Applying for my 2nd greencard, anyone else?

[Brewlin 52]

When I left the USA in 2012, I didn't realize the rule about "abandonment" if you leave for over a year. So I sent in my old green card to apply for a new one just recently. Has anyone else done this?

Would the fact that I had one previously, possibly speed things up a bit? Obviously, if I already was approved the 1st time, how long would it take to do it a 2nd? Married to the very same man as the first time, with kids now.

I already have a SSN and an A# which I also included in the i-130 form. I don't even have a parking ticket on my 12 year long record in the US.

Edited November 7, 2014 by Brewlin

[dnp2014 44]

When I left the USA in 2012, I didn't realize the rule about "abandonment" if you leave for over a year. So I sent in my old green card to apply for a new one just recently. Has anyone else done this?

Would the fact that I had one previously, possibly speed things up a bit? Obviously, if I already was approved the 1st time, how long would it take to do it a 2nd? Married to the very same man as the first time, with kids now.

I already have a SSN and an A# which I also included in the i-130 form. I don't even have a parking ticket on my 12 year long record in the US.

You can speed things up by filing Form DS-117 for Returning Resident Visa (SB-1) with supporting documents. You must show evidence of continued unbroken ties to the US and the trip was extended due to events beyond your control.

[milimelo 4,503]

Prior green card even in the same category (spousal) won't make a difference in processing times. You'll go through the same steps as someone starting the first time.

[dani1 1]

When I left the USA in 2012, I didn't realize the rule about "abandonment" if you leave for over a year. So I sent in my old green card to apply for a new one just recently. Has anyone else done this?

Would the fact that I had one previously, possibly speed things up a bit? Obviously, if I already was approved the 1st time, how long would it take to do it a 2nd? Married to the very same man as the first time, with kids now.

I already have a SSN and an A# which I also included in the i-130 form. I don't even have a parking ticket on my 12 year long record in the US.

Hi there! I also had to give up my US green card after moving back to Germany! I married my US husband in 1997, got a CR-1 visa and moved to the US. After 10 years we moved back to Germany. We are currently in the process of getting the IR-1 visa. My husband (also same one as first time ) and our kids are back in the US already waiting for me! Unfortunately I have to say that so far nothing was quicker because of the fact that I already had a green card! Neither USCIS nor NVC care about that! You can look at my timeline and you will see! When we first started this process we also thought it would be quick because after all I had lived there for 10 years, had a green card, had kids, never been in the trouble with the law (no parking ticket either )......! What were we thinking???? It's been more than 7 months now since we started this whole thing! I remember the first time around it was a lot quicker! But there is absolutely nothing we can do! Except be patient!

Hopefully for you it won't take as long Good luck!

[Brewlin 52]

You can speed things up by filing Form DS-117 for Returning Resident Visa (SB-1) with supporting documents. You must show evidence of continued unbroken ties to the US and the trip was extended due to events beyond your control.

Thanks for the suggestion, but no, I cant apply for SB1.

[Brewlin 52]

Hi Glad I am not alone. Well at least I know now,I thought maybe they needed less background checks, and obviously we arent a fraud marriage. Last time was right around 9/11, actually took me nearly 2 years back then. So if it takes 9 months,I'm happy. Good luck! I will follow your timeline.

Hi there! I also had to give up my US green card after moving back to Germany! I married my US husband in 1997, got a CR-1 visa and moved to the US. After 10 years we moved back to Germany. We are currently in the process of getting the IR-1 visa. My husband (also same one as first time ) and our kids are back in the US already waiting for me! Unfortunately I have to say that so far nothing was quicker because of the fact that I already had a green card! Neither USCIS nor NVC care about that! You can look at my timeline and you will see! When we first started this process we also thought it would be quick because after all I had lived there for 10 years, had a green card, had kids, never been in the trouble with the law (no parking ticket either )......! What were we thinking???? It's been more than 7 months now since we started this whole thing! I remember the first time around it was a lot quicker! But there is absolutely nothing we can do! Except be patient!

Hopefully for you it won't take as long Good luck!

[DKNC 21]

We are also repeat customers. I don't expect the process to go any faster for us than anyone else, but I figure there shouldn't be any major problems since it went fine the last time. On the plus side, we can file 864w since we have plenty of SSA credits when we get to the NVC stage.

[*Snowdrop* 604]

As most of the wait time is just you waiting in the queue for your file to be seen, it probably won't make much difference in times compared to everyone else.

The background checks, genuine marriage assessment etc doesn't usually take very long if you aren't from a high fraud country or have anything complicated with your case, whether it's your first or second time applying for the green card.

[Brewlin 52]

Thanks for the replies! What is the 864w, besides I know it has to do with the AoS and the SSA!?

[DKNC 21]

The I-864W is the intending immigrants affidavit of support exemption. In our case, we qualify for the AOS exemption because the intending immigrant has earned or can be credited with at least 40 eligible quarters under the Social Security Act.

I find being able to file the I-864W a plus since it is a simple form that requires a minimum of supporting documentation. Less chance of making a mistake and getting a dreaded RFE.

Information about the different affadavit of support forms and the supporting financial evidence needed can be found here:

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/Step_4_Collect_Financial_Documents.html

Edited November 10, 2014 by DKNC

[Brewlin 52]

Thanks for posting...unfortunately since I was a student for 4 years and home with babies the rest, except for some parttime jobs, I'm probably not elligable.

[NikLR 13,227]

No you're not eligible. You'll still need the I-864 or I-864EZ.

Thanks for posting...unfortunately since I was a student for 4 years and home with babies the rest, except for some parttime jobs, I'm probably not elligable.

[DKNC 21]

No you're not eligible. You'll still need the I-864 or I-864EZ.

Only Brewlin can determine eligibility by carefully reviewing the I-864W instructions.

[NikLR 13,227]

I can read what they wrote "I was a student and then I had babies" LOL

[Brewlin 52]

Yeah and I also myself mentioned it Anyway, figured it out. Thanks!

Edited November 11, 2014 by Brewlin