meuy99

On 8/17/2018 at 12:44 AM, CLWA said:

Can he go to an embassy to get a new passport? At least for my country you can do that, and I'll have to since mine expires in April 2019.

We could, but the process is difficult.  It took so long last time and he basically had to pay someone to courier it for him and do it in person.  He'd rather not spend the money if he's going to get his US passport soon.

On 8/8/2018 at 8:57 AM, CLWA said:

@meuy99 I am still waiting and in a similar situation.

Applied for I-751 in Sept 2016, N-400 in Jan 2018. The only update I've had is that in May 2018 my I-751 got transferred to Missouri for some reason.

Sadly, I'm gonna have to go for a 3rd infopass appointment to get a new stamp in September, since Seattle only gives 6 months at a time

@CLWA that sucks.  It is very frustrating.  My husband's passport expires in Dec (his county only issues 5 year or less passports), so he will not be able to go anywhere afterwards.  We were planning a family trip overseas, but the say things are looking, he'll have to sit out.  I got my congresswoman's office involved, so if you haven't already, I would suggest you do.

Is anyone else still waiting for the I-751 and N400?  We're Sept 2016 filers too and applied for N400 Sept 2017.  I-751 was transferred to NBC in May and we got an interview letter at the end of July for Aug, but received a letter this week that the interview is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.  It's been 23 months since we applied for ROC and 11 months for N400. I could've had 2 kids during this time and gotten another degree!  

Hi Everyone,

I'm asking for a friend since I've tried to look through some threads and am not too sure what her options are.  She was married to a USC and applied for a i-485.  During the waiting process, they got divorce, he was abusive and she filed for an i-360 and was approved.  She spent a lot of money on a lawyer and the lawyer doesn't seem to be doing much or my friend isn't asking the right questions. Her English isn't great, so I think things may have also gotten lost in translation between her and her lawyer.  Anyways, she cut ties with the lawyer.  I was going through her paperwork and saw that she received a interview letter for her i-485 before she was approved for her i360 but she didn't go because it requested for a joint interview.  I don't know if my friend or her lawyer filed any sort of paperwork saying that she was applying for a i-360 (or if she had to file one) .  Again, not sure if she had a bad lawyer, or she just didn't understand the letter, but needless to say nothing has happened since with her 485.  She was approved for her i-360 Dec 2015.  There was a letter a couple of months after the interview (in May 2015) that said her 485 application was transferred to the VSC.  No updates since then and online case status just says the case was transferred to VSC.  

My friend spoke to an attorney over the phone and one advised her that she has to fill out a new i-485.  She was quoted $5k by one lawyer.  I don't want her to spend that kind of money, I'm sure she's going to end up asking me for her, so I don't want to spend that kind of money (I'm listed as her financial sponsor) and am fairly confident I can help her with the paperwork since I've done all the paper for my husband from the K-1 to his 751 (thanks to the help of VJ).  My question is: what are her options for next steps?  Does she wait out her pending 485 or apply for a new one?  I've also made an infopass appt for her on July 24th so she can go and talk to someone, not sure if it'll be helpful (btw- thanks VJ for the tip to check infopass at midnight!) Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers. 

My husband translated some of the documents himself. For the fiance visa, he had some of the documents translated and certified but it was so expensive. So, for the adjustment of status, he translated the documents himself and signed an affidavit (found example online, maybe even here) that said he is fluent in both languages and stapled it to the translated documents.

I think you are a case where some secondary evidence may be worthwhile. I'd also go do the wills and PoA as mentioned above. You don't really have any co-mingling of financial assets and financial responsibilities to show, and that's the thing they really want to see. Did you take any trips? Flights, hotel bookings together? Stuff like that. Does he get any mail to the house in his name - if so, anything official? Also, state ID/driving license showing the same address on both wouldn't do any harm.

In regards to the "point" of adding spouse to utility bills, joint bank accounts etc. This thread is the point. :/ I've seen folks who have created a joint bank account to put money into / pay bills out of just to satisfy an upcoming RoC (and that was our original reason for doing it - but we're keeping the joint checking because it turns out paying bills that way is just a lot more convenient for us now).

But, as I said in another thread - send what you have. Worst case they RFE you for more and/or ask you in for an interview.

Thanks! Yes, getting the wills and PoA done now. I've got stuff with his name and same address so we'll send that. ..Yeah, I should've thought it through, but at the time it really didn't make sense for us since he makes so little money. Lots of secondary evidence it is.

Thanks everyone!

What about utility bills?

Everything is in my name. I didn't see the point of adding him.

Joint car insurance is fine. My name is not on the car title either.

Perhaps you could write a letter explaining the rationale behind the separate bank accounts, how both of you divide the household bills payments with the banks statements to support it

Well, he only works part time, so I basically pay all of our bills. Everything comes out of my checking account. Do you think that would be an issue? I think it's like when one spouse doesn't work and is being supported by their significant other. In this case, his money is his money and my money is our money... (if it weren't for me not having to do laundry anymore, I'd say I'm getting a raw deal )

thanks!

Hi everyone,

Our ROC date is coming up in a couple of weeks and I am getting a little nervous with the evidence. Basically, I own my house and I didn't add him to the title once we got married, I recently added him to the insurance, I own my car and didn't add him to the title, but added him to the insurance. We don't have a joint savings/checkings account because that's just the way we prefer it, but I added him to my credit card, so I can send them copies of our cards with identical card numbers and statements (even though the statements are only in my name). I added him as one of the beneficiaries to my Roth IRA (not 401k just cuz I haven't) and life insurance policy through work. He's on my medical plan. We filed jointly in 2014, so I can send a copy of our return and IRS transcript, but we filed for an extension for 2015, so I only have the extension paperwork.

I can send pictures of us and get affidavits, although I read that these are just secondary evidence, so I'm not sure I should even bother.

Do you guys think I should include as much secondary evidence as I can since I only have 1 tax return to include and no joint bank account?

Thanks!

So the office of our congressman got back to us and forwarded USCIS's mail stating:

Thank you for your inquiry on behalf of your constituent, ***** regarding her pending I-485.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records confirm that ***** case is pending background check clearance. A small percentage of applications and petitions have unresolved background check issues that temporarily delay adjudication. Although USCIS makes every effort to resolve such cases promptly, USCIS is unable to speculate when the background check will be completed.

If a background check reveals an issue that may impact an applicant's eligibility for the requested immigration benefit, further inquiry is needed. The inquiry may include an additional interview and/or contact with another agency for updates or more comprehensive information. Upon gathering and assessing all available information, USCIS will adjudicate the application as quickly as possible.

USCIS realizes that ***** may be frustrated by the progress of her case.

We hope this information is helpful. If we may be of further assistance, please let us know.

Is it just me or does this sound like a load of BS? 8 months for a background check? I responded to our congressman saying I want specific answers such as if my case was actually assigned to anyone for adjudication. I'm not buying the general bs answer at all.

OMG!! How frustrating this is and you must be. My heart goes out to you guys. If it takes me 8 months to do a task that normally only takes 1-2 months, I'd probably be fired! I am just thinking out loud now, but why can't they give you an idea of what in the background is holding up the process. Was there a criminal history?

Only bitterness I sense is towards USCIS and they deserve it! I'm sorry it has taken soooo long for your guys!! Fingers cross that you guys get yours soon too! Yes, I've read that people who got interview waivers are like being in limbo..sucks!

it sure feels like it can!

PS: I just looked at your timeline. Even though we sent our AOS application a week earlier than you did, your husband has his GC about 9 months before mine will. Lucky you didn't get the NPIW letter. That makes it much closer to forever than you know! (this may be coming off as bitterness toward you. it's not. I'm happy for you guys. truly. I just wish that USCIS was consistent!! that'd sure be nice!)

Good luck to all who are still waiting...soon, it can't take forever!

Happy Holidays everyone!! To those whom are still waiting for your interviews- good luck!! Surely it'll come soon . For those with upcoming interviews- best of luck and remember not to over stress it.

Congrats to all who have been approved and good luck to those still waiting. Just want to give a recap of our interview experience yesterday.

After reading a couple of the post on this thread, I decided that I wasn't going to stress my husband or myself out over the interview.

We reviewed some basics the night before (making sure he knew my parents' names, our address, where I work and making sure that he had the dates correct regarding when and how we met and our marriage date). We interviewed in San Francisco. Appoint was at 10:30am. We arrive about 10:15, went through security- when I went for my citizenship interview (years ago), I couldn't bring my phone inside, but now you can, you just can't use it. Got to the counter at 10:20a and got called in at 11:10am.

Our interviewer had us swear in and then told us that she is going to review the application to make sure that everything is correct. She asked him questions (I just kept quiet since it was his application) to reconfirm what was stated on the application- address, DOB, where he was born etc. I did miss one section about organizations he has been involved with (I didn't realize it included military service), but she just wrote it in. She got to the part about prior arrest/convictions and we talked about his fine for marijuana possession, she checked to make sure it was included in the K1 visa application and the police clearance was in the file. She made 10 notations on the application, signed it and asked my husband to resign. She said the application was complete and then proceeded to ask us how we met.

He started to explain and she told me that I could answer too, but I told her that I'll let him answer because he should know this and if he didn't, he was in trouble. She laughed. She asked me follow up questions about my trip to see him last Dec and then asked if I've met his family. I said no, but I've skyped with his brother. We want to try to get them here for our "wedding" next year and she asked where we're having the ceremony and reception. I told her where we were having it and told her that we've already booked a venue. She then asked if we had anything to present to support our marriage. I show her our civil ceremony album (that I got done the day before at CVS!), about 10 pictures of us on trips and with my family. My parents weren't at the civil ceremony, I explained that the civil ceremony wasn't important to them, only the cultural one. She asked who was present and I told her. I asked if she wanted to see the certified marriage license and she check to make sure it was in the file and said she didn't need to. I told her that I own my condo so I didn't have to add him to the lease and we don't have a joint bank account because he doesn't need it yet. However, I did add him to my credit card and showed her our cards that have the same card number but our individual names. I also took out two wedding cards we received from friends (she didn't really look at those). She looked through the pictures, I explained where we were in the photographs. When she was finished looking at everything, she said she is going to approve his application because she believes we're a real married couple. She went to make copies of our credit cards and pictures (she asked if they were copies she could keep and I told her that I only made 1 set of prints, but she could keep it if wanted to, but she didn't want to do that, so she just made copies- very nice). Before she left, she explained that the green card will arrive within 2 weeks and to call if not received within 30 days. She didn't have any approval notices but she said the status will be updated in the system later. She explained the removal of condition process and warned us that we won't get a reminder, so we have to remember to do it, otherwise he'll have to do an AOS all over again.

We were out of the office about 11:30am. It was really fast and easy. The lady was so nice.

So I went to USCIS today to check my hubby's case statuses and I see that the website has changed/been updated. It no longer has the case status options at the top with the bubble to indicate which phase you're in. This is probably not news to you guys, but it just occurred to me that perhaps this is why some people have been having trouble accessing the website.

On a brighter note- EAD should be arriving today (I'm stalking USPS's website) and interview is scheduled for 12/16. I was resolved to thinking that his interview would be until March or April, so this is great news!

Congrats. DId they reply your service request, or did it just change to card production out of nowhere? I put the service request, and for me now is day 86... still no response or card production

No, they didn't reply to the service request. It just happened. Not sure if it was because I submitted a service request. I hope you get yours soon! I know a couple of other people are nearing or past the 90 days mark. It is truly mind boggling how they process these. I previously read (from a post by a former USCIS processor) that there is no order, but the older ones are supposed to be processed before the new one because the batches of applications come in and then they gets picked up by a case worker (or whatever their title is) to process and as those are finished, they go back to get a new batch. Additionally, they have quotas per say so it's in their best interest to quickly process a file and not lolly gag.

Received email this morning, saying that I have been scheduled an interview date for Dec 12th.

Yay- good luck!

well, with as long as this is taking, we're both sorta feeling like why did we secretly get married, not telling friends and family, so that he could get back to work? Thankfully, I got this for awhile, I can support us, but there will be a time in the not-too-distant future that it'll become a serious problem. His savings are running out. on the upside, I haven't had to do laundry since the end of July. hahaha (if I wasn't laughing, I'd be crying!)

I know the feeling...but you're right, not having to do laundry has been the silver lining

Card in hand!!!

Date Card Received : 2014-11-05

Your EAD was approved in 86 days.

Congrats!!!

Yay- Status finally changed to Card Production for EAD and travel document is also approved. Not sure if it helped, but I did request for a service request last week, after 75 days. 85days later, EAD is on the way .

Try Calling again. Maybe another Rep can help. When I called, the rep was really helpful. I told her that I read I could ask for a service request after 75 days since we have not heard anything. She aske me a list of questions and put in a service request and the reason that she put in for the request was because it is nearing the 90 day mark and we have not heard anything. We are concern and would like a status update. Try again, maybe you'll have better luck with another rep.

Same here, my timeline is very similar to yours - The lady said that the time frame for EAD and AP is 3 months and that I have to call them back after Nov 12th to lodge an SR if I haven't heard anything (I was under the impression that this could be done after 75 days, to ensure that the EAD was processed within 90 days? - Apparently not). I asked about my AOS which is in NEBRASKA, and she said that they are generally processing AOS' within 4 months, so I can't query that until December 14th.

At least we know where we stand - Although I'm frustrated, it would have been nice to get some seasonal work over the holidays to get started with, but I feel like that might not happen now - Especially with Christmas post etc.

I don't know about anybody else, but after 4 months of being cooped up at home, unable to drive (AZ requires a US ID to gain a license, and I can't get insurance coverage for my AU license) and having cleaned until the house is almost transparent, I'm going a little crazy! I know some people would dream to be in that situation, but it's hard being in a new country, and isolated from meeting new people. I have friends of my husbands, but they all live an hours drive away, and due to my small town desert location, I haven't been able to meet any new friends of my own. My husband works long shifts and has a long commute, so I'm spending all my time at home with our dogs and netflix as my only company - I've forgotten how to speak to humans lol! I am so thankful for the internet!

Oh well, nothing else we can do I don't think? Except hope that they have a quota to meet all applications within 90 days!

Good luck, and I hope that those people still waiting like myself hear something soon!

Asked for a service request this morning. More waiting..."someone will respond to the service request within 30 days"..ironic because that 30 days would put us past the 90 days mark.

Hi everyone! Pleased to announce my husband's EAD just got approved today!

Congrats!!!!

At least our 75 days is coming up soon...Phone call to USCIS next Monday!

Ohh that sucks! I bet you're heart sank when you realised you had looked at the wrong number! ?

Sure did. I was so happy, I told my husband he could start looking for a job. Last night, I wanted to double check and when I was looking at our receipts and noticed that I was looking at a case right before ours.

feels like i m the first here ..going to an interview ..so nervous..

Good luck!

Tomorrow will be 75 days since they got my docs and of course I was planning to call them. No need any more

I just got my EAD/AP:) happy...

Good job USCIS, just on time lol

Congrats!

Check your case status today. I checked just now and the EAD card is ordered! Went from initial review to card production ordered. No movement on the AP though.. Good luck! And I totally agree, we got the short end of the stick. So many others who applied after use got theirs already.

Was looking at someone else's case number by mistake...we didn't get approved yet. Still waiting

Has anyone from us remaining August filers had any movement yet on their EAD/AP? Seems processing has stalled abit! ?

Check your case status today. I checked just now and the EAD card is ordered! Went from initial review to card production ordered. No movement on the AP though.. Good luck! And I totally agree, we got the short end of the stick. So many others who applied after use got theirs already.

Anxiously awaiting any news om his EAD/AP..still on initial review stage even though biometrics was done in late Aug or Sept (I forget). Glad to see so many approvals, but where's ours!