DallasDreamy

13 hours ago, NewlyNaturalized said:

Well I took the advice on this thread and submitted the SS application with the passport card in Austin. That was over a month ago and nothing has happened. I logged in to check online SSA.gov and when I click on replacement card it comes up saying I am not a citizen. So they have not processed it. I sent it certified mail and it shows delivered mid April. 

For what it is worth, here is my timeline (based on the tip provided by @seetsuh in this thread back in March):

April 20, 2021 - Sent Social Security Application with my Passport Card via FedEx to Social Security Office in Dallas

May 8th, 2021 - Received my Passport Card via USPS Certified Mail and Letter of Receipt (stating that I am to expect my new Social Security Card in about two weeks) from the Field Office Manager, Dallas

May18th, 2021 - Received the Social Security Card via standard USPS mail

22 hours ago, DC909 said:

Final update

 

Finally received my social security card in the mail. I was hoping it would get here before May 11th and it did. I immediately went and applied for a new Real ID DL yesterday as soon as I got the social. 

 

3/31/21 - Documents dropped off at USPS to be mailed to SSA local Victorville, CA office.

4/5/21 - Documents delivered at local Victorville, CA office.

4/12/21 - Called to inquire on my documents and I was told I would get a call back that day.

4/13/21 - Received call back and the rep told me my document still have not been scanned, and that the process will take about a month due to high volume.

4/16/21 - Called to inquire on my documents and I was told that since it has not been 4 weeks since the received my documents, they could not give me an update.

4/21/21 - Called to inquire on my documents and I was told documents still have not been processed. 

4/24/21 - Received my documents back as well as the acceptance letter. 

4/27/21 - Received new Social Security card in the mail.

@DC909 - This is very beneficial! Deeply appreciate posting the detailed timeline! 

2 hours ago, MagentaLife said:

Officially a US Citizen! 🇺🇸 Special thanks to everyone on this forum for all the support! Already applied for passport today! 

Congratulations @MagentaLife !!!

4 hours ago, eddieboo4321@gmai said:

@bzbee and @DallasDreamy, so after my Oath, i went to the Passport Agency on Monday Morning, got my passport in afternoon, they had to ask me to redo my picture which I did but it was not as cool as i wanted to but who cares...now sitting at DFW airport waiting for my flight ✈️..

 

Finally it is done..... 

 

rest of the people good luck to you everyone...

Great to hear that @eddieboo4321@gmai! Congratulations and have a safe trip! Posting this from flight (WiFi slow but glad to have it).

9 hours ago, MagentaLife said:

Congratulations 🍾🎊🎈! 14 days to go for me! Can’t wait. 

@MagentaLife - Thank you 🙏  ! Just remember you are at the very end of this Marathon! What stressed me out more than anything was the rare possibility of getting a traffic ticket in the last few days just before the ceremony. So just be careful when driving. I have read several anecdotes in other threads here and in other forums of folks getting ticketed in the last few days and not being able to get all the tickets paid and bring the "proof" to the ceremony. In most cases, they managed to get it all resolved but that possibility stressed me out till the Oath Ceremony was over. Wishing you a stress free 14 days... as of today only 13... (take it one day at a time).

40 minutes ago, ImmiGeek said:

Glad to find your safe journey and maneuver of those exciting situations(such as fixed trip, needing an urgent passport etc). Glad that we are helping one other. Thanks for the detailed post. Please make sure that you clearly understand and execute all the required things to be done POST-Naturalization (It will be a good idea to give a reading of my notes in my signature).

Dont rush for SSA updates, first check if you really need it or not. If required, just use passport card and the covering letter(  A sample is given in my notes) . That way you dont lose your very valuable Naturalization certificate and passport book. Remember, Now its time for you to SAVE your naturalization certificate in  a SAFE, once you receive it from DOS(Dept of State), you will NEVER get a need to use this ORIGINAL Naturalization Certificate further(Hope you got the CERTIFIED Naturalization certificate copies from USCIS after Oath, if not read my notes for more details).

Also thanks for detailing the QUICK passport (with in hours) process that you are able to work it out. Can you add details such as Did you walk-in to each of the post office to try without an appointment? How did they accept URGENT passport request? Do you need to show any proofs such as your flight tickets etc? Any additional cost? If I get these details, I will update my notes for those who needs an urgent passport. 

Again, take time, be careful in doing next steps. Dont rush. Good luck.

Thanks @ImmiGeek! Your notes need to be made into a book 😇 !

My Experience of the Passport Process: (Some of you may think I am nuts but so be it... documenting it for those who like me like/love details. Others, please ignore this)

1. Purchased Airline Tickets and printed out the Itinerary from the Airline's Website

2. Printed out the Confirmation Email from the Passport Agency (Dallas). After security downstairs, I took  the elevator to 11th floor and go to Suite# 1120. Suite's Glass Door is shut and the Security Office inside verified my confirmation number to a printout. (The confirmation number is very important and the Security Officer will NOT let you in if you do not show/tell him the 8 digit confirmation number. ) Additionally, only show up at Suite 1120,  15 minutes before your appointment. I was there 21 minutes before my appointment and was told to take the elevator to ground floor and wait. Cannot wait in the 11th floor lobby per Security Office.

Exactly 15 minutes before my interview I came back up and the Security Office verified my Confirmation number to his printout and I was sent to Counter # 1 where the Dallas Passport Agency person reviewed these  documents

• Confirmation Email (Printed out)
• Passport Form (Pre-filled via the Form Filler at https://pptform.state.gov/). DO NOT SIGN the form
• Naturalization Certificate (Original) and PhotoCopy
• Driver's License (Original) and PhotoCopy
• Printed Itinerary of Travel / Electronic Ticket(s)

The Agency person then gave me a paper token (with a number on it) and told me to sit. There were only 4 other people in the entire area. Within minutes, my token was called and I proceeded to the window where the Agent reviewed all the documents listed above. Fees $235 was collected via CC. I was told to await a text to my cell phone in about 2 hours and then come back when I get the text. The Agent had me take of my mask temporarily to verify my face to the Drivers License and then told me to raise right had to swear that the info in the Passport form was accurate and the photograph submitted was my likeness. Then he had me sign the passport form.

When I received the text (in exactly 2 hours), I went through the security again (as I had gone to my car which was parked in the paid parking lot across the street) and rode up the elevator to the 11th floor. The same Security Officer verified my text on my cell phone, before he let me in. Back to Counter #1 where I was given a Blue Envelope with my "Shiny" new passport book, passport card, my precious Naturalization Certificate. I was asked to verify the Passport before I left the office.

In my case, I also had photocopies of my Drivers license and the Naturalization Certificate Ready with me when I submitted. As my appointment was approximately 1 hour after the Naturalization Ceremony, I wondered how I could get a photocopy made (instead of trying to convince the Passport Agency Personnel to make one and probably make them cross). As I mentioned earlier, some of you may think I am nuts (but I am always over-prepared by nature). I had ordered an HP ENVY 6055 Wireless Printer and a 150 W Car Power Inverter that I used to make multiple copies (and scanned it via the HP Envoy to my iPhone) of the Naturalization Certificate before I left the USCIS Parking Lot.  So if someone saw me with my trunk open and standing and making copies .... it was me.... 😁.  Since I had all the required copies (ID & NC) and the other docs, the Agent was extremely happy and said, if others would bring everything so organized, it would be very easy.  Well... after this long post, I am going to take a quick break!

6 hours ago, bzbee said:

@eddieboo4321@gmai and @DallasDreamy the day is finally here , so excited. Our journey is finally reaching the goal.

You guys have your ceremony in the morning and will become citizens a couple of hours before me (mine is late in the afternoon).

 

Congratulations!! Celebrate well and be a model citizen.

 

Appreciate the wishes and certainly wishing you both the same @bzbee and @eddieboo4321@gmai!  A long arduous journey came to an end for me early this AM!  Here are some details if it is useful to anyone:

Per the USCIS Supervisor who administered the Oath, approximately 300 applicants were being naturalized today at the Irving, TX office.

Time Slots: 7:30 AM. 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM and 1:45PM

The Oath Ceremony was held simultaneously by two Supervisors (On the Ground Floor  and 1st Floor). Approximately 20 - 25 per floor.

The Oath Ceremony took about 20 minutes from start to finish (Instructions on verify the Naturalization Certificate, Don't Laminate, Sign Only in Black Ink, Register to Vote, Apply for Passport, and Update Citizenship Status in 14 days - Social Security)

Regarding my passport, I have such an amazing info to share. As I had mentioned, I had an URGENT trip planned and ticketed on Tuesday (4/13) and managed to get an appointment at the Dallas Passport Agency at early AM today. (This was such a touch-and-go situation due to trying to schedule the appointment - countless phone calls and kept checking frequently at the https://passportappointment.travel.state.gov/ site). Anyway, reached the Dallas Agency (at 1100 Commerce St) at 9:00 AM and received the passport book and card at 11:00 AM. Whew! Now I can actually breathe after all the stress!  (Well... after the journey, some of the other items may need to be done - Updating Citizenship Status at SS, Updating Global Entry with Citizenship Status, Registering to Vote etc)

I want to take a minute to thank so many of you here at VJ for your encouragement, valuable tips and thoughts!  @bzbee @eddieboo4321@gmai @MagentaLife @ImmiGeek - Special thanks to each of you!

26 minutes ago, bird_seeker_dalla said:

First post for me, but I have been following this very useful Dallas thread for a few weeks now. I wanted to share my timeline. 

 

March '20 - N-400 application sent in online

Then it was a long waiting game with no movement in my application till January '21

Jan '21 - New Biometrics done 

Jan '21 - 'We scheduled an interview'

March '21 - Interview Approved and same day Oath in Irving!!

March 31 '21- passport book and card received (did expedited)

 

The next step is to update my SS. I called the SS office at the Dallas location but no one answers. I'm hoping it will automatically update in next few weeks, without me sending in any documents. Any input will be appreciated.   

 

Thank you all and good luck! A lot of patience is required, but I think all of us will get there!

 

 

 

Congratulations and thanks very much for posting @bird_seeker_dalla! It is great to hear about the same day Oath in the USCIS Irving, TX office! Dallas office process appears  (at last) to be catching up with other offices which already had the same day Oath process. 

30 minutes ago, eddieboo4321@gmai said:

@bzbee & @DallasDreamy

 

4  More days to go ....... 🥳 

• 345,600 seconds or so ... counting every second 😎

5 hours ago, Patsy P said:

Hi I have my interview next week and was just looking back at my n400 form to study it and noticed that I did not put down my other name used(Maiden Name) will that affect my interview.?

@Patsy P - During the naturalization interview just let the IO know about the inadvertent omission.

51 minutes ago, dnhk said:

Hi everyone,

My English is not good, and I hope you guys understand my situation. This October, I am qualified for applying Naturalization (5-year rule for divorce), but I need to quit my job on September; move to other states, and start a new life in the new state due to family problem. I understand that it will be hard for me to find a job now, and I know I need to live in the new state for at least 3 months before applying for Naturalization. My question is: Will quitting my job and moving to another state affect my applying for Naturalization? Does it affect me badly when I apply for Naturalization under unemployment status?  (I have no tax debt and I pay it fully to IRS every time I file Tax return)

 

Thank you

The requirements for naturalization are pretty straightforward.

• 18 Years old
• Residency requirements that you have to meet
• Person of good moral character
• You have filed all your tax returns that are required
• You have to show that you don’t owe any money in child support (if divorced and if applicable)
• You have to disclose all your criminal cases (if any and if applicable)
• Passing the English and Civics Test

It is true that there is a part of the application where you have to list your biographical information, including listing where you’ve worked with the address for your employment and the dates of employment for the past five years. However as pointed out above by @Lucky Cat being employed or having a job is not a requirement for naturalization. If you are yet to find a job when you file your application for naturalization, don't fret it!  At your interview (if you still are unemployed) and if a question is asked "where do you work?" -  you could say, “I’m in between jobs right now. I’m looking for a job.” 

Regarding your comment "My english is not good.." Recommend you spend some time looking for an English or Citizenship Prep class in your neighborhood.   

(Unless  you can ask for an exemption to or waiver of the English language requirement  in case you qualify for “50/20” or “55/15” English language exemption)

@dnhk - Wishing you the best of luck in your move, new life and finding a suitable job soon!

On 4/1/2021 at 7:58 PM, Gloria asamoah said:

I’m soo stressed and depressed right now I went for my interview for my N400 I’m already a 10 year green card holder I have no criminal records or any thing I’m divorced to my spouse and had all the necessary documents I passed all the texts and then he started grilling me about my ex and why he will help me if he was abusive cos he was that’s what led us to break up the officer wouldn’t understand why when I came to the country I was a house wife and depended on my ex for 4 years he then said my case is too big but made me sign my name change I needed and all the other forms I had to sign then told me he can’t make a decision and gave me decision cannot be made at this point I don’t know what to do I’m soo worried 😟 and also I forgot certain dates from the past he was asking me 

@Gloria asamoah - What has helped me in some of the dark /depressing moments that enveloped me is to think of this entire process as a Marathon and we are at the very near end. Only a few more steps to go.... Yes it IS tiring, stressful, worrisome, lonely, depressing and feels like the weigh of the world is us but just hang in there for a few more steps...... Sometimes, if something is not completely clear for the Officer, they usually seek a second opinion of a supervisor before making a final decision. There are several threads in the forum that started with "A Decision Cannot be Made..." to "Oath Ceremony Scheduled".  

I read somewhere (not able to recall) - Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart. 

You have lots of VJ Marathoners here who wish you nothing but success!!!

4 hours ago, MagentaLife said:

After I entered US I got Work Authorization Card, 2 Year Green Card and 10 year card! Do i have to take all 3 cards to Oath Ceremony?? I have both green cards but Misplaced my work authorization card! Is it gonna be an issue? 

@MagentaLife - I concur with @bzbee . Does not appear that you need the misplaced Work Authorization Card. 

You may want to take a look at the 3rd bullet point of "What to Expect at Your Naturalization Ceremony" at the USCIS Website which states:  "You must return your Permanent Resident Card to USCIS when you check in for your naturalization ceremony. This requirement is waived if you provided proof during the naturalization interview that the card has been lost and you have attempted to recover it, or if, because of your military service, you were never granted permanent residence. You will no longer need your Permanent Resident Card because you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization after you take the Oath of Allegiance."

Soon (ceteris paribus) I bet you will be celebrating and all this will be a forgotten stress point 😁

35 minutes ago, bzbee said:

 

Congratulations to you both 👏

 

Looks like Dallas is catching up on the backlog, that's wonderful!!

 

 

@bzbee and @eddieboo4321@gmai - 9 More days and counting!

23 minutes ago, Texas003 said:

I had my interview 2 days ago and the decision is still pending not approved yet, can I travel out of the country because I already booked my flight  and the departure is this coming sunday

@Texas003 - Generally, the answer is yes (you can travel). While there are no restrictions on  short international travel when you apply for naturalization, or after you have been recommended to naturalize or are awaiting your oath ceremony, one has to take into consideration any COVID-19 restrictions. USCIS will also not permit you to enter its offices for your oath ceremony if you have recently traveled. (14 days prior  oath ceremony in this case). Pl take that into consideration while you plan your trip.

On 3/16/2021 at 7:28 PM, lala_land said:

can anyone let me know whether the hard copy of the oath letter you received is two double-side printed papers (namely altogether 4 pages)? thanks!

@lala_land - Confirming that the hard copy of the Oath Ceremony Letter (N-445) consists of two double-side printed sheets/papers (4 Pages). 

1 hour ago, ioxtremod said:

Hey all,

 

I've sent the TX voter registration form via mail. (The one you found here: https://vrapp.sos.state.tx.us/index.asp)

 

Is that it? They didn't have instructions to include any proof of citizenship or anything else. Just certifying your a resident of texas and an US citizen via that form..

 

Thanks,

@ioxtremod - That is the link that my spouse and children used after they naturalized in 2020 and were able to vote in the Presidential Election. They received a paper communication that they have been registered. Once you have registered, you can check your status at the Texas Secretary of State's You Count Site.  BTW - all those who are registering to vote are certifying,  "I understand that giving false information to procure a voter registration is perjury, and a crime under state and federal law. Conviction of this crime may result in imprisonment up to 180 days, a fine up to $2,000, or both. Please read all three statements to affirm before signing".

1 hour ago, ImmiGeek said:

Thanks @DallasDreamy for tagging me in the above amazing detail. With your kind permission, I would like to enrich my notes with the above text, I hope its okay. 

@seetsuh has confirmed me that Passport card was successfully used for SS updates. Details are also updated into my notes (with sample letter template for SS etc) Thanks @seetsuh.

Note:  The above link to my notes is not pointing to the notes. Here is the exact link (you can also find it in my signature block below) Section 3.3 of https://tinyurl.com/myUSCNotes 

@ImmiGeek- So sorry about that! I meant well but for whatever reason did not paste the right link! Apologies again ... did not mean to obscure your most excellent work!

Just now, MagentaLife said:

Yup only........ 😂

 

Should I book an appointment for passport issuance? What documents do i need for me to take for an appointment? 

@MagentaLife - You should start looking for an appointment at USPS using the USPS Scheduler. Appointments quickly fill up so you may want to widen your search area.  To schedule the appointment (proactively) say on April 26th (Oath Ceremony Day - Afternoon) or later, nothing is needed other than an email address and a phone number. I would also recommend going to the US Department of State and fill out the DS-11 Form using the "Form Filler". This allows you to fill out the form and download it in a PDF format for you to print and take to the USPS. Obviously you will need your Certificate of Naturalization + a Photocopy of it, Passport Photo (You can get it at any USPS that has photo facilities, or CVS). The Fees/Payment can be made by Personal Check or Money Order. You will need two checks or money orders (One for the Department of State  - Application Fees and another to the Postmaster - Execution Fees). 

Decision Points that you may want to think over:

1. Passport Book only or Passport Book + Passport Card (Personal opinion - Apply for both) -  @seetsuh and  @MrKo point out that the Passport "Card" can be utilized to update your Citizenship Status with SSA instead of sending in your NC 

2. Routine Service or Expedited Service ( Fees obviously differ) - Personally I plan of Expedited Service

3. Regular Book or Large Book (Same form factor and cost but obviously the Large Book has more pages) - Personally I will be applying for the Large Book as it will be of use my frequent business related trips.

4. Standard Delivery or 1- 2 Day Delivery - Personally I plan on the 1 - 2 Delivery

Also take a look at an excellent resource by @ImmiGeek - Section 3.3 After Receiving your Naturalization Certificate.

4 minutes ago, MagentaLife said:

Oath on April 26! Can’t wait! 

• Just hang in there @MagentaLife 🤭 Only.....
• 2,419,200 seconds
• 40,320 minutes
• 672 hours

9 minutes ago, seetsuh said:

The Passport Card and Passport Book proofs both Identity and proof of US citizenship, you only need one or the other when mailing off your application if you do not want to send in your certificate. I would suggest getting the Passport Card and use that to update your SSN.

Based on the recent experience of @seetsuh and the valuable link provided by @MrKo (https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210505 ) to update one's US Citizenship status with the SSA, one can send in their Passport "Card" instead of the Naturalization Certificate.  If you don't have your Passport "Card" send in your Passport "Book" or one can wait till the SSA Offices open up (no urgency).

1 hour ago, Eternati said:

Wait if you're mailing your passport card, you don't need to mail your driver's license? I'm a bit confused here because per SSA website and after talking to the SSA clerk, I was told that they need BOTH - Certificate of Naturalization and my driver's license. Maybe it's the list for those who requires the name change, I don't know. Either way, I cannot imagine mailing them my original drivers license and losing the ability to drive for indefinite period of time.

That is quite strange! I assume @Eternati, you are needing a name change for your current Social Security Card post Naturalization? At the SSA website (Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card) when I select the following: 

Who is the card for: An Adult

Type of card: Corrected

Citizenship of the person the card is for: Foreign Born U.S. Citizen

This following is what I see and no mention of sending in Driver's license. There may be others who have gone thru this who may chime in shortly.

Name Change

If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:

• Marriage document;
• Divorce decree;
• Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name; or
• Court order approving the name change.

If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records or if you changed your name more than two years ago (four years ago if you are under 18 years of age), you must show us an identity document in your prior name (as shown in our records). We will accept an identity document in your old name that has expired.

If you do not have an identity document in your prior name, we may accept an unexpired identity document in your new name as long as we can properly establish your identity in our records.

59 minutes ago, Medstardz said:

@DallasDreamy and @MagentaLife Thank you both,  I just got oath notice uploaded to my dashboard 

 

Date and Time: Monday, April 26, 2021 at 10:30AM

Congratulations @Medstardz!!! So happy for you!!!

2 minutes ago, MrKo said:

Yep. According to the SSA website https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210505 , the SSA accepts a valid US passport OR passport cards as the sole evidence, no need to show NC when a passport is present. The above page (SSA official manual) even says this: 
 
NOTE: Due to processing efficiency, if an applicant presents both a U.S. passport and a Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570) select U.S passport for proof of U.S. citizenship.

Wow... This is excellent reference! Thank you!!!

2 minutes ago, Disteny said:

I applied for my passport card too, if the passport card is fine, that would be great, how about the social security card.?

I don't see anywhere on page 2 of the Form - SS-5 that you have to send in your Social Security Card. Others may chime in with their experience.