TimAdri

7 minutes ago, Zombie69 said:

1 year 1 month and 9 days. I wonder how much longer August filers have to wait. As far as I know, not single one August filer here has been approved. I say another 6 to 8 months, so sad and unfortunate.

We got approved close to exactly one year from filing...VSC....I think you may be talking about CSC filers....look at my signature below...timeline is there 

15 hours ago, Name O Boy said:

Yes indeed, I wonder if CSC applicants get more RFE's and Interviews. The pace VSC is going it seems they don't over complicate things when approving applicants, unlike CSC. 

I can tell you this...We filed with VSC as we're in Georgia and they did not require an interview prior to our I-751 approval. Bit of a relief honestly as we have nothing to hide,  and there honestly wasn't any reason to warrant an interview in the first place. I was extremely thorough and very good about providing solid and complete RFE documentation,  and that may have played a part. If it did...Great!! All I can say is.. If nothing looks out of sorts and there's no reason for them to question anything, I think it's just a waste of everyone's time, including theirs to even bother with any interview. 

Permanent Green Card Arrived in the Mail Today!! Well, not permanent...but 10 years!! Spreading a little good Ju-Ju for everyone here who is still waiting!! Hope everyone receives word soon!!  

9 hours ago, AustinCanada said:

California Service Center (30 applicants, 0 approved - 0%)

VJName..............Date of I-751...NOA1 Date....Biometrics.....Approved
RERTO................08/01/16........08/04/16......09/28/16......--/--/--(Walk-in early bio: 09/27/16)
WAVJ.................08/01/16........08/02/16......10/11/16......--/--/--
RT1012...............08/01/16........09/15/16......10/07/16......--/--/--(Walk-in early bio: 09/27/16)
YOBIZKIT2004.........08/01/16........09/20/16......10/11/16......--/--/--
NAAM_2013............08/01/16........08/04/16......10/14/16......--/--/--

AMBITION18...........08/01/16........08/04/16......10/14/16......--/--/--
LYNNERS..............08/02/16........08/05/16......10/13/16......--/--/--
KYU..................08/03/16........08/05/16......10/12/16......--/--/--

ZOMBIE69.............08/04/16........08/08/16......10/13/16......--/--/--

PINKRLION............08/08/16........08/10/16......10/12/16......--/--/--
EEOSUCCESS...........08/08/16........09/20/16......10/19/16......--/--/--
ANNAMARIA............08/10/16........08/10/16......10/11/16......--/--/--
NIGHTINGALEJULES.....08/10/16........08/17/16......10/14/16......--/--/--(Walk-in early bio: 10/06/16)
ARIANNAC.............08/12/16........08/16/16......10/11/16......--/--/--
BERBER_WIFE..........08/13/16........08/15/16......10/13/16......--/--/--
CANDIIZZ.............08/16/16........08/19/16......10/13/16......--/--/--

VIVI729..............08/16/16........08/19/16......--/--/16......--/--/--
YHAN2X...............08/17/16........08/22/16......10/14/16......--/--/--
JCLINK...............08/18/16........08/22/16......--/--/16......--/--/--
JOHNCALI9............08/19/16........08/22/16......10/14/16......--/--/--(Walk-in early bio: 10/06/16)
AUSTINCANADA.........08/22/16........08/25/16......10/12/16......--/--/--
JIMANDSANDY..........08/22/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--
AMORVERDADERO........08/22/16........08/24/16......10/11/16......--/--/--
MELIMAX..............08/22/16........08/24/16......10/11/16......--/--/--(Walk-in early bio: 10/05/16)
AK_2014..............08/22/16........08/24/16......10/11/16......--/--/--
POULETTE.............08/23/16........08/24/16......10/11/16......--/--/--(Walk-in early bio: 10/03/16)
AILAHMOSSELLE........08/23/16........09/08/16......10/13/16......--/--/-- (DEATH)
NOBBY7...............08/26/16........08/29/16......10/14/16......--/--/--
NAMOUR7997...........08/29/16........09/01/16......10/13/16......--/--/--
ALTITO...............08/31/16........09/02/16......10/13/16......--/--/--


Vermont Service Center (17 applicants, 2 approved - 12%)

VJName..............Date of I-751...NOA1 Date....Biometrics.....Approved
MURF&REGGIE.........08/01/16........08/03/16......09/02/16......--/--/--
ELENASK.............08/01/16........08/03/16......08/31/16......--/--/--
MELIBELLE...........08/02/16........08/05/16......09/08/16......07/13/17
TIMADRI.............08/03/16........08/08/16......09/07/16......07/05/17

DDDD................08/03/16........08/05/16......09/07/16......--/--/--

BENNYC..............08/08/16........08/10/16......09/06/16......06/30/17
GODISAWESOME........08/08/16........08/11/16......09/06/16......--/--/--

DEENIERN............08/10/16........08/12/16......10/13/16......--/--/--(DIVORCE)
RECNEPS9............08/15/16........08/19/16......09/20/16......--/--/--
UZZEY1..............08/16/16........08/19/16......09/23/16......--/--/--(DIVORCE)
ALEJANDRESKA........08/17/16........08/19/16......09/23/16......--/--/--
BULERIAS............08/19/16........08/23/16......09/19/16......--/--/--
LASTATEGAL..........08/20/16........08/23/16......09/22/16......--/--/--
CHRISSYB............08/22/16........08/25/16......09/19/16......--/--/--
PAGUIRRENYLEN.......08/23/16........08/25/16......09/20/16......--/--/--
JEWELLA.............08/26/16........08/30/16......10/06/16......--/--/--
MANDIIMOOSE.........08/31/16........09/02/16......10/04/16......--/--/--(Walk-in early bio: 09/27/16)

 

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2 minutes ago, LAstategal said:

Congrats Tim and Adri. Are you VSC???

Yes..VSC...Looks like the flood gates may be opening there...Really hope the CSC folks start seeing theirs as well. Such a relief we didn't have to drag this out any further.  

Hello Everyone....Adri and I were one of the couples with an August filing date. We began to get very weary of our progress on the I-751 application as this year just seemed to speed by. In fact, I was starting to research what was required to look into what we needed to do to get another extension letter as her current one was set to expire next month. Heck...even her walking ID was only allowed to be valid until that date as well..

Today...we received a letter in the mail from USCIS...I cautiously opened it to only expect it to be instructions on how to get another extension, or potentially a letter explaining our next steps in the process....

Much to our surprise...it was an I-797 Form "Notice of Action".....We were approved!! In two months, she'll receive her permanent GC!! We don't have to go for an interview...we are done!! Now we can wipe this off our conscience, and truly move forward!! SO HAPPY!!

I only hope this is good news for other August filers. If we happen to receive ours, hopefully others will follow suit very soon!! We wish nothing but good luck to everyone here on getting that permanent GC!! Now...time to celebrate!! And Oh Yeah...update our Visa Journey profile!! \m/\m/

Quick Question...has anyone received any kind of update to their case since everyone here filed in August? Of course we received our extension letter which is good for a year, but as of yet...not one update to our case or anything. I have checked online case status..nothing. Not saying that something won't happen, but heavens to mergatroid!! You'd think we would have received seen some kind of movement. I know with the new administration, there are potentially some hold ups or slow-downs if you will...but wanted to see if anyone has had any news whatsoever...

Heyyyy! GA! How was it? Which office did you go to? I was reading somewhere on this website that it's not always the field offices that do these appointments, and as it turns out there are two separate USCIS offices in the Atlanta area. One near College Park I think and the other out by 20 east(the field office). How do you like Georgia? I think it's great here Buford is such a nice spot too. Our extended family members are up there. My in-laws are south of Atlanta though, they didn't get the memo xP Then they complain about driving up to see us on the north side. It's better up here.

We ended up getting sent to the office downtown on 1255 Collier Road. To be honest with you, it wasn't a bad experience it all...They had a nice system going, very organized, and in fact, the entire appointment probably took less time than the drive there...LOL!! We're loving it here in Buford...Peaceful (for now), and close to so many things for life support. And when we want to go out and do something, it's not so bad getting to the places we like to go. Traffic is always a pain in most cities...but you learn to deal with it. We definitely picked the NE GA side just because of the reputation of the area, and found the perfect house in Buford. We actually looked in the SW when we started looking online...We got lucky, and several people forwarded us the memo..LOL!! We couldn't be happier!! Shame they shutdown 37 Main in John's Creek...but no worry...we have the original just 5 minutes away!!

Biometrics Appointment Completed Today!! And so it begins....THE WAIT!!

Same sort of thing happened with us....Adri visited in October of 2013 on a VW...we returned to Spain for Xmas (Dec 15 to 29) for a couple weeks, and then came back in together and got flagged and sent to the "special room" for questioning. It all boils down to time between visits on ESTA/VWP.....As stated before...you generally should be outside the country for a considerable amount of time before trying to come back in. You are subject to all kinds of scrutiny since it's a "Visitors Visa" and the presumption is you are coming for a short period to sight-see/travel/visit someone....Not conduct commerce, or potentially commit some other kind of Visa fraud.....There is no recourse, and you can't battle your way out of it....Visa Waiver Program states that you waive all your rights to legal representation to fight your ability to stay...you can be denied and sent home no questions asked....

We got a slap on the hand, approved for another 90 days...and were told not to risk it again....

You should probably go visit him this time around in-between, and have him come back after 6 months or so...That is if you don't want to find out if something bad might happen....They can revoke his right to come back, and be banned from entering for a considerable amount of time (<-- That's what the agent told us)....Me personally...I would not take any risks...

Good Luck August 2016 Filers!!! Wishing everyone a seamless and smooth journey to an unconditional GC!!

California Service Center (19 applicants, 0 approved - 0%)

VJName..............Date of I-751...NOA1 Date....Biometrics.....Approved

RERTO................08/01/16........08/04/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

WAVJ.................08/01/16........08/02/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

RT1012...............08/01/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

YOBIZKIT2004.........08/01/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

NAAM_2013............08/01/16........08/04/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

PINKRLION............08/08/16........08/10/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

EEOSUCCESS...........08/08/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

ANNAMARIA............08/10/16........08/15/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

NIGHTINGALEJULES.....08/10/16........08/17/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

ARIANNAC.............08/12/16........08/16/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

BERBER_WIFE..........08/13/16........08/15/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

CANDIIZZ.............08/16/16........08/15/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

JCLINK...............08/18/16........08/22/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

AUSTINCANADA.........08/22/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

JIMANDSANDY..........08/22/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

AMORVERDADERO........08/22/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

POULETTE.............08/23/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

MELIMAX..............08/23/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

NOBBY7...............08/26/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

Vermont Service Center (10 applicants, 0 approved - 0%)

VJName..............Date of I-751...NOA1 Date....Biometrics.....Approved

MURF&REGGIE.........08/01/16........08/03/16......09/02/16......--/--/--

ELENASK.............08/01/16........08/03/16......08/31/16......--/--/--

MELIBELLE...........08/02/16........08/05/16......09/08/16......--/--/--

DEENIERN............08/10/16........08/22/16......--/--/16......--/--/-- (DIVORCE)

RECNEPS9............08/15/16........08/19/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

UZZEY1..............08/16/16........08/19/16......--/--/16......--/--/-- (DIVORCE)

ALEJANDRESKA........08/17/16........08/19/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

BULERIAS............08/19/16........08/23/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

LASTATEGAL..........08/20/16........08/23/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

PAGUIRRENYLEN.......08/23/16........--/--/16......--/--/16......--/--/--

TIMADRI.............08/03/16........08/08/16......09/07/16......--/--/--

One other final question. Should I also sign off as the "Preparer" of the form?

If I understand correctly, your spouse can understand English but you are helping her fill the form. If it's just the two of you filling out form I-751, you can select 1.a.

She understands a considerable amount of English, and with a little work, we have our own way of working out explanations, etc... (Speaking Indian)

However, she certainly doesn't read English very well at all.....I'm doing all of the preparation, and explaining it as we go along....Not a very complex form.

So I'll go ahead with 1.a.

I just didn't want to embellish anything since she can't fully read and understand English...

Hello All,

Filling out our paperwork for the I-751, and had an open question regarding the translation of the document for my wife.

She still does not read, but understands quite a bit of English, so was wondering if:

I can use option "2" in "Part 7" and I can act as the serviced and consented translator?

OR

Should we just go with option 1a which implies she reads and understands English. That requires me to still have to fill out a section in "Part 8"....We don't have anyone here that can act as a Spanish Translator, and I don't speak fluent Spanish. And we certainly don't want to pay for one. It's really not necessary...

Thanks!!

When I renewed my Canadian passport, I used my marriage certificate to update that document to my married name.

CdnRN....We spoke this morning with the Spanish Consulate and there is no need for her to change the passport name. I suppose it could be updated when she needs to renew in 10 years. They simply stated that we should travel internationally with her passport as it is, and buy the ticket in her passport name, and to bring along a copy of the marriage certificate (as it has my name on it also), and her GC....I don't think we will experience any issues.

We just need to work on the "At Home" kinda stuff....Driver's License and other things that identify her accordingly as a resident in the US and reflects what is on the GC (Married Name)

The only thing we need to do with the Consulate is to get her "Libro de Familia" updated to reflect that we are married so the Spanish Govt. will officially recognize it should we ever decide to move/retire to Spain.

Thanks for everyone's responses

She kept her maiden name on the Marriage License as we were advised not for her to inscribe her married name (taking my last name) in order to avoid slowing down any USCIS process since all of her official documentation was drawn up in her maiden name and her passport as well...

When we were approved at our USCIS interview, the agent asked what name we would like on her Green Card, and so we had them inscribe the married name. We have already had the Social Security Card changed accordingly as the first one had her maiden name (We obtained the first one immediately after she get her EAD Card)....Anything else moving forward will be in her married name, and we are contacting the Spanish Consulate to have a "marriage endorsement" stamped into her passport as they do not change her name officially on her passport.

I don't think the marriage license really has much impact on anything moving forward...but we intend on getting Drivers' License, Bank Statements, Health Benefits, etc, etc, etc in her married/taken name....Only the passport and marriage license will remain as only documents with her maiden name.

Hello All,

Quick question based on anyone else's experience. My wife and are all nestled in now that she has her GC and life is moving forward. Now we go through the process of adjusting the rest of her identity existence. When we began this process back in March, we were advised by the Lawyer we consulted with, and the document filing agency we used to NOT change her maiden name on the marriage certificate so as not to hold up the USCIS process by having a conflicting name. Looking back on it, I don't really see why that would matter since many women take their husband's last name upon marriage.

That said...we left her maiden name so it would match her passport and USCIS filing documentation. Upon our interview with USCIS, the interviewer asked what name we would like to appear on her GC. We naturally asked to have my last name as it is both our wish to have my last name. This did not seem to be too big of an issue when we went to the Social Security office to update her first Social Security Card from maiden to married as all they cared about was that the GC had her married name.

In the end....should we update the marriage license? Do people actually do that? I guess what I am wondering if we are better off doing that in case we are required to show it, it will match all of her US documentation moving forward.

Thanks!!

Congrats!!

Did you have to show them photos?

Thanks hellostranger!!

We took our photo album with us, and yes, she did go through the album to look at the photos. We laid it out in the form of our personal journey timeline from start to present. She did not keep any of the photos, but to be honest, she had our packet in front of her, and we had about 8-10 pages of photos already submitted to USCIS. (Copies of photos in a word document format).

She used those for the final file, and just wanted to see our other pictures...She was very nice and being inquisitive. Almost like a family member looking at our photo album and journey!!

Hope this helps!!

Thank you!!

We took anything and everything we could possibly think of that documented our journey, including all forms and items they request in the NOA2 notice.

We took our photo album, which she did look through, but didn't keep any photos as many of them were ones they received in our original packet.

She did ask for copies of documents that showed we had joint account/ownership

1) Renter's Insurance Policy

2) Car Insurance Policy

3) Bank Accounts

4) Health Insurance

5) Beneficiary Information (Life Insurance, etc)

Of course we had all those ready for her to keep and/or make copies of. She did ask to make copies of our Bank Cards (Credit/Debit) and Insurance Cards as well.

But basically the core of our file that we kept were all forms of items they request you have ready and prepared on the checklist. I even took copies of flight confirmation itineraries when Adriana traveled into the country. It really was not strenuous, and she didn't ask to see much documentation...Passports and ID's of course...but she wanted proof of the marriage for which we both laughed and showed our wedding rings. However, she already had everything she needed in her file, and didn't ask for any additional copies of the marriage license.

We did not take any additional chat transcripts with us, as it totals almost 1800 pages of communication, and she already had some of that transcript in the file.

Hope this helps!!

To All,

We had our USCIS Interview today in Fairfax, VA, and knocked it out of the park!! It went extremely well!! It lasted about 45 minutes, and was very relaxed and positive!! The USCIS official was very nice, and in fact, an immigrant from Kenya. After answering many basic questions about family, our journey, and our knowledge of each other, she asked if we had any questions for her, and then proceeded to explain to my wife what happens when she finally receives her green card and the process after two years.

In our eyes, those were the words we were looking for, and essentially told us, that the interview was a success and we had passed!!

To everyone out there....your dream is a reality!! Just relax, be yourself...You'll do fine at the interview!!

RAWK On!! Tim 'n Adriana!! \m/\m/

I realize this is a DIY website and forum, but we actually had someone prepare our forms...A Justice of the Peace here in VA who has been doing this for 20 years and prepares at least one packet per week. I signed up for this website to follow along with the journeys of others going through the similar process.

As for our packet, she advised that all we needed to include was an arrangement of photos along with copies of our chat dialogues as proof. We communicate exclusively on Facebook and WhatsApp when we are not together (I travel on business frequently). I found a pretty cool program called "SocialSafe" which allows you to backup (Sync) all of your message communication from Facebook. It pulls it all in to a clean linear timeline which can be sorted in ascending or descending order, and exported to a PDF and printed if necessary. Granted the total printout would be somewhere in the range of 1.500 pages, we only sent in about 12 or 13 that highlighted the time stamps and dialogue of the beginning of our relationship. This was all we submitted with our packet, and after just (13) days we have already received our NOA1 (EAD), and Biometrics appointment notification.

I'm sure this is not a valid indicator of whether or not my I-130 petition will be accepted or if we get an approved interview, but we have other evidence to bolster our relationship outside of photos and chat logs. We have barely been out of each other's sight for the past 7 months between the US and Spain, but based on the evidence we did submit, it seems as though it was enough to get the ball rolling. We plan on putting together a much more complete file when the time comes for our interview including boarding passes, itineraries, joint accounts, etc. I have to believe that many of what the USCIS Officers review is based somewhat on an objective opinion and the evidence provided looks legitimate and factual. Figured i would share our story and information with you as well!! I wish you nothing but success on your journey!! \m/\m/

I always wanted to live in USA. And now I found someone I really like, I have one more reason. My girl lives in California. I researched for the collage prices there, and turns out to be very expensive for me. If someone has information on how do I study for free in the US, please tell me. And about the engagement and marriage, not only doesn't really help with papers, but I think we are too young for that (I'm 19 and she's 17). I must find a way to visit USA, and after I visit I'd like to stay there permanently (apply for green card).

Well, historically, in-state resident university costs in California are very affordable vs. across the rest of the country. It is the cost of living in California that is expensive!! As for college, you'd have to establish residency for that, and that will take at least a year. When I lived in California as a resident, it was only $11 US dollars per credit unit. That is cheap!! I don't think there is any such thing as "Free Study" other than for your own research and enrichment. But like others have said, your two easiest ways into the US will require marriage as your foundation..

Based on your scenario, it seems like you have two particular desires, both of which are driven by some condition. I would work on them one at a time....Work and Student Visa appear to be of the equation until you figure out this relationship thing. You haven't even met each other in person, and your easiest way to come to America will be based on whether or not that works out. Things can rapidly change once you finally meet face to face and spend time together (or live together)...or...it could blossom into something more special..

Come here on a Visitors Visa and figure out if you two are truly meant to be...At best, you have at least 90 days to determine that and then go from there...As you stated, you don't have the money for school right now, so what's the rush...But don't use an American Citizen as your vehicle for ulterior motives....People behind the protection of a computer can turn out to be totally different after the fact....

Also..Consider the fact that even if you decide to move forward with marriage, you will be in the US filing for AOS and will NOT have the ability to have gainful employment for some time until the government allows you the ability to do so...So that means all the financial burden is on her for a while...Is she prepared for that? Can you two survive in the US on her income until your dream of being a student is realized? I would build the relationship first, and then work on school...Even if you file for a K-1 fiancé visa, you have to prove it's a bona fide relationship..so sounds to me like you two need to solidify that first...

Hi to all! I got the acceptance notice last night!

Awesome news Ktero!!! One step closer!! Happy for you!! \m/\m/

You do need to go further than what a lot of modern couples would, for example a lot of couples wouldn't even have a joint bank account these days and my wife is hesitant to be added to my account as she likes her independence but we are in the process of doing that just for when it comes to ROC (Removal Of Conditions) two years down the track. Having said that I think you have enough joint financials already, I really don't see the point of joint utilities and a lot of them won't even add another name to the account anyway. It looks like you didn't get married until this year but if you did get married last year then the only thing I would add would be to file your 2013 taxes as MFJ.

Just supplement that with photos together (they especially like wedding photos with family members in attendance), itineraries together, anything like engagement/wedding announcements, invites etc and any thing else that helps to prove the marriage is bona fide but don't go overboard with that either with things like Skype chat logs that add no value. You just need a good balance of proof and you should be good especially if you give off the couple vibe to the IO, they usually get suspicious due to things like the beneficiary being from a high risk country or when the marriage on the surface seems like an unlikely one (large age difference etc).

Thanks Jason!! We already started a bank account for the benefit of our future...we call it the TimAdri fund and began saving months ago. We can easily have this converted to a joint account so not really stressed there. It was our intention anyways, and she is moving her money from Spain to here. I certainly want her to have her own financial independence and not feel like we are tethered together like a cinderblock to a balloon..that's the beauty of personalities and being individuals. At this point, I think I'll leave the Utilities bond out of the equation, as I agree, it really doesn't prove much other than a person with no job, is now financially on the hook for bills I pay with my good one..hahahahaha

As for our wedding, it was a simple JoP type ceremony but we do have photos. My brother was the hired novice photographer, but I neglected to get any photos of him with us...We just didn't have time to prepare a more formal ceremony as my Parents were out of town, and I was leaving for New Zealand for business two days later. We're within the 60-90 rule and got married on 3/12/14, and her 90-days visit time was set to expire 3/29/14...We plan on doing something more formal in the future when we can properly plan. However, the fact that we got married this year, I cannot file as married for 2013.

We have enough photos together to make most people sick of seeing our faces, so I'm not really worried there...but we most certainly can build a great timeline for them including my first visit to Spain up to and including our trip to Las Vegas last month..(Didn't get married there)...Our message logs are over 10k, and would total about 1,150 pages if I were to print them, but like you said, don't really add any value. However, this is one of the criteria we were told to prepare and have ready for the IO. I don't suspect Spain is a high risk country other than their unemployment rate, but in all honestly, she'd be working in the US right now if she could...but without permission from the government...she's kinda stuck riding the couch...