Need some support...

[goaga 0]

Hi all,

Some of you may know me from way, way back. My wife came over in October of 2003 on a K-1, and we still do not have a green card for her. Our story is a long one of lost files, multiple A-numbers, and mix-ups during moves; all on the government's part. We hoped that our AoS interview would bring with it some good news.

On February 2nd, we had the interview in Baltimore, and it seemed to go very well. However, we did not get a stamp in the passport, and the interviewer said that the file had to go back to the MSC for approval by the next level of immigration worker. Thinking nothing is wrong, we left.

A week later, a notice arrives saying that my wife has to be fingerprinted again (Fingerprints expire every 15 months; my wife's extreme wait necessitated getting them done a second time.). My wife was understandably distraught at the process being held up, so I called our senator's immigration liaison for help finidng out the status.

The phone call afterwards was not good news--apparently, my wife's security background checks has not been finished yet, and, thanks to laws passed after 9-11, there is absolutely no way for anyone to find out how long that could take (To prevent the corruption of the security process neither immigration officers nor congressional representatives can be informed of where in the security process applications stand.). She said that she couldn't even make an inquiry until 3 years after the process has started. In her own words, she said, "You could get your green card in 2 days, you could get your green card in 2 years; there is no way to know." She went on to recommend reapplying for advanced parole, as she said the interview is no indication that the process was actually over.

S yeah, I'm looking for sympathy--I'm dealing with a very depressed wife, and the fact that it looks like we're going to hit the big 3 year mark without a green card. I'm also hoping some people have had similar experiences in the interview and can reassure me that nothing is wrong. As of now, my wife can't stand this country, and I can't say that I blame her. Please tell me that we're not alone.

[Dixie_Peach 1]

Ouch! don't know what to say other than... sorry... and I'm wishing you all the best! That sure is a rough row to hoe... sending lots of encouragement your way... with lots of prayers!

Blessings,

Lynne

[LaL 418]

You certainly are not alone, this process is peppered with #######. The process is rarely fair and I understand your wifer's feelings. We are coming upon 2 years mark and no AOS interview in sight, although our "catch" in the process was through the K1 part, we still are no where near our end.

Know that you are not alone, although I know that is not at all much comfort. Hang in there - it will be a bad dream eventually.

Laura

Edited February 27, 2006 by lal_brandow

[hcj 0]

I'm sorry to hear that your wife still hasn't got her GC yet. My husband and I understand first hand the frustration of waiting for the background check to clear, after a "successful" AOS interview. Ours ended up taking close to a year (11.5 months to be precise) after the interview before clearing and a GC approval issued.

I would like to emphasize to you and your wife that this is not an indication of something being wrong with your case. In some ways it's just a statistics game -- some cases get held up and yours happens to be one of the ones taking longer. You are not alone, there are other couples going through the same wait.

Which doesn't make it any easier, but please reassure your wife that the delay is not a reason to worry. The approval will come, in due course. In the meantime keep her EAD and AP renewed, so she can work and travel just like everyone else can.

Now here's the totally unscientific part about wait times for the security check to clear. Of course, every case is individual and it's going to take as long as it takes. But, since this is a topic of interest for me, I have followed people's clearance times on various forums. I have not written anything down but it seems to me that:

- the majority (maybe 80-90%) get cleared within 3 months

- of the remainder, most get cleared within 6 months

- then there are a handful that take a year or even longer

So in all probability she will get cleared within 3-6 months. In the meantime, if you want to be proactive, the one thing you *can* do is make an infopass appt every 3-4 months and check in with them -- to remind them that you exist if nothing else. If it takes longer than 6-7 months, consider involving your political representative(s). Remember that you have three people representing you -- 2 senators and 1 lower house rep -- so if one is not helpful, try the other two.

[sjoefl01 1]

Our hearts go out to you. Your case is everyones worst nightmare here. I wish that there was something we could say to make things easier but that would be impossible.. Your poor wife has every reason to be angry.

She has waited entirely too long.

[chocolaterie 0]

Yes you are not alone. there a couple of us who get snagged in this process. My I-130 took 298 days to process! And I had to get my fingerprints redone. Here's me sending you and your wife good thoughts! Know that as each day passes you are closer to the end, but at least you have each other.

[annelizabeth 1]

I am so sorry this is taking so long. But on the bright side, when you finally do get the green card it will be a ten year one!

[hcj 0]

I am so sorry this is taking so long. But on the bright side, when you finally do get the green card it will be a ten year one!

I certainly hope it will be -- but to the OP, you should be aware that it may or may not be a ten year card. Some DOs will only issue a 2 year card if you are adjusting from a K-1 visa, no matter how long you have been married on the day of approval. Hope that is not the case with your DO, but wanted to warn you that it's a possibility.

[Peggy 1]

Sorry about your case. Hope you get some good news soon