Watch out if you have gaps in employment histories.

M

martin307

Registered Users (C)
I got my GC through the H-1 route. I have gaps in my employment histories. However, I had a hard time in the interview today because of that, and I would like to share my experience with you all.

When the officer looked at my employment histories, he was not happy about the gaps that I have. He spent about 10 minutes on questioning me regarding why I was unemployed and what did I do when I was unemployed. He also collected my past 7 years tax returns copies.

Guys, remember to bring everything, such as tax returns, reference letters from former employers (to prove that you didn’t get fired because of wrong doing).

At the end of the 45 minutes interview, he gave me the N-652 with 3 check marks:
1.You passed the tests of English and U.S. history and government.

2.Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for approval. At the time, it appears that you have established your eligibility for naturalization. If final approval is granted, you will be notified when and where to report for the Oath Ceremony.

3.Do not wait for the Letter. You will be notified by mail.

The only thing that he said to me was: ”You can go now.”

Does it mean I am getting my citizenship? What does the “If final approval is granted, you will be notified when and where to report for the Oath Ceremony.” mean? Is it just a template? Or, I’m waiting for final approval? I saw other people got their Oath letters downstairs right after the interview. And the ceremony date is the 16th this month. Then what about me? I’m very confused. :confused: :confused: :confused:
 
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JoeF said:
They can request all the tax returns from all your time in the US. They usually don't look more than 5 years back, but there is no guarantee, as the OP found out. In this case, I think, the main thing was that the officer wanted to see if the OP was out of status in the past, and/or had demonstrated the good faith intent to work for the employer after getting the GC. Also, there is the issue of supporting yourself when unemployed, i.e., no illegal stuff happened.
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so when i go to my interview in July, should I bring all my tax returns in all years?
 
Martin ,

Did you have gaps in employment in the last 5 years or prior to that .. I have offer letters & probbably some pay stubs from new employment . Will that suffice ? . Glad you mentioned abt tax return beyond 5 years ..

Thanks
 
JoeF said:
They can request all the tax returns from all your time in the US. They usually don't look more than 5 years back, but there is no guarantee, as the OP found out. In this case, I think, the main thing was that the officer wanted to see if the OP was out of status in the past, and/or had demonstrated the good faith intent to work for the employer after getting the GC. Also, there is the issue of supporting yourself when unemployed, i.e., no illegal stuff happened.
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JeoF, I was able to provide every thing that the officer asked for in the interview, such as tax returns, marriage cert., employment termination letters, former employers' reference letters......

Based on the N-652 that I was given, does it look like I'm approved or not? What should I do next? :confused: :confused: :confused:

Please advise.
 
kash_k5 said:
Martin ,

Did you have gaps in employment in the last 5 years or prior to that .. I have offer letters & probbably some pay stubs from new employment . Will that suffice ? . Glad you mentioned abt tax return beyond 5 years ..

Thanks
Click to expand...

In the last 5 years.
 
By the way, the officer looked very closely on my travelling records. He also questioned about the reasons why did I travel and what did I do outside the U.S. Therefore, make sure you know exactly where the stamps are on your passport.
 
martin307 said:
By the way, the officer looked very closely on my travelling records. He also questioned about the reasons why did I travel and what did I do outside the U.S. Therefore, make sure you know exactly where the stamps are on your passport.
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i believe the interview officer wanted to make sure you were not out-of-status especially you were unemploymented for a while.
 
In New York (Garden City). The officer spent a total of 45 minutes investigate my file since the day I got my F-1 18 years ago. :(
 
martin307 said:
In New York (Garden City). The officer spent a total of 45 minutes investigate my file since the day I got my F-1 18 years ago. :(
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martin,
based on your experience, i expect a long interview as well with my gap in employment and leasing history
 
soccer101 said:
martin,
based on your experience, i expect a long interview as well with my gap in employment and leasing history
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I actullay don't know what have I done so wrong. I am just a normal H-1 to GC person. Left the spornoring company 3 yrs. after GC. All other records are clean. In this kind of economy, who don't have gaps in employment history? From what I saw, most other people finished thier interview within 20 minutes!?
 
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