thegreatphoenix

Just filed our N-400 with I-751 pending. Good luck, everyone! 

Just filed our N-400 with I-751 pending. Good luck, everyone! 

Update: We got our NOA and 18-month extension letter in the mail today, 7 days after our packet got delivered to Phoenix. Yay! 

WoW!!!!  I hope we get ours so quickly!!!!

Hello everyone! I got my receipt number today, five days after I-751 was delivered to Phoenix. I got a MSC receipt number. 
 
Anyone else being forwarded to MSC? 

Hi, R and KJ! I remember you from our initial visa journey together back in 2016 - 2017!  
 

HELLO GUYS!!! 

First of all, congratulations and good luck to everyone with upcoming interview dates already received, visas already approved, and flights already made. 

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER Update: (please refer to my signature below for further context):

So 3 weeks after POE and no social security card yet, I went to a physical office (the SS hotline is USELESS you guys) and attempted to apply in person. The staff then informed me that they only start processing the social security numbers of new immigrants 21 WORKING days after POE, so I had to go back by then to begin my application. On the 21st working day after my POE I went back and applied, and the staff told me that someone from the immigration apparently already started processing my number but somehow left it unfinished for some reason (very common occurrence). He then told me that an immigration officer (not sure if this was the airport officer or someone else) inputted my names wrong (I have a really long name) and got my first name and middle name mixed up or something. So then they would have to wait for immigration to clear the social security office's application for me for my number to be processed. He said it would take 4-6 weeks, but they actually issued mine only two weeks after my application. 

Another observation: In my state, you can't get a driver's license or learner's permit (or pretty much anything like bank accounts, etc) without a social security number. So you would have to carry your passport with you in case you go to bars and restaurants to drink or even get seated at bars with family/friends who will drink. I have tried using my green card, but it is not a standard ID that's accepted at bars and restaurants so just carry around your passport until you get your social security number (which will eventually make you get a driver's license, their standard ID here). Another option would be to get a state issued ID, although I'm not sure how to do that so you'd have to check with your state.  

That's all for now. Congratulations and good luck, everybody!

HELLO GUYS!!! 

First of all, congratulations and good luck to everyone with upcoming interview dates already received, visas already approved, and flights already made. 

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER Update: (please refer to my signature below for further context):

So 3 weeks after POE and no social security card yet, I went to a physical office (the SS hotline is USELESS you guys) and attempted to apply in person. The staff then informed me that they only start processing the social security numbers of new immigrants 21 WORKING days after POE, so I had to go back by then to begin my application. On the 21st working day after my POE I went back and applied, and the staff told me that someone from the immigration apparently already started processing my number but somehow left it unfinished for some reason (very common occurrence). He then told me that an immigration officer (not sure if this was the airport officer or someone else) inputted my names wrong (I have a really long name) and got my first name and middle name mixed up or something. So then they would have to wait for immigration to clear the social security office's application for me for my number to be processed. He said it would take 4-6 weeks, but they actually issued mine only two weeks after my application. 

Another observation: In my state, you can't get a driver's license or learner's permit (or pretty much anything like bank accounts, etc) without a social security number. So you would have to carry your passport with you in case you go to bars and restaurants to drink or even get seated at bars with family/friends who will drink. I have tried using my green card, but it is not a standard ID that's accepted at bars and restaurants so just carry around your passport until you get your social security number (which will eventually make you get a driver's license, their standard ID here). Another option would be to get a state issued ID, although I'm not sure how to do that so you'd have to check with your state.  

That's all for now. Congratulations and good luck, everybody!

Hello everyone! Just a quick update. It's been 21 days since I entered the US. Yesterday, I got my green card in the mail so that took about 3 weeks from POE for them to get the card to me. Still no social security number yet, which in hindsight I should have made sure that the immigration officer took note that I DID request my social security number when I filled out my DS-260. As it says in the wiki on the front page of this thread, that online request for social security number on the DS-260 only works sometimes, and if you don't receive yours within 21 days you should probably go in person to the nearest office. I will be doing just that tomorrow as I have been unable to make any official bank transactions/account changes, driving permit matters, and job applications without my social security number. Gotta have that number ASAP!

Congratulations to everyone who has received their case complete's, interview dates, and interview approvals. Just a few more steps before the grand POE! Good luck to everyone!  

Hello everyone! Just a quick update. It's been 21 days since I entered the US. Yesterday, I got my green card in the mail so that took about 3 weeks from POE for them to get the card to me. Still no social security number yet, which in hindsight I should have made sure that the immigration officer took note that I DID request my social security number when I filled out my DS-260. As it says in the wiki on the front page of this thread, that online request for social security number on the DS-260 only works sometimes, and if you don't receive yours within 21 days you should probably go in person to the nearest office. I will be doing just that tomorrow as I have been unable to make any official bank transactions/account changes, driving permit matters, and job applications without my social security number. Gotta have that number ASAP!

Congratulations to everyone who has received their case complete's, interview dates, and interview approvals. Just a few more steps before the grand POE! Good luck to everyone!  

Hello everyone! Just a quick update. It's been 21 days since I entered the US. Yesterday, I got my green card in the mail so that took about 3 weeks from POE for them to get the card to me. Still no social security number yet, which in hindsight I should have made sure that the immigration officer took note that I DID request my social security number when I filled out my DS-260. As it says in the wiki on the front page of this thread, that online request for social security number on the DS-260 only works sometimes, and if you don't receive yours within 21 days you should probably go in person to the nearest office. I will be doing just that tomorrow as I have been unable to make any official bank transactions/account changes, driving permit matters, and job applications without my social security number. Gotta have that number ASAP!

Congratulations to everyone who has received their case complete's, interview dates, and interview approvals. Just a few more steps before the grand POE! Good luck to everyone!  

Hello everyone! Just a quick update. It's been 21 days since I entered the US. Yesterday, I got my green card in the mail so that took about 3 weeks from POE for them to get the card to me. Still no social security number yet, which in hindsight I should have made sure that the immigration officer took note that I DID request my social security number when I filled out my DS-260. As it says in the wiki on the front page of this thread, that online request for social security number on the DS-260 only works sometimes, and if you don't receive yours within 21 days you should probably go in person to the nearest office. I will be doing just that tomorrow as I have been unable to make any official bank transactions/account changes, driving permit matters, and job applications without my social security number. Gotta have that number ASAP!

Congratulations to everyone who has received their case complete's, interview dates, and interview approvals. Just a few more steps before the grand POE! Good luck to everyone!  

Hello everyone! Just a quick update. It's been 21 days since I entered the US. Yesterday, I got my green card in the mail so that took about 3 weeks from POE for them to get the card to me. Still no social security number yet, which in hindsight I should have made sure that the immigration officer took note that I DID request my social security number when I filled out my DS-260. As it says in the wiki on the front page of this thread, that online request for social security number on the DS-260 only works sometimes, and if you don't receive yours within 21 days you should probably go in person to the nearest office. I will be doing just that tomorrow as I have been unable to make any official bank transactions/account changes, driving permit matters, and job applications without my social security number. Gotta have that number ASAP!

Congratulations to everyone who has received their case complete's, interview dates, and interview approvals. Just a few more steps before the grand POE! Good luck to everyone!  

Hello everyone! Just a quick update. It's been 21 days since I entered the US. Yesterday, I got my green card in the mail so that took about 3 weeks from POE for them to get the card to me. Still no social security number yet, which in hindsight I should have made sure that the immigration officer took note that I DID request my social security number when I filled out my DS-260. As it says in the wiki on the front page of this thread, that online request for social security number on the DS-260 only works sometimes, and if you don't receive yours within 21 days you should probably go in person to the nearest office. I will be doing just that tomorrow as I have been unable to make any official bank transactions/account changes, driving permit matters, and job applications without my social security number. Gotta have that number ASAP!

Congratulations to everyone who has received their case complete's, interview dates, and interview approvals. Just a few more steps before the grand POE! Good luck to everyone!  

Hi guys!!! It's been a while! 

So I entered the US via Los Angeles Airport (LAX) POE two days ago. I didn't have any troubles at all with the immigration. The officer at the counter basically took my packet and passport (and gave back my x-ray CD), then radioed for someone else to come pick me and my husband up and take us to secondary check. I was only asked when we got married--the rest of the time he was inside his tiny room inputting stuff on his computer. After a few minutes he emerged from said room with instructions about green card mail, etc. He gave me a CR1 visa since we haven't been married for two years upon my entry. 

I kinda hoped he would say the usual "Welcome to America!" final words, but he didn't which was a bit anti-climactic lol. He mumbled a short "welcome" and we were on our way out. 

Good luck to everyone still waiting for interview dates and interviews! 

Hi guys!!! It's been a while! 

So I entered the US via Los Angeles Airport (LAX) POE two days ago. I didn't have any troubles at all with the immigration. The officer at the counter basically took my packet and passport (and gave back my x-ray CD), then radioed for someone else to come pick me and my husband up and take us to secondary check. I was only asked when we got married--the rest of the time he was inside his tiny room inputting stuff on his computer. After a few minutes he emerged from said room with instructions about green card mail, etc. He gave me a CR1 visa since we haven't been married for two years upon my entry. 

I kinda hoped he would say the usual "Welcome to America!" final words, but he didn't which was a bit anti-climactic lol. He mumbled a short "welcome" and we were on our way out. 

Good luck to everyone still waiting for interview dates and interviews! 

Hi guys!!! It's been a while! 

So I entered the US via Los Angeles Airport (LAX) POE two days ago. I didn't have any troubles at all with the immigration. The officer at the counter basically took my packet and passport (and gave back my x-ray CD), then radioed for someone else to come pick me and my husband up and take us to secondary check. I was only asked when we got married--the rest of the time he was inside his tiny room inputting stuff on his computer. After a few minutes he emerged from said room with instructions about green card mail, etc. He gave me a CR1 visa since we haven't been married for two years upon my entry. 

I kinda hoped he would say the usual "Welcome to America!" final words, but he didn't which was a bit anti-climactic lol. He mumbled a short "welcome" and we were on our way out. 

Good luck to everyone still waiting for interview dates and interviews! 

Hi guys!!! It's been a while! 

So I entered the US via Los Angeles Airport (LAX) POE two days ago. I didn't have any troubles at all with the immigration. The officer at the counter basically took my packet and passport (and gave back my x-ray CD), then radioed for someone else to come pick me and my husband up and take us to secondary check. I was only asked when we got married--the rest of the time he was inside his tiny room inputting stuff on his computer. After a few minutes he emerged from said room with instructions about green card mail, etc. He gave me a CR1 visa since we haven't been married for two years upon my entry. 

I kinda hoped he would say the usual "Welcome to America!" final words, but he didn't which was a bit anti-climactic lol. He mumbled a short "welcome" and we were on our way out. 

Good luck to everyone still waiting for interview dates and interviews! 

MY VISA GOT APPROVED!!!
 
Scan Date: 12-23-2016
Case Complete: 03-06-2017
Interview: 04-03-2017 (Tokyo Consulate)
 
My interview schedule was at 9am. I went in with my husband (but I was interviewed alone) around 8:30 and finished around 9:45.
 
Interview Questions:
 
1. How did you guys meet?
2. When did you meet?
3. When did you start dating?
4. When did you guys move in together?
5. When did he propose?
6. Have you met any of his family or friends?
7. Where and when did you get married?
8. Why are you moving to the US?
 
 
Aaand that's it! They didn't ask for anything in particular other than the original copies of civil documents, and I didn't even get to open the three thick binders of documents I brought with me lol.  
 
To everyone still waiting for their interviews, please don't be like me who stressed so bad and barely got any sleep in the days leading up to the interview. I was such a nervous wreck but the interview turned out really easy. As long as your documents are all in order, you really have nothing to worry about!
 
Thank you so much for all your support and encouragement! Good luck to everyone still waiting for interview dates and actual interviews!!!   

MY VISA GOT APPROVED!!!
 
Scan Date: 12-23-2016
Case Complete: 03-06-2017
Interview: 04-03-2017 (Tokyo Consulate)
 
My interview schedule was at 9am. I went in with my husband (but I was interviewed alone) around 8:30 and finished around 9:45.
 
Interview Questions:
 
1. How did you guys meet?
2. When did you meet?
3. When did you start dating?
4. When did you guys move in together?
5. When did he propose?
6. Have you met any of his family or friends?
7. Where and when did you get married?
8. Why are you moving to the US?
 
 
Aaand that's it! They didn't ask for anything in particular other than the original copies of civil documents, and I didn't even get to open the three thick binders of documents I brought with me lol.  
 
To everyone still waiting for their interviews, please don't be like me who stressed so bad and barely got any sleep in the days leading up to the interview. I was such a nervous wreck but the interview turned out really easy. As long as your documents are all in order, you really have nothing to worry about!
 
Thank you so much for all your support and encouragement! Good luck to everyone still waiting for interview dates and actual interviews!!!   

My husband and I always talk about how I can put my very stellar immigration packet organizational skills to good use and become an immigration consultant LOL  
 
Yeah I was kinda confused at first about that visa bulletin too. But I got so confused that I just ended up blocking it out of my mind on purpose as I didn't understand anything from their tables lol  
 

I'm so sorry to hear this. You and your family do not deserve to be waiting this long. There's definitely something not right going on here with all these conflicting information. Maybe the phone rep you talked to had the information all wrong, or maybe he was just giving a generic response. 

Have you tried calling Cairo US Embassy directly? I am not sure how the protocol for DIRECTLY contacting the embassy works, but in my case I was able to establish mutual email communication with Tokyo  US Embassy 10 days before my interview. They had emailed to remind me to bring original documents, and I replied with some other clarifications which they were very happy to answer. Maybe you can call up US Cairo Embassy and explain to them the weird situation, or maybe ask them if they had indeed finished scheduling all interviews

I hope for you to hear good news when you call back tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers go out to you! Stay strong and positive! 

My husband and I always talk about how I can put my very stellar immigration packet organizational skills to good use and become an immigration consultant LOL  
 
Yeah I was kinda confused at first about that visa bulletin too. But I got so confused that I just ended up blocking it out of my mind on purpose as I didn't understand anything from their tables lol  
 

i actually thought that rep who said they no longer give schedule is just confused perhaps she misheard and thought schedules for April kidding aside, i think she just made a mistake, as everyone of us who called, Rep said they haven't given any schedule yet or they are still scheduling except Royo's rep and yours, don't lose hope,   am sure they are giving your husband a best date for interview
 
you are most welcome we are blessed to have you as a co-member who uplifted our spirits when we are down too 
 
besides our husbands / wives, we have each other who has taught us a lot, given each other support, emotional boosters and  prayer warriors
 
let's all be positive, we all will be with our spouses the soonest
 
i've been praying so hard for all of us. God bless everyone.
praying for the representatives to give us light and not to give us wrong hopes/informations,
praying for the consuls, the embassy workers, medical doctors and each and everyone, may they all give us a smooth, speedy and hassle-free journey,
 
as waiting (when no one knows how long should we wait) is the most draining stage.     

I'm so sorry to hear this. You and your family do not deserve to be waiting this long. There's definitely something not right going on here with all these conflicting information. Maybe the phone rep you talked to had the information all wrong, or maybe he was just giving a generic response. 

Have you tried calling Cairo US Embassy directly? I am not sure how the protocol for DIRECTLY contacting the embassy works, but in my case I was able to establish mutual email communication with Tokyo  US Embassy 10 days before my interview. They had emailed to remind me to bring original documents, and I replied with some other clarifications which they were very happy to answer. Maybe you can call up US Cairo Embassy and explain to them the weird situation, or maybe ask them if they had indeed finished scheduling all interviews

I hope for you to hear good news when you call back tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers go out to you! Stay strong and positive!