SparklePony

USCIS can't guess why you didn't file taxes if you don't explain why.

USCIS can't guess why you didn't file taxes if you don't explain why.

Yes, regular everyday clothing is fine.

Some people have grounds to expedite their petitions and get the NOA2 fairly quickly, but they are not the norm. 

Yes, regular everyday clothing is fine.

Right now all that is needed is for the children to be included in the I-129f petition, filled out by the US citizen. Once the petition is approved, passes through the NVC and is sent to the embassy, they will need to apply for the K2 visa just like their parent applies for the K1 - that includes filling out form DS-160, provide all necessary documents and passport photos, do the medical and attend the interview. 
 
Once in in the US, they will need to file for AOS just like their mom. 

Study the guides and flow charts on VJ (link up top on the menu) to give you an idea of the differences between the two visas. Both have advantages and disadvantages. I would agree with the others who have said that even though a church wedding isn't legal in your country it may be seen by the embassy as legal, so if you end up doing a K1 it might be best to avoid the church ceremony. 

Wow my checks for my wife and daugher K1 and K2 respectively got cashed today.  OMFG.  It must be a miracle.  28 days after sending it.

Hey peeps! I'm wishing you all a happy Friday! I hope everyone can find some positivity to get them through the weekend.... if you are struggling, I found a quote (I like inspirational quotes) in the words of the fairy godmother from Cinderella:
 
"Even miracles take a little time"
 
so chins up folks! I have faith, trust and pixie dust to share with you all!
 
Anyway, this actual post is kinda more than an inspirational quote, but inspiration for those who have an obstacle similar to mine. I looked high and low for answers to why and what I do about my situation, and I did get some useful tips from this forum of peoples stories, but I wanted to find one with a positive outcome, mainly just so I could trick myself into staying positive while everything goes quiet over the weekend. Anyway, quick overview of my situation, I filed my I-130 and I-485 concurrently, 2 days ago, my husband received an e-notification (via text and email) for the receipt of I-130 and thus we had a case number to be able to track that application by, obviously I got excited. 24 hours past, and I'd still got nothing. My main concern was that my I-485, I-131 & I-765 had got lost and thus would have to file that portion again, and wait even longer to get my EAD/AP. 
 
Today we rang USCIS, who were lovely! I spoke to a women, who outright confirm that they had all of our applications, and they were being processed, she didn't know why we hadn't received a e-notification for the I-485, however she did say that e-notifications aren't the foundation of confirming applications are being processed, but that the hardcopies are in the mail and on their way to me. 
 
Long story, short, I worried for nothing. (I'm glad I worried cos i got the answer I was looking for) but just means no matter what obstacle that gets thrown at you in your journey, there is always a way forward.  
 

I'm sorry, didn't mean to get you worried but I figured it would be best to let you know that this sort of thing can happen. 
 
 
From what I remember when I had mine done, in 2015, they asked me to leave my phone in the car. My sister-in-law took me so she stayed in the car and just waited for me to be done. I would tell them you came in using Uber (and will leave using Uber), so you have nowhere to put your phone. Let them help you decide what to do. It's not like they're just going to flat out prevent you from following through on your appointment because of the phone. 
 
 
You don't do Biometrics for AP.
 
My kids received their Biometrics letters today.

When I filed for my AOS packet, we only received 2 texts/emails, for the greencard and AP. Following the sequence of numbers, there was one right after that was an EAD, however, when we got the NOA hardcopies, there was still only two. We called USCIS and they told us that EAD was NOT mine and they had no record of mine. I had to refile. Received the text/email a few days later, and from then on, everything pertaining to the EAD was always a few weeks behind the AP. Luckily I did not have to repeat Biometrics as the service center worked with me to get it only done once.
 
All this to say t5hat even though the entire packet was submitted together, they can still lose stuff, and just because a case number right before or right after yours is for the same application, it doesn't necessarily mean it's yours. If you already have all the hardcopies you're good but if you don't try giving them a call to see what's going on.

THURSDAY MORNING MOTIVATION 

I just finished browsing the December 2016 AOS forum.
It's uplifting to read their posts because we were just like them in the beginning: worrying on the same things, wondering about the same questions.
 
Now almost all their updates are receiving their EAD approvals or cards.
I can only wish that I was eligible to apply already at the same time when they started. 
 
HOWEVER, we have good news too, it's April already! which means we are only 2 months away from June or 3 months from July
---- the months when our group will start receiving our EAD updates too!
 
So, let's just  enjoy the journey to our greencard folks no matter how hard or challenging.
If you start thinking that the process seems taking forever, just like me earlier hahha, just try browsing December 2016 or earlier forums to pick yourself up and say "I will be okay."
 

For those waiting for NOA1s, I understand your frustration. I got ours at 21 days, and it was VERY frustrating to see people who had sent their packets later than us get the NOAs earlier. Just hang in there, they'll come.

For those waiting for NOA1s, I understand your frustration. I got ours at 21 days, and it was VERY frustrating to see people who had sent their packets later than us get the NOAs earlier. Just hang in there, they'll come.

For those waiting for NOA1s, I understand your frustration. I got ours at 21 days, and it was VERY frustrating to see people who had sent their packets later than us get the NOAs earlier. Just hang in there, they'll come.

New week, new hopes that everyone gets what they're waiting for! 
 
Beat of of luck to all of us and I hope you all have a great week.

Hello folks, hope all is well with us. Quick update, I had my biometrics today, arrived by 9.27am for a 10am appointment at Riverside CA and by 10.15am was done. Good luck to you all. And thanks so much for all your encouragement so far. Thanks so much, it is my fervent prayers and wish that all of us will smile in the end of this tedious seemingly endless journey...lol

Congrats 

Quick update on our end - NOA1 hard copies came in the mail today, all 6 of them. Now to wait for Biometrics letters. 

Supporting evidence for AOS ends up mostly whatever documents are needed for your I-864 (affidavit of support) plus the marriage certificate (to prove you married within the 90 days and you're meeting the requirements of the K1). Most times, the couple hasn't yet had time to change much of anything else. You should, of course, add her to bank accounts, utilities, mortgage, lease, etc as soon as possible but none of it is really really needed for AOS (it becomes much more important later on for ROC).
 
As for insurance, it's mostly a matter of precaution should anything happen. You want to get that handled asap for your own peace of mind, but it is not crucial to AOS.

I know what you're going through, I felt the same way until we received the text/emails. I was so worried that our package had some sort of issue, because they're two late AOS applications from K2 visas where the original K1 had already been approved. Turned out I had nothing to worry about. At least for now.

A K1 visa is only for single people, so you can't marry and then file. Either you file first, then enter the US and then marry within 90 days (do NOT get married before entering the US), or you marry and file for a CR1 (spousal visa). 

In that case:
 
1) If you're amending your taxes in April, you can file the I-129f whenever you think you're ready as it should give you enough to get all the tax stuff in order by the time the I-134 is needed.
 
2) It is highly advisable you have a US address to where USCIS can send notices to (NOA1, possible RFEs, NOA2, etc). Some people in your situation choose to use a relative or trusted friend's address, especially when living in countries where the mail service is not trustworthy. I believe a US address is not a requirement at this time. Also, one thing to consider is the payment for the petition, which needs to be done through a US bank check or (I believe) a US-issued money order. 

A K1 visa is only for single people, so you can't marry and then file. Either you file first, then enter the US and then marry within 90 days (do NOT get married before entering the US), or you marry and file for a CR1 (spousal visa). 

For those of you talking about being able to track your cases online, I can check ours now - it took us about two days.
 
Quick question: on the website, it says the applications were received on March 8, even though we only received the notifications two days ago. Does that mean that Day 1 is the 8th?