jeessgb

Hi everyone,

I figured I'd give my last update in case someone comes here needing more info, specially for the San Diego Office.
I sent I-751 on June 2019 and did biometrics in Nov 2019. In July 2020 I sent my N-400 application and didn't get any news until Dec 14th that my biometrics were reused.

Mid april 2021 I got a notification that my naturalization interview was scheduled for May 17,2021, no news for the I-751 at all. I went yesterday and took my husband with me just in case. They didn't let him in which discouraged me but when I met the officer he said he had reviewed both applications and that technically he should bring my husband in but since we have two kids together he wouldn't. He did ask questions about our life together and marriage, and also did the tests for N-400. He said he was going to approve me and congratulations I was a US citizen. He told me to go to a different floor for the ceremony. I got there and was only another person and myself and they already had my Naturalization Certificate. We did the oath of allegiance and everyone clapped. LOL. It was awesome, I wasn't expecting the ceremony to be the same day.

I realize I got really lucky and I'm so relieved this is all over.

Good luck to everyone still waiting.

On 7/13/2020 at 1:23 PM, Ring of the lord said:

Ignore the estimated processing time, sorry to discourage you again but uscis’s estimated case completion time is mostly Inaccurate 

Thanks for letting me know. 

I went through some timelines from my local office and it actually seems pretty accurate, but this was before Covid. I'm sure they have a considerable backlog now. 

Hi everyone.

I don't think I have posted here since I was on the K1 app process.

I submitted my I-751 on June 2019 and was feeling pretty discouraged by the CSC long wait times, until I found out I could submit my N-400 while waiting. I submitted it last week online. The USCIS page is giving my an estimated process time of 7 months - Feb 2021 which is really nice. I hope everything goes smoothly.

Hi everyone 

I hope you all have been good. I haven't been here in what it seems a long time (three weeks) haha. A lot of things have happened. After receiving my EAD I started applying for jobs and scheduled an appointment at the DMV. Everything went smooth with the DMV, they gave me a temporary driving permit that only allowed me to drive with an adult next to me, that is until I scheduled a practical driving test, and then I got the driver's license. 

I tried to get a credit card but they told me since the SSN says "only allowed to work with DHS authorization", they cannot give me a credit card basically until I have a green card. 

Yesterday after going to 3 different interviews I got a job offer and I start tomorrow.  

Vacations are over so fast! Enjoy while you can!!!

Still no news about the I-485 interview. For what I've seen in the timelines of other applicants in San Diego, I should be getting an interview date around April or May. 

Oh, I also forgot to add that I already used my combo card to seek parole. I went on a quick trip across the border (Tijuana) and was very nervous coming back. They literally just looked at my card for 5 seconds and let us go through. Maybe it helped that I was with my husband. 

My fellow November fillers today I received my combo card EAD  received date of 11/04. 

I want so bad to go back to Mexico but I don't want to risk going out and not being let back in  

12 minutes ago, Wes&Charlotte said:

Sooo, I think I messed up...I still haven't updated my name on SSN... I'm reading on their website and it says that in addition to the obvious ID documents and proof of name change,  I must provide proof of "current, Lawful, Work-authorized status".  Since my I-94 is expired, and I=797C is not listed as acceptable proof of immigration status, Does this mean I won't be able to get my SSN updated until I have the EAD??

I need it to apply for driver's license :-/

Anyone else in the same boat?

 

 

I live in California, and even though I managed to get my SSN with my married name before the I-94 it didn't get me anywhere because for DL they also ask for a valid i-94 for at least 30 days. And they would only produce a license that would expire in the same date as I-94. So I need the EAD anyway. 

12 minutes ago, Wes&Charlotte said:

Sooo, I think I messed up...I still haven't updated my name on SSN... I'm reading on their website and it says that in addition to the obvious ID documents and proof of name change,  I must provide proof of "current, Lawful, Work-authorized status".  Since my I-94 is expired, and I=797C is not listed as acceptable proof of immigration status, Does this mean I won't be able to get my SSN updated until I have the EAD??

I need it to apply for driver's license :-/

Anyone else in the same boat?

 

 

I live in California, and even though I managed to get my SSN with my married name before the I-94 it didn't get me anywhere because for DL they also ask for a valid i-94 for at least 30 days. And they would only produce a license that would expire in the same date as I-94. So I need the EAD anyway. 

2 hours ago, Ani89 said:

No, the NOA letter said: 

"This is to advice you that, due to unforseen circunstances, we have canceled the previews schedule interview on xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx for the above applicant. We regret any inconvenient this may cause.you will be notified of any further action taken on this case,  including and rescheduling interview information,  under separate notice."

 

 

 

 

Hi Ani

After reading a few threads about this I'm convinced is nothing to worry about. It does however suck haha. 

Like boo&mica mentioned I feel uneasy too about the whole political thing, specially being from Mexico. My AP was mailed to me but I wouldn't feel safe traveling out of the country until I have my green card. 

I just want this over with  

38 minutes ago, claudiag said:

Congrats! 

Thank you!! 

21 minutes ago, chicago1987 said:

So jealous! We have a received date of November 4th, as well! 

Can't be too long before your status changes now!! 

7 minutes ago, rsilva said:

Congrats!  Thanks for posting because we are very close to your dates.  Did you get a text or check the USCIS website?

Since someone from nov 7th mentioned their status changed a few days ago I've been checking the iPhone app every couple hours 

USCIS status for EAD JUST changed to "New card is being produced"!!! Woohooo

My application was received on nov 4th 

3 minutes ago, rsilva said:

There are now 3 EAD approvals with November NOA1 dates.  Looks like they are running right under 90 days.  The USCIS processors should be well rested from the three day weekend and posting some approvals today!     

 

   

How are we supposed to count the 90 days? from the day they received it or when we got the online notification? Are they calendar days? Holidays and weekends count? 

3 hours ago, rsilva said:

This gives me hope for our approval.  I am in San Diego which goes slower than Los Angeles-- but it would be nice to just see some activity.  

Im in San Diego too. According to USCIS processing times for the local field office, as of October 31 they were processing cases from march.  

I saw that a K-1 from October said they received the green card already, no interview. So I guess there's a slight chance that could be any of us. They said their status changed in mid November to "ready to be scheduled for an interview", didn't get notice of EAD or AP, and they just got the GC in the mail. 

There's hope!! 

2 hours ago, californiabear said:

Ok, did it. Hope it helps.

Wow  your case was extremely fast. Did you requested an expedite? 

I wonder about the cases that are gonna get the interview waived. Is any of us gonna be one of the lucky ones?? 

Merry Christmas everyone and a happy new year ! Much love&luck to everyone .

Cheers !!!

Merry Christmas to you and to everyone from my new family! Hope you're all as happy as I am to be now married to your other half!!

Hi guys

I had the same problem that couldn't fill some information online on the forms and then I realized iOS was to blame. Filled everything again in a windows computer.

I have the same feeling that some of you have been expressing, I hate to be dependent. I'm keeping my Mexican credit card for emergencies but the exchange rate is killing me. I'm gonna try to get a secured card with a water bill and my name change in the marriage certificate. Also in california you're able to drive as a tourist with a foreign license... the problem is I'm not a tourist, and I'm expecting to get some lecture if an officer ever stops me. But what am I expected to do?? It's silly that they let us come in with a K1 visa but don't let us work, drive, or basically exist as a normal person.

I've been reading October thread and they're getting their EAD cards, so it's safe to say we can expect them the second part of January and during February.

I thought I answered but my post didn't get through.

Are you serious? That's great news. Congratulations.

seems like they are moving fast.....

Yey....congrats jess

Thank you !! Hopefully is as fast as it seems.

When did you file?

Hi everyone.

Yesterday my status case status changed to this:

As of December 16, 2016, we are ready to schedule your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status, Receipt Number MSCxxxxxxx for an interview. We will schedule your interview and send you a notice. Please follow any instructions in the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

Making progress

Got NOA1 last night. Exactly two weeks after USCIS received the applications.

We got the NOA1 text at 12:42 AM this morning

Yayy!!! I hope I'm next ?

Hi OP.

I have a few questions. If you say they didn't take the visa away or mark it. Why would you apply for a new one? You say the officer said so but just does/t make any sense since you have a valid tourist visa.

Also, how did they know you overstayed? I personally never overstayed but failed to return the I-94 several times, as most of the people I know. So even in the immigration webpage they admit they don't have control of I-94 with land crossing.

I guess if you already have an appointment for another tourist visa, you'll just have to wait to see what they say.

Even if you get denied on that visa I think you have a good chance of getting the K1, but of course there will be questions about your situation, and even if they have no grounds of denying it (overstay less than 6 months, no cancelled visa) I would be nervous too about the outcome since sometimes it ultimately comes to the perspective of the officer at the interview.

If you want to go the safe route and your fiance has a way of visiting you in Mexico, and you are REALLY PATIENT maybe I would get the CR1 if I were you. This way also you will be allowed to work as soon as you get to the US.

I believe there's no definitive answer for your situation but I wouldn't be too afraid. Just like someone else said be 100% honest with immigration, but don't give too much information if they're not really asking for it. I wouldn't mention the fiance part for the tourist visa unless they specifically ask.

Good luck!

Hi everyone!

My AOS package was received on 11/03. Still no NOA1, and the check hasn't been cashed.

The fee is not much I think $350 or $400, thats not what I heard, if you apply for the EAD before married it takes 3 weeks, if you apply for the EAD after marriage it takes 3 months. from what i understand it takes 3 months for AOS to process and then you get the green card, I assume if you process EAD along with the AOS they process it all at same time which explains why it takes 3 months to get the EAD if processing along with the AOS / Green card.

All EAD applications, no matter what status are you, are processed in the same order. There's no preference for K1 before or after marriage. The only way to get "in front of the line" so to speak, is to request an expedite for any of the valid reasons cited by USCIS.

This is from the official EAD guide here on VJ:

When you can File:

1. Immediately, before filing for AOS. As a K-1 visa holder you are technically eligible to file for an EAD immediately when you arrive. However, this EAD will expire when you K-1 expires (90 days) and because of this and the wait time (>90 days) it is a waste of both time and money to bother applying. You will file as category (a)(6), "Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) of U.S. Citizen". (Where to file: mail, efile, walk-in -- only if local office allows) 2. At the same time as filing for AOS. As a K-1 holder filing for Adjustment of Status (AOS) you are eligible to file for an EAD at the same time. Your EAD packet can be filing along with your AOS packet and mailed together. You will file as category ©(9), "adjustment applicant". (Where to file: mail only - with AOS packet) 3. After filing for AOS. If you did not file for your EAD at the same time as filing your AOS packet, you may still apply for an EAD. You will however need proof of having filed for AOS. This is typically in the form of a "notice of action" or physical receipt from the office you filed at stating that they received your AOS packet. You will file as category ©(9), "adjustment applicant". (Where to file: mail, walk-in if allowable, efile)

Somebody at City Hall needs a training refresher course, SSN is not required for marriage license. However, you are actually better off getting the SSN card before getting married then as soon as you get the SSN card file for a Employment Authorization Document(EAD) so your fiance can start working soon, after you file for the EAD then get married, after married go back to Social Security office and request a new updated SSN card with her married name. If you wait till after you are married to apply for the EAD I heard it takes several months to get the EAD, but if you apply for the EAD before you get married I heard you will receive the EAD in only a few weeks. If you are running out of time on your 90 days, then you might want to just find someone at City Hall who knows what they are doing then get married.

From my understanding EAD takes the same time if you do it during K1 than if you do it with AOS, which its approximately 3 months. K1 only lasts 90 days (same time of processing), that's why in the EAD guides they don't recommend obtaining a EAD for a K1, because besides you will have to pay for the cost of it, and with the AOS its free.

Awesome! Thanks for your responses.

I'll check through insurance and through county health services, and I'll call different doctors to see which one will charge only for the vaccines certifications.

Thanks guys.

Hi everyone.

I have a K1 visa but they waived the part of the vaccines on the medical examination, so now I have to get them here in the US to cover AOS requirements.

I was wondering what's the cheapest way to do it. I already had one in Mexico, and I'm thinking about getting the other ones through my insurance with Kaiser permanente, and then getting the certification from a civil surgeon. Is this accepted or the vaccines NEED to be administered by the civil surgeon directly?

How much do civil surgeons usually charge for certifying this portion of the I-693 only, and how much do they regularly charge for the whole immunization package?

Thank you in advance for your help.