Thank you - I got a "True Test Copy" stamp on another copy. I sure hope this is not a problem or that my case is delayed for supervisor approval.
It is interesting that he wanted to see the original marriage certificate. I only have my original divorce decree and merely a copy of my marriage certificate. I am also applying based on the 5 years. Get this, when I applied I was technically married (I noted I was legally separated) but as of a few weeks ago, I am divorced. I am taking a separate updated application instead of hiving the IO write all over the application. We'll see.
Well, my interview is in 1 hour. I'll find out soon. Like many of you, I'll find out soon enough how all these questoins and scenarios play out.
Finished the interview, here is a summary for all those:
Background: Got Residency based on marriage. Separated for two years (after conditions removed), applied for Citizenship based on 5 years, was still married when I applied. Between fingerprinting and my interview, my divorce was final.
So, as soon as the IO asked if I was "still" married, I said no, I handed a copy of my marriage certificate and divorce decree, simply showed her the original. the IO had serveral questions about when we separated, if we had seen each other, kids, when and where we last lived together, etc. She wanted to see the separation agreement and all court related documents (and I was worried about the arrest record). I didn't have it was I didn't think it was focal based on my 5 year-based application. She asked if I could get it to her (today). I said yes. The IO gave me a note stating I should/could come back the same day with the missing documents to complete my application and possibly be considered for same day Oath.
Traffic tickets and arrest record. She first said, "it looks like you noted some tickets," I handed her first the ticket and proof of payment. Then before she asked, I told her that I had sent my original expungement paperwork, and that I could ONLY get a true test copy stamp. She asked if I had the Original Expungement confirmation, I handed her my copy, which I believed was what I received from the court. Essentially, I told her that's ALL I could get, she said it was fine. She seemed not to know what exactly the courts provide - originals, court certified docs or copies after expungement, but she was satisfied.
Nonetheless, she still made me go home and come back with the separation docs. She took all of it. She approved me but I didn't make it back in time for same day oath.
Lessons:
1.- Traffic tickets, if you list them, just go to the district court to get proof of payment. Remember, there is a chance the IO will ask for them. A computer print out receipt with a stamp was enough.
2.- Arrests, if you can get a certified copy, get it, if expunged, get true test copy stamp at district court and bring EVERYTHING else, even copies, that you received. So you can say, this is everything I could get.
3.- Marriage involved (no necessarily based), bring all records too. Again, even if your application is based on 5 years.
I should get the letter this or next week for an Oath appointment. I've been in this country 11 years now. It's been a journey and I will all of you a similar one. I'll check back to see if you guys have any questions or if something I explained didn't make sense.
) , its been 127 days since my interview and still waiting for the reply ( as well as waiting for my info pass app).