm at Des Moines, IA  field office.

You can park on Walnut street for Max 4hrs. there are parking ramps in the block but they have bad reviews. I have paid for 4hrs in case it takes lot of time but my interview took 20min

Went through security check took my wife and two children along with me.
Police officer at security asked for ID. I told them the baby and toddler don't have an ID yet

I was called in by USCIS office Turk S after waiting for 5min in the USCIS waiting area. He was nice and professional.

he asked for my GC and passport. Officer said my GC is expired (it is not).
Thought quickly about it and gave him the remove condition notice and he looked at it and happy about it

He sworn me in and said can you answer the questions.
I was surprised that he did not say this is your civic test etc.

Here are the questions I was asked and my answers below.

88. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United
States.
• Missouri (River)
• Mississippi (River)
My Answer: Mississippi river and Missouri river

29. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
My Answer: Mike Pence

34. Who vetoes bills?
• the president
My Answer:  The president of united states

75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?
• freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
• saved (or preserved) the Union
• led the United States during the Civil War
My Answer: freed slaves

72. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
•  War of 1812
• Mexican-American War
• Civil War
• Spanish-American War
My Answer:  civil war

sorry I don't recall the 6th question
I think the answer has to be correct and complete but it doesn't has be be word to word as given in study guide.

Reading test
Who is George Washington ?

Writing test
George Washington is the first president.
I was given stylus to write on the touch notepad.
You should not touch the notepad with you hand while writing otherwise your hand will scribble. I have asked the office to clear the touch screen once because of scribbles from my hand.

Officer asked me yes/no question.
One question I did not answer while submitting n400 " If I'm a member of Nazi ?"
I said I don't know how the system allowed me to submit without answering the question the officer said it happens and he has seen this before.
Updated number of children.

he showed me the corrections on the notepad and asked me to sign if I agree to it.

He checked my passport for travel stamps thrice. I took my passport thinking it may be useful , I'm glad I took. On this forum people said passport is not required but my experience has been it is very important to show that you had continuous stay and not traveled outside US.

At the end I was given the summary of the visit and the office said he is recommending for approval and oath will be scheduled.

5min after my interview I have received three text msg stating there is an update on my case so checked online status on my phone and see that I got approved.

at 3:15 I received another text message and online status says I'm scheduled for oath ceremony.

The oath ceremony document was still not available the next day so called customer service and waited 30min to find out my oat ceremony is on Aug 14th.
The third day after the interview the oath ceremony document is available in my uscis account.













 

Yesterday I attended my oath ceremony at the Alexandria courthouse in Virginia, and I have to say this: please don't bring young children. And if you do bring them and they cry or misbehave, take them out.
 
First of all, the ceremony itself was about 90 minutes long, but overall the whole thing lasted about three hours. That's too long for young children, they don't understand what's going on, they are obviously going to get bored. But fine, maybe you have no choice...what really annoys me is people that don't take loud or crying children out of the courtroom. Also, people not controlling their children and allowing them to run up and down the aisles. This is a solemn ceremony, for many of us its the culmination of a very long process, its something we've been waiting for all our lives, and it really sucks that you are unable to enjoy the ceremony because you can't hear the judge over unruly children.
 
If you are the type of person that simply can't bother to control your children or step outside if they are being loud during a solemn ceremony in a freaking court room, you suck.

Mine, in Seattle, was 1.5 hours from going into the District Office, going over the N-445 with an officer, attending the ceremony, registering to vote and leaving the building. YMMV.

1- Some oath ceremonies never had anyone there to accept passport applications. I don't know if some still do.
2- You can go to the post office, county clerk, or to a passport agency to apply. First time applicants must apply in person. Some locations require an appointment while others take walk-ins.
3- You have to present your oroginal naturalization certificate. They will take it and mail it to the processing center along with your application. You will receive your certificate in the mail a few days after you get your passport in the mail.
4- You can go to the Social Security office before you apply for a passport or after you get your certificate back.
If you have proof of immediate or emergency international travel, you can apply at a passport agency and get same-day service or get your passport within two days depending on your travel dates.

Hi all,
 
I thought I'd share the final chapter of my immigration journey with you, since I've received nothing but the best of help here over the many years!
 
I arrived at 12:55 for my 1:30 ceremony and was immediately directed to the second floor. I had to wait at this point, so we took seats on the right hand side. At around 1:25 a lovely gentleman came out and asked which of us seated was here for the oath ceremony. The folks there for an interview then had to switch sides with us. We, the soon-to-be citizens, then had to form two orderly lines while our friends and family made their way down to the auditorium first. When called up, I provided my completed N-445. He asked about the traffic ticket, so I provided it alongside the proof of payment. He simply noted it as a traffic citation on the N-445 and that was that. I was given my package and told to make my way to seat 25 downstairs. After I was seated, the ceremony quickly begun. We watched a welcome video, sung the national anthem and were asked to remain standing to take the oath. Then the supervisor of the district office took the stage, asked us to repeat the oath line-by-line after her, then welcomed us officially as US citizens. There was then two more videos; one from President Donald Trump and one set to a different interpretation of a well-known American anthem. That was that! Took some photos and registered to vote. Doing the passport tomorrow. All is finally over.  
My welcome package contained a letter from President Trump on very nice embossed paper, a guide, a certificate holder, a flag and the words to the anthem and pledge of allegiance. It was a wonderful experience by happy USCIS staff and I couldn't feel prouder to end my journey in this way.
 
Thank you all! I shall do my best to repay your kindness by continuing to answer other people's questions to the very best of my ability. 

Not sure how long it is in Des Moines, but my husband's here in NH was at least 3 hours long.

Bring someone to take care of kid.  You can bring kid, but if he or she started crying, it is courtesy to take your kind out of the ceremony hall.   Expect anywhere between 2- 4 hrs.

Mine was like freaking 4 hours long.
 
If yours is in the morning, do a heavy breakfast if in the afternoon, eat and come.
 
 

319B category still seems to be rather unfamiliar by many, even by who are eligible for, especially non-military applicants.
I had been looking for 319B (civilian) info on the internet with very little luck. Few posts I found was from years ago, so I decided to share my experience with up-to-date info, document list, procedure, and even quote of T2 officers' email,  to contribute my part in return of the great support I have got from VisaJourney. As well as for the future 319B applicants’ references.
 
I was a 6 months conditional LPR when I applied for citizenship, and I became a US citizen in 3.5 months. I applied for both of my Green Card and citizenship from overseas. A few attorneys I had consulted with didn't want to take my case because “I don’t live in the States”. Thanks to USCIS website and Visa Journey, I managed to do it myself without any glitches.
 
If you are a spouse of a US citizen employed abroad, you might be eligible for the expeditious naturalization under INA319B too.
 
So, here’s the information and I hope it helps.
 
My category, 319B is for the spouse of USC employed aboard in qualifying employments.
 
First, timelines
Married: Jan 07 2017
I-130 NOA1: Apr 19 2017
GC date: Jun 23 2018
 
N-400 NOA: Dec 24 2018 (Day 1)
Interview scheduled: Mar 5 2019  (Day 71)
Interview scheduled for: Mar 26 2019 (Day 92)
Oath scheduled: Mar 29 2019
Oath: Apr 11 2019  (Day 108)
 
Second, a few key points when filing:
-      LPR at the time of filing N-400
-      Married more than one year when filing, and remain in a bona fide marital reunion with the USC spouse up until the Oath
-      The USC spouse works for an American firm or corporation engaged in whole or in part in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States, or a subsidiary thereof (* Note #1)
-      The qualifying employment is scheduled for at least one year at the time of filing 
-      No pending I-751
-      Free to choose the location for interview within the U.S.
-      No requirements in terms of continuous residence and physical presence within the U.S.
-      No need to file I-751 if the Oath happens before the 90 days window of  lifting of conditions (if you have reached 90 days, or have pending i751, you will have to do ROC first)
-      Be present in the U.S. for the interview and oath
-      Depart the U.S. and live with the USC spouse within 45 days after naturalization
-      Do NOT forget TWO photos and TWO sets of fingerprint cards in a sealed envelop
 
NOTE #1: “engaged in whole or in part in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States” is the trickiest part. Translation: Not all US companies’ overseas assignment posts are qualified. The key factor is that whether the nature of the overseas assignment benefits the US or not.
For example, if a US company with thousands employees is manufacturing generators in Asia and sells them to the world, and the revenue goes back to the Asia entity, that might not qualify. Whereas if the US manufacturing company makes high-end audio components in the States, and the employee in Asia is to develop the Asian market, that would qualify. Also, if a US engineer consultancy firm only with 5 employees to provide consultancy services in Asia and send the production work back to the States, it would qualify.
 
Third, my document list
-      Forms: N400, I551, etc.
-      Supporting documents (general, all photocopies): cover letter (* NOTE #2), Passports (both parties), birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decree, police clearance cert
-      Supporting documents(employment): company letter(*NOTE #3), business license, offer of employment(*NOTE #4)
-      Supporting documents(overseas residency): lease, bills, tax returns, local bank accounts, etc.
-      Supporting documents (intention of re-establishment of US residency (*NOTE #5)): property deed, bills, US bank account statements, etc.
 
NOTE #2 Cover letter contains: why you qualify for 319B and proof, your intention of residing with you USC spouse and proof,  your intention of re-establishing residency in the US after your spouse’s oversea assignment
 
NOTE #3 Company letter contains: the nature of the company, if the company is wholly or partially owned by the US, the nature of the employee’s employment and overseas assignment, anticipated period of the overseas assignment, a mention of the name of the spouse to be naturalized
 
NOTE #4 Offer of Employment, focus on the job description (how the employee’s job is benefiting the US economy), the duration of the overseas post (must be over a year from the time of N-400 filing)
 
NOTE #5 To show your intention of re-establishing your US residency, you need to write up a statement stating so. Ideally accompanied by supporting documents, such as, US saving accounts, property purchase, pension savings, etc.
 
Forth, the procedure
(This is mine-applying from overseas. Cases may vary)
1.    Submit your application- N400 along with supporting documents
(Read the N400 instructions on USCIS website to determine where to send)
2.    If you send TWO sets of fingerprint cards, you might be OK (depending on countries where you send from)
3.    USCIS might send you a RFE to request FD258 (FBI specified fingerprint cards with an envelop to seal the cards) with instructions on where to send back
4.    Go to a USCIS international field office, or embassy, or a police station where directed by the embassy, to get fingerprints taken. Enclose the cards in an envelop with signature and seal on the flap
5.    Wait…
6.    USCIS would contact you, and ask you to pick a date and time for interview
In my case, I got an email from a Tier 2 officer asking me to indicate a date and time that I’m available for interview (*NOTE#6)
7.    Get on the plane for your interview
8.    They might give you the result after interview or not (depending on if your interviewer has the authority to approve your case)
Mine didn’t get a result after the interview because “you case is uncomment, we need more review”
9.    Three days later, I got a call from USCIS (Dallas) that they have date and time for me 
10.I changed my ticket and attended my Oath Ceremony. The officer was still a little confused at the check-in seeing my conditional Green Card and without a ROC. 
So, I was asked to sit aside while other candidates were seated for the ceremony, when the officer went back to the office to search my case in the computer. But she came back in time and let me in for the ceremony. 
 
NOTE #6, document check list from the T2 officer 
Once the interview was scheduled, the officer kindly sent me an additional document check list- addition to the general list on the interview letter. See below:
(Luckily, nothing was new than I had already submitted, so I just brought the originals with me. At the interview, the interviewer didn't even go through the documents, simply checked if everything was there, and scanned them (I guess) for the supervisor to review.)
 
US spouse birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Statement from employer that includes the following:
·         Name and nature of employer
·         Employing entity is owned in whole or in part by the United States
·         Employing entity is engaged in whole or in part in the development of the foreign trade and commerce of the United States
·         Nature of the activity/duties of the US citizen and spouse
·         Anticipated period of employment abroad
 
Category of Qualifying employment abroad
 
Last, now you are a citizen but you have to leave the US right away
 
We booked the tickets back to Singapore for the interview and had to change it for the Oath. 
Our departure date was 2 days after the ceremony, and my tickets were booked under my old passport and name.
So, I made an appointment for passport with the embassy as soon as I got the oath date, and I decided to leave the US using my old passport.
At the airline check-in, they DID ask about my green card, which never happened before when I left the US. I think there must be some sort of remarks on my documents that the airline can see, like “the traveller’ s GC has been cancelled”.  Luckily, they were understanding enough to let me go with my old passport.
I applied my passport in the US embassy in Singapore yesterday.
The officer there was also confused that why I didn’t apply in the US, and how comes I got my citizenship while living in Singapore. But when I explained the 319B category, everything just came together.
 
So, there you have it, the complete guide/experience of 319B for non-military applicants.
 
My package has travelled to many places and managed to get to where and whom it needed to go. My biggest conclusion/take-away from this immigration process is that the system is quite established, reasonable, and fair, and if you follow the rules and the instructions, you will get there.
 
Please, my fellow applicants, have confidence and faith in the process, and be patient. 
 
If anyone has any questions, I would love to help wherever I can.
 
Best luck to you all! God bless. 

incomplete answer is wrong so you need to say the whole sentence
Just one of them is fine.

if the question is: 'who can vote?' It has to be '18 years old AND older'. I remember someone here in VJ aswered '18 yrs old' and the IO said wrong.
 
 
 

https://www.dhs.gov/publication/dhsuscispia-056-uscis-electronic-immigration-system-uscis-elis
I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status (can only be filed by mail) I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (can only be filed by mail) I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (can either be filed online or by mail) N-400, Application for Naturalization (can either be filed online or by mail) A few I-130 (can only be filed by mail) https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/702524-recieved-noa-with-ioe-reciept-for-i130/ and https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/696008-ioe-receipt-for-i-130-petition/ USCIS physically sends documents in batches to the National Visa Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

For your parents don't apply for AOS before 90 days of arrival on non immigrant visa.
https://citizenpath.com/90-day-rule-adjusting-status/