OldUser

Not always. But in general, she'd naturalize quicker VS waiting for I-751 approval before filing N-400

Hard to predict in current political climate that changes every day. But typically between 3-12 months, depending on USCIS local field office. Depends on what you submitted. Also, filing N-400 slightly decreases chance of interview being waived for N-400

I like your optimism, but given situation, photos as evidence, you can expect longer adjudication and potentially RFEs and stokes interview (look it up) Estimates on MyProgress or any trackers are not to be trusted, they're always inaccurate.

Joint assets and comingled finances are extremely important, as well as joint residence (both names on lease, house deed or mortgage statements). Only photos is very weak evidence. You need to have other things.

Do you have an emergency? Yes, I-131 should allow you to get in. But in theory, if I-485 is denied while you're outside the US, this invalidates I-131.

Yes, she can file N-400 while I-751 is pending. Many folks on VJ do it. Multiple things can happen. 1) I-751 may get decided before N-400 2) I-751 and N-400 interviews may be combined 3) I-751 and N-400 interviews may be on different days N-400 cannot be approved without I-751 being approved first. If she only gets N-400 interview and no decision on the day, she'd have to wait for I-751 approval. The good news is, USCIS can be sued after 120 days after N-400 interview for a decision if she doesn't have it by then.

This is perfectly normal. It can take 4-8 weeks after delivery to get any update and extension letter. I-751 is a very slow process. It's not worth stressing about it!

Can be safely ignored. Nobody other than USCIS can know for sure when case will be approved.

Just an addition: a third party website or app cannot predict with 100% guarantee what USCIS would do today or tomorrow. Hopefully, though, this skipped batch is getting attention finally. Good luck to everybody!

It may never update. It doesn't matter anymore. Some officers don't bother updating it

You're asking a good question. Legally, yes, they have I-551 stamps in passports which is the same as physical green card. Some airlines, may not be familiar and indeed deny boarding. This happens to some travellers on expired 2 year GC and valid extension letters. It's worth printing airline carrier guide and taking on trip, to be able to explain to airline if boarding is refused. They need to arrive to airport early too in case if verification takes more time.

You can apply for N-400 and state correct date of resident since date. You can go extra mile and apply for I-90 before you do N-400. If it's USCIS error, I-90 is free.

The cost with this person (money) may be cheaper right now, but following this person's advice may cost you more time, effort and money with USCIS. If you can't afford a good lawyer, please listen to advice on VJ. Folks here know a lot more than notarios and have genuine desire to help, as they don't make $$$ on you.

Qualified immigration lawyer could not tell you not to file AR-11. AR-11 must be filed within 10 days of address change. Failing to file it can have very negative consequences. Ultimately, it is a deportable offence not to file AR-11!

Birth cert is preferred. It should list both parents AFAIK.

MyProgress estimates can be safely ignored. I'm yet to see somebody whose estimate was accurate. People see "7 months until decision" on day of their oath. Typically a review from more senior adjudicator or even field office director.

I wouldn't expect any progress 5 days after mailing. Give it 4-8 weeks

You need to stop listening to a preparer and either file the case yourself or with a lawyer. Most of the times preparers / notarios make mistakes or cause misrepresentation issues that become hard to recover from in the future. If you live apart, yes it is a red flag. Lawyers are right, GC may be in danger if you don't file things correctly. You definitely need to prove your case with all evidence of visiting each other etc. It does look like you have good evidence, but you need to build a strong case. As a side note, did you file AR-11 every time you moved? Also, did your US citizen spouse file I-865 every time she or he moved?

Depends on your local field office. But generally under 12 months for most applicants right now.

Good luck with N-400! Are you filing online? If he is eligible for naturalization under general provision (5 years of being resident), he should apply under that VS based on marriage to US citizen. The benefits for applying under general provision: - Fewer docs to submit - Much easier case to adjudicate - You, US citizen spouse is not required to attend the interview - Generally, marriage doesn't have to be proved again, shortening interview and overall processing time etc

Pheeeeww!

I guess it depends on city and state. Where I am, I've seen prices from $500 to $1000 for interview part. Maybe there are lower prices, I did not shop around that much. The attorney has a prep phone call, explaining how interview is conducted. They know location well, so they explain in detail how to get there, even which door to open and which room to go You are absolutely right about attorney not asnwering questions for client at interview, however during prep call you can ask any questions about how to answer things. Also, attorney can take notes about questions asked and answers their client gave during interview for further record. They can also help keeping interview focused, and reduce chance of adjudicator asking irrelevant questions. Attorney can help getting USCIS supervisor involved too if necessary. If decision cannot be made on day of interview, at least attorney has full picture how it went and can help with next steps (answering RFE, suing for decision etc)

I don't think financial comingling can be understated. To share finances, you need to trust the person. If you open joint account with a random person, the funds can be depleted by that person without any repercussion... They're a joint holder thus have right to empty out account any moment. Both parties contributing to account and sharing access to funds to each other is good evidence of bonafide marriage. Your comment is akin to other comments I've seen on VJ about children born in marriage isn't good evidence because anybody can have a child. I strongly disagree with these sentiments. Yes, there are people who do silly things - add strangers to their accounts, have kids with random people. But it's not different from silly things like people signing I-864, sharing insurance or adding somebody on their house deed to only realize they were used.

Thank you for detailed report. N-600 is expensive, but is worth the investment

Typically few weeks, could be less than 1 month