January 2016 AOS Filers

[R_n_B 4]

Finally I've received all 4 NOAs...

Congrats! We still haven't received anything, starting to get worried. At what point could/would you call USCIS to follow-up? They received our package on 1/19 and still not a peep.

[TabeaK 516]

Officially it is 30 days. Has your check been cashed? Did you include G1145?

I'd probably give it this week and then call - and be prepared to keep calling.

My case was received the same day as yours (USPS Tracking). I received my Text/email NOA-1 on the 23rd, check cashed the 25th. No additional Info since then, i.e. No actual NOA-1 letters.

The waiting is the worst. I am also trying to stay patient...will start calling next week if nothing happens.

Good luck!

[R_n_B 4]

Officially it is 30 days. Has your check been cashed? Did you include G1145?

I'd probably give it this week and then call - and be prepared to keep calling.

My case was received the same day as yours (USPS Tracking). I received my Text/email NOA-1 on the 23rd, check cashed the 25th. No additional Info since then, i.e. No actual NOA-1 letters.

The waiting is the worst. I am also trying to stay patient...will start calling next week if nothing happens.

Good luck!

The check has not been cashed yet, no. Edit: yes, I did include the G-1145. The only thing I could think of is perhaps because I am adjusting both my wife's K-1 and her son's K-2 at the same time (plus EAD and AP for both), perhaps it is taking a bit longer. Either way, I will call them if I don't hear anything by Friday. Thanks.

Edited February 2, 2016 by R_n_B

[noini89 56]

I actually went to the DMV as well to get my learner's permit in NYC. It is only valid for two months because of the K-! visa but they gave me no hassle.

I took my passport, marriage certificate, SSN Card, and I-94.

I think if you show them the hard copy of NOA for AOS they give you longer expiration date.

[HislittleSecret 21]

When is it safe to start applying for jobs while EAD is pending? How are some of you or your spouses going about applying for jobs?

[Javilasardar 10]

When is it safe to start applying for jobs while EAD is pending? How are some of you or your spouses going about applying for jobs?

The soonest may be after EAD approval while you wait for the EAD card to arrive in the mail, hoping that the USPS will not misplace it. However, employers only use the EAD card — not the EAD approval— to allow you to sign the I-9 (employment form while hiring).

In our case, I (the beneficiary) have a job waiting that initially was going to be on H1-B visa, and then the boss ran into some issues with the HR department (they did not initially advertise job as 'special skills'), and so I need the EAD through AOS (based on marriage) as soon as possible. My future employer has verbally promised to wait on my start date but if there are severe delays in obtaining the EAD, I am not sure what will happen. So, it may be better to avoid uncertainties like this. My situation, although it did not happen for my own actions, is not advisable.

Edited February 2, 2016 by jayess21

[HislittleSecret 21]

The soonest may be after EAD approval while you wait for the EAD card to arrive in the mail, hoping that the USPS will not misplace it. However, employers only use the EAD card not the EAD approval to allow you to sign the I-9 (employment form while hiring).

In our case, I (the beneficiary) have a job waiting that initially was going to be on H1-B visa, and then the boss ran into some issues with the HR department (they did not initially advertise job as 'special skills'), and so I need the EAD through AOS (based on marriage) as soon as possible. My future employer has verbally promised to wait on my start date but if there are severe delays in obtaining the EAD, I am not sure what will happen. So, it may be better to avoid uncertainties like this. My situation, although it did not happen for my own actions, is not advisable.

Is there any way to expedite due to urgency? Have u tried?

[TabeaK 516]

I intend to start applying as soon as I get my NOA-1 letters (Kind of as hard evidence I have an EAD pending). That's one of the reasons I am freaking out my letters aren't here yet.

If I do find something prior to EAD approval I intend to try and expedite the EAD.

[noini89 56]

I intend to start applying as soon as I get my NOA-1 letters (Kind of as hard evidence I have an EAD pending). That's one of the reasons I am freaking out my letters aren't here yet.

If I do find something prior to EAD approval I intend to try and expedite the EAD.

that's seem kind of early, hm?

i got my noa's and my timeline on visa journey says that EAD will be 1st week of April hope not though. going crazy without work!

[waiting4areason 13]

I intend to start applying as soon as I get my NOA-1 letters (Kind of as hard evidence I have an EAD pending). That's one of the reasons I am freaking out my letters aren't here yet.

If I do find something prior to EAD approval I intend to try and expedite the EAD.

I think I will have my hubby do the same. Our only issue is where do u guys think we can look for jobs? any websites, tips?

I understand how you feel about the delay to get NO1, during the K1 process, we never received NO1 in the mail , so I called them later on and they gave me a proof of receipt, either way, it will be ok

[The Fogles 5]

When is it safe to start applying for jobs while EAD is pending? How are some of you or your spouses going about applying for jobs?

I applied for a job 2 weeks before I sent off my AOS package. The week I got called to interview for the position was the same week I filled my AOS docs. The interview process took 4 weeks of interviewing before they made an offer, and now they are kindly waiting till my EAD card arrives.

I was completely honest from the get-go and put down a realistic start date on my cover letter when I initially applied.

If a company wants you, they will wait. I personally think it's worth applying once the AOS package is sent off.

It also gives you something to focus on, and makes you feel productive. I found applying and doing interviews helped eliminate my frustration with not being able to work.

Edited February 2, 2016 by The Fogles

[Javilasardar 10]

Is there any way to expedite due to urgency? Have u tried?

Here are the grounds for expediting acc. to USCIS:

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/expedite-criteria

What may work is 'financial loss' but the trouble is USCIS cares not for financial loss of the individual (i.e. unemployment-related adversity) but for extensive economic loss for the company hiring. In that case, letter needed from future employer. My employer will not provide such letter, they have said. So, I am planning to just remain patient.

[HislittleSecret 21]

Here are the grounds for expediting acc. to USCIS:

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/expedite-criteria

What may work is 'financial loss' but the trouble is USCIS cares not for financial loss of the individual (i.e. unemployment-related adversity) but for extensive economic loss for the company hiring. In that case, letter needed from future employer. My employer will not provide such letter, they have said. So, I am planning to just remain patient.

Well I'm postponing a medical procedure that will result in a financial loss because I will be off of work for a few weeks so I need for my husband to get a job to pick up the slack because of my being off work. So I intend to use that as apart of the expedite if he gets a job offer letter. I will try.

Edited February 2, 2016 by HislittleSecret

[Javilasardar 10]

Well I'm postponing a medical procedure that will result in a financial loss because I will be off of work for a few weeks so I need for my husband to get a job to pick up the slack because of my being off work. So I intend to use that as apart of the expedite if he gets a job offer letter. I will try.

Your case may even qualify for medical reasons as well as financial emergency. May be start collecting documents to prove how important the medical procedure is for your health as your husband looks for a job. Also, if you apply for an expedited processing USCIS, also contact your Senator and Congressman to write to USCIS on your behalf as well. It has known to have worked wonders for some people.

[Fr8dog 312]

Received 3x NOA in the actual mail today. Next stop, Biometric letter I guess.