US Immigration from Argentina

I had my I-751 (Removal of Conditions) and N-400 (Naturalization) combo interview on January 17, 2025, and something unusual happened that I'm hoping to get some insight into.

Background:

• Filed I-751 to remove conditions on my 2-year green card.
• Then filed N-400 (3 years married to USC) with pending I-751.

The interview had a somewhat rocky start, but ultimately, at the end, the officer told me that both my I-751 and N-400 were recommended for approval. The officer gave me Form N-652, stating I passed the English and civics tests and that my N-400 application was recommended for approval.

Then came the unusual part: The officer kept my expired conditional green card, my expired EAD/AP combo card, and even my old, expired OPT card. The officer said I wouldn't need them anymore since I was recommended for citizenship.

I was surprised because I always understood that you surrender your green card at the oath ceremony, not before.

Current USCIS Online Case Status :

• I-751: Online status changed to "Case Approved" on January 17, 2025 (shortly after the interview). I received a courtesy copy of the approval notice online, which confirms the approval and says my new 10-year green card will be mailed in 60 days. However, it does say "Case Closed" on the left, which I understand is normal after approval, is that correct?.
• N-400: Online status changed to "Oath Ceremony Will Be Scheduled" on January 17, 2025. It says, "We placed you in line for your oath ceremony and will send you a notice..."

Now, I'm in a situation where I have no physical proof of my permanent resident status while I wait for my oath ceremony. All I have is an I-751 notice Letter with 48 month's Extension.

1. Has anyone else had an officer keep their expired green card, EAD/AP cards, before the oath ceremony? Is this becoming common practice, or is it a potential red flag?
2. Could this lack of physical proof of status cause any issues while I wait for or when I attend the oath ceremony?
3. Is there anything I should do proactively? Should I be worried about this, or is it just an unusual but harmless occurrence?

I'd really appreciate any insights, similar experiences, or advice you all can offer. It felt very out of the ordinary, and I want to make sure I'm not missing anything. Thanks in advance for your help!

I am out of the country until January 31st and I would like to apply with the I-130 form to bring my mother to the US. They say that it takes a few weeks for my biometric appointment.

How long does it normally take for them to schedule the biometric appointment, bearing in mind that we are in the holiday season right now and that I won't be back in the country for more than a month?

Should I apply right now, and if they call me for the biometric appointment while I am still abroad, can I reschedule that appointment, or should I wait to apply a bit later, closer to the date I am back in the US?

Also, I was told that the forms are no longer valid after a month, so maybe I should wait until the first week of January to submit the application?

Thank you so much!

Hello, everyone!

Besides the 1040, IRS Tax transcripts, W2 and certification of employement letter, etc. I need to bring supporting documents to show the joint sponsor is a US citizen. I was wondering if the driver's licence will do or it's the birth certificate that needs to be presented. He's got no passport or greencard.

Thanks in advance!

Hi folks, I have some doubts on how to proceed. I am a green card holder, my husband is an American citizen. My kids (not my husband's kids!) live in Argentina. I have applied for the I -130 and they have been approved but then I put their process on hold given that their biological father didn't want to sign a consent letter authorizing them to obtain the green card too.

Things have changed now and he is willing to sing the consent letter to go with DS 260 questionnaire. Can anyone please help on how that letter should be written to be accepted? Can it be somewhat vague like "I approve my kids to obtain the permanent residency" or it has to be loud and clear that he is also approving their move to the USA?

Thanks!

I'm the beneficiary of CR1, we filed in late May 2024, I'm concerned because I keep reading everywhere that one of the main side effects in many people after Covid vaccination is hearing loss or tinnitus. I have an incident of SSHL (sudden deafness) since age 14 I'm 42 y.o. and I have only 1 ear that I must protect. I can't risk losing my only ear or having some tinnitus or damage to it. I don't have any Covid vaccine. I have chronic illnesses included a mini stroke last year and I was unable to get them in my country since I was homebound. Thing is I know they are mandatory. But I am terrified about losing my full hearing. I tend to have very sensitive ears anyway regardless the vacciness. Most people say "No, you'll be ok" even doctors would but why take the risk?? There are many documents by professors and MD that testify that covid vacciness cause hearing issues afterwards. Is it a way to skip it? I know that some religions have that option but I'm catholic, we're not against vacciness, I can't lie about my religion. Maybe showing my hearing test and the severe loss of almost 30 years ago would be a valid reason along with a doctor note saying that I could lose then only ear I have?