RunTheRoad

On 11/11/2020 at 11:57 AM, gopinatht said:

Hello,

We applied for OCI for my wife in September via CKGS. We see online that the ministry has processed the OCI and returned it to the Indian consulate in San Francisco on Nov 4th. But CKGS has not picked it up and shipped it back to us (we paid for all the return shipping). Calling the line at the consulate does not help as no one picks up. And calling CKGS does not help as it looks like the line is disconnected.

 

Any suggestions in pursuing this would be appreciated.

CKGS is no longer the service provider for Indian consular services. It is now VFS. Let me see if I can get you a helpline number. Also, there is an Indian expat FB group that has answers to most of these questions. I can send you the link via a PM if you are interested.

3 minutes ago, swissbuttercream said:

I need to apply for Renunciation and OCI, but saw this on the website - anyone know if we should hold off on applying right now?

 

CKGS contract with the Government of India is ending on October 31st, 2020. Thus, applicants only with the compelling reason are requested to contact the Indian Mission/post directly to apply for the Indian Passport, OCI, Renunciation, and Indian Visa.

CKGS website will not allow applicants to fill out any new application, w.e.f. October 14th, 2020 at 5pm EST.

I heard a new contractor has already been picked, but I would hold off, if I were you. I've been reading about incidents of missed passports and CKGS not returning enquiries.

20 minutes ago, OscarN said:

Thank you, good to know!

To be on the safer side, I attached a copy of my Naturalization Cert to my Voter Registration Application. In normal times, you may be required to provide ID proof during in person voting. This season, with mail in ballots being the norm, I thought it prudent to provide proof during the registration process itself, just in case. Just bear in mind that you do not need to prove citizenship at the time of registering, but I just went ahead and did it anyway.

10 hours ago, OscarN said:

I’m assuming it’s not an issue, but would like to confirm since you have to provide your SSN in the form.

I haven't updated either my SSN or DMV but I was able to register to vote. Not an issue at all.

18 hours ago, Usagi_tsukino said:

Hi everyone, i am about to file my application. I am answering "no" to the question if i am willing to bear arms, does this mean i am also supposed to answer "no" to the question if i am willing to take the full oath? I saw an example online where a person who refused to bear arms said "yes" to the full oath.

So:

1) answer "no" to bear arms and provide explanation only to that; OR

2) answer "no" to both questions and send a request to take a modified oath?

Thank you!

 

Also, if anyone answered "no" to the bear arms question sharing your experience would be highly appreciated!

I don't have an answer for this, but what an interesting question!  What would be your reason for not willing to bear arms? 

1 hour ago, julPrat said:

Can you tell me, have the situation with n400 changed in such cases? I also have a problem and I hope that it won't affect my n400.

No, it didn't have any impact on my naturalization interview. As abundant precaution, I even disclosed to the officer that I was involved in a minor accident and a police report was filed (though there were no charges). The officer did not think it was important enough and did not even ask for more details. @julPrat

1 minute ago, B & H said:

Mine was administrative oath. Immigration officer told me that the change is only last name to married name no need of judicial oath and did not give any other document.

I am sorry, I really don't have an answer. I hope someone else can help you. All the best!

On 2/3/2019 at 10:34 PM, vkrishn said:

Hi All,

I am applying OCI for myself. After some of the confusing instructions or lack of at the beginning, i have almost filled everything out now and ready to send out the docs to CKGS. Few questions:-

 

1. CKGS checklist asks for two photos. The Government form that i printed out post all the registration (Part A and Part B) has my photo displayed in the completed form. Do i need to paste one of the photos on top of the digital image that is displayed or should i just clip the two photos to the form and send it out? 

2.  They are also asking for Original American passport to be sent out along with the application. Processing time for OCI quoted is 90 days. Will CKGS keep the passport for the entire duration or will they send it back to me midway? What if i have to travel outside US during any urgency? 

 

Thanks. 

I just started filling out the OCI application and the process is a nightmare. Would be grateful if you can answer a few questions: 1) Did you have to fill out the form(s) in the Indian govt website first, print them and then come to the CKGS website or do you start with the CKGS website? 2) Also, I assume you must have received your OCI card by now. How long did it take? @vkrishn

How did you change your name? Via a judicial process or during same day oath? You must have received a slip of paper that says your name change has been approved. I am not sure how this works, but I agree, the entire process of applying for renunciation and OCI is a nightmare.

4 hours ago, B & H said:

Hi Thank you all for your posts. It’s really helpful.

 

have a question regarding family name change to married name during naturalization. I changed my last name from maiden to married name but no change in first name. My naturalization certificate is printed with new last name. I did not get any other document for name change.

 

Now when I want to apply forIndian citizenship renunciation. They are asking for proof of name change. Not sure how to get that. Any one gone through this situation. Any help is appreciated.

On 8/7/2020 at 10:06 PM, Jot18 said:

1. That's correct. They just print like that.

2. Last couple of pages in your US passport should say "amendment and endorsements". Just include a copy of those. I believe I included all the pages that said that.

@Jot18: I followed your guide, applied on Aug 9 and voila, my renunciation certificate will be delivered today. Just ten days! Thank you so much for this valuable resource. I wish someone would make this a pinned post. Now, to the other dragon: the OCI card. I just looked at their application process and it is so confusing and unclear. Do you have a similar guide for the OCI application too? Or can you point me to where I can find some guidance? Once again, thank you so very much for everything!

I  have renounced my Indian passport and want to apply for the OCI card. One look at the application process on their website and my head is spinning. So confusing and frustrating and repetitive. Has anyone successfully applied for and received the OCI in recent times? I am looking for some guidance/advice/answers. I live in NJ and will have to apply to the NYC consulate.

UPDATE: I also received my Naturalization Certificate back in the mail today, exactly ten business days after I received my passport. So glad that it was not lost in transit. 

10 hours ago, Malak1 said:

Hello everyone 

 

I created this topic to post some information about applying for US passport .

 

I became a US citizen on June 12, 2020 and I applied for US passport on June 15 2020. I was told that the process will take so long until I get my passports but I want to encourage those who became US citizens to apply to get their passports. I will be receiving my passport this Friday 08/14/20 . It took 8 weeks. Good luck to everyone . 

I totally agree, I was in the same situation as yours. I naturalized on July 8, applied for my passport on July 22 and had my passport in hand in just seven business days. Yes, just a week! No one can be sure why some passports are processed faster than others, but yes, things are happening pretty efficiently. 

17 hours ago, ~Alessa~ said:

Hello. So I filed my N-400 application in February 2020, got my biometrics done in March.  July 28 USCIS scheduled my interview for August 12 , July 29 they cancelled it and they also use term "de-scheduled". I use online account so I could see all the notices before they arrived in the mail. So I have 2 notices arrived in the mail one is for my "interview" the other one is the cancellation one. I called USCIS to confirm if it's really cancelled and not a glitch in their system, the lady on the phone looked at my account and said it is cancelled but she did not provide a reason why it's cancelled. My "case status" on the USCIS website is "Interview is cancelled".

From my research online some people say it's better to go to the interview just in case but it is a long trip for me just to be told it's cancelled. 

Am I overthinking or should I take a trip and hope I can get an interview?

 

I was in the same situation as yours. Sceduled, cancelled, scheduled again, descheduled again and then finally scheduled. On the day of the oath ceremony, until I finally had my Naturalization Cert in hand, I was not sure of anything. If I were you, I would still go, just in case, because you have nothing to lose (except time and fuel for your car) by going in person. If it was indeed cancelled, then all good. If not, you would never be able to forgive yourself later (at least, that was my thinking). I can understand how frustrating this is, but that huge sigh of relief in the end will be worth all of this.

12 hours ago, lucardo3 said:

Hello,

 

On Department of State website there are two processing methods 1) standard and 2) 1-2 day delivery for additional $17.13 and it looks like this cost will be added to total amount to be sent to Department of State. My question do they process it according to the fee and are both delivery methods are trackable? Since 1-2 day delivery method is faster, Which one should i go with? Thanks for your response.

I initially chose 1-2 day delivery, but the post office advised me that they don't do that anymore because of COVID-19. So, I went with Standard. Once you submit the application, you can sign up for status updates on the travel.gov website and it gives you regular updates. 

On 7/17/2020 at 7:33 PM, Jot18 said:

This is a guide on surrendering your Indian Passport after becoming naturalized US Citizen.

 

Step 1: Visit this Link and fill in the form. The filled form should look something like this Sample. Pay close attention to the date formats as it varies throughout the application.After submitting the form you will be given a CKGS temporary ID. Make sure to save that in case you close the application before finishing it or get disconnected. It will be emailed to you as well. Remember your required documents/checklist will be based on the answers on this page. Your date of naturalization should be the same as listed on the naturalization certificate & not your US Passport.

Step 2: Click the box for Terms & Conditions then click proceed. You will be shown payment summary on the right. Just ignore at this time & proceed with the application. Sample

Step 3: Fill the Renunciation Form. Make sure to enter same details as your Indian Passport. When you are done, just click submit and review for corrections. Check the box  under declaration then click proceed.

Step 4: Fill the Additional Particulars Form for Renunciation. Then click submit and review for corrections. Check the box and type in the place & click proceed.

Step 5: This is where you will choose the shipping options. I recommend you choose FedEx Overnight for Shipping to & From CKGS. This way you don't have to worry about their shipping instructions as they are vague and hard to understand. You do end up paying little extra($30) if you choose CKGS shipping. This is where you need to take a note of the payment summary. Your Money Order should reflect the amount shown on this screen. Once you are done click proceed. 

Step 6: On this screen you will need to enter the Money Order/Cashier's Check details. Once you are done click the box for Terms & Conditions & click Submit. Then  you will be given a order form. & Shipping Label Print/Download for future reference. At this time online payment option is not available & In-Person services are suspended due to Corona. 

Step 7: Go back to my My Account. Here you will be shown all the forms/checklist that you can print. It will look some like This. 

Step 8: Print all the required forms/copies & mail it. I've attached a basic checklist. Don't forget to sign and attach the downloaded barcode on the envelope before mailing.

 

Note: If you do not have your Indian Passport, a police report is required in addition to affidavit of loss. I recently did mine and my local PD has a online reporting system. I received my report under 2 hours. 

 

I hope I cleared all the confusions. If there is anything else that someone would like to add please post below. I've attached sample forms as well.

 

 

Sample Bardcode.pdf 19.12 kB · 0 downloads Sample Check List.pdf 41.5 kB · 3 downloads Sample Renunciation Additional Particular Form.pdf 29.34 kB · 1 download Sample Renunciation_form.pdf 31.72 kB · 3 downloads Sample RenunciationCertificate.pdf 22.27 kB · 3 downloads

@Jot18, thank you for putting up this post.  You have been super helpful. The Renunciation Cert application has some of the vaguest instructions ever and it gets pretty daunting. I would be grateful if you can clear up a couple more issues for me. 1) When you fill your name (Surname/First Name, Smith/John in your example) and you print the form, you end up with " I, Smith John" and not "I, John Smith". Is this the right way?  2) You have to enclose photocopies of the "last two amendment pages of your US Passport". Can you throw some light on what these pages are? As far as I can see, there is no such thing as "amendment pages". Thanks in advance!

On 8/6/2020 at 4:42 AM, WiKa19 said:

Hi,

 

Boyfriend and I are working on his N-400 form. He came to the US when he was 17, EWI, and was detained in juvenile detention center from 10/12-12/12. He was granted asylum in 02/15 and and then received his lawful permanent residence in 03/16. Now since it has been 5 years he is applying to become USC.

I mostly would like your feedback to make sure we are filling things out correctly.

 

Question 23 in Section 12 asks "Have you ever been arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer (including immigration official or any official of the US armed forces) for any reason?

We check Yes, then in item 29 said the following:

Why: Entered US without inspection 

Date: 10/2012

Where: Hidalgo Texas, US

Outcome: detained released and Asylum was later granted 

 

Question 34 in section 12 asks, "Have you ever been ordered removed, excluded, or deported from the United States?

We checked yes

Question 35 in section 12 asks, "Have you ever been placed in removal, exclusion, rescission, or deportation proceedings?

We checked yes

 

The forms states that if we responded yes to any of these questions then we need to include an explanation on another sheet of paper that provides support to his answer. Our response would be something along the line of:

 

"Please find below written explanations for answering yes to questions 34 and 35 in section 12 of the N-400 form.

 

I, NAME, was detained as a minor on 10/XX/2012 in Hidalgo, Texas. I was transferred to the Southwest Key Mesa detention center in Houston, Texas. I was detained there until 12/12 after which I was released. It is my understanding that at that time, deportation proceedings were placed against me.  These proceedings were later terminated on 03/31/2015 because I was granted asylum by USCIS on 02/2015. 

 

Thank you,

NAME"

 

 

Does this sound correct to you guys or should we be including additional information?

 

As a side note, it is my understanding that he is able to fill out the N-400 online...do you guys think it is better that way or should be just send a hard copy with all the additional documentation?

 

 

Thanks everyone!

 

 

 

I cannot answer your assylee-specific questions, but all the very best. As for applying online, that is the best option. If you get any additional documentation after submitting the form, you can still go ahead and upload those as and when you get them. Plus, that is the best way to keep track of the status too. Just make sure you take the original documents with you when you go for the interview. Again, all the very best. It must have been a very hard journey for him.

On 7/17/2020 at 7:33 PM, Jot18 said:

This is a guide on surrendering your Indian Passport after becoming naturalized US Citizen.

 

Step 1: Visit this Link and fill in the form. The filled form should look something like this Sample. Pay close attention to the date formats as it varies throughout the application.After submitting the form you will be given a CKGS temporary ID. Make sure to save that in case you close the application before finishing it or get disconnected. It will be emailed to you as well. Remember your required documents/checklist will be based on the answers on this page. Your date of naturalization should be the same as listed on the naturalization certificate & not your US Passport.

Step 2: Click the box for Terms & Conditions then click proceed. You will be shown payment summary on the right. Just ignore at this time & proceed with the application. Sample

Step 3: Fill the Renunciation Form. Make sure to enter same details as your Indian Passport. When you are done, just click submit and review for corrections. Check the box  under declaration then click proceed.

Step 4: Fill the Additional Particulars Form for Renunciation. Then click submit and review for corrections. Check the box and type in the place & click proceed.

Step 5: This is where you will choose the shipping options. I recommend you choose FedEx Overnight for Shipping to & From CKGS. This way you don't have to worry about their shipping instructions as they are vague and hard to understand. You do end up paying little extra($30) if you choose CKGS shipping. This is where you need to take a note of the payment summary. Your Money Order should reflect the amount shown on this screen. Once you are done click proceed. 

Step 6: On this screen you will need to enter the Money Order/Cashier's Check details. Once you are done click the box for Terms & Conditions & click Submit. Then  you will be given a order form. & Shipping Label Print/Download for future reference. At this time online payment option is not available & In-Person services are suspended due to Corona. 

Step 7: Go back to my My Account. Here you will be shown all the forms/checklist that you can print. It will look some like This. 

Step 8: Print all the required forms/copies & mail it. I've attached a basic checklist. Don't forget to sign and attach the downloaded barcode on the envelope before mailing.

 

Note: If you do not have your Indian Passport, a police report is required in addition to affidavit of loss. I recently did mine and my local PD has a online reporting system. I received my report under 2 hours. 

 

I hope I cleared all the confusions. If there is anything else that someone would like to add please post below. I've attached sample forms as well.

 

 

Sample Bardcode.pdf 19.12 kB · 0 downloads Sample Check List.pdf 41.5 kB · 0 downloads Sample Renunciation Additional Particular Form.pdf 29.34 kB · 0 downloads Sample Renunciation_form.pdf 31.72 kB · 1 download Sample RenunciationCertificate.pdf 22.27 kB · 1 download

@Jot18, I am in the process of completing my renunciation form and one information that I need to fill in is the PLACE of issue of my US passport. In the sample form that you've attached, it says SFO, United States. However, I don't see anywhere in my US passport where place of issue is mentioned. Where do I find this information? I live in NJ.

10 hours ago, circular said:

The bribe thing you mentioned looks like was limited to a certain region. I did several Indian passports from 1978 to 2013 for family members in India including mine. There was not a single instance of bribe or its solicitation. And now with the Passport Seva Kendra and everything things are pretty smooth and timely. 

Not sure we are speaking about the same country. Bribery gone from India? A cousin applied via the Seva Kendra in Mumbai in 2017 and yes, he did have to bribe. Nothing region-specific about this national everdemic (an ever present pandemic).

12 minutes ago, NEW CITIZEN said:

The QF code at the upper left of the "form filler" has the page 1 information embedded in it.

You'll notice when filling out the online, it will generates a final form at the end to download, and print

 

The printable PDF does not. You might be confused with editable PDF.

This is correct. The QF code will be generated only after you complete the entire application, so it essentially contains all the info that the staff would otherwise have to manually enter into the database. For the same reason, if you complete via the Form Filler, get the QF code, print the application and then make changes by HAND to the printed application, there is a very good chance that those changes may not be reflected in your passport, because it is assumed that the bar code already has all info embedded. 

12 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

 

Congratulations 

and please register and vote

remember to change status at SS office to citizen

Thank you. I've already registered to vote. Just waiting for the SS offices to reopen to update status

15 hours ago, CerseiLan said:

Hello, I was recently naturalized this month and I was wondering how was anyone able to update their Social Security status since  all SS Administration offices at the moment are closed. I called the nearest SSA office near me and they told me to mail my papers (naturalization cert) so they can update my status. I'm a bit worried with mailing the docs since it'll cost you 555 USD to replace it if the files went missing or lost. Our mails have been getting lost recently too so Im a bit paranoid by the idea. 

 

Question: Is mailing your naturalization cert the only way to update your Social Security Status at the moment?
If anyone had any experience with it, how long did it take for them to process it and return your paperworks?

This is how I did it (in order): 1) Naturalized. 2) Registered to vote at my local County office. You need to submit copies of your Naturalization Cert and they may ask you to show the original. 3) Applied for my passport and passport card. You have to send in the original Naturalization Cert which will be returned to you in a separate mailing, after you receive your passport and passport card. 4) Received my passport and passport card. 5) Will now go to my local DMV to update records. DMVs are open but insanely crowded, so I will wait till things ease up. It is not a priority, at least for the next few days. 6) Will update my SSN records once the offices reopen. This would be the least of my priorities.  For # 5 and #6, you only need to submit photocopies of your documents but you may need to carry the originals with you, if they want to check.  #2 is also typically not a priority, unless you want to vote in a presidential primary. You can register to vote till 21 days before an election. I just got that one out of the way, because my County office is close by to where I live.

Please DO NOT send in your Naturalization Cert through mail for SSN updating. You don't want to take that risk.  My passport was processed remarkably quickly (within 10 days), but typical wait times are a few weeks to few months. 

7 hours ago, NEW CITIZEN said:

I made a copy for me.

 

I can scan the QF at the upper left with my phone. (QF Reader by Tap Media)

Which is pretty much page 1 information.

 

But I can't scan the barcode at the bottom.

Might be the printer causing blurry lines.

I worried about blurry printer ink too, so I didn't use my home printer/scananer. Took it to Staples to get it printed and also make a high resolution photocopy of my Naturalization Cert.

7 hours ago, NEW CITIZEN said:

Good to hear.

 

I understood, "countries to be visited" was only to follow the dated travel plans.

I left it blank.

That's what I thought too. But I took the advice of the USPS agent and filled it in, including tentative dates. I didn't think it would hurt. However, I don't think that was what caused them to do the speedy processing

7 hours ago, Giovanna024 said:

Did you filled out everything on that Form? I downloaded it and I will be puting all data in. Didnt understand about that question about traveling? Should I put my home country?

I don't remember leaving any space blank, so yes, I must have filled in all of it. #18  is about countries that you want to visit, including anticipated travel dates. I didn't have any immediate travel plans, so I had left that space blank. The very nice gentleman at my local post office said I should be filling it in, so I added my home country with a tentative travel date for next year. Remember, you don't need to have confirmed travel plans,  so just put in a tentative date.