francais_usa

I searched around VJ a little bit, but any other advice is appreciated: are there any issues with filing unemployment with regards to ROC or naturalization? My husband works as a consultant, so he doesn't necessarily have work every week and his colleagues file unemployment for that. I read that it's fine since unemployment is not a "means tested benefit".  I couldn't find anything about unemployment in the naturalization guidebook, so would love if someone could help out with this! Thanks!

18 month extension received today! Updated sheet!

Anyone else thinking about naturalization?  We become eligible in February 2019!  

"The spouse of a U.S. citizen filing for naturalization on the basis of his or her marriage may file the naturalization application up to 90 days before the date he or she would first meet the required three-year period of continuous residence. ^[11] Although an applicant may file early and may be interviewed during that period, the applicant is not eligible for naturalization until he or she has satisfied the required three-year period of residence. All other requirements for naturalization must be met at the time of filing."

28 minutes ago, iPod said:

I also got the 18 months letter today. Updated the sheet.

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iGyq5ZCEZ6fOYJCSryivspbAo6dQUacfHJH9AuL51Wg/edit#gid=1710824375

Hmmm our NOA1 is dated before yours, and we haven't gotten the extension letter yet...did you get a USCIS status update about it as well?

Just a heads up to those traveling on the expired GC + letter - hubby had POE at EWR, and everything went smoothly.  It took longer for us to leave via FCO because I don't think they were familiar with the letter and wanted to make sure we could get back into the U.S. properly. 

Our biometrics was officially waived as well. Will update the sheet shortly.

51 minutes ago, LEL said:

I haven't done my bio, from what I can tell people who filed in January at CSS are still waiting for bio appointments.

Yep I realize that - I was just wondering why our statuses changed. This is what mine changed to today:

45 minutes ago, Stone23 said:

Did my biometrics last Friday and no new update.  Says the same as before.  No info available, call USCIS.  

 

Another issue, our biometrics letter has the same case number as the extension letter.  Thought I read somewhere it should be a different case number.  

Stone23 - after loading it up on the new website, do you have a diff status?

7 minutes ago, Mika2790 said:

Ok today I sent in my I-751 form but forgot to put in N/A in the areas that's not relevant to me . But I have 11 evidences,should I be worried?

 

I don't think the N/A thing is a big deal - don't worry about it. 

5 hours ago, iPod said:

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it the status update people get after having taken their biometric?? Which would mean no biometric for you! 

 

Anyone from VSC who are done with biometrics got the same update?

 

 

Ooo really? I hadn’t heard of this. Can someone confirm?

1 minute ago, LEL said:

Mine says the same thing.

 

Are you finished with your bio?

1 hour ago, mjtollef said:

Got a notification that action was taken and checked our account. It says: “We reviewed your biometrics and are still processing your case. You do not need to do anything at this time.” 

 

Anyone familiar with this? We hadn’t gotten a biometrics notice yet. Does this mean they used the old ones and we wont get an appointment?

We got the same thing today. I wouldn't read too much into it - I don't think this means no biometric, it's just a general update.

8 hours ago, iPod said:

Yes they are, but all from VSC. Nothing for CSC since December.

Thank you!!

15 minutes ago, iPod said:

I wouldn't worry too much about that. No one from January and February who filed at CSC even got their appointments yet! Looks like we won't be getting one for a long time (if at all).  Apparently all the people who made inquiries received some generic letter stating that they may not even get an appointment. 

 

If I look at the December filers, a many people have not received their appointments yet (of course only the CSC filers). 

 

Hmm so the letters today weren’t biometrics? I see one post that said they received one today - Sorry I’m just confused, haven’t been following this thread as closely. 

Can everyone who got biometrics today update the doc? https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iGyq5ZCEZ6fOYJCSryivspbAo6dQUacfHJH9AuL51Wg/edit#gid=400305003

I only see one entry, and we're trying to figure out when ours might come in.  Thank you!

7 hours ago, Sabrina&Chuck said:

just go to a uscis office and get a stamp into your passport 🤷🏻‍♀️

Mmm no.  The passport stamp is only after your 1 year extension has expired. 

8 hours ago, The212 said:

I am planning to travel to Mexico next month. My card will be expired and I will take my NOA with me. Will I have trouble getting into Mexico? Anyone heard about  experiences like these?

There’s no issues getting into other countries.  The issue is coming back, but you will be fine w/ your NOA1 and expired card.

8 hours ago, Sabrina&Chuck said:

oh i already have sent my biometrics with. I'm just trying to track if they have cashed it yet or not 🙆‍♀️.

I wasn’t referring to that - I was just talking about biometrics timelines

8 hours ago, kirkn09 said:

Received my NOA 1, guess I should have waited until I checked my mail haha. Now that we received this, I am not too worried about the wait anymore.  My biggest worry is just if the biometrics appointments fall during one of our vacations we have planned this summer. 

 

 

You can always follow the Feb thread to figure out when your biometrics will be scheduled.  There’s a person who filed on Feb 1st but still has not received their biometrics w/ CSC.  Vermont is definitely faster. 

On 3/30/2018 at 8:34 PM, Sabrina&Chuck said:

hm🤔 idk how i could see that lol. I'm a lil overwhelmed by this haha

7 minutes ago, Sabrina&Chuck said:

I still have to figure out if they cashed it or not have to contact my bank for this matter i guess.  

Did you use a personal check? It should just show up as a deduction of $680 in your checking’s account. 

NOA1 received! 

Google doc updated!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iGyq5ZCEZ6fOYJCSryivspbAo6dQUacfHJH9AuL51Wg

QUESTION: Hubbie is traveling abroad tomorrow - does he need to travel with this letter if his GC has not expired yet? And does it need to be the original NOA1 (not a copy)?

On 3/23/2018 at 2:25 PM, neoblast said:

 

 

I will wait 'til mid next week but my second package is ready just in case the first one is lost. God forbid!

Ah, ok good luck and keep us updated!

13 hours ago, waiting4areason said:

Hi All,

I am in need of advice as we are preparing to send hubby's ROC docs. As far as evidence go, this is the list we have. Will that be enough? I know we need to everything but the kitchen sink but not sure what else we can add.

 

Evidence of the Ongoing Relationship

• Copy of Certificate of Marriage
• Signed letter from wife’s father to attest living arrangement from 2015 to 2017
• Copy of Lease Agreement showing joint occupancy
• Copy of Utility Bill
• Two (2) photo albums that includes photos of us together over the years
• Copy of insurance plan showing joint policy
• Copy of car title showing joint ownership
• Copy of car insurance 
• Copy of cell phone bill showing both our names
• Copy of greeting card addressed to us both
• Copy of boarding pass of trip in 2016
• Copy of driver licenses showing shared address
• Copy of bank statements
• Copy of credit card and credit card statement showing joint account
• Copy of joint tax return for 2015 and 2016
• Profile page from wife’s(USC) company showing the beneficiary of life insurance
• Copy of wife (USC) company profile showing emergency contact
• Copy of 401K plan and 401K retirement plan showing my wife as beneficiary
• Copy of company profile showing wife as emergency contact

 

Questions: how many bank statements are needed? Will 5 for each year enough? 

 

Thanks  

It's up to your discretion how many statements to include.  I would do monthly bank account statements and quarterly credit card statements.  But your other evidence is great, so you may not need to do monthly - up to you!

1 hour ago, neoblast said:

I am starting to get a bit worried. I've seen a few people whose package was received after mine getting their NOAs or at least get their check cashed. I wonder if this has anything to do with the expiration date on the GC. It seems those with expiring GC get their NOAs much faster than others. Mine expires in May, so maybe they think they have time.

My husband’s expires in May as well, and our check was cashed today - I would try calling.

Check cashed this morning!

No one who has filed to CSC in the January group has gotten a Biometrics notice....you lucky VSCers!!!

17 hours ago, ajyun said:

Hey guys, 

 

I m going to send the package this week. These are my evidences:

- joint tax files 2016 and 2017

- copies of pictures together in international trips and inside USA

- copies of airline tickets

- copies of checking account statements

- copies of apartment fire insurance

- copies of medical cards

So far I think my evidences are not strong enough, I don't have a lot of major ones like will, mortgage, life insurance, car insurances, utilities bill and apartment lease. Do you think it s gonna affect a lot on my case?

 

And also I m going to move again probably after the biometric finger print, do you think it affects my case a lot?

Are you living with family?  If so, can  you get them to write affidavits attesting to your relationship and the fact that you live there?  USCIS only sees what you include in your packet - if you include nothing at all about shared living, it will look suspicious.  Try to explain your living situation on the cover letter.  Do you take the bus or metro (explain the lack of car stuff).  Also, could you add a joint phone plan? You can definitely add to your packet!

15 hours ago, Koolos said:

I filed my application on March 8 and it was delivered March 10. It's been more than 10 days since then I haven't received the NOA letter and when I call WU the money order has not been cashed yet. I am really worried. Should I file another petition in case my packet is lost?

There's no reason to file another case until you have received notification to do so - that will only be more confusing for the case officer!  It will be fine, don't worry (I know, easier said than done!)

2 hours ago, Jeffrey&David said:

Hi All: We are finally able to file our I-751.  We have been diligently preparing for this moment, so we have everything together to send.  Here is what we plan to send: 

 

1. I-751 Completed Form;

2. Copy (Front/Back) of David's Permanent Resident Card

3. Copy of Both of our Driver's Licenses with same address

4. Copy of our Deed to our home purchased in 2016 as joint tenants w/right of survivorship along with current tax bills showing both names (Mortgage is in my name only due to income qualifications)

5. Signed Lease from Date David Moved here until Moving into our house

6. Copy of Car Title, Bill of Sale, Loan Information, and Insurance bills showing joint ownership and liability

7. Declaration of Support from My Mother and Our Friend who has been staying in our house the last 6 months detailing that we are creating a life together and observation of that

8. Copies of our Wills and HealthCare Proxys

9. Copy of Insurance Cards showing both names, Tax Forms showing paid since he moved here, and an active status screen shot

10. Tax Returns for 2016, 2015 (have not yet filed 2017)

11. Life Insurance Policies w/beneficiary information for both of us

12. Photos with family friends from 2017, 2016, 2015 (from marriage forward)

13. Joint Correspondence received in both names from 2017, 2016, 2015

14. Pictures & Proof of Trip from 2017 to Toronto

15. Pictures & Proof of Trip from 2016 Christmas when we visited his family in Mexico

16. Statements from Joint Bank Account (every three months) Opened June 2016.  (Is this an issue as we were married October 2015 - We didnt add him to account, but opened his own account and then combined)

17. Statements from Joint Credit Card Opened August 2016. 

 

I think that is it.  Does that look like a strong package of proof?  I know it seems like its a year wait for this process to happen, so another waiting period. Glad to have our fellow VJ friends here for support. 

Great evidence! 

For 10, try tax transcripts rather than returns.  You can request them quickly online and get it without any wait.  

For the bank statements, do every single month rather than every three months since you opened it almost a year after marriage - the more financial comingling you have, the better!  

22 hours ago, iPod said:

I'm getting my package ready and wasn't going to include a copy of my passport since it's not a requirement. I can't say for sure, but I would think that since it's not a requirement, then it shouldn't matter that it's expired. I wouldn't renew it just yet. If they send you a RFE (which I can't see why they would), then you would have to renew it at that time.

Yeah I don't see anyone giving out RFE's for this if it's not required.  They have all our old packets too, so I'm sure they already have a pic of the passport.

9 hours ago, sara_j24 said:

Hello everyone!

I  mailed my documents on Wednesday  (march 13th) and my package is supposed to get there by the end of today ( march 16th). I have a question meanwhile....my drivers license will expire st the same time as my conditional residency ( May 19th). Can I renew it using my expired green card and NOA1?  

Unfortunately, the DMV is a huge pain, and it really depends what state you are in.  See this thread for more info:

43 minutes ago, Hamidparis said:

Just got my package delivered today...Does anyone know how long roughly I should get the appointment letter ? 

 

Just asking because i'll be out of the states from the the 1st to the 22nd of april

 

Thanks 

You can always defer the biometrics to a later date - I know people on VJ that pushed their biometrics back more than once, and it was fine.

16 hours ago, Anna&Jim said:

Ohhh and my GC expires in May as well (May 18) do you think they take that into consideration?

My husband's GC expires on the same date! I think there were people on this forum that submitted within a week of their GC expiration, and I feel like they got their NOA1's faster bc of that.  I don't think it will effect us though since May is a while off.  And I definitely remember you from AOS! Nice to see you back in ROC

10 hours ago, ch3john said:

Quick poll: Did you send full tax returns or tax transcripts?

 

I'm starting to get a little nervous because we sent tax transcripts and not the full return. The instructions say to send "tax returns" but i'm getting mixed messages when I search this site. We also didn't send W-2's because that info is on the transcripts. 

ch3john, I remember you from AOS too haha! Tax transcripts always trump returns.  They contain everything that the full return does, including W-2 info - I don't think anything will happen if you didn't send the W-2's, so don't worry. 

Package delivered!