Good day to everyone!

We mailed our huge package on Oct 11 to Laguna Niguel, CA ServCenter and our check was cashed 2 days later Oct 13 , USCIS website indicates CA on October 18 was procesing cases dated March 19,2006 so the line is 6 month long, but our BIG PROBLEM is that we both have to be out of country for next 9-10 month (untill middle of 2007),

Is it possible to postpone Biometrics and Interview for so long?

If yes, whould it effect the outcome?

Is there a chance they mail CG without Biometrics?

Did it happen to anyone here before?

and last one: HOW TO POSTPONE IT? CALL? MAIL?

Should we pick closer date and postpone again, or is it ok to tell truth and pick a real date in July-Aug 2007?

my other concern is possible loss of required Residency continuance for citizenship, since more then 12 month is a sure loss \ abruption, and between 6-12 month is possible abruption and abandonment of status (if i cant proove opposite).

i have read on another forum about someone who got citizenship after 8 month absence out of country, and i have plenty of proofs for my "ties to US and intent to reside further" but i'd like to know other opinions

Thank you and good luck with your documents!

You mention Biometrics, that is usualy done for Adjustment Of Status I-485, and is mentioned on the USCIS site. http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-485.htm

However the VJ guides, and the USCIS website makes no mention of having to do a biometrics for I-751 Removal of Conditions.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=751guide
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-751.htm

You will have to attend an interview to remove the conditions, further along you may want to contact your local district office of USCIS, probably need to do an info pass appointment to see if the appointment can be postponed, but if you are out of country when your conditional green-card expires, I am not too sure how you would be able to get back in. I don't think they will issue the 10 year one with out an interview.

Notes on Maintaining Permanent Residence
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/PermRes.htm

Notes on Naturalization:

You need to be a permanent resident of the US for 3 years if married to a US citizen and 5 years if not, without being absent for more than 6 months. Exemptions are explained in this document: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/English.pdf

Some of them are:

• If you work for the US Government,
• Serve or work aboard a vessel operated by or registered in the USA
• Are a religious worker that has a valid presence in the USA.

One last note: you may want to completely fill out your profile, I had to look in many places to try to get the back story on your situation, things like Immigration status, and place benefits filed at help some to see the bigger picture.

I-751 Biometrics are the norm lately. The VJ guides are out of date.

It is rare for people to get called for an interview to remove conditions. It does happen, but not often.

Feliz, I think you need to call and get an infopass to explain your situation. Whatever you do, tell the truth!

Thank you for answers!


the thing is that we are both already out of country, our friend is being our "agent" and receiving our mail. He will also scan the "Status prolongation?? letter" and e-mail it to us, so i could come back next year.

Then only question is what to do if they invite me to biometrics? Cuz half year ago when i was planning my trip i was reading forums and i assumed it will take about a year to approve and I will be back home on time. but now it seems to be shorter, and I got worried.

BTW could you tell me how does this "Status Extention" letter looks, does it have any Dep. of State stamp or such? would it be ok if i print out e-mailed scan, or do i need the original for crossing US border?

The letter is in the guides somewhere. It looks like any other NOA to me. Obviously with different text Personally I would travel with the original, and probably a copy too! Can the letter be securely mailed to you? Sure, it will cost, but well worth it. With regard to biometrics, again, I think the only thing you can do is explain to them either by phone, letter, preferably both, to let them know and ask them what you should do. Only they will know whether a delayed biometrics is acceptable.

It's a shame you didn't explain to them before you left the country, but I understand how those things go. I think the last of your worries should be citizenship at this moment. Deal with that one when you're back in the country.

Perhaps someone else can shed some light for you here.

Good luck

Thank you for helping!

1 - i looked here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=guides
and here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=examples
but coudn't find it
2 - THANK YOU! Now i don't need to necessarily look at it.
3- Yes i will definetly get it mailed safely and also make many copies
4 - Do you mean I should I call them now and ask what to do, or after the invitation comes (if does)?

1 Look here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/display...m=374&pos=0

4 I'd wait to get the biometrics invitation.

Silly question but can you not just fly home to the US if you are called for Biometrics???

most people get a NOA extending there greencard for a year not long after they file....

Kezzie

I'm guessing it's quite a long trip home, and expensive if two of them came back.

VSC is very slow with NOAs at the moment, but not sure about CSC.

Hi:

1. What I would do first is get an InfoPass apointment and go over there and get my passport stamped. This way, you can leave the country with non problems.
2. I would leave a friend in charge of the mail. If you are called to biometrics before you return, you buy one plane ticket, come here, do the biometrics and go back. Simple. A little costly, but its worth it.

I dont see any other way as to avoid giving explanations about your long time outside of US.

1. They have already left the country. See post #4.

2. They are doing that. See post #4 & 6. I imagine it's more that costly to just come home for biometrics, otherwise I'm sure the OP would be doing just that. Of course, if they don't get anywhere with calling and writing to explain their situation and delaying biometrics, then their only option is to fly home.

Yes it is pretty far - a two way tickets for 2 people cost $4500-6000 depending on season, which is unfortunatly beyond our student budget, and it was a really existing reason to leave for so long, which i guess i will have to detalise to USCIS once invitation comes.

I opened this topic hoping that someone may be experienced something similar before us, but seems like we will be first ones to add such info to our forum's knowledge database.

I am hoping for the best, preparing for the worst.

One more question - my case number does not work online, while i see messages on forum here and there that other couples get informed via e-mail about approval - how is it possible?


Thanks to everyone who answered, and BIG THANKS to creators and maintainers of this forum, it saved us too a lot of time and money.

Feliz,

I just got my biometrics appt. and it says this on the letter:

"If you are unable to appear at this time, you may go on any following Wednesday at the same time noted above, as long as you appear before 1.15.2007. If you do not have your biometrics taken by that date, your application will be considered abandoned."

So they have given me a few months to get it done. Don't know if this helps or not, but it's interesting that you can delay your biometrics somewhat.

Thank you very much, Lou Lou, it helped me a lot! At least I will have enough time to plan everything out.

Do you think it's good idea to ask US CIS if I can do fingerprinting at the local US Embassy?

I'm sure it doesn't hurt to ask, but I'm pretty sure of the answer.

I think you need to wait for your biometrics letter, and then plan what to do from there. Your letter may state something completely different from mine, so there is not much you can do until you know for sure.

Good luck.

Uh Oh, the invitation came Nov 4 dated Nov 1 to come Nov 15 at 12 pm for fingerpringing...

I am going to call 800 number first thing Monday morning and see what they say...

Does it mean i might have interview too? Cuz i noticed that those who get approval after couple months they are invited after approval.

Did it have anything on it saying that if you couldn't turn up come on this date etc?

Why would it mean you will have an interview? I can't say you won't but it's not that likely. Your experience so far sounds pretty much like everyone elses. Don't fret!

yes, it has option of sending this letter back with a checkmark for rescheduling on next available Wednesday or Saturday, i imagine Saturdays are busier, so in the worst case scenario do you think it's theoretically possible each time they send invitation to reschedule on "Next Saturday" ???

I think you need to call them and see what they say.

I've no idea--just curious here, but what country are you in? I wonder if you could have fingerprints taken at a CIS Field Office. There may be one near you (or not).

Yes that is a good idea, thanks! I checked - there is one in $300 distance , so I will definetly ask tomorrow when I call.

The USCIS regs state that you may file I-751 at a consulate if you are out of the country but you must return for an interview if one is scheduled. So I don't see the harm in checking at the nearest embassy or consulate about your current situation.

I may be facing a similar situation so keep us up to speed about what happens.

Good luck.

Bob

I don't think you file I-751 to the Consulate, but you may file while outside the US.

Hi everyone! I called US CIS yesterday and they said to keep rescheduling to "Next available saturday" untill we return and there is no deadline for doing so, but i should be aware of that it "delay may negatively affect the case"

nscvet, unfortunately embassy said that that nobody can file petition or pass biometrics abroad

Now my question is - Does absence of fingerprints mean a total "freezing" of case untill we come back? or will they still process it in the order it was received?

i hope that the latter is true, since some lucky people get approval AND invitation to Biometrics at the same time.

That is good news! There may be someone who knows more about it, but if I were in your position, I'd be happy that you are allowed to delay the appointment until you return. When are you due back?

Thank you again Lou Lou ! We are due back hopefully July 2007 and yes you are right, I am very happy and lucky to be married to my husband and that he wants to be with me all this time even if he is in deep 3rd world culture shock right now and seems to be homesick. I think international marriages have to be more lasting becasue we have to overcome more issues then ordinary couples (cultural and bureaucratical) to be together so we have to value each other more.

seems like the problem of "being out of country while filing" is popular and I wanted just to lift this topic up.

Nov 24 I got new Biometrics appointment for Dec 2, which was sent back to reschedule.

Letter was same as first one and there was no special warning about possible negative influence.

no news yet. :-((

Hope you've rec'd another postponement and everything is fine. Happy Holidays!!!

Hi kghlib2, thank you for your messages and concerns,
We've been really busy last couple weeks visiting my relatives in village, where there's no internet or calling place, so now I am trying to contact our friend who handles everything, and can't reach him as of right now.

but I hope everything is ok, I will let you know when i get any news.

I reached our friend and he said that letters interchange every 2 weeks (he gets one, sends back to reschedule and new one comes with apointment date 2 weeks later then previous), he doesnt track exact dates, but he will immediately let me know if something different comes in mail.

Just for the history, as of today, January 19, California Service Center on Jan 17, 2007 was processing cases filed July 17, 2006 (6 months apart, so our turn is approximately April 12, 2007, in 3 more months).

Last case touch was Oct 17

online status sais:

Hello..

Thanks for the update! Hope all goes well with you.

Just wanted to let you that my husband has just left the US. We just rec'd both the biometrics and NOA1 back-to-back. I'll postpone the appointment for him until he returns to US. Does anyone know how many times can one postpone the appointment? He will be returning to the US in three months.

I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

When I called US CIS they said there is no official limit of how many times it can be done, I asked if 8 month postponing was possible, she didn't say "no, don't do it or we will cancel your case" she said something like "it may negatively effect your case" which i personally understand as "it may rise ADDITIONAL questions on interview if any"

But i don't fear such complications and interview(s), cuz main requirement of USCIS in our case is fullfilled - we are in fact a happy married couple and will be together nomatter what.

kghlib, 3 months absence is not that long, don't worry, you'll be fine.

Thanks!

just for the history - nothing changed, neither our case was "punished" anyhow for our 4 month long every 2 week rescheduling of biometrics. Good luck everyone!

Glad that's still working out for you, Feliz.

it's June 24th, almost 7 month of postponing my biometrics and 2 month into "over due" of my case, which was supposed to be processed April 18, 2007

Latest appointment for biometrics came June 20 to come on July 9th, but we can't go back to US until 20s of July, we had to reschedule, i hope it was last time.

I am worried, but there's nothing i can do except waiting

Finally back in USA and passed my biometrics on Aug 4 - very quick and easy. (kinda worried photo wont look goos as it was taken from down below :-()


Checked online uscis portfolio - case was touched Aug 6 - first time since Oct 17 2006, i'll hope they won't call us on that famous separate interview, but on the other hand it must be fun to answer some of those questions and see officer's rection

BTW when i was crossing borderi had 2 problems

1) at the departure airport they won't take a COPY of NOA1 Status Extension letter, they didn't let me through untill i found the original (don't ask me how)

2) at the destination point customs officer said i coudn't be out of country for more then 6 and less then 12 (that is 11) months without some "Reentry permit" witch "looks like a book like passport and where they can put stamps" - may be i got it wrong, but they were not happy to see me with just my passport + expired greencard and NOA1 (which they ended up stamping)

so folks, i donno whet else is exactly needed but before traveling you should call or schedule infopass and get that mysterious document

they didnt check my case anywhere, may be because my husband was with me, it was Bob Hope airport in Burbank CA

You need a re-entry permit if you plan on being out of the US for an extended period of time (at least 6 months? not sure).

Feliz,

Immigration officer.

And he was wrong about the Re-entry Permit - it's required for absences of more than 12 months but less than 2 years.

Yodrak

case was touched once more - Aug 7, now i another question - should i change my mailing adress to my permanent residence adress ( it was our friend's adress in same sity and state, cuz i remember reading that changing adress to different city or state - is what mainly causes document losses)

or should i just wait may be they already have sent me a card
and just drive down there since it's 40 minutes away?

Last week ou friend who was agent called and said he got RFE on my name, but i havent seent it personally yet, he mentioned request for finantial info.

My question is - are all RFE letters standart or individual for every case?
If standart, they most likely want to see more personal evidence like photos, and probably new financial documents, since the ones i sent were of the last year.

ok here's my list of documents i plan to mail out Tuesday Sep 5

1) paper that came with RFE
2) Cover letter with our names, A number, case number and list of attached documents
3) taxes for 2006 (last year we sent only 2004-2005)
4) car DMV registration showing joint ownership
5) 2 our driver licenses showing same address
6) a rental agreement (we decided to ask my husband's grandma to sign it for us)
7) more joint credit cards
8) 6 credit card and cellphone bills on separate names but showing same billing address
9) boarding passes to trips
10) 8 photos of us together

any more ideas?

i will scan and post my RFE here tomorrow and add it to my timeline in signature

RFE Scans -

Page 1 - BLUE - front and back
Page 2 - WHITE - one sided

That sounds like a good amount of evidence. Good luck, and a speedy approval.

Thank you! and good luck in your process!

I mailed it yesterday, Sep 4th 2007, just 10 min before mail office closed , clerk said it's ok to request signature for PO box, so i did.

Here is final list:
1. Form I-797E Notice of Action Request for Evidence
2. Copy of joint 2006 Federal and State income tax returns
3. Copy of DMV car registration showing joint ownership
4. Copy of rental agreement showing joint tenancy
• Attached copy of cleared check for Aug 2007 rent payment
• Attached print out of Bank account activity for Aug 10 2007 – Sep 4 2007
5. Copies of statements for joint Bank of America checking account from October 7, 2006 till August 9, 2007 (total of 9)
6. Documents for proof of communal residence and commingling of financial resources
• Copies of additional 2 joint credit cards (in addition to 8 pair submitted in Oct 2006), copy of 2 Costco membership cards on same page
o Attached copy of statement for credit cards #1 showing same billing address
o Attached copy of statemet for credit cards #2 showing same billing address and 2 cards activity
• Copies of driver licences showing same address
• Retirement Account Statements showing same address
7. Traveling documents (as proof of travelling together):
• Boarding passes for trip out of US
• Boarding passes for trips back to US
• Receipts from vacation trip togeter
8. Envelope with 8 photos with comments on the back of each photo