shrl

Another VT Center filer here and I just got my email notification today for "card in production." I checked the USCIS portal and confirmed the same status change. Crossing my fingers that this isn't a glitch!

I got the NOA for my i751 on September 26, 2018 and my packet was not as thick as most filers', so I was kind of expecting an RFE or an interview at the very least.

The USCIS online status system is not the most efficient. I filed for AOS in early May, but my case numbers didn't work until late July. My status changed to approved the day after the interview, though. But I know some people who they got to the point of receiving their green card, with their online status still stuck on "Fingerprint Fee Received" or "Ready to be Scheduled for Interview." It's really wonky.

Long and short of it -- try not to worry too much! If the IO said you're approved, that's it. You'll get your card in the next week or so. If not, submit a case per USCIS instructions.

Hi Forum members.

This has been a very helpful place to learn the Boston office experience. We just had our adjustment interview yesterday and the officer told us we are approved. I still don't see my online status change. Any of you who recently went for interviews did your online status change immediately or you had to wait couple of days. I am really stressed out.

Hi all! We just had our interview at the Boston office today and it went as well as we could have hoped! I wrote a lengthy account over at the USCIS Office review page.

First of all, I've been such a ball of nerves since last week. We even got into an argument over the weekend when I attempted to go over possible questions with my husband. He said he didn't want to sound rehearsed and I shouldn't worry because we have nothing to hide. We also don't have any red flags in terms of age, lifestyle, or language. We've also lived in the same place ever since I first got here.

So we got to the office 10 minutes early, and waited 10 more minutes to be called. We were interviewed separately by a very personable female officer, with my USC husband going first. She swore him in first and then asked matter-of-fact questions from the application. Then the IO asked him to tell our story. The unique questions were about what we do for fun, and if we had any favorite TV shows.

During my turn, my husband stayed inside the office. I was asked the same matter-of-fact questions first. Then we went over the yes/no questions on the application. Next, it was my turn to tell her our story, including details about our wedding. She also asked about what we did for fun, but not about TV shows. I gave her the same answer as my husband, which is about playing virtual reality games, and how we started a website about VR together. She also asked about his job, and how he gets to work. We had one thing that didn't match, though, which was how long I stayed on my first visit. My husband said six months, but I was only here for three. She didn't really harp on that because everything else checked out anyway. The only documents she asked for were additional evidence, if any. We gave her our new rental agreement, copies of cards mailed to both of us, and photos taken after we submitted the application. She didn't even look at birth certificate or tax document originals. After that, she just said that everything looked good, and that we are approved! She didn't take my EAD or stamp my passport.

Overall, it wasn't worth the worry but I do think it helps to be very thorough. Before we were called in, I made sure my husband remembered my birth place and I'm glad I did because he was asked about it.

Good luck to anyone going through the same process at the Boston office! I hope my experience helps put you at ease. Thanks to everyone on this forum for the previous posts. You have helped me immensely!

Thanks again for replying... VJ has been a great resource in this anxiety-ridden process. I can't be grateful enough for getting specific feedback from people like you! Crossing our fingers that we get the same officer as you or someone similar...

It seems Boston USCIS has a 7-month timeline from the date of filing until the AOS interview. So, December would be a fair expectation in your case. Fall has several holidays which may slow things down but I hope it does not affect things too much.

As for documents, tax returns, birth certificates, I-94 and travel history were specifically asked for by the officer. Also, the officer took 5-6 photos from our wedding and trips to add them to my file, which was a bit surprising.

Good luck! :-)

Thanks for sharing your story. I filed AOS in May and my status is now at "Ready to be Scheduled for an Interview", and have already received my EAD. Judging by your case progress and the current timelines shown on the USCIS website, we probably won't be interviewed until December.

If you wouldn't mind sharing, what other documents did the officer ask from you during the interview? It seems that the officer likes to tailor-fit questions based on what you provided, which is clever Thanks in advance!

We had our interview today morning in Boston. The entire process took us about 30-35 minutes. We were called in around 20 minutes after our scheduled time but the office was unusually busy this morning. My spouse (petitioner) went in first with our lawyer. I (beneficiary) was called in after about 15-20 minutes. The officer was civil and asked mostly matter-of-fact questions. The only relationship-based questions were, 'How did you guys meet? How was the first date like?' and 'When was your last trip together? Which of your trips were most memorable and why?'. I think the trip-related questions were because our photo album had pictures from several trips that we took together before and after our marriage.

We were approved on the spot. The online status soon changed to 'new card is being produced'. We were also advised to update our new address on AR-11 (we moved to a new place in MA a week back and thought the new lease would be enough for the officer to update address on the spot.)

Hopefully, the card will arrive shortly. :-)

Not over the phone, but through chat. I had worked at the company for seven years, so I already had a great relationship with my bosses which made it easier.

Reading from your story, did you quit your corporate job over the phone when you decided to stay on longer in the US?

My opinion... Some K-1 beneficiaries have no other way of entering the US. That's why it's harder for people in such a situation to put themselves in our shoes. As a couple, we couldn't have made a decision to get married within 3 months of coming back. It would've put unnecessary pressure on our relationship. Besides, my husband waited for a specific (relevant) date to propose! Sure, we could've gotten married anyway and I could've flown back and process the CR-1 visa instead. But then again, that would've meant another year or so of being apart. It was just a choice between being together after getting married, or being apart.

You do what works for you. It's not up to anyone else but the USCIS to figure out the legitimacy of an application. Fraud and dishonesty are definitely not exclusive to any one type of immigration process. That's why there are policies and guidelines.

Thank you for saying that! I've got a lot of judgement and fraud accusation on this forum for adjusting from a student visa, without them knowing my story or anything. And thanks for mentioning your experience with online status. I'm having the same problem and was getting worried that the online status thing wouldn't work for the whole process.

There's so much stigma around AOS for non-K1 from people who couldn't care less to hear the fully story out first, it's ridiculous. Sharing our stories help encourage those who are on the same boat and are being constantly bombarded with judgment about "circumventing" the process.

Off-topic: Speaking of online status, I just gave the USCIS a call because it's been 40+ days since I got my NOA in the mail and the numbers are still not recognized. They say it may take up to 45 days, so I'll call again Monday. Good luck to us!

Thanks for sharing some of your story

Ours is a similar story, just on a shorter timeline. I'm so blessed to be in such an amazing relationship. We sent everything in a little after you did, and are now just waiting on biometrics. Of course - none of the receipt numbers are working online yet, nor are they active when I call, however, we got our I-797's so we know everything is moving along.

Adjustment of Status from B2 here, too.

My first entry was in 2014, and that was the first time my husband and I met each other in person. I stayed for three months and went back home.

After seven months, I came back last year for what was supposedly a 3-week visit (I had a return ticket), ended up cancelling the flight and decided to maximize my I-94 (6 mos).

My husband proposed a month before my flight date and we got married within two weeks. He didn't even realize it had been five months since I got back. I guess for some couples the thought of being apart after years of being in a long-distance relationship is just unfathomable. It wasn't easy getting married and not having your immediate family there. Our ceremony was Skyped to my family and we do plan on having a ceremony back home once our application is approved. Mind you, I had a thriving corporate career back home. I realize that as far as working here is concerned, I'd have to start from the ground up.

TLDR: As long as your relationship is real, you follow the USCIS process, and not break the law, you're okay.

Hi, I just replied to your private message.

As for the photos, including our wedding photos, I laid them out on letter sized paper in MSWord, with 2-5 photos on each page and labels stating location/occasion + date. For example, because "selfies" and video messaging screenshots are tiny photos, I lumped them by 2's side-by-side with the label underneath each pair. I also made different sections with regard to the year and or type of photos and added a footer with page numbers (e.g. "2015 Photos ________ Page 1 of 3).

I would suggest against printing them out on thick photo paper and putting them in envelopes because not only will you end up with bigger cost, it will also be bulky and harder to organize. I tried to put myself in the mindset of the reviewer and imagine what the easiest layout would be for me to go over the documents.

Pls help

Also the wedding pictures etc . We send ,how did u put the pictures together to send ...in plastic bag or something ??

Oh wow, really? That's a bummer. Checked again today, and numbers still not recognized. At least we're getting our notices through mail!

Congrats on your letter!

I'm having the same problem with USCIS status webpage. Not sure if it's too early to check, or I just happened to be one of the unlucky ones who won't be able to track case status online I read that sometimes that happens.

Welcome to the thread, guys! I just got my Biometrics appointment in the mail today, scheduled for the 22nd of this month. I was so nervous opening the envelope, but once I saw the slip was white, I couldn't contain my excitement!

Anyone else got any updates? Also, the USCIS status webpage still isn't recognizing my numbers.

I don't think it matters since it's all concurrently filed. Although, most filers write 2 separate checks. I'm not sure about the logic behind it, but it kind of makes sense to have the applicant/beneficiary's fees separate from that of the petitioner. Here's another opinion about it:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/455482-concurrent-filing-one-check-or-2-separate-checks/

Hello Guys i will be sending my AOS this Thursday . I-130 fees + I-485 fees can ONE check ($1,490) cover for all fees or are they expecting 2 separate checks? ($420 & & $1070)

i was told by a legal Attorney to send one check for $1490..

According to VJ stats, it's an average of 147 days (almost 5 months) between biometrics and interview. That's the average for all field offices.

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/aosstats.php?cfl=

I see that your local office, is Boston, too. Their AOS processing backlog is currently at 7 months.

does anyone know in what months are they working on with interview?

Awesome news everywhere! Happy for everyone...

Yah weird, but the only reason I know is that they're under my husband's name and were routed to his number & email. The other two under mine are yet to come (I sure hope so)

It's a really strange selection XD 130 and 864... they're very picky hahaha)

Actually, we only got 2 which are for the I-130 and the I-864. Waiting for the I-845 and I-765 notifications. Yours on the way, I'm sure

Nope, Nothing yet
but i'm not worried at all, cause they usually screw up with these e-notifications
But i'm happy to hear you got yours! Congratulations!

Did you get your e-NOAs yet? We just got ours!

That's amazing
I feel soooooo relieved and happy today

My husband just checked and said, "Guess what? Money's gone!" LOL which means our checks have been cashed! So relieved, phew.

That is awesome news!

Guys! My checks have been cashed
Happy-happy-happy!

it may sound crazy, but the reason is that they screwed up.

It says on their case status website that it was rejected cause i didn't sign my i-485. which is not true, as I actually scanned every doc I sent and there IS a signature on i-485.

so I just resent everything, thanks god the clinic I took my medical examination at agreed to give me another copy of it and i didn't have to pay another 500 bucks to get it done again

Oh, what a mess and at your expense! I hope your local office isn't as backlogged as mine... I was very concerned about the validity time-frame for my I-693 and actually considered getting my medical done only if I get an RFE because of the possible 8-month wait (plus maybe another 2 months if we get an RFE)...

Sorry they screwed your documents up. Now if only they could send you back your packet with the signed I-485 and refund all your expenses!

DOn't send them anything unless they ask you to

And advance parole is free for them who filed I-485, but for example I didn't apply for that cuse I was out of status when I filed and I read here that sometimes if you were out of status and you leave the us before you get your GC then you may be rejected when entering even having the AP doc.

It's the first time I've heard of or read about being out of status and rejected even with the AP, sounds scary!

I see from your timeline that your papers were rejected and you had to send back; mind if I ask what reason USCIS gave you? If you're not comfortable sharing, I can respect that

I would say that to save any confusion either wait for USCIS to contact you in regards to the G325A form as you potentially will have them confused.

Or Maybe phone them once you have a case number and get their advice. 1-800-375-5283

If you know you have made the error you could basically get ahead of the game, what you don't want to do is start submitting unsolicited paperwork / evidence!

As for the I-131 I would say to anyone who is yet to submit AOS papers to send one anyway, it's free !! You just never know when the situation may arise (maybe it will come up in your job, you never know)

That you can look to submit once you have your I-485 NOA. Send a cover letter confirming the case references and that you forgot to add it. Also state that you would like this to be treated alongside the original submission and therefore there should be no charge to file it. Others have done the same after the fact without any issues.

Thanks so much for the insight, gpiper! That's so true about urgent situations... I'll definitely take your advice and be on it. I did see posts from other applicants who did the same thing and got rejected because of the fee, but a lot of others got through just fine. It's a chance I'll take!

Who needs a lawyer when you have VJ as a resource?

After six months of obsessively compiling supporting documents, we finally mailed out our packets for concurrent AOS (I-130, I-485, I-864, I-765) processing to the Chicago Lockbox on May 3. I've been lurking the VJ forums forever, and now fully aware of how backlogged the USCIS has been lately. On top of that, my local field office, Boston, is currently experiencing an 8-month delay for AOS processing!

Questions:

1. I may have forgotten to sign my G-325A in my I-485 Packet (even after quadruple-checking, ugh)... should I send a new one when the NOA hard copy comes in the mail?

2. I didn't file for the Travel Document/I-131 because I wasn't sure about the payment (free with I-485?)... should I try and send in after NOA too?

So much anxiety, you guys... Thanks in advance for your replies!