RachelFara

Hi!  Does anyone have an email address for someone in the Dallas Field Office? 

My husband has a greencard and we are applying for his citizenship under the 319(b) exception (spouses of citizens stationed abroad).  We have a deadline of April 22, 2021 to get his biometrics appointment scheduled and submitted.  We were suppose to do overseas (where we are now) but because of COVID the embassy can't provide biometric services and we need to get it done in the States (Dallas).  We would like to have his biometrics and citizenship interview scheduled very close to each other since we will be traveling from abroad and will need to return to my post quickly.

Thanks for any info!

On 5/28/2020 at 6:15 PM, kkalan2 said:

I just received Oath ceremony email for June 12, It looks like it Dallas about to resume all cancelled ceremonies starting next week.

 

Good luck everyone.

Hi!  Do you have an email address for someone in the Dallas Field Office? 

My husband has a greencard and we are applying for his citizenship under the 319(b) exception (spouses of citizens stationed abroad).  We have a deadline of April 22, 2021 to get his biometrics appointment scheduled and submitted.  We were suppose to do overseas (where we are now) but because of COVID the embassy can't provide biometric services and we need to get it done in the States (Dallas).

Thanks for any info!  

On 3/9/2020 at 6:34 AM, radharose said:

The 6+ month absence rule and the Selective Service registration requirement have always been a thing—the USCIS policy update makes more specific definitions about these policies.

 

I have not been able to find any USCIS policy updates about the tax return.  There is no place on the 1040 that asks for immigration status, so I don’t see how you could fail to report something that they haven’t asked for, unless and until they revise the 1040 to include such a question.

 

My husband filed taxes for the first time this year and we had to send in a signed declaration choosing to have him treated as a full-year resident alien for tax purposes—I imagine you must have done this your first year as well.  That is an effective claim that you are a resident alien, and it could be argued that it is implied on your following tax returns that you are a resident alien, considering that you have to wait at least 3 years to naturalize.  Thus, if you filed subsequent returns as a resident, you inherently filed as a resident alien, for at least three years.

 

It doesn’t say what date in February this policy supposedly went into effect.  Did you file in February?

 

Honestly, it sounds a lot like lawyer-speak to scare people into consulting with their law firm.  I wouldn’t worry about it until I saw something official from USCIS.

Could you explain a little more about the "signed declaration choosing to have him treated as a full-year resident alien"?  My husband got his greencard in August 2020.  So it's his first time filing taxes in the US.  Do we need to file together?  And what kind of declaration should it be?  Do you have an example or is there a site explaining more?

Thank you!!

On 10/29/2020 at 6:43 PM, Qian said:

Hi RachelFara

A couple of things:

- You don't necessarily have to submit the cards with N400, once they receive your application, based on the applicant's physical residency, they could either schedule bio or send you the FD258 cards

- Normally, local police station or US embassy can provide finger printing service upon request, and the cards are accepted by USCIS

- I have heard people submitted FD258 cards provided by a notary center and were accepted 

- All the applicants that I know of (about 8), myself included, had received a RFE regarding the FD258, regardless we had sent the valid ones or not. Seems like a default procedure for overseas applicants.  

 

Good luck, to your move too!

That is incredibly helpful!  Thank you for your time to write back.  I have also seen that RFEs are common in this situation.  Good to know so we won't worry too much about it.  We just hope we won't have to come back to the US just for biometrics and its seems like that won't be the case.

Cheers,

Rachel

5 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

 

Chapter 4 - Spouses of U.S. Citizens Employed Abroad | USCIS

www.uscis.gov › volume-12-part-g-chapter-4

 

1.  

Jan 7, 2013 — Married to a U.S. citizen spouse regularly stationed abroad in ... for at least three years prior to filing the application until the time of ... qualify for naturalization under INA 316(a) or INA 319(a), which could permit ... See Section C, Qualifying Employment Abroad [12 USCIS-PM G.4(C)]. 2. ... See INA 319(b)(3).

It doesn't say anything there about needing to be married 3 years.  That is for people applying for naturalization who do not have spouses employed abroad.  

1 minute ago, JeanneAdil said:

Marriage was April 2019 so  not married 3 years yet and too early to apply

We are applying under exception 319(b) so we can apply

Just now, Luckycuds said:

No, there is no way to schedule biometrics before you submit an application nor can you go to a local business to get them done. This has to be done through USCIS Application Support Center in the USA or abroad at an embassy or consulate. Chances are the country you are going to has a US embassy. Is there a reason you are planning to submit the application the day you fly out? It can be submitted online. 

OK thats helpful information!  Yes the country we are going to has a US embassy. Can they be done at an embassy?  I was under the impression that there are some USCIS service centers around the world and thought we would have to travel to another country to get them done.  

QUESTION:

My husband and I are applying for his naturalization under the 319(b) exception (employment abroad).  We are currently in Dallas and my post starts in 2 weeks.  We plan to send our application in at the same time that we fly out together to my post.  I keep reading that fingerprints are required in the application and some places say that after they receive your N400, they will schedule you a biometrics appointment at a USCIS service center in the US (if you are in the US) or you can do it abroad.  Is there anyway to schedule an appointment for fingerprints before we actually submit the N400 application?  Or can we get fingerprints at a notary or local business center that provides them?  We don't want to hassle with trying to find a USCIS center abroad (we think there is not one in the country where we are going) to get fingerprints after our application has already been submitted.

Hey friends,

My husband and I are applying for his naturalization under the 319(b) exception (employment abroad).  We are currently in Dallas and my post starts in 2 weeks.  We plan to send our application in at the same time that we fly our together to my post.  I keep reading that fingerprints are required in the application and some places say that after they receive your N400, they will schedule you a biometrics appointment at a USCIS service center in the US (if you are in the US) or you can do it abroad.  Is there anyway to schedule an appointment for fingerprints before we actually submit the N400 application?  Or can we get fingerprints at a notary or local business center that provides them?  We don't want to hassle with trying to find a USCIS center abroad (we think there is not one in the country where we are going) to get fingerprints after our application has already been submitted.

Thanks for reading and responding!  You guys are the best <3

Rachel

Hello friends,

We are getting ready to send in my husband's n-400.  I heard some rumors over the summer that fees were going to increase as of October 1, 2020.  Does anyone know if they have indeed increased?

For example, I heard that the fee for naturalization would increase from $725 to around $1100.

Thank you!

1 minute ago, SusieQQQ said:

No Covid travel restrictions via Qatar.

he is not a LPR until he enters the US on his immigrant visa.

Thank you! My husband read somewhere that people on tourist visas were being refused there. Heard anything like that? Thats why I asked if he is considered a LPR already because US citizens and LPR have some special rights when traveling to the States during the pandemic.

Hello 😀 We just received my husband's passport in the mail with his CR1 visa 🥳 We are trying to book flights and want to know if its okay for him to travel from Istanbul (where we are now) through Doha, Qatar to the US. Has anyone tried used Qatar Airways with a CR1 visa recently? He is an Azerbaijani citizen. Its his first time to the US so we are wondering about the COVID restrictions. Also, with this newly issued visa, is he already considered a Legally Permanent Resident (or CPR) before entering the US?

Many thanks!!

3 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

All cases go through Administrative Processing.   It can consist of anything from internal processing of the visa to lengthy background checks.  It can last a hour, a day, a week, or even many months.  Extended AP is common for some countries .  Visas are approved after all administrative processing is done.  Watch for the status to change to "issued"  That will be the indication that the visa was approved.....good luck.

Thank you!!

3 hours ago, Luckycuds said:

Everyone goes through Administrative Processing- it can be a day or years for some people. They are reviewing your document. Also, it has only been 1 business day since his interview so don't fret you haven't heard anything in a day..

Thank you!!

Hello all,

We are applying for my husband's CR1 visa. 

His interview was on July 24, 2020. The interview went great! Just we were asked to upload a document on CEAC (additional financial support) which my husband brought to the interview with him. The interviewer politely informed him it needs to be in the system on CEAC so that day after the interview, we uploaded it. The status of those documents says 'accepted'. 

Now its July 28 and we havent heard anything back from the embassy. Our case status changed today from 'Ready' to 'Administrative Processing'. 

Any idea what this means? And any idea when we might get a final decision?

Thank you! 

26 minutes ago, Sinka13 said:

Hello everyone, I had my expectations pretty low on having interview any time sooner then September looking at the situation in Ukraine. Until today when I got a call from the Embassy in Kyiv to schedule my interview. The closest day was THIS Thursday. I was shocked!!! Decided not to rush with it and scheduled it next week, but they were not available so new date is June 30. 

 

Funny part is that when I tried to schedule a medical exam clinic was not even aware that the embassy is already working. 

 

I guess interviews are closer than we think.

Congrats!!! Great news! 

When were you DQed?

Hoping for Turkey to open soon...

13 minutes ago, GettingOldWaiting said:

It looks like Ankara embassy is starting to process passport applications following a phased approach and in there it says phase III will be full staffed processing for passports. Let’s hope that it also means that they will start processing immigrant visas as well.. wishful thinking but we might start seeing some updates by the end of July.. fingers crossed..

Thank you for your message!

Where did you get this information about possibly opening in July? 

Do you know how far out from our interview they contact us? 

Have you seen the post in other groups about Ankara not having any interview times available for Iranians until February 2021? Are they in a different category? Its posted on the link I posted in my previous post - from an official website. 

Thank you again.

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to hear good news anyone has about getting an interview scheduled. 

We were DQed on May 22, 2020 and are waiting for an email about our interview in Ankara, Turkey. 

http://usvisa-info.com is the website the State department gives for updates. As I can see, there arent any updates since May. Also, we were DQed from the NVC but unless we have an email directly from the embassy about an interview, then I cannot register on this site. Is that correct?

Thank you and best of luck!

On 5/29/2020 at 3:00 PM, Naz2020 said:

The embassy might open but it seems that they are not going to schedule interviews for new files. 😌

Where did you get this information about new files?

And this screenshot comes from a site about information for Iranians. Can it be applied for everyone having interviews from Ankara?

On 6/6/2020 at 6:09 AM, Khloey said:

Hey guys i got my QD  email 15 days ago.i chosed US Embassy in Ankara in Turkey for my appointment,,but  2 night ago i found this page so due to this information about appointments time do you think i need yo chang my Embassy to Armenia because they will have available appointments soon???🙏🌹

Did you get an email declaring you were DQed and also one from the embassy to register your appointment? I have looked on the website listed here but it looks like I cant enter it because I just received a DQ email and not yet anything from the embassy about registering on that site. 

My spouse isnt from Iran so we have the option of Azerbaijan as thats his citizenship. But I am just looking for more information from the embassy in Ankara as to when they think interviews might continue- as thats the easiest option for us at the moment. 

Thank you everyone for replies!

46 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ir/ir_availability   But that is for appointments for IRANIANS.  Check the regional forum for Ankara quesses or consider Azerbaijan.

 

 

It isn't bad.  Ciudad Juarez is over 13 months.  If you qualify pick another consulate.

Thank you for this!!

On 6/6/2020 at 6:09 AM, Khloey said:

Hey guys i got my QD  email 15 days ago.i chosed US Embassy in Ankara in Turkey for my appointment,,but  2 night ago i found this page so due to this information about appointments time do you think i need yo chang my Embassy to Armenia because they will have available appointments soon???🙏🌹

We also chose to have our CR1 spousal interview in Ankara. We got our DQ about a month ago. Where did you find this information about Turkey? How can Feb 2021 be right??

On 4/19/2019 at 2:47 AM, Qian said:

 

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. 

Thank you so much for writing this out. Incredibly helpful!

I've been searching for a chat on this topic for a long time! 

We are wondering what document(s) is necessary for filing as a spouse of a missionary abroad. 

Any suggestions or experience someone can share?

Many thanks!

We submitted our docs to the NVC on April 22, 2020 and got our DQ May 22, 2020. 

Anyone have any information on the embassy in Ankara, Turkey? Long lines? When they plan to open? Etc..

Thanks guys!

15 minutes ago, Ncornejo7 said:

Hi, if you already got DQ then it mean you have been DQed. As far as the message it might mean something along the lines if you submitted assets,  or maybe they believe you need a joint sponsor, that the CO will make a decision .

I actually just got off the phone with someone from NVC- she read my messages to me and said almost the same thing you wrote. 

Thank you!

FYI she said they have filed a ticket with the IT department to get the message page to show. Hopefully soon!

Good luck everyone!