This is too much

[GordonFreeman 0]

Thank you so much, Kathryn. I'm calmer now. Just took like, 3 valerian pills... lol

I hope you've invested in a family sized jar of valerian - there are definitely days you will need it during the immigration process. Good luck at getting the RFE information back to them quickly. The sooner you can get it back to them, the sooner they can resume working on your file. You may still want to do an infopass appointment to find out why the EAD wasn't issued within the 3 months after you submitted the package. As Rebeccajo states, though, it is now caught up in the RFE process as well. At least the infopass appointment might help you feel a little more in control because you can actually talk to a real person - even if you don't like the answers you get.

Good luck.

In the RFE letter, it says:

"The Service will process your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (if submitted) within 90 days of the receipt of your missing initial evidence. This is pursuant to Title 8, Code of Federal Regulations ++++"

So even though some "lucky" ones here (somehow) got the EAD before the RFE, the RFE states that it is by law impossible.

I notice that they don't CONFIRM that they got my I-765. So maybe I should send another I-765 with the RFE response... just to be safe!...

Edited October 19, 2009 by GordonFreeman

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Obviously the K-1 was not the best choice for you. You should have gone the CR-1 route and been able to work immediately. Your fiancee and/or co-sponsor have, at this point, presented TWO affidavists of support specifically stating they CAN support you indefinitely. It would not be wise to tell USCIS that is not true.

You are not a "legal immigrant" yet. You are not even an immigrant, your visa is specifically a NON-immigrant visa and you are applying to become an immigrant. The CR-1 IS an immigrant visa and as such you would be given a green card upon arrival. Why did you CHOOSE the K-1 knowing there was this work restriction when you arrived?

I am not sure of the chances of you getting caught, yes they CAN blame you, and yes it CAN have severe consequences.

We didn't go any other route, because my wife (American) didn't want to. Technically, it's all her mom's fault, because she basically stopped us from getting married in cali right when I stopped my F1, and I was forced to go back to Europe still unmarried. etc etc

We can dwell on the past once again, but it's not an option now. I need to live and work. You know this well - with this immigration #######, we can't look back. What's done is done.

Yeah, I have sponsors (and I've been waiting on my joint sponsors papers now, to send them ASAP) but come on - we all here know that this sponsor thing is BS! No 26-year old grown man like me is supposed to rely on "sponsors" to live his life in a dignifying way, especially AFTER getting married. It's not like I'm trying to make ends meet with my girlfriend - WE'RE MARRIED NOW!!

The complete acceptance that I see in this forum, I can understand - but come on guys, my situation is JUST ridiculous! No human being is supposed to live like this! Can't I make a complain of violation of human rights to some organization? Even a bum living in his van has MORE opportunities to make a life than I do, right now! At least a bum can LEGALLY WORK! Or get food stamps and welfare. I can't have ANY of that and I'm frozen in this situation!! I have been, for months now! And I made some money with freelance work to Europe, in the mean time. That's the only thing I can do, legally - but it's not easy to come by! I can't even travel at this point

I have read this thread and simply do not feel inclined to comment further. Good luck.

[belinda63 2,981]

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard/CaseStatus.do

type in your receipt number and check status online

[TracyTN 237]

In the RFE letter, it says:

"The Service will process your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (if submitted) within 90 days of the receipt of your missing initial evidence. This is pursuant to Title 8, Code of Federal Regulations ++++"

So even though some "lucky" ones here (somehow) got the EAD before the RFE, the RFE states that it is by law impossible.

I notice that they don't CONFIRM that they got my I-765. So maybe I should send another I-765 with the RFE response... just to be safe!...

Unfortunately, it's not a perfect process. It could also depend the type RFE that the "lucky" ones received. Maybe it was for something that is not checked until the interim benefits are given. Without knowing their exact process, it's hard to say.

This is just one of the downsides of the K1 visa. You knew (or should have known) going into it that there would be a period without work authorization, and even though that period is now longer than you may have initially anticipated, it just is what it is.

Besides which, it's not as if the job market is exactly bubbling over these days. Even if you had the card in hand as we speak, how can you be sure you'd already have a job offer?

[GordonFreeman 0]

it's not as if the job market is exactly bubbling over these days. Even if you had the card in hand as we speak, how can you be sure you'd already have a job offer?

I've been getting them for years since I was studying. MTV, Dreamworks, etc.

I could be working at a major entertainment studio by now. I have what it takes.

Besides, entertainment is practically unaffected by recession. I'm a good professional. I kick serious *ss.

And even if not, I would work at Wienerschnitzel dressed as a hot dog, if that was the only position available.

But I wasn't given the opportunity. Hey, the "land of opportunities"... They give them everyday to incompetent people, and they didn't have ONE to spare, for me?

[esoll 0]

By any chance, have you moved since sending off the RFE evidence?

USPS will not forward any postal mail from DOS/USCIS/ICE - there's always a notice on the front of the envelope 'DO NOT FORWARD'.

I suggest setting up an infopass appointment (today) for sometime in the upcoming week.

Ask them where the casefile is (at the appointment ) . You may not get an answer, though.

I sent the package for AOS months ago, then they sent me the RFE 3 or 4 months later, and now I'm working on sending the evidence they requested. I haven't sent it yet!...

Make an infopass appointment. Find out, if possible, why you have not received the EAD. I believe it specifically states that if you have NOT received your EAD within 75 days of filing to contact USCIS. I say an infopass appt because the ppl at the phone liine are just contractors who follow a script and they know nothing of the immigration process.

While I understand your frustration, my husband felt the same way, coming to the US, living in the US, working in the US is not a right of every human being. Everyone has to wait their turn in line, we waited nine months to receive an RFE that his medical was expired, which it was after the nine month wait. Were we happy we had to pay for another medical because USCIS took nine months to process his AOS? No. Could we do anything about it? NO.

I suggest the infopass appointment and submitting the response to the RFE as soon as possible, you state you have been working on it for a period of time, you might want to look at the date to see when you must respond by. Failure to respond by the given date is an automatic denial of AOS.

What is an EAD?...

If the stress is too much - and it sounds like it is. You could return home, work there, and apply for a K-3 or CR-1. Better than being homeless.

Maybe a short term loan from your mother-in-law is in order???

It is not a human right to be able to legally work in the US. And it sounds like your spouse was not prepared to support you --- which is her responsibility until you have the EAD.

I'm not homeless. I'm just worried about my life and money, contrary to the people who probably have less money than me, but have an iPhone and drive a new Lexus. I don't consider being in debt acceptable, like apparently most people in America.

Yeah, it's also "not a human right" to get basic healthcare in America either. But it should.

I'm not saying EVERYONE should be able to legally work. It should be a human right for ME, because I'm supporting an American citizen - I'm her HUSBAND.

So in this country, marriage is too "sacred" to allow gays to get married, but suddenly it's not sacred enough to stop them from screwing up an American citizen's life, just because they married someone who's not a citizen?

Don't talk to me like you're better than me, or like I'm demanding too much. All I'm asking is to be treated with the minimum respect and dignity that I deserve as a human being. Apparently, that's asking too much to the US immigration.

It's HER responsibility to support ME? I don't know what laws you've been reading and I don't care. The irony of all this is that you're probably even more broke than me... And you're making judgments about who I married with, or who should be supporting me? How dare you! You need a lot of nerve

I love this forum and most people here are amazing, but once in a while I see a douche bag who thinks just because they already went through it, they have now the right to consider themselves anti-immigration, law-abiding Americans.

Cut the ####### You're not better than me.

I am so with you on that one.

The work & travel permits are so much out of reality that is coming ridicule. Don't get me started on this one. I am still waiting for a travel permit but they are taking their sweet time without care for anyone.

Same with getting a driver license, since they passed this REAL ID Act it is becoming almost impossible to get a driver license within the time frame of a foreign license validity.

Our government is so prompt to attempt to organize the entire world, but what they should maybe do is to organize ours a bit better.

Hang in there.

Esoll

[TracyTN 237]

it's not as if the job market is exactly bubbling over these days. Even if you had the card in hand as we speak, how can you be sure you'd already have a job offer?

I've been getting them for years since I was studying. MTV, Dreamworks, etc.

I could be working at a major entertainment studio by now. I have what it takes.

Besides, entertainment is practically unaffected by recession. I'm a good professional. I kick serious *ss.

And even if not, I would work at Wienerschnitzel dressed as a hot dog, if that was the only position available.

But I wasn't given the opportunity. Hey, the "land of opportunities"... They give them everyday to incompetent people, and they didn't have ONE to spare, for me?

I hope its that easy for you. If it is - you're extremely lucky!! Because even Wienerschnitzel jobs these days can have 50+ applicants for one open position.

Taking immigration-related issues personally is just the ultimate exercise in futility (IMHO). All you'll end up doing is worrying and frustrating yourself, not to mention looking for wrong doers around every corner (as is already happening). What does that gain you? It doesn't appear to be making you feel any better.

EAD and AP are generally one of the quickest processes in all of immigration, because they know how not being able to work or travel can adversely affect a new alien. I'm sure it doesn't look like it to you, but having the RFE has set you back - period. It sucks, but you can remedy it to a point by getting your RFE back to them ASAP.

[GordonFreeman 0]

I hope its that easy for you. If it is - you're extremely lucky!! Because even Wienerschnitzel jobs these days can have 50+ applicants for one open position.

No, they don't. I see friends getting tons of new jobs lately.

I understand that times are TOUGHER than usual, but some people just like to exaggerate the numbers.

Yes, it's a recession and employment is worse. It doesn't mean it's hard to get a fast food/retail job....

Edited October 20, 2009 by GordonFreeman

[GordonFreeman 0]

I'm not homeless. I'm just worried about my life and money, contrary to the people who probably have less money than me, but have an iPhone and drive a new Lexus. I don't consider being in debt acceptable, like apparently most people in America.

Yeah, it's also "not a human right" to get basic healthcare in America either. But it should.

I'm not saying EVERYONE should be able to legally work. It should be a human right for ME, because I'm supporting an American citizen - I'm her HUSBAND.

So in this country, marriage is too "sacred" to allow gays to get married, but suddenly it's not sacred enough to stop them from screwing up an American citizen's life, just because they married someone who's not a citizen?

Don't talk to me like you're better than me, or like I'm demanding too much. All I'm asking is to be treated with the minimum respect and dignity that I deserve as a human being. Apparently, that's asking too much to the US immigration.

It's HER responsibility to support ME? I don't know what laws you've been reading and I don't care. The irony of all this is that you're probably even more broke than me... And you're making judgments about who I married with, or who should be supporting me? How dare you! You need a lot of nerve

I love this forum and most people here are amazing, but once in a while I see a douche bag who thinks just because they already went through it, they have now the right to consider themselves anti-immigration, law-abiding Americans.

Cut the ####### You're not better than me.

I am so with you on that one.

The work & travel permits are so much out of reality that is coming ridicule. Don't get me started on this one. I am still waiting for a travel permit but they are taking their sweet time without care for anyone.

Same with getting a driver license, since they passed this REAL ID Act it is becoming almost impossible to get a driver license within the time frame of a foreign license validity.

Our government is so prompt to attempt to organize the entire world, but what they should maybe do is to organize ours a bit better.

Hang in there.

Esoll

True!

Thanks

[TracyTN 237]

I hope its that easy for you. If it is - you're extremely lucky!! Because even Wienerschnitzel jobs these days can have 50+ applicants for one open position.

No, they don't. I see friends getting tons of new jobs lately.

I understand that times are TOUGHER than usual, but some people just like to exaggerate the numbers.

Yes, it's a recession and employment is worse. It doesn't mean it's hard to get a fast food/retail job....

I guess I'm 'some people'. Oh well, I've been called worse.

At any rate, that may well be true where you live, but that doesn't seem to be the case across the entire country just yet.

[NCWife 0]

I agree. It depends on where you live mostly. Try Michigan. My husband is from there and moved to NC a few years ago, before the whole auto industry went down. Now his family and friends that are laid off are moving out of Michigan one by one because even jobs at McDonalds, Walmart etc are hard to come by.

Cheers..

I hope its that easy for you. If it is - you're extremely lucky!! Because even Wienerschnitzel jobs these days can have 50+ applicants for one open position.

No, they don't. I see friends getting tons of new jobs lately.

I understand that times are TOUGHER than usual, but some people just like to exaggerate the numbers.

Yes, it's a recession and employment is worse. It doesn't mean it's hard to get a fast food/retail job....

I guess I'm 'some people'. Oh well, I've been called worse.

At any rate, that may well be true where you live, but that doesn't seem to be the case across the entire country just yet.

[GordonFreeman 0]

I hope its that easy for you. If it is - you're extremely lucky!! Because even Wienerschnitzel jobs these days can have 50+ applicants for one open position.

No, they don't. I see friends getting tons of new jobs lately.

I understand that times are TOUGHER than usual, but some people just like to exaggerate the numbers.

Yes, it's a recession and employment is worse. It doesn't mean it's hard to get a fast food/retail job....

I guess I'm 'some people'. Oh well, I've been called worse.

At any rate, that may well be true where you live, but that doesn't seem to be the case across the entire country just yet.

Los Angeles, California. Isn't CA supposed to be the worst state right now? I still don't see people struggling to get jobs at fast food places...

I have a jobless friend because he gets unemployment and he thinks a minimum wage job is worthless. And I have several friends who lost their job recently, but are back on track with a new one...

Yes, things are TOUGHER than before. That still doesn't mean you don't have it way easier than in most countries...

It's like the gas. With what Americans make in average, they were complaining about $3 per gallon? Perhaps they should go out more... and I mean out of the country! Or stop driving a gas-guzzling truck. 99% of American truck drivers don't even NEED a truck... It's just size compensation for something else...

Edited October 20, 2009 by GordonFreeman

[TracyTN 237]

Los Angeles, California. Isn't CA supposed to be the worst state right now? I still don't see people struggling to get jobs at fast food places...

I have a jobless friend because he gets unemployment and he thinks a minimum wage job is worthless. And I have several friends who lost their job recently, but are back on track with a new one...

Yes, things are TOUGHER than before. That still doesn't mean you don't have it way easier than in most countries...

It's like the gas. With what Americans make in average, they were complaining about $3 per gallon? Perhaps they should go out more... and I mean out of the country! Or stop driving a gas-guzzling truck. 99% of American truck drivers don't even NEED a truck... It's just size compensation for something else...

I never said we're worse off in the US than anywhere else in the world.

Every good story about someone being laid off and quickly finding another job can be negated by a story where someone has been unemployed for 2 years and can't find anything for love nor money (like a friend of mine).

I don't know where exactly CA falls on the unemployment rate scale (per state) so I can't say whether or not it is at the top - or near it. If they were near the top and things are turning around, then I think that's great.

Aside from that, I think you believe I'm arguing with you about the state of the economy just because we disagreed about other points in the thread. But I'm not - I've just heard different stories than you have. Doesn't make you right and me wrong (or vice versa). It just means there's a LOT of data variances.

[Mo_Mati 2]

it's not as if the job market is exactly bubbling over these days. Even if you had the card in hand as we speak, how can you be sure you'd already have a job offer?

I've been getting them for years since I was studying. MTV, Dreamworks, etc.

I could be working at a major entertainment studio by now. I have what it takes.

Besides, entertainment is practically unaffected by recession. I'm a good professional. I kick serious *ss.

And even if not, I would work at Wienerschnitzel dressed as a hot dog, if that was the only position available.

But I wasn't given the opportunity. Hey, the "land of opportunities"... They give them everyday to incompetent people, and they didn't have ONE to spare, for me?

It is understandable your frustration with the situation and your desire to work is honorable. But honestly, it doesn't get you anywhere to blame everyone else and not take any personal responsibility for the situation you are in. 1) It is your responsibility to be informed about the immigration process and choose which process is best for you 2) It is up to you to keep track of your case and if it is being processed outside the norm to follow the set protocol to at least try and get it back on track (easier said than done, but it is what VJ is for. And it looks like you have been a member for a while, so it is something that you should have presumably known about) and 3) It is your responsibility to get that RFE turned in like yesterday if you want your case to resume being processed. Until that happens there really is no reason to blame the USCIC. It is on your shoulders at this point. (These responsibilities are obviously on top of the contract that your wife and you made with the government when you said that you would be sponsored financially until your paperwork came through…no matter how long that is)

You continue to speak of the fact that you were not given an opportunity and that you deserve it (even more than others). I disagree. You were given an opportunity to follow the legal process as set up, and to do your part. Opportunities do not just appear as clear as day. Sometimes you have to work for them.

It has been said many times on these boards, and it will continue to be said. Immigration (and the rights that come with them) are not a right, they are a privilege. To be successful you might want to start treating them as such. Good luck on your journey

[GordonFreeman 0]

it's not as if the job market is exactly bubbling over these days. Even if you had the card in hand as we speak, how can you be sure you'd already have a job offer?

I've been getting them for years since I was studying. MTV, Dreamworks, etc.

I could be working at a major entertainment studio by now. I have what it takes.

Besides, entertainment is practically unaffected by recession. I'm a good professional. I kick serious *ss.

And even if not, I would work at Wienerschnitzel dressed as a hot dog, if that was the only position available.

But I wasn't given the opportunity. Hey, the "land of opportunities"... They give them everyday to incompetent people, and they didn't have ONE to spare, for me?

It is understandable your frustration with the situation and your desire to work is honorable. But honestly, it doesn't get you anywhere to blame everyone else and not take any personal responsibility for the situation you are in. 1) It is your responsibility to be informed about the immigration process and choose which process is best for you 2) It is up to you to keep track of your case and if it is being processed outside the norm to follow the set protocol to at least try and get it back on track (easier said than done, but it is what VJ is for. And it looks like you have been a member for a while, so it is something that you should have presumably known about) and 3) It is your responsibility to get that RFE turned in like yesterday if you want your case to resume being processed. Until that happens there really is no reason to blame the USCIC. It is on your shoulders at this point. (These responsibilities are obviously on top of the contract that your wife and you made with the government when you said that you would be sponsored financially until your paperwork came through…no matter how long that is)

You continue to speak of the fact that you were not given an opportunity and that you deserve it (even more than others). I disagree. You were given an opportunity to follow the legal process as set up, and to do your part. Opportunities do not just appear as clear as day. Sometimes you have to work for them.

It has been said many times on these boards, and it will continue to be said. Immigration (and the rights that come with them) are not a right, they are a privilege. To be successful you might want to start treating them as such. Good luck on your journey

As Kathryn41 put it, it's disingenuous to try to make me feel worse for something I'm not to blame for. If you don't understand that, then I can't help you.

1) I didn't do anything that I wasn't really supposed to do. I have been more informed about this than a lot of people here. The only mistake I made was to follow the forum instructions about the AOS packaga - that's why I'm getting the RFE.

2) I keep track of the case, and It's NOT being processed in the norm that I hear in this forum. Do you have any suggestions as to what I should do to change that? Because what I've heard here is that I just have to WAIT...

3) It is the sponsor's responsibility to complete the forms and get the tax information sent to me (they were sent today). I can't rush it more than I can rush the sponsor.

So no, it's NOT on my shoulders. Why can't you accept that I have been victimized by this situation? I'm not complaining now - just stating facts! Everyone has problems - but mine have been running for a long time. Not necessarily for MY fault.

People have a tendency to blame disgrace on the people who had them - even when they get a strange form of cancer.

You're trying to hurt me more by telling me "I had it coming", even though you didn't try harder than me and you didn't work more than me for this. You're being selfish, mean and cynical. And that's not name calling - it's stating facts. Entiendes?