OBX

FYI.  I applied for my passport right after the oath ceremony (at the post office directly across from the federal building in Newark.) I requested expedited service and have now received everything; passport, passport card and returned naturalization certificate.  My interview was on a Wednesday, passport arrived the following Friday, passport card the following Monday and returned naturalization certificate 3 days later.  So from start to finish about two weeks.  🙂

Great news.  Good luck. 👍

I have now received all of my documents (passport, passport card and returned certificate) within two weeks of my interview/oath ceremony.  🙂

For whatever reason it doesn't seem to be the default when I try to reply and it's driving me crazy.  The quote coding does not show up for me when I post the quote.

My interview was yesterday in Newark.  Passed 😀  Interview review is posted in the Newark/Mount Laurel thread.  Best of luck to everyone still on their journey.👍

I had my interview yesterday (February 19) at the Newark office.  Here's my review:
 
My interview time was 10:00 a.m.  There is plenty of paid parking the area.  I parked in a lot just south of the Prudential Center and paid $15.00 for a 9 a.m. -  2:30 p.m. stay.  Arrived at the building at 9:15 a.m.  I entered through the Walnut Street entrance.  There was a lineup outside both doors on this side of the building.  The line moved quickly and I was in the building within 5 minutes.  Security is similar to airport screening (large purses, knapsacks etc are allowed) everything gets screened.
 
Elevators were straight ahead and I went up to the 15th floor as indicated on the interview letter.  There is a security guard stationed just off from the elevators.  He checked my letter and picture ID.  The interview area/room is straight ahead.  There was a short line facing a bank of windows.  I was called up to a window where I handed in my interview letter and green card.  The agent took the letter and attached it to a file folder which I assumed was my file.  She then took my picture (eyeglasses removed) and did biometrics and returned my green card.  I was then instructed to sit down and wait for my name to be called.  It was only 9:30 a.m. by this point.  The room was almost completely full, however, at 9:40 a.m. a large group were called out for the first oath ceremony of the day. (Newark office does same day oath ceremonies.)
 
At 10: a.m. my name was called to door 1.  There were 3 doors that I could see marked.  When they call your name go the door and if the agent isn't already there just wait because the doors are locked from the inside.  The interviewer was waiting for me at the door.  Through the door is a hallway with multiple offices.  The interviewer I had  was a very pleasant man; he put me at ease right away.
 
I was asked for my passport, green card and drivers license.  I was asked to raise my right and and swear to tell the truth.  He did the testing first.  Questions were:
1. When is the last day you can send in federal tax forms?
2. Who makes federal laws?
3. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
4. What is the capital of the United States?
5. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
6. What is the supreme law of the land?
 
As he was asking the questions and I was answering he was typing into his computer.
 
I then wrote a sentence using my fingertip (Who do we pay taxes to?) on an iPad sized screen mounted on his desk in front of me.  I then read the answer (We pay taxes to the Untied States government.)
 
He then said passed the test and he moved on to my application.  He confirmed some personal information (name, address, employment, marital status, when I became a permanent resident, number of children.)  He did not ask to see any original marriage certificates, divorce certificates.
He noted that my travel outside of the US was primarily to Canada.  I gave him a typed list of additional trips I had made since my application was filed.  He asked to keep the sheet. (I had typed up all of my trips since applying on the appropriate page of the N400 application and brought it with me. )
 
He asked if I owed any taxes. (No) I had federal tax transcripts for the past 5 years but he didn't ask to see them.  He asked if I had ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen (No.)  He asked if I had ever been arrested (No.)  I mentioned that I had two speeding tickets (both under $200.00).  I had copies of the tickets and prove of payment but he didn't want to see them. 
 
He asked if I had ever sold drugs, had ever been in the military, had ever belonged to any terrorist groups.  Basically a selection of the questions on the N400 application.
 
He asked each question from 45 - 50 on the application about supporting the Constitution and understanding the Oath of Allegiance.
 
At various points I had to sign my name on the screen.  Again this was just with my finger so it was quite messy but he said it was fine.
 
He then signed my sheet and said the he was recommending me for the second oath ceremony of the day at 11:30 a.m. The entire process took less than 15 minutes.  I waited in the waiting room for the next hour and a half.  There is no eating or drinking in the waiting room but there are washrooms just outside the room and a water cooler. There is a cafe on the second floor but I didn't bother to check it out. 
 
At 11:45 a.m. the second ceremony group and family members were called out to go down the hall for the oath ceremony.  All new citizens were seated together with family behind.  You will receive an envelope with a passport application and some general information and a small American flag.  There were two speakers; the first gave general information regarding contacting social security, voting and passport application.  We saw a short video and sang the national anthem.  Everyone was called up in groups of 10 or so to get the narturalization certificate.  Make sure you carefully check all of the information on it.  If there are any errors they will fix them for free on that day but if you discover something wrong after it will cost $550 to get it corrected.
 
The second speaker administer the Oath of Allegiance which made it official.  🎉
 
There is an opportunity to take photos and ask the agents any questions you might have.
 
I wanted to apply for a passport on the same day so I had a pre-filled application and photos with me.  Make sure you sign your naturalization certificate (with black ink) to make it official.  When you exit the building via Walnut Street there is a post office directly across the street that will accept the application; no appointment required.  The original naturalization certificate has to be submitted with the application but they will give you a photocopy.  They will accept credit cards for the $35.00 processing fee but the actual passport fee (and any expedite fees) are cash or debit only.  
 
I hope this is helpful to anyone that likes to know what to expect.  My immigration journey is now complete.  Best of luck to everyone still working their way towards citizenship.  🙂 👍 
 
 

I had my interview yesterday (February 19) at the Newark office.  Here's my review:
 
My interview time was 10:00 a.m.  There is plenty of paid parking the area.  I parked in a lot just south of the Prudential Center and paid $15.00 for a 9 a.m. -  2:30 p.m. stay.  Arrived at the building at 9:15 a.m.  I entered through the Walnut Street entrance.  There was a lineup outside both doors on this side of the building.  The line moved quickly and I was in the building within 5 minutes.  Security is similar to airport screening (large purses, knapsacks etc are allowed) everything gets screened.
 
Elevators were straight ahead and I went up to the 15th floor as indicated on the interview letter.  There is a security guard stationed just off from the elevators.  He checked my letter and picture ID.  The interview area/room is straight ahead.  There was a short line facing a bank of windows.  I was called up to a window where I handed in my interview letter and green card.  The agent took the letter and attached it to a file folder which I assumed was my file.  She then took my picture (eyeglasses removed) and did biometrics and returned my green card.  I was then instructed to sit down and wait for my name to be called.  It was only 9:30 a.m. by this point.  The room was almost completely full, however, at 9:40 a.m. a large group were called out for the first oath ceremony of the day. (Newark office does same day oath ceremonies.)
 
At 10: a.m. my name was called to door 1.  There were 3 doors that I could see marked.  When they call your name go the door and if the agent isn't already there just wait because the doors are locked from the inside.  The interviewer was waiting for me at the door.  Through the door is a hallway with multiple offices.  The interviewer I had  was a very pleasant man; he put me at ease right away.
 
I was asked for my passport, green card and drivers license.  I was asked to raise my right and and swear to tell the truth.  He did the testing first.  Questions were:
1. When is the last day you can send in federal tax forms?
2. Who makes federal laws?
3. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
4. What is the capital of the United States?
5. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
6. What is the supreme law of the land?
 
As he was asking the questions and I was answering he was typing into his computer.
 
I then wrote a sentence using my fingertip (Who do we pay taxes to?) on an iPad sized screen mounted on his desk in front of me.  I then read the answer (We pay taxes to the Untied States government.)
 
He then said passed the test and he moved on to my application.  He confirmed some personal information (name, address, employment, marital status, when I became a permanent resident, number of children.)  He did not ask to see any original marriage certificates, divorce certificates.
He noted that my travel outside of the US was primarily to Canada.  I gave him a typed list of additional trips I had made since my application was filed.  He asked to keep the sheet. (I had typed up all of my trips since applying on the appropriate page of the N400 application and brought it with me. )
 
He asked if I owed any taxes. (No) I had federal tax transcripts for the past 5 years but he didn't ask to see them.  He asked if I had ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen (No.)  He asked if I had ever been arrested (No.)  I mentioned that I had two speeding tickets (both under $200.00).  I had copies of the tickets and prove of payment but he didn't want to see them. 
 
He asked if I had ever sold drugs, had ever been in the military, had ever belonged to any terrorist groups.  Basically a selection of the questions on the N400 application.
 
He asked each question from 45 - 50 on the application about supporting the Constitution and understanding the Oath of Allegiance.
 
At various points I had to sign my name on the screen.  Again this was just with my finger so it was quite messy but he said it was fine.
 
He then signed my sheet and said the he was recommending me for the second oath ceremony of the day at 11:30 a.m. The entire process took less than 15 minutes.  I waited in the waiting room for the next hour and a half.  There is no eating or drinking in the waiting room but there are washrooms just outside the room and a water cooler. There is a cafe on the second floor but I didn't bother to check it out. 
 
At 11:45 a.m. the second ceremony group and family members were called out to go down the hall for the oath ceremony.  All new citizens were seated together with family behind.  You will receive an envelope with a passport application and some general information and a small American flag.  There were two speakers; the first gave general information regarding contacting social security, voting and passport application.  We saw a short video and sang the national anthem.  Everyone was called up in groups of 10 or so to get the narturalization certificate.  Make sure you carefully check all of the information on it.  If there are any errors they will fix them for free on that day but if you discover something wrong after it will cost $550 to get it corrected.
 
The second speaker administer the Oath of Allegiance which made it official.  🎉
 
There is an opportunity to take photos and ask the agents any questions you might have.
 
I wanted to apply for a passport on the same day so I had a pre-filled application and photos with me.  Make sure you sign your naturalization certificate (with black ink) to make it official.  When you exit the building via Walnut Street there is a post office directly across the street that will accept the application; no appointment required.  The original naturalization certificate has to be submitted with the application but they will give you a photocopy.  They will accept credit cards for the $35.00 processing fee but the actual passport fee (and any expedite fees) are cash or debit only.  
 
I hope this is helpful to anyone that likes to know what to expect.  My immigration journey is now complete.  Best of luck to everyone still working their way towards citizenship.  🙂 👍 
 
 

My interview was yesterday in Newark.  Passed 😀  Interview review is posted in the Newark/Mount Laurel thread.  Best of luck to everyone still on their journey.👍

I had my interview yesterday (February 19) at the Newark office.  Here's my review:
 
My interview time was 10:00 a.m.  There is plenty of paid parking the area.  I parked in a lot just south of the Prudential Center and paid $15.00 for a 9 a.m. -  2:30 p.m. stay.  Arrived at the building at 9:15 a.m.  I entered through the Walnut Street entrance.  There was a lineup outside both doors on this side of the building.  The line moved quickly and I was in the building within 5 minutes.  Security is similar to airport screening (large purses, knapsacks etc are allowed) everything gets screened.
 
Elevators were straight ahead and I went up to the 15th floor as indicated on the interview letter.  There is a security guard stationed just off from the elevators.  He checked my letter and picture ID.  The interview area/room is straight ahead.  There was a short line facing a bank of windows.  I was called up to a window where I handed in my interview letter and green card.  The agent took the letter and attached it to a file folder which I assumed was my file.  She then took my picture (eyeglasses removed) and did biometrics and returned my green card.  I was then instructed to sit down and wait for my name to be called.  It was only 9:30 a.m. by this point.  The room was almost completely full, however, at 9:40 a.m. a large group were called out for the first oath ceremony of the day. (Newark office does same day oath ceremonies.)
 
At 10: a.m. my name was called to door 1.  There were 3 doors that I could see marked.  When they call your name go the door and if the agent isn't already there just wait because the doors are locked from the inside.  The interviewer was waiting for me at the door.  Through the door is a hallway with multiple offices.  The interviewer I had  was a very pleasant man; he put me at ease right away.
 
I was asked for my passport, green card and drivers license.  I was asked to raise my right and and swear to tell the truth.  He did the testing first.  Questions were:
1. When is the last day you can send in federal tax forms?
2. Who makes federal laws?
3. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
4. What is the capital of the United States?
5. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
6. What is the supreme law of the land?
 
As he was asking the questions and I was answering he was typing into his computer.
 
I then wrote a sentence using my fingertip (Who do we pay taxes to?) on an iPad sized screen mounted on his desk in front of me.  I then read the answer (We pay taxes to the Untied States government.)
 
He then said passed the test and he moved on to my application.  He confirmed some personal information (name, address, employment, marital status, when I became a permanent resident, number of children.)  He did not ask to see any original marriage certificates, divorce certificates.
He noted that my travel outside of the US was primarily to Canada.  I gave him a typed list of additional trips I had made since my application was filed.  He asked to keep the sheet. (I had typed up all of my trips since applying on the appropriate page of the N400 application and brought it with me. )
 
He asked if I owed any taxes. (No) I had federal tax transcripts for the past 5 years but he didn't ask to see them.  He asked if I had ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen (No.)  He asked if I had ever been arrested (No.)  I mentioned that I had two speeding tickets (both under $200.00).  I had copies of the tickets and prove of payment but he didn't want to see them. 
 
He asked if I had ever sold drugs, had ever been in the military, had ever belonged to any terrorist groups.  Basically a selection of the questions on the N400 application.
 
He asked each question from 45 - 50 on the application about supporting the Constitution and understanding the Oath of Allegiance.
 
At various points I had to sign my name on the screen.  Again this was just with my finger so it was quite messy but he said it was fine.
 
He then signed my sheet and said the he was recommending me for the second oath ceremony of the day at 11:30 a.m. The entire process took less than 15 minutes.  I waited in the waiting room for the next hour and a half.  There is no eating or drinking in the waiting room but there are washrooms just outside the room and a water cooler. There is a cafe on the second floor but I didn't bother to check it out. 
 
At 11:45 a.m. the second ceremony group and family members were called out to go down the hall for the oath ceremony.  All new citizens were seated together with family behind.  You will receive an envelope with a passport application and some general information and a small American flag.  There were two speakers; the first gave general information regarding contacting social security, voting and passport application.  We saw a short video and sang the national anthem.  Everyone was called up in groups of 10 or so to get the narturalization certificate.  Make sure you carefully check all of the information on it.  If there are any errors they will fix them for free on that day but if you discover something wrong after it will cost $550 to get it corrected.
 
The second speaker administer the Oath of Allegiance which made it official.  🎉
 
There is an opportunity to take photos and ask the agents any questions you might have.
 
I wanted to apply for a passport on the same day so I had a pre-filled application and photos with me.  Make sure you sign your naturalization certificate (with black ink) to make it official.  When you exit the building via Walnut Street there is a post office directly across the street that will accept the application; no appointment required.  The original naturalization certificate has to be submitted with the application but they will give you a photocopy.  They will accept credit cards for the $35.00 processing fee but the actual passport fee (and any expedite fees) are cash or debit only.  
 
I hope this is helpful to anyone that likes to know what to expect.  My immigration journey is now complete.  Best of luck to everyone still working their way towards citizenship.  🙂 👍 
 
 

I had my interview yesterday (February 19) at the Newark office.  Here's my review:
 
My interview time was 10:00 a.m.  There is plenty of paid parking the area.  I parked in a lot just south of the Prudential Center and paid $15.00 for a 9 a.m. -  2:30 p.m. stay.  Arrived at the building at 9:15 a.m.  I entered through the Walnut Street entrance.  There was a lineup outside both doors on this side of the building.  The line moved quickly and I was in the building within 5 minutes.  Security is similar to airport screening (large purses, knapsacks etc are allowed) everything gets screened.
 
Elevators were straight ahead and I went up to the 15th floor as indicated on the interview letter.  There is a security guard stationed just off from the elevators.  He checked my letter and picture ID.  The interview area/room is straight ahead.  There was a short line facing a bank of windows.  I was called up to a window where I handed in my interview letter and green card.  The agent took the letter and attached it to a file folder which I assumed was my file.  She then took my picture (eyeglasses removed) and did biometrics and returned my green card.  I was then instructed to sit down and wait for my name to be called.  It was only 9:30 a.m. by this point.  The room was almost completely full, however, at 9:40 a.m. a large group were called out for the first oath ceremony of the day. (Newark office does same day oath ceremonies.)
 
At 10: a.m. my name was called to door 1.  There were 3 doors that I could see marked.  When they call your name go the door and if the agent isn't already there just wait because the doors are locked from the inside.  The interviewer was waiting for me at the door.  Through the door is a hallway with multiple offices.  The interviewer I had  was a very pleasant man; he put me at ease right away.
 
I was asked for my passport, green card and drivers license.  I was asked to raise my right and and swear to tell the truth.  He did the testing first.  Questions were:
1. When is the last day you can send in federal tax forms?
2. Who makes federal laws?
3. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
4. What is the capital of the United States?
5. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
6. What is the supreme law of the land?
 
As he was asking the questions and I was answering he was typing into his computer.
 
I then wrote a sentence using my fingertip (Who do we pay taxes to?) on an iPad sized screen mounted on his desk in front of me.  I then read the answer (We pay taxes to the Untied States government.)
 
He then said passed the test and he moved on to my application.  He confirmed some personal information (name, address, employment, marital status, when I became a permanent resident, number of children.)  He did not ask to see any original marriage certificates, divorce certificates.
He noted that my travel outside of the US was primarily to Canada.  I gave him a typed list of additional trips I had made since my application was filed.  He asked to keep the sheet. (I had typed up all of my trips since applying on the appropriate page of the N400 application and brought it with me. )
 
He asked if I owed any taxes. (No) I had federal tax transcripts for the past 5 years but he didn't ask to see them.  He asked if I had ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen (No.)  He asked if I had ever been arrested (No.)  I mentioned that I had two speeding tickets (both under $200.00).  I had copies of the tickets and prove of payment but he didn't want to see them. 
 
He asked if I had ever sold drugs, had ever been in the military, had ever belonged to any terrorist groups.  Basically a selection of the questions on the N400 application.
 
He asked each question from 45 - 50 on the application about supporting the Constitution and understanding the Oath of Allegiance.
 
At various points I had to sign my name on the screen.  Again this was just with my finger so it was quite messy but he said it was fine.
 
He then signed my sheet and said the he was recommending me for the second oath ceremony of the day at 11:30 a.m. The entire process took less than 15 minutes.  I waited in the waiting room for the next hour and a half.  There is no eating or drinking in the waiting room but there are washrooms just outside the room and a water cooler. There is a cafe on the second floor but I didn't bother to check it out. 
 
At 11:45 a.m. the second ceremony group and family members were called out to go down the hall for the oath ceremony.  All new citizens were seated together with family behind.  You will receive an envelope with a passport application and some general information and a small American flag.  There were two speakers; the first gave general information regarding contacting social security, voting and passport application.  We saw a short video and sang the national anthem.  Everyone was called up in groups of 10 or so to get the narturalization certificate.  Make sure you carefully check all of the information on it.  If there are any errors they will fix them for free on that day but if you discover something wrong after it will cost $550 to get it corrected.
 
The second speaker administer the Oath of Allegiance which made it official.  🎉
 
There is an opportunity to take photos and ask the agents any questions you might have.
 
I wanted to apply for a passport on the same day so I had a pre-filled application and photos with me.  Make sure you sign your naturalization certificate (with black ink) to make it official.  When you exit the building via Walnut Street there is a post office directly across the street that will accept the application; no appointment required.  The original naturalization certificate has to be submitted with the application but they will give you a photocopy.  They will accept credit cards for the $35.00 processing fee but the actual passport fee (and any expedite fees) are cash or debit only.  
 
I hope this is helpful to anyone that likes to know what to expect.  My immigration journey is now complete.  Best of luck to everyone still working their way towards citizenship.  🙂 👍 
 
 

Congratulations! 😀

For a second I thought I had missed something. 😮  It was the person just below me on the list (mep) that had their interview July 26.  I'm still in line for an estimated January 2020 date.  
 
Good luck to everyone that has received dates lately.  👍

Thanks for putting this together.  It's always nice to have company on any USCIS journey.  

Here we go.  Good luck everyone. 🙂
 
Filed online.     (Local office - Newark, NJ)                                                          05/16/2019
 
Receipt number generated and email confirmation received.                         05/16/2019              
 
Notice of biometrics scheduled and email confirmation received.                05/18/2019
 
Receipt notice and biometrics notice posted to online account.                    05/21/2019
 
Biometrics appointment date.                                                                               06/07/2019

^^Agree! USCIS has so much information about us already I'm not taking the time to black out anything. Putting together our ROC package is time consuming enough.

Congratulations making it through all of the red tape!
I have to say I got a chuckle out of this " Because my license was from Ontario Canada it is actually an out of state license not an out of country."

You are going to lose nothing by saving those documents! Method of safeguarding them is up to your discretion. As suggested above, you can keep them for at least the time of expiry of your green card as you will be asked a fresh set of documents while renewing your green card.

I stand by my statement, "We have not yet lived together." I put this statement on my I-130 and it was approved by USCIS with no issues.

As posted above, start looking at the guides (EZ Guide) and NVC site ( NVC) to familiarize yourself with the process and required forms. You can start accumulating any documents that are not time-sensitive and make sure you are up to date on all required vaccinations for your medical. Good luck!

It sounds like the 10 year old was thinking with a child's innocence. As you know, children sometimes state the obvious without historical reference of shoulds and should-nots. He was probably using logic and analysis with no thought to race or whether this might hurt someone who has a pre-disposed sensitivity. As to the parent.... they quite probably had a discussion with the child in private.

I'm sure Marc Ellis explained to you that it is your petition, not any visa, that has been reaffirmed. The petition will now be sent back to Guangzhou where it will again be a Consular Officer who makes the decision about whether to issue a visa. If a visa is issued, it will be IR1, not CR1, because you have now been married more than two years. You'll want to be prepared for the next interview because no visa decision has been made yet.

Had you done your homework before mailing the form, you would have identified the three main pillars of the RoC process:
1) Living (rent/lease/mortgage)
2) Finances (joint bank account, credit cards, life insurances)
3) Taxes (past 2 years of income tax returns).
If you are short in one department, you need to compensate for it with other documentation. That said, not sending tax returns is a sure fire RFE, so that one was really avoidable. Death and taxes, nothing is more important to Uncle Sam.

The officer meant that the stamp on your visa will serve as a temporary green card for the next one year pending the time that the real card arrives. Dont worry, all things going well, your physical green card should arrive in 30days or there abouts and should be good for 10yrs!

Happy to help.He should simply give them your current address at the POE.A whole lot of things is determined at the POE, so no big deal.If the SSN didnt show up at your home address after 2weeks of his arrival, you guys should go to the nearest Social security office to apply for one.The greencard will automatically come to the address he gives at POE.I hope it helps.Best of Luck!

OP: This is the worst advice anybody can ever give, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER lie at an interview. Period, full-stop.
Lying to a CO will result in a lifetime ban with no waiver. Your wife must answer each question truthfully.