SariEva

25 minutes ago, SeanDowney0309 said:

 Its so frustrating when I am an someone who was born and raised in England and only speaks English!!

 

 

I can only imagine!  It seems like such a huge waste of time and effort both on your part and the USCIS staff to have to verify that you speak English. It seems obvious, but I suppose for many immigrants it might not be so.  

I think we also have to wait to see exactly how much weight they apply to this new form.  Maybe it's not a big deal and they will simply accept the evidence you do have, along with the fact that you're coming from an English speaking country.  As with any change, there's a learning curve to see how it plays out.  Unfortunately for you, you're one of the test cases.   Best of luck!  Hang in there!

Another thought, is to seek proficiency in the US.  We didn't have to complete form I-944, but after we married, and before my husband could work, he completed a GED program in the US.  There is an English proficiency test in the GED program.  Obviously those will also be closed due to Covid, so it might not be an option either, but there may be something online that you can enroll in. 

Section 5 of the instructions for form I-944 states "Provide any evidence of language certifications, including any language or literacy classes you took or are currently taking, or other evidence of proficiency."  Anything you're currently taking could be enough enough supporting evidence for your cause.  

For my husband, the GED process was much easier than trying to track down and have certifications evaluated for equivalency.  It can also be used for employment or educational pursuits. 

2 minutes ago, SeanDowney0309 said:

I just noticed after reading through the I-944 instructions again that in the section  Your Education and Skills (Page 11, Item Number 2 & 3) it says the following: 

 

If it is available, you must provide evidence of any degrees or certi cations received, such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, and trade profession certi cates or equivalent (if this evidence is unavailable, you should provide an explanation and, if possible, evidence of unavailability such as a letter from the issuing institution).

 

At the start it clearly states IF IT IS AVAILABLE...so I'm hoping a letter explaining my situation along with the proof I have of unavailability will be sufficient 

The USCIS Policy Manual on Public Charge Summary for Immigration Practitioners.pdf 135.55 kB · 0 downloads

That is a logical assumption, but because they've differentiated Occupational Skills and English Skills into two different sections, I worry that the section 4 instructions may not apply to section 5.  Especially because section 5 doesn't have the same language.  At this point, it's worth a try, but I would wait as long as you can before filing the AOS, because it does sound like it's a required portion of the I-944 form.  You don't want to give them any reason to deny your application. 

2 hours ago, SeanDowney0309 said:

Hi, 

 

Thank you for your responses @Livmor & @p.dang. So you have both submitted your AOS package without the proof of education or english proficiency? Did you state in the letter that you would provide the evidence at the interview? Or did you just explain the you were unable to obtain due to covid-19?

 

Many Thanks 

Another option is to email the AQA.  Their website says they aren't processing requests for past certification, but they may reply via email telling you as much and you could include that email with your AOS package as proof that you've attempted to retrieve the required evidence, and have a valid reason for not including it at this time.  You may even get lucky and the AQA will reply with a better answer, as to how you can retrieve the evidence while they are closed.  

You probably already have this, but here is contact info I found on their website.  

If you can, please email us instead.

Tel: 0800 197 7162

Email: eos@aqa.org.uk, results@aqa.org.uk

Hope this helps.  Good luck!

1 hour ago, kranthi143 said:

No I filed online. Pretty straight forward process. No need of attorney.

Would you recommend filing online for the N400?  Our I751 has just been approved, so I'm starting to make plans for the next step.  My husband will be eligible to submit in June. Anything we should start thinking about now?

I don't recall ever getting the "fingerprint received"status, after he did the biometrics.   Where do you look at the cases around your number?  Is in the USCIS case tracker app?  

On 4/21/2020 at 7:32 PM, JourneyingByUSCIS said:

Congrats @MandyJ. So happy for you guys and nice to see so many May approvals. Would you mind sharing your case number without last 3 characters please

Are you checking a list to see where approvals are in a case list?  I remember checking something similar when we started our process, but I can't remember where exactly I found the list.  

7 hours ago, SariEva said:

 

Our case was approved on Tuesday at LIN.  We filed at the end of June, 2019 and hadn't heard anything since November when my husband went for biometrics.  Then on Monday, just before the tweet, the case tracker app changed to "new card ordered."  Tuesday, it changed again to "case approved." 

 

Today, 4/23/20, the case tracker app says the new card was mailed.  That was quick!  Waiting to see if anyone else has movement on their case.

On 4/21/2020 at 10:18 AM, SariEva said:

Today, 4/21/20, the "we ordered a new card" message was replaced with a "I-751 Case was approved" message on the case tracker app.  It also says they've sent the approval notice and if we don't receive it by May 6, to go to uscis.gov/e-request.  No "card has been mailed" message.

 

 

Update:  Case tracker says the new card was mailed today, 4/23/20. So...3 days from card ordered to card mailed.  I've read on here it usually takes about 7-10 days to mail the card, so that was quick!  

Has anyone else had any news?

55 minutes ago, Randyandyuni said:

One would hope, I know LIN has had a lot of approvals in the last month, I hope it keeps up

Our case was approved on Tuesday at LIN.  We filed at the end of June, 2019 and hadn't heard anything since November when my husband went for biometrics.  Then on Monday, just before the tweet, the case tracker app changed to "new card ordered."  Tuesday, it changed again to "case approved." 

59 minutes ago, Sarasota said:

That's good to hear, I'm hoping for some kind of update in the next month or so.

 

With offices closed for face to face appointments, it makes sense that they can focus on our case files...

I do think you're right.  They seem to be going through the cases that don't require face to face interviews.  May be just a coincidence that they're catching up with caseload, or maybe there was word of some upcoming changes and they wanted to clear as many cases as possible before the change.    In any case, it seems to be good news for the ROC applicants.  I'm watching to see how many more get approved in the next week or so.  And hoping for the best for those affected by the new order. Stay strong in these complicated times. 

The executive order was signed and it DOES NOT appear to affect those removing conditions or anyone currently in the US.  This looks like good news for us, but I think there are still a lot of questions for others.  Wishing everyone a little bit of luck. 

Yes, I think some July filers were approved even before my husband.  It does matter which office is handling your case, so that could be why.  They don't always go exactly in order, I've noticed.  I haven't checked the August filers yet.  I think I'll have a look there. 

No one really knows what Trump means by the things he's said about the executive order so far.  And it's entirely possible that what he says may not be what ends up being implemented based on the executive order.  I think some of our questions will have to be figured out by the USCIS after the order is signed, because the executive order certainly won't be able to clarify every single situation. 

This is what I know for sure...My husband submitted his I-751 last June.  On Monday, 4/20/20, the same day Trump sent his tweet, the case tracker app said that a new green card had been ordered for him.  On Tuesday, well after the tweet, the case tracker app said that his I-751 had been approved.   This could mean a number of things...

One thing I read said that Trump wanted to stop issuing green cards.  Does that mean stop processing new applications for green cards or does it mean any and all green cards?  As in, will they stop physically printing green cards for everyone regardless of where they are in the process?  Does it mean that pending I-751's will be processed?  Or just that my husband was able to sneak through before the actual executive order was signed and all other pending I-751's will sit in limbo?   We just don't know yet. I'm not even positive that he will even receive a new green card, until it's actually in his hand.  

I would say the best thing to do is to continue everything based on the rules as we know them as this very moment.  If you're in the middle of the process continue with your plans as if there was no executive order.  And even after it's signed, still continue with your process.  The only way to know for sure is when an application is firmly denied.  All the speculation in the various news reports and all of the opinions from insiders are just guess work at this point.   The only thing we can control is how we react to all of this speculation and opinion.  

I will definitely post any updates on our progress here, if that helps anyone.  Keeping  you all in my thoughts. Stay healthy and positive! 

4 minutes ago, millefleur said:

**Derailing posts removed. Please report posts that go off-topic instead of replying to them and thus derailing the thread**

 

VJ Moderation

I'm confused...the topic of this thread is the executive order suspending immigration.  Are we not allowed to share opinions about the executive order?  Can you point me to the forum rules that define "derailing" or "off topic" posts?

2 hours ago, arman597 said:

congrats, 

This is what I read from Washington Post column 

"For Trump’s executive order to have the kind of sweeping impact he appears to seek, it would have to direct the State Department and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to immediately stop issuing immigration visas and green cards. That would potentially leave the fiancees, children and other close relatives of U.S. citizens and residents unable to reach the United States or legally remain here, and it’s unclear whether some of those categories could be exempted from the order."

what does it mean ?

We don't know what it means yet.  It appears to suggest that anyone who doesn't already have a green card or visa, would not get one.  If their status expires they would have to leave the country or become illegal. Those who are in the middle of the process would be in limbo, because it's not clear how they would be impacted.  I think we just have to wait for the executive order to be issued and then wait to determine how the order will be implemented. 

The good news is that everyone here is an expert at "waiting"! Lol! 😉

11 hours ago, SariEva said:

After seeing the latest news on temporary suspension of immigration, I checked the app to see if our status had changed at all.  So happy to see that a new card is being processed.  

 

Filed I751 on June 20, 2019 (LIN)

Biometrics on November 14, 2019

New card (and approval apparently) on 4/20/20

 

Such great news during this crazy time.  We can't file N400 for another two months, but at least we don't have to worry about the green card.  

 

Good luck to everyone.  Stay healthy!

Today, 4/21/20, the "we ordered a new card" message was replaced with a "I-751 Case was approved" message on the case tracker app.  It also says they've sent the approval notice and if we don't receive it by May 6, to go to uscis.gov/e-request.  No "card has been mailed" message.

I know I shouldn't read the news reports at the moment, because it's all speculation at this point, but I'm worried the president's executive order will prevent the "new green card" from being produced.   I wonder if the timing of the approval and his tweet was just coincidence or if the USCIS knew something was coming and tried to finish pending applications.  Or maybe the staff just had more time because all face-to-face appointments were canceled, so they had more time to work on pending cases that don't require an in-person interview.

We're in a better place than most, so I'm just going to be grateful that it was approved, and not worry that we've come so far just to have it ripped away at literally the last minute.

Best of luck to all June filers!  I hope you all get your approvals as well!

1 minute ago, Hannah_NYC said:

Congrats!!! 🤸‍♀️🎉🎉🎉🎉

What center? And can you share where were you checking the status,  because I know there are a few websites/apps? 

Thank you!

The Nebraska center (case number started with LIN).  And we use the the USCIS Case Tracker App.  We've had it for the whole process and it's worked pretty well.  

After seeing the latest news on temporary suspension of immigration, I checked the app to see if our status had changed at all.  So happy to see that a new card is being processed.  

Filed I751 on June 20, 2019 (LIN)

Biometrics on November 14, 2019

New card (and approval apparently) on 4/20/20

Such great news during this crazy time.  We can't file N400 for another two months, but at least we don't have to worry about the green card.  

Good luck to everyone.  Stay healthy!

Every state has different requirements for obtaining a driver's license.  In Wisconsin, my husband needed his EAD card first, to show that he was authorized to reside in the state for a least 6 months. His license expires when his EAD does, so hopefully his green card will be approved before then. 

A quick review of the Arizona DMV website seems to indicate that she may be able to drive with her Ukranian license, since only "residents" are required to have an Arizona license.  They define resident:

Resident Definition

State law requires that you obtain an Arizona driver license and registration immediately if any one of the following applies:

• You work in Arizona (other than for seasonal agricultural work).
• You are registered to vote in this state.
• You place children in school without paying the tuition rate of a nonresident.
• You have a business with an office in Arizona that bases and operates vehicles in this state.
• You obtain a state license or pay school tuition fees at the same rate as an Arizona resident.
• You have a business that operates vehicles to transport goods or passengers within Arizona.
• You remain in Arizona for a total of seven months or more during any calendar year, regardless of your permanent residence.

See sources here: https://www.azdot.gov/mvd/driver-services/driver-license-information/proof-of-identification-age-and-authorized-presence

If none of those examples fit her situation, she may be okay to drive until the seventh month, when she would be required to have an Arizona license and she should have the proper identification by then. 

She may also be able to actually get a license with her I94, if she also has a social security number.  See the list of identification requirements that can be downloaded from this page http://azdot.gov/mvd/driver-services/statement-on-the-federal-immigration-program

At the end of the day, her best bet is to actually go to the DMV and ask these questions.  With the state of immigration at the moment, rules can change on a daily basis, and it says as much on the Arizona DOT website. 

Good luck to you both!  Hang in there, it does get easier. 

Check out this website:

http://dennyeyberg.wixsite.com/filipino-am-visa/aos---where-do-i-start

It will help you a lot. Yes, you need to submit more information than just your marriage certificate. I did not include any photos, but they do ask for an affidavit of support.

Here are some of the documents I submitted:

1. Copy of spouse's (fiancée) U.S. Visa

2. Passport photos of USC (2)

3. Passport photos of foreign spouse (6)

4. Copy of your marriage certificate

5. Copies of the biographic page of USC and spouses passport and the entry stamp into US

6. Copy of I-94

7. All other signed documents (G-325A one each for you and another for fiancee, I-131, I-485, I-765, I-864)

8. Money Order to Department of Homeland Security for $1070

9. Copy of I-129F Approval (i.e. I-797 NOA)

10. Copy of Tax Transcripts and W-2s for last 3 years.

11. Copy of Vaccination Report from USEM.

12. Copy of any divorce decrees for you or spouse

13. Copies of Birth Certificates of you and spouse

14. Cover page

You need to hurry and submit your AOS ASAP because the fees go up on December 23, 2016. They increase by about $250.

If you submit the I-485, the I-765 (Employment Authorization Document), and the I-131 (Advance Parole) you pay only 1 fee the $1070. If you submit separately or submit some at a later date then you will pay for each document. It is about 1 year to receive your permanent resident card. So if you want to work or travel before you receive it I would highly recommend you submit all documents at the same time.

Hope that helps!

I'm curious why this list includes documents for the US citizen, such as copy of US passport, passport photos of US citizen, G325a for US Citizen, copy of US birth certificate and divorce certificate for US citizen??? I've just completed our packet for AOS and I didn't see those requirements anywhere in the instructions for forms I-485, I-131, or I-765.

The only form the US citizen completes is the I-864, Affidavit of Support, and that form doesn't even ask for anything from the US citizen except tax transcripts. No copy of US passport, no birth certificate, no passport photos, no divorce certificate. You can attach pay stubs and letter from employer if you think it will help demonstrate financial responsibility, but these are not required if you're sure you've met the income requirements.

Can anyone provide a link to a USCIS website that states these pieces of evidence should be included in the AOS packet???

My OCD tells me to provide evidence exactly as instructed. I wonder if providing so much more than is requested is an opportunity to misplace or miss the important things, like the beneficiaries immunization records, which is where it seems the RFE's come from.

I actually made a request online at the time, before going to the SSA, and they told me that if/when you check yourself, before an agency asks for it, you won't actually see anything.

So I don't think you'll know when you're in. I still couldn't see my status before going to the office, but then once I went there, it was all fine and took them less than a minute to verify me. I'd definitely suggest you do it sooner, rather than later!

Okay, thanks! I think we'll go back tomorrow and hope for the best.

I just got out of the social security office and all went without a hitch! I'm glad I didn't wait any more time, despite still not appearing in SAVE from where I was checking.

The guy entered all my info, took about 5 minutes altogether, then he asked me to check everything was correct, and he just said I was good to go and would get the card within the next two weeks! So far, it's been the smoothest experience with American bureaucracy!

Hello there...I was just wondering how long it took to get the social security number?

I've been checking the SAVE database and my fiance still isn't in there. We went to the social security office yesterday, but the clerk wasn't very helpful. At first he said they don't check the SAVE database, they just submit the paperwork and wait for DHS to do their thing. So, we started the process, but then he came back and said that he did check and my fiance wasn't in the database.

I've read on here that if we submit too early, it will cause a manual verification process which adds a delay of about 6 weeks. So, we stopped the application and said we would come back when he's in the SAVE database. But, it sounds like he doesn't actually have to be in the database before we submit the application for a social security number??

I just called the NVC. Was on hold for about 10 minutes. She asked for my NOA2 receipt#, my name and fiance name and date of birth. Then she asked why I was calling.

I said that it had been 31 days since my NOA2, on June 21, and I was wondering if a case number had been assigned yet.

She checked...and then gave me the NVC#, invoice# and the date that my case left NVC for London.

Pretty easy! Moving right along!!

My fiance should be waking up in about two hours...but I want to call him now!

Good luck to those who are still waiting!

Thanks Big and Kandi...guess I better join the line at the telephone

For those that have called to get NVC number, do you still get notice via email? And how long after you called were you contacted?

I'm trying to be patient, but I'm just wondering, if I don't call every day, will I ever get it?