ria_s

Hi Guy. Just wanted to know if being a US citizen will now qualify me for government assistance specifically food stamps? I was working since I migrated here in the US three years and got my US citizenship just recently. I know as an LPR I couldn't get it unless I have been one for 5 years or have had 40 work quarters. Will being a US citizenship make me eligible for it now or am I still under the 5 year/40 work quarters waiting period? I was recently let go from my job and am now searching for a new employer.

For those that reply, thank you.

My main interview consisted of only 6 questions. Prior to that, I was asked to read a line. And to also write an answer to a question. Waiting for the interview itself was longer than the actual interview. Then I was told to come back for the oath taking ceremony in the afternoon.

Thanks a whole lot, Dave!

Go here to find out about Portland Field Office

Naturalization Information:

The Portland Field Office conducts Judicial Ceremonies once per month and also offers same-day administrative naturalization ceremonies for those candidates who have met all requirements at the morning naturalization interview. The

Portland Field Office also hosts a number of special ceremonies every year.

You can go here to see if there is a closer ASC closer to where you live for the bio appointment.

Good luck,

Dave

It is NOT true. Everyone must go for an interview for citizenship.

Was kinda hoping that wouldn't be the case. Oh well. Where can I find out whether or not Portland can do interviews and oath ceremony together in one appointment?

Hi,

I just filed for the N400 and have already received an appointment letter from USCIS. It is only however for the biometrics and nothing else. We have to make a 3 hour drive though to Portland OR just to do this. I am wondering why I am doing this again when they received my fingerprints etc when I removed the conditional status of my residency.

Also I am leery of receiving another letter stating a different date for an interview cause that would mean another drive out to Portland. I read on the USCIS page that not everyone is asked to do an interview. Is that true? I am applying citizenship due to marriage and submitted all the correct paperwork. No arrests, no traffic violations or issues that would compromise my application. Just wanted to know if there is a way to make the least amount of trip.

Thanks in advance to everyone who helps out!

Ria

I would wait till you get the tax returns in the mail because its listed specifically on the document list that they want it.

You shouldn't need the utility's to be sent with it, bring those later at the interview.

USCIS has a great document check list you should check out. http://www.uscis.gov...attachments.pdf

You also don't have passport photos listed and you will need those.

Thanks for the advice. I do have the passport photos and they just didn't get added to the list.

Hi VJ members,

I have just become eligible to apply for US Citizenship and I am trying to gather documentation to submit for my application. What would you guys suggest to submit? I know there was a list on a sticky regarding the process but just wanted to know what everybody submitted. Also on the tax returns, has anyone submitted non-certified tax returns and were approved? I have all of the paperwork already except for the tax returns. Just wanted to also know if I need to wait to get IRS certified tax transcripts for the past three years or just submit what I have now.

My list so far are:

Bank statements

Hubby's divorce decree

Son's birth certificate

My birth certificate

Hubby's birth certificate

Our marriage certificate

Front & back of old permanent resident card

Front & back of new permanent resident card (after removal of conditions)

Utility bills

To all the people who respond, thank you for the assistance!

Ria

Making child support payments is a question on the N-400, known of some that had to provide proof with receipts.

You were given the opportunity to answer this question truthfully and honestly, but for whatever your reasons, you elected not to do so. So why are you making an issue out of it now? This is showing lack of integrity on your part.

just would like to know who the statement is being addressed to, the member or the member's daughter's father? looks like it's the daughter's father that was negligent with the child support payments and based on member's post, probably got citizenship with a lie.

We applied in November for ROC AND lo and behold just got notice I've been approved yesterday. No green card yet though; supposedly it'll come within 60 days.

v

What should you wear to a biometrics appointment? I know they only take photos and fingerprints but should you be attired a certain way? Thank you!

He is a great American. The best part is he retired to save his marriage.

Maybe so but is that really a record you want to hold?

Maganda po sana kung meron nang established grupo na sasali nalang ako. Asan na ba mga Pinay sa Central Oregon????

Maganda po sana kung meron nang established grupo na sasali nalang ako. Asan na ba mga Pinay sa Central Oregon????

No man is an island. Especially a Pinay apparently. It has been a busy first year with the baby and all but I would like to have friends from Pinas here. So is there anybody from VJ that live in Bend, Redmond or Prineville OR? Sistahs a shoutout naman oi! Pinay girl looking to make a connection. My name is Ria from Tacloban City, Leyte now living in Prineville OR. Magparamdam naman po kayo!

a

This is a much better statement than the previous one.

Your observation is correct but it's not just a Philippines thing it's more like an Asian Culture thing. Asian families are much more connected to their extended family than the average American family is. We do holidays together, they live in multi-generational houses.

Iv'e seen my wife have stronger connections to her cousins than many Americans have to their own siblings. They consider cousins' kids as their nieces & nephews.

It really is a beautiful thing. But like most great things there are always those who distort and twist it for their own purposes. Your average Filipino is a proud & hard working person. Unfortunately some have come to the conclusion that they don't need to do their fair share and can just live off the rest of the family without contributing. These are the ones who just want to get to America for the better life.

She sounds like the typical Filipina you read about on here who has grown up thinking American's are rich simply because they make more money, not realising they have to SPEND more money too. It could also be her family is pressuring her saying her "rich american" should be able to come visit. It could be she's just a spoilt brat.

No matter the reason, what do you tell her? Do you tell her money is tight? Do you tell her you won't have much money? A LOT of issues I read on here about Filipino couples is the guys not realising they're "supposed" to send money back to her family. That the women have no concept of how money works in the US and spend spend spend thinking it doesn't end.

What bothers me is you're about to get the visa and you haven't had the money conversation? It sounds to me like she's expecting to have lots of money.. it is NOT going to be easy. You should talk to her about her working to contribute to the household income or what not.

Typical Filipina???

:blink:

What kind of celebration was she going for? Back home in Pinas, pansit and lechon manok and ice cream are cheap enough celebration fare. I'd say $15-25 would have been more than enough of a budget for me celebrating my birthday in Pinas. That might even get me several kilos of roasted pig meat.

The call center is about an hour drive from where she is but she said she is going to look into working at the call center. She currently lives in Dulag in Leyte so I am not sure exactly where the call center is there. Do you know what the pay is for working at a call center? Does your sister recruit for the call center in Leyte? Maybe she can help Haidee get a job. Also, she took the exam for nursing license twice but did not pass. She seems to be so frustrated that she does not want to study any more. I think also that she just does not want to deal with the emotional stress, but I think if she really did want to end it, she would have broken up with me over this a long time ago. It is very hard for me too and I see all the people out with their significant others which makes me sad, however, I am so in love with Haidee that I manage the emotional stress (as best I can) and will wait until we are able to complete our journey. I feel that if it does end up being two years of waiting, to spend a life time with the person I love, the two years eventually will seem like the blink of an eye...

Also, which center did your application get sent to? We got our NOA2 after only 4 months. Have you tried to call them to see what is going on with it? I would have thought you would get a response by now.

Thanks BobGee. Your post as well as the one above gives me hope.

I am not so sure Luckytxn. I mean if she wasn't in love, why would she stick with me for this long? I think she is telling me things out of emotion but its not really what she wants to do. I appreciate your post.

Nearest call center I know in Leyte is APAC. But it is in Tacloban, which is several towns away. My cousin lives in Dulag and I know she commutes to work and back everyday since she works in Tacloban. The pay isn't as great as the call center in Cebu. If she were to get a job there, she'd have to move to Cebu. I worked in a call center in Cebu while my husband and I were getting to know each other. I was there for six months but then had to go home because of family matters. It was a grueling six months though. We emailed each other everyday and chatted on weekends. I had to go to an internet cafe every Saturday and Sunday. It was hard on us because of the time difference. My husband spent his weekends for months staying up all night chatting with me.

I am glad those tough times are over. Anyway, if she wants to do the call center route, it is doable.

Yeah, that's tough, that's guilt tripping right there. I can get she'd want the support, but reassure her that the interview will go okay - and call you before and after she goes in to at least offer something for support. The process is stressful (and maybe she hasn't seen you in person in awhile?) so check into what else could help her out for the interview, maybe her bringing a family member or friend?

You could also go into your schedule too (along with money expenses on how much money comes in and out). My fiance probably won't be at my interview because taking time off work = more money lost.

And I guess you could also point out theres high cost in paying for the blasted K-1 visa process, then have to pay for moving, then have to keep money saved for wedding, honeymoon, and money to keep you both afloat until she is able to work.

I went on mine on my own. I was a bundle of just jittery nerves. It went well though and far easier than I had expected. But then again, hubby and I were married before the Visa interview so the interviewer really didn't have much to ask me. Plus I came armed with a thick pile of "evidence." My mom came with me on the trip for moral support. But she waited outside.

We got ours with Blue Cross Blue Shield, coverage was about a dollar a day per person, more for under 2's.

What's the deductible on it?

We're in a similar situtation. Who did you get your short term medical coverage with? And what are you're monthly payments like?

We're at low $100+ but that's including my husband. We get wellness and tobacco credits since we both do the health risk fair and we both don't smoke. I've seen some healthcare plans but they either just have too high a deductible or too high premium rates. My health insurance plan is through a self-funded company.

We were at Walmart for the midnight rush. My husband and I were just in there to see what all the hype was. The store was full of people with carts that had 40" tvs. Some even had two! Needless to say the price was too good to pass up that hubby and I waited in line for one since there was a limited supply. I didn't see any punching or cat fights over linen. Overall, I am considering doing it again next year.

I was in the same situation as you were. No verifiable employment history for potential employers and no degree. I applied for everything under the sun though. I had one interview at Macy's that went well but I didn't get. Then I got hired as a customer service specialist for a self-funded health insurance company. I am still amazed I got hired. But it was two months of cruising the ads, the forums etc before I landed a job. For my job, I think it was the call center experience I had that helped. My employer was in need of agents badly. I breezed through training so they could get me on the floor quickly.

I love my job though. Pay is great, my coworkers are friendly and helpful. Anyway, don't lose hope. You'll land yours soon.