SteveLaura

Just popped in to say hi to a few old timers, and to show off pictures of the kids. Bella is 12, but otherwise definitively a teenager. Leila is 3 and a half. The pictures of me make me look greyer - must be the lighting...

Anyway, hope all is good here. I'm applying for my US passport this week - yep, made the switch to citizenship a couple of years ago, and will be heading back to the UK for the first time this summer since before we were married.

Take Care, all.

You have the option of applying based on a 3 year marriage to a US citizen and 3 year Permanent Residency status or based on a 5 year Permanent Residency status. The choice is yours. If you apply based on the 3 year marriage, then you would include those items listed for a marriage status application. Since you intend to apply based on your 5 year PR status then you don't need to include the other stuff, just the basic list, including the 5 years of Income Tax transcripts. Those are available free from the IRS and are the easiest ways to provide that documentation.

Naturalization is really the easiest part of this whole process. Submit the copies with the application (except where it says originals) and then bring the originals with you to the interview. Since they know they will be interviewing you they don't really review your application in any great detail until you are at the interview. It would be a good idea to bring along your marriage certificate and your daughter's birth certificate with you to the interview as added evidence but you are unlikely to need them - it is just good to have them if they ask.

Once you submit the application you will receive your NOA1 followed in about a month by an RFE notice- don't worry about that - it is what they are now calling the Biometrics appointment. At your biometrics appointment be sure to ask for the Naturalization Study Guide booklet - you can use it to study for the test.

Good luck .

Excellent, excellent stuff. Thank you!

You need:

1. Filled out N400 form

2. Check $680.00

3. Birth Certificate

4. Marriage Certificate

5. Children's Birth Certificates OR 3 years of ITRs

6. Spouse's Birth Certificate

7. Copy of green card

8. 2 photos (2x2)

Couple of additional questions, based on this:

1) The sheet 'Who is eligible for Naturalization' states that if I'm over 18 and have been here for 5 years (plus the moral standing, etc), I'm eligible. The sheet 'Document checklist' states that the other paperwork is required if I'm "applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a US citizen." Now, I am married to a US citizen, but I'm not applying on that basis. I'm applying because I've been here over 5 years & I qualify. If I had only been here 3 years, the other stuff would become necessary, is how I read it. I'll get all the other stuff together, if it's needed regardless, but to me that's not what it says.

2) What are ITRs?

And hi Krikit!!

Let's try this again, shall we? It looks to me like I managed to post a blank page...

OK, so some of you may remember me from waaaay back, and if so, here's the update:

Still happily married to Laura, and now with a 1 yr old called Leila (see below) who is so sweet. Step-daughter Bella is now 10 and is interested in gymnastics and clothes. I'm still attempting to finish my children's book (my self-imposed New Year's deadline for the first draft may be just a tad out of reach, alas), and pretty much everything else is as was, back in the day.

So, apart from checking in (and noticing some familiar posters, if not their new names) I have a quick question:

We're going to be starting my final visa journey with the path to citizenship in the next couple of weeks. I've had a brief perusal of the dreaded USCIS site and I just want to check if I'm reading it right.

I came over via the fiance visa and have been here over 5 years now. Would I be right in thinking that I don't need to submit copies of my marriage certificate/joint IRS forms/mortgage/Leila's birth certificate and whatever else they deem necessary? Is that stuff only if I'd been here 3-5 yrs? All I need is the form, the photos, the photocopy of my green card and the check?

That's it. Hope all is good in VJLand for you all.

Cheers,

Steve (of SteveLaura infamy)

The Biggest Poll EVER! lives! Lumber on, old friend, lumber on.

The people have spoken. The Biggest Poll EVER! has been pardoned. God help us all.

Leila is so so adorable! Thanks for sharing a pic.

Thank you!

As we seem to have what sartorial statisticians refer to as 'a tie', this poll will be kept open for another 24hrs. Thank you for your patience.

It will be a very sad day for me to see the Biggest Poll EVER fade into oblivion. But as I am the last one who actually cares, you must do as you see fit Steve. Never mind that my raison d'etre will be ripped unceremoniously from me and you will be responsible.

P.S. How's the baby?

I understand. I know a lot of people will feel the same. Have you ever considered alcohol? I find it works wonders.

Baby Leila is doing well - over 3mths old now. My parents are coming over for 10 days next month to see her for the first time. My Mum is so excited.

This poll will be open for one week. Majority rule will decide the fate of the Biggest Poll EVER!

Thank you.

Introducing Leila Jade: Born Monday 2nd Nov at 11.32pm, weighing in at a respectable 8lb 5oz and measuring 20.5".

The office will be closed for the rest of the weekend in celebration. I have provided delicious confectioneries, located in the staff room, and a jug of Tang to toast the little doughnut.

Mother & child are doing well. New father is sporting a big grin & bags under his eyes.

Let the Tang Party begin!

Bosco "humbled" by Noble Prize.

Faithful burro Bosco is said to be "humbled and deeply deserving" on hearing the news that he has been awarded the Noble Beast Prize.

"Only very rarely has an animal to the same extent as Bosco captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future," the Committee said. "Plus, that donkey knows how to party," the Scandinavians added with a wink. "If you know what I mean."

"This award demonstrates the hard work he's started over the past few months," said close friend Dr. Dean. "He has been mending fences around the world. Or my backyard, at very least."

Bosco was woken by a particularly succulent carrot to be told the news early this morning. He is expected to attend the ceremony in his honor in Copenhagen later this year, if only for the schnapps and a pending paternity suit.

Let's make this simple.

Treason is generally considered to be:

a) Patriotic

b ) Unpatriotic

Doughnuts for all who wish to play.

Bad posts are generally considered to be:

a) Stupid

B) Not stupid

Dog food for all who wish to play.

You are being VERY MEAN, Mr. Child. If you continue to be VERY MEAN, I may decide to stop visiting here.

If two people are on the same side and one accuses the other of treason...

Then the accuser must be wrong, otherwise they wouldn't really be on the same side. Do I get a donut?

Honestly, people, you're over-thinking this. It's really very simple.

I'm liable to take my doughnuts elsewhere. I mean it.

Note to self: Jenn gets half a doughnut. Some mud. Not too much.

Let's make this simple.

Treason is generally considered to be:

a) Patriotic

b ) Unpatriotic

Doughnuts for all who wish to play.

Depends on whom is making the assesment. The british thought we were unpatriotic by declaring our independence, meanwhile Patrick Henry declared that we could do nothing more patriotic. I like the plain doughnuts from Randy's Donuts (The famous giant donut in L.A.)

You have muddied the waters. You shall receive a doughnut. But it is a muddy one.

If two people are on the same side and one accuses the other of treason...

The rest is the same as above.

Still some doughnuts left, people.

Let's make this simple.

Treason is generally considered to be:

a) Patriotic

b ) Unpatriotic

Doughnuts for all who wish to play.

Yo, rrobin, I'm really happy for you and I'ma let you finish, but SteveLaura has the Biggest Poll of All Time..!

I pride myself on being a thoughtful employer and do not in any way wish to be seen as 'hands-off'. 'Hug Day' is just one of the may measures I hope to implement in the coming months to ensure team spirit is continued in this thread.

Please note: Universal Precautions are paramount at all times. Please utilise the gowns, face masks, disposable gloves and hair nets during hugging sessions.

Further note: Hugging sessions will take place in the staff room from 3pm to 3:10pm. Attendance is compulsory.

Thank you.

*

*'Hug Day' is not an officially recognised holiday. Requests for time off will be considered as part of your paid vacation. Employees are advised to read the Employees Handbook, P94, paragraph heading 'Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace' prior to initiating hugs, especially towards Ms. Velasquez in Accounts.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Except by n00bs.

You'll be hearing from my lawyers: Sue, Grabbit & Runne.

All is well, my children.

Mini SteveLaura will be gracing this poll Nov 14th, doughnut firmly grasped in her little sugary digits.

I can't even go on my hols? Look at the state of this thread!

People, the is the Biggest Poll EVER! Start posting like it is! This thread's 2 year anniversary is imminent and we need to do something extra special to commemorate this momentous occasion!

i agree sister julez and julie..something special..maybe an appearnace by brother steven..

That koeksuster? Nah...

Thank you!

Being hairy will just make it easier for the little tyke to grab on, I reckon.

Official Memo: Monday 18th May 2009 12pm

To: All Biggest Poll EVER posters

CC: Lurkers

Regarding: Fertility Doughnuts

It is with great pride that today we can officially launch the new range of Fertility Doughnuts ! Long have we known the amazing properties of the daily doughnut(s) and the inherent health benefits (Dean, check this), but the holy grail has eluded us. Until now.

For we can declare this day that the Fertility Doughnut is in production. Our beloved co-proprietor of this poll volunteered to test the new product and we can now confirm that the beautiful Laura is 12 weeks pregnant! A delighted Steve says, "I've been on a strict diet of only Fertility Doughnuts for the past six months and it worked! An added bonus is that I can help out more when the baby comes, as I've also started lactating." *

Orders for the new Fertility Doughnuts are limited to 500 per household, so get your supplies today!

***END OF MEMO ***

*Please note these comments have not been confirmed by the FDA.

Does anyone actually leave here? Nah, I'll be back sometime, I'm sure. Just need a breather to concentrate on the Great American (British) Children's Book*. And cheers for the support!

*It does not feature doughnuts. Yet.