OshunMY

Hello,

My case has been approved and I just got my green card. Phew! We didn't hear back for more than a month after submitting RFE, and that was really stressful because my 18-month extension was coming up. Does it seem like there are a lot more RFEs this time around? 

Thank you so much for the support of this forum. And all the best to everyone! 

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with RFE?

We sent our RFE response out early this month and it was received on September 4th. Can you share how long it normally takes to hear back from them after RFE? I've been checking the case status online every day and I'm getting really anxious! I think the end of my extension is coming up in November, based on the 18-month extension letter they sent me. But the extension stamp on my passport is until January next year. Which one do I follow? When should I start contacting them or getting another extension? Who do I contact? So many questions and uncertainties...

Thank you! 

1 hour ago, corvusheart said:

Did the rfe state they needed photos or just additional evidence? I'm asking because we didn't send any photos at all because we hate having our pictures taken and are a very secluded couple we don't go many places besides work.

It didn't state specifically, but I thought I'd just send everything that can be proof of marriage. It seems many people on this forum sent photos. When did you get your RFE and when did you send it? I wonder how long we have to wait after sending. I'm going to send ours soon.

On 8/3/2018 at 2:41 PM, PalmTrees said:

Today I received my green card in the mail. I got an approval notification online on Saturday (weird), received my NOA 2 notice and an extension letter on Monday, and no further online notifications since the approval one. Was fully expecting to wait for the card.

 

I did get an RFE a couple weeks ago because I missed a date on the application,and had been transferred to Texas in May. I'm relieved this is over but will give myself a break before going for citizenship.

 

I wish everyone the very best of luck in their journeys and hope those of you still waiting get your approvals soon!

I got an RFE too. Working on it. Any advice? What did you send? And how long did you have to wait for approval after you sent? Thank you!

6 hours ago, DSparks said:

I wanted to share my timeline. And hopefully someone can shed some light on us...

 

We filed 2/27/17 to California

Case was transfered to Texas on June 6th 2018

Got an update on July 31st for RFE.

 

Got the RFE in the mail today, Aug 4th- they are asking for things I already sent! Is this normal? Should I just send everything again, just updated?

I am working on my RFE too. I am getting official statements and affidavits. Sending more 'official' proofs. I didn't send photos so I will send now. 

On 7/23/2018 at 2:22 PM, GorDog62 said:

What did they request?   I did not get an RFE

but we were simple.  I'd adopted the kids 

 

We sent pages and page of photos.

I sent 2 years filed tax returns

Mariage Lic, 

Paystubs for both of us 

I sent our joint bank statements

Facebook photos

I sent the kitchen sink.  

 

 

How did you send the photos? Did you get them printed individually or compile them on a document to send? Thanks!

18 hours ago, ilovemacaron said:

We got the exact RFE letter. I just wrote back and explain the stuffs we don't have, tried to follow their format. And say something nice at the end like we appreciate your help in adjuncating this application blah blah blah. Show some appreciate you know. I would send a lot more pictures, and also have friends and family write affidavits. We got approved about 6 weeks after we sent a response. Good luck!

How did you send the photos? Did you get them printed individually or compile them on a document to send? Thanks!

3 hours ago, AnGeLxX said:

You could let your husband dad and your friend write that up in a notarized affidavit.

 They wanted to see evidence of mortgages or utility bills in both our names. We both don't have these. So we wrote a letter explaining our situation why we don't have it. We had a few family members writing an affidavit and they also got it notarized. 

Is there a particular format to follow for the affidavit? And how did you get it notarized? Thanks for answering my questions!

2 minutes ago, AnGeLxX said:

What extra evidence are they asking for? I got a RFE in March and got approved in April. 

Good to know. Thank you so much for responding!

It says: "You provided some evidence of marital bona fides. However, the documentation submitted is insufficient because it does not establish the comingling of assets, joint financial responsibilities and evidence of co-habilitation for the duration of the marriage. The bank statements submitted do not reflect household expenses being paid from this account, such as rent and utilities. To establish eligibility for removal of conditions on status, please submit additional evidence to show that you and your spouse entered the marriage in good faith and continue to share a life together. The evidence may include, but is not limited to the following:"

And then it made a list of suggestions. We lived with my husband's dad in the first year, and then we moved in with a friend in the second year, so we don't have joint property or rent. Can you please share with me about your RFE? What did you send? Any suggestions for me? 

Good to know things are moving for us. I got an RFE. Sigh. Did anyone else get an RFE? I'm feeling a little down, and just wanted some support through this process if anyone can share their experience with RFE. Or direct me somewhere to get advice and tips on RFE. Thank you.

And congrats to those who got approved. :-)

3 hours ago, AH&JH said:

Just came back to San Francisco from a month in Colombia. Travelled with the passport stamp as my extension letter was expired. On the way in, instead of going through the machines I walked over to the counters, showed my passport to the immigration officer, he reviewed, asked me to scan my fingertips and then told me he could not confirm the stamp in there so I needed to go to the secondary office. Walked there, the officer looked at my passport, asked me if my letter had expired, I told him my GC expired, then my extension letter expired so now I have the stamp. He checked his computer and stamp my passport with the admitted stamp. All done in 10minutes. Hope this helps other people.

Thanks for sharing. My experience was exactly the same. I worried a little when I was sent to secondary but it was just to validate the stamp and answer a few very simple questions. The officer even assured me that my new GC should be processed soon when I told him I had been waiting for over a year. 

3 minutes ago, Dohan said:

I would recommend asking for the I-551 stamp at infopass because that's cutting a bit too close. 

12 hours ago, annperalta said:

I have a question guys, we are planning to go to Hawaii this April 17-21and my extension letter is going to expire on the 22nd of April. Do i need to make an infopass or i am good? and i have a state id, do you think that will do?

Oh dear, I didn't know we needed a passport to go to Hawaii?! Driver's license won't do? 

4 hours ago, mrszorak44 said:

 

Yes, I'm going to get a I-551 stamp as well. My extension letter is expiring and I still don't have my acceptance / approval letter for the 10 year green card. (CSC filer)

Good luck! :-)

8 minutes ago, mrszorak44 said:

THanks! Do I need the whole packet though?

It depends on the purpose of your appointment I think. I didn't bring the whole packet. I was there to get i-551 stamp. Are you going for the same reason?

37 minutes ago, mrszorak44 said:

Hi guys, I just scheduled my info pass appointment on 2/12 at 10:15 am - Chicago Field Office. I need to get a stamp as my extension letter is about to expire (March 2018). In the letter, it tells me what I need to bring - info pass confirmation letter, government ID's, USCIS letters. Is there anything else? Anyone who went to the Chicago Field Office? Do you mind sharing your experience? I'm taking my husband with me on that day as well. Thanks!

I brought the infopass appointment letter, my green card, extension letter, and passport. The stamp was put on my passport. Hope that helps!

Thanks everyone for answering my questions. I'd like to share my experience with Infopass and the i-551 stamp should anyone need to know. 

1. To get an Infopass appointment, try very early in the morning, like at 5am. I overheard someone working there giving this advice. I tried at midnight too and saw some openings. 

2. I went in today to ask about the stamp because I am traveling in February. Technically, I don't need it. My GC expired in May 2017 and my letter, which is dated February 2017, should extend it to May 2018. But I told the officer about the confusion with the extension, whether it extends from the date of the GC or letter, and he gave me the stamp! The stamp is valid for a year from the date it was given and is good for travel and employment. 

Hope this info helps. All the best, everyone! :-)

Thanks everyone for answering my questions about Infopass and the i-551 stamp. I'd like to share my experience.

1. To get an Infopass appointment, try very early in the morning, like at 5am. I overheard someone working there giving this advice. I tried at midnight too and saw some openings. 

2. I went in today to ask about the stamp because I am traveling in February. Technically, I don't need it. My GC expired in May 2017 and my letter, which is dated February 2017, should extend it to May 2018. But I told the officer about the confusion with the extension, whether it extends from the date of the GC or letter, and he gave me the stamp! The stamp is valid for a year from the date it was given and is good for travel and employment. 

Hope this info helps. All the best, everyone! :-)

17 hours ago, potatowaves said:

Thank you!

 

I wished I had been told that by the USCIS!

 

I just checked and apparently they give appointments for the next 14 days only... None available today.  Do they typically offer appointments every day? I am in Salt Lake City.

I will try again tomorrow. 

 

I am glad I checked here and as always I am grateful for this forum

Try at midnight or very early in the morning. That's how I got my appointment. Good luck!

Hope you can answer a few questions I have:

1. The extension letter expires 1 year after GC expiration and not the date of the letter, right?

2. My letter expires in May 2018 and I am thinking of traveling in Feb 2018 (back before March). Do I need a stamp on my passport?

Thank you!

On 11/19/2017 at 3:14 AM, OshunMY said:

Hi all,

 

I just returned from traveling on an extension letter and would love to share my experience.

 

I flew in through Oakland airport from Barcelona and didn't have any problems. In Barcelona, I checked in for the flight with my passport, expired green card and the extension letter and the airline staff seemed to be familiar with the process so it didn't take too much time. I was traveling with my husband and on arrival in Oakland, we got in the line for citizens and permanent residents. There were self-service kiosks but that didn't work for me so I showed a staff my extension letter and we were told to proceed to the booth with the assurance that "you'll be fine". I appeared at the booth with my husband and showed all our documents to be processed together. Again, they seemed familiar with the extension letter and after a few standard questions, we were done! 

 

Like many of you, I was worried about traveling on an extension letter and I'm glad my experience was professional. Please feel free to ask me if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer them based on my experience. Good luck!

I shared my experience coming back and it was all smooth. Well, I am thinking of traveling again in February to go back home to Malaysia for Chinese New Year. And I have a question that I hope someone can advise me on.

My extension letter is dated Feb 2017 and my GC expired in May 2017 but I understand that the extension letter is valid for a year from the GC expiration not the date of the letter, am I right? So technically my extension letter is valid until May 2018. To travel in February and be back before March 2018, do I need an I-551 stamp on my passport? Thanks for the help!

Hi all,

I just returned from traveling on an extension letter and would love to share my experience.

I flew in through Oakland airport from Barcelona and didn't have any problems. In Barcelona, I checked in for the flight with my passport, expired green card and the extension letter and the airline staff seemed to be familiar with the process so it didn't take too much time. I was traveling with my husband and on arrival in Oakland, we got in the line for citizens and permanent residents. There were self-service kiosks but that didn't work for me so I showed a staff my extension letter and we were told to proceed to the booth with the assurance that "you'll be fine". I appeared at the booth with my husband and showed all our documents to be processed together. Again, they seemed familiar with the extension letter and after a few standard questions, we were done! 

Like many of you, I was worried about traveling on an extension letter and I'm glad my experience was professional. Please feel free to ask me if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer them based on my experience. Good luck!

9 hours ago, stackeria said:

Just flew back in tonight. JFK terminal 1.

 

Managed to avoid the much hated automated kiosks. When we got up to the officer, he stated LPR wife would have to be processed in secondary because of extension letter. He called in his superior to walk us over to secondary. Superior got there, looked at the screen and said he would just process it right there and then. Boom.

 

Got home an hour later and new 10y green card was waiting in the mailbox. Goodbye extension letter!

Thank you for sharing your good experience. And congratulations on the 10-year green card! Can you share how long you had to wait for it? 

This forum is so helpful. Thank you so much to everyone for sharing information, tips, and your stories! I am traveling with an extension letter this October and have two questions I hope someone can help enlighten. 

1. Is there an unacceptable period of being out of the country? I will be traveling for about 6 to 8 weeks.

2. Many travel documents have a six-month validity requirement. Is it the same with the extension letter? 

My green card expired in May 2017, which means my extension letter will expire in May 2018. I will be returning from my trip in November, which is about 6 months before the expiry. Will that be a problem? I remember reading something about getting a stamp on the passport before going on a trip. Does anyone know what that stamp is called and any details about it?

Much appreciated. THANK YOU!

Thanks for the advice. Won't be travelling with the package. Coming back to home country to leave to the US. Will guard passport with my life! :-)

1. Yes it is, mine had the corner edge snipped off too. It's totally fine. Whatever you do, do NOT open that package.

2. You'll be fine. I did the same but from a practical perspective you're exposing yourself to the risk of having either the package or your passport stolen in one of your many European destinations. I wouldn't recommend it for safety reasons, but from a technical standpoint, you're fine entering the US on a K-1 from any country. Just make sure you enter before your visa expires.

Hi all,

Got my K1 visa today. I would like to express my gratitude for all the help and support I've received here. You guys really rock!

Just a few more questions:

1. My sealed envelope came with one edge cut off to reveal the contents. I am assuming this is standard?

2. My fiance and I are planning to take a long holiday in Europe before entering the US. We will leave for the US from my home country and will enter 1.5 months before the visa expires.

Any advice on travelling to another country with the K1 visa on the passport?

Thanks in advance.

First of all, thank you so much for all the help and support I am getting here.

Got my packet 4 and preparing for my interview. Nervous!

I have a question about the checklist of documents to bring and hope that someone can enlighten me.

The checklist lists the usual expected documents, like passport, birth cert etc... but I don't know what no. 3 is.

It says: "Transaction confirmation for passport delivery"

Does anyone know what that is? And how do I get that?

Your advice much appreciated!