Daydreaming

Had our interview appointment today. Shortly after we arrived they told us that the main service center didn't send them our file they didn't even know why we had an appointment scheduled. We had a copy of everything, but no officer had time to take a look at it. This is so depressing. We spent so much money so that we could make this interview on time and for nothing.

Congratulations!


I received the expedited advanced parole document today. When do you all estimate the rest of us might receive our interview dates?

Hi there,

Well, don't always believe what they say on Infopass. I also went for an appointment. I went on March 6th, the lady said "Don't even think about April. Your interview might be for May or June IF they approve or accept your RFE, assuming there won't be anyting else. When you name enters the queue, we're scheduling interviews for 35 days away" - Bottom line, my interview was scheduled 6 days later for April 14th. A little over a month after my Infopass.

You just never know, try to keep busy searching other things.

I thought you received your EAD. Your timeline says you received EAD on 2/23. You can travel with it.

Thank you, that was helpful!! Our lawyer didn't apply for I-131, so unfortunately we can't leave yet.

The person we spoke with said it looks like it will take 6-8 months. I know they have to over-estimate, so hopefully its sooner.

Hi daydreaming,

Ok, that is the standard message acknowledging that they received everything. Some people get a "Ready for Interview" after that. I did not get that, mine went straight to "Interview scheduled".

Did you end up going Monday?

What I would to too, is call the USCIS # on April 5th, because that reaches your 60 days waiting for an RFE response. They SHOULD give you an answer before the 60 days. It says on the notice "unless you have fingerprints or interview" they will make a decision.

Hello,

Yes, I went. The lady I spoke with pretty much told me it doesn't seem like anything will happen with our file anytime soon even though the 60 days is almost over. She said it has a lot to do with the fact that it took us 2 months to reply to the RFE (wasn't our fault but our lawyer's) and that their office is backed up. Thank you for the reply, I'll try to call on the 5th. This is all so frustrating, we need to visit my country soon or I'll lose all of my money there and we still haven't received our travel document.

Hi MrsHopkins,

I made an appointment with USCIS for this Monday. Not sure if it will help our case. The last message I received was this:

On February 4, 2015, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status, Receipt Number MSCxxxxx. Our National Benefits Center office will begin working on your case again. We will mail you a decision or notify you if we need something from you. You should receive a decision or case update by April 5, 2015, unless fingerprinting or an interview are needed.

Just realized I've been in the wrong forum this whole time. Hi everyone, we are waiting It took us a while to reply to our RFE, is that why its taking so long for us to hear back?

I noticed most K-1 visas are getting interview waivers, but what about F-1 visas? Anyone here that arrived on an F-1 visa?

Yes, you should receive both if you filed them together. The status update is the approval notice. From what I've read, its still possible to get an RFE even up to your interview date, but its not common.

You'll get it in less than 2 weeks. When its ready to send to you they'll give you a tracking number for USPS, then you'll receive it 1-2 days later. Check my timeline. Good luck!

Firstly, if you have a work permit, you can renew your driver's license. Please do that as soon as possible & call your DMV. You can definitely travel by local bus or one that travels to another state. You don't need an ID for that, just your ticket. I'm pretty sure you can travel within the US as long as you have an ID that's not expired, so you can (I think) use your passport and if not that you can get a general ID (or renewed driver's license) from the DMV. I'm very sorry about the divorce. Try your best to keep yourself busy. Good luck!

It took ours about 9 days before it gave us a tracking number for the USPS, then you get it 1-2 days after because its sent through priority mail. When I first received the notice I looked at other timelines. You will definitely get it in less than 2 weeks.

Congrats!!

I think it's completely random. Some just get approved all of a sudden, some get interview letters and some get interview waiver letters. I've had no news re: my I-485 since they received my RFE response on January 6th.

Any updates about your AP?

Thank you! I thought "AP" was I-130, instead of I-131. My lawyer did not file an I-131 until recently, not sure what will happen with that. However, I have no updates on I-130 since November if that helps.

We got the EAD card today in the mail!

Is there a reason why some get interview waivers while others get their green cards faster?

I don't see why you couldn't apply now. Send AP application with NOA 1 from your I-485, include a copy of the biographical page of his passport and his most recent I-94, all that with a request to expedite. Some say you can even do it in person by infopass appointment but I'm not sure if that's the case.

My advice is start another thread in the general AOS forum, more people will reply and possibly have better advice.

The only part I'm not sure about it if you can apply and send expedite request at the same time. Hopefully someone with better knowledge will chip in.

Also, dump the lawyer!

This is from USCIS website

Criteria for Expedited Processing of an Application

USCIS will expedite an application, including an application for a travel document, Form I-131, in certain situations, which may include:

• Severe financial loss to company or person;
• Emergency situations;
• Humanitarian reasons;
• Nonprofit organization whose request is in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States;
• Department of Defense or National Interest Situation (Note: The request must come from an official U.S. Government entity and state that delay will be detrimental to the Government.);
• USCIS error; or
• Compelling interest of USCIS.

You may submit an expedite request by contacting the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283, or by submitting a written request and supporting documentation with your application.

http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/travel-documents/emergency-travel

Good luck and let us know what happens!

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!!

Hi all,

I really need your help. My husband has to visit his country for an emergency. As recommended by our lawyer, we didn't apply for travel papers when we first filed. Is there anything else we can do?

The I-765 has been approved but no updates for the I-130. The only update is that they received it in November. Is that normal?

I am so sorry you are going through this. Whatever you decide to do, please do it ASAP. I think the law will take its time before they are completely out. After someone lives in your own for a certain amount of days, its very hard to kick them out. Is this your own home or a place you're renting?

EA card is being produced

Thank you so much to those that answered my questions. You all helped me sleep better at night. In our case, an RFE did not affect the work permit.

Yes I believe an RFE resets the 90 days window to get your EAD, but it doesnt prevent you from actually getting it, it ust postpone the process which is sometimes annoying. Did you file in November? It would seem strange that you had an RFE for initial evidence now? If it is really the case you should start counting from the time the USCIS acknowledge reception of your evidence.

Stay positive and Good luck, it's just a setback

Filed it the same time as you, but when we got the RFE we were dumbfounded on how to reply because we had done everything right. Got additional evidence which takes forever in the middle east which now I realize was completely unnecessary. When we touched base with our lawyer he mentioned that he never sent what we originally gave him. Grr. That really sucks. I don't think my husband can take staying at home much longer. Thank you for the reply and kind words

On a side note, should he start applying for jobs after he gets his EAD or is it possible for him to start now? What's everyone else doing?

Congratulations everyone!!!!

Does an RFE affect getting an EAD if its initial evidence? Our lawyer didn't send the right papers and didn't tell us until recently. If yes, is there any way around it?

Make an Infopass appointment at your local USCIS office. Take what you have and explain to them the situation. They will either accept what you have and enter it into the system or tell you what else you should get. Good luck!

I was so confused on why they were asking for additional evidence. They asked me to get a letter from the ministry of health back home which takes forever. I got one but they did it wrong so I have to request for another. BUTTT I just found out that my lawyer never sent the alternate document that I gave him when we originally filed our papers. This document is accepted according to the State Dept website so I don't think we would've had any issues or RFE if he had sent it. I mean, ahhhh! Its been more than 1.5 and now I find out.

Congratulations on the receipts. Most of the RFEs coming are for the I864 and evidence of income and for birth certificates. You have to wait for the RFE. Good Luck! Hope it is something simple.

Thank you! The RFE was sent out on Dec. 4, and I finally received it on Dec. 18. Like you said, it was for his birth certificate. I'm a bit confused on what to do next because we did send them the birth certificate translated into English and with the proper stamps, seals and signature. We don't have original birth certificates in Iraq because there were no proper hospitals where/when he was born and the government didn't really recognize us, so...

Husband's paperwork was received on 11/12, biometric appointment is on 12/10 (same day as his graduation in another state :/) and I just checked his status online and it says "Request for Initial Evidence". I'll be out of town when the mail arrives, is there any other way I can check to see what they need?