OldUser

New Year, new rules. So it looks like Conditional LPRs and regular LPRs would no longer receive Real ID like DL with normal expiration in California... https://www.kcra.com/article/dmv-notifies-californians-real-id-regulations/69896090 It used to be the case, you would get full term Real ID DL even as a LPR with 2 or 10 year card. From now on, expiration of GC or I-797 notices will determine the expiration of ID/DL. Existing RealID DL / ID holders may need to replace their existing cards in my understanding. Pretty sad to see this change. I always felt sorry to folks in other states, but now it is same in California.

You can attach a cover letter stating these dates were approximate, best to your knowledge. Most likely, nobody would care to know exact dates anyway

Sorry, not quite understanding how UPS is related to delivery of GC. As far as I know USCIS does not use their services for delivering mail or green cards

Side note: I think you are very soft with the lawyer. If GC was lost (but shown as delivered to lawyer's PO) you could be more pushy and asking them to file I-90 covering the fees. Or at least split 50/50. It is their inbox after all.

15b - I'd say yes. Just explain what it was - you got warned and not cited. You won't be penalized for disclosing this, but you may be penalized for not disclosing it. Essentially, always tell the truth.

Fair enough, why naturalize if US citizenship is not a high priority?

Your mother cannot naturalize as of today. She has to come back to the US and live here for at least 4 years and 1 day before she can apply for citizenship. She can take 1-2 trips a year, with 2-3 months out of the entire year spent overseas. Otherwise, she is not meeting criteria, and waivers don't matter.

Congrats! Don't forget to update status with SSA once you have your certificate of naturalization. Also, I recommend applying for a large passport book (it is a free upgrade)

1) How much time did she spend outside the US on her current trip? 2) Did she have any trip in the last 5 year that was longer than 6 month? 3) How many days did she spend in the US in the last 5 years? 4) How long did she have GC for? The reason I am asking these questions, you are focusing on exam etc, but she may be not even eligible to get citizenship as of today based on her travel. On a side note, getting N-648 approved is not simple, even with a lawyer. You need a lot of medical proof over extended period of time. It is a lot easier getting exceptions listed below for English language part: - Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception). OR - Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

Congrats!

The best time to get SSN is before getting married. If you don't get it then, next opportunity when and if EAD is received. It can take many months, and it may never arrive. And then, after receiving green card. Considering it can take many months, it's in your best interest to get SSN before marrying.

Whatever your info you put in there is as of date of filling paperwork, not as of future date. Also, depends how you interpret occupation. Occupation is not same as employment in my understanding. E.g. you can be a doctor by occupation (you studied in that field, worked for 20 years in it) but currently unemployed.

Congrats Sure, answer questions truthfully and to the best of your knowledge

For both

Don't forget: 1) I-129Fs expire, and it is a discretion of consulate to extend their validity 2) K-1 holders cannot enter if there is a travel ban. CR-1 typically are excluded from ban So there's that

In my immigration journey, it helped focusing on what all I can do to make the case stronger instead of thinking what the least amount of effort you can do. What if you end up not liking married life together? The more you visit, the less risk it is for you and your fiance. And more evidence you have for immigration. Is there a big age gap, different ethnical or religious background? If yes to any, you need to prove case more. If all true, you need to work very hard to make case approvable.

Which field office? Don't forget there were multiple holidays and other things in November and December. Do you have pending I-751? What's N-400 status online?

It is needed so USCIS and DOS do not think this marriage is for immigration purposes. Usually people do not marry on the first visit. People learn about each other and think long and hard before committing to marriage

The online form is new, so there can be issues with it here and there. I am also curious to learn whether somebody had a good experience they can write about.

Yep, this is mostly helpful to those whose 10 year green cards are expiring. Those who have 2 year GC with pending I-751, already have 48 month extension letters which supercede 24 month extension from N-400.

Sure, if they are interested in listening to you and allow you to defend your case. Sometimes they come to conclusion and aren't giving any opportunity to clarify things. Carrying proofs can help

WoM is not nuclear in my opinion. But N-400 is more cost effective.

Congrats! Don't forget to apply for large passport books (free upgrade) and update status with SSA!

I cannot comment on this as I lack expertise in this area.