Citizenship

Hi guys, I have an upcoming combo interview on March 6th in Oakland park, Florida. It's marriage base, 3 years rule.

November 3rd, 2021 filed I-751
November 30th, 2021 fingerprints were reused.
N400 filed on December 7th, 2022
Dec 8th, 2022 received biometrics were reused
Dec 13th case was being reviewed
January 17th, 2023 interview is scheduled
January 24th ,2023 receive the interview notice in the mail. The is interview is scheduled for March 6th. I'll keep you updated after my interview guys. Thank you.

Hi guys. I have always been reading this forum, which helped me ease my anxiety during my journey and now it is my time to pay it forward.

My N400 Timeline in Las Vegas, Nevada (Marriage Based):

04/25/2022 Applied Online
04/25/2022 We received your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and sent you a receipt notice.
04/25/2022 We are actively reviewing your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Our records showed nothing is outstanding at this time.
04/25/2022 Biometrics Reuse
10/29/2022 We scheduled an interview for your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. (For December 12, 2022)
12/06/2022 We cancelled the scheduled interview for your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Letter saying: This is to advise you that, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to cancel the previously scheduled interview. They also gave me a call and said they will have to reschedule it and that I should have another interview within 2-3 weeks of my original interview.
12/09/2022 We scheduled an interview for your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. (For January 18, 2023)
01/18/2023 Interview day. Approved on the spot.
01/18/2023 We recommended that your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, be approved. Your case was submitted for quality review.
01/18/2023 About an hour after my ceremony: Your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, was placed in line for oath ceremony scheduling.
01/18/2023 About 5 hours later, after 12PM: Oath Ceremony Notice Was Mailed. (Scheduled for January 27, 2023)
01/27/2023 Attended Oath Ceremony!

Interview:

I had my interview rescheduled for Jan 18, 2023 at 6:30 AM. Just in case anyone receive their notice with this early time and think it was a mistake, it was not.

I have arrived with my husband, but they didn't let anyone other than applicants in. I got a really nice officer, we talked for a minute, answered the yes/no questions and did the Civics Exam (questions below). He asked if we have traveled, which we did and I had an updated list for him. Also, he asked if I have any other family in the USA with me.

The only thing that I would definitely make sure to bring is your tax transcripts that you can get within minutes online from the IRS website (if you have an account). I have been asked if we ever owed any taxes, I said no (which is true), and the officer said that "Oh, but it says here that you owe the X amount", which was the exact amount we had paid immediately after filing our taxes in April 2022. So, I said that no, we had paid it and I have my tax transcripts with me and I can even pull up my bank statement on my phone to show him the payment, because luckily we did paid it via online transfer. He asked me to show him the payment on my phone (I didn't print out the bank statements, because I sent it while applying online), I found the transaction, he approved and everything was fine. But, I don't understand why IRS would flag us saying that we owe something that we have paid immediately. Make sure to always come prepared.

Interview took about 30 min and I have been approved right at the spot. He said that they would mail my oath ceremony notice in 2-3 weeks and I was on my way. After that I have received my oath notice same day after 12PM set for Jan 27, 2023. Just a week after the interview! Super fast.

Questions asked:

1. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
2. Who vetoes bills?
3. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
4. What are the two major political parties in the United States?
5. What does the President’s Cabinet do?
6. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?

To write:
Alaska is the largest state.

If you pass 6 questions they stop and don't continue asking any more questions. I don't remember what they asked me to read but it was one sentence, really short and simple.

Oath:

So, in Las Vegas there is two places were Oath takes place. The US District Court (on Fridays) or in the immigration office (on Thursdays). I have received my Oath for Friday, so in the court and here is how it went:

My Oath Notice time was 1PM. We came in with my husband about 45 min early, even though the notice says to not come 30min earlier, I just like to be early in case of anything. There was street parking $1 per hour - I would recommend to get at least 3 hours on the meter. They let me and my husband in, so family and friends are allowed there. Around 12:30 there was a long line forming already to get in to the courthouse, so we've avoided it by being a little early. Security also told us, that we are super early because even though it say 1PM we are not going to start till 2PM. He sure was right.

They let us in exactly at 1PM and started to check everyone in, taking the filled out forms with our signatures and THE DATE OF THE CEREMONY, our Green Cards new and old, any Employment Authorization cards and any other documents they may have gave you. We had only 54 people at the ceremony and it took us exactly an hour to start. The ceremony was not super long, about 20-30 minutes. We were handing over a microphone from one person to another and we had to say our name and the country we are from, we took the oath, they played a short video from the President, national anthem and gave us our Certificates of Naturalization. Right after the ceremony there were people outside waiting with the forms where you can register to vote immediately, and I would recommend doing so, as it was just seconds.

Few things to keep in mind:

• I know it may feel like you want to do it, considering that the paper used to print the certificates is similar to the one from the dollar store, but do NOT laminate your Certificate as it will be voided and you will have to go to USCIS, ask for a new one, and that is $555.

• They may mention it on your Ceremony, they didn't on ours, but we did receive a paper explaining what to do next, meaning: you will have to update your SSN and I believe state ID, so they know that your status has changed. You can apply for a passport immediately after the ceremony and register to vote. (a little tip for my Las Vegas people who want to apply for a passport: all the appointments will probably be full for the entire month in LV, so either schedule one in advance, even before your interview OR if you don't mind the 1h drive check out Pahrump or Moapa. We had appointment in Moapa available within 2 days).

• Do not stress before the Oath, I know most people will anyway, I sure did even though there was really no reason for it, but it is really just a formality and just make sure you have all your documents ready and you will be okay.

I hope this helps someone. You will be just fine. Good luck 🍀

Hello everyone I recently had my interview yesterday and was told that I passed it (civics test, reading and writing etc.) including all the questions from my I-751 and N-400 forms. However on the N-652 form it says: “Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for approval. At this time, it appears that you have established your eligibility for naturalization. If final approval is granted, you will be notified when and where to report for Oath Ceremony.

I really do not know how to interpret that or maybe I am just overthinking. Have I passed the interview and everything? Do I need to worry? If ever everything looks good how long will the USCIS send me the letter of approval and Oath Ceremony?

Thank you and any responses is much appreciated. Good luck to everyone 😊

Never Give up
-May 2017 applied form N-400( Citizenship). June received & got scheduled fingerprints.
-July 2018 went for interview passed but decision can not be made.
-Feb 2019 they requested birth certificate, still decision cannot be made. October 2019 got a letter my citizenship got denied & I’m under removal proceedings ( deportation) . Reason I never mentioned I have a child.
-October 2021 worn my case & applied N-400 March 2022. Dec 2022 got scheduled interview! Again they canceled my interview.
-Jan 2023 scheduled interview . Went for interview & passed.
-Today got scheduled for oath ceremony. Wishing you all the best & never give up!

Hi everyone,

I have been a silent reader in this thread and have learned from everyone's experience. Now it's my turn to share my journey and I hope this will help someone.

06/23/21 - I-751 Application and evidence mailed thru my ever supportive lawyer.
06/28/21 - I-751 Application and evidence delivered via USPS.
07/02/21 - I-751 Received text message from USCIS of receipt of my application.
07/02/21 - I-751 Check payments posted in bank.
07/06/21 - I-751 Received I-797C Notice for 18-month extension.
07/17/21 - I-751 Received I-797C Notice for biometric re-use.
11/09/21 - I-751 Received I-797C Notice for 24-month extension.
07/12/22 - N-400 Application and evidence mailed via USPS.
07/14/22 - N-400 Application and evidence delivered via USPS.
07/19/22 - N-400 Received text message from USCIS - Application received, paper notice to follow.
07/20/22 - N-400 Check payments posted in bank.
07/21/22 - I-751 Online Account - Case being transferred to another office for processing.
07/21/22 - N-400 Online Account - We are actively reviewing your application.
07/23/22 - N-400 Received I-797C dated 7/19/22 - Application being processed.
07/25/22 - N-400 Received I-797C - Re-use of biometrics.
07/25/22 - I-751 Received I-797C Notice - Case being transferred to National Benefits Center.
10/16/22 - I-751 Online Account - Re-use of Biometrics.
12/02/22 - N-400 Online Account - Interview is scheduled.
12/03/22 - N-400 I-797C Notice for Interview scheduled January 11, 2023.
01/11/22 - N-400 Combo Interview - brought my husband (even if the notice did not mention it) and lawyer. See interview details below.
01/20/23 - N-400 Received text message from USCIS - Action was taken on your N-400 application.
01/20/23 - N-400 Online Account - Downloaded Oath Taking Schedule for February 10, 2023. Original to was mailed.
01/23/23 - I-751 Online Account - Application Approved.

Interview details:
All three (3) of us arrived at Federal Plaza, New York office 12:30pm. Can't enter without masks (good thing I'm always ready and brought masks). However, we were only allowed entrance at 12:55pm, interview is at 1:10pm. Got to the 9th floor and was given a card to proceed to the 6th floor (all doors marked Adjudication, as far as I remember). Went up to the window with the card we were issued and was asked if I had a lawyer with me. Lawyer came up to the window and informed reception that she was my counsel and that my husband was with us too. Waited for an hour and a half. Then Officer called my name. My lawyer informed him about my pending I-751 and that my husband is present. He said he should wait and just let me and my lawyer in. On the way to his office cubicle, he talked to my lawyer and said I would need to adjudicate the I-751 first before proceeding to the N-400 interview. In his cubicle, I was sworn in. Thereafter he asked me if that was my husband out there waiting (???0, I said yes and volunteered to get him and he said no need. Officer asked my a bunch of questions about our bank account, address, my husband's work and if I had more evidence to submit. I gave him all the evidence I have from the date of the last evidence I submitted until the interview. Bank Statements, Renters Insurance Statements, Photos, Health Insurance Statements, T-mobile Statements, Spectrum Statements (all joint). He asked for a copy of our marriage certificate and my husband's Naturalization Certificate but also reviewed the originals and compared them with the copies I gave him.

While he was filing the evidence I just submitted the officer apologized for our wait. According to him my case was transferred to him because the original officer assigned to my case did not do adjudication of I-751. That explained the long wait. Then he proceeded to the N-400 interview.

Asked my the following:
Who is the current President?
Who signs bills into law?
Longest river?
Name two (2) Federal Holidays
How many members of the Senate
How many members of the House of Representatives
Name one (1) American Native tribe
Why are there 13 stripes on the Flag

Asked me to read the following;
The President lives in the Whitehouse.
Asked my write the same phrase.
Asked me the yes and no questions.

Then he issued me a paper saying I passed all the tests and that a decision can not be made yet about my application.

I hope this helps and gives hope to someone who is still waiting.

Had my combo interview on Dec 6 (passed the exam) in Newark and the officer said “all look good, but can’t make a decision now because of system blablabla… but you’ll hear from me VERY shortly”. It’s been over a month now and no updates at all either on the i765 or on the n400. Anyone on the same boat?

Hi everyone,

My interview is coming up in a couple of weeks. I have a pending I-751. The interview notice doesn't mention my spouse, but I assume it'll be a combo interview. Any tips on what to do/say to get them into the office with me on the day and not have them turned back by the security officer?

hi all,

I had my n400 and i751 combo interview yesterday and thought I would share my experience + answer any questions to ease any stress you may have!

the app was scheduled for 7:15 am, no mask no entry so don't forget your mask. I was P1 in line however got called in 3rd at around 8 am. the officer brought me to his office and started my n400 by asking the question + reading + writing.

1. What did the Declaration of Independence do?
2. What is the economic system in the United States?
3. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
4. What is the name of the President of the United States now?
5. When must all men register for the Selective Service?
6. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

Reading - who is Abraham lincoln
Writing - thanksgiving is in November

after he proceeded to go through my n400 application asking questions + any updates with changes.

he asked a lot of travelling (why did your husband not follow you on any trips? when was the last international trip you took with your husband?), current job and marriage-based questions (why did you and your husband move so much? how big is your current apartment? where did you get married?) which in the hindsight, he was actually asking questions to later ask my husband in the i751 interview. proceeded to yes / no questions.

he made me sign my signature + make sure my print name is correct to use for the oath ceremony. he handed me a paper that said I passed the test but a decision could not be made. did not look at the paperwork had with me at all but asked if I have any additional docs to submit. I submitted my new lease + tax from the year.

out of the blue, 'you have a pending i751 application, is your husband present?'

I was not aware that my husband needed to be present since the interview notice was only for n400. the interviewer was kind enough to make him come in the same day before 1 pm to continue the interview later.

husband came in 1 hour later and he took us back into his office. did not ask me any questions this time but literally asked my husband all the questions he asked me earlier to see if our statement matched. but a question that took us by surprise was; 'what is your wife's phone number' my husband aced it however due to nervousness had forgotten the date of my birthday......interviewer then asked for my age to compromise. took about less than 10 mins all in all.

he said he will need to review all the docs and we will hear back soon.

now I am just waiting for the results....fingers crossed! will continue to update

25th! Status for n-400 online changed to 'We recommended that your From n-400 be approved. Your case was submitted for quality review' and 'Oath Ceremony be Scheduled' however no update on i-751

26th i-751 approved

27th Oath Ceremony Notice was mailed

I-751
October 17, 2022 Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken
February 24, 2022 We transferred your Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to another USCIS office that now has jurisdiction over your case.
February 23, 2022 Your Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, was transferred to another office for processing.
February 19, 2021 We received your Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.

N400
December 8, 2022 Interview Was Scheduled - Jan 18th
February 17, 2022 We are actively reviewing your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Our records showed nothing is outstanding at this time.
February 17, 2022 We received your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and sent you a receipt notice.

when I filed for n400 - est wait was about 9 months. I counted down to 1 day and the interview was scheduled about 2 weeks after

Hi All,

My wife and I have interviews scheduled same day at SFO but 4hrs apart. We live in south bay and hence its quite a commute to SFO. We have to small kids 6 and 9 years old

1) Can we take our kids with us?
2) How long do the appointments usually take?
3) Is there somewhere my wife and kids can wait when I am interviewing?
4) Will I be able to go back after my interview to take care of my kids?
5) Do they still do same day oath ceremonies, if yes will we still be able to manage the kids ?

Thanks in advance

Hi there,

I filed N-400 based on Marriage to USC on August 23rd, 2022. The only update I received was a Biometric waiver 4 days after filing. Since then no update, just the case being actively reviewed by USCIS.

Is anyone else with a similar timeline? I am from San Francisco, CA. I have approved the I-751 and received my 10-year Green card.

Thanks, and good luck to all.