July 2017 AOS Fillers

[Path24 75]

22 minutes ago, Ohlala said:

If I really want to get my case approved, I would contact your senator and congressman. Just check https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/help/help-for-new-yorkers/request

 

you can send congressman/ senator a request and have them to raise a service request for the reason why you really need it.

 

From my experience, I tried to expedite my case by myself through calling USCIS. At the same time, I contacted our congresswoman and senator for help. Their office both tell me it’s more efficient to have them raise the request for me.. but it’s too late for this case. So I have submitted all evideces on my own. I did get approved a week after I submitted all evidence and around three weeks after raising a service request.  Good luck!

 

 

Thank you I created a pdf form and emailed them. Let’s see hope it works out. Thank you for all this 

[Kirk&Kean 9]

On ‎1‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 2:25 PM, agnsd said:

That’s a great advice as I will not make any change by going crazy over the situation.

 

to be honest I don’t know if it’s a nyc thing but HR don’t bother with people like us they just move on to the next I experienced discrimination for not been at least a green card holder many times

Go for Contract jobs. Which field of work are you in or have you worked in? Have you lived in NYC for a year, is NY considered your residency + fulfilled 1 year residency? If yes, usually classes in community colleges doesn't cost that much. Even if you take 2 classes that you think is beneficial to you and helps you with continuation of learning for 1 semester is better than doing nothing. I did fulltime (15 credits) for a semester back in 2017 Fall semester, it was kinda occupied and turn off because I transitioned from 6-7 years of working full time directly into student of full time. That is not fun at all, imagine if you haven't really been actively reading books or doing much studies. Haha, but glad I managed to score 4.0 GPA and made the Dean's list for that semester by putting much more effort into it. I thought at least 2 of the classes I took would be able to transfer and be applied towards the bachelor's degree program I am interested in (this or next year), turns out 1 did match as equivalent, the other one did not (even tho the syllabus is closely matched, I can always ask the school which accepted me for this Fall / Next spring (deferment) to re-evaluate. So they still count as investment towards your future plans.

I got my job with contract agency in IT field, of course my work permit isn't expired. The job I got is a 6 months contract with an opportunity to be permanent. I did tell the employer that my permit is gonna expire in March, however I've filed renewal since last Sep, and I am expecting to receive a new one between Feb / March. I also informed the employer that with the NOA1 from the renewal application, I am legally allowed to cont. to work for another 6 months even if the card hasn't been approved for renewal. Employer said ok, just mail whatever new doc I have to her and she will keep on file. Of course, this is in Philly. There's also lots of contract short term jobs which only last between 3 - 6 months. 1 important tips, do not ever directly mention your work permit expire in the first interview. It is a big red flag and you literally take away your own chance. If you know that you are still allowed to work for maybe another 6 months and you firmly believes that the new EAD will come within the 6 months, go ahead and act as normal while interviewing. If an employer really wants you (after passing 2 rounds of interview), comes to HR dealing with requesting for paperwork time, that is when you present your first expired ead + the NOA1 with the bottom note indicating this also serve as extension of the work permit for 6 months/180 days after the expiry of the original EAD.

Btw, have you tried calling USCUS hotline requesting status update of your EAD renewal? Sometimes calling and asking may help.

[Kirk&Kean 9]

I am just curious. Based on Philly processing time - my receipt date is before June 25, 2017 (AOS filed date). Which means I am allowed to file case outside normal processing time.

 

Has anyone tried filing such Service Request and what kind of actions have been taken? Did they respond to the SR quick? I am referring to filing such ticket when the criteria fits in. Not simply filing case outside normal processing time (I know we can do it at any time and they can close it without taking action).

I am in a dilemma situation because our case was first scheduled wrongly to the former address, so we requested to transfer case to Philly. Through 3 times of local USCIS office visits, we verified that our files have been transferred and arrived at Philly office. However, reschedule of interview will be delayed because they literally go by first-come-first-serve basis (whichever's applicant file arrived first at the local office from National benefits center).
 

- Part of me kind of curious about if filing the SR "case outside normal processing time" would cause the interview to be rescheduled faster or not.
- Part of me kind of hope that since the whole case has been dragged on for 1 year and 6 months. Might as well hoping or wait until June 17 (past our 2nd anniversary date) to have the interview (of course I have no control, they might reschedule any time between May to Aug). If interview scheduled past 2 yr anniversary, I will be interviewing for 10 yr GC, thus saving the $$ for removal of conditions.

 

I am kind of afraid that if I file the SR it may fasten the process. Thus, resulting in earlier interview date + 2 yr conditional GC.

Regardless, I guess I have to expect to pay extra $$ on either one of the outcome. Medical records are valid for 2 years as of Nov 2018.
If interview date falls after July 2019, I have to get new medical record which probably costs between $150 - $250.
If interview date falls before June 2019 (2nd anniversary), 90 days before Conditional GC expires, file for Removal of Condition I-751 which will costs $595 +$85 biometric fee.
Unless I get very very lucky that the interview date falls before July 17/18 and after June 17. Then I will be attending interview with valid medical record on file + 10 yrs GC (upon approval).

[Ray&Ash 271]

On 1/29/2019 at 2:53 PM, Kirk&Kean said:

I am just curious. Based on Philly processing time - my receipt date is before June 25, 2017 (AOS filed date). Which means I am allowed to file case outside normal processing time.

 

Has anyone tried filing such Service Request and what kind of actions have been taken? Did they respond to the SR quick? I am referring to filing such ticket when the criteria fits in. Not simply filing case outside normal processing time (I know we can do it at any time and they can close it without taking action).

I am in a dilemma situation because our case was first scheduled wrongly to the former address, so we requested to transfer case to Philly. Through 3 times of local USCIS office visits, we verified that our files have been transferred and arrived at Philly office. However, reschedule of interview will be delayed because they literally go by first-come-first-serve basis (whichever's applicant file arrived first at the local office from National benefits center).
 

- Part of me kind of curious about if filing the SR "case outside normal processing time" would cause the interview to be rescheduled faster or not.
- Part of me kind of hope that since the whole case has been dragged on for 1 year and 6 months. Might as well hoping or wait until June 17 (past our 2nd anniversary date) to have the interview (of course I have no control, they might reschedule any time between May to Aug). If interview scheduled past 2 yr anniversary, I will be interviewing for 10 yr GC, thus saving the $$ for removal of conditions.

 

I am kind of afraid that if I file the SR it may fasten the process. Thus, resulting in earlier interview date + 2 yr conditional GC.

Regardless, I guess I have to expect to pay extra $$ on either one of the outcome. Medical records are valid for 2 years as of Nov 2018.
If interview date falls after July 2019, I have to get new medical record which probably costs between $150 - $250.
If interview date falls before June 2019 (2nd anniversary), 90 days before Conditional GC expires, file for Removal of Condition I-751 which will costs $595 +$85 biometric fee.
Unless I get very very lucky that the interview date falls before July 17/18 and after June 17. Then I will be attending interview with valid medical record on file + 10 yrs GC (upon approval).

Its not exactly a drag  I've been waiting 1.5 years too. And No you cannot fill out an 'Out of processing time' request 'Any time' like you said. 

The system will NOT allow you to do that. You can only raise it if It is outside. Now, I suggest go ahead and raise it if the system allows. It always helps doing whatever you can to speed things up given all these years of delays. 

[hwk 11]

Finally received the green card!!  Total waiting time was 1 year 6 months and 10 days! 

[ceeq 53]

Congrats!! What was  the interview experience like in the SF office? We just received our interview date so we are getting ready.

[hwk 11]

1 minute ago, ceeq said:

Congrats!! What was  the interview experience like in the SF office? We just received our interview date so we are getting ready.

Here i posted couple days ago about the interview but here you go. It was very easy interview. Hardest part was going to san Francisco from east bay due to the traffic

 

we got there 10 minutes before the interview time due to a heavy traffic towards San Francisco but it was ok as we were called about 40 minutes after our appointment time. 

Interview was very fast about 15 minutes. Some of the questions were:  When where and how did you meet?  Are we going to have kids? my name and parents names. and if my parents met my husband and lastly the have you ever done questions.  The agent asked if we have our 2017 tax returns and we provided it as well as the 2018 w-2 and 1099s.   That was it!  before leaving he told us that we should be getting the green card in 30 days but realistically in about 2 weeks, but could not tell us that we were approved or not.  

[Ray&Ash 271]

1.)  Does anyone know from experience or from attorney - what happens when your A-File moves from service centre to the filed office? I called USCIS due to EAD renewal delays and I was told that EAD cannot be issued as the file is not with them. it was sent to field office instead. Does this mean next step is interview scheduling?

 

2.)  My GC journey started with a K1. Does anyone know if interviews for some of K1 adjusters are getting waived? Me and my then fiance(now husband) both were present for my K1 interview. So basically we already did the interview together once. 

 

[M&JB 80]

10 hours ago, Ray&Ash said:

1.)  Does anyone know from experience or from attorney - what happens when your A-File moves from service centre to the filed office? I called USCIS due to EAD renewal delays and I was told that EAD cannot be issued as the file is not with them. it was sent to field office instead. Does this mean next step is interview scheduling?

 

2.)  My GC journey started with a K1. Does anyone know if interviews for some of K1 adjusters are getting waived? Me and my then fiance(now husband) both were present for my K1 interview. So basically we already did the interview together once. 

 

1. Not sure on this. If it is at the field office I would think it is ready for scheduling. Have you checked your case status online? 

2. They used to waive the interviews for K1 adjusters but they recently just changed it. Everybody gets interview.

Edited February 6, 2019 by M&JB

[Ray&Ash 271]

Any tips of green card interview questions esp in Chicago? Anybody got their interview recently? how was the experience? 

Any tips and advice helpful

Thank you..

[ceeq 53]

On 1/31/2019 at 5:29 PM, hwk said:

Here i posted couple days ago about the interview but here you go. It was very easy interview. Hardest part was going to san Francisco from east bay due to the traffic

 

we got there 10 minutes before the interview time due to a heavy traffic towards San Francisco but it was ok as we were called about 40 minutes after our appointment time. 

Interview was very fast about 15 minutes. Some of the questions were:  When where and how did you meet?  Are we going to have kids? my name and parents names. and if my parents met my husband and lastly the have you ever done questions.  The agent asked if we have our 2017 tax returns and we provided it as well as the 2018 w-2 and 1099s.   That was it!  before leaving he told us that we should be getting the green card in 30 days but realistically in about 2 weeks, but could not tell us that we were approved or not.  

Thanks for sharing!! I have another question, do you know if there are windows or is it wide open? The reason I am asking is because I am thinking of preparing a big binder for the copy of the initial Adjustment of Status application that involves the affidavit of support, ead application etc. Just want to make sure if this fits in the hole they may have at their interview stations. Thanks!

[hwk 11]

1 hour ago, ceeq said:

Thanks for sharing!! I have another question, do you know if there are windows or is it wide open? The reason I am asking is because I am thinking of preparing a big binder for the copy of the initial Adjustment of Status application that involves the affidavit of support, ead application etc. Just want to make sure if this fits in the hole they may have at their interview stations. Thanks!

Not sure what you mean but the interview was in a pretty spacious private office  there was one office desk and we sat on one side and the interviewer was on the other side  kind of felt like a doctors visit 

[ceeq 53]

1 minute ago, hwk said:

Not sure what you mean but the interview was in a pretty spacious private office  there was one office desk and we sat on one side and the interviewer was on the other side  kind of felt like a doctors visit 

Ohh okay perfect! I was imagining it to be like those us embassy interviews where its a “window” type of divider where hard binders can’t slip through. Thank you!!

[Ray&Ash 271]

3 hours ago, ceeq said:

Ohh okay perfect! I was imagining it to be like those us embassy interviews where its a “window” type of divider where hard binders can’t slip through. Thank you!!

When's your interview? All the best and do let us know how the experience is. 

[wildling99 14]

Hey July filers! I had my interview this morning in Phoenix. I don't think I slept last night with all the anxiety and trying to make sure I had all of the papers/documents/etc in order to bring. Our interview was at 7:15. We arrived at about 6:50 but the office isn't even open until 7. Went through security and checked in. They saw quite a few single people before they got to two couples and a family before us. I would say we went in around 7:35. Our agent was friendly. I guess I thought that it would be a uniformed officer, but we were just in a little personal office and he was dressed like a normal employee. We swore the oath and he asked us a lot of basic questions (when, where, how did we meet... when was the proposal... did my husband ever visit Canada... how did I enter the U.S. the last time according to my 1-485 form... when was the proposal... was there a ring). 

 

I submitted a LOT of stuff with the initial application (car insurance, our cell phone bills, about 50 photos, all of the W-2, tax returns, etc). He told me I was more thorough and prepared than most people who came with a lawyer/prepared using a lawyer, which was nice! I brought along updated copies of everything that was listed on the interview notice we received in the mail. I basically used it as a checklist and had everything labeled in a folder. He kept the new W-2 for my husband & 2017 joint tax return, three 8 x 11 sheets of printed photos, our new lease, our rental insurance and our joint dental insurance. He added all of that to the folder.

 

He told us he approved our I-130 and then it was on to the I-485. I brought my medical (as I hadn't submitted with the initial application). I thought it would be fine as the exam was in August 2017, despite being expired with the new rule being 2 years, but unfortunately my doctor had signed it in December 2017 and our application was filed in July 2017 - it needs to be signed no later than 60 days after the application. Even though the exam was within the timeframe, it was the signature that needed to be in the 60 days. In all honesty, my doctor's office was going through a lot of managerial changes and I think that had something to do with that. Long story short, they had asked me to get a flu shot, even though it wasn't flu season...anyway. I will have to redo the medical, but that's the only thing I'm missing. I'm going tomorrow morning to redo that and then will wait for the RFE to mail it back. He said to be sure it is sent certified with a signature and also to get the doctor to copy it before sealing it. The agent was very understanding - he said we were good except for that. That was really reassuring! He shook our hands when we left and noted again that I did a great job on preparing my application. We were out around 8:25.

 

I think I was way more stressed out than I needed to be. It's a very nervewracking experience for sure, especially when you've waited so long. The hardest part was remembering dates (we've been together for four years and sometimes you're questioning...oh wait, was that 2015? 2016?)

 

Good luck everyone! Hopefully I don't have any weird diseases on my new medical tomorrow lol!

Edited February 13, 2019 by wildling99