Hi everyone. Welcome back.
If you're new, we're here to guide you through the U.S. naturalization process and help you pass the interview.
I want to give you a few new updates from USCIS
and answer more most asked questions from our viewers.
Let's do it.
USCIS Updates & U.S. Naturalization Frequently Asked Questions
First, for some of you waiting for the oath ceremony there's some good news.
On the official USCIS website, it says in certain limited situations
USCIS may be able to perform small naturalization ceremonies for a limited number of applicants
when it's feasible and all appropriate precautions can be taken.
We received reports that some applicants have received notice about rescheduled oaths ceremonies before June 4th.
So hopefully you will get your notice soon.
And remember, if you don't receive your rescheduled notice within 90 days after USCIS reopens,
make sure to contact them.
Second, USCIS has further extended flexibility for responding to requests, which includes
Requests for evidence (RFE)
the N-14. This is a request for additional information after the naturalization interview.
Notices of intent to deny (NOID)
Notices of intent to revoke (NOIR)
Notices of intent to terminate regional investment centers (NOIT)
and Filing date requirements for the form I to 90 B notice of appeal or motion
Originally, USCIS announced that if the USCIS document was issued between March 1st and May 1st, 2020,
you got a 60-day extension to the original deadline to submit your response.
On May 1st, USCIS has extended this
and now if the USCIS document is issued between March 1st and July 1st, 2020,
you get that additional 60 days to submit your response.
Third, U.S. Service members and veterans can now file the form N-400 online.
Until now, U.S. Service members and veterans have filed a paper form N-400.
Now you can do both.
You can do that by first creating a USCIS online account at
myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov
And if you have any further questions,
USCIS offers a toll-free military helpline and email address
exclusively for current members of the military and their families, as well as veterans.
We will include that information in our description.
All right. Let's answer some of the most asked questions now.
How long does the whole N-400 process take?
In general, from start to finish, it takes between three months to one year.
It really depends on your application, where you live, and which processing center you apply to.
Here's an official USCIS link where you can check the approximate time,
but unfortunately we've heard it's not that accurate.
In addition, because of the COVID-19 virus,
most applications will probably be delayed.
Some advice I can give you is to make sure your application is completely accurate.
Any mistake will further delay the process.
Double and triple check everything.
Include all supporting documents and have someone else review the application for you.
And be fully prepared for the interview.
If you fail the first interview,
you need to redo the interview.
And that also further delays your application.
As you know, we have all the study materials on our channel to help you prepare,
so you have no excuse to fail the interview.
What if I didn't file a tax return because I didn't work?
First, if you filed tax returns jointly with your spouse, then you did file taxes.
Second, just because you didn't work doesn't mean that you didn't have any income.
Some other forms of income include revenue from online sales, tips,
interest from your banks, or dividends from your stocks.
If the total amount of your income is above the reporting threshold,
then you do need to file a tax return for that year.
Remember, filing tax returns shows that you have good moral character
and will be a responsible citizen in the future.
If you didn't file your taxes but you need to,
it will be a good idea to hire a tax accountant and take care of that before your N-400 submission.
Can I file the N-400 with a pending I-751 petition?
Yes you can, as long as you meet all of the eligibility requirements.
if you don't know what the requirements are, check out this video.
Some field offices will conduct a combo interview of both the N-400 and the I-751,
so make sure to bring your spouse with you to the interview
even if the notice doesn't mention it about a combo interview.
What if I made a mistake on my application or my status changed after submission?
First, try not to make any mistakes if possible.
However, some examples of this might include
You entered the return date of a trip incorrectly.
Or you got married after you submitted your application.
Maybe you got a speeding ticket before the interview.
The government understands there will be changes after you submit your application.
There's no need to panic.
One of the purposes of the interview is to make sure your application is accurate and up to date.
Just mention the change to the Officer and bring all supporting documents with you.
It could be the I-94 form, your marriage certificate, or the payment receipt for that traffic ticket.
Can I travel after I submit my application?
The short answer is yes.
Make sure to keep track of the dates and update the Officer during the interview.
Any trips over 24 hours overseas has to be reported.
Remember, you still need to meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements.
if your upcoming travel plans will put you over that requirement,
then we suggest you to delay that trip until after your interview.
What if I forgot to register for the Selective Service?
If you lived in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 26, legally or illegally,
you have to register for Selective Service
This only applies to male applicants.
There are three scenarios.
Scenario 1: You are still under 26 years old during the interview.
Here, you must register for the Selective Service BEFORE the interview.
We'll put the link in the description for your reference.
Scenario 2: You are between 26 to 31 years of age during the interview
You must attach a statement explaining why you did not register
and provide a Status Information Letter from the Selective Service.
You can request a copy from the link in the description.
Scenario 3: You are over 31 years of age during the interview
You are exempt and don't need a Status Information Letter because the applicant's failure to register would be outside the statutory period.
You can print out a form letter to explain the exemption.
The link is in the video description.
For the 100 civics questions, do I only provide one answer?
Yes, you only need to provide one correct answer to each question
unless the question states otherwise.
So choose the easiest one for you to remember.
We have several videos that go over the 100 official questions and provide you the simplest answers,
so definitely check them out here.
Does the process take longer if I want to change my legal name?
Yes, it likely will.
In the N-400 application, you have the option to change your legal name when you become a U.S. citizen free of charge.
The certificate of naturalization will have your new name.
However, if you're going to change your name,
you have to take the oath ceremony at a courthouse.
Most of the oath ceremonies are not conducted at the courthouse.
As a result, you might have to wait for a while to take your oath ceremony.
Does USCIS take my green card during the interview?
No. USCIS does not take your green card during the interview.
However, you need to bring the green card with you to the interview.
If you lost your green card before the interview,
make sure to file a police report and bring that with you.
USCIS will take away your green card during the oath ceremony
and give you the certificate of naturalization in return.
Can I say "No" to "bear arms on behalf of the United States"?
Question 48 on the N-400 application asks
If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms on behalf of the United States?
First, "bear arms" means to use a gun.
Some of you might want to say "No" to this question because of your religious beliefs.
You can say no to bear arms.
However, there's a bit of prep work you need to do before the interview.
What you need is a waiver to explain your religious belief prevents you from bearing arms.
You can get a letter from a secular organization such as the Center on conscience and War
to attest that your beliefs are sincere , meaningful, and deeply held.
We'll put a link in the video description.
We would not recommend showing up at the interview without a well worded support letter from such an organization
since most immigration officers are not familiar about these subtleties or the concept of the modified oath.
Also remember, you will have to take a modified oath during the ceremony if you say no to this question.
All right, that's all we have for today.
Make sure to also check out these awesome videos.
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And if you have more questions, leave us a comment.
I will see you in the next video. Take care everyone. Bye!