patsfan038

1 hour ago, wbeem said:

This ^^^

There seems to be a general trend to want to get the passport first. I don't really know why since any changes to existing ID documents, bank accounts etc are linked to your name as held by the SS office.  I would definitely make the SSN number the first on the list because you can walk in to present the certificate of name change and naturalization and take it away with you.  Once you have this done, then you can send off for the passport.  If you do both on the same day there will be no delay in applying for your passport immediately.  

What so many people overlook is that your SSN is needed to apply/change/update your Drivers License.  The name and nationality held on the SSA database is the one that will be used to verify your ID.  Also the SS office sends any updates through to the IRS so if you're filing taxes after your name change and before you have updated your Social Security details, you will need to enter your information on your tax return under your old name.  Following onto this, you need your Drivers License or state ID to make changes with the bank and anywhere else you want to change your name on your accounts.  

The Passport Office is the only place that holds onto your original naturalization (and name change if applicable) certificates for several weeks or even a couple of months.  I see no merit in applying for this first when you can literally spend one day knocking out all the places you need to make changes and updates and walk out of each one with your certificates in hand and then immediately apply for the passport.  

FYI, you can get your passport in 2 days by applying directly with a passport center. I had a business trip scheduled and was able to get my passport and my certificate in the same package in 2 days. You do require to show proof of travel.

A buddy of mine was able to book a refundable ticket and cancel it after he got his passport. It costs more, but it gives you a peace of mind as your certificate will not be unavailable for weeks.

10 minutes ago, sbenk said:

No idea, I assume its because they expect the cases to be resolved by then. Yup, that's what the officer said. So weird, said it would re-set your line for processing. 

The whole appointment hardly took 10 mins. My N-400 was also filed last summer so waiting for an interview date in Boston since a few months now... Again, no idea on how this works because I have friends in the same situation who already got their N-400 interview date in Boston  who submitted application after me... and I haven't got interview notice yet...we submitted the same kind of evidences.. This system seriously needs overhaul and more staff. 

 

 

When did you apply for the N400? I ask because I applied in June 2019, had my interview on Dec 4, 2019, and oath on Jan 8, 2020 (in MA). 

58 minutes ago, dwheels76 said:

That's what we figured. Now what should be bring. Is more evidence needed or no. Man our I-751 was 595 pages.

I guess 2018 taxes. But I think we submitted that. LOL. My mind is fuzzy now. I can't think of anything else to do

We just took the updated documents (statements etc between the time we filed for N400 and the interview, so 5-6 months). My lawyer felt that would be sufficient as we had provided lots of info for 751, as well as the 400. The caveat is that my lawyer has been working with clients in my state for 20+ years, so she know how the IOs work in my field office. During the interview, the IO basically double checked the 751 info and approved it within 5 minutes and moved on to N400 test and questions. She didn't ask for any additional documents. 

1 hour ago, dwheels76 said:

Figures crossed that our I-751 is approved before our Citizenship interview next month. Just so we get Oath ceremony scheduled without delay.

 

I think 19 months waiting for I-751 is long enough.

If they scheduled your interview with 751 pending, then it's almost guaranteed to be a combo interview. I actually received an email from my USCIS office confirming that mine will be a combo and that my spouse needs to be present as well.

1 hour ago, Galileo Gafer said:

Maybe shop around and find a different attorney 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 minutes ago, Galileo Gafer said:

I am just getting ready to file for the N400. I am little bit worried about the interview. I was married but now I am divorced I have my GC for 10 years. My case is little bit complicated. Do I have to hire a lawyer? Is he going to do any thing positive? Is it important to have him as a witness with the officer?

Thanks. 

You should at least consult a lawyer. Most offer free consultation, but some may require a small fee. Either way, it never hurts to get a legal opinion, especially with complicated cases.

36 minutes ago, wagner17 said:

Yes still waiting.

For those waiting, I sincerely recommend applying for naturalization. I'd probably still be waiting if I didn't. I had The combo interview and am finished with the process with a US passport in hand. The IO told me that my case got accelerated because I applied for N400

35 minutes ago, shahabjan143 said:

When you get the passport the same day if you apply at passport agency? 

I had my appointment at 9 am. If I was willing to come in the following day, I'd have received the passport. I chose to get it shipped and got it in 3 days. Same day is typically for life or death emergencies

1 hour ago, implife said:

Don't forget the proof of travel! We got the passport the same day. Let me know if you have questions.

Thank you!! I was able to go this AM and apply in person. I had printouts of my flight itinerary and hotel booking. I was told to come in Monday to pick it up in person. It works for me as my trip isn’t till 1/24. 

I had my oath ceremony and received my naturalization certificate yesterday. I’ve a work related travel coming up in 2 weeks so I’ll be going to the passport agency to apply in person. 
 

I’m glad to be done with USCIS! Good luck to all!

I had my oath ceremony and received my naturalization certificate yesterday. I’ve a work related travel coming up in 2 weeks so I’ll be going to the passport agency to apply in person. 
 

I’m glad to be done with USCIS! Good luck to all!

4 hours ago, nya22 said:

Congratulations!!! I had been wondering how the process is going for you and I'm happy to hear the news!

Thank you! And good luck to all here!

I’m one of the last few folks here whose 751 was still pending after May transfer to Potomac. I applied for naturalization in June and had my combo interview today and got approved! It was quiet simple and the IO said we supplied plenty of docs. She confirmed our names etc and approved the 751. She then asked me the naturalization questions and recommended me for approval. Now o need to wait for the oath ceremony. 
 

I’m glad to be done with USCIS! Good luck to all. Those who have pending 751, don’t waste time and apply for N400. It will speed up the process. 

Had my combo 400/751 interview today and got approved. It took 20 minutes in total. IO was a super chill old lady. Questions were pretty simple. Now I need to wait for the oath ceremony. Good luck to all

5 hours ago, smj59 said:

Hi, my i751 is pending (nothing since We reviewed your biometrics in June 2018), but I got scheduled for the N400 interview next month. What is  your field office and where was your i751 case originally (service center)?

 

 

My field office is Lawrence, MA and my application was serviced by Vermont SC. In May, the file was transferred to Potomac

5 minutes ago, implife said:

It's the first time I've heard of anybody being warned about the combo interview!

I found it weird too. This was the text of the email, which was sent to my lawyer as well:

You are scheduled for an N-400 initial interview for your

citizenship on 12/4/2019.

Also, you filed an I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on

Residence.

The officer assigned to your file will adjudicate the I-751

petition before the N-400 interview.

Since we are adjudicating the I-751 application; your spouse

must be present in the interview.

Any questions, please email your concerns to the below email

address.

Cordially,

Dennis Keefe

USCIS

2 Mill Street

Lawrence, MA 01840

978-327-7531

dennis.c.keefe@uscis.dhs.gov

I'm one of the few June filers who still hadn't heard anything about the case since May 7 transfer to Potomac. I applied for N400 and my interview is scheduled for December 4th. I got an e-mail from USCIS case officer today that said I'd be having a combo interview, so my spouse should be present. So one way or another, I hope to be done with the 751 in 2 weeks. I'm glad I applied for the N400.

7 hours ago, n400_lawrence said:

Got the interview call for Dec 10th at Lawrence MA.

 

Application sent: June 27th

Biometrics: July 17th

Interview scheduled online on USCIS website: Nov 5th. 

 

I haven't received the letter yet which is surprising but got the printout online which I will take as Notice.

 

Cheers!

Congrats and good luck! Mine is on Dec 4 at Lawrence. Application sent June 21. 751 still pending so it will be a combo interview 

I'm one of the few people who still doesn't have any news about his 751. VSC to Potomac transfer on May 7. I did get an update about my N400. Interview scheduled for December 4 (Lawrence, MA). So it may be a combo interview

2 hours ago, n400_lawrence said:

Congratulations!!

 

I had the biometrics on the same day July 17th at Lawrence, MA. I am still waiting. Hope to get the interview call soon.

 

Thank you! and Correction. Sorry, it was a typo. I had my bio on July 12th. So I'm sure there will be some moment on your case very shortly.

I got an update today that my interview has been scheduled on USCIS website. I don't have any info on the date/time. 

Applied June 21, 2019

Biometrics July 17, 2019

Lawrence, MA field office

Expected completion: December 2019 

I751 Pending, so I'm assuming this will be a combo interview, unless the application gets approved between now and the interview date

3 hours ago, pishteh said:

I can't believe they are approving other cases from OCT while we are still waiting!

Honestly, I stopped looking at other months‘ approval. It’s really aggravating. 

3 hours ago, pishteh said:

is there anyone from Potomac still waiting here???

I'm still here

41 minutes ago, n400_lawrence said:

Has anyone seen this message before? Starting today I see this status online.  Is this message something to be concerned about?

 

"Estimated wait time: We are taking longer than expected to process your case. You do not need to do anything at this time."

 

Application Sent: June 27th.

Estimated Case completion is Dec 2019

USCIS office: Lawrence, MA 

 

 

My status update is identical to yours. 

Estimated wait time: We are taking longer than expected to process your case. You do not need to do anything at this time."

Application Sent: June 21.

Estimated Case completion is Dec 2019

USCIS office: Lawrence, MA 

I'm still awaiting approval of 751

1 hour ago, CB & FM said:

Has your file been moved again to the local office or is it still at Potomac? It would seem to me that it would be moved to the local office for the N-400 process since that requires an interview. I hope you hear something soon.

It’s at Potomac since May 7th