Tcarrol

We just received written notice approval for Removal of Conditions, about 6 months after the expiration of our temporary green card.  In our July 17 group, we appear to be the first ones to receive the approval.  It almost seems like a mistake by USCIS since we never had an interview for AOS or ROC and we didn't expect this for another 6-9 months.  Someone here in a prior post mentioned that maybe this group broke new ground for others to follow.  It certainly took a lot of courage for all of us to face our first embassy interviews in countries that may not have been favorable to this new arena.  It doesn't mean that life is easy from this point forward, but at least the US Supreme Court allowed this change in our lifetimes.  We certainly appreciate the courage and advice from all of you.  

1 hour ago, cheesecake_A+J said:

Yay! Congratulations! Did you receive a biometrics appointment? I still haven't received mine.   

Yes we did, last August.  Because we live in a rather rural area near Pittsburgh, I believe our local USCIS center is not overloaded.  We never had problems making an Infopass meeting a few years ago.  

1 hour ago, VeraBradley said:

Congratulations! Can you please tell us your NOA date and also the service center you filed at? Did you receive the letter from the service center or from a local office? Any info you can provide will be super helpful. Also, did your case status change last week like most of us about transferring your case or is March 5th transfer the first update you saw?

 

Thanks!

Hello.  Our NOA 1 date is July 14, 2017, file in California, because that is where our attorney filed it, rather than the Vermont Center.  Our notification in the mail came from the Department of Homeland Security, National Benefits Center, in Lee's Summit, MO.  We never checked our case status until today, and it indicated our files were sent to our local office on March 4 (yesterday).  But the approval letter is dated February 28, 2018.  So ... we're hoping its not some kind of a huge mistake on the part of USCIS.  We're waiting to hear from our attorney to see what she receives.  We'll keep you posted.

Today, we received in the mail, an I-797 "Congratulations! Your request for the removal of the conditional basis of your permanent resident status has been approved.  You are deemed to be a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States as of the date of your original admission or adjustment of status.  You should receive a new Permanent Resident Card ... within 60 days."

We were greatly surprised and didn't expect this for another 6-9 months.  The letter is dated Feb 28, and yet, the online status says that our case was transferred to our local office on March 4.  Seems backwards.  

On 11/8/2017 at 4:07 PM, gypsyqueen said:

Hello guys! Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Any news?

No news for any of us; but, we plan to ask our state senator to call on our behalf.  We've done this twice before and although we are told that a Senator cannot speed things up, for us, we received action pretty quickly.  We are waiting until six months after filing our papers, so January will be the month we will start this action.  Maybe nothing will happen, but at least it's another contact to have on our side.

On 10/25/2017 at 6:40 PM, KC & SC said:

My case is pending 16 months. I read some people contacted congressman or senator asking to expidite

with their cases.

If anyone knows, could you please help me how to and who to contact in Austin area(Williamson County) in Texas?

 

Thank you so much for your time!

We are only three months into our ROC time (July 2017 filer), but once we reach 6 months, we plan to contact our Senator in Pennsylvania.  We have used his services before, helping with our i212 process and Adjustment of Status Process.  Both times, we got fast results from the aide working with our Senator in contacting USCIS, and returning answers.  Sometimes the answer would be, "application is still within the time period for decision", but then in a week or two, that decision would mysteriously be made.  By law, a senator cannot interfere with the process to make it go faster, but I believe just the fact they make the inquiry helps it along or makes someone at USCIS dig it out of tall stack of other applications waiting on someone's desk.  If your state has a democrat senator, I'd contact him and not a republican senator.  If your state has two republican senators, try to make contact with the one who seems more open to helping his citizens.

3 minutes ago, NYCruiser said:

Exciting? This whole process is akin to a root canal...

Yeah, it is, but you made us chuckle on that one.  

On 9/29/2017 at 3:10 PM, SM & EF said:

Thanks @tamcloud and @Tcarrol.  It's hard to believe that DOMA was overturned just 4 years ago and now here we are.  😁

It has taken us a little longer since DOMA.  I am surprised we don't have more members in this forum.  It's definitely a scary process for same-gender couples involving different countries with different thoughts on same sex marriage.  Two people really have to want to be together to endure the fears of family and society norms.  Let's hope, as pioneers of this new law, we will help bring courage to others.

19 hours ago, SM & EF said:

My husband had his citizenship interview this afternoon and he passed.  The center was busy and they were running a little behind so we had to wait about an hour past his scheduled time.  Fortunately a woman from the office made several announcements so we all knew that we would be interviewed soon. They called him in about a minute after her last announcement.  Most people were taking about 30 minutes but he was out with his aporoval in what seemed like 10.  I was pleasantly surprised at how quick it was.

 

He couldn't remember all 6 questions they asked, but he remembered these four: the capital if FL, who signs laws, who the US fought in WW2, and what an amendment is.  They had him write some things and then went through his N400 form and finally told him he passed and that he should go join his spouse in the waiting room.

 

Since they were running behind, they told him he'd have to wait for his oath letter by mail, so we headed home for a celebratory lunch with my mom.

 

😎

Congratulations to both of you.  It's so great to see two people be able to live together, no matter their gender.  Truly these are the best of times.

2 hours ago, Leo7777 said:

We ALL have a new concern now.

President Trump is asking for legislation that will SUBSTANTIALLY change our immigration rules.

It is meant to implement a skills based system requiring English skills, education, work skills and ability to earn an income in place of family considerations.

Specifically targeted are 'chain immigration' wherein family members come in based on family ties.

This is exactly  what most of us are relying on when we bring spouses into USA.

 

At the very least, our processes will be slowed and delayed even more as this legislation unfolds and is debated, etc.

Although on one hand, that might be correct, but Trump had to have used the same system for his current wife who had to migrate to USA from her country.  I think since we are already in the system, our marriages will be honored, but you're right that anything can happen during this discussion.  I don't believe Trump has the votes for this after witnessing what happened with Heath Care.

I've been following the July 2016 group.  So many of them are having to attend infopass meetings to extend their resident cards into fourth years.  I've been looking at the actual law regarding what timelines are on USCIS.  Haven't found it, but here is a link to the actual procedure for ROC.

https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-11261/0-0-0-22009/0-0-0-22036.html#0-0-0-14595

I believe if the law states that a conditional resident card is two years, and that an application is due within 90 days of the expiration date, then there is an expectation that a new card should be granted at the time of its expiration.  Now, we are given an extension of one year, and even that is not being complied with anymore.  If USCIS is suppose to be self funding with our application fees, then why is there such a delay?  

As I mentioned before, after six months, I plan to take up that issue with my State Senator.  Life is too short to have such uncertainty for so long a period of time.

I went into the actual law to see if there are timelines expected from USCIS.  

https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-11261/0-0-0-22009/0-0-0-22036.html#0-0-0-14595

I couldn't find any, but it's interesting to read about what happens if anyone is denied acceptance during the appeal process.  I'm a 2017 filer but have been watching this group to watch the timelines.  It's disheartening that people have to seek an infopass meeting to extent resident cards into a fourth year.

10 hours ago, Leo7777 said:

Hi Tcarrol,

Earlier I wrote: 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -

PA folks supposed to file in Vermont. 

 

From USCIS website:

Applicants must file Form I-751 at the USCIS California Service Center or the USCIS Vermont Service Center, depending on where they live.

 

This says nothing about where your attorney lives.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Your reply does not answer point I raised about violation of stated rules about where to file.

Where is rule that one can file according to where attorney lives?

 

Yes, of course, it is none of my business what you specifically are doing, but since this is a forum to help . . . others will be interested in this deviation from written rules and if it is available to everyone.

 

For instance, since California processes faster than Vermont, perhaps others should hire an attorney who happens to live in a state that specifies filing in California.

Hello.  I understand what you are saying.  In a way, it doesn't seem fair.  I'll ask our attorneys why they filed there and whether or not it matters.  The biometrics appointment listed the correct USCIS office in Pennsylvania for us to visit.  I'm thinking if there was a problem on where we filed, we would know by now.  

2 hours ago, Leo7777 said:

PA folks supposed to file in Vermont.  Why you sent to California?

 

From USCIS website:

Applicants must file Form I-751 at the USCIS California Service Center or the USCIS Vermont Service Center, depending on where they live.

 

This says nothing about where your attorney lives.

Our attorneys are located in California. We had special circumstances during the K1 process and they appeared to be the best in resolving our challenges. We've stayed with them since. 

1 hour ago, spaniardrocket said:

Hi. I just sent this morning the ROC package. Hopefully we all have an smooth process. Good luck! 

 

July 29th 2017 - ROC I-751 Package sent to USCIS California.

Hello.  After I started this thread, I found out someone else did also.  Search for the other July ROC 2017 thread and post there.

Our biometrics letter arrived today, July 29 with the appointment set for August 7.  We've updated the spreadsheet.  This would be 15 days since the date on NOA 1.  Since we are traveling on August 2, we're going to try a walk-in on Monday.  Good luck everyone.

38 minutes ago, lemongreentea said:

This 1-year wait time is ridiculous. I'm sure a few months back it was only taking about 6 months. Now it's a year! Every thing would have worked out perfect regarding job offer and relocation. Now we have to think about whether to stay here till gets approved or do the change of address and relocate(We all know how frustrating it is to deal with USCIS).

I have been following the July 2016 ROC group.  Many are just getting their resident cards 12 months later.  I plan to write to our US Senator's office after six months.  I'm not sure he can do anything to speed things up, but his office will at least make a call.  He did this before during our K-1 and AOS processes.  I believe it helped.  Our payments are suppose to pay for what it takes to process our forms.  Like you, I just can't understand how a simple process of reviewing information can take so long, especially since the investigations were also done in the past.

4 hours ago, Waittrain said:

Hello All,

 

So, I applied, ROC on July 5th, My attorney received NOA1 on July 13th itself.

But, I did not received any receipt from USCIS.

 

Do I need to worry?

Anyone in this situation?

 

The only reason, I am worried is, my attorney's office is so irresponsible that they made many mistakes in I 751 application, badly arranged my file.

The day on sending the Package, I sat for 2 hours in his office and corrected all the errors and re arranged the package.

 

Really waste of spending 4k. He just added 1 cover letter on top of my documents. That's it.

He didnt even notified that I got my NOA1, I kept calling everyday and after sometime his assistant told me about that.

He do not even cover if I get RFE etc. SO, I might not take his help further.

 

So, how can I make sure USCIS sends all communications to me?

 

Hello. We are using an attorney also.  They received our NOA1 on the 14th of this month, we received our copy today, the 20th.  If you don't receive it in the next few days, you might want to contact your attorney and ask them about it.  We have stayed with the same attorney since our K-1 process.  I do believe it helps tremendously to have someone who knows the process and whether or not you have sufficient evidence attached to your application.  Our attorney made some mistakes on the AOS process but we were able to make corrections at our biometrics appointment.  It's really important to look over what they write in the boxes of your application and correct it before it gets sent to USCIS.  

5 hours ago, AlfNel23 said:

7/18/17

I am sure that is plenty.  I believe the tax forms and anything else with both of your names listed will suffice.

On 7/17/2017 at 4:53 PM, mimikado said:

Hi guys,

 

I just received my NOA-1 today from VSC.

 

I tried to add my receipt number on the USCIS website (my case status at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do) but it tell me it doesn't exist... for the ones who do that, can you access to your case status?

We tried to do that on our approval as well.  It appears you have to wait until you receive your biometrics appointment letter first and the number you use will be the one posted there.

11 hours ago, Sukie said:

The letter extends your Green Card date.  The date of the NOA is not relevant.  I know this has been endlessly debated on this forum, but it's your Green Card date, period.  The issues seem to be with local DMVs or employers who don't understand what the NOA means.  And even CBP folks can get it wrong.

 

Sukie in NY

Thank you.  I realized my mistake after I sent it.  Someone else had posted that information, and since we haven't received our notification yet, I was going on that premise.

4 minutes ago, dream3r said:

 

I brought the original NOA letter whenever I travel, I always ensure it's clipped together with my passport and Green Card. And I have scanned copies on my email/phone (retrievable offline), and hard copies along with me. I was paranoid, and I wanted to make sure I had back up copies, and that, if I were the officer validating credentials, I would be certain to take more time to validate the copies vs. the originals. that's just me.

 

Anyway, I traveled few countries in the past year, Amsterdam, Paris, Morocco, and South east Asia. Did not have issues with Schiphol airport (Amsterdam). But I almost missed my flight out of Marakesh (Morocco) heading back to state side, because the check-in counter would recognize the extension letter, and insisted the date on my green card had expired. I had to point and read out the sentence where the extension date was noted on the letter. The lady over the counter had to call in her supervisor, who then had to call someone who validated from US CBP/USCIS website, that the letter, is listed as one of the approved travel document into US.

Thank you for this advice.  I was wondering about using a copy rather than the original.  Now we all know to keep the original with us.

7 minutes ago, Leo7777 said:

You can start the process to become citizen about this time next year.

But I doubt you can complete it next year.

That is probably true; but I'm going to stay optimistic.

Our attorneys suggested we wait six months before contacting our Senator's office.  In a way, it's a shame that we pay a large amount of money for an agent to review our packet and render a decision, and still, they don't have enough people to review our applications in a timely basis.  It gives the appearance that USCIS is not or efficient or responsive to the laws written by our Congress.  It shouldn't take 14 months to decide.  The fact that the law states that we need to file within a 90 day period before expiration of the Permanent Resident Card implies that is how long they need to process our paperwork.  Now, they send us a NOA extending us one year from the date of the NOA, not the expiration date, which implies it now takes that amount of time past the 90 day window to process our paperwork.  Now, it takes longer than that, which necessitates a trip for an Infopass meeting to have a passport stamped.  

Our packet was received today at the California office.  Hopefully our NOA will arrive just as quickly as other members' notations.  Once we get the biometrics done, we're all in for the long wait; but at least we can complete the citizenship process next year and be citizens by Christmas 2018.  Best wishes to all of you!