loli

Here's some info for us recent filers:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today it has centralized initial processing of all applications for naturalization (Form-400) at its National Benefits Center in Missouri

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/update_n400_060508.pdf

Cax&JL, my appl. number was written on my check. Need to add WSC*00 to make a 13-digit number. If you are trying to check your status online and it doesn't work, don't panic, many people don't get their number to work and they go through their process just fine.

I just tried the number on the back of my check and it didn't work. But on mine, it doesn't look like "WSC", it looks like "ESC". I am at VSC, is that normal?

Hi guys. After a long journey I finally filed on May 27. Please add me to the list.

Here's my timeline:

May 27,2008: Sent Application

May 28,2008: Application received at CSC

May 29,2008: Check cashed

NOA1 never received

June 07,2008: NO2 received (Biometrics appoinment for next week)

Good luck to all!

How is consolidating all the applications through Missouri going to improve efficiency? If anything I'd think that it would slow the process down!!??

What happens if I submit my N-400 but then move to another city but still belong to the same local office? Will I lose a lot of time in the process? I am not sure when the move will happen since we are looking to sell our house and it might take a while and in case it happens, I am just curious how much this will delay the application.

I have a question about Part 7 of the N400 form. If the LPR has been in the US for less than 5 years, do you count how many days were spent in the home country before moving to the US? Do you consider that a trip too?

I'm entitled to apply for citizenship through marriage since last October but haven't done it yet. Now I am having issues with my husband and there is a good chance that we are going to separate. If I apply for citizenship now, will I be denied? Has anyone been in this situation but still got approval for the citizenship?

I don't know what to do. I know I should have started the process the day I had the right to and not wait. I know I could always wait another 2 years but I wanted to know what my chances are now.

Thanks.

my question is why did it take almost a year to approve??? its usually 6-7 months.

It took a long time because I received an RFE. My husband and I don't have any joint bank account, we don't have a lease or a mortgage and all the bills are in his name. So there was not a lot of evidence of joint liabilities and assets.

So we added my name to a couple bills, my husband wrote a letter explaining why everything is in his name and we also provided letters of support, as well as photos. And it worked!

I'm so glad but I wish I had been approved right away...it is just a stressful process.

thought I could edit my post but I guess not.

When I say we're not thinking about moving, I mean not in the near future. It could be a possibility several years from now though.

The conditions on my GC have just been approved (it took almost 1 year) and now I'm debating whether or not I should apply for US Citizenship. My husband thinks it is not worth it because if we ever move to my home country,

I will still have to pay income tax to the US. On the other hand, I like the idea of never dealing with immigration again and being able to vote and so on. Tough decision, so I have a few questions:

1. If I don't apply for citizenship within 90 days of my GC 3 yr anniversary, my next opportunity to apply will be 2 yrs later?[
   
2. Is my husband correct about being taxed by the US even in my home country if I were a US citizen?
   
3. Since we file jointly, and he is a USC, shouldn't we be taxed anyway, whether or not I am a USC too? (note: we are not even thinking about moving, it is all hypothetic)
   
4. I already have dual citizenship from 2 european countries, can I have triple citizenship?
   
5. How do I find out if my home country allows dual cit. with the US?
   

I hope people on this forum who went through this process can shed some light and answer my questions. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Hi,

I finally got approved on 8/10 at the VSC!! That's after getting an RFE. I sent additionnal info on 7/16 and was just approved yesterday=a little less than 4 weeks!

YAY!

My receipt number for my I-751 works on the Web site. I can check the status of the case and everything.

So can I. Did you get your NOA? The receipt number is on the form.

The NOA and the RFE have different receipt numbers. The receipt number on the NOA works but the status hasn't been updated in a long time. The RFE number gives me this error message:

Validation Error(s)

You must correct the following error(s) before proceeding:

Case Status Retrieval Failed

This Receipt Number cannot be found at this time in this automated system. Please check your case receipt number to see if it is correct. If you have questions or concerns about your case status, please contact the National Customer Service Center.

I'm wondering if they haven't processed my RFE response yet and that's why it is returning zero answer or should I see something?

My 2 yr Green Card expired in Oct. 2006 and my petition to receive my 10 yr Green Card is still pending (I got an RFE and just sent additional evidence now). Like everybody here, my status has been extended one year, that means I'm ok until the end of October.

However, I'm considering changing jobs and I'm concerned that this whole situation will be a roadblock for me. Does anybody know if I'm still allowed to work even after October?

Hi, I just sent my package again after receiving an RFE from the VSC. I got the RFE back in May and they received my package a week ago. I tried checking the status of my case on the USCIS website but it's saying that this number doesn't exist. Is this normal?

Hi there mdunlap,

Sorry to hear that you got an RFE too. I agree with you, there is no reason to be worried because we are a legit couple but you know the whole thing is just aggravating and I am tired of waiting 6 months just to find out that I didn't submit enough evidence. My one year extension for my green card expires in Oct and I hope that by that time everything will be back in order.

I think we are going to send the tax transcripts, all the W-2s from 2004, 2005 and 2006 (they ask for it), affidavits from friend and family, some more proof of bills in his name paid by me, maybe a letter from the gym showing that we both had a membership and that we were going together regularly. But that's about it. I don't have much to show joint assets and liabilities.

A year after our legal wedding, we had a religious wedding and reception. I may submit our church certificate of marriage as well as pictures of the ceremony. Who knows..maybe that will help.

The whole process is just frustating.

So you're moving to RI? That's where I live!! Where are you going to be?

Throwing travel itineraries in the mix isn't what they are looking for, UNLESS it can be shown that the expenses of the trip were shared by the two of them.

good point cassie. thats why travel itineraries are sweet. they show which parties travelled and the cost for the travel. it doesn't have to be shared expenses as long as one party paid for both of them and the person who paid can attach his credit card bill for that period as proof. also hotel bills for any vacations is also helpfull.

They also said that the documents submitted do not reflect the duration of the marriage. I do not have travel itineraries because we drove to wherever we went and hotels we booked were in one name. It doesn't prove that we were both there.

I think that my husband is going to call the USCIS tomorrow to explain the situation and get more info about what we need to submit to be approved. Do you think it is a good idea?

We can also put all the bills in both names, put my name on the car titles, but my only concern is that it will not reflect the duration of the marriage.

One more question: they say that tax forms, alone, are not sufficient evidence that your tax returns were received and processed by the IRS.

So the tax returns are not enough? Should I get transcripts?

Throwing travel itineraries in the mix isn't what they are looking for, UNLESS it can be shown that the expenses of the trip were shared by the two of them.

good point cassie. thats why travel itineraries are sweet. they show which parties travelled and the cost for the travel. it doesn't have to be shared expenses as long as one party paid for both of them and the person who paid can attach his credit card bill for that period as proof. also hotel bills for any vacations is also helpfull.

They also said that the documents submitted do not reflect the duration of the marriage. I do not have travel itineraries because we drove to wherever we went and hotels we booked were in one name. It doesn't prove that we were both there.

I think that my husband is going to call the USCIS tomorrow to explain the situation and get more info about what we need to submit to be approved. Do you think it is a good idea?

We can also put all the bills in both names, put my name on the car titles, but my only concern is that it will not reflect the duration of the marriage.

loli,

first of all don't panic. the USCIS cannot reject u if u have a legit marriage. they will call u guys for an interview if they have somethings to straighten up. there is no way they will outright reject u.

please re send additional evidence such as photos, travel itineraries for vacations together, notarized affidavits from friends and family (may be 4-5 affidavits should suffice), any mails that . did u file the 2006 tax returns (jointly). if so please send them. THEY R VERY IMPORTANT.

any mails that were mailed to both of u with the same address etc. dont worry if there is any redundancy with the materials u send. its just additional evidence.

Yes, they ask for tax returns for 2004, 2005 and 2006. We did file them together.

The reason why we don't have a join account is because we never felt the need to. And currently I am actually paying all the bills because my husband is starting a new business and we are living off my income. Should we open one now? Is it too late?

I filed my I-751 last November and got a letter today from the VSC that I have not submitted a sufficient demonstration of a bona fide marriage. They want more proof that we share a "variety of joint assets and liabilities".

I am so disappointed :(:(:( We waited so long for this...

The problem is that we don't have a mortgage (my husband owned his house before we even got married), we don't have any loans or leases because we have not debt at all. We also don't have a joint account. We have bills but they are always in either one or the other name, never both. The only thing that is in both names is the house & car insurance policy which I provided.

Here is what I submitted the first time:

• 2005 joint US tax return

• car insurance policy in both names

• Credit Card account info showing that I am an authorized user

• Savings Account statement listing spouse as primary beneficiary

• 401(k) statement listing spouse as primary beneficiary

• Certificate of Plan coverage showing a joint policy from 1/1/2005 to 6/1/2006

• Health insurance cards and letters from Blue Cross showing an active joint policy (since 6/1/2006)

• Copy of both driving licenses with same address

• Copy of electric bill and its payment (my bank account statement and check)

• Picture of us at the Statue of Liberty during August weekend in New York City

The only thing that I could provide is his wills and more bills in his name that I paid. We do live together and our marriage is legit but how do we prove that now?

Finally received my NOA!!

Alchemist- 06/12/06 filed to Vermont- NOA 8/20 - received stamp I-551 on 10/13/06

Lou lou - 08/20/06 file to Vermont - NOA 10/18 - Biometrics 11/6

Sanaz - 08/21/06 filed to Vermont - NOA 08/27/06

Amfrisco - 8/22/06 filed to Vermont - Received I-551 stamp in Newark 10/19/06 - NOA 11/01/06 - Biometrics 11/14/06

Melissa - 08/29/06 file to Vermont (no NOA yet) - 10/11/06 - Received I-551 stamp from Boston

Kamitoz - 09/08/06 filed to California - NOA 09/26/06

Jessica.randen - 9/09/2006 filed to Vermont - NOA 11/09/06

Brokenheart - 09/25/2006 no Noa yet

Flames9 - 09/25/06 filed I-751 to Vermont - NOA 11/09/06

Tata - 09/28/06 filed to Vermont (no NOA yet)

Jsassman 10/18/06 filed to Nebraska - NOA 11/08/06, with date of 11/03 and biometrics appointment for 11/20/06 in Omaha.

Xbox - 11/03/06 filed to Nebraska (no NOA yet)

Loli - 8/28/06 filed to Vermont - NOA 11/18/06 with date of 11/14

Thanks for tarting the list up nicely, Tata

I am the last one who filed in August at VSC who hasn't received the NOA yet. Should I be worried?

What state do you live in? I just got mine the other day and I sent my application the day after you. I live in Massachusetts. Perhaps you live a little further away so it took longer to get there and perhaps the NOA is taking longer to get to tyou?

Rhode Island, it is not that far!!!! I think I'll wait a few more days and then I'll call the 800 number.

I am the last one who filed in August at VSC who hasn't received the NOA yet. Should I be worried?

Alchemist- 06/12/06 filed to Vermont- NOA 8/20 - received stamp I-551 on 10/13/06

Lou lou - 08/20/06 file to Vermont - NOA 10/18 - Biometrics 11/6

Sanaz - 08/21/06 filed to Vermont - NOA 08/27/06

Amfrisco - 8/22/06 filed to vermont - Received I-551 stamp in Newark 10/19/06 - NOA Came Today 11/01/06!!!! The receipt date is 10/26/06

Melissa - 08/29/06 file to Vermont (no NOA yet) - 10/11/06 - Received I-551 stamp from Boston

Kamitoz - 09/08/06 filed to California - NOA 09/26/06

Jessica.randen - 9/09/2006 filed to Vermont - NOA 11/09/06

Brokenheart - 09/25/2006 no Noa yet

Flames9 - 09/25/06 filed I-751 to Vermont - NOA 11/09/06

Tata - 09/28/06 filed to Vermont (no NOA yet)

Jsassman 10/18/06 filed to Nebraska - NOA 11/08/06, with date of 11/03 and biometrics appointment for 11/20/06 in Omaha.

Xbox - 11/03/06 filed to Nebraska (no NOA yet)

Loli - 8/28/06 filed to Vermont - still no NOA

Thanks for tarting the list up nicely, Tata

Has anyone else (apart from Sherlock) received their NOA from Vermont?

Based on Sherlock's experience, I am thinking I'll probably receive mine next week or the week my GC expires but I don't want to take a chance. Am I still allowed to work after it expires?

I really don't feel like making an infopass appointment but it looks like I am going to have to. One question: what should I choose for"type of appointment"?

Here are the choices:

You have received an approval letter or Form I-797 from the Service Center or local office instructing you to come into the office for alien identification card processing / passport stamp.

You have a question about your case.

You need to file an application for yourself or someone else.

You need an immigration form.

It has been more than 90 days since you filed an I-765 and you did not receive an Employment Authorization Card.

You need to replace your Permanent Resident Card.

You wish to speak to an immigration officer.

Not sure which one applies best...

Thanks

For those of you who are also waiting for some sign that someone is home in Vermont, we finally received our I-797 today. Some observations:

We sent our I-751 on August 17th. The check was cashed on August 28th. The I-797 has a notice date of September 26th, but was postmarked October 5th.

It tells us to expect a follow up letter for a Biometrics appointment.

When I called the misinformation line a couple weeks ago, he gave me a receipt number which did not exist in the online USCIS tracking system. He gave me a receipt date of 18 August. I called again yesterday and talked to a different person who confirmed the reciept number and said there was nothing in the system that indicated an NOA had been sent yet, and that she would send VSC a reminder.

The NOA gives me a different receipt number which is trackable in the online system. It says "Your CRI89 CONDITIONAL RESIDENCE I-89 CARD RECEIVED AT SERVICE CENTER was received on September 26, 2006." The NOA does note at the bottom that I-751 form type will be listed as CRI89.

Woohoo! Great! Happy for you....I hope mine won't be too much later. I sent mine 10 days after you, check cashed on 9/8. Hopefully it is coming before my GC expires. Thanks for sharing Sherlock!

I mailed my I-751 on 8/28 and the check was cashed. My GC is expiring in 2 weeks and I still haven't received the NOA. I have a job and I don't want to lose it! What should I do if my company asks me about my expired GC?

We only talked about the benefits of becoming a USC, are they any drawbacks?

I think I've heard that if you ever go back to your home country you will have to pay US income taxes on income earned outside of the US. Does anyone know the details ?