DDL
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Posts posted by DDL
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Congrats! May I ask what condition your Naturalization Cert was in when you got it back? I am a bit of a document nut and that one is particularily nice with the gold leaf and the engraving is awesome. I have a high rez scan of it and I'm sure the plates were engraved by masters.
Thank you!
We haven't received the Cert back yet. I understand that they send it under separate cover. I'll let you know, though....
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Cheers everyone!
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I used routine service from post office, and got same kind of processing time. I guess the load for passport application center is low, or they improved the process. Nowadays it will take less than 10 days for routine service, but it is not guaranteed.
It can be changed around busy holiday seasons or something like that.We wouldn't have done expedited if we weren't leaving on a Bahamas cruise B) in a couple of weeks!
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My husband's US Citizenship interview/test/Oath Ceremony was on Nov. 6. We sent his US passport application off the next day. His new US passport arrived in yesterday's mail. 6 working days. Amazing.
Our Visa Journey is now complete.
That's great news. There seem to be so many ways to get a passport, but 6 working days is fantastic. How did you do it? Did it take a visit to the post office? Did you pay expedited? Or the regular fee? Which forms did you include and to what address did you post it? I think we will follow you lead as we would like to travel a couple of weeks after my wife's oath ceremony. thanks and congrats!!! I can't wait for our journey to be over!
Thanks for the congrats.
We just completed/downloaded the proper form (DS-11) online; printed it off; DH took to local "Acceptance Facility" (you do an online search to find out your nearest Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency) - in our case, the Clerk of Court's office (they accept walk-ins - if going through our Post Office they require appointment) - together with his original Naturalization Certificate (which he received at the Oath Ceremony). The proper representative signed the DS-11 after verifying his 2 forms of ID. They in turn then sent the DS-11 and his original Naturalization Certificate to Washington, DC (our counsulate) where it must have been received on the Monday. I am assuming they were closed on Tuesday for Veteran's Day. We kept checking online (you can track the progress online) but nothing was showing up - and then lo and behold, the passport arrived yesterday!
Cost:
DS-11 filing fee with expedited return = $149.85
Acceptance Facility processing fee = $25.00
Expedited cost to mail to Washington = $16.25
One US passport for a UK citizen = Priceless.
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My husband's US Citizenship interview/test/Oath Ceremony was on Nov. 6. We sent his US passport application off the next day. His new US passport arrived in yesterday's mail. 6 working days. Amazing.
Our Visa Journey is now complete.
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you really need to shop around, there's a thread from a while ago somewhere around with shipping companies...
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...128548&st=0
and people's experience's with the shipping companies too, hopefully you can get a better quote than that!
Thanks for the link but that discussion deals with UK-->US shipping - my situation is the other way around.
You're right about needing to shop around! Several online quotes have been coming in and none of them are even CLOSE to one another!
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I know that a lot of us are curious about the cost of shipping household goods from the US to the UK. In anticipation of our own move back to the UK [hopefull] early next year, we are seeking quotes from local shipping companies. The first one (from Mayflower) has now come in, so I thought I'd share.
For what little we own, I am shocked at the cost! We will be obtaining other quotes, but I really don't think we'll see much difference.
Looks like we'll be selling/giving away to the kids and making the return to the UK with only our clothes.
Before you read on, please know that:
a) Our home is only 944 sq. feet and there are only 2 of us.
B) Our furniture consists of : LIVING ROOM tv cabinet/one sofa/two wing chairs/ a coffee table/one small side table/two end tables/a 3-shelf etegere; DINING ROOM 36" round table with four chairs/side arm chair/single bookshelf/side table; DEN computer table/small chest/small bookshelf/recliner chair/two computers; KITCHEN glassfront cabinet/small drop-leaf table with two chairs; BEDROOM one king-size poster bed with mattress/box spring/two nightstands. THAT'S IT!
c) Other items for shipment: pictures on wall/dishes, pots and pans, etc (very small amount)/linens (very small amount)
d) No appliances/lamps; no garage items (tools)
Here's the quote:
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It is based on 4,400 lbs/650 cubic feet (20' container), and it includes the following:
1) Packing
2) Positioning container to be loaded
3) Shipping via ocean
4) Customs Clearance
5) Unpacking
6) Minor setup of furniture
7) Removal of debris(if needed)
Your quote for this is $5900.00
This does NOT include insurance, that is $30.00 per $1,000 of value declared by you, NVOCC, 3rd party charges, X-ray/Customs Inspection charges.
Seperate quote for moving your 2005 Saturn Vue will be $1800.00 (which we will not be taking but we were curious about what it would cost to ship)
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My husband's US Citizenship Interview/Exam was held 06 Nov at the Charleston SC Field Office. His interview was scheduled for 10:20am. Despite there being hardly anyone in the waiting room, it took 30 minutes before he was called back.
The interviewer reviewed his paperwork and as he was signing certain papers, she was asking him the test questions. He answered the first six correctly so she did not proceed with asking him the other four questions that were on the computer screen. He said they were easy questions - mostly about the US flag, who was the current President, etc.
In reviewing his file, she specifically asked him how many times he had been married (3) and how many times I had been married (this is my 3rd marriage as well). My husband said that the interviewer was very good at spotting - and then clarifying - things that she was not 100% clear about.
Everything was moving along well until ..... she looked at the sheet that listed his children (he has 6 - all adults except for the youngest, a 16-year old son). She asked, "Where does (son's name) live?" to which he replied, "In England with his mum." To make a very long (and nerve-wracking) story short, she brought into question my husband's "good character" (a requirement for US citizenship) because when asked, he told her that he did not pay child support. He explained to her that his ex-wife is remarried, financially independent, and that he and his ex-wife have had an understanding since the day of their divorce that there would be no child support. My husband has, over the years, provided on his own in many, many ways for his son - and continues to do so. But this was apparently a red flag. She looked at the UK divorce decree (which had no mention of child support) and then she left the room to talk with her supervisor. She eventually returned, and did not mention anything more.
Finally, she stamped his sheet APPROVED and told him to return at 1:30 for the oath ceremony which was a HUGE surprise to us because we didn't think the ceremony would be on the same day. Apparently, they are processing close to twenty applications a day in Charleston and doing daily oath ceremonies to keep things from backing up any worse than they already are.
The oath ceremony ended up taking place at about 2:30 - it took that long for everyone to review their Naturalization Certificates and sign. All the applicants raised their right hands and read aloud the oath from a piece of paper, recited the Pledge of Allegiance together, then were called up one at a time (they were seated in their A-number order) to receive their certificate. We were allowed to take pictures throughout the entire ceremony. I think there were 17 or 18 people - from places like the UK, South Africa, China, Canada, India, Russia, and a couple of other countries. It was all over by 3:00, and both me and hubby had to return to work.
We have since applied for his US passport, and will go to Social Security office to change of status from Permanent Resident to US Citizen; apply for his voter registration form; etc. We're withholding any "official" celebration of his citizenship until our cruise to the Bahamas in two weeks!
We can't believe this 52-month journey is finally over. It started with an I-130 in London in July 2004, and ended with an N-550 in Charleston in November 2008. We could never have done this so efficiently if it weren't for this forum and the support, encouragement, help, advice - AND FRIENDLINESS - of everyone here. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
Fondly,
Denise and Tony
Charleston, SC
P.S. to Moderators: I've updated our Timeline.
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Congratulations and may God bless you!
I am from SC for some reason I had to go to NC for my fingerprint when I was adjusting my stats to permanent resident but went to Charleston, SC for the Interview so should I say that my local office is Charleston, SC or Charlotte, NC? I need to know so that I can update my profile!
I would think the office that adjudicated your final status - Charleston, SC - would be your "local office".
Many congratulations to you, my friend!
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LOL, how did you know to bring your camera and have your husband wear proper attire?
We didn't know to bring a camera. It was 11:30 when the interview finished and we didn't have to be back there for the oath ceremony until 1:30. We wouldn't have even thought about a camera but the nice security officer on the way out suggested we go buy one nearby because we would be allowed to take photographs during the ceremony - which we did. It was really nice of him to remind us of this! As far as "proper attire" is concerned, my husband happened to have a job interview earlier that morning so he had a nice suit on.
He should have brought his green card for his interview
He did bring his green card to the interview. Plus, our marriage certificate, his UK passport, our original divorce decrees, and just for "insurance" he also had his personal file folder with him that contains copies of everything we have ever sent to or received from USCIS.
but what about his oath letter? Was that mailed to him?
No, he did not receive an oath letter. The interview was at 10:40 and the oath ceremony was at 1:30 the same day.
Was he a good boy between those couple of hours between the interview and the oath ceremony? No trips out of the country or felonies?
ha ha Yes, he was a good boy! We went out to lunch and stopped by Target to buy a camera.
Gee, that would have been great for us too to have the oath ceremony the same day, but I had to remind my wife to be good until her oath ceremony was completed.
It's strange they would make an issue out of child support after he already got his conditional and ten year card.
That's what we thought. He was really sweating it there for a few minutes.
Wife and I were both married once before, her interviewer demanded to see both our original divorce papers, and even wanted to keep them. Wife said, no way, those papers cost a fortune, but you have exact copies. Her interviewer checked them over. Seems like we went through this before with the USCIS, but maybe I was just dreaming.
Well, in any event, best wishes to you for the future! Thanks for your nice reply.
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My husband's US Citizenship Interview/Exam was held today at the Charleston SC Field Office. His interview was scheduled for 10:20am. Despite there being hardly anyone in the waiting room, it took 30 minutes before he was called back.
The interviewer reviewed his paperwork and as he was signing certain papers, she was asking him the test questions. He answered the first six correctly so she did not proceed with asking him the other four questions that were on the computer screen. He said they were easy questions - mostly about the US flag, who was the current President, etc.
In reviewing his file, she specifically asked him how many times he had been married (3) and how many times I had been married (this is my 3rd marriage as well). My husband said that the interviewer was very good at spotting - and then clarifying - things that she was not 100% clear about.
Everything was moving along well until ..... she looked at the sheet that listed his children (he has 6 - all adults except for the youngest, a 16-year old son). She asked, "Where does (son's name) live?" to which he replied, "In England with his mum." To make a very long (and nerve-wracking) story short, she brought into question my husband's "good character" (a requirement for US citizenship) because when asked, he told her that he did not pay child support. He explained to her that his ex-wife is remarried, financially independent, and that he and his ex-wife have had an understanding since the day of their divorce that there would be no child support. My husband has, over the years, provided on his own in many, many ways for his son - and continues to do so. But this was apparently a red flag. She looked at the UK divorce decree (which had no mention of child support) and then she left the room to talk with her supervisor. She eventually returned, and did not mention anything more.
Finally, she stamped his sheet APPROVED and told him to return at 1:30 for the oath ceremony which was a HUGE surprise to us because we didn't think the ceremony would be on the same day. Apparently, they are processing close to twenty applications a day in Charleston and doing daily oath ceremonies to keep things from backing up any worse than they already are.
The oath ceremony ended up taking place at about 2:30 - it took that long for everyone to review their Naturalization Certificates and sign. All the applicants raised their right hands and read aloud the oath from a piece of paper, recited the Pledge of Allegiance together, then were called up one at a time (they were seated in their A-number order) to receive their certificate. We were allowed to take pictures throughout the entire ceremony. I think there were 17 or 18 people - from places like the UK, South Africa, China, Canada, India, Russia, and a couple of other countries. It was all over by 3:00, and both me and hubby had to return to work.
Tonight, we've been working on his US passport application; Social Security paperwork (for change of status from Permanent Resident to US Citizen); local voter registration form; etc. We're withholding any "official" celebration until our cruise to the Bahamas in three weeks!
We can't believe this 52-month journey is finally over. It started with an I-130 in London in July 2004, and ended with an N-550 in Charleston today - November 7, 2008. We could never have done this so efficiently if it weren't for this forum and the support, encouragement, help, advice - AND FRIENDLINESS - of everyone here. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
Fondly,
Denise and Tony
Charleston, SC
P.S. to Moderators: I've updated our Timeline.
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I'd like to start planning a surprise party for my husband to be held after his swearing-in ceremony.
A girlfriend saved leftover patriotic red/white/blue party supplies from an event for me, and I've already ordered a flag that was flown over our state capitol. Would love to hear about your own celebration or ideas you have for a citizenship party. Thanks, everyone!
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I know this question has been asked over and over but I am getting so cranky!, waiting is so hard!, every day I go to pick up my mail and...nothing...any hopes that I might get my interview appointment soon? Sent my N-400 at the end of August, had my biometrics done 15 days ago exactly. I know you guys are probably thinking I'm just insane but I kinda hope you guys could give me some words of encouragement?... Thank you
My words of encouragement are: BE PATIENT. IT WILL HAPPEN!
We sent my husband's N-400 at the beginning of August. 2007. Just last week-end he received his interview letter. It's very frustrating, I know, when you see other people getting their notices, etc., but at the end of the day there's nothing you can do about it. Hang in there and let the system work -
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Many congratulations to you both!
Your post certainly resonated with me. My husband's journey began in London on July 9, 2004 with an I-130. During the past four years we have submitted all the necessary paperwork - and $$$$ - in an organized and timely manner. Never received an RFI on anything. For us, it has simply been a waiting game - but we knew our day would come. And on Saturday, it did. He received his interview notice which is set for November 6.
It's all been a real learning experience for us. Thanks to everyone at Visa Journey for all their support, encouragement, and feedback over the last four years.
Denise and Tony
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It's finally arrived! My husband's interview notice.
Nov. 6, 2008 is the date. We are so excited! It's been such a long, long wait for us.Heard life was a little slower down south, but an additional ten month wait is ridiculous. But far improved from what is was one or two years ago. Ha, any changes since you have sent in your application? Well, we have ten children now, and 50 grandkids, and we both been retired now for fifteen years, they also invented electricity and the printing press, oh, and we traded our horse in for one of those new fangled horseless carriages.
Now for the civics test, who is the president of the United States?
Teddy Roosevelt was when we applied, let's see, (counting on fingers).
Good luck is not running into traffic jams and getting a fair interviewer, the rest is up to you, should be taking the old 96 question civics test yet. Recently been sticky on tax returns with 1099's and W2's, but who knows what will be their bug this week.
LOL Very good!
We knew that the Charleston office was one of the slowest in the country, but I must admit it's been very trying. Unfortunately, we were one of those whose application was submitted just after the fee increase. Alas.
Thanks for the good wishes, everyone! Now we just hope that they don't schedule the swearing in ceremony the week after Thanksgiving while we're away on our cruise!
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By the way, I just wanted to point out that according to the Charleston SC Field Office their N-400 processing date is March 27, 2007. Our N-400 priority date is August 13, 2007 so - as we have been "warned" many times in this forum - don't put too much stock into the processing dates we see on USCIS websites
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It's finally arrived! My husband's interview notice.
Nov. 6, 2008 is the date. We are so excited! It's been such a long, long wait for us. -
Already one of the slowest local offices, Charleston, SC's N-400 processing date went backwards, too. Last month, it said they were processing N-400's from July 6, 2007. (Our's was sent in Aug 07.) Today's update shows a date of April 24, 2007.
It has now been almost 13 months since submitting our N-400. Soooooo annoying.
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I got my new interview date today - 19 June, 5.30pm --10 weeks after original date!
Annatenna,
As you and I have both more or less been on the same road throughout this journey, I had tomorrow (June 19) marked on my calendar so I could remember to wish you the very best wishes for your interview!
It must be an absolutely extraordinary feeling to be so close to finishing, and both Tony's and my thoughts are with you! You go, girlfriend!!!!!
Denise
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The most ripped off are August-September filers, they actually PAID higher fees for this recent speed up of Feb-March 08 cases while waiting themselves.
For sure! Not only are we an August filer, but our District Office is Charleston, SC - one of the slowest District Offices in the system. It's sooooooo frustrating, but we're patiently waiting!
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WOW Denise... I wish you good luck...
Have you called anyone? Try calling USCIS at thei 1-800 number...they know more than they are saying they do...for example when I check my status on line it says the same thing since October...when I called the 1-800 number it says the same thing from the website "case received oct and pending...our operators don't have any more info" but when I called them, they put me on hold for 1 min and then they were able to check their system where it was saying that I was reffered for approval...so CALL THEM!
I wish you all the best!
Thank you, but no real point in calling - our local office is Charleston, SC who is on a 14-month wait time for N-400 processing. This is definitely a test of patience!
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I am getting ready to contact my local office.,..it's been 5 weeks since my interview and no notification for the oath..this is getting ridiculous!!!!
Sent my N-400 on August 11 @ Nebraska Office
Check cashed in on Oct 31st !!!!!!!! 3 MONTHS!!!!!!!
FP were on January 14
Interview was in April 8...approved
Ridiculous? Not! Look at my timeline:
now THAT'S ridiculous! You are lucky - count your blessings.
Denise
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I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
It's OVER!!! I'm now a citizen of United States of America.
I enjoyed the ceremony even though it was a little long... and there were a lot of crying children/babies.
There were 129 people receiving the citizenship today at St. Paul ceremony. I got there around 9:30am to check in.. handed the lady my oath letter and green card. The ceremony started at 10:30am. Friends and family members are allow to take as many pictures and they actually were seated right next to our seating areas. Everything was done within 45 minutes..and they just handed out your citizenship cert by your seating number.
That was it.. I'm so glad my N400 has finally completed.
Thanks for all your support and help guys.. I'll be around!!
Good luck to all of you waiting!!
Tena
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We filed in early August and have heard nothing yet. Our local office is Charleston which is apparently one of the s.l.o.w.e.s.t. Sigh.
U.S. Passport in less than 10 days!
in US Citizenship General Discussion
Posted
Hello Annatenna! Great to hear from you and thank you! It's been a long journey for us, hasn't it? Hope you get that trip back home in the spring. As for us .... we're repatting.
Can you believe it?! Then it's MY turn for Citizenship - in the UK!
Hope all is well with you - take care,
Denise and Tony