Nat&Amy

I agree it is important. But RoC and naturalization are two different beasts and for the latter what OP needs to focus on are things such as marital union, physical presence, continuing residence and etc. If they are planning to get their citizenship asap these are the things that will make it or break it. An unadjudicated RoC is not something OP can control, those other things are.

How long USCIS will take to process OP's RoC is not something OP can control. She might apply as soon as her window opens and have her case gather dust for two years. She might apply two months after window opens and have it done in five months. Therefore, delays caused by an unadjudicated RoC are not the result of OP'd actions, can we agree on that? I never said OP doesn't need to apply for RoC. But her applying for it does not affect her citizenship timeline. I stand by what I said.

Removal of Conditions does not affect Citizenship timelines. It needs to be done, yes, but I don't see how focusing on it instead changes anything for the OP. OP, you could always apply for a reentry permit if you plan to spend an extended period of time abroad but be aware that the amount of time you stay out of the US might affect your ability to apply for citizenship and that would potentially delay your citizenship process even more. https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/continuous-residence-and-physical-presence-requirements-for-naturalization

I second this. Speaking from recent experience (October last year), it was a straightforward process from beginning to end. From my first contact by phone to getting passport in 24 hours after appointment, they were nothing short of helpful and accommodating (LA office). Again, it is worth repeating. This is NOT the expedited service. Post offices don't even play a role. The whole thing is done through Passport Agencies. OP, here is what I recommend you do: 1. Look up timelines of your field office here on VJ. I found out mine did same day oath because the date of interview and date of oath were the same for many members. 2. If they do same day oath, plan to gather everything you need for the URGENT TRAVEL passport processing, so that you are all set when your 14-day window opens. 3. Call Passport Agencies and schedule an appointment. If the nearest office doesn't have availability, try another. In your case, seems like a minor hassle compared to cancelling your trip abroad or rescheduling oath ceremony, which I would not recommend.

That's not what you said in your original post. It's difficult to give you accurate advice when there are so many moving parts in your story. No one said it was illegal. My point was: when you were granted a five-year visa to do a Master's, there were several things considered in that decision: your program, the university offering you admission, the costs involved. The risk profile of students applying for a Master's is different from those applying for ESL. So, the moment you switch schools and downgrade your program, of course you get more scrutinity. And depending on the school you're going to, yeah, you might have to answer questions about how exactly you plan to fund your Master's if cost was decisive in your decision to change language schools. Or you might not have to answer any questions at all. It's impossible to predict what CBP will say or do, so the only advice anyone can offer is to be honest and succinct. Don't volunteer information, and be prepared.

I really hope OP wasn't working in the US while studying. I also agree with what you said about how bad it looks to transfer from a Master's to an English school, especially when we know of all the visa mills out there. I should know, because I was invited to work for one and it's really quite the scheme... OP, nothing to do but try. Just remember: whatever CBP asks you, answer truthfully. Do not volunteer information, be clear and concise. I imagine you have a deadline to start your Master's? A conditional offer doesn't usually last forever.

I have been in VisaJourney long enough to know that a LOT of K1 cases end up poorly - from the ones that are processed super fast to the ones that take years. I see three problems with your argument: 1. Video chatting and meeting every now and then for two years is very, very different from living together, sharing bills, problems, priorities, cultural differences, spending time with relatives you might or might not like, and other routine grievances. So, choosing a K1 to spend more time doing long distance does very little to tell you how successful married life will be with that person. 2. The idea that a scammer would not be willing to wait two years to scam for a green card is wishful thinking at best. Time and again we see stories of people that do a complete 180 when they set foot in the US after YEARS of relationship, fiance visa and spousal visa alike. 3. The K-1 is financially problematic, perhaps not for you, but for many that overlook the real costs of having to adjust status. It's not just the fees, but living on one income for an extended period of time, the draining of savings and the inability to get a DL or to travel abroad for a family emergency, for example. All of those can really strain a relationship - a quick search here on VJ will confirm that. Sure, each person has their own priorities but there is nothing intrinsically good about a K1 visa. It does not bind you into marriage until it's issued, sure, but it does not give you any predictor of what marriage life will be like either. That's the risk one chooses to take when entering an international long-distance relationship. No marriage comes with guarantees, not even local ones, so choosing a K1 just "to be sure" you're going to last is not an option I would recommend, for the reasons I mentioned above.

Some embassies give applicants a harder time than others. I don't entirely agree with the overall opinion here that your application is likely to be denied. There's no way to tell and, as another member pointed out, I have seen predictions here turn out entirely wrong. At the embassy, they will look at the totality of your application and a denial might require a combination of inconsistencies. I would argue that a term of endearment (however inappropriate for the circumstances) might be taken less seriously than showing pictures of an engagement ceremony. And again: embassy. Each has their own way of going about K1s. For now, take a deep breath. And keep us updated!

OP, you understand that a visitor visa is for visiting, right? Sure, by all means propose, but plans like yours are the reason why it is so difficult for citizens of some countries to get a non-immigrant visa these days.

This, right here. And also, what does ASAP mean? Today, tomorrow, in one week? Have tickets been bought yet? Last October I was able to get an appointment in three days before my trip and got the passport in hand the next day. Call 8774872778 and inquire, much better than trying serendipitous ways to leave the country without the right document to get back in.

Assuming the oath has been taken and husband is indeed a USC: make an appointment for "urgent travel" at a passport agency within 14 days of travel. Depending on his location, he is likely to get his passport either on the same day or the next day of the appointment. If he is a citizen, forget the green card. It is no longer a valid travel document.

OP, the way you phrased things, the whole plan hinges on your parents coming to the US on a visitor visa to "help you with postpartum" and then waiting until you become a citizen so that you can apply for their GC. Obtaining a non-immigrant visa to enter the country with immigrant intent is illegal. Don't do that.

The question about your absence might never come up, but in case it does, you need to be prepared to answer. I can see it is a difficult and traumatic experience for you but remember, much of what happened was beyond your control and CBP let you in (after your truthful answers to their questions). It is not like you re-entered the country illegally or misrepresented yourself, so take a deep breath and be confident. You will be fine!

As someone who recently had my citizenship interview, I can tell you that they were not only interested in my life post marriage, but in all my previous visas and visits to the United States - like, all of them, from much before I even met my now wife. I applied under the 3 year rule, so from what I gather those cases tend to receive more scrutiny than 5 year based ones, but even so, they are still allowed to ask about travel and visa history, as well as anything else they might want to. And if they do, be honest and succinct. You do not need to go into detail unless asked but always, always answer truthfully.

But your appointment is for the office in Nevada, not just a time slot to be filled by you in any location of the US. You will not be treated as an appointment in Rhode Island simply because that's not where you've been scheduled to appear. Sure, they might still see you, but as a walk-in. Like everyone else here, I would discourage you from waiting until the date shown in your letter. Go now, and if they say no, call to reschedule. It's applicants that need to change their plans to suit USCIS, not the other way around.