TreasureHunt

7 minutes ago, Wals said:

Mother's birth certificate translated in English and apostilled

 

If you are married, widowed or divorced, civil marriage registration, divorce decree or death certificate of the couple as appropriate translated in English and apostilled

 

Are these needed at I-130 or Consulate phase? My mother’s papers are at her safe deposit box, but she’s reluctant to travel to the bank because of coronavirus. I’d like to get it started this year, so by next year when everything (hopefully) calms down, she can be ready with everything else.

Thanks!

I’m in the beginning stage of sponsoring my mother for a green card. I read through I-130 instruction document from USCIS. I only saw a few documents required for this:

1. My naturalization certificate

2. My birth certificate showing my mother’s name

3. passport photos of my mother

Are these all that’s needed?

Also, this is the first time I will file anything family based as well as consular processing. Could anybody tell me the outline of the process? I-130 approval, sent to consulate? What other documents will be needed later on?

Thanks a bunch!

7 hours ago, ClareHan said:

What if I can't return right now or anytime too soon. I have mental health problems.  That's what stopped me returning. Can we start the spousal visa process without me surrendering my green card or do I have to surrender it first?

You should try SB-1. Try to get documentation about your mental health problems, and apply for SB-1. They might show you leniency and let you come back as returning resident. Do not surrender your green card. Don't forget to file your income taxes.

From State Dept Website:

Required Documentation

When applying for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa, you should submit the following forms and documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply:

• A completed Application to Determine Returning Resident Status, Form DS-117
• Your Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551
• Your Re-entry Permit, if available

You must also submit supporting documents that show the following:

• Dates of travel outside of the United States (Examples: airline tickets, passport stamps, etc.)
• Proof of your ties to the United States and your intention to return (Examples: tax returns, and evidence of economic, family, and social ties to the United States)
• Proof that your protracted stay outside of the United States was for reasons beyond your control (Examples: medical incapacitation, employment with a U.S. company, etc.)

20 minutes ago, Adella2016 said:

Hello, guys, is anybody from Boston, MA?

Applied for my passport yesterday. Just want to know what is a timeline. My last waiting challenge I hope it will be over soon. 

I read in forums it can take 12 weeks or so to get the passport. I do not plan traveling this year, but just want to finish this journey.

It really depends on your passport center/agency, not where you're from. You can call the number from state department website and ask. From what I see, New Orleans center is the slowest (~12 weeks), New Hampshire (National Passport Center) is around 9 weeks. Other centers/agencies as far as I can tell are fairly fast, as fast as a couple of weeks.

I received my passport, passport card and naturalization documents. I'm finally all done. I've updated the Google Doc, but here's the recap:

Applied: 7/23

Trackable: 7/29

Approved: 9/22

PP received: 9/25

PPC received: 9/26

Naturalization Cert received: 9/29

Center: New Hampshire (National Passport Center)

Have fun!

I finally got the approval email just now. I applied from Oregon on 7/23, and trackable on 7/29. right around 2 months for the processing. It was processed at National Passport Center in New Hampshire. I actually got impatient last week and submitted a request to my senator (thanks @Giovanna024). I got an email from my senator's office yesterday indicating that somebody finally processing my application. Sure enough it's approved today. I'm glad this long journey is finally over. Now off to harassing USPS 😉

How do you change message setting to Rich Text Editor?

41 minutes ago, supremecomplex said:

Thank you! I live close by there, so I'll schedule an appointment with them. Hopefully it won't be that long of a wait! Did you give your naturalization certificate, etc? Do they mail out the application or do you just give them all the paperwork, etc?

I went online to state department website. They have DS-11 form filler, so it’ll all get printed out nicely. The requirements are naturalization certificate original and a copy, one form of ID (driver’s license) and photos (costco does it well and cheap). Also, bring your check book, you’ll write two checks, one to department of state and the other to city of Beaverton. 
 

The guy there will take your form and all the documents, fill up the “official section”, make you swear to tell the truth, and have you sign the form. He’s going to collect everything, and mail it for you. Basically you dont even know the tracking number of the envelope going to DoS.

48 minutes ago, supremecomplex said:

Hi! It's looks like you're from Portland, OR too - where did you end up going to apply for a passport?  How was the wait time?

Beaverton city hall (finance department or something). You have to call ahead and schedule with them. I was able to get an appointment the following day. The guy said it’s 4 months wait for passport. I’m just crossing my fingers now. 

4 hours ago, Roms said:

Thanks for the infos! Do you know when will you receive your passport?

Passport is through department of state, not USCIS. I did apply yesterday, but there seems to be a very long queue right now. 4 months according to the acceptance officer.

2 hours ago, Roms said:

WOW! I am so happy for you! That was really fast! May I know what documents and questions the officers asked you during the interview?

I didn’t show any document. The questions were only repeating the yes/no questions in N400 form. The officer asked 6 civic questions, read “Where is the White House?”, and write “The White House is in Washington D.C.”

I had interview in Portland, OR field office today 7/22/2020. I was originally scheduled for April 1, 2020. There were around 7 people in the waiting room with me for the interview, and they are mostly if not all naturalization. I filed my N-400 9/2/2019. It was a quick interview and oath right after, with the same officer that gave me the interview. I got my naturalization certificate 10 minutes after the oath is done. Just thought I'd share. I had the same frustration for a while.

Next is Beaverton city hall to apply for passport.

My interview was done today (7/22/20) in Portland OR field office. It was originally scheduled on April 1, 2020. The oath was taken right after the interview and certificate of naturalization was printed within 10-15 minutes afterwards. It was a quick interview and oath. There was no extras (videos or speech or anything). There were about 7 people in the waiting room at around my interview schedule (9 AM), I believe most if not all of them were there for naturalization interviews. I was not called until 9.20 ish, and I was done with oath by 9.45.

Now on to passport application!