Hello there folks...
I had an intersting interview experience at the Tampa DO. My interview was set up for the 1st week of 12/2007 at 8:15 am, it wasn't busy so I got called in at 7:50 am by the IO. We proceeded to her office were I took an oath and noticed that she already had my file opened on her desk. As soon as we sat down she went over some of my basic information (Date of Birth, SSN, Nationality, etc). She immediately went over my trips for the last 5 years (refer to this post http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=259484 ) and told me that for her it would be very difficult to approve my application since there was enough evidence that I did not have the "sufficient amount of time" required to file an application for naturalization. She knew exactly what to tell me since obviously she had reviewed my application before she called me in. To my surprise she gave me 2 choices: #1 withdraw the application on the spot or #2 continue with the process but risk a denial letter on the mail if I fail to provide any proof of continous residence during the past 5 years.
To her surprise I solicited if we could move on with the application since at the moment I thought it would be possible for me to provide with evidence
of strong ties to the U.S. during my days outside the country as explained in my previous post. She gave me the opportunity of proceeding with the process. I passed all the questions, had no issues as far as any other inquiries in the application (no tickets, no tax issues, arrests, etc), she even smiled
when she asked me if I ever was part of any terrorist organization.
Among other things I can remember about the interview she asked me if I owed any taxes to the IRS which I replied no, asked me what kind of proof I could provide to her from my previous months outside the U.S. and asked me why was I still living with my parents at my age (29) and that it seemed kind of odd that I was not living by myself and doing my own thing. I guess some cultures are different, I wasn't surprised with that question since I get it
here all the time.
This interview was more than 4 months ago. I filed the N-400 on (03/2007) with 37 straight months of continous residence, no trips over 6 months and no other issues. But anyways, at the end of the interview she gave me the N-657 (I think that's the name) saying that I passed the english and civics tests but a "Decission cannot be made at this time" box marked. She was always very courteous and professional, never mean or rude, very emphatic. After the interview she escorted me out to the hallway were she reminded me that if I could not provide any proof within 30 days I should expect a denial letter in the mail after the fact, we said "thank you" to each other and I left. Everything lasted around 20 minutes.
I dug through a bunch of documents, among savings statements, DMV info and a bunch of stuff that was never solid for my case since everything during those days was on my parents name. I had no choice but to write a letter a week after the interview requesting a withdrawal of the application. 4 months passed and I heard nothing from the USCIS about a possible denial/withdrawal. I scheduled an InfoPass the 1st week of April and when my turn arrived the clerk at the DO asked me what was the reason for my visit. I told me that I simply wanted to inquiry about the status of my application and he told me that it was reported or listed as a withdrawal the 3rd week of December and told me that a denial/withdrawal has nothing to do with any future re-application. He also saw no reason to speak to an IO since he already had the information I required.
Interesting facts about MY interview and MY case:
- Obviously the IO did not consider the 9 months that I had to wait for the interview as part of my Continous Residence time span.
- Even though I was told that the application has been withdrawn I am still a little bit concerned as of why I haven't received any notification. The "D-Word" has even come up to my mind even though I have never had any kind of problems.
- For all those of you out there that are looking to apply for Naturalization, don't even bother submitting it if you have less than 4 years of Continous
Residence and no ties to the U.S. Don't waste your time and your money.
- Even though I have been a LPR since 1996, school and family medical reasons have kept me from living here continously. on 03/2009 (10 months) I will have 5 years of non-stop/strong ties of stay here and I would never consider applying based on the 4yr+1 day rule specially after the IO suggested that should reapply again when my 5 years come up.
Thanks for your attention,
Regards,
I had an intersting interview experience at the Tampa DO. My interview was set up for the 1st week of 12/2007 at 8:15 am, it wasn't busy so I got called in at 7:50 am by the IO. We proceeded to her office were I took an oath and noticed that she already had my file opened on her desk. As soon as we sat down she went over some of my basic information (Date of Birth, SSN, Nationality, etc). She immediately went over my trips for the last 5 years (refer to this post http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=259484 ) and told me that for her it would be very difficult to approve my application since there was enough evidence that I did not have the "sufficient amount of time" required to file an application for naturalization. She knew exactly what to tell me since obviously she had reviewed my application before she called me in. To my surprise she gave me 2 choices: #1 withdraw the application on the spot or #2 continue with the process but risk a denial letter on the mail if I fail to provide any proof of continous residence during the past 5 years.
To her surprise I solicited if we could move on with the application since at the moment I thought it would be possible for me to provide with evidence
of strong ties to the U.S. during my days outside the country as explained in my previous post. She gave me the opportunity of proceeding with the process. I passed all the questions, had no issues as far as any other inquiries in the application (no tickets, no tax issues, arrests, etc), she even smiled
when she asked me if I ever was part of any terrorist organization.
Among other things I can remember about the interview she asked me if I owed any taxes to the IRS which I replied no, asked me what kind of proof I could provide to her from my previous months outside the U.S. and asked me why was I still living with my parents at my age (29) and that it seemed kind of odd that I was not living by myself and doing my own thing. I guess some cultures are different, I wasn't surprised with that question since I get it
here all the time.
This interview was more than 4 months ago. I filed the N-400 on (03/2007) with 37 straight months of continous residence, no trips over 6 months and no other issues. But anyways, at the end of the interview she gave me the N-657 (I think that's the name) saying that I passed the english and civics tests but a "Decission cannot be made at this time" box marked. She was always very courteous and professional, never mean or rude, very emphatic. After the interview she escorted me out to the hallway were she reminded me that if I could not provide any proof within 30 days I should expect a denial letter in the mail after the fact, we said "thank you" to each other and I left. Everything lasted around 20 minutes.
I dug through a bunch of documents, among savings statements, DMV info and a bunch of stuff that was never solid for my case since everything during those days was on my parents name. I had no choice but to write a letter a week after the interview requesting a withdrawal of the application. 4 months passed and I heard nothing from the USCIS about a possible denial/withdrawal. I scheduled an InfoPass the 1st week of April and when my turn arrived the clerk at the DO asked me what was the reason for my visit. I told me that I simply wanted to inquiry about the status of my application and he told me that it was reported or listed as a withdrawal the 3rd week of December and told me that a denial/withdrawal has nothing to do with any future re-application. He also saw no reason to speak to an IO since he already had the information I required.
Interesting facts about MY interview and MY case:
- Obviously the IO did not consider the 9 months that I had to wait for the interview as part of my Continous Residence time span.
- Even though I was told that the application has been withdrawn I am still a little bit concerned as of why I haven't received any notification. The "D-Word" has even come up to my mind even though I have never had any kind of problems.
- For all those of you out there that are looking to apply for Naturalization, don't even bother submitting it if you have less than 4 years of Continous
Residence and no ties to the U.S. Don't waste your time and your money.
- Even though I have been a LPR since 1996, school and family medical reasons have kept me from living here continously. on 03/2009 (10 months) I will have 5 years of non-stop/strong ties of stay here and I would never consider applying based on the 4yr+1 day rule specially after the IO suggested that should reapply again when my 5 years come up.
Thanks for your attention,
Regards,