curiousgeorgina

thank you! what time do they close? I was thinking I'd go there after lunch.. like 3pm.. i'm bad with mornings.

have you tried doing our biometrics early at drummond? was thinking of doing a walk in too..

thanks! got my appointment letter too last night. sept 16. thank you!!

I filed through mail too. Mail application takes about a week more than online to receive notification of appointment. Once you receive your NOA with case number, it will have a code for online My USCIS account. Link your case to online account and you will be able to download biometrics appointment letter once it gets scheduled. So I would say dont worry and just wait for your first NOA receipt letter.

I did get something from the mail, but only an I-797 NOA.. no codes or anything.. I'll wait for the other letter I guess?

Yes you do. I had to file i90 to make correction on the GC just like you do. Apparently USCIS now schedules Biometrics appointments for all i90 cases automatically. If you don't go then they will deny your case. What's the harm in it? It took 10 mins for me to go for fingerprints and photo. I would do it for a correct card!

how long til you got your appointment letter? a friend of mine who filed a day later did it online and got the appointment right away. I did it through mail and hoping I won't miss it..

Biometrics are only valid for 15 months. If you file something with USCIS that requires valid biometrics (such as an I-90, I-485, I-751, I-765, etc.) and you do not have them on-file then you must have them captured again.

I see. I'm just confused as I just entered the US july 3 and it has not been 15 months since they got all the info I gave to the embassy, nvc.. and uscis.. is this a normal step when correcting a spelling on the greencard?

Hi,

I received my green card about 2 weeks ago and they spelled my name wrong. So I mailed in an I-90 form along with the greencard... I got a case receipt number and now.. They scheduled me for a biometrics appointment? Is this normal?

My greencard still has 2 years on it and valid it's just the spelling was wrong.. Wouldn't they just correct it using the info I gave them and send it back?

Thanks!

Weird, there are lot of other banks that would open account for foreigners, even for the tourists that dont have Social security number. Take care of i90 first and go to some other bank. Banks dont have to have your GC number or SSn just to open a checking account.

Wow banks normally ask for SSN but not Green Card No. How about Visa holders that would like to open an account? They dont have Green Card No to give. Anyway, like dee&vee said just care of i90 first and go to some other bank. SSN and some kind of ID (Passport, Driver License or State ID) would be fine

thank you both! I've already have an ongoing account with them and I just talked to branch manager and everything is taken care of. They did put me before as a non resident alien and then gave the reason that I just got married to someone. But it's a long story..

it's sorted out now with the bank.

for the Green Card, I just filled up an i-90, I wrote a letter explaining why attached the original greencard, a scanned copy of my passport and an actual letter from USCIS ELIS when I filed for the green card for the first time. Thought of including that because clearly, my name on that letter is right. I'd like to rant a little, but isn't it common sense that, if that letter is right, shouldnt a card that came from them too, should be exactly the same as what's on the letter they sent?..

anyways, are those fine? (scanned passport, greencard and the letter) or do I need to add another document?

I would suggest filing by mail instead of online if you havent already submitted your i90 online. Reason for this is if it's DHS that made error on your card then there is no fee to file i90 but you have to send your original card back. So file through mail and send original card with it. You can file online but later you will receive an RFE to submit the card that you have right now.

Not sure why your bank would need GC's number? Did you mean your social security number?

thank you! I'll mail it then.

PNC bank got my ssn already, but their system is requesting for my green card number.. if they put you as an alien resident, you have to "have" the greencard number.. which is silly as I gave all what I can give. But the branch manager himself is an alien so he said the bank needs that and he just explained my situation but would be good if I can give the greencard number as soon as I can.

Hi, just received my green card and USCIS didn't even put my actual first name.. sigh.

How do I go about it? I saw you can file it online.. I am quite worried I might mess up the process, so I would like to ask, did anyone file a correction for the green card form I-90 online? Please help...

I uploaded my passport for the info, do I have to upload my incorrect green card? What happens, do I still have to physically mail my incorrect greencard?

AND oh, does the greencard number change? I need to give my bank my greencard number and they have been waiting for that info.. but given that USCIS made a mistake, I don't know if the greencard number will be the same or do i have to wait for the corrected one?

I would appreciate it if you can help me with this.

Thank you.

Start with researching how much graphic designers are earning within your area/city/state just to get a rough estimate of what others are getting. I use Payscale to research the pay for related jobs I'm applying to just to see what the range is. IMO, with any first job, pay comes second; at least until you get your first US job experience. I had set my eyes on doing online freelance work as well when I immigrated. But good luck on your job/freelance work search.

Thank you for that. I will check the Payscale site. If I really could get away with it, I would like remote work, and not the 8 to 5 one, I am more productive when that is the case. But of course I am open as I just need to earn and have experience.

My nephew is a graphic designer and worked as a graphic designer (he is American) for big European companies in the USA for 8 years. He is unemployed almost 5 YEARS! He submitted over 200 resumes and graduated 13 years ago. He lives in NYC.

oh wow, sounds like there is a lot of competition.. I will have to not expect too much when I look for one.

1. it depends, really, on how good you are for making human contact. The majority of graphic design work got outsourced to the PI about 11 years ago, so keep that in mind if you chase after the bigger agencies in the USA.

2. depends on the workpiece, really.

3. usually, these piecemeal assignments are viewed as 'work-for-hire' and the copyright is held by the contract holder (not you).

with all of that said - you should contact:

1. advertising agencies and

2. movie studios

and see what happens.

thank you Sir Darnell for the answers. I will try to look into those.

Thank you everyone! So far I am doing the freelance site, I get lucky from time to time but with all the new taxes and bills I have to consider, I really need more work or find a regular one.

Again, thank you.

Sounds like things are moving pretty quick for you...congratulations on that!! Can I ask what was your point of entry date? And did you apply for ss at local office or checked the box on visa app to have it assigned automatically?

Thanks

thank you!

POE was July 3 and I applied for my ss by checking the box on the visa app.

my next goal would be a state ID.

USCIS website doesn't recognize some receipt numbers but that's just the way it is it's not a 100% reliable website in the first place. You should probably get your card within 1 to 3 months. Focus more on your USCIS ELIS status once it jumps after optimized then you're at the finishing line. For the meantime you can still use your endorsed machine readable I-551 visa as proof of permanent residence for employment and travel purposes. Go apply for a social security card in person just in case you haven't received it yet so you can get plugged in the system and get your life moving.

thank you! I already have my ssn card, it arrived exactly 2 weeks after my POE. I still have to fix that issue as my name is too long so my second birth name is missing one letter. I called SSA but the person couldn't tell if it just ran out of characters as to why it's missing a letter.

Oddly enough, and this is true, right before I posted this I checked first on ELIS the status of my greencard and the latest update was July 4. And AFTER I have posted I once again checked ELIS and USCIS Landing Page, and update was now July 24 and the staus on the landing page says it was being produced. I guess I was too antsy to get it, I tried opening a bank account, it gave me a hard time as they didn't want to recognize my temporary greencard when I have explained to them it should be recognized as such. Luckily, I love to print government letters and put them in one envelop and showed the ELIS receipt I have and they recognized that one for some weird reason. The manager did say because of the official government logo....

anyway, thank you for the reply! I appreciate it very much!

Hi, i'm sorry if I am in the wrong category, I appreciate if I am moved to the right one.

I paid my greencard fee last june 5 before I flew here and the last USCIS ELIS update was July 4 and in process.. but whenever I try to check the status on the other site, their USCIS landing page, it says receipt number does not exist! I even tried calling USCIS and every operator would say my case number couldn't be found.. and then they escalate me to a supervisor.. but the last supervisor told me to call after a month.. I don't understand.. will someone enlighten me?

I understand it takes sometimes months, but does it also take a receipt number months to reflect on the status check site? I am getting worried.

thank you!

Hi,

I have a CR1 visa and now in the US.. I used to be and still is a freelance graphic designer when I was in Asia, but obviously I can't really use the rates I used to give my clients as I won't be making enough if that's the case.

1. How hard is it to find a job as a graphic designer?

2. How much is the minimum for one?

3. Has anyone ever experienced retaining their work as freelancers after moving here?

Thanks you in advance.

the vaccines required will be free when you undergo through the SLEC's medical exam before your interview.

they are included in the fee you'll be paying at SLEC.

Hi VJ friends, I'm new here and am hoping that someone can answer my queries. My husband sponsored me an IR1 visa been 3 years of waiting. I got an interview letter that requires me a Marriage Certificate from NSO. The thing is, we got married in Sri Lanka in 2012.

Questions:

1. How can I get Marriage Certificate in NSO while our marriage is in another country?

2. I've researched about the Report of Marriage in DFA, is it the first step that our marriage will be in NSO list?

3. I also have problem in CFO because they also need Marriage Certificate from NSO.

Help! Thanks....

Hi! I am assuming you are currently here in PH.

1. You can go to DFA consular affairs and report your marriage there. Link to requirements:

http://www.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/requirements-for-delayed-registration-of-report-of-marriage

It took me 2 months for this process. Some say 2-4 months.

2. Yes, you need to report it at the DFA what they do is:

a. they get the requirements

b. forward it to the PH consulate that has the jurisdiction over your marriage in Sri Lanka

c. they will record it then forward it back to DFA manila, then they forward it to NSO

d. then DFA will give you a control number (you can call them up, when I was there they told me to "go back" to "check" if it's already there, but that would be a waste of your money and time if it's not yet available so just call them.)

e. you will have to go to the main branch of NSO and just give them the control number.

f. When you go to the main NSO branch, you don't fall in line at the big open payment area, you have to go to that nice building hidden at the back. Just ask the guards first. g. After 3 weeks or depends on the date they give you, you can go back to NSO and receive your NSO marriage certificate

3. I did get the NSO first before going to a CFO seminar.. but I believe someone was able to show just her marriage certificate abroad.. but it's better to play it safe and that is if you already inquired at CFO and they told you this.

I hope this helps

Goodluck!

PS

Follow the requirements, I called DFA consular affairs Manila up and asked if my husband's signature was needed, someone from DFA said no need as long as one spouse appears personally. Lo and behold, a month in on waiting for the process to finish they told me, New York PH consulate needs your husband's signature too. Good thing he was visiting me so we were able to have him sign it. Complete all the requirements to avoid delays as if it's incomplete, it resets the processing time.

at your interview you should tell the CO's about it.. or you can call the hotline or email the address ustraveldocs have indicated maybe you can correct it before interview. But I don't think it will be a problem, just as long as you tell them as soon as you can.

hope the other members can help you out.

but that's what I will do.

pasadena and glendale? My aunt lives close there. My first time to go there I expected I could just go anywhere, but commuting is much harder. I had to wait for my aunt or uncle to drive me to go out..

The vibe was different, everytime I visit I still didn't like the area, (no offense meant) it just was something my personality wouldn't exactly fit in.. when I went to the East Coast area, I felt more at home, easier to walk to places and I find the trains easier to get to.. probably because my sister and my husband is just a few minutes walk away from the stations..

I am so sorry about your situation because not liking the place is not enough to leave your loved one.. like the other posters said, there must be a reason.. especially he is a guy, he must feel a bit emasculated since he can't work, do anything he normally does back at home. Have you really talked it out? Is he being a baby?

I admire you for being strong, if I was in your situation I wouldn't even have the guts to do what you did.. I hope he suddenly realizes you are more important than his "boredom" or that you find a partner who deserves you.

Did your husband file Married Filing Separately? If so, the IRS tell you in Publication 17, page 22, middle column

Enter your spouse's full name and SSN or ITIN in the spaces provided. If your spouse does not have and is not required to have an SSN or ITIN, enter NRA in the space for your spouse's SSN. Use the Married filing separately column of the Tax Table or Section C of the Tax Computation Worksheet to figure your tax.

If he filed Married Filing Jointly then you require a SSN or ITIN. NRA doen't work on a joint return

SO how did he file?

My husband said he did what it was indicated for mfs and they still sent it back...

He chose the married filing separately one..

Hi

I need help on what to do, my husband filed his taxes this year with NrA for my Ssn.. This was because that's what we've read and because the embassy needed the latest taxes from him..

Was able to get approved and my visa is with me.

However irs returned his filing because of NRA..

What should we do? Please help!

2 hours is sufficient IF ALL GOES SMOOTH...that is a big IF.

My wife was stuck in Houston airport POE for 4 hours because they misplaced her passport.

This is why we made Houston the POE city, just in case there is a mess up like this.

Also, over the weekend, my daughter flew back from Shanghai, and the flight was delayed

departed by 2 hours, and she missed the connecting flight in Toronto to Chicago,

and they put her up in hotel for the night.

The airline will take care of later connecting flight if the delay was due to their fault,

but if the POE is delayed and you miss the flight, you are on your own.

Here is what you will have to cover in 2 hours...

1. Go through a long walk to get to the POE checkpoint, and wait in line to

go through a quick check/interview.

2. Walk some more to the baggage claims, and wait to pick up your bags.

3. Take you bags and go through the customs check line.

4. And then (possibly) walk to another domestic flight terminal

and go through the security checks again.

I think 2 hours is cutting it way too tight even if the flight arrives on time.

And if there is 1 hour delay in arrival, I think you'll miss the connecting flight for sure.

I would be more comfortable with 4+ hours,

or at least have an alternate back up plan just in case.

yeah I don't want to always hope everything will go smoothly, as sometimes big delays do happen and this is something I can't afford.. 25 hours flight then having to deal with a possibility of missing a flight might not do me good.

thank you.

I misread the times...traffic might be ok midday...but it is New York...(ask him to pick you up anyway!)

we just realized July 3 is kind of a holiday weekday, people might be leaving and going to NY for the 4th of July celebration.. but we decided to have him pick me up.

now the next thing for me to do is study the JFK airport map if he gets stuck in traffic and I can hang out somewhere.. with wifi.

Heard JFK is pretty huge, I am not sure how much larger than LAX but I hope not something I'd get lost in.

I take the 9 am flight usually, A few trips ago they had to replace engine took 4 hours in Manila, We landed late in Detroit, Delta took care of getting me on my final destination flight to Dallas.

I was mainly talking about once you leave Philippines, and if a flight is late or has issues, then Delta will make sure to get you to your final destination....

Oh gotcha sir VOL.

I've haven't encountered yet any huge delays, and so this tip is valuable to me, thank you sir. I am pretty used to how Cebu Pac is (news and such), if you have a problem with your flight, you bend to our rules.

again ty sir for the help!