OldUser

Why wouldn't you do both: upload evidence and provide the number? I don't think it hurts.

I wouldn't. You never know whether your descendants will ever need to trace how you became a citizen. Or if something horrible happens to your passport / naturalization certificate and you'll have to prove you are who you are. These are super important documents in my opinion. I'd scan them to digital files and store safely to say the least.

Best to change name now, before any paperwork is filed or much further at N-400 stage when she becomes a US citizen. Anything in between is not as smooth compared to the two options above. If she changes name now, she should get passport in new name, so that everything in her paperwork other than birth certificate will match.

That's a good idea actually. And with this stamp get unrestricted SS card / DL for I-9.

Does he have an unrestricted social security card and valid state ID / DL? He could use those for I-9 verification. I'm afraid he cannot use expired GC from year 2000 and I-90 to verify his status to potential employer.

You can absolutely get approved, at least based on information you provided so far. Make sure to file AR-11 if you haven't already. You're required by law to report you any changes to your physical address within 10 days of moving.

Highly recommend being as nice and polite to the abuser as possible (they may not deserve respect, but your safety is the top priority). Also recommend being as far physically and mentally as possible when around the abusive spouse. I personally would not laugh at them. That only can escalate things to physical violence etc. Being polite also decreases the chance of them writing bad letters addressed to USCIS, which can complicate I-751 approval. I'd say family lawyer is highly recommended just to finalize everything fast. Immigration lawyer is optional but doesn't hurt (if a good one is hired)

Hi, sorry to hear your marriage didn't work out. Please seek a safe place for yourself. Do NOT count on abusive spouse in supporting your immigration. You can get approved without their help. There's no such thing as I-175. I think you're referring to I-751? 1. Make copies of all important documents and evidence. Best to have both physical and digital copies. Make sure abuser doesn't have access to them (maybe a friend or safe deposit box can help storing docs). Make sure they don't know your passwords to online accounts. 2. Move out of the place. 3. Hire a family lawyer to help with divorce. File for divorce. 4. File a I-751 with a lawyer. You can ask for divorce waiver. Timing is very important in this case, but you can stay in the US if you can prove marriage was bonafide. P.S. What about jointly filed taxes? Do you have IRS return transcripts for those? Those bank / credit card statements, are they in both names right?

Did you get an unrestricted Social Security card from SSA? If not, get it as soon as you get extension letter. This will allow you to use driver license (or state ID) and SS card for I-9 verification. You remain LPR despite your GC expiry and have all the rights of LPR including right to work.

In addition, may need to wait for 5 years after re-entering the US to apply for N-400 if eligible (lawyer should confirm this).

That's the best part! Congratulations on your interview!

To add to that: there also should enough physical presence in the US, applicant and US citizen sponsor spouse should be living together in marital union all the way until LPR takes oath. Applicant should also be of a good moral character.

Under which rule are you applying for naturalization @baddi? 3 year rule, based on marriage to US citizen, or 5 year rule? 3 year rule requires a lot more evidence, including bank statements, mortgage statemenet, IRS transcripts for the last 3 years. E.g some evidence may overlap with evidence provided for I-751, depending when you apply, but I'd send it again.

Yes, I would apply for large passport book (no difference to regular in price) and passport card (yes, additional fee). Passport card is an additional identity document and proof of citizenship. Passport card can be used to cross some land borders (AFAIK Mexico, Canada) and board cruises. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/card.html It may be helpful if you lose/damage your passport and need proof of identity / citizenship while waiting for new passport.

@Elena & Craig sorry to hear your case is taking forever. Hope you get resolution soon! My field office was and still is SF 😃 That's one of the reasons why I'm holding off applying for N-400. Soon enough I will be eligible for 5 year rule (just over a year). Hopefully things will improve by then.

AFAIK the way it works... 1. Whether you travel alone or as a family, $10k is the total threshold. E.g. the $10k applies to entire family, not per individual. 2. The whole amount must be declared. Not the difference between $20k and $10k limit. E.g. you'd have to declare $20k. People can correct me, but that's my understanding.

+100. It may be tough provided OP only lived with the spouse for 2 months after coming to the US. IMHO USCIS is not going to be satisfied with initial evidence submitted. There's almost certainly going to be RFE issued and very likely, interview too.

I would

I hope this is some joke or trolling. OP, if not, you're in big trouble. Be ready to be denied ROC and removal proceedings. There was no bonafide marriage in this case.

That's always a good idea to have a copy of everything. And check before sending to USCIS. My lawyer retired while I waited for I-751 adjudication 😃

Well, the issue would be actually re-entering without US passport.

That's very optimistic. I'd say 6-9 months, especially with I-751 pending. But yeah, if my ROC wasn't approved recently I would have applied for N-400 soon.

Employers cannot demand to see a green card. They should be happy with unrestricted SS card and DL. But yes, citizenship status update is very important. It's just @AffableAndy talked about unrestricted SS card. That can be done way before becoming a citizen.

Same as below: In short: biometric appointments are very normal. Nothing to worry about. Not everybody's appointment is waived. USCIS haven't even looked at your petition just yet most likely. People scheduling biometrics may be different to people deciding the case. After biometrics it can take months and even over a year before you get approval, RFE, NOID, denial or interview.

Give it a week or two. Letters are much slower than status updates.