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23 minutes ago, rostofer said:

Congrats on your AoS approval!

 

^ Quite surprised to hear that they would say this, following receipt of my EAD/AP a couple of weeks ago, my wife and I have booked a trip to London to visit my family at the end of the month. I appreciate that there could be cause for concern for anyone who has visited, or who has citizenship of, any of the middle-eastern countries that were arbitrarily defined in the recent so-called "travel ban". Especially as there is now talk from the Trump administration about potentially issuing a revised executive order. If that were to come into force while travelling outside of the states, while in AP status, I suppose then it could cause issues getting back through.

Thanks!

Yes I hear you... however, I don't have citizenship or any ties whatsoever to those listed countries. The officer said USCIS can say one thing (you're all clear, all day long) but an on the spot CBP officer can say the opposite. You're never guaranteed reentry with AP. It's a hope for the best scenario - granted, most of the time it is okay. I'm a travel agent and I've heard a lot of crazy surprising scenarios as of late so I'd just prefer not to leave anything open for interpretation. And yes there is that - what orders could be put in place while you're outside the country?! It only means waiting a couple extra weeks for me so I'm okay with that. By the time my combo card arrived it was 2 days before my interview. Wish you a wonderful trip home and easy reentry!

I entered on a K1 visa but we did have an interview on Tuesday past and was approved!! The officer was very friendly and verified our documents, asked my husband how we met (during this time she interacted with both of us throughout the story), wanted copies of joint bank statements, bills, proof of us at the same address... and looked at our wedding photos, pointed out some family and asked who they were - that was it. Very relaxed and said we made her job easy. Over prepared is better than under prepared.

We did have discussion about my EAD/AP and she said with all the upheaval at the borders and since it is ultimately up to the CBP officer to have the last say on your reentry using the AP, she would strongly advise against using it if at all possible. Wait for the Green Card to arrive before making plans to leave the country. Makes sense. Good luck to you all!!

1 hour ago, Dutchster said:

How long did your verification take?

It was done while I was sitting at the window in the DMV. I was there well over an hour by the time it was all said and done but as she was doing her computer work she stopped and said "oh good! it all checks out with USCIS and it's all good." She had immigrated herself on a K1 a while ago so perhaps that's why she was patient. It was TONS of paperwork for her and she had to check with her supervisor to see if they would give me an expiry date a year from the last NOA date (beginning of Jan) - which they did. She said when I get my green card to come back and they will extend it.

I followed the advice on this forum and applied for SSN with my maiden name before we got married as soon as I entered the US (Aug '16) - no problems, and as soon as we were married (Sept '16) I went back to change to my married name using a certified marriage certificate. When I went to DMV the first time I only had my i-94 (which was expired) so I had to go back a second time with my latest NOA letter stating I have an AOS interview coming up next week - proving my lawful presence here I guess. Once it was all run through the system, it verified and the lady said it all checked out with USCIS and there were no issues - wrote the written test and DL in hand within the week.

My AP/EAD was still in processing at that time.

I know it's too late now but I strongly stress the SSN as soon as you enter the US to anyone I speak with. I've gotten "oh good you have a SSN!" a lot, even at banks etc when we were opening joint accounts before we were married. Before the name change and AOS complication starts it's good to get it out of the way.

That's a tough one - I called 6 or more CS in my area and as soon as their admin staff said the CS would not sign off the form without another full medical I told them I wasn't interested in their services and tried another. Eventually I found one who was willing to fill out what I needed (only parts 1, 2, 4 and 7 with vacc record).

It's unfortunate the CS you saw didn't make it clear that they wouldn't sign off the whole form from the beginning of the process - if it were me, I would've argued paying their fees based on that fact. I agree it is confusing in the wording on the form and the instructions for a K-1 visa. I'm not sure if the ambiguity allows for CS to use it as a money grab or they just don't care to take on the liability. Besides calling around and finding another CS who is willing to read the requirements and comply, I wouldn't know what to recommend to you. You could try sending in what you have, with an explanation but the way I read it is that section 4 must be signed. Wish you luck!

I am also K1 and AOS with last update Dec 9 - ready to be scheduled for interview. You're not alone.

Ok thanks, guys! I'll just add a note explaining that the exam was outside of flu season so the vaccination was not required and I'll hope for the best! Hopefully they will figure it out and not give us an RFE.

Writing a note may confuse them more.

I wouldn't hesitate to write a note if it puts your mind at ease. Make sure it's attached to the referenced form/page.

Agree - I was missing an immunization date that wasn't transcribed on the DS-3025 and I had to call 5+ civil surgeons in the area to finally find one who would agree to do the correct vaccination transcribing now on the I-693 for $120 (!!! - it only cost me $15 in Canada). All the other CS's were insisting I have another full physical which cost $250+. It's like they hear immigration and think $$$$. I told them if they read the form instructions they would know I had one already and it wasn't required for my K1 visa and they simply refused to do it. I couldn't believe it - it's a money scam.

And the CS also required I get a flu shot (because it's now 2017 flu season)... and I had the 2016 flu shot with my physical prior to entering the US.

In short, it was a hassle and I would wait for the RFE - they should look at the August date and put 2 and 2 together.

Did you figure anything out with this? We are presently in the same situation... though only looking for a couple weeks extra after the NOA2 expiry.

Thanks!