DimaSta4321

5 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Essentially, you're validating US embassy's point your parents have immigrant intent.

 

The more they live in the US the better. There is no black and white rule. At any point, CBP may presume they're not residing in the US. If they only spend 4-8 weeks a year out of the US, it would be much harder to accuse them of not living in the US. The closer you get to 6 months a year out of the US, the more probable it becomes CBP asking them about their travel and life in the US.

They do not want to move here as I said (there was no such intent, they simply want to be able to visit me), but since we were not successful in getting b1/b2 visas for them...due to that reason now seems like the only option left to enable them to visit me is to just move here.

4 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

the best to u in this endeavor

You do need to know the continuous residence laws which are not only for naturalization but for maintaining status as LPR

6 months here and 6 there would raise eyebrows at some point with CBP

if they came and later applied for natualization ,  then yes , they could do this but as LPR its a big risk and not worth it

 

Please read under this topic

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-316/section-316.5

Am I understanding this correctly - if I do sponsor them via I-130, and they move here the continuous residence requirement to maintain LPR status for each of them is to not reside outside of the US for 6 months or longer during one trip & to not reside outside of the US for 6 months or longer in each calendar year ? Is my understanding correct ? 

1 hour ago, Cathi said:

A CR1 visa is for immigrating and LIVING permanently in the US, NOT for visiting. Just because they could not get a b1/b2 visa doesn't mean you can try to play the system, it will have dire consequences on the end.

What do you mean play the system ?

Nobody is playing the system.

Since they could not get b1/b2 visas we will now have to permanently move them here. And of course we will follow requirements of LPR status.

2 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

To clarify: You said you want them to visit, but you are asking questions about their living in the US?  As your parents are outside the US, Consular Processing is the ONLY option.  They cannot enter the US with an intent to stay and adjust status.  I wish you and them well and much success on this, another immigration journey!  Good luck.

Yes, they are outside of the US.

Good point you are making on only consular processing. 

I read USCIS website and it sounded there are 2 ways - but now I see it is not a choice, it is up to where beneficiary is located. 

Thank you!

6 minutes ago, OldUser said:

No I-130 is needed if parents are coming just to visit.

 

They can apply for B2 tourist visas.

Yes, I know this & I wish it was this easy...but unfortunately we tried B1/B2 visa before and they got rejected.

Ofc Embassy does not provide a reason for a rejection.

My parents actually do not want to really move here, they would prefer to visit sometimes. But since we are left with no choice, now I am trying to talk them into moving here because one day I will have to take care of them. 

I researched a lot after their B1/B2 visa denial, and it seems to be a combination of factors potentially:

- I am their only child that they are trying to both visit

- They are planning to travel to visit me together at the same time 

According to my research having a family member that lives in the US (especially the only child) is somehow a potential overstay reason for people on B1/B2 visas and Embassy views it as a risk and a reason for a rejection.

Even tho we showed other things like they do have jobs that must return to, they do own property etc. Decision was very quick and negative.

So, only option to allow them to come visit me, my family, and one day their grand kids is to do I130 at this point.

Yes, that will require them living in the US at least 6 months out of 12 to meet requirements of a GC, but that's ok.

Hi Community! 

How is everybody ? 

I am a US Citizen since very recently, and I am thinking to apply for I-130 for my mom and dad, so that they are able to come visit me in the US.

I was hoping maybe some experienced folks here can help me clarify few questions, and maybe point me in the right direction on this forum to read up useful info! 

1. I see that processing time on USCIS website is ~52 months (based on NBC processing location). Are all I-130's processed at NBC or not ? If no, where are they processed ? I was under the impression that I-130 processing is more like ~12-18 months.

2. I see that there are 2 options on how I130 can be submitted: the beneficiary requests adjustment of status inside the United States or consular processing outside the United States. Am I understanding this correctly - so basically we either ask to adjust status to PR after entry to the US, or before at the US Embassy overseas ? What are the pros and cons of each option ? Is one option faster or easier than the other ? 

3. Another question - does I-130 form ask for passport number & passport info of the beneficiary ? Asking because both of my parents passports are set to expire in 2027, and there is a possibility that passports will expire before I-130 is approved. So, by the time of approval and entry to the US they will both have new passports with new numbers. Is that an issue ? Should we get them new passports now in order to prevent expiration while I130 is processing ?

4. Regarding financial support - it will be enough to attach my tax returns to show how much money I am making per year, correct ? Any minimum required to sponsor each person ? 

Thank you in advance for your help!

14 hours ago, OldUser said:

You must have checked the box in N-400 to update records with SSA and send replacement SS card.

yes, I did! So, there is no need to go to SSA to make updates anymore, right ?

Hi guys! 
I received SSN card in mail 5 days after naturalization, does this mean I don't need to update my records with SSA and it was all done automatically between USCIS and SSA?

Hi all! Wanted to post more detailed review on how my N-400 interview went after I got done with a full process. Interview experience was very interesting, for sure worth sharing.

Here is my N-400 timeline in San Antonio FO based on 3 year rule with approved VAWA case:

7/7/2024: N-400 filed (biometrics waived) 

10/31/2025: Interview Scheduled
12/16/2024: Interview held (case went into additional review)
12/18/2024: USCIS requested more evidence specifically around where I lived 90 days prior to application since I moved last year.

12/19/2024: I responded with evidence.

12/31/2024: Case recommended for approval / Oath ceremony to be scheduled. 

1/25/2025: Ceremony Completed

I never had an interview when my VAWA case got approved and a 10 year PR card got issued - maybe this is the reason for how my N-400 interview was conducted.

My N-400 interview was more like an interrogation that lasted ~ 40 mins. I read online most people get only a 5-10 mins interview, but yes mine lasted around 40 mins. 

In the past I really loved watching FBI interrogations on youtube just because it is entertaining, so I realized that I am in one pretty quickly.

Officer in my interview was not friendly, interview was strictly business. Almost every single question that I got asked was double or triple questioned with psychological tactics of putting my answer in absolute doubt or even directly saying that USCIS got information on file that is not matching my answer etc. Examples: 
- Q: "Have you ever been arrested ?" I answer: "No." (Office pretending like she is reading something in her computer and makes an absolutely SHOCKED facial expression, turns back to me and asks "Are you suuuureee ????" 

- Q: "Did you enter a marriage for immigration benefit?" I answer: "No." (Office pretending like she is reading something in her computer and makes an absolutely SHOCKED facial expression again, turns back and says: "Seems like we might have information that somebody provided to us that you entered marriage for immigration benefit and you paid your wife, could there be someone who would submit that information to us in your opinion?". I answer: "Absolutely not". 

- Same tactic of putting my original answer in doubt was done even for a question about if I have any unpaid taxes in the past 5 years.

*Note: almost every single question was double or triple questioned using the above described methods. 

Interview ended very abruptly as well, I got walked out and the officer didn't even look at me or say good bye, she looked at the floor (not looking at me) and just pointed at the door and said: "that door". That's how it ended.

My case is absolutely legit and real. I wish I didn't go through the experience I had that led to a VAWA case. After N-400 interview I was in a little shock for probably another 30 mins processing what just happened.

Maybe the reason for such extensive and interrogation style interview was because I never had an interview for a GC and also I am no longer married.

Also, if someone would ask me to rate the office I would absolutely give her 10/10. Wow! She is skilled and very well trained at her job! I hope all USCIS officers are as good, so that nobody can abuse the system! 

On 1/10/2025 at 9:32 PM, am2352 said:

Oath on a Saturday? Interesting. May be because they closed on 9th because of Jimmy Carter's mourning, they are open on Saturday -- guessing. What time do you have your oath?

My interview is next week at San Antonio at 8:40am. Not sure if they will offer same-day oath. If not, may be my oath too could get scheduled on the same day (if I clear the interview)...

I posted here earlier - San Antonio FO does not offer same day oath. I asked them this question, they said no.
My oath is at 8AM on a Saturday. I googled a bit, seems that oath on a Saturday is completely normal.

On 1/9/2025 at 10:59 AM, OldUser said:

You can get urgent passport, in person visit is required. Do not apply during ceremony as it will be regular processing time.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html

 

Naturalization certificate is issued at the Oath Ceremony directly, right ? Not mailed or anything ?

Hi all! 

Quick 2 questions:

1. My oath ceremony got scheduled for Saturday Jan 25th - is this normal to have a Saturday oath ceremony ?
2. What is the fastest way to obtain US passport after a ceremony ? I have Intl travel planned 3 weeks after. Can I apply during the ceremony or it has to be done separately online ?

Happy New Years all! 

Here is a quick update on my N-400 case in San Antonio FO based on 3 year rule with approved VAWA case:

7/7/2024: N-400 filed (biometrics waived) 

10/31/2025: Interview Scheduled
12/16/2024: Interview held (case went into additional review)
12/18/2024: USCIS requested more evidence specifically around where I lived 90 days prior to application since I moved last year.

12/19/2024: I responded with evidence.

12/31/2024: Case recommended for approval / Oath ceremony to be scheduled. 

11 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Probably not...

 

 

If they end up rejecting. If I reapply - but then I move again before the interview, is that a problem ? Do I only need to prove residence 90 days prior to application, or also be currently a resident at the moment of interview ?

6 minutes ago, OldUser said:

They'll deny your N-400 if you cannot prove you resided in jurisdiction immediately 90 days before filing. Looks like you didn't think this through before applying. What evidence do you have of living in TX 90 days before applying for N-400? Did you have employment in TX at that time? Did you update your DL at that time?

I didn't update my DL until this day. So DL can't act as a proof of residence.

Employment - I found one document I have but it is dated 4/15 (83 days).

I did stay in a hotel tho before I moved in with that person, so I have a proof of that for a week between April 9-15h. Not sure if hotel is acceptable tho.

Another question I have - I might be required to move back to CA in 2025 (it is the same job, we just have many locations). If that does happen, should I not reapply in TX now in case if they do reject this one ?

Hi all!

Here is a feedback on San Antonio FO N-400 interview today.

I got called approx 25 mins behind my scheduled time.

Interview took ~ 30 mins. CIVICS passed (6/6).

I had an issue with my residence addresses because I moved last year from CA, so basically officer could not have verified if I physically resided in TX or not 90 days before application was submitted.

The issue is that I rented a room from a guy I found on roomies . com temporarily in Apr-June 2024, because the apartment I wanted was not available until like June 16.

Since there is no proof of me renting that temp room from a person (we of course didn't sign any agreement), officer can't be 100% sure. So, no decision could have been made. They will be requesting more evidence specifically for the proof of residence in TX.

As I understood it sounded like where I lived 90 days prior has jurisdiction over my immigration case. But they didn't really explain me what is going to happen (they will transfer to CA for a decision, or reject it ?) Did you guys see anyone with a similar circumstances ? The thing is I would assume CA also does not have jurisdiction because I physically was here in TX.

Other than that - I got asked few questions from my VAWA case, tax transcripts, selective service registration etc.
Side note - I asked USCIS personnel in the building if they do same day oath. Answer was NO. 
For those living in Austin - they said oath location Austin vs San Antonio depends on how busy both locations are. Applicant can't request a specific location.

3 hours ago, am2352 said:

Generally, if your appointment is in the morning, they might be able to do same day oath. For my wife, after her interview, she was asked to wait in the seating area with a lot of glass windows. She was then called at the counter and was given the oath letter. So my recommendation would be dont simply leave the building. See if you can get called at the counter if same day oath doesn’t happen for you. Let us know how all of this went. Mine too is in mid-January. 

Will definitely post feedback here next week! 
My appt is at 08:20AM, so let's see if same day can be offered. I read like 5-10 different San Antonio FO reviews and all said that this FO just does not offer same day oath at all. 

I was under the impression that they either do or they don't. Have you heard from someone who got same day oath in San Antonio ?

2 hours ago, am2352 said:

How do you know for sure they don't offer same day oath ceremony. What time is your interview? For my wife, San Antonio office didn't do same day oath (her interview was at 12:30pm) but she was called for oath the next week.

a lot of people on this forum reported that San Antonio FO does not offer same day oath.

Another question friends - San Antonio FO does not offer same day oath ceremony. My interview is next week ok 12/16. Am I allowed to request oath to be schedule in March 2025 or after ? Or office just places you in line for a next available oath ceremony and I am not allowed to request it to be in/after specific month ?
Asking because I have multiple trips scheduled for Jan/Feb 2025 and I am afraid oath might land on a date when I am not in the US. How should I go about it ?

21 hours ago, am2352 said:

It is to get rid of the sentence "Valid for work only with DHS Authorization Only"... With this sentence, many employers can deny you employment but I dont know if that is true...

I don't have that restriction on my SSN card. But I did get a new SSN card just recently based on my 10 y permanent green card.
Is there any difference between updating SSN card based on a 10 y GC vs as a citizen ? Should I do it again when I get citizenship ?

On 12/4/2024 at 11:45 AM, GreenB said:

About updating Social Security and applying for US passport…

 

I have my oath ceremony today.

 

After the oath, USCIS is giving the chance to apply for US passport at USCIS. I have all my documents ready.

 

My question…to apply for US passport, I need to give them the naturalization certificate as proof for citizenship document. And it may take multiple weeks to get my passport and naturalization certificate back.

 

Social Security office will need the same document to update my record to citizen.

 

If I update Social Security sometime in 2025, would this possibly a problem when I’m filing my taxes for 2024?

 

which one should I prioritize?

 

 

Why would we need to update SSA records to citizen ?
What does it change if we don't ?
I never heard of people even doing it, but I feel like I am missing something. 

On 8/30/2024 at 11:11 AM, Marzipan-59 said:

Nothing yet, but I don't expect to hear back for a while because I applied exactly 90 days before my 5 year anniversary. Hope you hear back soon!

Hey friend, any luck on your interview date ?

On 8/29/2024 at 6:42 PM, am2352 said:

Yes. That’s me. I and my wife applied on the 8/8/2024 with a couple of hours difference. She got her interview notice within 5 days and my application has no updates after that. 

Hello friend, any news on your end ? Got an interview scheduled ?

32 minutes ago, OldUser said:

I never heard of SS card being asked for.

 

Marital evidence, tax transcripts, passports, docs issued by USCIS - yes those may be required. SS card - no.

How many years of tax transcripts do I need to bring ?

Hi all, can they ask for a hard copy of SSN card during the interview ? 

I see its not on the list of "must bring documents". Asking just to make sure, because I lost mine. I do not have a hard card.

Filed 7/7/2024

Interview Scheduled today 10/31/2024

Interview to be held on 12/16/2024

FO San Antonio

Where do I find questions to study and prepare for civics guys ?