I-751/N-400 combo filers in Chicago

[flash9153 28]

On 9/26/2018 at 12:20 AM, Tcainkb said:

Hi All,

 

I have been following this chain for sometime now.

 

I had my N400 / I751 interview today at the Chicago Office and would like to share my experience.

 

I showed up to my 9am interview 5 mins before ( Cutting it close i know lol), any way i signed in and saw a ton of people waiting. I found out that some folks were waiting for their Oath Ceremony to begin and the others we there for their interview. Anyway i was still expecting a decent wait time, but got called within 5 mins of sitting down.

 

Now, my wife was not with me at the time as she is in school and is not allowed to miss classes, being that it was the N400 interview and it never asked for her to be present. I told my wife to come after she got out of class at 10am, so i was actually banking on having a long wait time so she could show up. As i mentioned i got called within 5 mins of sitting down by the interviewing officer, and would you know the first thing she said to me was

"I noticed you did not come with your spouse" of which i responded she is on her way. The officer followed with, "Okay, we will try to get through the pending I-751 as much as possible without her. I said Okay, and explained that she is in school and is not allowed to miss classes.

 

I751 Interview

 

We walked in her office and she asked to me to remain standing as she placed me under oath. From their she pulled out an extensive detailed file of all my filings, and God knows what other info she had on her screen but she had tons of info. She spent some time going through my file and it looked like she was getting familiar with what was already submitted and not submitted. Anyway she then asked if i had my most recent Tax forms, and additional proof to show a bonafide marriage. I gave her all my tax documents dating back 4 or 5 years, and the original marriage certificate, as well as info showing my wife on my insurance plan, and a car insurance card with both or names on it. She took all of that and then asked for all my passports issued, as well as my green card. From their she started flipping through my file again and it seems she was looking at pics we submitted when we applied for the ROC, she then asked if we still had our dog and i said yes we do.

 

Then she started fact checking all that was inputted in the application, asking me my name, DOB, Address, Phone # etc. Then she asked me my wife's DOB, and if she currently resides with me.

 

The we moved on to the N400 Application.

 

We jumped right into the Civics test. (Sorry i do not remember the questions) I got the first 6 right and we moved on to the Reading and Written piece which i also passed. We verified that my info submitted was correct and she asked me a long list of the Yes or No questions on the application, Goes without saying that the majority of the time spent was me saying No to questions like "Have you ever supported a communist party" etc.

 

Then she asked me if i had traveled out the country the last 5 years, i said yes and listed all the places. Then she asked if i stayed 6 months outside of the US at anytime since my residency i said no

 

From their she had me sign some papers and docs on an Ipad, and told me she was approving my I751 and Recommending my N400 for approval. So i then asked her does she still need to see my wife. She replied: "No, you provided enough info" Then i asked if i could text my wife to not come anymore, she said it was okay. Then she told me that i should receive a letter in the mail advising me on my oath ceremony date in 6 weeks or less.

 

The interview took around 30 -35mins, i was expecting it to be longer. However i had a great experience with the officer, i walked out on cloud nine as i was terrified i wouldn't be approved without my wife being present.

 

I hope this info helps someone as much as your submissions have helped me prepare.

 

Thank You all!

 

 

 

 

 

This is great news, thank you for sharing. Do you by any chance remember the officer's name?

 

My wife's interview is on Wednesday, we are crossing our fingers to get a combo interview. I have gathered all the evidence and planning to go with her. 

[Lu_So 32]

On 9/28/2018 at 10:04 AM, Jane D said:

I am trying to understand the timeframes for I-751 , they updated it for CSC recently, and right now it says 15.5 - 21.5. How is that possible that they have such a big gap in processing. Some cases might be processed like 6 months earlier than others, just trying to understand it. What do you guys think?

Jane D, my experience with CSC timeframe is not anything to rely on. I also do believe that, trying to assess a case based on the outcome of others' cases doesn't really work, because different cases are treated differently. Forums like these are helpful for sharing support , advising on range of options that might help a case and also offering a gauge of what is going on with fellow applicants. I, however, realize that there is no definite process for everyone. I strongly believe that the new government policy on immigration, "Extreme Vetting" is at play. The role of an IO, who interviews anyone, plays a crucial role in advancing a case, because the current IOs are trained to subscribe to the current government policies. There are applicants who have a smooth process, because they represent the model of an immigrant, but others, have to constantly convince, against all odds that they meet those standards. Some applicants are approved on the spot, and have their status changed within hours or few days, but others, in spite of seemingly successful interviews are still waiting. It's nothing personal, but the change of guard and the impression held of you. Each case has its own merit based on who handles it. When all is said and done, we can only do our honest and sincere level best. Keep your heads up everyone!

 

BACKGROUND

 

FILED I-751 (August 2016)

Went through 2 RFE

FILED N-400 (March 2018)

INTERVIEWED (I-751) July 2018

I-751 still pending

INTERVIEW (N-400) October 2018

 

I'll keep you posted about the outcome.

[MLChicago 4]

Good News! My spouse had a combo I-751/N-400 interview at the USCIS Chicago office today, 10/01/18. Based on other posts here I knew there might be a strong possibility that our N-400 interview would actually be a combo I-751/N-400 interview, and it was.

 

We were very relieved because we had not heard anything on the I-751 application since we received the May 2018 notice saying our case had been transferred to the National Benefits Center in Missouri. Therefore, we had no idea what the status of the I-751 case was or where the file actually was. Also, at our most recent Infopass appointment where we received a I-551 stamp extension, the officer at the infopass desk said they don't do combo interviews at the Chicago office (which we now know is not correct).

 

When our number was called today at the citizenship interview (after waiting about an hour), I went with up with my spouse to the officer and introduced myself. The officer said that was fine if I attended the interview with my spouse and that it is a good thing that I am there because we have to do the I-751 interview first before the citizenship interview can be done. 

 

When we arrived at the officer's private office she went through the I-751 file folder first (it was the original paper file we submitted, so she had the file in Chicago) and she quickly went through it and asked a few quick questions. Once that was finished she moved on to the citizenship interview and she allowed me to stay in the room. The whole process was very quick, efficient and easy. The officer was very friendly and professional. At the end of the interview, she said she was recommending the file for approval and that we should get a notice of the oath ceremony within the next 6 weeks. The whole interview process took about 30 minutes.

 

I highly recommend everyone who has a I-751 that hasn't been processed yet to go with your spouse to the N-400 interview. It sounds like they are doing combo interviews in Chicago after all.

 

This has been a long journey for us. Congrats to everyone in the VJ community and good luck to everyone on your journey to citizenship. 

[Jane D 24]

1 hour ago, MLChicago said:

Good News! My spouse had a combo I-751/N-400 interview at the USCIS Chicago office today, 10/01/18. Based on other posts here I knew there might be a strong possibility that our N-400 interview would actually be a combo I-751/N-400 interview, and it was.

 

We were very relieved because we had not heard anything on the I-751 application since we received the May 2018 notice saying our case had been transferred to the National Benefits Center in Missouri. Therefore, we had no idea what the status of the I-751 case was or where the file actually was. Also, at our most recent Infopass appointment where we received a I-551 stamp extension, the officer at the infopass desk said they don't do combo interviews at the Chicago office (which we now know is not correct).

 

When our number was called today at the citizenship interview (after waiting about an hour), I went with up with my spouse to the officer and introduced myself. The officer said that was fine if I attended the interview with my spouse and that it is a good thing that I am there because we have to do the I-751 interview first before the citizenship interview can be done. 

 

When we arrived at the officer's private office she went through the I-751 file folder first (it was the original paper file we submitted, so she had the file in Chicago) and she quickly went through it and asked a few quick questions. Once that was finished she moved on to the citizenship interview and she allowed me to stay in the room. The whole process was very quick, efficient and easy. The officer was very friendly and professional. At the end of the interview, she said she was recommending the file for approval and that we should get a notice of the oath ceremony within the next 6 weeks. The whole interview process took about 30 minutes.

 

I highly recommend everyone who has a I-751 that hasn't been processed yet to go with your spouse to the N-400 interview. It sounds like they are doing combo interviews in Chicago after all.

 

This has been a long journey for us. Congrats to everyone in the VJ community and good luck to everyone on your journey to citizenship. 

Awesome! Thank you for sharing your experience!

[egroeg 66]

13 hours ago, MLChicago said:

Good News! My spouse had a combo I-751/N-400 interview at the USCIS Chicago office today, 10/01/18. Based on other posts here I knew there might be a strong possibility that our N-400 interview would actually be a combo I-751/N-400 interview, and it was.

 

We were very relieved because we had not heard anything on the I-751 application since we received the May 2018 notice saying our case had been transferred to the National Benefits Center in Missouri. Therefore, we had no idea what the status of the I-751 case was or where the file actually was. Also, at our most recent Infopass appointment where we received a I-551 stamp extension, the officer at the infopass desk said they don't do combo interviews at the Chicago office (which we now know is not correct).

 

When our number was called today at the citizenship interview (after waiting about an hour), I went with up with my spouse to the officer and introduced myself. The officer said that was fine if I attended the interview with my spouse and that it is a good thing that I am there because we have to do the I-751 interview first before the citizenship interview can be done. 

 

When we arrived at the officer's private office she went through the I-751 file folder first (it was the original paper file we submitted, so she had the file in Chicago) and she quickly went through it and asked a few quick questions. Once that was finished she moved on to the citizenship interview and she allowed me to stay in the room. The whole process was very quick, efficient and easy. The officer was very friendly and professional. At the end of the interview, she said she was recommending the file for approval and that we should get a notice of the oath ceremony within the next 6 weeks. The whole interview process took about 30 minutes.

 

I highly recommend everyone who has a I-751 that hasn't been processed yet to go with your spouse to the N-400 interview. It sounds like they are doing combo interviews in Chicago after all.

 

This has been a long journey for us. Congrats to everyone in the VJ community and good luck to everyone on your journey to citizenship. 

Congratulations @MLChicago , when did you apply for your I-751 ? How about your N-400 ? Was your IO an older caucasian lady ?

[egroeg 66]

On 9/28/2018 at 9:49 AM, Tcainkb said:

Good News! My Oath Ceremony is 10/11/18, i really was not expecting to get this fast. I thought it would at least be a month. However before i left i remember the officer mentioning that it seems they are holding more ceremonies.

Congrats @Tcainkb

On 9/30/2018 at 12:24 PM, flash9153 said:

This is great news, thank you for sharing. Do you by any chance remember the officer's name?

 

My wife's interview is on Wednesday, we are crossing our fingers to get a combo interview. I have gathered all the evidence and planning to go with her. 

Good luck on your interview @flash9153

[egroeg 66]

On 9/26/2018 at 12:20 AM, Tcainkb said:

Hi All,

 

I have been following this chain for sometime now.

 

I had my N400 / I751 interview today at the Chicago Office and would like to share my experience.

 

I showed up to my 9am interview 5 mins before ( Cutting it close i know lol), any way i signed in and saw a ton of people waiting. I found out that some folks were waiting for their Oath Ceremony to begin and the others we there for their interview. Anyway i was still expecting a decent wait time, but got called within 5 mins of sitting down.

 

Now, my wife was not with me at the time as she is in school and is not allowed to miss classes, being that it was the N400 interview and it never asked for her to be present. I told my wife to come after she got out of class at 10am, so i was actually banking on having a long wait time so she could show up. As i mentioned i got called within 5 mins of sitting down by the interviewing officer, and would you know the first thing she said to me was

"I noticed you did not come with your spouse" of which i responded she is on her way. The officer followed with, "Okay, we will try to get through the pending I-751 as much as possible without her. I said Okay, and explained that she is in school and is not allowed to miss classes.

 

I751 Interview

 

We walked in her office and she asked to me to remain standing as she placed me under oath. From their she pulled out an extensive detailed file of all my filings, and God knows what other info she had on her screen but she had tons of info. She spent some time going through my file and it looked like she was getting familiar with what was already submitted and not submitted. Anyway she then asked if i had my most recent Tax forms, and additional proof to show a bonafide marriage. I gave her all my tax documents dating back 4 or 5 years, and the original marriage certificate, as well as info showing my wife on my insurance plan, and a car insurance card with both or names on it. She took all of that and then asked for all my passports issued, as well as my green card. From their she started flipping through my file again and it seems she was looking at pics we submitted when we applied for the ROC, she then asked if we still had our dog and i said yes we do.

 

Then she started fact checking all that was inputted in the application, asking me my name, DOB, Address, Phone # etc. Then she asked me my wife's DOB, and if she currently resides with me.

 

The we moved on to the N400 Application.

 

We jumped right into the Civics test. (Sorry i do not remember the questions) I got the first 6 right and we moved on to the Reading and Written piece which i also passed. We verified that my info submitted was correct and she asked me a long list of the Yes or No questions on the application, Goes without saying that the majority of the time spent was me saying No to questions like "Have you ever supported a communist party" etc.

 

Then she asked me if i had traveled out the country the last 5 years, i said yes and listed all the places. Then she asked if i stayed 6 months outside of the US at anytime since my residency i said no

 

From their she had me sign some papers and docs on an Ipad, and told me she was approving my I751 and Recommending my N400 for approval. So i then asked her does she still need to see my wife. She replied: "No, you provided enough info" Then i asked if i could text my wife to not come anymore, she said it was okay. Then she told me that i should receive a letter in the mail advising me on my oath ceremony date in 6 weeks or less.

 

The interview took around 30 -35mins, i was expecting it to be longer. However i had a great experience with the officer, i walked out on cloud nine as i was terrified i wouldn't be approved without my wife being present.

 

I hope this info helps someone as much as your submissions have helped me prepare.

 

Thank You all!

 

 

 

 

 

When did you apply for your I-751 , how about your N-400 ?

[MLChicago 4]

1 hour ago, xilef said:

Congratulations @MLChicago , when did you apply for your I-751 ? How about your N-400 ? Was your IO an older caucasian lady ?

Filed the I-751 back in early January 2017. The N-400 in February 2018. The woman who interviewed us was more of a younger officer probably in her late 30s early 40s?

[Lu_So 32]

15 hours ago, MLChicago said:

Good News! My spouse had a combo I-751/N-400 interview at the USCIS Chicago office today, 10/01/18. Based on other posts here I knew there might be a strong possibility that our N-400 interview would actually be a combo I-751/N-400 interview, and it was.

 

We were very relieved because we had not heard anything on the I-751 application since we received the May 2018 notice saying our case had been transferred to the National Benefits Center in Missouri. Therefore, we had no idea what the status of the I-751 case was or where the file actually was. Also, at our most recent Infopass appointment where we received a I-551 stamp extension, the officer at the infopass desk said they don't do combo interviews at the Chicago office (which we now know is not correct).

 

When our number was called today at the citizenship interview (after waiting about an hour), I went with up with my spouse to the officer and introduced myself. The officer said that was fine if I attended the interview with my spouse and that it is a good thing that I am there because we have to do the I-751 interview first before the citizenship interview can be done. 

 

When we arrived at the officer's private office she went through the I-751 file folder first (it was the original paper file we submitted, so she had the file in Chicago) and she quickly went through it and asked a few quick questions. Once that was finished she moved on to the citizenship interview and she allowed me to stay in the room. The whole process was very quick, efficient and easy. The officer was very friendly and professional. At the end of the interview, she said she was recommending the file for approval and that we should get a notice of the oath ceremony within the next 6 weeks. The whole interview process took about 30 minutes.

 

I highly recommend everyone who has a I-751 that hasn't been processed yet to go with your spouse to the N-400 interview. It sounds like they are doing combo interviews in Chicago after all.

 

This has been a long journey for us. Congrats to everyone in the VJ community and good luck to everyone on your journey to citizenship. 

Congratulations, MLChicago, I'm sure this has been one cliffhanger and thanks for sharing your story with us. It gives us hope.

[egroeg 66]

1 hour ago, MLChicago said:

Filed the I-751 back in early January 2017. The N-400 in February 2018. The woman who interviewed us was more of a younger officer probably in her late 30s early 40s?

Got it, thank you ! So it took approximately 7 months before you filing your case and being called in for the interview ! Congrats once again on your approval 

[Meme.B 14]

Hi I passed my Test today, but the officer told me don’t worry you passed the test but you have to wait until your I-751 to be approve.

@MLChicago Did the officer approve your I751?

Edited October 2, 2018 by Meme.B
Correction

[egroeg 66]

12 hours ago, Meme.B said:

Hi I passed my Test today, but the officer told me don’t worry you passed the test but you have to wait until your I-751 to be approve.

@MLChicago Did the officer approve your I751?

Could you describe your interview process a little bit @Meme.B "? Did your spouse accompany you for the interview ? Also, did the officer talk to your spouse as well ? What's the individual statuses of your I-751 and N-400 cases ?

[MLChicago 4]

15 hours ago, Meme.B said:

Hi I passed my Test today, but the officer told me don’t worry you passed the test but you have to wait until your I-751 to be approve.

@MLChicago Did the officer approve your I751?

Hi Meme.B. Did you go with your spouse? Also, did the officer first go through your I-751 removal of conditions file and ask questions about that before going on to your citizenship (n-400) interview?

 

Our interviewing officer had our I-751 Removal of Conditions paper file in front of her and she went through the entire application and discussed evidence with us and asked both of us questions after being sworn in to verify the information. She also said she had to do the I-751 interview first before we could move on to the citizenship interview. So, she spent a few minutes doing the I-751 interview first, then once she was satisfied and able to approve the removal of conditions, she went on to the next phase which was doing the n-400 citizenship interview. After my spouse passed all of the citizenship questions she gave us a sheet of paper that had a box checked that says "Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for approval." From what I understand, this language means the officer is recommending that your application to be approved by his/her supervisor. She said we should receive a letter notice of the oath ceremony in the next 6 weeks. My guess is that when they give you the piece of paper that has they "recommended for approval" box checked, they feel you have met all the requirements to be approved for citizenship and they just need to have their supervisor review and approve it officially. I assume the supervisors almost always do what the officer recommends, so you should be good to go.

[Meme.B 14]

5 hours ago, xilef said:

Could you describe your interview process a little bit @Meme.B "? Did your spouse accompany you for the interview ? Also, did the officer talk to your spouse as well ? What's the individual statuses of your I-751 and N-400 cases ?

 

2 hours ago, MLChicago said:

Hi Meme.B. Did you go with your spouse? Also, did the officer first go through your I-751 removal of conditions file and ask questions about that before going on to your citizenship (n-400) interview?

 

Our interviewing officer had our I-751 Removal of Conditions paper file in front of her and she went through the entire application and discussed evidence with us and asked both of us questions after being sworn in to verify the information. She also said she had to do the I-751 interview first before we could move on to the citizenship interview. So, she spent a few minutes doing the I-751 interview first, then once she was satisfied and able to approve the removal of conditions, she went on to the next phase which was doing the n-400 citizenship interview. After my spouse passed all of the citizenship questions she gave us a sheet of paper that had a box checked that says "Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for approval." From what I understand, this language means the officer is recommending that your application to be approved by his/her supervisor. She said we should receive a letter notice of the oath ceremony in the next 6 weeks. My guess is that when they give you the piece of paper that has they "recommended for approval" box checked, they feel you have met all the requirements to be approved for citizenship and they just need to have their supervisor review and approve it officially. I assume the supervisors almost always do what the officer recommends, so you should be good to go.

Hi everybody, my interview was so easy than I was expect. I arrived before my appointment more than one hour but the officer called my no. Excacty at my appointment 11:15 am. 

My husband was with me, but stayed outside the room and the officer didn’t ask me if he present or not.

 

On his table was a big file, It was mine seems to be gathering I-751 and N-400.

 

First of all he asked about my driver license, passport (old and new one), and my green card. Then begin with the civic test, and writing and reading after that he said great job you passed the test.

 

Then asked me approximately all (yes, No) questions, in the application, when he finished asked me: Did you understand all what I asked you? He didn’t ask me about the meanings anymore. 

 

Then asked me to give him last taxes we paid.

After that he asked Who lives with me, and if I have more proof that I and my husband still with each other, I gave him life insurance and bank statement. 

At the end gave me paper checked on two boxes:

1- you passed the English test and the U.S history and government test.

2- A decision cannot be made yet about your application.

Then he pointed to the paper and told me don’t worry you passed the test but you have to wait your I-751 to be approved. 

 

[MLChicago 4]

1 hour ago, Meme.B said:

 

Hi everybody, my interview was so easy than I was expect. I arrived before my appointment more than one hour but the officer called my no. Excacty at my appointment 11:15 am. 

My husband was with me, but stayed outside the room and the officer didn’t ask me if he present or not.

 

On his table was a big file, It was mine seems to be gathering I-751 and N-400.

 

First of all he asked about my driver license, passport (old and new one), and my green card. Then begin with the civic test, and writing and reading after that he said great job you passed the test.

 

Then asked me approximately all (yes, No) questions, in the application, when he finished asked me: Did you understand all what I asked you? He didn’t ask me about the meanings anymore. 

 

Then asked me to give him last taxes we paid.

After that he asked Who lives with me, and if I have more proof that I and my husband still with each other, I gave him life insurance and bank statement. 

At the end gave me paper checked on two boxes:

1- you passed the English test and the U.S history and government test.

2- A decision cannot be made yet about your application.

Then he pointed to the paper and told me don’t worry you passed the test but you have to wait your I-751 to be approved. 

 

Hi Meme.B Congratulations on passing the Citizenship N-400 exam and application. It sounds like they need some more time to process your removal of conditions. Hopefully that will be approved very soon!