MMRF

2 hours ago, AJParry89 said:

I am not too sure what all is required of the citizenship application/test.  Her english is still not that great, nor reading and comprehending.  I heard they ask history questions as well?

You can find all the test requirements here: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test

There are thousands of resources online to help with studying.

13 hours ago, llindsay said:

 her son who is 17 will follow her upon approval of citizenship

Where is the son now? In the US as LRP or abroad?

On 4/4/2026 at 2:53 AM, Verrou said:

https://www.raylolaw.com/ He’s very good, bunch of people I know hired him. I almost hired him too, I sent some people to him and everyone’s happy with his service 

@Verrou can I ask why you ultimately didn't hire him?

Hi all,

I'm seeking recommendations for a lawyer in NYC.

My husband will be able to apply for citizenship in the next couple months (3 yr rule) and we want to consult a lawyer to review his case before doing so - to confirm there are no red flags for the current admin and way things are being handled, specifically at the Manhattan office.

We also want the lawyer to attend the 751/400 combo interview as an extra layer of protection.

-We have meticulously assembled all docs and forms ourselves so they don't need to do that part

-Just want to ask a handful of questions/review immigration history + attend the combo interview when the time comes

-AOS was done with a top rated lawyer that we found on https://www.ailalawyer.com/ and they did a terrible job, so I'm seeking personal recommendations this time

-i751 was done by us alone

-Money is not an object, within reason. This has been a decades long journey and we're willing to pay for the peace of mind.

I'm not looking for:

-to be told we don't need one and can do it ourselves

-an online service like boundless

Thanks very much.

Read this: https://do.usembassy.gov/consular-report-of-birth-abroad-crba/

7 hours ago, PokuPoku said:

The laws vary by state. If you don't have, or don't think you can acquire, an affidavit from the father, then you will have to have a lawyer. We're actually going to speak to a lawyer on friday about this since my step daughter's father was never present. 

I can let you know what our lawyer says on friday. We're in Alabama, fyi. It will be a little different in other states.

Immigration is federal. It doesn't follow any state laws.

When did you file N400? You should expect a combo interview 6-12m from that date.

Your issue date is Apr 27, 2023 yes? File w/in 90 days before Apr 27, 2026.

We each had our own account. The petition application generally lives in the petitioner account and other forms live related directly to the applicant live in their account-but not always.

I personally think you're also taking the directions too literally-you're not going to be denied or arrested b/c you used the log-in that your spouse gave you.

You will get a 48 month extension letter in the mail once they receive your package and successfully process your payment.

Ask your co-sponsor for proof that they paid the tax or that they're on a payment plan. That way if asked, you have it.

For my husband - so he doesn't have to live in fear from how the current admin is treating people. So he can travel abroad w/out fearing he can't re-enter. He wants to get it all over with and never deal w/ USCIS again. 

"20XX-present, retired"

18 hours ago, Babu Frik said:

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/04/trump-administration-citizenship-test-00544390

"...the current test “just too easy,” arguing that it allows for people to be “coached” through the immigration process ..."

Ugh, what do they think studying is? Are people just supposed to magically know the answers without learning?

Formal adoption severs the legal relationship and the daughter is no more than a friend in the eyes of immigration. 

Whether or not this adoption was legal is a separate question that would need to be sorted out first.

It's generally recommended that you do quarterly bank statements instead of monthly as it's sufficient but that is up to you.

As for technical how-to's, you can learn this on your own w/ a google search and youtube.

4 hours ago, IntegerOverlord said:

@Edward and Jaycel yes, we submitted a request. I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with mail recovery. Because online I read very mixed things about USPS in general, some people say they had zero luck with missing mail claims, others say almost all of theirs got found

You could take this simple action and see if it works or you could not. 

If you don't have any red flags in your relationship or a criminal history by the beneficiary, your money would be better spent by paying for a consultation to ask all your questions and then doing the app yourself. You technically have to do it all yourself anyway, lawyers just fill in the boxes. 

Idk about in Columbia but there are blood tests to determine if you're already vaccinated. 

On 6/7/2025 at 8:45 AM, mw & rg k1 said:

Just checking in with everyone again .... The window to file will open very shortly.

Hopefully @MMRF can keep us up to date with their progress as an early submitter.
Lets all hope this goes reasonably smoothly for all (and future) group members

 

He submitted the package in early May, check was cashed w/in a few days of delivery, and said he got an email notification a couple days ago that "something was being sent in the mail." I presume it's the extension letter receipt. 

She can get insurance from the NJ state exchange.

I just signed the i-751 as the USC spouse and noticed a biometrics clause for me on pg 8. I'm a natural born USC. I went back to the i130 and see it's on there too.

Who gets called to do this? Is this just for those convicted of Adam Walsh crimes?

I don't have any criminal record, aside from a traffic ticket or 2 a long time ago.

I tried searching for this and there's many posts about spouses accidentally getting notices but nothing about actually having to provide.

I'm uncomfortable with this for obvious reasons.

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-751.pdf

What kind of problems? What are your specific concerns?

She can only travel abroad with AP or a green card. If she leaves without either, she cannot return, abandons AOS, and has to start over w/ consular processing.