newyorkaos

YOU GUYS!!!!
 
OK, mailed the RFE package on Saturday and this afternoon received a text message alerting me that our case status was updated on the USCIS website. I signed in, clicked on the i-485, and it said YOUR CASE HAS BEEN APPROVED!!!
 
That means the green card will soon be in the mail without interview, right? RIGHT?!?!??!
 
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

Oh yes .. Hopefully
 
Its official my interview is May 30th at 1.30pm

I don't even worry about my green card right now, it'll come whenever they reach my file. Having my drivers license and work authorization got me back to living normal-ish. Would I love to have my green card already? Heck yes but for now; I'm able to drive, work and live more than when I just entered the US until I got my EAD in the mail. I'd suggest try to live a little more like I do (maybe). Don't start to worry about the green card unless you are outside normal processing times. For now, you can work and drive. You're in a legal status. Get a job, live life with your spouse, go drive places and you'll get a notification when they reach and updated your case.

Second with all said above, too.

We got the welcome letter yesterday. It's finally done! Now just waiting for the GC, got notices of them being mailed as well 

Omg congratulations!!! Im so happy for you!!!!!! Wishing you all the best moving forward!!

Although she put you through a lot of questioning, I am glad that you were able to explain and make sense of things to her. I would have offered her a wifi hotspot if that would made her approve you right there. LOL kidding aside, It sounds very positive...:) I hope she gets internet back by tomorrow and get back to work on your case. Please keep us posted looking forward to good news.

Good luck, and sending you well wishes.

Interview went well yesterday at 26 Federal Plaza.... got the verbal "OK" from the officer!  
 
Make sure you are on time to your appointment time and allow yourself 15-20 mins to go through security. We were slightly late and that added on a 3 hour wait because there was a complicated case in front of us!
 
Let's see if / when we get the GC in hand....

I am on another thread and reposting this:
Hi everyone, I just got the time to update after the interview. I had to catch up with realities of work and make up for the focus that I so lost. 
Regarding the medical, I saw a post on the previous page that it is counted from the day the application was filed- not on the day the medical was signed or done—that is correct. However, if you feel safer and if the dates of your interview and the medical expiration is too close or overlapping, I suggest to waste money on being sure, because IOs may treat things differently. On another forum, there was person who was denied because the RFE for the medical was not sealed properly and lab report was sent with it. So make sure that it is included in there when you need to bring one. 
 Our interview went well, more of a conversation and counseling session, there was no structure or outline when I try to remember, there was no what-is-your-favorite food tricky or trivial questions. We were asked how do we resolve our arguments- I was taken aback because I didn’t expect that type of questioning, the only ‘basics’ that were asked were when was the last time you entered US, where do you work, -they were not ‘cross-directed’ at us, the IO asked information about me and directed to me. The IO was nice. I suggest that people dress nicely and professionally, I think it has an impact on how your interviews are handled too. We were not approved on the spot verbatim-ly but it was implied. She said you will recieve great news in 3-5 days. I guess they cant upfront make that decision. We got text notifications in the evening and the next day. 
Just FYI- we did not adjust from K1- so prepare accordingly, meaning the questions might be different and the structure of the interview might be different. Bring along all the correspondences of you have history of arrest, history of divorce, or other complexities because they will be asked- just an observation from recent interviews I read. File tax joint returns if you can now, it will help with the evidence too. 
 If you have specific questions- please ask me I would love to answer them. 
 

Hi everyone, I just got the time to update after the interview. I had to catch up with realities of work and make up for the focus that I so lost.
@paddygirl13 congratulations and I am glad that things sped up after interview, it probably felt that you deserve an expedite of decision to make up for all the waiting haha!
 
@sparkles_ I know your interview is coming up. Since our cases are different in complexities, just make sure you organize your papers so that it is easy to pull out once it was asked. Do not forgot your originals and I suggest separate them so it doesn’t mix up with whatever you will hand to the officer. I saw that you mentioned that you were once married, be open about the discussion if it comes up so the IO wont feel you are hiding anything and bring your divorce documents, an RFE after all the wait is not worth it.
Regarding the medical, I saw a post on the previous page that it is counted from the day the application was filed- not on the day the medical was signed or done—that is correct. However, if you feel safer and if the dates of your interview and the medical expiration is too close or overlapping, I suggest to waste money on being sure, because IOs may treat things differently. On another forum, there was person who was denied because the RFE for the medical was not sealed properly and lab report was sent with it. So make sure that it is included in there when you need to bring one.
 
Our interview went well, more of a conversation and counseling session, there was no structure or outline when I try to remember, there was no what-is-your-favorite food tricky or trivial questions. We were asked how do we resolve our arguments- I was taken aback because I didn’t expect that type of questioning, the only ‘basics’ that were asked were when was the last time you entered US, where do you work, -they were not ‘cross-directed’ at us, the IO asked information about me and directed to me. The IO was nice. I suggest that people dress nicely and professionally, I think it has an impact on how your interviews are handled too. We were not approved on the spot verbatim-ly but it was implied. I guess they cant upfront make that decision. We got text notifications the next day.
Just FYI- we did not adjust from K1- so prepare accordingly, meaning the questions might be different and the structure of the interview might be different. Bring along all the correspondences of you have history of arrest, history of divorce, or other complexities because they will be asked- just an observation from recent interviews I read. File tax joint returns if you can now, it will help with the evidence too.
 
If you have specific questions- please ask me I would love to answer them.
@Linyahui I’m keeping you guys in my thoughts, nothing to worry, but it’s okay to be impatient too. I truly believe that you are going to get that waiver for the interview. I can see from your timeline that your case is pretty straightforward- after my experience with the interview and the process, I think you will be totally fine, better than the rest of us.:)

Happy for you Paddygirl amd wish you the best going forward.

Preconceived intent is not an issue. AOS for immediate relatives cannot be denied for preconceived intent alone. The question is did she lie anywhere. If she didn't lie then it shouldn't be a problem.

BEST OF LUCK to you guys today!! That being said, I don't think you'll need luck; I believe that everything will be totally copacetic for you guys. 
 
I really loved reading your words about the support found in this forum...I couldn't have said it better myself, especially on those days (you know which days) when we are FREAKING OUT. Sorry to hear that your lawyer is an asshat, but glad that we could provide resources and support in lieu of him.
 
I'll be in NYC for a few days for work in early May, so if it works at all to meet up (maybe loop Newyorkaos in as well), that could be fun! I'll be shepherding around 46 Global Executive MBA students from 21 different countries so may have my hands full, BUT it would be cool to meet you guys if there's a spare moment. 
 
Sending positive vibes your way!! Will be thinking of you at 1:15 pm CST.  

Best of luck!! 
Today is our day too, I'll be sending positive vibes your way, we're at 12 (me) and 1 (my 14yr old son) in Minneapolis. 
Like you I didn't sleep last night obsessed with the file, ha! 
 
Please God we'll both have something to celebrate this afternoon. We're planning on hitting an Irish pub for a late lunch, hopefully to celebrate not drown our sorrows

That's great to hear! That is promising and  should give you a sigh of relief, Im glad she gave you that piece of info that you are on the waiver list. :))) wouldnt have expected that from an info pass myself. 

OK, guys. Now I really don't know what to think. 
 
I just called my congresswoman's office for the billionth time to ask if there were any updates. This time, I directly told the message-taker that we had been assured we would hear something in 6-8 weeks and we are now on week 12 and the service was unacceptable. I'd spoken with that particular congressional aide before and she recognized my voice and said she'd send a personal email to the congressional liaison to make sure we heard something. I guess I struck the right balance between diplomatic and emotional, because I just received the following email from the congressional liaison on behalf of USCIS:
 
"Thank you for your inquiry regarding this constituent’s immigration matter.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records confirm that your constituent’s case is pending background check clearance.  USCIS is committed to adjudicating immigration benefits in a timely manner while also ensuring public safety and national security.  A small percentage of applications and petitions have unresolved background check issues that temporarily delay adjudication.  Although USCIS makes every effort to resolve such cases promptly, USCIS is unable to speculate when the background check will be completed. 
 
If a background check reveals an issue that may impact an applicant’s eligibility for the requested immigration benefit, further inquiry is needed.  The inquiry may include an additional interview and/or contact with another agency for updates or more comprehensive information.  Upon gathering and assessing all available information, USCIS will adjudicate the application as quickly as possible.
 
USCIS realizes that your constituent may be frustrated by the progress of his or her case.  However, the agency must balance individual inconvenience against broader issues of public safety and national security. 
 
We hope the information provided is helpful.  If we may be of assistance in the future, please let us know."
 
WHAT. THE. HECK. I sooooo do not understand what is going on. Three service requests to USCIS have ALL said that case processing is delayed due to workload factors not related to us. If this is true, what could possibly be holding up the background check??? I am still planning to keep the InfoPass appointment tomorrow. I will ask all my questions, playing dumb about this info, and if they then also confirm we're still in background checks, I will show them the USCIS memo that otherwise-approvable cases with background checks pending more than 150 days (we're on day 349) should receive a response from the FBI about exactly WHAT is holding up the background check. 
 
I'll provide an update tomorrow. BUT GOD. 

Wishing you all thebest. We were with our lawyer yesterday to prepare, So  I presented her with all my paranoia questions. I was concerned with a lot of things regarding overstay, intent, and other bs. I spoke to 2 other lawyers just because im a anxious freak. But no one seemed afazed with my concerns. Anyway we were told this isan adjustment from marriage, be prepared to answer questions on that, get all the joint stuff you have together: credit cards between filing to now so they can see the continuity, a joint tax will be helpful in our case because we never filed together before, and originals originals because they need to compare them with the copies such as the birth certificate and marriage certificate. I wish you luck. If you have any questions shoot me a message here or send me a private message. It's going to be approved, we have to claim it.:)

I think we did have that. Dont worry seems a standard template. 

Thanks for your input!:)

My co sponsor is doing the same, won't be filing til a week or two before the deadline to avoid the penalty fee. I see it this way. They frequently take into account people who had income changes based on paystubs and job letters and such mid year. A w2 only before April 15 should be nothing major. I think it's a totally legit explanation as to why you won't file til April either. 2 grand is not exactly pocket change however you don't have to pay that asap either. It isn't owed to the IRS, so you can file and delay paying for months and it won't hurt you only come out of next year (2018) refund if you don't pay by then. My mother is a tax preparer and she schooled me on this  

I am sorry to hear about what you been through. Must be tough for you two. I would agree with Ninahi and Linyahui to not bring it up. However, as a back up plan, I would suggest you bring those documents with you. In case, they doubt your marriage, you can show them. Also given the fact that ICE visited your home, better be careful than sorry. And by the way, why did ICE visit your home? Do they usually do random visits like that?

By the way what is your local office? On the other hand they might just not need a new medical from you! And that would be great news, im leaning towards you looking forward to the gc soon and forget about the medical ?

Thanks for the update sparkles. Im glad that they are not extending their cruelty to affect people in the AOS process.
 
Luckycloud- As far as i have read among experiences in forums is that they send in an RFE. I guess just wait for it. I have read someone asked for a pass slip from the officer to go home and pick up the missing document and was back in 30 mins just to comply asap with the RFE LOL. Our medical exam expires day after our scheduled interview but we intend to do a new one to be on the safe side and hopefully not forget to hand it in! Goodluck!

Good morning amd good news! Our interview was finally scheduled for Feb 27,  so 10 months and 11 days- within the processing times for Queens NY in relation to schedule for interview, not necessarily getting the GC. Will
continue to pray that everyone gets their schedule soon, I know this is not over but this is such a relief. Thank you for being my virtual friends and support - i will be actively joining you guys I couldnt have kept my sanity without checking out your posts everyday
 
daveyjoe! You will be scheduled soon since your date is 2 days after me or go check your case status now! 

As an FYI:
 
I just looked into contacting an ombudsman. For issues with long-processing cases, the case must be 60 days outside the normal processing time for the local office. For us, although we've been waiting nearly 10.5 months, we're still within "normal" processing time for St. Paul, which is 10 months and 3 weeks. 
 
Here's more information.