N-400: NOA Received! CRIS Checked! The obsession continues....

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Just to update and let all you VJers know that....

Yesterday afternoon (9/19/09), after watering about two acres of lawn, my husband decided to drive the van over to the mailbox to pick up the mail (note: our mailbox is literally a mile away from our actual house..we live in a rural/country area...). A few minutes later, he came back through the sliding glass back door, somewhat soaked (lol...the hose has a leak in it...will get that replaced), and in his hand there is a pile of wet envelopes...

"What's in the mail? Anything from immigration? And umm...can you open the envelopes, as I have my hands full at the moment?", I asked, as I was feeding the baby at the time.

So he opens each somewhat soaked envelopes, one by one (lol....mostly bills....blah...)....

When he gets to the last soaked envelope, he hands the letter over to me, I hand the baby over to him...

And I read the letter as follows:

Receipt

Notice Date: September 15, 2009

Case Title: N-400 Application for Naturalizaton

USCIS A#: AXXXXXXXXX

Application Number: NBC*XXXXXXXXX

Received Date: September 11, 2009

Priority Date: September 15, 2009

Page 1 of 1

Applicant Name and Mailing address: (My First and Last Name and Mailing Address)

Payment Information:

Single Application Fee: $595.00

Total Balance Due: $0.00

The above application has been received by our office and is in process. Our records indicate your personal information is as follows:

Date of Birth: (My Date of Birth)

Address Where You Live: (My Physical Location Address, different from my mailing address)

Please verify your personal information listed above and immediately notify our office at the address or phone number listed below if there are any changes. Upon reciept of all required Record Checks, you will be scheduled to appear for an interview at your local USCIS field office.

(Further information about getting a copy of the study guide during biometrics...)

USCIS Office Address (National Benefits Center, Lee's Summit, MO....)

USCIS Custmber Service Number (aka. the "mis-information line").

"Yahoo, I got my NOA for the N-400!!! And it's a good thing too that they didn't mess up the mailing/residence address thing either!"

I happily exclaim....

So ok, now that I have my NOA for my N-400, I was also wondering the following:

1) For those of you who got NOAs for your N-400, did it look something like this?

2) I couldn't help but notice that it said they received $595 application fees for my case. However, I sent them $675 total (for application and biometrics fees), and have proof of such. Is this an error on their end, or standard procedure that they only mention the application fees and not both fees combined? Will I get another reciept for the $80 extra in fees that I sent in? Or would I just get a biometrics letter as a reciept for such? (don't want to get an RFE here for sending in incorrect fees, even though I didn't do such)

3) How long afterwards can I expect a biometrics letter and appointment? How long as well for the interview and oath?

4) How did my application end up in MO, even though I applied in TX? If I have any problems, do I contact MO or TX? Will my application eventually get sent to NY (my local office) for the interview/oath too?

By the way, I also checked CRIS with my reciept number (yes, it does work...), and got the following message:

On September 11, 2009, we received this N400 APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or contact our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

During this step, USCIS initiates the background checks of the applicant/petitioner and identifies issues that may need to be addressed either during an interview or by asking the applicant/petitioner to submit additional information or documentation. USCIS reviews applicant's/petitioner's criminal history, determines if there are national security concerns that need to be addressed, and reviews the application/petition for fraud indicators.

If you have filed an I-485, I-589, I-751, N-400, I-90, I-821, I-131, I-130 or I-765, you can expect to receive an appointment notice to appear at an Application Support Center to have your fingerprints and/or biometrics taken. The timing of your appointment is determined by the number of applicants ahead of you that also need a biometric appointment. We try to schedule biometric appointments as quickly as possible and in most cases you will receive your appointment notice within 30 days of submitting your application. We will send your appointment notice approximately 14 days ahead of your scheduled appointment. It is important that you keep this appointment. If absolutely necessary, you can request that your appointment be rescheduled however, please be aware that rescheduling may delay the processing of your application. Please follow the instructions on your appointment notice if you need to reschedule.

6) For those of you who checked your case status for your N-400 on CRIS, did it look something like this too?

Lol...funny, how I haven't been on CRIS in awhile and they "upgraded" their system recently. Hmmm..Not sure what to think of the new big statue of liberty background image and M&Ms/Smarties-like buttons explaining each step along the way...And what's the deal with the new mobile/text message alerts?....Oh well...as long as it works...(hopefully better than it did before...though I admit, it loads a lot slower now on my computer...)

"Now I can obsessively check online and in the mailbox for updates regarding my case...And so the wait continues!".....

Any other thoughts, ideas, suggestions, humour, jokes, appreciated too....

Ant

P.S. On another odd note...I got my son's SSN card the day before too....and the card was also dated 9/11/09 as an issue date....weird.....

Edited September 20, 2009 by Ant+D+A

[maryces21 0]

Hi Everyone,

Just to update and let all you VJers know that....

Yesterday afternoon (9/19/09), after watering about two acres of lawn, my husband decided to drive the van over to the mailbox to pick up the mail (note: our mailbox is literally a mile away from our actual house..we live in a rural/country area...). A few minutes later, he came back through the sliding glass back door, somewhat soaked (lol...the hose has a leak in it...will get that replaced), and in his hand there is a pile of wet envelopes...

"What's in the mail? Anything from immigration? And umm...can you open the envelopes, as I have my hands full at the moment?", I asked, as I was feeding the baby at the time.

So he opens each somewhat soaked envelopes, one by one (lol....mostly bills....blah...)....

When he gets to the last soaked envelope, he hands the letter over to me, I hand the baby over to him...

And I read the letter as follows:

Receipt

Notice Date: September 15, 2009

Case Title: N-400 Application for Naturalizaton

USCIS A#: AXXXXXXXXX

Application Number: NBC*XXXXXXXXX

Received Date: September 11, 2009

Priority Date: September 15, 2009

Page 1 of 1

Applicant Name and Mailing address: (My First and Last Name and Mailing Address)

Payment Information:

Single Application Fee: $595.00

Total Balance Due: $0.00

The above application has been received by our office and is in process. Our records indicate your personal information is as follows:

Date of Birth: (My Date of Birth)

Address Where You Live: (My Physical Location Address, different from my mailing address)

Please verify your personal information listed above and immediately notify our office at the address or phone number listed below if there are any changes. Upon reciept of all required Record Checks, you will be scheduled to appear for an interview at your local USCIS field office.

(Further information about getting a copy of the study guide during biometrics...)

USCIS Office Address (National Benefits Center, Lee's Summit, MO....)

USCIS Custmber Service Number (aka. the "mis-information line").

"Yahoo, I got my NOA for the N-400!!! And it's a good thing too that they didn't mess up the mailing/residence address thing either!"

I happily exclaim....

So ok, now that I have my NOA for my N-400, I was also wondering the following:

1) For those of you who got NOAs for your N-400, did it look something like this?

2) I couldn't help but notice that it said they received $595 application fees for my case. However, I sent them $675 total (for application and biometrics fees), and have proof of such. Is this an error on their end, or standard procedure that they only mention the application fees and not both fees combined? Will I get another reciept for the $80 extra in fees that I sent in? Or would I just get a biometrics letter as a reciept for such? (don't want to get an RFE here for sending in incorrect fees, even though I didn't do such)

3) How long afterwards can I expect a biometrics letter and appointment? How long as well for the interview and oath?

4) How did my application end up in MO, even though I applied in TX? If I have any problems, do I contact MO or TX? Will my application eventually get sent to NY (my local office) for the interview/oath too?

By the way, I also checked CRIS with my reciept number (yes, it does work...), and got the following message:

On September 11, 2009, we received this N400 APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or contact our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

During this step, USCIS initiates the background checks of the applicant/petitioner and identifies issues that may need to be addressed either during an interview or by asking the applicant/petitioner to submit additional information or documentation. USCIS reviews applicant's/petitioner's criminal history, determines if there are national security concerns that need to be addressed, and reviews the application/petition for fraud indicators.

If you have filed an I-485, I-589, I-751, N-400, I-90, I-821, I-131, I-130 or I-765, you can expect to receive an appointment notice to appear at an Application Support Center to have your fingerprints and/or biometrics taken. The timing of your appointment is determined by the number of applicants ahead of you that also need a biometric appointment. We try to schedule biometric appointments as quickly as possible and in most cases you will receive your appointment notice within 30 days of submitting your application. We will send your appointment notice approximately 14 days ahead of your scheduled appointment. It is important that you keep this appointment. If absolutely necessary, you can request that your appointment be rescheduled however, please be aware that rescheduling may delay the processing of your application. Please follow the instructions on your appointment notice if you need to reschedule.

6) For those of you who checked your case status for your N-400 on CRIS, did it look something like this too?

Lol...funny, how I haven't been on CRIS in awhile and they "upgraded" their system recently. Hmmm..Not sure what to think of the new big statue of liberty background image and M&Ms/Smarties-like buttons explaining each step along the way...And what's the deal with the new mobile/text message alerts?....Oh well...as long as it works...(hopefully better than it did before...though I admit, it loads a lot slower now on my computer...)

"Now I can obsessively check online and in the mailbox for updates regarding my case...And so the wait continues!".....

Any other thoughts, ideas, suggestions, humour, jokes, appreciated too....

Ant

P.S. On another odd note...I got my son's SSN card the day before too....and the card was also dated 9/11/09 as an issue date....weird.....

Ant+D+A

My leter it is exactly the same as yours, and the message in the web site was the same. A day later i received the email saying about the RFE or what other people say the Biometrics. You are on the right path!!!!!!!

Edited September 21, 2009 by maryces21

[wannabe_texan 0]

Hi Ant,

Glad you got your NOA Nothing wrong with it, including the fee thing.

Everyone's file goes to NBC (MO) first these days for initial checking and scheduling (this happened to me at AOS even though you mail to the Chicago Lockbox - maybe to you too?) and the bio letter will come from there too. Hope you have an ASC close to your new home, at least closer than the DO! Try to find some previous posters with the same DO, and that will give you some idea of how many weeks to bio, but as maryces21 said, you should get an email from that other guy in your life (jus' jokin') CRIS that says RFE (which is in fact, a request for evidence of your fingerprints LOL)

Depending on your PR residence time, if you are still 'early' in the 90days, try to avoid the temptation to go to do biometrics early, as N400s are processing pretty fast these days, and its possible that you get an interview date that is before your 3 year residence anniversary, and that could be frustrating if your DO offers same day Oath, you won't be eligible. Anyway, will let you calculate that out, hopefully you get my point

Good luck!

[rebelheart 0]

hey ant,

we had same NOA's received and even updates online messages. I got my biometrics after awhile. Best of luck to us!

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your quick and helpful replies. Here are my replies to your replies:

Maryces21-Glad to see that your letter and online message were similar to mine (lol...except for the $675 vs. $595 thing you mentioned on the Sept 2009 message thread). Likewise, you're on the right path too, getting your NOA and biometrics quicky as well! Good to know about the RFE being biometrics, as what I notice on the online system there is no such thing as a biometrics button/status. Hope to get the same e-mail as you did about the biometrics too. Meanwhile, we all wait together on the same path, as Sept 2009 N-400 applicants....

Ant+D+A

My leter it is exactly the same as yours, and the message in the web site was the same. A day later i received the email saying about the RFE or what other people say the Biometrics. You are on the right path!!!!!!!

Wannabe_texan-First of all, let me say to you: (I just found about about this from reading your vj signature timeline). Congratulations on being a US Citizen! Good luck with the rest of your life journey as an American! By the way, are you going to be a dual UK/American citizen too? Good to know that there is nothing wrong with the NOA that I got, as you got the same thing too, and have no problems being a US Citizen. Interesting to learn that the file goes to the NBC in MO for initial checking and the bio letter will come from there too. I didn't know about that before, as my AOS was filed by a lawyer...no clue where they sent it to, and my I-751 was processed at the VSC and CSC. Now it makes me wonder: Why not just sent the file directly to the NBC in MO, instead of sending it to Texas, Arizona, Chicago, or wherever else? Seems like a waste of time and resources there really. Or better yet, why not just send the file directly to one's local office/ASC for processing? Saves even more time and resources there too. Lol...I guess our paperwork does get a lot of "frequent flyer miles" travelling across the USA that way! As for my ASC, it's the same as my DO, so it doesn't make a difference there. As well, the ASC/DO at my new home is the same as the office at my old home (don't need to additionally wait for the 90 day residency requirement there), and just as equal of distance to get there, even though I moved to a different town. My ASC/DO of Buffalo, NY is 250+ miles away...Nothing closer than that.... It doesn't help either, that the weather here isn't the best, as we get a lot of snow during the winter too (which is when I'm expected to be there then). Oh, and I'm also travelling there with a newborn baby...Oh my! I've searched on vj for posters with the same ASC/DO, and are also applying for the N-400, but they are "far and few in between", which doesn't give me much info to go by. Lol...Heck, I think I'm the only one now from the Buffalo, NY area here on vj that's applying for the N-400. So I guess I have to rely on myself there for now....Regardless, I hope I get an e-mail from 'Missouri CRIS" (lol..I wonder what 'personality' he has..) soon about biometrics and other updates. Lol...Now I have 3 guys in my life...My husband, My son, and now Missouri CRIS....That should be interesting, indeed! Good to know from you too, about the RFE for biometrics...It makes me wonder as to why they don't have a separate "button/status" for biometrics, as we all go through this process anyways. An actual RFE is different from biomertics. Can't the USCIS see the difference too? Lol...given the choice, I'm sure that one would rather get a letter for biometrics instead of for an RFE. Saves a lot of worry and needless stress there in not knowing the difference (unless one reads vjs for updates though).

I know what you mean about the PR residence time in relation to N-400 processing. I applied about 65 days or so (give or take a few days) before the 3rd anniversary of my PR status (I would have applied earlier, but had to wait for my son's birth certificate and there was a delay in that), so in that sense, I'm not exactly 'early' in the process. Lol..I doubt though, that they will process my entire case within 65 days (it would be a miracle if they did!), so probably by the time I get my interview, I would have met the 3 year residency requirement already and can do a same day oath if they offer such (and yes, I would like to get that done...would save me a long trip from having to go there again). As well, I don't think that Buffalo, NY offers same day oaths (well, not that I know of), so I would have to go back again another day regardless. Not sure when I will do biometrics....will see when I get the letter as to when that is....but will get it done nevertheless....tempting though, to do a walk-in biometrics again...

Hi Ant,

Glad you got your NOA Nothing wrong with it, including the fee thing.

Everyone's file goes to NBC (MO) first these days for initial checking and scheduling (this happened to me at AOS even though you mail to the Chicago Lockbox - maybe to you too?) and the bio letter will come from there too. Hope you have an ASC close to your new home, at least closer than the DO! Try to find some previous posters with the same DO, and that will give you some idea of how many weeks to bio, but as maryces21 said, you should get an email from that other guy in your life (jus' jokin') CRIS that says RFE (which is in fact, a request for evidence of your fingerprints LOL)

Depending on your PR residence time, if you are still 'early' in the 90days, try to avoid the temptation to go to do biometrics early, as N400s are processing pretty fast these days, and its possible that you get an interview date that is before your 3 year residence anniversary, and that could be frustrating if your DO offers same day Oath, you won't be eligible. Anyway, will let you calculate that out, hopefully you get my point

Good luck!

Rebelheart-Good to know too, that you got your NOA and online messages that are the same as mine too. And good too that you got your biometrics done recently and was successful with that. How long after did you get your biometrics done? Good luck with the rest of your immigration journey, and hope you get your interview and oath and interview soon afterwards too.

hey ant,

we had same NOA's received and even updates online messages. I got my biometrics after awhile. Best of luck to us!

Ant

[rndman 0]

Hi Ant,

Depending on your PR residence time, if you are still 'early' in the 90days, try to avoid the temptation to go to do biometrics early, as N400s are processing pretty fast these days, and its possible that you get an interview date that is before your 3 year residence anniversary, and that could be frustrating if your DO offers same day Oath, you won't be eligible. Anyway, will let you calculate that out, hopefully you get my point

Good luck!

Did you mean that

- if someone's 5 (or 3) year anniversary is on Dec 15, 2009

- the interview happens say on Dec 3, 2009 and you pass

then

- You will not be eligible to take oath until after Dec 15?

- or all the process gets invalidated and you have to start again?

[antda 13]

Hi Rndman,

Yes, that's exactly what wannabe_texan meant....if by the interview date you have not reached the 3yr/5yr anniversary, then you cannot have a same day oath if you are offered such. It doesn't mean you can't do the oath though and it doesn't mean you have to apply again. It just means you can't do it the same day, that's all, since you have not met the requirements for citizenship in terms of residency. You'll just have to wait until you reach the 3yr/5yr mark, then anytime on or after that, you can do an oath. Hopefully not much longer after that...but yeah, it means you'll have to go back again...

Hope this helps too. Good luck with your immigration journey.

Ant

Hi Ant,

Depending on your PR residence time, if you are still 'early' in the 90days, try to avoid the temptation to go to do biometrics early, as N400s are processing pretty fast these days, and its possible that you get an interview date that is before your 3 year residence anniversary, and that could be frustrating if your DO offers same day Oath, you won't be eligible. Anyway, will let you calculate that out, hopefully you get my point

Good luck!

Did you mean that

- if someone's 5 (or 3) year anniversary is on Dec 15, 2009

- the interview happens say on Dec 3, 2009 and you pass

then

- You will not be eligible to take oath until after Dec 15?

- or all the process gets invalidated and you have to start again?

[FormerBrit 0]

Yay! Mine looked like yours too. My biometrics came soon after that, closely followed by interview date (see my time line). You're almost finished!

[rndman 0]

Thanks for clarifying. As long as I just have to go "once again" for the oath, I guess I am fine with it. I wouldn't want to re-schedule my biometrics appointment just for that.

Hi Rndman,

Yes, that's exactly what wannabe_texan meant....if by the interview date you have not reached the 3yr/5yr anniversary, then you cannot have a same day oath if you are offered such. It doesn't mean you can't do the oath though and it doesn't mean you have to apply again. It just means you can't do it the same day, that's all, since you have not met the requirements for citizenship in terms of residency. You'll just have to wait until you reach the 3yr/5yr mark, then anytime on or after that, you can do an oath. Hopefully not much longer after that...but yeah, it means you'll have to go back again...

Hope this helps too. Good luck with your immigration journey.

Ant

Hi Ant,

Depending on your PR residence time, if you are still 'early' in the 90days, try to avoid the temptation to go to do biometrics early, as N400s are processing pretty fast these days, and its possible that you get an interview date that is before your 3 year residence anniversary, and that could be frustrating if your DO offers same day Oath, you won't be eligible. Anyway, will let you calculate that out, hopefully you get my point

Good luck!

Did you mean that

- if someone's 5 (or 3) year anniversary is on Dec 15, 2009

- the interview happens say on Dec 3, 2009 and you pass

then

- You will not be eligible to take oath until after Dec 15?

- or all the process gets invalidated and you have to start again?

[LoreenaYeo 0]

Hi -

I stumbled upon this forum thread as I was researching people's journey like mine.

I received an email alert this morning requesting additional evidence or information on my case N400 APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION. It also said that this case will be in suspense until they receive the evidence or the opportunity to submit it expires.

Do you know what additional evidence they may require?

My processing date is Sept 16 2009.

Received the I-797C Notice of Action the following week.

I didn't hear back until now.

I just checked my mail but it didnt come. I'm dying to know what I didnt attach with my application.

Anyone offer some clue?

[antda 13]

Hi LoreenaYeo,

As told in-person by an immigration officer to me, when I inquired and did a follow-up about this:

Question: I received a Case Status Information Update/RFE, by e-mail, dated September 22, 2009, with the following message: “we mailed a notice requesting additional evidence or information…the case will be in suspense until we receive the evidence or the opportunity to submit it expires. Once we receive the requested evidence or information and make a decision on the case, you will be notified by mail.” I have not received such a notice by mail, as of today, and would like to know if and when I will receive such a notice. I also have already submitted 100+ pages of additional relevant joint evidence with my initial application, and find it quite puzzling that the USCIS would require more evidence for my case. I would also like to know what is requested of me additionally, which I will gladly provide it to you if required and I have such evidence requested, so that my case can be further processed and not delayed.

Answer: "Your RFE e-mail is your fingerprints/biometrics letter. The additional evidence we request is your fingerprints to be processed and checked out by the FBI. Did you get your fingerprints letter (I said yes, and showed her the letter)? And no, you won’t be getting any additional letters for an RFE as the date of your fingerprints/biometrics letter is the same date as your RFE e-mail (which it is, as both are receipt dated September 23)."

For more information about my infopass/walk-in fingerprints experience on 9/30/09, you can read more about it here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry3371164

By the way, since you are an N-400 September 2009 applicant, feel free to add your name and info to this "N-400 September 2009 Applicants" list too (scroll to the last updated list):

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=216210

Let's track our progress together with other VJers as September 2009 filers too!

Hope this helps. Good luck on the rest of your immigration journey too.

Ant

Hi -

I stumbled upon this forum thread as I was researching people's journey like mine.

I received an email alert this morning requesting additional evidence or information on my case N400 APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION. It also said that this case will be in suspense until they receive the evidence or the opportunity to submit it expires.

Do you know what additional evidence they may require?

My processing date is Sept 16 2009.

Received the I-797C Notice of Action the following week.

I didn't hear back until now.

I just checked my mail but it didnt come. I'm dying to know what I didnt attach with my application.

Anyone offer some clue?