pazzee

Thank you! My status finally changed yesterday to In Process. I was just more worried about my application and naturalization certificate being lost. Congrats on the coveted Blue Passport!

Can you report once you do get it? I applied a week after you and also paid for expedited services and delivery. I sent in a cashier’s check so I have no idea if it was cashed. It’s a little unnerving knowing your naturalization certificate is just floating around somewhere.

I had my oath ceremony last week and obtained my naturalization certificate. The information packet I received at the ceremony said I should update my citizenship status with Social Security Administration. We were all advised to wait two weeks after the ceremony to make sure that their system is updated. SSA is the only thing that was mentioned regarding updating your status. But, I do know that I have to go to CBP at my local airport to update my Global Entry so that the document I use to scan at the kiosk is updated to the US passport instead of the green card. I don’t have my US passport yet (I applied at the post office and used expedited service the day of my ceremony so I still have weeks before I receive it). But this is what the CBP officer told me during my global entry interview. I also know that people who use federal student aid will also have to update their status. I’m not in school so this doesn’t affect me but it’s just another example where people update their status if it pertains to them and wasn’t mentioned in the information packet. I want to create a list to prevent any hiccups down the road. Do I have to update my status with my employer’s HR? How about financial institutions that I bank or have a loan with? I’m pretty sure when I opened my bank accounts and when I got my loan, they asked me for my status. Thanks in advance!

My notice was different from yours because mine stated that I may be limited in who may attend my appointment with me. Which is rather vague. I came here to ask for recent accounts pertaining to this site’s naturalization ceremonies to get an idea of what to expect. Per JeanneAdil’s helpful suggestion I called the courthouse directly. The woman I spoke to said I could bring two people. When I checked in this morning I confirmed with one of the people ushering in participants that I would have two guests - she said it really didn’t matter how many guests people had as long as there was enough room in the courtroom. All guests would just have to wait in the waiting room until a few minutes before the judge called the court in session. So I texted my siblings and dad who were waiting outside of the building and they came up. They all got to witness the occasion along with my nephew and mom. At a certain point, the judge also allowed the guests to stake a spot all around the court room where they could have the best vantage point to take pictures/videos of their loved ones as they took the oath. I thought that was super nice of her. I met one woman who wished she had known she could have had family there but she had heard that guests were no longer allowed in these ceremonies. I guess it really depends from location to location and the judge/official running the ceremony.

Yes! Thank you! That’s a shame, but congratulations to you!

Thank you! I called and she said I could bring my nephew and mom.

I wanted my nephew to witness the ceremony. He’s 19 and was born here and disjointed from the immigrant experience. I don’t think he understands what it’s like for immigrants and thought this might give hime a little insight. Maybe spark some conversations about immigration in general. Anyways, if anyone had their ceremony in Chicago at this building recently, were you allowed to have guests? My parents and all my siblings want to go to but they’re ok with staying outside and just celebrating with me afterwards.

@Walbrzyszanka221 Study for the civics test and study your N400 application. This will not be an issue for most but if you have traveled outside of the US a lot, it’s good to remember those dates. Sometimes, the officer will ask about specific dates. At my interview, they asked me when my parent’s were naturalized. A question I was not expecting. But I remembered because it’s the date of my nephew’s birthday. I’m not sure if it would have affected my approval if I got that wrong, but just showed me it’s good to remember even the small details in your application. Especially if a lawyer or someone else prepares your N-400, make sure you memorize the details that you don’t naturally memorize. Regarding my divorce, the officer just asked the reason for the divorce. *Edit* lol, I just realized the date of the original post. Congratulations!!!!

I had a similar reaction. I applied end of June 2022. The USCIS website said the process would be approximately 13 months. I think it was late July or early August I got a notice that my interview was in September, much sooner than I anticipated. I was happy but didn’t think I’d have to think about it until 2023. I had already made travel plans for the fall and was already overwhelmed at work and life.

For what it’s worth, my ex and I never filed jointly and I was approved for N400. We were both self-employed and itemized our deductions. For both obtaining my green card and the removal of conditions, we had pretty strong evidence of a bonafide marriage. It was never brought up in the green card interview or the citizenship interview. I personally wouldn’t loose sleep over this.

Just got my notice on the USCIS portal. My ceremony is scheduled for November 14. My interview was september 20. The kicker is I’ll be out of the country. Novemeber 14 is 3 days before I get back. So I have to reschedule and hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next ceremony.

Has anyone tried calling the Dirksen courthouse to ask when the next naturalizations are scheduled? If not, I’ll call Monday.

Maybe they’ll do something neat like a mass ceremony at Soldier Field. As long as it’s not Wrigley. I’d actually postpone my ceremony and wait for another date, lol. j/k

@Despa. What a bummer. I’m sorry. But your are so close. I know I got approved later than you but I’m still hoping I can have my ceremony before November. Wishing all of us some much needed good luck.

Have you all contacted USCIS? What do they say?