Sunnysideup

Hi everyone,

Thanks in advance for any help offered.

I have arrived in the US, and am starting to settle in. Our wedding is next month, and after that, we will be filing for AOS and EAD.

My first question is, should I apply for my SSN now or just wait until after I get the EAD card?

If I apply now, or after 2 weeks of being here, it should be fine.

Then, after we are married, and we apply for adjustment of status and submit our EAD, how long, more or less, would it take to get my EA card, and/or when more or less would I be able to start working? lets say we file our things April 25ish?

Any advice and past experience would be much appreciated...

You don't need the USA Police clearance.

Yes interviews are at 1PM on Tuesday and Thursday. Everyone lines up outside. I wouldn't start lining up till 12:45. It's HOT and you are standing outside. No place to sit and it's kinda in the middle of the road in a weird location. So you are just standing there.

We took an early morning flight arrived at 9:00. We took the Gautrain to Sandton City. The Consulate is directly across from Sandton City. I think the Gautrain took 20 minutes MAX. You will make it back in PLENTY of time for your flight!!

We had breakfast chilled walked around went over our documents before our flight. We had plenty of time.

We went over at 12:45 there were three people in line before us. At 1:00 they started letting people in. No cell phones. You can leave at security.

You are called up to the first window where you are asked for your documents. Here you give everything you have. Do NOT bring a big binder that can't fit through a small window. Once all the documents have been presented you have a seat and wait to be called up to be interviewed.

We got a slip saying we were approved. And less than 24 hours we got an e-mail saying our visa was ready for collection.

@ Confusedtinybird:

I will have my bag with me (with clothes and so forth) as I am first going to Bloem. I am assuming they will keep it at the entrance or somewhere for me?

I will need evidence of our relationship - how much should I bring?

Thanks!

hi there

How long did the SA police certificate take? I am wondering whether i should take mine now or wait for the NOA2 first? Advice?

Thanks

My Police Clearance took less than a month. Perhaps it would be best to wait for your NOA2.

It either only expires after 6 months or 1 year. Up to you...

ANY country moves faster than South Africa for PCC!! Good luck you guys are close!! If you have any questions about the interview let me know!

Thanks for the replies! So according to me, I do not need a USA police clearance, as I did not stay there for a year (only 11 months). Got a local one anyway - although if it were necessary, I believe that the one from the FBI takes 16-18 weeks! So darn...

Trust me to always find one darn thing to stress about, even if it is no concern (which I am thinking it is).

I would dearly love some tips for the interview. in addition, my appointment is on 17 Feb, at 1pm. My flight out is at 19:25. When should I line up, and will I get back to OR TAMBO in time?

Finally, how long would it take to have them process the visa?

Thanks all!!

No, you don't need a police clearance from the US. They do their own check within the US system

Thank you very much!

Hi All,

Thanks in advance for help!

I am hoping I can get some assistance - better so if from fellow South Africans.

Under 2 years ago, I left the United states on a J1 visa, where I met my Fiancé. I have finally received my packet 3, and await my interview appointment letter.

I sent the required documents to the Johannesburg Consulate, including a police Clearance from South Africa, and the UK (I studied there after I left the US, before returning home July 2014). BTW - A police clearance from the UK takes 2 DAYS!!!! Tells you something about a good darn country.

Anyway, I am stressing my life out, wondering if I need a police clearance from the US. However, on the NVC website, it clearly states that current and former residents of the US do NOT need to get a police clearance from there.

Here is the Link:

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/submit/documents-to-submit-to-nvc.html

You will find the clause under the Police clearance dropdown menu, under the table they provide - very easy to read over, so read carefully.

Can anyone put me at ease in assuring me that this is the case? Or do I need to get a police clearance from the USA?

Luckily it is just myself.

Yes I am planning to get the medical done here in Cape Town before flying up. Sent my documents through to the consulate yesterday, so hoping to get the letter later today or on Monday, so I can go ahead and make the medical appointment.

Did any of you receive your packet 3 from the johannesburg consulate? I did, but read online that it happens in rare cases? Most are received from the NVC? Or is the information online incorrect?

I received no receipt information from the NVC. Just a notification from USCIS on 21 November, and then I heard from Johannesburg Consulate.

Awesome news DerekYolande82!!!

Guess we all gotta start saving up that moola. Sucks, because we need to save up to kick off in the states too - car, rent, more visa applications, wedding, etc etc.

Goodluck to all of you, and may you continue to Braai wherever you may go

Thank You Confusedtinybird for the medical infomration. I will see if I can get that stuff done before I go to the interview.

Do you think it's possible to go almost a month before my interview date?

Hi,

Have you done your medical yet?

It took 3 days for us to get a response, and the interview was booked one month out. Interviews are done on Tuesday and Thursday.

Hi,

I have not done a medical yet... Do we arrange that or do they assist us in arranging an appointment? Sent all my docs early today so hoping for a reply tomorrow or Monday... Let us know how it goes and all yea?

Hi There!!!! I just sent all the required documents to the Johannesburg Consulate to get an interview date (police clearance/s, passport copy, unabridged birth certificate, DS-2001)!!! How long does it take to get a reply, and how long a wait for an interview? Do you know? Congrats btw! So exciting now!