It's all over ...

[sparkofcreation 0]

So on Friday, just over four years after filing to adjust status, Gareth was sworn in as a US citizen, along with ~450 other people.

Gareth has always been slightly nervous about being an immigrant at the idea that he could (theoretically) get sent home at any time for any reason or no reason, no matter how unlikely that may be. But I've always thought I was very matter of fact about it. I quite like paperwork, so that wasn't difficult. Our immigration process was (relatively) straightforward, easy, and fast all the way through. 5½ months from filing AOS to green card, 4½ months from filing to lift conditions to the permanent green card, 9½ months from filing the N-400 to the oath ceremony.

But now it's like this huge part of our lives has disappeared! No more dozens of photocopies, no more trying to get people to take photos of us, no more having to make sure he has his green card whenever he goes out, no more gearing up for the next stage in the process, no more having to save up to fork over several hundred dollars more next year. We don't have anything to prove to anyone.

It's weird--it's like a huge weight was taken off our shoulders, that we didn't even know was there. Everything else just seems easier to cope with. Also, we have nothing to talk about (just kidding).

[jodee 30]

Congratulations!

[Gemmie 142]

Congratulations you two... you have worked so hard and you have made it!!!

[Ling Ling 22]

So on Friday, just over four years after filing to adjust status, Gareth was sworn in as a US citizen, along with ~450 other people.

Gareth has always been slightly nervous about being an immigrant at the idea that he could (theoretically) get sent home at any time for any reason or no reason, no matter how unlikely that may be. But I've always thought I was very matter of fact about it. I quite like paperwork, so that wasn't difficult. Our immigration process was (relatively) straightforward, easy, and fast all the way through. 5½ months from filing AOS to green card, 4½ months from filing to lift conditions to the permanent green card, 9½ months from filing the N-400 to the oath ceremony.

But now it's like this huge part of our lives has disappeared! No more dozens of photocopies, no more trying to get people to take photos of us, no more having to make sure he has his green card whenever he goes out, no more gearing up for the next stage in the process, no more having to save up to fork over several hundred dollars more next year. We don't have anything to prove to anyone.

It's weird--it's like a huge weight was taken off our shoulders, that we didn't even know was there. Everything else just seems easier to cope with. Also, we have nothing to talk about (just kidding).

Until about a year ago, I was completely naive to all this visa stuff. It was something that happened to OTHER people.

Then, just before starting the VISA process for my wife, I found out that a couple I've known for over 10 years, have been fighting for the husband's status

for the last 12 years. I even had to go to Ohio to testify to his character.

I say all this to say, I can totally feel your relief. Congratulations. Hope you two partied HARD this weekend.

[rebelheart 0]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

God bless and have a peacefully no-paper works to USCIS and enjoy happy life together!

-rebelheart-

[~Jackie~ 30]

Congratulations

jJ

[mnieto 2]

Wow!! Congratulations!

[raymaga 25]

Congrats and best wishes!!!

My interview is this Thursday.... I will be glad when I can say the same thing as you!!!!!

[JeanneVictoria 55]

Congratulations!!!

[NickD 202]

So on Friday, just over four years after filing to adjust status, Gareth was sworn in as a US citizen, along with ~450 other people.

Gareth has always been slightly nervous about being an immigrant at the idea that he could (theoretically) get sent home at any time for any reason or no reason, no matter how unlikely that may be. But I've always thought I was very matter of fact about it. I quite like paperwork, so that wasn't difficult. Our immigration process was (relatively) straightforward, easy, and fast all the way through. 5½ months from filing AOS to green card, 4½ months from filing to lift conditions to the permanent green card, 9½ months from filing the N-400 to the oath ceremony.

But now it's like this huge part of our lives has disappeared! No more dozens of photocopies, no more trying to get people to take photos of us, no more having to make sure he has his green card whenever he goes out, no more gearing up for the next stage in the process, no more having to save up to fork over several hundred dollars more next year. We don't have anything to prove to anyone.

It's weird--it's like a huge weight was taken off our shoulders, that we didn't even know was there. Everything else just seems easier to cope with. Also, we have nothing to talk about (just kidding).

I was shocked that your husband got his oath ceremony ahead of my wife, he is about a month later with his interview than her. But that is great, pleased it is over for you and your husband. Oath just three days after interview, wow.

Doesn't the USCIS like you, getting rid of you so quick? LOL. It must be that I am so likable they keep my wife hanging so they can hang unto me for awhile. Your you naughty, ha, then I will be naughty too.

[sara..... 371]

CONGRATULATIONS :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

[sparkofcreation 0]

I was shocked that your husband got his oath ceremony ahead of my wife, he is about a month later with his interview than her. But that is great, pleased it is over for you and your husband. Oath just three days after interview, wow.

Doesn't the USCIS like you, getting rid of you so quick? LOL. It must be that I am so likable they keep my wife hanging so they can hang unto me for awhile. Your you naughty, ha, then I will be naughty too.

They expedited his oath ceremony because we have international travel plans three days after the day he was scheduled to take the oath. It was supposed to be 7 weeks later.

[NickD 202]

They expedited his oath ceremony because we have international travel plans three days after the day he was scheduled to take the oath. It was supposed to be 7 weeks later.

How did you pull that? Wife would like to see her family again checking the net for airline rates, but how can we plan?

[Gemma12nel 1]

Congrats to the two of you!

I remember whe we were both going thru Newark together

Julie

[sparkofcreation 0]

They expedited his oath ceremony because we have international travel plans three days after the day he was scheduled to take the oath. It was supposed to be 7 weeks later.

How did you pull that? Wife would like to see her family again checking the net for airline rates, but how can we plan?

Well, in part, because we booked non-refundable tickets six months ago for a big family reunion in the UK, at a time when his projected processing date was between January-March 2009.

Congrats to the two of you!

I remember whe we were both going thru Newark together

Julie

Hi Julie! Feels like a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. How's New Jersey?