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Immigration
Citizenship
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Sharing my unique case
Case received: 1/21/17
Biometrics: 3/14/17
Interview: 9/21/2017
Heres a little background: I was born in India and came to this country when I was six months old. I did all my schooling including bachelors, masters and doctorate all on the East Coast I applied for citizenship finally because my green card and indian passport where expiring at the same time and I did not want to deal with the indian consulate in NYC
Anyway, my interview was schedule at 7:45 but I was not called in until 9:00am. I introduced myself, smiled, and shook hands with my IO. we made small talk until we got to his office. I took my oath, sat down, and he asked for my green card, passport with valid stamps, and ID. He remarked that I should pass this easily since I have been in the US for 26 years..my whole life. He immediately asked me to read and write a sentence, and six civics questions. I got them all right. Then we went through my application. He verified how many times and for how long I was out of the US (3 trips totaling 35 days). He asked about my family, what my brother and mother do, about when my father passed away etc. We went through the addresses I had listed (I was in college so I had 5 addresses in 5 years). Then we verified the questions in the end. I came prepared with my tax returns, Selective service etc. He filed my selective service paper and a copy of my fathers death certificate.
The whole interview was about 30 minutes. At the end of the interview, he said "you passed the exam with flying colors, your application was perfect, and you were pleasant to talk to, however I can't approve your application because you because you became a citizen in 2001" I was like "what?!?!" Then he pulled a paper out of my file and it was a copy of my dads certificate of citizenship. I had no idea he was one and he passed away in 2011. The IO said the law changed in 2001 and if you had 1 parent as a US citizen before you turned 18 and after 2001, you derived citizenship
It was bittersweet because it meant I spent 750 dollars on an application I didn't need. He told me I can apply for a certificate which is 1100.00 dollars or a passport which is 190. I just applied for my passport today.
TIPS:
Be friendly. From the moment he called me In, we made small talk. I asked about his family, about the job, whether he liked it, if he ever gets to sneak out etc. Remember, your application is black and white. You need to add some color during the interview. Be respectful, friendly, and down to earth
Do not focus on prefix NBC, IOE or whatever. I brought up this forum to the IO and he laughed. He said sometimes they go on there are laugh at what people ask. The IO told me PREFIX MEANS NOTHING
They are very backed up. Hartford is behind 4 months, and LI NY is behind 6 months. The IO said it will be worse because of the fear our leader is sparking. He said dont be surprised if it takes >1 year
Traffic violations: I was pulled over for speeding on 7/29/17. Because I did not have my wallet, I had a civil summons. I appeared at the court house on 8/29 but it was rescheduled for 9/29. I did not disclose it because the court told me if i come in on 9/29 with a copy of my license, it will be dismissed and not on my record. Furthermore, my mom had to violations; not displaying handicap sticker and parking in fire zone. she paid one and one was dismissed. we did not disclose it. Sometimes less is more: if you have an offense over 500, dui, dwi, and suspension....report it and have proof
They know everything already. His file had copies of my leases, green card application, original passport application, where i went to school, college etc. even had info from when i was searched at the airport one time for having meatballs in my carry on. Do not lie and be ready to explain yourself
Do not rely on the website. it doesnt work. I had my interview in september and my status still says biometrics...
Bring a US state issued ID with a signature. Two peopl infront of me had european IDs and were turned away
good luck
Biometrics: 3/14/17
Interview: 9/21/2017
Heres a little background: I was born in India and came to this country when I was six months old. I did all my schooling including bachelors, masters and doctorate all on the East Coast I applied for citizenship finally because my green card and indian passport where expiring at the same time and I did not want to deal with the indian consulate in NYC
Anyway, my interview was schedule at 7:45 but I was not called in until 9:00am. I introduced myself, smiled, and shook hands with my IO. we made small talk until we got to his office. I took my oath, sat down, and he asked for my green card, passport with valid stamps, and ID. He remarked that I should pass this easily since I have been in the US for 26 years..my whole life. He immediately asked me to read and write a sentence, and six civics questions. I got them all right. Then we went through my application. He verified how many times and for how long I was out of the US (3 trips totaling 35 days). He asked about my family, what my brother and mother do, about when my father passed away etc. We went through the addresses I had listed (I was in college so I had 5 addresses in 5 years). Then we verified the questions in the end. I came prepared with my tax returns, Selective service etc. He filed my selective service paper and a copy of my fathers death certificate.
The whole interview was about 30 minutes. At the end of the interview, he said "you passed the exam with flying colors, your application was perfect, and you were pleasant to talk to, however I can't approve your application because you because you became a citizen in 2001" I was like "what?!?!" Then he pulled a paper out of my file and it was a copy of my dads certificate of citizenship. I had no idea he was one and he passed away in 2011. The IO said the law changed in 2001 and if you had 1 parent as a US citizen before you turned 18 and after 2001, you derived citizenship
It was bittersweet because it meant I spent 750 dollars on an application I didn't need. He told me I can apply for a certificate which is 1100.00 dollars or a passport which is 190. I just applied for my passport today.
TIPS:
Be friendly. From the moment he called me In, we made small talk. I asked about his family, about the job, whether he liked it, if he ever gets to sneak out etc. Remember, your application is black and white. You need to add some color during the interview. Be respectful, friendly, and down to earth
Do not focus on prefix NBC, IOE or whatever. I brought up this forum to the IO and he laughed. He said sometimes they go on there are laugh at what people ask. The IO told me PREFIX MEANS NOTHING
They are very backed up. Hartford is behind 4 months, and LI NY is behind 6 months. The IO said it will be worse because of the fear our leader is sparking. He said dont be surprised if it takes >1 year
Traffic violations: I was pulled over for speeding on 7/29/17. Because I did not have my wallet, I had a civil summons. I appeared at the court house on 8/29 but it was rescheduled for 9/29. I did not disclose it because the court told me if i come in on 9/29 with a copy of my license, it will be dismissed and not on my record. Furthermore, my mom had to violations; not displaying handicap sticker and parking in fire zone. she paid one and one was dismissed. we did not disclose it. Sometimes less is more: if you have an offense over 500, dui, dwi, and suspension....report it and have proof
They know everything already. His file had copies of my leases, green card application, original passport application, where i went to school, college etc. even had info from when i was searched at the airport one time for having meatballs in my carry on. Do not lie and be ready to explain yourself
Do not rely on the website. it doesnt work. I had my interview in september and my status still says biometrics...
Bring a US state issued ID with a signature. Two peopl infront of me had european IDs and were turned away
good luck
All Replies (5)
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