AOS March 2016 Filers

[Linyahui 103]

I can't even find anyone doing an AOS in 2016 for our local office, how crazy is that?! I guess either the locals don't use vj much or the area isn't popular to live in. I found two k1 couples and both filed late 2015, and I haven't found anyone else from my husbands country. I know they can't discriminate but background checks could be more in depth?

We had to terminate removal before filing so hopefully that isn't cause for delay. It stated terminated without prejudice...remanded to uscis...either way, I've given up for 2016 and will get back on obsessive 5x a day checking of the portal and mailbox after the holidays.

That is crazy!! As you said, though, it's hard to gauge whether it's low numbers of AOS filers or just that others don't use VJ. But--why wouldn't they?!??!

What do you mean by "terminate removal before filing" and "terminated without prejudice"?

[Ninahi 53]

An absolutely charming story! I'm a same-sex applicant from November 2015, but you March filers are the closest thing I have for peers now. We too are concerned about discrimination, especially since our application went to FL/LA for processing (why, we're CA?) and these are not States well known for their forward thinking.

I wish everyone peaceful and warm holidays, despite this process being as nerve wracking and heart breaking as it is.

[sparkles_ 456]

That is crazy!! As you said, though, it's hard to gauge whether it's low numbers of AOS filers or just that others don't use VJ. But--why wouldn't they?!??!

What do you mean by "terminate removal before filing" and "terminated without prejudice"?

My husband over stayed a student type visa. It was valid wen we met, but after we married we dragged our feet to file and basically he got a notice to go to deportation court. Caused us to have to get the i130 approved by itself before a judge would close the case and let him adjust....spent all of 2015 doing that. It's probably why my waiting game is so strong lol. You can't file AOS til removal court is closed. Edited December 6, 2016 by sparkles_

[sparkles_ 456]

An absolutely charming story! I'm a same-sex applicant from November 2015, but you March filers are the closest thing I have for peers now. We too are concerned about discrimination, especially since our application went to FL/LA for processing (why, we're CA?) and these are not States well known for their forward thinking.

I wish everyone peaceful and warm holidays, despite this process being as nerve wracking and heart breaking as it is.

Don't worry. I'm fairly certain there is a psychological screening for IOs as a part of the hiring process, to make sure they aren't employing racists, bigots and so forth. Welcome to the March madness group!

[daveyjoe! 5]

My husband over stayed a student type visa. It was valid wen we met, but after we married we dragged our feet to file and basically he got a notice to go to deportation court. Caused us to have to get the i130 approved by itself before a judge would close the case and let him adjust....spent all of 2015 doing that. It's probably why my waiting game is so strong lol. You can't file AOS til removal court is closed.

My husband and I married the day his Student Visa expired, and then filed like a little over a month afterwards...

I wonder if that makes us look sketchy and is delaying us? Do you think that's delaying us at all? I hope not, if the immigration officer wants undeniable proof just look at my text messages, camera roll, and Facebook/instagram. Done and done. hahahaha.

Edited December 6, 2016 by daveyjoe!

[Linyahui 103]

An absolutely charming story! I'm a same-sex applicant from November 2015, but you March filers are the closest thing I have for peers now. We too are concerned about discrimination, especially since our application went to FL/LA for processing (why, we're CA?) and these are not States well known for their forward thinking.

I wish everyone peaceful and warm holidays, despite this process being as nerve wracking and heart breaking as it is.

OMG, I can't believe how long your AOS process has taken so far! Just goes to show that we should always be grateful for what we have...

How do you stay so positive?

[Linyahui 103]

My husband over stayed a student type visa. It was valid wen we met, but after we married we dragged our feet to file and basically he got a notice to go to deportation court. Caused us to have to get the i130 approved by itself before a judge would close the case and let him adjust....spent all of 2015 doing that. It's probably why my waiting game is so strong lol. You can't file AOS til removal court is closed.

I like the positive spin you put on this: "why my waiting game is so strong." I'm adopting that phrase!!

[Ninahi 53]

OMG, I can't believe how long your AOS process has taken so far! Just goes to show that we should always be grateful for what we have...

How do you stay so positive?

My wife buys me a lot of shoes...

Jokes! I actually don't stay very positive, it's been very hard after the 9 month mark when we officially fell out of processing time. Some days are really rough. And other days I simply resign to the fact that I have done everything by the book and all I can do is wait.

I hope ya'll get yours before the application anniversaries roll by.

[daveyjoe! 5]

My wife buys me a lot of shoes...

Jokes! I actually don't stay very positive, it's been very hard after the 9 month mark when we officially fell out of processing time. Some days are really rough. And other days I simply resign to the fact that I have done everything by the book and all I can do is wait.

I hope ya'll get yours before the application anniversaries roll by.

Actually - wait....

When should we start reapplying? When does our application expire technically?

Also - if it expires because of their lack of attention... do we have to pay the fees again if we have to reapply?

[sparkles_ 456]

Actually - wait....

When should we start reapplying? When does our application expire technically?

Also - if it expires because of their lack of attention... do we have to pay the fees again if we have to reapply?

It never expires. Your EAD can be renewed for free as long as AOS is pending, medical ages out after a year, and the i864 will just need an update will that current sponsor pay info. But the i485 is good to go one shot. Edited December 6, 2016 by sparkles_

[Ninahi 53]

Actually - wait....

When should we start reapplying? When does our application expire technically?

Also - if it expires because of their lack of attention... do we have to pay the fees again if we have to reapply?

To renew EAD and AP (if needed), you can apply 120 days before expiration, I'd reserve at least 90 days for renewal. Submit a copy of your I-485 receipt with the application just like first time, you don't have to pay again.

Your AOS won't expire, so don't worry about that. However medicals now expire 1 year from application. Not all IOs seem to know this, so you either do or don't get a RFE for it. I wouldn't bother getting a new medical until you're asked to do so. Sadly, you have to pay out of pocket for it (pretty pissy since the medical is the most expensive to redo) despite the fact that it expired because of USCIS inaction. Boo.

[sparkles_ 456]

My husband and I married the day his Student Visa expired, and then filed like a little over a month afterwards...

I wonder if that makes us look sketchy and is delaying us? Do you think that's delaying us at all? I hope not, if the immigration officer wants undeniable proof just look at my text messages, camera roll, and Facebook/instagram. Done and done. hahahaha.

I was told our timeline did us no favors. But then again, we have gotten past an i130 approval and immigration court so we must appear legit enough lol. It may raise an eyebrow on you but honestly the interview is the big deal. I think it's a combo of local office backlogs and background checks from certain countries taking longer.

[Linyahui 103]

My wife buys me a lot of shoes...

Jokes! I actually don't stay very positive, it's been very hard after the 9 month mark when we officially fell out of processing time. Some days are really rough. And other days I simply resign to the fact that I have done everything by the book and all I can do is wait.

I hope ya'll get yours before the application anniversaries roll by.

I can definitely imagine, as we will be hitting the nine-month mark in two days. Well, we're happy to have you join the forum...you're among others who understand what you're going through.

[sparkles_ 456]

You guys wanna know some real insanity. We have been waiting since January 2015 technically due to our complicated process. All our immigration fiasco began then, we just dropped he AOS in March. Stay positive guys....I have a feeling we will see a big rush of interview letters once workers come back from the holidays

Edited December 6, 2016 by sparkles_

[Linyahui 103]

You guys wanna know some real insanity. We have been waiting since January 2015 technically due to our complicated process. All our immigration fiasco began then, we just dropped he AOS in March. Stay positive guys....I have a feeling we will see a big rush of interview letters once workers come back from the holidays

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS