Citizenship Interview - Decision Cannot be Made (Travel > 6 months) - help!

[zdrzdrzdr]

Hi there,

I had my interview today in Baltimore. All went went, but at the end she ticked a box on the form that said 'Decision cannot be made'. I asked why, and she said that I had a trip of greater than 6 months in the last 5 years.

This is true, HOWEVER... I am applying on the basis of marriage to a citizen, which means that you can apply after 3 years with a green card. The trip in question took place before that. I mentioned this to her but she said she needed to review.

Should I be concerned? Anyone have any ideas on this? It seems so minor, but it is frustrating. Anyone with experience with the Baltimore office know when I should hear back?

Thanks!

[Trinity71]

Hi there,

I had my interview today in Baltimore. All went went, but at the end she ticked a box on the form that said 'Decision cannot be made'. I asked why, and she said that I had a trip of greater than 6 months in the last 5 years.

This is true, HOWEVER... I am applying on the basis of marriage to a citizen, which means that you can apply after 3 years with a green card. The trip in question took place before that. I mentioned this to her but she said she needed to review.

Should I be concerned? Anyone have any ideas on this? It seems so minor, but it is frustrating. Anyone with experience with the Baltimore office know when I should hear back?

Thanks!

If you are married to a U.S. citizen and have had the green card for 3 years, there should not be a problem. Whenever there is any kind of visa overstay, meaning you stayed here illegally at any point and time they are going to look into it. I would think it may delay things a little but I wouldn't think it will prevent you obtaining citizenship.

This is my opinion and not legal advice. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk.

Trinity71

[inadmissible]

USCIS office procedures requires a second agent to review adjudication decisions. It is unfortunate that the adjudicating officer assigned to your case is inexperienced (or poorly trained) but hopefully someone else will catch her mistake and school her appropriately. For all you know, she may have looked up the policy manual after you had left her office, and has already recommended that your application be approved

[zdrzdrzdr]

Thank you both for your help! This is reassuring. Let's see how it goes. I will try to update this thread when I hear back.

[delibubu]

Thank you both for your help! This is reassuring. Let's see how it goes. I will try to update this thread when I hear back.

Hi, do you have any update on this ? I'm kinda in the same situation. thank you

[suziq38]

More than 6 months, But Married To a U.S. Citizen

I had a student with this same problem.

When she filled out her application, she submitted 5 years worth of trips.
She learned that since her husband was a U.S. citizen, she only needed to submit 3 years.

The officer was very nice and helpful. She printed up the page in question, had my student re-write the page, then the officer asked her boss if it was O.K. that she do that.

It is all in who you get as the officer to your case.

i hope you get approval for citizenship. You should.

[new_citizen]

In the same boat!

Thank you both for your help! This is reassuring. Let's see how it goes. I will try to update this thread when I hear back.

Like another poster I'm going to find myself in the same situation with my application. Have you had any updates? Thanks you.