Ree Ren

On 8/26/2017 at 3:34 PM, azulturquesa said:

After 409 days of waiting, my green card is finally in production!!!!

Congratulations! 

Our interview is still in a couple of weeks and we haven't prepared anything yet, Houston has been a scary mess for the past week and frankly, we're just glad we're alive. I didn't think I'd be SO glad to see the sun again (and I couldn't stand the July-August heat).

Tara0921, are you ok there? Is everyone safe?

3 hours ago, Tara0921 said:

What time is your interview?

We did the new exam last month at the office of the office below. Very reasonable price. I will bring it to the interview.

Dr. Charlie Wang

6348 Corporate Drive Suite A

Houston TX 77036

Get directions

 713-988-2711

At around 2 pm. Thank you for the answer! I hope we still have time to make an appointment.

On 8/14/2017 at 9:10 PM, Tara0921 said:

Got email/text message about our interview schedule. It will be Sept 19 in Houston, exactly 14 months after our PD date. Long long waiting time.

We are going to have an interview on the same exact day in Houston!  Not a day earlier or later, the very same. We've got the letter and half a day later an email and a text message on the phone.

Sorry if I missed something, but since it's 14 months(same for us), are you going to do a new medical exam? We've been thinking about finding a uscis doctor, but so far the reviews scare me, I'm not a fan of medicals in general.

We just sent out EAD/AP last week too, all in one envelope.

On 8/9/2017 at 3:40 PM, azulturquesa said:

Thanks! I'm okay from an EAD standpoint because of the automatic extension, but I don't think that applies to AP. Gahhh.

 

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I'm not sure for a 100%, but the AP is together with your EAD if you got a combo card, I hope you will be okay, you are legal and have proper papers to prove your aos is pending, etc.

We are still waiting for AOS, USCIS updated the information for Houston and their current date is 6/08/2016. Our priority date is 02/08/2016(the receipt date). I hope it's still within the normal timeframe, I'm obsessed with checking the site every 5 minutes now after over a year of waiting.  Technically out number is MSC and we never got any notification if it had been transferred to Houston office, but since we filed from Houston, I assume it should be the local office.

Just now, Umka36 said:

That's the life of bringing an immigrant spouse who doesn't drive. I still do it now, 6 years later. Hopefully my wife will get her driver's license this year as the kids are older.

 

We've used a driving school before, and the nice thing was that they drove to our residence to pick up my wife.

Yeah, I didn't need a car back in the other country, everything was in a walk distance(or train, which was much faster than a car) so I'm really new to it and, frankly, afraid of real driving. 

Good luck to your wife! Wow, what a nice driving school! It's great to see that someone understands the situation; hopefully, I will become a driver soon too. Even after getting the license, there is still a long way to go before I'm comfortable and confident.

13 minutes ago, Umka36 said:

Can you imagine if it could be done online? No way to prove that the person getting the permit took the test. Are you talking about the online prep course?

 

Have you looked at the following link?

 

http://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/driver_licensing_control/rolodex/getinlineonline.htm

 

Why not go to your local DMV and take the test there. No need to sign up for driving school unless that's what you want to do.

 

I just heard from multiple people that it could be done so, it surprised me too, so I was looking up the information on this. Thank you for the link, but yes, I've visited it before and seen that one can schedule an appointment online to come there personally later. I just wanted to know the opportunities of not standing in line for a really long time as my husband would have to take another day off work just for me and he already has to take me to the new medical exam, interview, etc. Taking a day off work every week isn't that great. Seems like a driving school may be an option as they offer to pass the test with them(as long as they are accredited) and they are usually available on the weekend.

Just now, Coco8 said:

No, it cannot be online. They do it the same day that you present the documents and they take your picture for the actual license.

Thank you for the explanation! I'll have to sign up for school then.

1 minute ago, Coco8 said:

All states have a written exam for learner's permit based on the handbook. It is usually with the computer. It is the same one that people take from drivers' license (minus the actual driving test)

I understand that it's on the computer, the question is can the written part of it be online without coming personally to the office?(only coming later for the driving part) I haven't found any links for scheduling an online test so far, maybe I'm missing something. If it's only possible with the school then I'll have to sign up for school, but if there is a chance of taking it without school online, I'd prefer that.

Good time of day or night, everyone!

I have yet another driving license question, probably a millionth, but I can't seem to find the information I'm searching for just by googling.

I keep hearing there is an option of passing a written test for a learner's permit online in the state of Texas, but all I can find is that you can pass the test after attending the driver's school as a part of their school program. I've searched the DPS site, but all that came up was scheduling an appointment online, with you having to come in person to take the written test. 

Is it possible to schedule an online written test through DPS without attending the school or am I missing something? ( I am over 25 years old, therefore, as I understand, there is no such requirement as to attend driver's ed, I am currently studying the handbook, as for the practice - my husband is going to teach me to drive).

15 hours ago, azulturquesa said:

Has anyone successfully renewed their EAD/AP yet? I sent my renewal application on June 21st and really need it by September 18 at the latest so I can travel for our wedding celebration in my home country... eek. My current EAD/AP will expire by then.

 

We had my interview on July 31st and had an RFE because my medical exam is now expired (thanks USCIS for taking over a year to schedule my interview), so I just had my medical exam redone. Sending that over on Monday and hoping that my green card will be approved shortly thereafter - but they told us it can take up to another 120 days?!?

 

This is all so nerve racking since I have to travel on September 19

We are about to file the renewal of EAD/AP since it's taking forever. At least you had an interview, we are still waiting for any news, Houston is overloaded and running slow.

I'm not sure if you will find this useful, but I found this on the USCIS site: https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/automatic-employment-authorization-document-ead-extension
 

Quote

Starting Jan. 17, 2017, USCIS is automatically extending certain expiring EADs for up to 180 days for applicants who:

Our category is c9 which is on the list.

3 minutes ago, Nipperswife said:

I try to condition my mind to just know it will take 10 months or more but as time goes by I get anxious with everything happening around me and different people's experiences that are shared on visajourney...  seriously is nervewrecking but yes I agree with you.. it kinda helps knowing you're not alone

It's a good idea to be prepared for it, even before filing the documents we knew this office was slow, we try to concentrate on other things like studying/work/future plans. Ohwell, cheer up guys, the time will come! 

1 minute ago, Nipperswife said:

We waiting with you... 

Well at least I'm not alone, good to know

I haven't looked at this topic for a while, still waiting  Like it's been said Texas office is slooooow. What actually scares me is the fact that I'll have to pass the medical exam all over again by the time of the main event since they are only processing February 2016. It's not only me who's still waiting knowing it'll be at least half a year longer right? We actually called USCIS and they just told us the same thing - February 2016.

Congratulations on your combo card. I don't think you have to be worried, it really takes sometimes depending on the office.

Thank you! Well, considering it's Texas it may take a loooong while We are patient and have a lot of things to do anyways.

Got my combo card yesterday, but the main application for AOS still says "Case is ready to be scheduled an interview", hasn't changed since September. We haven't got any mail about it, but as I understand it can take a very long time or shall we start getting worried?

All this married time made us way too relaxed

Thanks

Yeah he likes it here but at the same time he misses home (me too!) but we have found some Danish food and a way for him to skype/game with his old friends which helped a lot. It was worse when he hadn't gotten any friends yet. Now he is in both school and soccer club and that has just been great for him.

I'm lucky we live right by a park and that I can walk my boy to and from school. We do shopping in the weekend but If I need something or forgot something I can bike or walk to get it. It's just my independence there is missing the being able to drive!!

That's wonderful! He won't be bored at least. It's understandable that you miss your old place since it has been home for a long time and there are so many little things you both loved there, I'm sure your new home will bring some amazing memories too! Yeah, I get the feeling very well, same with me only in my case even bike doesn't help that much since the city where I live is so huge and the closest thing is so far and it's all under the scorching sun so I think I'd rather wait for my driving license than get into a fried omelette Are you used to the american measurement system with the pounds/feet/miles instead of the metric system? I'm using both and can't stop myself from converting one into another, need some work on that.

Question on supporting docs for affidavit of support and the embassy package

For tax it says 1040 and W2

I file complex taxes. And this year I had 7 states. My W2 is 6 pages. Just the federal part of my tax return is 50 pages.

Can we use just the federal (first page) W2 and just the 1040 (a few pages) or just the federal part, or do we need to print all 7 states and the entire W2?

I only had a few pages with me at the interview, I think it was 1 page of w2 and 2 pages of 1040, it was a simple standard from of income taxes. Hope that helps

Thank you. Everything is going well. My boy started school monday and I was SO nervous but he had a great start and have been happy everyday I pick him up. He has a really great teacher so that really helps!... He is doing so good with his english already

We really enjoyed our wedding! I can't wait to hear back from the photographer to see our pictures

The only thing that really irritates me is that I can't drive! I makes me crazy!!!

Congratulations! Does your son like it there?

Yeah, it's irritating since the things aren't usually in the walking distance, it irritates me too, but we'll be there!

Hi All,

I received my NOA1 9 days ago but when I check the status at uscis website for all 3 case (adjustment status, AP, Work authorization) numbers it show up as not found.

Is that normal, im kind of worried. The check was cashed on the night that i received the email notification.

I just tried but still not working for me.

Same thing here, could call USCIS, but I think we should just wait a bit more. On the bright side, all 3 NOA1 are here so I filled in the address correctly at least

Go here and read the Residency rules http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?objectid=6D1466D9-AEA5-DE00-C12F3F75E7367718 There are several ways in which you can establish Texas Residency for school purposes and maybe some of them apply to your particular situation. It doesn't necessarily have to be the actual GC.

I have previously traveled with AP and, for me, it was traumatic (When I returned, the first IO told me my AP wasn't good anymore. I almost died right then and there, and then I was sent to secondary without my husband for close to an hour. That was the longest hour of my life!). I'm not willing to do it again and thus, I will only travel once I have my GC in hand.

Thanks for the link! The residency seems to be a bit confusing.

I have never traveled with the AP before but even coming with the proper visa I still felt a bit nervous, I can't imagine what I'd feel if they told me it was not good anymore, I didn't think it could happen, thanks for sharing your story and hope you'll never have to repeat that ever again!

I know, I was just hoping to be able to travel next summer with green card in hand. But you're right. There is nothing we can do so why worry.

I was wondering about something. To be considered a resident of the state, do you need the green card or just need the proof that you have lived here for a certain amount of time(a year for Texas)? It's for studying purpose(university fees).

And yes, the "combo card" EAD/AP lets you travel the same way, you will already have an official USCIS document with your name on it.

Hi,

Another Houstonian with almost identical timeline here. Best of luck!

We also sent it just a bit later than you

Hi! I know. Our timelines are almost identical. Maybe we will have our interviews on the same day, and right now it looks like the Houston office is taking about 1 year to complete an AOS case. I saw in another forum that people that filed at the beginning of August of last year just had their interview yesterday. My lawyer said its because they're flooded with Naturalization applications. I believe that it's because people want to vote come November, and once that happens, I hope that there are less N-400's and the Houston office will start to move faster. Well, one can hope that they do. 1 year seems like an awful lot!

Best of luck to you too

I was also a bit sad looking at the average processing time for Houston of 400+ days, but it never came to my mind it could be connected with the elections. Well, we were managed to wait for the visa we will wait for the adjustment. A lot of patience to us all.

Hello, everyone! Time to move here from the K-1 filers thread, didn't expect it to happen so early. Very nervous, but the hopes are up. Good luck to you, guys! (And to me, duh)

Congrats to everyone who has gotten their NOA2's and Visa's! Hopefully things start moving again for everyone who still hasn't gotten theirs yet (this system is weird and frustrating). Hopefully any RFE's are ones easy to fix as well!

My medical is all done (and oh boy was THAT an adventure..) and just putting things together for the interview on the 22nd of June!

That's so nice to be finally done with it considering you have said before how you felt about it. Good luck at the interview!!!

They got the papers today and his status has changed as the same as mine SO Approved!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOO! Congratulations! You've made it !!! I've always had a feeling you will do it easily, so it was an unfortunate random occasion with the documents and it was so unexpected and country-specific, but you solved it too!

I'm in Canada, so no idea if they're looking for the same stuff in the bloodwork. But my paper said that they were looking for Syphilis. For the medical appointment in Canada, they do a somewhat full medical examination, asking for passport pictures (4 of them), your interview date printed off, your vaccination history, your medical history, and a list of prescriptions. They'll ask for blood work and an x-ray of your chest to be done as well.

As it is, I'll most likely end up asking the doctor there if I'll be allowed to take it for the bloodwork. If he says yes I'll be able to toss some back and it should kick in before I actually need it done! This bit is the one that I wasn't looking forward to at all. The interview seems so easy compared to this!

Different country, still the same thing, they were looking sor Syphilis according to the papers.

That's understandable If you're scared of blood and doctors and the interview usually takes less and you don't get to do the tests\x-ray, but I'm sure you'll make it!