OldUser

It can always happen, even to people with strong cases.

Just use DL + unrestricted SSN card. You'll have way fewer questions and problems moving forward.

Means nothing. Many people see it in this forum. It's a glitch.

Please do. Bring as much as you can and organize it well. It will likely put some pressure on IO to approve your case. It's easier for them to be indecisive if you only bring a thin file.

It is annoying, I agree! People are receiving 48 month extension letters. Perhaps you can expect to receive one soon? You can also try requesting it.

It doesn't mean much because the info was from Tier 1 agent, I presume.

They ask not because they don't know. They ask because they're testing your good moral character. If you lie, that's a big problem.

Are you keeping the ties to the US while studying abroad? E.g. lease or mortgage, bank, job etc? There's a chance you will naturalize before September 2024 if filed in January 2024. Otherwise, you need to make sure you don't break continuous residence and physical presence in the US while going through naturalization. Another option is getting a re-entry permit (file today) and that way you can be out of the US for up to 2 years.

No passport photos required for I-751.

I don't believe you should go to the interview yourself. Find a good lawyer and disclose truthfully everything you know about your case. DV could be a deportable offence. You need to be prepared for this interview.

Awesome. Any status update related to it?

Be ready for a combo / stokes interview. Year is a long time, USCIS could have approved you already. How did your I-751 interview go? Did you have your spouse with you? And did you attach I-751 receipt in N-400 filing?

You can apply on November 1st 2023. I wouldn't apply 90 days earlier before this date, to ensure there are no issues with application.

Does SSN card have any wording such as "Valid for work only with DHS authorization"?

As long as you don't miss biometrics appointment and interview, don't break the continuous residence and trip doesn't break physical presence requirement for naturalization, you're good to travel. Ensure the passport and Green Card are valid.

No, I-551 stamp is only needed if you lost/never received/damaged green card or the I-797 letter extending green card validity expired/got lost/damaged You can travel with GC and extension letter, there's a whole thread about it.

It's a lottery. Usually, the overall time to get naturalized is quicker with N-400. E.g. for example, your I-751 may get delayed by 3-4 months, but those months would be already going towards your N-400 which is pending. It may slow down the case also, but you never know until the fact.

The truth is immigration system in the US has big challenges. Many complained about its problems, including politicians and other influential individuals. Even POTUS cannot fix it easily. Please let us know how it goes and good luck!

As a sponsor, you will have to file I-865 every time you change the address. You don't need to update the affidavit, but make sure to bring the latest information to the interview. You're likely going to be asked about your employment. The best strategy is to submit everything you have at the time of filing. Long time ago people used to file thin cases and bring evidence to interview. Up until recently, USCIS would expect you to give evidence, and issue RFE before interview if there was no enough evidence submitted with filing. Recently, more and more people report getting Notice Of Intent to Deny (NOID) or straight denial when submitting little evidence. It's in your best interest to submit as much as you can. Get affidavits from friends, open joint bank accounts, start combining finances and save for joint goals together. Your spouse has H1B, thus has SSN, thus can do a lot of financial stuff already, including merging finances once you get married. File as much evidence as you can find, and keep collecting it. Your spouse will need it for Adjustment Of Status, Removal of Conditions and possibly for Naturalization.

Hi @Tokki 1. You need to tell the truth as of the time of filing. If you live at different addresses when you file, you need to list different addresses. 2. No, the beneficiary cannot leave the US before getting Advance Parole. If he leaves, he will abandon his AOS application. No, EAD should not affect H1B. 3. No, you should file ASAP after marrying, there's no need to wait. Immigration takes a long time. 4. For affidavit of support, US citizen income information is needed. It's ok if you haven't filed jointly at that time. If you don't make enough to sponsor your spouse, you would need to find a co-sponsor. For bonafide marriage evidence (should be a different question), you may submit marriage certificate, photos from your dating times / proposal / wedding. Any documents related to organizing the wedding (venue reservation), plane tickets with both names, messaging between both of you, receipts for presents etc. During the interview make sure you're you're ready to explain why you didn't live together initially and how you moved together etc.

You're just waiting. And you can file N-400 whenever you become eligible.

Immigration is unfair. Life in general is unfair. You can try opening a case inquiry whenever your case is out of usual processing times. Good luck!

@Sabela keep an eye on it. I'm not surprised it's delayed due to weather conditions etc. Just keep checking! Hopefully it will be with you soon.

@Sabela did you put the tracking number on USPS website? What does the status say?

There are no guarantees in this process. Each case is unique. You can probably sue USCIS, that would be a way of "complaining" and getting a decision faster.