bggirl

Thank you, guys, for the kind words and support!! Nick, I know how your wife felt, and I am sure most of us immigrants felt that way more than once while trying to fit in and set up a decent life for ourselves here. My husband, too, says sometimes that I love this country and respect it more than many of the native-born Americans around us . I do feel like I am a "real" part of it now and, with the risk of sounding boastful, I think I do deserve this honor ! For me, becoming a citizen was the ultimate recognition for being a good person and a responsible resident of the country! It might sound a little too dramatic, as for some getting your cerificate is just a bureaucratic detail, that is not how I feel. Yesterday, I applied for my passport at a passport agency, and when I picked it up at the "will call" window, the man who handed it to me said "Enjoy your dream!" with a smile! Somehow he knew this was my dream for all these years! It was amazing because I doubt that he says that to every person getting a new passport!

And the thought that I won't have to deal with USCIS any more is a very warming and pleasant one ! I really need to work on rebuilding my nervous system now after 7 years of immigration headaches . I told my husband I really haven't seen a prettier passport anywhere - I know excatly how much of my time, energy, dreams, etc it's worth! I can't wait to show it at the airport counter when they ask for identification !

Good luck to all of you!

Thank you, guys! I am really glad to share my happiness with you !

Stella, I was not asked to sign my picture at the interview. From reading others' posts, I was a little worried afterward because it seemed like I was the only one on the board to not sign it . Then I asked a couple of friends who became citizens recently, and none of them remembered signing their pictures. One of them even showed me his certificate- the picture is still not signed and he's had a passport for over a year! I asked the lady from the SSA whether the picture needs to be signed in order for them to accept it, and she said "no", so I just signed it at home.

As far as the passport is concerned, I have an appointment at the nearest passport agency next week because we intend to travel soon too! Hopefully, they'll be able to make it happen !

Updating my timeline:

UserName.... Sent........NOA1.......Biometrics....Int letter rec.....Interview.....Oath.........Office

kaino...............................................12/31/08..........2/09/09

pdxBoof....09/29/08.....10/13/08......11/07/08......12/07/08..........1/27/09.....1/27/09....NSC/Portland

mnbinth....08/28/08.....10/29/08......11/20/08......12/09/08..........1/15/09.....1/29/09....NSC/Des Moines

Meg267.....10/06/08.....10/09/08.......5/02/08...............................................NSC/Chicago

Ze Maria...10/07/08.....10/25/08......11/21/08......12/08/08..........1/29/09.....2/09/09....VSC/Baltimore

Chelsea....10/07/08.....10/22/08......11/28/08......12/08/08..........1/26/09.....4/22/09....Houston,TX

brewerFan..10/07/08.....10/24/08......11/12/08......11/26/08..........1/27/09.....3/26/09....NSC/Milwaukee

Avvypudge..10/10/08.....10/30/08......11/21/08......1/2/09............2/18/09................VSC/Newark

bgbirl.....10/10/08.....10/20/08......11/13/08......1/23/09...........3/23/09.....5/01/09....CSC/Las Vegas

thea.......10/11/08.....10/24/08......11/28/08......01/07/09..........02/03/09....2/03/09....VSC/Washgton DC

stiglet....10/14/08.....10/30/08......11/19/08......11/28/08..........12/29/08....2/20/09....VSC/Manchester

TX101......10/15/08.....10/24/08......11/03/08...............................................TSC/Texas

AJ ........10/15/08.....10/30/08......12/09/08......12/27/08..........2/18/09.....2/18/09....VSC/Newark

zhz........10/17/08.....10/31/08......11/21/08......12/26/08..........2/09/09................TSC/Atlanta

tyme.......10/20/08.....11/03/08......xx/xx/xx......1/25/09...........3/9/09.................TSC/Charlotte-Durham

ikinNJ.....10/21/08.....10/31/08.............................................................VSC

Dima.......10/23/08.....11/07/08......11/21/08......12/17/08..........1/29/09................NSC/Indianapolis

T and..M...10/23/08.....11/03/08......xx/xx/08......12/26/08..........2/12/09................TSC/Atlanta

tmman......10/23/08.....11/12/08......11/29/08......02/09/09..........03/03/09...............TSC/Memphis

drs........10/23/08.....11/07/08......11/20/08......12/27/08..........2/09/09................NSC/Cincinnati

kokobearus.10/27/08.....11/01/08......12/03/08......12/27/08..........2/18/09....2/18/09.....VSC/Baltimore

oldahmed...10/27/08.....10/31/08......12/06/08......01/10/09..........2/04/09................VSC/Washgton DC

Virginian..10/31/08.....11/04/08......11/28/08...............................................VSC/Norfolk

I had my oath ceremony today at the Lloyd D. George Federal District Courthouse in Las Vegas :dance: My notice said to appear at 9.45 am, the ceremony started at 11 (that was the second ceremony for today). It was short but a wonderful experience! The brochure said there were 101 people being naturalized today (just at this ceremony). The court room was full, there were even people standing because there were not enough seats to accommodate all the guests. Before the judge came in, a lady from the SSA spoke about the importance of updating our information with them; also representatives of the two senators congratulated us and said a few words. Then each one of us had to stand up and say our name and country of birth. After we were sworn in and handed our certificates, we were welcome to take a picture with the judge, and I did of course . We could also update our information with SSA, register to vote and apply for a passport right after the ceremony. All in all, it was simple, ordered, and short, but great! The representative of USCIS spent quite some time before the judge arrived to explain to us how to sign the certificates so they are not invalid. It seemed like it is VERY important to sign with our full name just as it appears on the certificate, and sign the side of the picture in the same way. He said if we sign it any other way, the certificate will not be good to get a passport, and we'll have to get a replacement (which is costly ). In the packet each of us received there was a sample of a correctly signed certificate. The immigration officer even said we should go home, relax, so we make sure we do it the right way Too bad the SSA's people have to make a copy of it if you want to fill in the application this right after you exit the room. So most of us signed it there and then, without having the chance to relax first . I did too, but left signing the picture for later since the pen would not write on the glossy paper, and used a sharpie at home. We were also told that passports take quite some time these days, and if anyone intends to travel within a couple of weeks, they might be better off rescheduling the oath. Of course, I was not surprised that nobody wanted to reschedule So, that's it! I am a very proud Bulgarian-American and one of the newest citizens of the USA!! I just love the feeling!!!

Good luck to those still waiting, and a very BIG THANK YOU to all the great helpful people in this and immigration.com forums! You guys are to a large extent to "blame" for my successful and free of trouble immigration journey ! Thanks again!

I was in the same situation but for a shorter period of time. I was in and out of the country for the last year but I never exceeded six months at a time, and the IO did record the total days out of the U.S. I would not recommend leaving for more than 6 months, if the circumstances allow it of course. If you have to go back for an extended period of time, it should not be more than 1 year. Then you would have broken your continuous residence (there are exceptions but taking care of family members is not one of them). And make sure you have enough time in the U.S., too.

"Residence and Physical Presence

An applicant is eligible to file if, immediately preceding the filing of the application, he or she:

*

has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (see preceding section);

*

has resided continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing with no single absence from the United States of more than one year;

*

has been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than six months but less than one year shall disrupt the applicant's continuity of residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period)

has resided within a state or district for at least three months."

I think you would not have a problem, just be honest if asked about it. There are very knowledgeable members in this forum, and I am sure somebody will answer and give you peace of mind . When is your interview?

Thank you, guys, soooo much!

Ramanusa, this is the link with my interview experience. If you have any specific questions, send a private message and I'll be happy to answer them.

Congratulations! I just got mine too, and the feeling is awesome

I just got my oath letter today The weird thing is that I had a feeling it could be today of all days My oath is scheduled for May 1 (oaths are held only on Fridays in Vegas). I am soooo happy, I can't wait!! I already started thinking about what I am going to wear

Thank you, guys, for everything! Your advice and moral support were (and still are) invaluable (as banal as that sounds, it is true!!) I will update with my ceremony experience after I am done.

Hey, Lappa,

I am sorry to hear about your interview. But I think Stella is right- the IO is probably not able to make decisions on her own if she is new and inexperienced. So don't worry- you'll probably hear from them very soon and it will be your oath letter Good luck!

Congratulations, Jamie! What a relief, right

Congratulations on receiving your oath letter, Stella08!

I don't have one yet so I am not speaking from experience, but I am pretty sure that is just a standard format they use. At my interview I was told to bring any immigration documents I have received in previous years such as re-entry permits. Well, I never had one of these, but they have ask, I guess . I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just bring whatever you have from the checked boxes, and enjoy the ceremony!

Congratulations!!

Stella, I did the same thing- brought a big bag full of papers, and I did not even had to open it! All I was asked to show was passport, green card, SS card and DL. My IO did not even ask me what I had in that bag In any occasion, it is better to be over-prepared than risk being delayed you never know what they might ask of you

Kasper, sorry to hear that you have to wait for another interview. What about if you make an infopass appointment at your office and ask for IO by name? Maybe you'll have luck, and s/he will be willing to take your evidence early? I know it's a long shot, but you never know

The questions are phrased exactly like in the book they give you when go for fingerprints, and they want to hear the short answers, no need to learn the small lessons under each answer. It really does not take that much studying to learn them.

My "'yellow letter" asked to bring divorce decrees if applying for Naturalization as the spouse of a United States Citizen. However, I was not asked for the yellow letter or the divorce decrees at the interview. (I completely forgot to mention it). I did get stressed over this a little bit when I realized, but then I read it says "unless previously submitted" and I had already submitted these with my application. Cookiee, unless you sent the documents with your N400, since you're applying based on being married to a US citizen for 3 years, you should definitely bring the marriage certificate, proof that your spouse is a US citizen, and divorce decrees, if applicable. Other documents of a shared life might be helpful, too.

Thanks, guys! I wish you all luck on your immigration journeys as well B) And yes, I guess I am now a Bulgarian-American girl and PROUDLY Maybe I should change my visajourney name to usbggirl I'll let you know when my oath letter arrives! Thank you all for sharing my happiness !!

I would say the day they receive it, but not sure.

I wore pants and black blouse with white dots , a coat and scarf, and formal black shoes. I think I might have overdressed a little when looking to the other people waiting to be interviewed. I guess it does not matter that much for the interview but for the oath they want you to be more dressed-up.

Thank you, cookiee, KyngSilva, jasminelily, Immigrant2009, Bituin, Leo and Lioness, Luis&Laura and mooninlove! So, this is how it went:

I am applying based on the 3-year rule for being married to a US citizen. From reading some of the posts online, and just to be on the safe side, my husband and I decided it is better if he comes with me. My appointment was for 10.45 am, we arrived at the office at 10.20 am. There weren't too many people so we figured we should not wait too long. The immigration officers were coming out of a door and calling the applicants by name- the officers all looked in a good mood (or that's what my husband and I thought ). My name was called at around 10.55 am, and a lady walked me to her room at the end of the corridor. She asked me to put my things on her desk but remain standing so she can swear me in. After we sat down, she asked me to give her my DL and green card, social security card and passport (the last two IF I had them on me). The Officer took a look at these and then started looking at the application- she asked me about my address, I gave her the new one and offered her the updated application I had brought with me. She said "no need", and wrote the address on the application she had in front of her. Then she asked about my trips, and I said I have traveled to Bulgaria since I applied and gave her the dates. She estimated the days and added them to the ones I had before that (she did not want an exact day count, just an estimation). She asked if I was still married, and not separated, I said yes. Then she asked me if I was employed, I answered yes, and she replied "That is all I need to know- that you can support yourself". After that she asked me the "yes or no" questions, and asked me to sign the bottom of the application- twice with my signature and once with my printed name. The test followed:

We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

In what month do we vote for President?

Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

Who is "The Father of Our Country"?

Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.

The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

Then I had to read (and not answer) "Who was the first President?" and write "Washington was the first President."

She said she can tell I had been studying . The questions were all printed beforehand on a piece of paper, as were the reading and writing tests. After the exam, we talked a little bit about the difference between the new and old test, and which is harder (I asked her because of curiosity ), and then she put a big red stamp on one of the pages of the file and said "This is the most important stamp of all. It means you are approved!" Oh, my God, in that minute I was the happiest person alive!! She explained to me that it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the oath, and oaths are held on Fridays in Las Vegas at the Federal Courthouse downtown. She also told me how long it usually lasts, where we should park, and so on. She handed me the paper with "Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for approval."and we left the room. While we were walking back outside, I told her about our plans to travel to Bulgaria because my sister is having a baby, and she told me that, if need be, the oath can be rescheduled. I said we'd rather reschedule the trip than the oath . She congratulated me on the interview outcome and my sister on having the baby .

I was out of there in around 15 minutes (my husband said I came out the fastest of everybody . )

So, my interview was over and I came out extremely relieved! Now my own thoughts on how easy or hard it was: I was asked if I was still married but nothing else about our marriage. I had a computer bag full of documents, and copies, and documents again (they were separated on "important"and "not so important"). I did not have to take a single one out. I was not asked any details about my long trip (over 5 months last year), and then my last trip (2 months)- I did have the paperwork for my mom's surgery and medical on me but they were not translated so I hoped I would not need to show them. I also was not asked about the tax transcripts that I had brought - I had only sent copies of my taxes with my application.

The IO was great- she was smiling the whole time, she made me relax with little jokes like "the computer is slow- maybe it's because everybody is going to lunch"; she was not behaving in any superior or uptight manner- very professional and to the point, easygoing and nice! Just the perfect person to conduct an interview

So now I am waiting for the oath (hopefully soon)! Hope my experience helps some of the people here relax and not stress over it as much as I did. I am not saying we should not worry at all because then we might go in unprepared, but maybe take it a little easier B) I wish you all on this board somebody like this lady as an interviewer! And if I missed to mention something, I will be happy to answer to anybody with questions.

I know it's not completely over until I get the oath letter, and I will post it when that happens, but I would like to take this opportunity and thank all the people on Visajourney.com for their help and advice! Without you I would not have been able to file my applications correctly, gather all the necessary supporting documents and be prepared for any scenario at my interview. I also had some peace of mind when reading about people's successful interviews and this helped me get through the process without getting a nervous breakdown! So, once again, thank you all!! :dance: Good luck!

I just had my interview today and I was given the form with "Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for aproval."

I feel enormously relieved and happy! Thank you to all great people on this board for the advice, help and good wishing! I will post my experience later tonight or tomorrow!

I am sorry that is the old test- I did not realize it! I just found the website, liked the format, and wanted to share it, but I had not started studying at that point, so I did not know which is the new and which is the old test. Once again, I am sorry!

Congratulations!!

You'll have to register but it's free and easy and then you can use the testing feature.