N-400 and I-751 Combo Pending -- Part 2

[Redwhiteblue2021 2]

I need your advice. I filed I-751 in late 2018 and N-400 in late 2019. Once I filed N-400, my I-751 moved to the local office.

 

Last month, I attended my N-400 interview. I was assuming it would be a combo interview, but it wasn’t. The officer said they only had me there for N-400, and although they had my I-751 in front of them, they couldn’t look at it because they were busy.

The officer informed me that I passed my N-400, but I can’t be called for an oath yet because my I-751 would need to be adjudicated first. They told me they would look into having someone review it, but it’s been a month and my case status hasn’t changed.

 

I submitted a request online but got an automated letter just a few days after saying my I-751 is still within normal processing times. Anything I could do? Or should I just continue to wait? At this point, it’s been 2.5 years since I filed my I-751, and it’s the only thing left on my journey to citizenship. Thanks!

[UKUSA 17]

On 2/26/2021 at 7:11 PM, Redwhiteblue2021 said:

I need your advice. I filed I-751 in late 2018 and N-400 in late 2019. Once I filed N-400, my I-751 moved to the local office.

 

Last month, I attended my N-400 interview. I was assuming it would be a combo interview, but it wasn’t. The officer said they only had me there for N-400, and although they had my I-751 in front of them, they couldn’t look at it because they were busy.

The officer informed me that I passed my N-400, but I can’t be called for an oath yet because my I-751 would need to be adjudicated first. They told me they would look into having someone review it, but it’s been a month and my case status hasn’t changed.

 

I submitted a request online but got an automated letter just a few days after saying my I-751 is still within normal processing times. Anything I could do? Or should I just continue to wait? At this point, it’s been 2.5 years since I filed my I-751, and it’s the only thing left on my journey to citizenship. Thanks!

What office was this? I would call your representative or senator. 

[sahilpatel12 41]

Oath letter showed up online today and oath is  scheduled this month , excited for wife.

 

applying for passport same day for her and my newborn.

 

great experience overall.

 

filed i751 in dec 2019

i751 interview same day with n400 feb 2021

i751 interview approved / card production same day feb 2021.

 

 

good luck all.

n400 filed on nov 2020

n400 reuse fingerprint from old ( mostly from i751 ) dec 2020

n400 interview scheduled  same day  after i751 feb 2021

n400 future oath date eta pending letter / approved n400  same day feb 2021

n400 oath scheduled march 2021.

[DannyAdelante 6]

On 2/26/2021 at 7:11 PM, Redwhiteblue2021 said:

I need your advice. I filed I-751 in late 2018 and N-400 in late 2019. Once I filed N-400, my I-751 moved to the local office.

 

Last month, I attended my N-400 interview. I was assuming it would be a combo interview, but it wasn’t. The officer said they only had me there for N-400, and although they had my I-751 in front of them, they couldn’t look at it because they were busy.

The officer informed me that I passed my N-400, but I can’t be called for an oath yet because my I-751 would need to be adjudicated first. They told me they would look into having someone review it, but it’s been a month and my case status hasn’t changed.

 

I submitted a request online but got an automated letter just a few days after saying my I-751 is still within normal processing times. Anything I could do? Or should I just continue to wait? At this point, it’s been 2.5 years since I filed my I-751, and it’s the only thing left on my journey to citizenship. Thanks!

Can't really offer advice, but I am in similar situation.  But with mine, my interviewer, or someone, clearly escalated my I-751 case, as it was approved the day after my interview.  But that was over four months ago, and I have still heard nothing about my naturalization, and I am convinced my application is caught up in some sort of glitch in their system.

 

Is 2.5 years really in their normal processing times? I filed in October 2018, and I think they said 19.5 months was my normal processing time. Once that time passed, they said that it had been consolidated into my N-400 application, but when I turned up for my interview, the interviewer said she didn't know anything about that.

[DannyAdelante 6]

On 12/28/2020 at 4:02 PM, DannyAdelante said:

Just wanted to give an update on my two applications.

 

I submitted my I-751 in October 2018, and my N-400 in September 2019.  Had no activity on my I-751 after my biometrics appointment in November 2018 - almost two years.  Got an interview scheduled for my N-400 in April 2020, and was immediately de-scheduled because of the pandemic.

 

Fast forward a few months, and I got my N-400 interview re-scheduled for November 3rd in New York City - Election Day.

 

Everything I had read, and even after speaking to my lawyers, indicated that it would be a combo interview.  But when I was called for my interview, the interviewer said she only did N-400 interviews, and the I-751 was nothing to do with her, she had never heard of anyone doing combo interviews, and that it would be a different office processing that. She could not even tell me if I would need to come in for another interview or not.

Interview went fine, and at the end she was like "I can't give you a decision because of your pending I-751".  I asked if they could call that office, as it was in the same building, and it was my understanding that combo interviews were fairly common when the I-751 had not been processed.  She said she had never heard of that, and she could only give me a "no decision made yet" piece of paper, and said I could go home.

I was really dejected.  I had hoped to become a citizen that day, or at least get a date for my oath ceremony (everyone who got approved on November 3rd was given a December 18th date for their Oath Ceremony), but still felt that I was in limbo.

 

She then must have escalated my I-751 case because it was approved that same afternoon, and I received my approval letter the following day, on the 4th.

 

 

The I-751 approval letter stated:

We have approved your I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. Our records also indicate that we have approved your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Because we also approved your N-400, you will not receive a new Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card). Instead, once you have taken the Oath of Allegiance, you will receive a Certificate of Naturalization, which will be proof of your U.S. citizenship. If you have questions regarding this process, please contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.

 

 

So, that was great. But since then I have heard nothing.

The estimated case completion time stated January 2021 - 2/3 months after the interview, but last week, that estimated case completion time was pushed back a further two months to March 2021.

When I check my USCIS status both online and via their automated phone system, it says that my "Interview Has Been Scheduled".  There is nothing about it being completed (which it was) or approved (which the letter says is the case).

I called USCIS and spoke to an agent. They said that did seem strange, and that they could not see anything on their end, but that they could not investigate my case until at least 60 days had passed from my interview (which took place 55 days ago).

 

So, overall, I guess I should be happy that my citizenship seems to have been approved? But it looks like it is stuck in their system because of an error, and keeps getting needlessly delayed. And I do not have either a new Green Card with conditions removed or my certificate of naturalization.

An update on my case:
Yesterday was 120 days since my Naturalization interview, so according to earlier calls, today was the day they would be able to investigate my case.  All they were able to do was say that they would contact the New York Field Office, and I should expect a phone call or email from them, but it could take around 30 days to get a response.
So I guess I'm waiting until April 4th to call back.  I hope someone there actually looks at my case and realizes "oh, we've already approved this one", but I don't have high hopes.

[whimper 8]

On 3/1/2021 at 1:53 PM, sahilpatel12 said:

Oath letter showed up online today and oath is  scheduled this month , excited for wife.

 

applying for passport same day for her and my newborn.

 

great experience overall.

 

filed i751 in dec 2019

i751 interview same day with n400 feb 2021

i751 interview approved / card production same day feb 2021.

 

 

good luck all.

n400 filed on nov 2020

n400 reuse fingerprint from old ( mostly from i751 ) dec 2020

n400 interview scheduled  same day  after i751 feb 2021

n400 future oath date eta pending letter / approved n400  same day feb 2021

n400 oath scheduled march 2021.

That's not fair, is it? Many of us here applied, many many moons ago and still waiting. And you just arrived and already schedule for Oath? I'm not happy about that at all.

[seablock 23]

We filed I-751 in June 2019 and in September 2019 got the ready for interview notifications.  In July 2020 we filed the N-400.  After filing a congressional letter, we received notice of N-400 interview.  Possibly coincidence.  But the I751 status is unchanged.  Called USCIS to see if we could talk to an immigration officer to combine the two or to see what could be done.  But the only thing the agent would permit was to postpone the interview and request to combine the two.  i.e.  black hole. Is there anyway to know if they will combine the two interviews in advance to the appointment?  The notice clearly states that only the applicant is allowed in for the interview but the I751 interview would require both spouses, I assume.

[UKUSA 17]

12 hours ago, seablock said:

We filed I-751 in June 2019 and in September 2019 got the ready for interview notifications.  In July 2020 we filed the N-400.  After filing a congressional letter, we received notice of N-400 interview.  Possibly coincidence.  But the I751 status is unchanged.  Called USCIS to see if we could talk to an immigration officer to combine the two or to see what could be done.  But the only thing the agent would permit was to postpone the interview and request to combine the two.  i.e.  black hole. Is there anyway to know if they will combine the two interviews in advance to the appointment?  The notice clearly states that only the applicant is allowed in for the interview but the I751 interview would require both spouses, I assume.

 

I am in the same situation as you. My N-400 is on Monday in NYC. Only received notice for N-400. I will let you know if it's a combo or not. The n400 notice is generic, pending i751 applications are rare in comparison to the usual n400's. 

 

I am also bringing the below with the following passage highlighted: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/uscis-processing-concurrently-pending-forms-n-400-and-forms-i-751

 

The speakers also clarified that, if the jointly filed I-751 petition is pending at the time of the N-400 interview, an applicant should bring his or her petitioning spouse to the naturalization interview.

[Gingerspike 55]

9 hours ago, UKUSA said:

 

I am in the same situation as you. My N-400 is on Monday in NYC. Only received notice for N-400. I will let you know if it's a combo or not. The n400 notice is generic, pending i751 applications are rare in comparison to the usual n400's. 

 

I am also bringing the below with the following passage highlighted: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/uscis-processing-concurrently-pending-forms-n-400-and-forms-i-751

 

The speakers also clarified that, if the jointly filed I-751 petition is pending at the time of the N-400 interview, an applicant should bring his or her petitioning spouse to the naturalization interview.

California filer her and same situation. Pending I-751 but I received my N400 interview schedule for April 12. I told my husband he needs to come with me as it might be a combo interview but is there a way to be sure of it prior? Please update us on how your interview go on Monday and good luck!

[UKUSA 17]

On 3/6/2021 at 4:40 PM, Gingerspike said:

California filer her and same situation. Pending I-751 but I received my N400 interview schedule for April 12. I told my husband he needs to come with me as it might be a combo interview but is there a way to be sure of it prior? Please update us on how your interview go on Monday and good luck!

Just got out. They only interviewed me and approved i-751 and N-400. They didn't want to speak to my wife. The security guards did give me hassle about bringing my wife in but I took the above notice out with the "bring your spouse" highlighted and they let her in. Would recommend anyone in the same situation do the same just incase. 

 

Relieved to be at the end of the road, good luck to everyone. 

[Gingerspike 55]

3 hours ago, UKUSA said:

Just got out. They only interviewed me and approved i-751 and N-400. They didn't want to speak to my wife. The security guards did give me hassle about bringing my wife in but I took the above notice out with the "bring your spouse" highlighted and they let her in. Would recommend anyone in the same situation do the same just incase. 

 

Relieved to be at the end of the road, good luck to everyone. 

Thank you and congratulations! I will bring that note with me too. Did you have a same day oath or they are asking you to come back again?

[UKUSA 17]

43 minutes ago, Gingerspike said:

Thank you and congratulations! I will bring that note with me too. Did you have a same day oath or they are asking you to come back again?

Thanks, no worries. My office doesn't do same day oath but I just got notification they've already mailed the notice out. 

Edited March 8, 2021 by UKUSA

[VeronicaL 18]

On 3/6/2021 at 6:57 AM, UKUSA said:

 

I am in the same situation as you. My N-400 is on Monday in NYC. Only received notice for N-400. I will let you know if it's a combo or not. The n400 notice is generic, pending i751 applications are rare in comparison to the usual n400's. 

 

I am also bringing the below with the following passage highlighted: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/uscis-processing-concurrently-pending-forms-n-400-and-forms-i-751

 

The speakers also clarified that, if the jointly filed I-751 petition is pending at the time of the N-400 interview, an applicant should bring his or her petitioning spouse to the naturalization interview.

Thank you so much for sharing this! Interview is in 2 days and my husband and I had been wondering how it would go, if they’d let him in or not and so on. Definitely printing this off. 

[VeronicaL 18]

So my interview is this afternoon in Louisville, KY and I had been wondering if it would be combo interview. Then this morning I got a notification that my interview for the I-751 was scheduled. Then they actually called me if y’all can believe it!! To tell me it would be both interviews today and to bring my husband. Oath will be within 30 days. I’ll update after my appointment. 

[NYBEtt 88]

On 2/25/2021 at 5:34 PM, sahilpatel12 said:

green approved and i asked them do n400 interview also if possible and had that done for my wife. ( they had to ask supervisor for it and if system would allow as she was on due list to be scheduled for an interview in there system in future batchs 2 months or so he said)

but we were able to avoid 2 month wait and get it done same day

 

they got letter for  oath ceremony will be  schedule  later date something like that so i assume shes approved on that also.

 

great experience overall.

filed i751 in dec 2019

 

good luck all.

n400 filed on nov 2020

n400 reuse fingerprint from old ( mostly from i751 ) dec 2020

n400 interview scheduled  same day  after i751 feb 2021

n400 future oath date eta pending letter / approved n400 ? same day feb 2021

Congratulations! Good on you for being pro-active. Knowledge is power!