ComicBookFan

And I meant *county not country. Speaking of country -- will one's national country give them problem with the name change when traveling? Jw..

Hello everyone!

Hopefully someone can give me some good advice. As a recent permanent resident, I would like to change my first name. Now, I realize that there is option to legally change your first name when applying for citizenship for free (is this still an option??), but frankly, I do not want to wait the 5 years to do that. I've always had trouble with my first immigrant name and people mispronouncing it so that's really the biggest reason.

I know that I have to get the process started with the probate court in my country and I've called and confirmed that the process only takes about two weeks unless a hearing is required. Once I get the court order I can file with USCIS for the name change.

Anyway, I read on USCIS that the fee is 485 plus another 85 for biometrics--meaning I will have to do biometrics again? Anyone know why?

How long does it usually take for the replacement GC with the new name?

Also - will the SSO and DMV give me any problems? They are HORRIBLE to deal with here where I live. I an dreading going up there another set of rounds to change my ssn, driver's licence, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Hey guys will keep you updated on what's going on with my case. I did a service request on March 15th and was told that I will get a response in 15 days. Called again today and was told by a 2nd level agent that I just have to wait until I get my response from my SR done on March 15th, in that response I should be advised as to how much longer I will have to wait for visa. If you guys get news before me pls also let me know. Interview done Oct 11th 2011.

Hey Guys I got my GC Yesterday in the mail!!! I actually got approved on may 10 but didnt get it til today. The service requests really helped. Hope you guys and other lifeact members are having the same luck!

CBF

Dear Comicbookfan and Lurxor,

We three are in similar situation in this forum.Waited twelve years for the PD to become current and now that its current since last month ,we have not heard anything from USCIS yet.How frustrating this can be?Seems like the wait will never end.As we are in the same boat , please keep updating each other as soon as you hear anything.This is strange, those who applied from their own country,they are being interviewed and not us.Are we not their priority since we are already in USA?

To Comicbookfan,

Are you here in the USA? Whats your PD? Were you interviewed already?

Nazibk,

yes my pd is april 30,2001 and im in the states. My family and I were interviewed back in may 2011 and as far as I know everything is completed and only waiting for pd to become current. Have you called ? I didn't issue a service request when I called today. I might have to do that next time. Goodluck.

Hi guys, I called last week and she did a service request. That's all so far. I have been checking the USCIS website daily to see if there are any changes in my status. As soon I get something I'll let you guys know.

Well I called uscis today and got a very troubling response. At first they were confused because as a dependent said I shouldn't have been able to file for i-485 not realizing im derivative from F4. He said they are just now looking at cases from august from 2010 before retrogression and that I should expect an 5-8 month wait!!! That's ridiculous! My pd is apr30,2001 I should be issued visa this month! It's already been 12 years another 3 with retrogression!!! I will call again to get someone else. I don't think the person knew much. Lurxor and nzbik, let me know if you guys get an update.

Hi lurxor,any news?Did you call USCIS?I am really worried now.

Lurxor and Nazibk,

Have you guy received an update? I might call tomorrow !

CBF

nick can u plz share the link with us.

i cant find any news regrading elimination of f3&f4

Is this what everyone is referring to?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-group-considers-large-reduction-in-family-visas-as-part-of-immigration-deal/2013/03/14/90252aae-8be8-11e2-9f54-f3fdd70acad2_story.html

Nazibik, i just reread your post. Your pd april is april 23. You and your wife will be current this april. You need to wait till the first or so before receiving anything.

Visa Bulletin is out. One week movement. :/

NVC is DRAGGING the April 2001 month but the good thing is there's movement.

I think we can all agree the Immigration Reform Bill will speed up the visa availability process. However, this will take about a year to be implented and will not effect most of us close to our PDs.

Can we now please back to April 2001 pds discussion/news!!!

april pd's and lifeact applicants - any news or i/l's?

guys, someone in Vietnamese forum with these PD have received IL:

02/04/01

03/04/01

05/04/2001

16/04/01

but i think that there is sth wrong with the guy whose PD is 16/04/01.

One month movement?!

Embassies are still close all over in muslims countries where peoples are protesting against US.

IT Will effect visa bulletin movements because therez no more interview sceduleing.

So that should free up interviews and visa #'s for others, right?

Does anyone know of any experts that can give us an EXPLANATION of why the VB is moving so darn SLOW? I mean, are there REALLY little of Visa #'s available? This is just sooo frustrating. Everyone was saying the fiscal year would fix things. That didn't happen. What gives?

Awe I'll be your friend! You seem like a nice guy. Have you no relatives in the States that can help, though? Don't despair, my friend. You have been given some great advice already. See if you can join some sort of group that has schedule meetings with similar interests such as yours. You're bound to meet people if you just go out there with the social mentality

Alex,

I understand your frustrations. I was told there was nothing that could be done (by Walgreens) and to just retry in a month or two. The good thing is I did find another (better) job in a few weeks later. So don't give up and keep trying.

If I were you I would write a lengthy letter to LexisNexus about this.

Apparently, they do not care that their 'state of the art system' is costing people jobs because their system has a lag on verifying newly printed SSN'S.

best of luck,

ComicBookFan

Update: today I received mail notification from Radio Shack that 'due to the results of the background check conducted by LexisNexis' they are unable to offer me employment at this time.

Absolutely inept.

Not to mention demoralising; how many other potential employers use this joke of a company? And how many other potential employers use a company with a similar system?

I live in a relatively small-town in Texas (about 13'000 population) so it's not as if job opportunities are rife. Especially since I'm not a teacher or a nurse!

I had the very same issue with LexisNexis when I applied to Walgreens.

It takes about 3 months for your new SSN to show up in the system.

If you call LexisNexis (which I did) they will tell you the same.

You need to go to your local SS office ask them to print out a letter basically that tells your boss your SSN is valid.

ComicBookFan

Hi guys. Thanks for your response!

It's funny that both of you mention Seattle. I have always wanted to visit Seattle since I hear a lot about its indie culture and music scene. It also looks so nice and green. Definately number 1 on my to-try list. Plus, I love rain!

to me american nightlife is definitely not what I expected.

I agree, but at least life here is more comfortable and there are more opportunities.

Anyways, if you are looking for diversity L.A. is nice, too many different styles of bars and clubs to choose what I noticed though is people tend to go to certain bars depending on their race or ethnicity. Keep in mind that any type of bar or club close at 2am.

Eh, L.A does not look appealing to me. I dont know, its looks run down, though there are nice suburbs. Still, seems like its too crowded and not enough green.

Las Vegas is nice to party but I would never live there.

Ditto.

New Orleans used to be nice before Katrina but I heard it really affected economy and there's a lot of bad political influence in that area.

I love New Orleans but I would def not live there. I just like to visit for Mardi Gra

Well since you are thinking about moving north I would choose San Francisco, city per se is beautiful, people is very unique, weather is nice overall. Seattle is nice but unless you like overcast weather don't move here. I've been living close to seattle for less than a year is nice if you are into art and music but I haven't seen too much diversity in this area.

Thanks! I will look into it. SF is not too far from Seattle so, too. So maybe I can try one and then later the other.

Since I got married I enjoy spending time with my husband rather than going to bars. I used to love that before but I reached a point when I enjoy other activities.Again nightlife here is boring!

I bet. Where in the States are you?

I've been to several countries and I would say without a doubt this is the worse country to party. [/qoute]

Haha! I have to agree!

Hey everyone.

The holidays are coming up and I been doing a lot of thinking.

I am currently an employed single young adult living in the South , and although the cost of living here is manageable and life is easy going, I'd like to move North. I feel like I need to move a place that's more in tune with my personality, my beliefs, etc.

I have to say that living in a small town hasn't been all that wonderful. It's really hard to find people who share your views where mostly everyone is conservative. I want to move to a state where there is more to do. I am young so I am very outgoing and people friendly! I love nightlife and going out. Plus I love the cold weather!

What would be the proper steps to take? Maybe tour various cities around the States first, and see how they feel?

Whats the best cities for young people?

For those of who have recently made the US their home, did you find your new State a welcoming environment?

What do you think, would be a good state for me to move to ?

ComicBookFan

Thank you!

ComicBookFan

Hey Everyone,

I am getting ready to file for EAD renewal since my AOS is still pending (sad!!)

Anyway, I've done my homework so far and I believe I have everything wanted to make sure with you experts(hehe):

1. Copy of old EAD (front and back)

2. Copy of NOA

3. I-765 application (renewal)

4. 2 passport style photos

My biggest concern is that I have to pay, but the instructions both on the USCIS website and on the i-765 instructions state that you do NOT have to pay if you have an AOS pending.

Is that true?

Thank you,

ComicBookFan

If I'm not mistaken she has to provide a court document with whatever sentence she was given and a document proven she completed it. and if it was expunged or cleared, you need to bring the papers that prove that also to the interview.

cmb

I don't buy the whole 'it's the economy' excuse. Your husband should be able to get a job. It's been statistically proven that in times of crisis or recessions some people get wealthier.

Are there not any friends of you guys or the family that could pull some strings for him? If its his first job he's going to have some trouble finding work because companies RARELY hire individuals without experience unless they are in or fresh out of high school.

This may not seem the best advice but has your husband thought of maybe changing his name? I know it's a sad thing but there is a lot of ignorance out there. And sometimes that ignorance is in the hands of people with power. So I say give the thought of a name change a chance, if all else fails. Besides, it's just a name. If it's going to secure you guy's financial future I say go for it.

You shouldn't have a problem entering your SSN on an online app if you can confirm the website is legit. If you're using a job finding site like monster or snagajob you're pretty safe since they redirect you to the company's website to fill out the application. Always make sure the page you're on is LEGIT. Do some research and ask around the net if you're not sure. I'm actually more worried about filling out a paper app and handing it to a manager that looks shady.

As a natural precaution you should always be checking up on your credit and banking statements.

CBF