sweet01

Just called USCIS to check on my status - I'm at VSC and they said they are processing applications from Oct 2016, just fyi! 

Just thought to share my story. I have filed for ROC waiver .
Filed in May 2016 ROC waiver from Vermont but moved to Texas after two months.
Received RFE from Vermont in April 2017, responded. 
Called USCIS after no response regarding RFE for over a month, was told that i am in line to be interviewed and file on way to my local office and that i have to wait for the interview letter. 
The interview letter never came but i got the biometrics letter to take finger prints again. Did biometrics on Aug 10th and waited for the interview letter but no letter and then on Oct 11 i got email from USCIS that on Oct 10, 2017 we mailed your new card. Finally received the card today , process took 1 year 5 months.  Glad this is over. Next is citizenship but i have time for that. Goodluck to everyone going through the process.
 
My case i didnt have much evidence. In response to RFE i sent one page letter explaining my story frm the time i got married to till now . Then i enclosed one notarized affidavit from a close relative who knew us both as couple. And 2015 joint tax transcript. And some letters that i had received while living together with him at his address. Thats all i sent and i prayed. 
 
 

Hello, I just called the USCIS hotline last Monday, Agent said as of September this month the USCIS reviewing the August 2016 filers 😱 every 15th of the month they update the timeline of filers date they reviewed on. 
And also last month I called them too, the Agent told me timeline window between 9-11 months to receive an update of the removal of condition status. 
God Bless to all of us April filers🙏
Marney😊

Hi,
 
Please see my answers above (red font). Hope this helps.  Also, joint tax transcripts are better for ROC. Good luck! Regards.

In the same boat as you! Hopefully the wait isn't TOO long! *fingers crossed*

Hi guys,
 
A quick update. I just finished going to USCIS today for my biometrics. It just took me around 10-15 minutes.They just asked for my biometrics letter and green card then I just filled out a form asking for basic info such as name, previous name before marriage,phone #, ht, wt, nationality, citizenship, A#, application nos, color of eyes and hair and after filling up the form, they gave me a number then called me after and that's it. I also went there an hour before my appointment schedule and since they were not toxic that time, they let me in. 
 
Now, the waiiiitiiiing game begins.... Good luck to all of us! 

Hi guys,
 
A quick update. I just finished going to USCIS today for my biometrics. It just took me around 10-15 minutes.They just asked for my biometrics letter and green card then I just filled out a form asking for basic info such as name, previous name before marriage,phone #, ht, wt, nationality, citizenship, A#, application nos, color of eyes and hair and after filling up the form, they gave me a number then called me after and that's it. I also went there an hour before my appointment schedule and since they were not toxic that time, they let me in. 
 
Now, the waiiiitiiiing game begins.... Good luck to all of us! 

Hi,
 
Just a quick update. I just received my Biometrics Notice letter today and my schedule is on 05/09/17. The letter's date is 04/22/17.

Hi,
 
I filed at VSC and they cashed the check first  then received the mail after  

Hi Everyone,
 
Joining the April 2017 I-751 filer here. I sent my package 04/06/17. USCIS received it 04/07/17. I received my NOA1 today 4/15/17. I thought I would file last March but I decided to wait for our 2016 IRS so I've waited for 2 weeks though.
Good luck to all of us! 

thank you for doing it 

I did 😁

Hi Everyone,
 
Joining the April 2017 I-751 filer here. I sent my package 04/06/17. USCIS received it 04/07/17. I received my NOA1 today 4/15/17. I thought I would file last March but I decided to wait for our 2016 IRS so I've waited for 2 weeks though.
Good luck to all of us! 

Hi
Calm down calm down, just breathe first Actually that was my problem before - how to get joint accounts for my upcoming interview...like in your case, I was not included yet on the tax returns when my husband submitted it as well as the car insurance ..we don't have any insurance that time before a month of our sched AOS interview. But like @Tonald said, not all will get an in person interview, others will get potential interview waiver though so if you didn't get an interview scheduled yet then just wait for an interview waiver too.
Here are some of my suggestions for you because this is what I planned before;
1. dental plan - there are a lot of dental plans you can get right away and it's way much cheaper - http://www.dentalplans.com
2. 2 personal affidavits - either from family friends, neighbors or common friends (at least one or two)
3. electric bills - you can call them and ask to change the name. We did that when I came in
4. gym membership
5. living wills - most VJ's said this is a strong one
6. mail letters with your names on it with the same address
7. try to get as many photos as possible with your family and close friends too and the places you went together
8. P.O. box - you can rent it at UPS stores with both your names on it
9. hotels and plane tickets with your names on it
Hope this helps
Good luck and God Bless! Relax

Hi all,
I really need a big cup of frozen yogurt with a bunch of crunchy stuff in it.
My immigration journey was finally over today at 8:45 am in the Newark office (Newark, NJ) when IO told me I'm approved and that the oath ceremony is in a few hours. The appointment was scheduled for 7:30 am so I was in the first group of applicants for a naturalization interview today. The waiting room is fairly big, with 8 windows and three doors. Although about dozen of people was sitting and waiting to be called there was no noise in the room, the clerks quietly and politely kept registering more applicants as those came in. A little before 8 one guy came out of the admin door, he was smiling and said "Welcome to the USCIS office in Newark, you can relax now and have your drinks. The vending machines are in the hall. There's also a cafeteria downstairs. We hold three oath ceremonies today and also give free US flags. So good luck to everyone!". Everyone got cheered up after his words and it all started. My attorney arrived about 8:15. She went over the copy of my N400 and then waved to a few officers she saw behind the windows. I'm sure all these standard things are not interesting to you so I'll start with the details of my case. I was nervously waiting to be called. The concerns were not over the civic test but over my moral character: - I was married twice (first ex-hb sponsored my GC, married for 4 years; second ex-hb is also US citizen but we were married for only 3 months). - I have 4 traffic violations for the last 5 years (cafeteria choice: 2 speeding tickets; driving on red light; improper cell phone usage while operating a vehicle). All is paid but as far as the last one - I didn't show up for the appeal in court as I forgot. I thought it'll be on the driving history. - I'm in installment agreement with the IRS to pay my 2014 balance till August of this year. BUT I PAID IT ALL OUT THE DAY BEFORE THE INTERVIEW. - I changed 5-6 addresses and never notified USCIS about it. There were more short term residences that I don't even remember. - I think that some time 5 years ago I applied online for a federal reserve position and checked off the status US citizen (because there was no choice for green card holders - only visa holder or US citizen). I think.. I don't recall... Anyways, the IO finally called my name, and we walked towards the door. As soon as the officer opened it for us my attorney said "I have G-28", and the office said "No problem". (Note, I decided to bring the attorney basically last minute). The officer is in his 50s, looked very serious... HEAVY South American accent... Although my brain slept only 5 hours it was fast enough to process what he said for the first time so I didn't have to ask to repeat. But let me tell you, if there was someone who doesn't speak and understand English well - he would have a horrible time to communicate with this officer. NO OFFENSE TO THE IO, just saying). He started from asking to raise the right hand and swear to tell the truth..Then he asked for my ID, GC and passport. Then he started discussing the situation with my first name because, as he said, it's confusing. It's translated from my language so it sounds different from what it generally is. I explained all and I said that I want to go by the normal version. So he changed it. Next question he asked is if I was out of country for more than 6 months. I said no. Then he asked if I have any children. I said no. What do I do for living, where I work and for how long (I've been doing accounting for 6 years). Then he asked what company did I work prior to that and where. I explained that I moved to NJ again last year as I got a job here, and before that I lived and worked in Boston. Then he asked how for long I was in Boston before I moved to NJ for the second time? Moved on to the next..,He asked for how long was my first marriage and when we got divorced and whether I have any children. I explained all and said I have no children (note: second question about kids). Then he went to another marriage. "Oh, that was very short. Did you sponsor him a green card?". I said no, he's a U.S. Citizen. (Note: I indicated it on N400). He asked for copies of marriage and divorce certificates for both marriages so he can keep them. "Did you have any children?" (Note: same question third time). I said no. "Were you ever arrested or cited..?". I said I have traffic tickets. "Any DUI?". I said no. Moving on... "Do you owe any taxes?". I said no. (I didn't want to start the story with the installment agreement and that I paid it off just now). Straight question - straight answer. Then he went over the standard list of questions on N400. Then he went to civic questions: - What group of people was brought to the States as slaves? - Why did the colonists fight the British? - Who's the Vice President of the United States? - How many amendments to the Constitution? - What is the highest court in the United States? - Who makes federal laws? Then he asked to read "Who can vote", and then he asked to write "Citizens can vote". "Congratulations, you passed the test, I recommend you for approval". He gave me two pieces of paper to sign and sent back to the waiting room. So I brought a pile of supporting paperwork and copies and he ended up asking only for copies of marriage certificates and divorce decrees. No IRS, no taxes, no tickets, no leases, no proof of bona fide marriage etc. I felt relieved. For a moment, as I was sitting and waiting for the oath, I looked around me and I thought... I'm surrounded by so many different cute happy faces with different skin colors; different languages are striking my ears; and those Indian ladies wearing gorgeous bright outfits walked by like flying butterflies... May be it's the lighting in the room but all seemed so shiny and colorful, so beautiful. I felt like I'm holding the whole world in my hand. Isn't it amazing what this country is like? It's the star-spangled rainbow of cultures, and I'm so lucky to be a part of it! The Oath Ceremony was amazing. The 12 pm group consisted of 55 people representing 30 countries! As they called a country name the person from that country had to stand up and everyone clapped their hands. Once "all countries stood up" we all said the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Allegiance. Then we watched a video of Obama's congratulations-speech, photos of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island with the patriotic song in the background. Now it wasn't the same to listen to the anthem. This got so deeply into my heart because I finally listened to it as something that belongs to me as well. I'm happy for all of them, I'm happy for their families and for their babies that were impatiently waiting for the moms-new citizens and crying every five minutes. As far the clothing style of people... Everything from flip flops and beach dresses to formal suits. I was formal because that's my usual style for work, and I like it. But I don't judge people. After all it's the final step that should be joyful. Thank you VJs for all your input and encouraging words! Btw, the picture they put on my certificate is the one I submitted with N400 which is great (not the one they took during biometrics).

Document requirement 9 years ago may now be different post 911. Each DMV website explicitly shows what documents are needed. I think many of us will agree that some documents from the Phil look less then legit. Hopefully they will be upgrading soon, just as they are doing with computer systems and web pages.

There's nothing wrong with taking an attorney to an interview. Several of my friends work for companies that retain immigration lawyers. These lawyers accompany any employee who is applying for naturalization at no cost to the applicant.
However, there is a form (G-28) that should have been sent with the application to inform USCIS that an attorney will be handling the application. This form is intended to give the attorney access to your case so that he or she can attend Infopasses or make calls on your behalf. The form also contains information on the lawyer which prevents you from taking a friend to the interview and pretending he's a lawyer. However, I read one case where an interviewer was annoyed that someone showed up with an attorney without filing that form because the interviewer didn't expect the attorney. I don't know how strictly this is enforced.
Personally I do think that there is one benefit to having an attorney with you. We repeatedly see cases on here where interviewers are overly aggressive, rude, threatening, or in some cases openly racist or sexist. These are definitely a small minority of interviewers, but they do exist. I think that these interviewers are much less likely to behave poorly if a lawyer is present. Immigration lawyers know how to file complaints and they know when the interviewer is asking for things that are not required. If they regularly work interview cases then they will know many of the interviewers and supervisors.
Is a lawyer necessary? Absolutely not.
Is a lawyer worth paying for? Probably not.
Would I take lawyer for free? Absolutely.
The only thing I would worry about is that I would want a lawyer whom I had worked with and was comfortable with. I wouldn't want a lawyer who picked up my file for the first time on the morning of the interview.

Hi hon08
Yes, we do have our joint account under my married name already and it is at Wells Fargo. Yes, I think that will be alright just bring the agreement that you guys received on both banks (Chase and Bank of America) stating both of your names on it and then you can also print online your bank statements as well and you're all set don't worry everything will be fine, just do the Q and A portion thing that I suggest with your husband rgdg your relationship since how did you meet and all and the dates as well and you're all set Keep us updated kabayan

Hi all, I got so much information and help from all the forums on VisaJourney and I received my EAD card on Day 58 after I did my concurrent filing of I-485, I-130, I-131 and I-765 in early July 2014. I'd thought it'd be nice to collate all the resources I found and do a step-by-step list on how to expedite an EAD based on a job offer.
Make sure that you have a job offer letter that clearly states your start date. The USCIS will only expedite processing if you can prove that a lack of the renewed EAD will cause financial loss to you. More info can be found here http://www.uscis.gov/forms/expedite-criteria. Call National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 and put in a request for an expedited EAD under the “Severe financial loss to company or individual” criteria. You will most likely be speaking with a Tier 1 officer who won’t be able to help much. It’s just a crucial step for you to ensure that your expedited request gets in the USCIS system. Note the Service Request case number – this is the number that the congressman’s office will use to look up your expedited request with the USCIS. Find your congressman at http://www.house.gov/htbin/findrep?ZIP=98004&Submit=FIND+YOUR+REP+BY+ZIP Go to the congressman’s website and search for the privacy release form. It will look something like this: http://adamsmith.house.gov/uploadedfiles/privacy_release.pdf . You needs to print out this completed form. Draft up a letter explaining why you need to expedite the processing of his renewed EAD. I’ve attached an edited version of my letter in this thread for your reference. Call the congressman’s office and request to speak to an immigration liaison staff. He/she will ask you to sign the privacy release form and fax the completed form before they will do anything. Fax the completed privacy release form together with the drafted letter and any supporting documents to the congressman’s office The congressman’s office should be able to get back to you within 2 weeks (or less, this is just based on my own experience!) about whether or not your expedited request was approved Please note that this is only based on my experience, and is not representative of everyone's experience nor is it an official representation of the process. Obviously you have to be fairly certain that your EAD WILL not arrive before the start date of you job. If your EAD is scheduled to arrive within the next 2 weeks, then there is no point in expediting it. My job offer letter came on Day 29 after I did my concurrent filing, and there was no way my EAD card would have arrived in time for me to start my job.
I wouldn't have received my EAD so fast if it wasn't for all the information and resources here. I just want to pay it forward and help anyone else who’s in a similar situation as I was. Mods, please delete this thread if you think that it's inappropriate. Thanks!
Letter to Congressman for EAD Expedite based on job offer.doc

Speaking as a man and a fairly newly wed individual, I can somewhat understand his reaction.
1. Your desire to meet up with other people, especially strangers, gives out the impression that you're already bored with him and your life here, and that you want to spend time with someone else other than him. Sure, it's insecurity on his part, but think about it: you're married to him, and you are still in a relatively early stage of your marital relationship, and you want to meet up with strangers to satisfy something that may or may not be lacking in your relationship with your husband. The difference in age only makes it worse, because he feels threatened about people he does not know spending time with his wife, regardless of how harmless it is.
2. Chalk it up to insecurity or jealousy or possessiveness, but put yourself in his shoes: He has a young wife for whom he went through all the trouble bringing here to start a new life and he is thinking that you have found happiness with him. And then you spring this meetup to him without asking him if it was okay to begin with. You said yourself that he isn't the socializing type - which leads him to believe that since you wanted to meet up with strangers, you find their companionship more enjoyable than his, and he begins to question himself and whether or not he can make you happy.
3. The rift with his sister does contribute to his insecurity. I am 100% sure that he hears some unflattering things about you from her, but you said that you were in relatively good terms at first. Being in a new country is all about adjustments. In-laws are always troublesome because they do not know you that well yet.
I had the same experience with my mother and my brother, who initially said bringing my fiancee (now wife) here is not a good idea, and since she already had children, they said all sorts of things like her trying to take advantage of me and just being with me for the green card so she can petition an alleged boyfriend (of the father of the kids). But once she finally got here, she did her best to get closer to them. In Filipino terms, binobola bola niya para mapalapit ang loob (bluffing her way and kidding with them until they felt comfortable with her). Now, my mother buys her clothes, and my brother even helped decorate and prepare the room that her daughters are gonna be staying in.
4. You should understand that international marriages are wrought with scams, and they are also scared. You should gain their trust and roll with it until they are comfortable with you and start thinking of you as family instead of "that young girl who married someone older."
5. As I said before, you went about it the wrong way... you told him that you will be going with a stranger to a meetup, without asking him first if (a) it was okay for you to go alone, (b) can he go with you because there will be strangers there, and © pleading for him to come with you, even if you already know he probably inconvenience him. The point I'm making is you consult with him since he's your husband, and because you are new to the country. You should apologize to him and ask him to forgive you for not asking him first, and explain calmly your intentions for making those preparations without consulting him. You seemed to have good intentions, but the problem is he does not know about them. Communication is the key. And do this with his sister as well. Sit down with her and be open about your concerns. Tell her that you want to get along with her because you are now family. Maybe tell her that you don't like cats, and that you didn't mean anything bad with your earlier actions. My wife and I get into arguments, but we don't let it simmer. She wants to go outside a lot because she was bored inside the house, but she asks me if she can go. She tells me where she is going. She does not meet with strangers unless I was with her. And I do the same with her. If you do love your husband, work on your relationship. Work on your marriage. Ego will net you a divorce. Good luck.

Sounds like you got a major idiot at SSA, may need to ask for a supervisor. The SS-5 details what is required to obtain the SSN, maybe the guy working there should read it.

SSN is the life and soul of you identity in the u.s. anything can be found.

So your spouse loves to travel more than her husband's immigration matters. Something is not right here buddy. You reschedule interview many days before actual date, not after.

Hi thespoons
Wow, bon voyage! I also brought my wedding dress but since it's bulky , I placed it on my check-in baggage. I think it's also okay if you want it to place on a carry-on baggage as long as you followed the required measurements and weight of the baggage as per rule of Cathay Pacific, it would be fine.

I don't know your culture and I can't relate? Just because my wife is Filipino and I am American doesn't mean I don't know your culture. I have lived, worked, and resided around Pakistanis,Indians(both North and South Indians), and Nepalis for many years now. I know about the culture and the taboos that are associated with it.
We have tried to help and figure out your father's case for you, but you don't want to take our advice. You just want to belittle us for asking questions and trying to give you some tough love. You want to act like you are the only person that has ever suffered from PTSD and Depression at the same time. I know it is tough trust me I know. I work a full time 40 hour a week job all the while going to school full time to get a Bachelor of Science degree, being a father to my 3 kids and a husband to my wonderful wife.