Odd experience in Fairfax: Interview scheduled before 3-year anniversary

[rjstuf 0]

I had my naturalization interview yesterday, it went great, I passed it then at the end the officer tells me: "well, your file was processed to quickly and they scheduled your interview too early, you passed but I can't approve you until the 3-year anniversary of your entry to the US (which is two weeks away). I'll stamp your file then, and then we'll send you a letter for the oath ceremony."

Has anyone here had such an experience? If so, how long did you have to wait before you got the invitation for the oath ceremony?

I've read a few horror stories about people having to wait months and months when they didn't have the oath the same day as the interview, so I'm somewhat worried.

Thanks.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Huh? I thought they would look at the date you were married to an USC to naturalize (3 years)

[rjstuf 0]

Huh? I thought they would look at the date you were married to an USC to naturalize (3 years)

That's what I thought, but I was surprised when I saw the date of the interview. The 3-year anniversary was supposed to be August 5, but the interview was scheduled for July 22.

[rjstuf 0]

Just to clear things up, my wife was born in the US but left when she was 3. We got married in my country and we moved to the US a year later, on August 5, 2006. So according to immigration law, I applied for naturalization in May 2009, that is, 2 years and 9 months after I entered the US with an immigrant visa, but they scheduled my interview for July 22.

Edited July 24, 2009 by rjstuf

[CanAmCharlotte 0]

I have heard of this before. At one time it took upwards of a year to become naturalized, sometimes longer. Most offices now are pushing them through much, much faster and I've heard through the grapevine that they might have to change the law so that people can only apply at their three year anniversary, not 90 days prior. So I guess in some cases like yours, someone is asleep at the wheel (or overly conscientious!) and scheduling the interviews too early.

I wouldn't worry about it. You're almost home free! Congratulations.

[Tini27 0]

Unfortunately, it's your 3-year anniversary as a GC holder that counts not the marriage anniversary, even if you do fulfill the 3 year marriage anniversary. Normally, your local office shouldn't have scheduled your interview until after your 3year mark as a GC holder. I came on an immigrant visa in 2004 but only got my GC in 2006 so wasn't able to apply before. I checked that with an attorney.

In any case, since you passed the interview, you should be getting your oath letter as soon as you pass the 3 year mark. It may be a good idea to check in with USCIS after aug 5, it'll be a good reminder to them.