Utah_Bound

_{The Senate just passed the bill thus avoiding the shutdown.}

This is a standard letter sent to most (all?) applicants adjusting from a K-1 visa.

Not just K1, my son is an unmarried child of a US Citizen under the age of 21 (he was 15 when we filed his paperwork in September last year) and we also recieved the "Potential Interview Waiver" notice just this week.

Federal agencies that deal with immigration will be impacted by the government shutdown. But that doesn’t mean the government’s business with immigration -- from paperwork processing to immigration arrests -- will stop.

Most of the employees in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration enforcement, are considered “essential.” So it’s a priority to keep them on the job. Only a small number of workers are considered “non-essential” and subject to furloughs.

Here’s how the shutdown will impact immigration agencies:

Immigration paperwork

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency that processes immigration paperwork, will hardly be impacted at all.

Unlike some other government agencies, they’re almost entirely self-funded. The fees they charge cover 95 percent of their budget, according to spokesperson Christopher Bentley.

One of the agency’s services will be powered down, however. E-Verify, a federal program that checks whether employees are authorized to work in the U.S., is federally funded, and will go dark until funding is restored.

Immigration enforcement

The agency that handles immigration enforcement -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) -- will continue to operate, according to spokesperson Gillian Christensen.

"ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, as well as ICE Homeland Security Investigations will remain operational under a government shutdown because they have been deemed law enforcement necessary for the safety of life and protection of property," she said in a statement.

That doesn’t include spokespeople, though. At 1 p.m. on Tuesday, the public affairs office will go dark.

Guarding the border

Like the rest of Homeland Security, most of the employees at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) -- 88 percent -- are viewed as essential. That includes Border Patrol.

Of the 59,561 CBP employees overall, 52,673 are expected to keep coming to work.

Visa and passport processing

The State Department will continue to process visas and consulates will stay open, but their operations may see a slowdown in certain buildings that are affected by the government stoppage, the Washington Post reported.

Just like USCIS, visa application processing with the State Department is funded by fees, so they can continue to stay open as long as they have funds left.

Immigration courts

The majority of immigration courts are still open after the government shutdown, but some cases could be shelved until funding resumes, according to the Washington Post.

Immigration attorneys and advocates told the Post that petitions for political asylum and non-emergency deportation cases could be "delayed for months if the shutdown lasts more than a few days."

It's amazing that the very same process for me three years ago, for my older son, only took six months from the date of application to receiving his green card (the very same day we applied for his US Passport which arrived 4 weeks later. How things have changed.

My son (was 15 at the time of filing) moved to the USA to live with me (I am a US Citizen and he is a UK citizen) and my wife. My first son had moved here three years ago once he turned 16 and had finished school in the UK and his whole process from filing to getting his green card (and then his US passport) was around six months. Same paperwork, same type of filing (unmarried child of a US Citizen, under the age of 21) and now this is taking an eternity. His timeline so far:

09/23/2014

Mail immigration forms to Chicago lock box (USPS Tracking: 911490123080176595xxxx)

Arrived Chicago 09/25/2014

10/09/2014

USCIS acknowledge processing of immigration forms:

MSC159004xxxx – I-485 Adjust of Status (Acceptance)

MSC159004xxxx – I-130 Immigration Petition (Initial Review)

MSC159004xxxx – I-765 Work Permit (Initial Review)

10/16/2014

Received NOA I-797C from USCIS MO 64002

MSC159004xxxx – I-485 Adjust of Status

MSC159004xxxx – I-130 Immigration Petition

MSC159004xxxxx – I-765 Work Permit

10/17/2014

Received NOA I-797C – Biometrics appointment in Salt Lake City 10/31/2014 @12 Noon.

12/10/2014

Received Work Permit card in mail from USCIS.

02/24/2015

Letter received from USCIS dated 02/18/2015. Notice of Potential Waiver Case. Also to inform us that due to workload factors not related to this case, USCIS anticipate a delay of approximately six months for the Adjustment of Status (MSC159004xxxx).

Anyone else been notified of delays? I'd sure appreciate some feedback from any similar cases.

My 15 year old son (16 in August) has decided he wants to stay here with me, I am a US Citizen (there is no court order on my son and under UK law I have parentail responsibility) and so is his stepmother who also has parental rights under UK law. His natural birth mother is also fine with this as he has now finished school in the UK and now wants to attend high school here and live with us. He entered on Visa Waiver from the UK so we have been told we need to file I130 and I-485 together to Chicago lockbox. I just want to know if anyone else has had a similar experience and advice?

Its Official as of 3/16/2011 I am now a US Citizen and I must say the oath ceremony in Salt Lake City was absolutley wonderful.

Can somebody update my status? Just got my final letter letter, my oath ceremony will be on 3/16/2011 Salt Lake City just under 4 weeks from now !

Just got back from Salt Lake City, I took everything they asked for and all they actually asked to see was my green card lol. I got the first 6 questions correct so stopped there, written and oral test passed with flying colors (I am English after all lol). I can't remember all the questions but there was the following:

1. Why did the colonists fight the British?

2. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?

3. Who is the current Vice President?

4. How many amendments does the constitution have?

5. Who makes federal laws?

Sorry cannot remember the 6th.

I had to write "Citizens can vote" and I had to read a line but again I cannot remember what that was. He then went through my paperwork and then had me print my name on a coupple of papers (I had to print even though it asked for a signiture), whereby I was given notice that I had been recommended and that I should be recieving my oath letter within the next 3-6 weeks !

Your not even divorced yet and already your looking at marrying a girl from outside of the United States and putting in an immigration file for her? Nothing looks more suspicious than that now does it?

Can I be added to this group. I sent in my paperwork on November 20th. This morning I got the notice that my interview is February 3rd. Wow that is fast! But so excited. I guess I need to get cracking on those questions.

Whats your full timeline? Date sent, Date you receieved your NOA1. When did you have your fingerprints done? Which drop box and what is the local service center where your interview will take place?

Thanks everyone, whats really funny is some offices using bad weather as the reason when I live in Utah whose one motto is "The Greatist Snow On Earth" lol, we measure each snow storm in feet rather than inches and yet my application as flown by so quickly compared to some other drop boxes mentioned here. In fact I had a package diverted that was being sent airmail next day but it still arrived next day. I guess some States are just not used to dealing with the snow storms like others?

Fingers crossed you all hear something very soon and have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR !

UPDATE: Got my letter for my interview 12/27/2010 and my interview is on the 1/28/2011 in Salt Lake City

Must say though it's funny that the ancestors of immigrants here in the USA view us immigrants differently. They are keen to tell us how they are of Irish,or English or Dutch or German descent, quite proud of it too usually but then shoot us down because we were not actually born here. I guess I am lucky in the sense we live in a small rural community where people love my accent, even at work they joke I got hired for my accent. I get praise from the US Army for my previous service in Her Majesty's Royal Marines and more so for my service in the US Army Reserves where I have served for the last 4 1/2 years (I only moved here 5 years ago), I guess that means I already took an oath to protect and defend the United States, never thought of it that way while I sit here waiting for my appointment letter for my interview and test. (Yes I could have bypassed it all with military service but I do NOT believe military service should be a fast and easy way to become a US Citizen and prefer to do it on my own merit). In fact we often joke at our "Weekend Camps" that despite winning their independance in 1776, the bulk of our unit is still taking orders for now from an Englishman.

I guess what i am trying to say is that I am and will forever be English and proud, I will also soon be American and proud, despite what some may say (and i believe they are only jealous anyway), there IS room to be patriotic to two countries, I will vote for a US President in November and I will still listen to the Queens speech in December, I will light fireworks on the 4th of July and think of the bonfires and fireworks on November 5th, I will stand for the American National Anthem with my hand on my heart and nothing but respect and understanding why I do it as well as fly my England Flag on St George's Day, afetr all the service I have given for BOTH countries and service I continue to give to this great nation, I think I have deserved that much at least.

Just got an email and SMS telling me I am finally at the interview stage and out of background check. Just waiting on the appointment letter now.

PS. Anyone updating the timeline please will you update mine? I have only requested it twice - Fingerprints were done on the 12/2/2010 (3 times including now).

Thanks and a Merry Christmas everybody.

Just got back from Salt Lake City for fingerprints 12/02/2010. My appointment was at 1pm, got there at 12:45pm and was out of there by 1pm lol 3 hour drive (180 miles each way) for a 15 minute appointment. Still made it worthwhile turned it into a Christmas shopping trip too Love the book they gave me too.

Like I said we talked with USCIS on this matter, I may have been a little less forthcoming with the full information as it is of a personal natture. Basically its a whole different ballgame from now where I am just a LPR, that changes when I get my citizenship finalised. Thanks for the information though, I appreciate it but on this one I'll follow the course USCIS have given me.

Just an update, my RFE they told me I had on my status IS for Biometrics, receieved the I-797C today. I am scheduled at 1pm on Thursday 2nd December for Biometrics.

Not only are you wrong about talk only.... you and your country's reform were simply following our lead. (as usual)

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996

A bi-partisan effort I might add.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare_Reform_Act_of_1996

I dont believe he was referring to the USA, the topic is about the UK and thats what he was refering to. As for your ignorant comments about following your lead, what country now is trying to bring free health care to the masses? Which country has twice extended unemployment benefits for 99 weeks? Jeez next time chill out and read what the poster is saying before you jump in with the "We did it first and you all follow" comments.

The Zip code, 8022 IS the "zip code" for the address in Zurich, Zurich and the surrounding areas use the zip code 8xxx. And you should have a State/Region/Province unless it is the city of Zurich itself.

80xx - City of Zurich

81xx - Region Zürcher Unterland

82xx - Region Schaffhausen, Kreuzlingen, Büsingen am Hochrhein (German enclave)

83xx - Kloten, Zürcher Oberland, Hinwil, Hinterthurgau

84xx - Region Winterthur, Tösstal

85xx - Region Frauenfeld, Weinfelden, Amriswil, Romanshorn

86xx - Region Dübendorf, Zürcher Oberland, See (SG)

87xx - Region Right shore of Lake Zurich, Gaster/See (SG), Canton Glarus

88xx - Region Linkes Zürichseeufer, Ausserschwyz (March, Höfe, Einsiedeln SZ), Glarner Unterland, Sarganserland/Lake Walen

89xx - Region Limmattal, Albis, Knonauer Amt, Kelleramt (eastermost Aargau)

He has already posted this before and got advice. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/282461-tourist-visa-denied-twice/

After being denied a tourist visa twice (My wife).....and posting about wanting to try a 3rd time.We have decided to go the CR-1 route. I am a USC by birth and she is a citizen of Uruguay. Also have a 2 month old baby. Is it possible to file directly at the consulate in Uruguay or do I have to return to the states to start the process.I have been out of the states for a year the 1st. of Dec. I don´t have such documents that would prove residency. Only a house in her name that was bought after we were married. Also you don´t need a visa to visit Uruguay. Has anyone been in this same situation.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Didnt you post this eleswhere? All the information you needed was posted there.

In reading posts from the newsgroup, not often. The K1/K2 visa application process is handled by the US State Department through the US Consulates. USCIS (INS) is not involved at this stage. It is assumed the fiance(e) meets the requirements for medical test, police records, etc. The newsgroup has experienced denials based on failure to disclose a prior minor criminal offense, and failure to disclose a visa overstay during a previous visit to the US. It wasn't the necessarily the minor crime or the overstay that caused the denial, but in both cases, the applicants did not admit to them.

If you have some sort of past problem, you will have a better chance at getting the K1 visa if you are honest and forthright. In early 1999, a UK man received a K1 despite past minor criminal problems, and he attributed his success to his total honesty. Depending on the particular reason for denial, a waiver may be available.

This is a way of for now but we are just looking into it to ger ready for next year.

OK heres the story. By the time this happens I will be a USCand my wife already is a USC. My son who will be 15 wants to come and live with us. I called USCIS and they have told me that we can file both an I-130 and also I-485 (AOS) concurrently while he is still here in the USA without having to return to the UK. However if I was NOT a citizen but just a LPR, we would have to file I-130 and he would have to wait for his case to be approved and a green card issued before he could move here, basically having to return to the UK after their annual summer holiday with me and my wife.

So I guess my main question is, once I am a USC, my son can travel here and we can just file I-130 and I-485 together without him having to return home after 90 days (He will be coming from the UK so would travel on Visa Waiver). Any experience in this would be gratefully recieved.

Terminal 5 is the place to meet, however on my experience from landing, going through immigration and then customs (we had a connecting flight to Salt Lake City and my wife had already gone through customs with our luggage so I didnt have to wait by the luggage pick ups), allow about 2 hours. I went through the US Citizen / resident line and was escorted to an office where I then proceeded to sit for over an hour and a half. Luckily they had a TV in there so that passed away some of the time. Finally they called me upto the desk where I followed somebody to a back room where I was fingerprinted and photographed. Then and only then was I actually treated like a legal immigrant and actually saw an immigration officer smile. One thing I also noticed was I was told back in the UK they would ask for my X-Rays from the medical and so keep them out with my paperwork. When I tried to pass them to the immigtaion official, he just looked at me and said they didnt need them.

Good luck and congratulations by the way.

PS. Just looking at the reviews on Chicago, seems a whole lot has changed in the 5 years since I came through, a lot of people rate it as one of the better places. For me 5 years ago it was a nightmare.Thankfully Delta held back my connecting flight and I was only 10 minutes late making it to the plane. Good job my wife was with me and she had already cleared all the luggage through customs.