H&V

March 13, 2013

Not sure about DEERS, but you'll definitely have to inform the SSA and update their records.

http://www.newcitizen.us/after.html

Thanks, have done. Also should've said I'm military spouse, not member. Spouse has updated his clearance and everything. Just wondering if I need to do anything.

March 12, 2013

Hi, I just became a US citizen. Do I need to update DEERS or anything else? Thanks!

Dr. A ♥ O · February 20, 2013

As of today, I am a US citizen! A huge thank you to everybody on VJ who has helped us along the way - answering questions, putting minds at rest and updating timelines. It is awesome to think we have managed to do it from Fiancee Visa through AOS and ROC to Citizenship all without having to pay a lawyer or anyone to help. This place is such a great resource - I hope we can find one similar when we go the other way back to the UK!

Quick Oath ceremony report for those at Fairfax, VA. Notes: based on 3-year marriage, VA resident, military filing but not under expedite.

Getting the appointment:

I was approved at interview on 12/14/12. At the time, I declined a same-day oath because I wouldn't have had time to get a passport for travel we had planned for the holidays (same-day passport place not being open on the weekend). So, I *assumed* (hah, never assume!) that they would just put me in the queue and I'd receive my letter in the mail, etc. At the end of January I hadn't heard anything, so I called the military helpline and was told that they couldn't help because the Fairfax office does the scheduling. Ok, we wait a few more weeks. Next time, got my husband to call, he gets a super helpful person who emails the Fairfax office for us, and we hear back that they thought I was still out of the country and were waiting for me to call them to schedule the oath :/ (no idea how I was supposed to contact them, as there is no phone number/email listed on the website or anywhere else). So, ok. That was last week. Yesterday, I get a voicemail from the officer who interviewed me wanting to schedule my oath - we were told they do ceremonies generally on Mondays or Tuesdays or, could I do tomorrow (i.e. today!). Short notice but figured we should do it because who knows otherwise. I received the appointment letter via email.

Actual ceremony:

Today went incredibly smoothly and quickly, the whole visit was about 40min, the actual ceremony about 10min. We went straight up to the waiting room, the same officer who did my interview checked my form (no problem having been abroad - just asked where and for how long) and took my green card. Then it was through to the ceremony room - there were only 5 of us! Given a pack of stuff (letter from President, copy of Constitution, etc) and waited about 15min. Then another officer came in, told us about what to do with the certificates, etc, and then we all took the Oath. Family could take photos while we did. That was it! No videos to watch or the National Anthem or anything. Plenty of time afterwards for happy photos with the flags, etc. A great day!

February 20, 2013

Very happy to report I can now change my name to red. I am a US citizen!

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6. Red Font="I'm A United States Citizen"!

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N-400: September 2012 Applicants

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USCIS Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox

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==================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|===========

JEFF&MADZ.........|08/30/12.|09/07/12.|09/06/12.|09/24/12.|10/31/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|New Orleans,LA

AMINO.............|09/04/12.|09/10/12.|09/11/12.|09/27/12.|10/01/12.|10/03/12.|11/13/12.|11/13/12.|Charleston, SC WAHEGURU..........|09/04/12.|09/12/12.|09/12/12.|10/04/12.|09/24/12.|--/--/--.|01/18/13.|--/--/--.|NewYork,NY(EB 09/18/12)

RRK...............|09/10/12.|09/12/12.|09/12/12.|10/03/12.|11/07/12.|11/13/12.|12/18/12.|12/18/12.|Mt.Laurel,NJ(EB 12/07/12)

VMM...............|09/06/12.|09/07/12.|09/10/12.|09/26/12.|10/02/12.|11/01/12.|12/03/12.|01/03/13.|Dallas,TX

CHRISTOPHANDEVAN..|09/07/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|12/03/12.|01/03/13.|Dallas,TX

BLUEHILLS73.......|09/08/12.|09/14/12.|09/12/12.|10/02/12.|11/07/12.|11/13/12.|12/13/12.|--/--/--.|Jacksonville,FL

FRANKY8...........|09/12/12.|09/14/12.|09/14/12.|10/10/12.|01/14/13.|01/16/13.|02/19/12.|--/--/--.|Miami,FL

KEVINPHAM.........|09/13/12.|09/17/12.|09/18/12.|10/02/12.|11/05/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Tampa,FL(EB 09/26/12)

FLUTTER95.........|09/14/12.|--/--/--.|09/19/12.|10/04/12.|10/08/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Atlanta,GA

ERIC-PRIS.........|09/17/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Long Island City,NY

QQQUAKER..........|09/17/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Tampa,FL

PHP2..............|09/17/12.|09/25/12.|10/11/12.|10/11/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|11/29/12.|01/18/13.|Dallas,TX

BARCA.............|09/21/12.|09/28/12.|09/25/12.|10/17/12.|01/08/13.|01/23/13.|02/28/13.|--/--/--.|Pittsburgh,PA(EB 10/09/12)

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USCIS Phoenix, Arizona Lockbox

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==================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|===========

LEXIS300..........|08/30/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Santa Ana,CA

NM...............|09/04/12.|09/10/12.|09/07/12.|10/05/12.|10/31/12.|11/05/12.|12/11/12.|12/11/12.|Denver,CO

KLSUN.............|09/04/12.|09/17/12.|09/18/12.|10/12/12.|10/16/12.|11/03/12.|12/07/12.|01/08/13.|San Franciso,CA

COLO .............|09/??/12.|09/10/12.|09/10/12.|10/10/12.|10/12/12.|11/02/12.|12/11/12.|12/11/12.|Denver,CO

ALEX2009..........|09/04/12.|09/10/12.|09/07/12.|09/19/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Tucson,AZ

TIEKEY............|09/03/12.|09/17/12.|09/20/12.|10/07/12.|11/26/12.|12/02/12.|01/07/13.|01/07/13.|Providence,RI

CHANTEL...........|09/05/12.|09/11/12.|09/10/12.|09/26/12.|09/28/12.|11/23/12.|12/26/12.|01/17/13.|Portland,OR

GUNDAS............|09/07/12.|09/13/12.|09/10/12.|09/27/12.|11/07/12.|11/28/12.|02/25/12.|--/--/--.|SantaAna,CA(EB09/18/12) - Original interview was 1/7 but was out of country

MISSDKMRUSA.......|09/11/12.|--/--/--.|09/27/12.|10/02/12.|11/12/12.|11/28/12.|01/03/13.|--/--/--.|??

COHO .............|09/13/12.|09/19/12.|09/17/12.|09/26/12.|11/06/12.|11/17/12.|12/18/12.|12/21/12.|Anchorage,AK ROBERTO1..........|09/19/12.|09/25/12.|09/20/12.|10/19/12.|11/16/12.|11/23/12.|01/22/13.|02/04/12.|Detroit,MI(EB 10/05/12)

SWEETFM...........|09/21/12.|09/24/12.|09/26/12.|10/26/12/|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Arizona,AZ

NESSCAP...........|09/24/12.|10/01/12.|09/26/12.|11/02/12.|11/23/12.|11/28/12.|01/03/13.|02/15/13.|Indianapolis,IN

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USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Military Filing)

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==================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|============

H&V...............|08/30/12.|09/11/12.|09/11/12.|10/12/12.|10/03/12.|11/06/12.|12/14/12.|02/20/13.|Fairfax,VA(EB 09/21/12)

IMABACK...........|09/15/12.|09/27/12.|09/27/12.|09/15/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|??

AIRWOLF...........|09/24/12.|09/26/12.|09/26/12.|10/12/12.|10/16/12.|10/30/12.|12/04/12.|12/04/12.|Charleston, SC

February 20, 2013

Long story, but I found out today I will have my oath ceremony tomorrow! Will hopefully be back later in the week with an update.

January 22, 2013

Hello. I had a 2.30pm (Friday) interview at Fairfax back in mid-December and they did offer me same day oath HOWEVER I do think that may have had to do with us being military, as she made a lot of references to that. In the event, I did not do it, as I wouldn't have had enough time to get a passport before some travel I had planned the next week. I do think in most cases they DO NOT offer same-day at Fairfax.

I am now waiting for them to schedule my oath. There's no rush from my end and the pass/approval letter I got at my interview says to only contact them if you haven't heard anything after 120 days. You can search the VJ timelines here to see average wait times.

You are also able to reschedule your oath once they do give you a date.

For VA residents, the oaths are done at the same place as the interview (I saw the signs for the room there) UNLESS you are changing your name, which needs to be done with a judge at a court OR in some special celebration cases e.g. someone on VJ had theirs at Arlington Cemetery around Veteran's Day.

Hope that helps!

January 20, 2013

Yes they will take your GC at the oath taking (which may or may not be the same day as your interview - if not, you are fine to travel on your GC in between interview and oath).

At your oath, they will take your GC but give you a Certificate of Naturalization (CON). Using the CON, you can apply for a 'rush' passport (even same-day is possible) by using the information here: travel.state.gov List of Passport Agencies - they will issue you a passport there and then if you can prove you need to travel internationally within two weeks.

So if you can give yourself a day or two to do this after your oath ceremony (once you find out the date) before you next have to fly, I think you should be fine.

January 19, 2013

I think the form Kathryn41 linked to above is absolutely the way to go. You'll also need to check Part 3, either question H or I on the N400 for them, depending on whether you request a waiver or accommodation.

Just to be clear, the civics or US government and history test is 100% oral and the book with the 100 questions also comes with an audio CD to learn from. It is the English test which is reading/writing (one sentence for each).

January 11, 2013

You do have to pay the fee. (Only military members applying under Sections 328 or 329 do not). I think you will be applying under Section 319(a), (b) or (e)? I applied to Nebraska under 319(a) and paid the fee.

However you can request a means-tested fee waiver if you qualify using this form

December 14, 2012

Just passed my interview at the Fairfax, VA office Same-day oath was offered (but I declined). I hope the following details may be of help to others in the future as I found the information here on VJ to be very useful in preparation.

I arrived with my husband just before 2pm for a 2.30pm interview. There's a parking garage right behind the USCIS building ($5 for 4 hours). From reception, we went up to the 2nd floor to the Naturalization waiting room (looks like the ceremony room is on the same floor). I was called for my interview just before 2.30pm (my husband stayed in the waiting room).

My IO was very nice and friendly. We went into her office and the first thing she asked me was if I was travelling soon. We are going to the UK for the holidays next week which I told her, and she said, 'so you probably don't want to become a citizenship today then?' I said, no it's fine I will wait (because of having to get a passport and everything). So she called through to the ceremony person to tell them I wouldn't be going.

Then I swore to tell the truth etc and we sat down. She asked for my passport, GC, driver's licence, military ID and for extra proof of marriage. I had my stack of evidence ready to give her (apartment lease, bank statements, utility bills, health care cards, etc) which she looked through and seemed satisfied. I wasn't asked for original marriage certificate or husband's birth certificate but had them with me just in case. Somehow our 2009 tax return transcript was missing from my file (but the others were there), so I gave her another copy and also missing was a copy of our military IDs (which I sent with ROC) - I didn't have a copy with me but she made one after the interview.

Then we went through my N-400 checking all the details, she asked me if I was happy in our marriage, about my job and I what I do, about all the societies I'd listed (some from college!), trips taken (I had taken one since the application and provided the details for that) and all the yes/no questions at the end. Throughout, she asked me things like how long had I been married (asked that twice), how did we meet, about my husbands's military involvement and made nice comments about my husband being there with me. I was a little nervous and misheard her a couple of times but overall the whole thing went pretty smoothly! We both signed the form.

For the test part, she asked me for my lucky number (I guess it must generate which questions you get asked!) and I had:

Who were taken to America to become slaves? (People from Africa)

What is the highest court in the US? (Supreme Court)

Who makes federal laws? (Congress)

How many amendments are there to the Constitution? (27)

What is the name of the Vice President (Joe Biden)

Why did the colonists fight the British? (because of high taxes, taxation without representation) - we both smiled at that one since I'm from the UK

I had to read: What was the first state?

And write: Delaware was the first state.

That was it! I had the check all the details for my certificate and received the piece of paper saying I'd passed and was recommended for approval, and she said I'd receive the oath letter in the mail. The whole thing took about 20min, we were back in the car at 3pm. A really good experience Can't wait to become a citizen next year!

December 14, 2012

Passed my interview today! I was offered same day oath but declined since I'm traveling next week. Plus, I kinda want to plan a party

December 14, 2012

Are they explicitly clear about what documents need to be brought to the interview?

Yes, at least, included with my interview letter was Form N-659, Naturalization Interview Document Check List. You can see someone's copy here (first 2 pages) here

Basically, for the interview you need to take the originals of everything you sent a photocopy of with your initial paper application, plus 'a government issued photo identification' (e.g. driver's licence), your passport, and 'proof of marital union as well as proof of residence'. So don't send all that stuff with the application, but take it to the interview.

December 7, 2012

Thought I'd do some updates on the table. Commenters who aren't on there - let us know your details (office, etc.) if you want to be added.

Congrats to the new citizens! Good luck to those with interviews coming up!

Instructions for adding/updating yourself (or assisting others) to this list:

1. DO NOT DELETE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

2. Please make sure you are using Rich Text Editor as your message setting.

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5. Always use [Courier New] Font and font size [2]

6. Red Font="I'm A United States Citizen"!

====================================

N-400: September 2012 Applicants

====================================

=======================================

USCIS Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox

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==================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|===========

JEFF&MADZ.........|08/30/12.|09/07/12.|09/06/12.|09/24/12.|10/31/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|New Orleans,LA

AMINO.............|09/04/12.|09/10/12.|09/11/12.|09/27/12.|10/01/12.|10/03/12.|11/13/12.|11/13/12.|Charleston, SC

WAHEGURU..........|09/04/12.|09/12/12.|09/12/12.|10/04/12.|09/24/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|NewYork,NY(EB 09/18/12)

RRK...............|09/10/12.|09/12/12.|09/12/12.|10/03/12.|11/07/12.|11/13/12.|12/18/12.|--/--/--.|Newark,NJ(EB 12/07/12)

VMM...............|09/06/12.|09/07/12.|09/10/12.|09/26/12.|10/02/12.|11/01/12.|12/03/12.|--/--/--.|Dallas,TX

CHRISTOPHANDEVAN..|09/07/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|12/03/12.|--/--/--.|Dallas,TX

BLUEHILLS73.......|09/08/12.|09/14/12.|09/12/12.|10/02/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Jacksonville,FL

FRANKY8...........|09/12/12.|09/14/12.|09/14/12.|10/10/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Miami,FL

KEVINPHAM.........|09/13/12.|09/17/12.|09/18/12.|10/02/12.|11/05/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Tampa,FL(EB 09/26/12)

FLUTTER95.........|09/14/12.|--/--/--.|09/19/12.|10/04/12.|10/08/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Atlanta,GA

ERIC-PRIS.........|09/17/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Long Island City,NY

QQQUAKER..........|09/17/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Tampa,FL

PHP2..............|09/17/12.|09/25/12.|10/11/12.|10/11/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|11/29/12.|--/--/--.|Dallas,TX

BARCA.............|09/21/12.|09/28/12.|09/25/12.|10/17/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Pittsburgh,PA(EB 10/09/12)

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USCIS Phoenix, Arizona Lockbox

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==================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|===========

LEXIS300..........|08/30/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Santa Ana,CA

N M...............|09/04/12.|09/10/12.|09/07/12.|10/05/12.|10/31/12.|11/05/12.|12/11/12.|--/--/--.|Denver,CO

KLSUN.............|09/04/12.|09/17/12.|09/18/12.|10/12/12.|10/16/12.|11/03/12.|12/07/12.|--/--/--.|San Franciso,CA

COLO .............|09/??/12.|09/10/12.|09/10/12.|10/10/12.|10/12/12.|11/02/12.|12/11/12.|--/--/--.|Denver,CO

ALEX2009..........|09/04/12.|09/10/12.|09/07/12.|09/19/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Tucson,AZ

CHANTEL...........|09/05/12.|09/11/12.|09/10/12.|09/26/12.|09/28/12.|11/23/12.|12/26/12.|--/--/--.|Portland,OR

GUNDAS............|09/07/12.|09/13/12.|09/10/12.|09/27/12.|11/07/12.|11/28/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|SantaAna,CA(EB09/18/12)

MISSDKMRUSA.......|09/11/12.|--/--/--.|09/27/12.|10/02/12.|11/12/12.|11/28/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|??

COHO .............|09/13/12.|09/19/12.|09/17/12.|09/26/12.|11/06/12.|11/17/12.|12/10/12.|--/--/--.|Anchorage,AK

ROBERTO1..........|09/19/12.|09/25/12.|09/20/12.|10/19/12.|11/16/12.|11/23/12.|01/22/13.|--/--/--.|Detroit,MI(EB 10/05/12)

SWEETFM...........|09/21/12.|09/24/12.|09/26/12.|10/26/12/|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Arizona,AZ

NESSCAP...........|09/24/12.|10/01/12.|09/26/12.|11/02/12.|11/23/12.|11/28/12.|01/03/13.|--/--/--.|Indianapolis,IN

1LUVV.............|09/29/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Chicago,IL

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USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Military Filing)

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==================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|============

H&V...............|08/30/12.|09/11/12.|09/11/12.|10/12/12.|10/03/12.|11/06/12.|12/14/12.|--/--/--.|Fairfax,VA(EB 09/21/12)

IMABACK...........|09/15/12.|09/27/12.|09/27/12.|09/15/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|??

AIRWOLF...........|09/24/12.|09/26/12.|09/26/12.|10/12/12.|10/16/12.|10/30/12.|12/04/12.|12/04/12.|Charleston, SC

November 25, 2012

Just to say I received my IL in the post, I was away so I'm not exactly sure how long it took to get here.

Also enclosed was the 'white form' aka form N-659 which is a pretty comprehensive list of what to bring to the interview (it also says to be 'properly attired!'). Most of it is just the originals of what was already submitted, also passport photos and 'proof of marital union as well as proof of residence' - so I guess I need to round up some utility bills, leases, photographs, etc.

Also for those who have been asking about 3/5-year anniversary dates, mine was 10/29, although that week USCIS was shut in my area because of the hurricane, but I got scheduled the next week 11/6. So even though technically you can interview before your anniversary date (just not take the oath), I think they at my office they do wait until after to schedule you, just my thought.

November 7, 2012

Called the Military helpline this morning and found out my interview is 2.30pm on December 14th! Going on vacation in a couple of days so was worried I would miss the letter.

Updating the table and adding colo

N-400: September 2012 Applicants

=================================

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USCIS Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox

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==================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|===========

JEFF&MADZ.........|08/30/12.|09/07/12.|09/06/12.|09/24/12.|10/31/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|New Orleans,LA

AMINO.............|09/04/12.|09/10/12.|09/11/12.|09/27/12.|10/01/12.|10/03/12.|11/12/12.|--/--/--.|??

WAHEGURU..........|09/04/12.|09/12/12.|09/12/12.|10/04/12.|09/24/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|NewYork,NY(EB 09/18/12)

RRK...............|09/10/12.|09/12/12.|09/12/12.|10/03/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Newark,NJ(EB 12/07/12)