pot121

4 bickering posts removed. Anymore bickering in this thread will not be tolerated.

Not to be a downer, but your residency can't start before you file AOS and are approved. I am not sure how this IO plans to "fix" your dates, but just be aware that you may run into the same situation because chances are a supervisor or someone else will catch on to the error (and if not, then when your ROC gets to the top of the pile that IO likely will).
If you read the regulations and rules regarding green cards through marriage, your length of marriage prior to receiving your GC only affects whether you get a 2 year GC or a 10 year GC. Your residency can't be "backdated" unless someone messes up.

It is ridiculous. IOs are supposed to know the darn rules and laws of immigration..where the heck do they find this guys? Half of them are clueless,ofcourse your residency status starts from the moment you get approved for it not from the time you got married,everybody knows that..except guess who..an IO !! bummer!!

That's correct. I can't remember if it was the OP's case, or one similar, but someone had speculated that whoever was typing in the dates of validity for the 2-year GC forgot to take into account the new year in January (which is very common -- I know it will take me at least a month before I get to writing "2013" when it comes in a couple of weeks). If the original card was approved in January 2012, then it should expire in January 2014. If an IO inadvertently types "January 2011," putting in the old year out of habit, that would result in an incorrect expiration date of January 2013.
The point, again, is that you can't be an approved resident with a valid GC until you're, well, approved as a resident. My wife and I were married for 5 months before our interview, but the GC is dated from the interview, not the date of our marriage.
It doesn't surprise me. When my wife an I returned from a trip abroad last month, the USCIS agent admitting us back to the country saw the expiration of her GC (which was this month) and asked if we'd applied for removal of conditions yet. I said that we were going to start the process as soon as we returned home. He said, "Well, you were supposed to do that 4 months before the green card expires." I started to explain that we actually have a window of 90 days up to the date of expiration, and that if we'd applied too soon, the application would be rejected; my wife stopped me from going on (even though I was right -- thanks to VJ!), as she didn't want to make it look like I was arguing with immigration.
Again, the point is that sometimes (and perhaps often) IO's don't know the law as well as they should. This mistake will be caught by a supervisor, and the OP will likely be back to square one (although hopefully with a clarified date of expiration for the GC).
AJ

bigdog's wife has the exact same problem.
I tried to explain it, these errors - he went to several info pass appointments also.

Yes! I knew there was a similar case. And he was also told wrong by an IO and had to make several appointments to get it corrected but finally did.

:thumbs:Correct, we made 4 phone calls to USCIS, 4 info-pass appointments for the starting date issue and one prior due to an excessive delay-with several calls (solved by a Ombudsman request and action), I filed an I90 and the card still came back with the same starting date. Don't know what the answer is but all we can do is the right thing, make our notification's and hope for a prompt decision. Good Luck. I have an opinion on what happened and they appear to have given us credit for "time served" as i call it., I don't understand their reasoning, but who does.
OP - That is what we were told also, back to marriage year.

I would say enjoy your holidays....Even if you get your receipt number the only case update you probably will have is that your case is in review and will be in review for a good time...time enough for you come back home and get your hard copy on your mail box! I do understand that we all want to get everything as fast is possible but honestly at this point of the game your holidays will give you more pleasure and fun than your case number.Still calling $$$$$$$$ is the only way you probably could get your number $$$$$$$$...!
Have fun

It's been a couple of years since I sent a petition to USCIS, but they used to print the case number on the back of the check when they canceled it. Can you view the cashed check online with your bank?

you can call the usics and get the number,i did this before

I would need more details from the OP in the other thread before I could comment about what happened there. It would be very unusual for USCIS to approve a petition and then ask for an I-824 before sending it to NVC. I've never heard of this before.

Maybe you can find some info about a Fee Waiver ...
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=6fbad59ae8a8e010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=fe529c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Try ringing them and see if the operator can update your info
over the phone perhaps? If not, then maybe they can point
you in the right direction of who to call or write ...
USCIS National Customer Service Center @ 1-800-870-3676

I think they will just send a RFE. I don't think I-824 is appropriate in your case, as your case is still pending. Where did you get this idea?

I agree. Without a city and country the Department of State won't have any idea where to send the approved petition. I would think USCIS would notice an omission of this magnitude and send an RFE.

Jim, I am curious If Dept of State won't have any idea where to send the approval, how will USCIS send the RFE. Are RFE's being sent via email now? If they keep the envelope that the mail was received in, maybe he addressed his mailing envelope correctly. I am not saying this is the process, but some agencies have a sorting mail department that opens the mail and put everything received together. It would then be up to the adjudicator to deterime what pieces of paper receive that they can disgard.

I was presuming the OP was talking about the beneficiary's city and country. However, I should have looked at the form before I made my comment. Box 22 is to list either the city and state where the beneficiary will apply for adjustment of status, or the city and country where they will apply for a visa. If the beneficiary's address was given correctly in part B then they probably WON'T send an RFE. Box 22 says "Complete the information below if your relative is in the United States and will apply for adjustment of status", but then provides a separate section to enter the city and country where they will apply for a visa if they're not going to apply for adjustment of status.
In any case, it wouldn't affect the ability of USCIS to send an RFE because they would still have the petitioners address.

GREEN CARD came in the mail today!!!
So happy!!! best of luck to everyone waiting!! I hope for a speedy process of your application! see you in 2013!!!

Always write as in passport, that's your main document to enter the country, also they'll have to stamp when you enter and when you exit, visa also goes into the passport, so it should be everything according to your passport info.

Quite simple:
secured lodging (hotel reservation) or invitation from someone there to stay in their home (I'm not that familiar with Norway, I am with Sweden though and they are very similar; in case of an invitation, there is a special form whoever is inviting you needs to complete at the local municipality/town as they have some rules as to how many people can leave on a give house area)
proof that you have funds to support yourself while there
often they want to see that there will be health insurance (depends on what country you are from; and there are several companies that do this)
bank statements, to prove you have the funds
pictures
Assuming Norway is the entry country to the Schengen area? The rules are that you obtain visa from the first country you go in, unless in transit (in some cases, again depends on what country you are from). Little known fact: Switzerland is not in the Schengen and in many cases (again depends on what country you are from) a green card is sufficient to land there; from there, it is fairly easy to obtain visas to other EU countries.
There are fees (usually not that high), but not current on what are those now.
Valid passport, etc
Name in passport is what goes in application. Sorry I spaced that out.

I just came back from a visa interview at the French Consulate in New York and would like to share my experience with other greencard holders who require a visa to go to Schengen states (or more specifically, France). Please take note I am just sharing my experience to help others. This is no guarantee that you will get yours too especially if your situation is different.
I just recently arrived in the States and decided to travel for 3 weeks study + 1 week vacation in France. The first thing you have to do is:
1. Go to the Consulate's website (depending on where you live)
2. READ all the instructions and the requirements. PRINT THEM OUT and make a checklist.
If you feel that the instructions are incomplete, please look at other consulate's websites in which the requirements are more complete (I read the French Consulate at Washington's). Depending on your situation, they might ask you for more documents than what is listed, so it is best to be prepared.
3. Read blogs (This is very important because there is a lot of information you might not find in the website).
I read this : http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jrank2889/1/1261968055/tpod.html
4. You'll have to spend first (and take the risk!) so you can have your documents
I originally wanted to go a month after I arrived in the States, but since I figured I won't have enough time for the requirements, I postponed it to 4 months after. Why? Because the following documents are very important, you may not be able to do anything unless you have them.
1. GREENCARD (This is the most important!! This is also required in order to have you Social Security Number.)
2. Social Security Number (This is required when you want to open a bank account, or put your name on your husband's account)
3. Joint account with your husband (Important if you want to satisfy the Financial Requirements without too much hassle!)
You can start scheduling your interview. Please go to the consulate's website AT LEAST a month before your intended date of interview. I learned the hard way. I booked the first week of December, thinking that I could go on an interview on Dec. 16, 2011, but the earliest schedule left was Jan. 3, 2012, and my flight was already on Jan. 20! I am going to pick up my visa on Jan. 17, so I only have 3 days of leeway. So please please, plan ahead, you can't go to Europe on a whim especially if you need a visa!
You should also have an idea on WHEN you are planning to go. If you don't have all documents on hand, please make sure by the time of your interview, you will have all of them already. Look at the requirements, and decide which ones you have to ask from a third party and the timeframe they could give them to you. You should know that the Consulate says they do not accept internet printed copies, so as much as possible, just ask for a hardcopy. I know this is hard in this day and age when everything is online, but trust me, just DO IT!
Since I am unemployed and solely dependent on my husband, it was difficult for me to satisfy the financial requirements (employer-related) listed in the French Consulate of New York's website. They also did not specify on what to do if you're a housewife. That is why I found a more comprehensive list of requirements at the French Consulate in Washington
http://www.consulfrance-washington.org/spip.php?article384
I actually applied for a short-stay student visa, but some of the requirements are the same.
My Checklist (with corresponding comments)
1. Appointment letter print-out
2. Money - if you're paying cash, please make sure you have the EXACT change. They also accept credit cards
3. Application form
4. 2 pcs Photo - they are very strict on this. I have heard that people were denied because of the photo. Do not smile , make sure your forehead and ears can be seen.
5. passport or travel document (+ copy of identity page and validity of passport)
6. + 1 copy of signature page of passport
7. USA residency card (greencard)
8. Flight reservation - they need to see a round-trip ticket. It's your choice either to go to a travel agency (might also be expensive) to have a temporary booking (note, they can only hold your ticket for a few days unless you pay), book a refundable ticket (expensive), or pay a low-priced ticket which may be unrefundable (just take the risk if visa is denied) or which may require you to pay a cancellation fee. Just find out which one's cheaper, it's your choice.
I booked mine through US Airways rewards travel and the Airline e-mailed me the confirmation. I printed the confirmation and the embassy accepted this even if their website said no internet printed copies. From what I read somewhere, I think they accept it if it is a confirmation DIRECTLY from the airline company. But if you book through travelocity, travelzoo, and other websites selling airline tickets, they might not accept that (or they may, depending on who's interviewing!). So, please call the AIRLINE and tell them what you need.
9. Letter of Enrollment specifying exact dates of attendance and length of studies. - I had to make a downpayment in order for me to get this letter. They e-mailed me a PDF but I asked them to mail me a hardcopy. It took about 1-2 weeks to get here from France, so please have this in mind when making the appointment
10. Lodging – please read the instructions on the website especially for the hotels
You have to account for all the days you are staying in Europe and have proof on where you're staying. This is what I meant by not travelling on a whim and say, “oh this day I'll go to this country or city.” You have to PLAN everything.
I paid this in FULL just for me to get a Certificat D'Hebergement from them (This is what I said about take the risk!). I also asked for a hardcopy from them.
I made reservations for the rest of my stay in a hotel with my husband. Make sure your name is in that reservation. My husband used his points, had to call the hotel and ask them to put my name on it. They e-mailed the reservation. Since the website said no internet printed copies, we had to ask the hotel to fax it. Surprisingly, during the interview, they accepted my internet printed copy and returned to me the fax copy. Again, I think this has something to do on WHO sent it. It was the HOTEL who directly sent it, and it didn't pass through Travelzoo or Travelocity. So call the hotel directly and tell them what you need. You might (or not) also have to pay for your hotel even before getting a visa.
If you have a relative, you can ask for an Attestation D'Acceuil but this also takes a long time to get, so you must be really close. I decided not to let my aunt get it because she has to submit an application to the Mairie, the Marie will forward it to the Prefecture for approval, and then it goes back to the Mairie. Who knows when that document will be back!! So, if you're pressed for time, this might not be an option.
11. Notarized Financial Guarantee – I had both for a student and a visa … just to be sure. My husband was my guarantor. However, when they saw that my name was in the bank account, they said it wasn't necessary. Still I would advise you to make it .. just in case!
12. Bank Balance Certification on bank letterhead – For your CURRENT account . The website doesn't say it (the website just says bank statement, I know , but this is VERY IMPORTANT! Just go to your bank and they will gladly make it for you. Make sure you have enough funds for your trip ($100/day for a tourist, $600/month for student). If the account is only under the name of your husband, be sure to have a Notarized Financial Guarantee
13. Latest personal bank statements – We had to ask the bank to mail us hardcopies, so call ASAP when you're still in the planning stage. They need 3 months worth. It has to be the latest. I had my interview on January 3, so naturally, I didn't receive the December statement. I had to print out online my December statement because I had no choice. They accepted it.
They will not accept excuses. The lady who was interviewed before me was required to go back and give her latest bank statement.
14. Medical Insurance covering $45,000 USD. - I gave them my plan coverage sent by the insurance company but they didn't need it. They just wanted the VISA Letter. I booked mine through Atlas Insurance. There are a lot of options. You can go to www.quotewright.com .
15. VISA LETTER (for the Insurance) – This letter must contain these words: medical, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses. This is what the Consulate requires.
They accepted the PDF file e-mailed to me by the insurance company which I printed out. Please read this.
http://www.***removed***/guide/faq/schengen-visa-insurance-faq.jsp
FOR UNEMPLOYED SPOUSES
I prepared these documents even if the consulate did not ask for these during the interview. As I said, better be safe than sorry!
16. Marriage certificate
17. Proof of employment of husband (letter of employment)
18. Last 3 payslips of husband – we had to call the company to give us a hardcopy
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS THAT THEY MIGHT ASK
As I said, the Consulate might ask for more documents depending on the situation, so be prepared.
19. State ID
20. Letter of Presentation for the trip, summarizing all info
21. husband's ID
22. Income Tax Return
23. Husband's ticket (if he's going with you)
24. Previous Schengen visa (if you had one before)
I just wanted to share this with you, since a lady before me and her daughter had a hard time. The documents the Consulate asked were not listed in the website, but the lady tried to argue. The Consulate said it was a special situation so they should comply with the requirements.
Notarized Financial Guarantee for her daughter was not signed by her husband because he's deceased, so they asked for Husband's Death Certificate. Since the child was a minor, they asked for her birth certificate.
Oh, by the way, make sure you are organized! I had to put tags on the photocopies so I could locate them easily.
I hope this helps!!

wow, glad we didn't have to do all that for my wife's visa to italy. Thank goodness I am military and all we needed was the basic stuff since the military orders covered all the financial stuff and we just needed the marriage certificate.
I am sure your write-up will help others in the future.

Hello all,
My wife (Ukrainian citizen with U.S. Green Card) and I would like to travel to Greece this summer to visit family. Her Ukrainian passport has been renewed. I have heard that Ukrainians have been denied Schengen visas because of the passport being renewed. Is it possible to apply for a new Ukrainian passport at the Ukrainian Embassy? Has anyone else heard of this issue.
My wife also changed her last name when we got married. Can this be a problem when applying for the Schengen visa? How about when returning to the United States?
Thank you!

Your wife is a Ukrainian citizen BUT a US resident. She will get her visa. You can mail the application to the consulate of the country you will visit in the US or go to the consulate yourself. For example, the German consulate in Boston accepts Shengen visa applications from 9am -12 noon each day on a walk in basis. They give back the passport with the visa that same afternoon. By mail it takes 3-4 weeks.
Bring documents showing name change (marriage certificate) and other documents needed. Although valid for all EU countires you should apply at the consulate of the country where you will enter the EU.
Returning to the US she will use her passport and green card. No problems

Gary,
A married couple from Ukrain, now American residents, were denied Visas because their old passport expired however it was renewed. Do you think there may have been some other issues?