Approval pending after interview

[nane1104 146]

 

I had my interview on Tuesday and I’m a bit upset, to be honest.

Everything went well overall, I passed the testing portion, we documented my intended name change, went through the entire application.

Towards the end, the officer suddenly told me that I didn’t have a current photo on file,

mind you, I had done biometrics last year for my greencard renewal and had the letter stating that I didn’t need biometrics done.

She agreed, but nevertheless, no photo.

She told me to go get that done right after we were done, she’d then recommend my file for approval and we could schedule the oath ceremony then.

I asked how long she thinks this may take and she said 3-6 months!

Like, whaaat???

We are moving out of state (and possible overseas) over the summer, so I’ll also need my passport asap. 
she told me to wait for a letter that says I’m approved and to then email them and they’ll schedule me asap.

It just so happens that my husband (retiring out of the military next month) got a job offer overseas and they want him to start asap.

Now I wonder how long I should wait or if I should just email soon and ask to help me out with the scheduling.

I don’t understand what would take that long, uploading that photo or the name change? 
Typically, their office does oath ceremony the same day as interview. 
What do you guys think? 

 

[Mike E 11,739]

When people ask what should they bring to oath or N-400 that the letter doesn’t say they bring, I say: “fresh pair of passport photos”. 

 

(And others reading my response sometimes tell me that I’m being ridiculous.)

 

I got burned. The N-400 letter specifically said do not bring photos.  I didn’t.  At the interview the IO asked me “where are your photos?”

 

Me: “but the letter said not to bring them”

 

IO: “Sucks to be you, my digital camera doesn’t work today, go bring me photos.”

 

And so I did.  And brought them back.  
 

And my photos from biometrics 11 months prior were used for the naturalization certificate.  
 

Sorry this happened to you.  

 

 

Edited March 19, 2022 by Mike E

[Family 3,988]

Option 1.
Wait as instructed and email photos once you get approval along with plea to expedite BUT go on about your life and travel on your current LPR status and current nationality passport, as life requires. Fly back for the Oath Ceremony and with Natz Certificate in hand book an appointment with a US Passport Office that does same day passports ( only need proof of imminent travel). Don’t know where you are but I know San Diego Passport Office resumed day passports without needing to show life or death need.
 

Option 2.

Try Info Pass Appointment before you travel, take some photos w you and BEG/ PLEAD to have an Officer give you an Oath or Schedule you pre-departure…if it doesn’t work, see Option 1 and enjoy your new adventure with your husband.

 

Congrats and remember to Vote ! 

 

[nane1104 146]

I got my photo taken immediately after my interview in the same USCIS office. They already have it.

My case status says “approval pending quality review”.

My husbands potential new job requires me to have US Citizenship, it’s not just me traveling. I know I can do that with my current passport and greencard. 

[Family 3,988]

Then get an Info Pass as soon as you can and give it your best shot. Perhaps ask for Officer to talk to the N-400 Supervisor to plead your case. I would take your husband IN FULL UNIFORM with to the Info Pass..as I am sure it will tug at any bureaucratic  hard heart. 

[Family 3,988]

You can also send  a letter addressed to the Field Office Director and N-400 Unit Supervisor ( you can find their names ) and raise the issue of Interviewing Officer telling you in no uncertain terms that you were approved except for the photos,  at end of interview…yet placing your file for review, an inconsistent and improper action by the Officer. 
You can add details of your need for travel…BUT they won’t respond to you and may or may not take action.

Personally, I think once you told that Officer about your husband’s new job and need for security clearance, she wanted a Supervisor to make sure she did not miss anything..

Info Pass does not guarantee results but there is a chance you may come across a human sympathetic to our Military, and willing to help.