spysee

On 12/7/2023 at 1:00 AM, BenNomad said:

The only exchange operating in Russia that supports USDC for P2P transactions seems to be ByBit. Am I missing something? I registered on HTX (Huobi) - no USDC listed for P2P. Same thing with CommEx. I couldn't find USDC on Garantex either. USDT seems to be widely supported though.

 

Also, the only mutually available network for transferring USDC to ByBit or HTX is Ethereum. Solana network is not available. As far as I could tell, there is no zero-fee transfer option for USDC, but the fee using the Ethereum network at the time I checked was around $5. And that's a flat fee, not a percent of the transfer amount. 

 

 

After you receive USDC on HTX or Bybit - just convert it to USDT (it's basically free there) and then use USDT P2P to transfer to Russian card.

Don't convert anything on Coinbase - fees are insane. Use Coinbase only to buy USDC from US checking account and send it. You won't be able to send USDT through Solana on Coinbase, only USDC.

14 hours ago, Chris Parker said:

I'd suggest Dai (DAI) currency instead of Tether (USDT) or USDC if you want to use a token that's pegged to the dollar.  It's the least expensive in terms of fees.  If you don't care about dollar value, BCH (Bitcoin Cash) or LTC (Litecoin) are other options with low transaction fees designed for quick exchange rather than long-term holding.  But be careful that the network used on both ends matches before transferring to another service!

Yes, why not, you can buy anything - DAI, USDT, BTC, SOL, etc but if you don't want to pay ANY fees then the only coin you can buy with absolutely ZERO fees in US is USDC stablecoin on Coinbase. If you want to buy DAI - Coinbase will charge you 3% commission.

14 hours ago, Chris Parker said:

Most (or maybe all) of these international exchanges dropped RUB (ruble) as a fiat currency this summer and will not directly process Russian credit cards.  Binance, in particular, has pulled out but also set up a totally different exchange they call "CommEx" for use exclusively in Russia with the ruble currency (it's much more limited in terms of currencies and networks, and it relies almost entirely on P2P listings to get rubles in & out of the exchange).  A better suggestion we're about to try is Garantex (garantex.org), which is now based in Moscow and operating only in Russia due to international sanctions.

 

Not exactly true. Most largest international crypto exchanges still have RUB and both biggest Russian banks that are sanctioned (Sber and TInkoff) as official methods for P2P deposits and withdrawals. And I don't think they ever completely close the door for RUB to be withdrawn. Especially Bybit (UAE) and Huobi (China). You can actually still withdraw RUB on Binance too, no problem (Tinkoff is now Reiffeissen there and Sber is Rosbank :).

Pretty much like Dobryi Cola or Lubimaya Cola in Russia. Officially Coca Cola and Pepsi left but in fact they just renamed their products and keep making money like before. 

Buy USDC on US Coinbase exchange with your bank account (0% commission).

Your significant other in Russia needs to create account on one of the international crypto exchanges (Binance, ByBit, Huobi, etc - takes 5 mins)

Send USDC to their Binance, ByBit or Huobi account (0% commission if sending through Solana network on Coinbase)

They receive it in 5 mins and then they withdraw it to their Russian bank card through P2P with the exchange rate better than the official rate.

All together - absolutely free transfer and the best USD-RUB rate.

4 hours ago, Tara0921 said:

Still waiting for our interview appointment in Houston. It's more than 365 days since applications received.

Same thing... It's been almost 13 months since applications were received. 

I-485 and I-130 statuses still - "Case was received".

Our lawyer went to Infopass and they said the case is still at National Benefit Center - it means they still reviewing something... Local officer had no idea what exactly.

Considering I never even had speeding tickets - I have no idea what's happening and why it's taking so long... All other couples from Boston who applied in June-July had their interviews in December-January. And now I have to apply for EAD/AP extension and pay extra 410$ for that...

Losing hope and patience... 

I did twice actually. On my own, without spouse.

1st time In Boston it all took like 30 mins including secondary, no questions asked.

2nd time in NYC (JFK) two weeks ago - they detained me for about 3 hours with no explanation, searched all bags, took my phone, wallet and all papers from the bag, inspected them for about 30 mins and asked a lot of basic questions and then just smiled and said - welcome back like nothing happened...

So you never know... 

I'm going to China/Hong Kong in few weeks for a trade show but I'll never ever enter US through JFK ever again. 

Still waiting since July 19 in Boston too...

I traveled outside US twice using my AP card and the overall experience is very different.

1st time in Nov 2016 in Boston Logan - 30 mins all together with secondary and no questions asked.

2nd time - few days ago in New York/JFK - detained for 2,5 hours - tons of questions - they took all my stuff out of the bag to the table, searched everything, took my phone, wallet and all papers from the bag and kept those for half an hour with no explanation.

I've just came back to US from European trip with EAD/AP card after ~3 years tourist visa overstay.

Spent just 5 minutes at Boston Logan airport secondary room - officer only asked basic questions where I've been and for how long..

Will go to Caribbean vacation soon.

So travel with AP wherever you want and don't worry.

Just traveled to Russia and France for 2 weeks using my EAD/AP after ~3 years tourist visa overstay.

Landed at Boston Logan airport - spent 2 mins in line and then just 5 minutes at secondary - the officer there only asked where I traveled to and how long I stayed and that's it.

Going to Caribbean for New Year. Very pleasant experience traveling with AP...

I-485 still at "Case received"...

Anyone still stuck on "case was received" and "fingerprint fee was received" for the I-485 and I-130?

No sign of an interview in sight

I got same exact thing - it looks like Northeast states have longest waiting periods for interviews according to other people timelines.

And I just received my EAD card yesterday. 106th day since sending AOS.

Anyone knows how long from EAD/AP "New card is being produced" to getting an USPS pick up tracking number?

Mine was updated to "being produced" on Oct 11.

Changed to "mailed" (without tracking info) on Oct 26.

I got a flight to Europe booked for Nov 2nd - still hope I'll get it by then

My EAD status was changed to "New card is being produced" on Oct 11.

No updates since then... but the thing is I booked very cheap award flight to Europe for $45 for Nov 2nd and now it looks like I'm gonna lose this ticket )

I was hoping that uscis ships my card within 2 weeks after this "card is being produced" status appeared like they shipped it within 7-14 days to most of the people here, but again.. no luck. Damn.

Thanks again for all the details.. We live in Atlanta and Spanish consulate website of Atlanta is just awful..no details given about how to apply or take an interview appointment..when I call in the contact number given , no one responds..Begin to wonder how to proceed

There is no Spanish consulate in Atlanta.

Choose the best option for you here (Miami and Washington DC seems closest ones):

http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/EmbajadasConsulados.aspx#

All Spanish consulates do have online electronic appointment system.

When u said I should take an Visa appointment, u mean the visa interview appointment? If yes then isn't it true that residents can just mail their docs to the consulate and don't need to go for in- person interview?

Also, how do I take an appointment as I can't seem to find any information or any responsive contact details of the consulate

You MUST appear in person to apply for Schengen visa. Not for interview - they collect fingerprints.

Most EU consulates have electronic appointment system, if not - just call them. Usually closest available dates are 3-4 weeks ahead.

Yep... Case received for i-131, i-765, i-130

Fingerprint fee received for i-485.

Early walk-in bio was done August 1st...

Day 85...

Finally. Day 90.

Status of EAD just changed from "Case received" to "New Card is being produced"

Case received status for all applications?

Yep... Case received for i-131, i-765, i-130

Fingerprint fee received for i-485.

Early walk-in bio was done August 1st...

Day 85...

Day 83...

Still "Case was received"

Service request didn't help..

It's been 80 days since uscis received my documents for EAD/AP and the status is still "case was received".

I sent a service request yesterday night and they have completed it earlier today saying "Your case is currently under review. You should receive a decision or notice of other action shortly".

Took me 20 seconds to find...

First official link in Google:

http://www.transportation.wv.gov/DMV/Drivers/Pages/Drivers-Licenses.aspx

Clearly saying:

If foreign born, valid, unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document(s) or acceptable alternatives as outlined below:
Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) issued by DHS (or INS)
Employment authorization document (EAD) issued by DHS, Form I-766 or Form I-688B

...

That was going to be my next question spysee!

I know if he was applying as a tourist on his own it would be very difficult. But married to a USC I would think would help.

We would like to go somewhere in the Caribbean.

You are exaggerating the difficulty of getting tourist visas

Doesn't matter if you are Egyptian, Mexican, Chinese, Dominican, etc. national - you can easily apply and get short-term visa to almost any country. Just check the official consulates websites and follow their requirements. The only hard ones to get being "3rd tier" country national but still very possible even without US spouse - UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand.

There are 8 used visas from different countries in my Russian passport and lots of visa-on-arrival stamps, just got 1-year multiply Schengen visa to visit EU. Took only 5 days to get.

Never had any problems.

Good luck )

Just apply for tourist visa for him to whenever country you are thinking to go once he got AP card.

For example It's gonna be very easy to get short-term tourist visa to any Caribbean country, especially if to mention in the application that he is married to US citizen.

Thanks for the info.

I am planning to go to Europe (Italy then Germany) with my Filipino wife about 3 weeks after my AOS interview. I'm hoping to have the AP before that and apply for a Schengen visa through Italy, since it is the country we will be arriving at.

If I understand correctly, the application is asking for the alien registration number. Is that number on the AP card? Did you have to appear at the embassy in person? I thought we can get it done by mail.

How long did it take after you applied for the visa to actually have it in hand?

thank you

I applied for Greek Schengen 2 weeks ago even without AP or Green Card - just with AOS paper receipt with A-number.

All Schengen states collect your fingerprints when applying, so you must make an appointment and appear in person.

Picked up passport in a week with 1-year multi-schengen.

Boston, MA. SUCCESSFUL! Original appointment - Aug 11, 2016. Early walk in - Aug 1, 2016. Stopped by at 2:30pm - 30 mins before closing, there were just few people waiting, security didn't even asked for a reason why I'm there 11 days earlier, let me in. While seating and filling the paper - the supervisor approached me and politely asked for a reason why I came in early - I explained my situation that my spouse has a court hearing the same day and time like my original appointment and I have to be there (it's true). He just smiled back and I was done in 10 mins. Very nice and kind people working there!

ALABAMA

Birmingham, AL - He give us a hard time, but finally agreed to let us through. Successful.

ARIZONA
Phoenix, AZ - Gave no reason, no questions asked, successful. Staff very friendly and courteous. Went on Monday at opening time (8 am), in and out in 20 minutes.
Tucson, AZ - Gave no reason, no questions asked, successful.

CALIFORNIA
Buena Park - No reason, just gave security guard my appt letter. YES
Chula Vista - 2 Walk-ins, first was 10 days early and the second was 23 days before the appointment. Successful.

Chula Vista - 06/27/16 Walked-in at 12pm, was asked to return around 230. No reason asked. Successful!
El Monte - 13 days early. Work conflict. Sup wasn't nice about it, but biometrics got done!
Fresno - 07/14/14 - Successful, no questions asked. After 2 pm walk-ins allowed.

Fresno - 06/28/2016 - UNSUCCESSFUL. 7 days early, went in at 2.15pm. Guard advised to come back on actual appointment day cos it was packed.
Gardena - 5/24/12
Los Angeles - (USCIS Fairfax on W. Pico). Successful with no questions asked. 01/11/2015-> walked in 9 days before appointment, asked to come around 2pm. Let me take biometrics no problem then!
Los Angeles - (downtown) July 2012. NO
Los Angeles - San Fernando valley (Chatsworth) division: successful walk-in, no questions asked, short wait. 6/11/13.
Modesto - 10 days early. Went in to try our luck for my wife (K-1) and step daughter (K-2) AOS/EAD Biometrics and no questions asked. The process took about 10 minutes. The employees on-site were very friendly.
Oakland - Oct 2013 successful
Pomona - long wait. Successful
Riverside - Nov 10, 2014 - Unsuccessful. Original appt for Nov 17. Told to come back on the scheduled date. Guard was firm and unfriendly. Didn't help that the woman in front of me was arguing with another member of staff about her appt date.
San Francisco - Feb 2014 - Successful, no questions asked.
San Francisco - 05/19/2014 - No question asked for three weeks early walk-in. Just showed security guard the letter. Get it done in half hour. Friendly staffs
Santa Ana - Walked in 2 times in June 2012. No questions asked. The friendly security guards even told me I could go inside to fill out the form for my wife but will have to wait outside afterwards.
Santa Ana - early walk-in successful, the day after I recieved the biometrics letter (original appointment date: 03/11)! Really nice staff and security guards.
Santa Ana - 7/30/2014 Early walk-in successful (Original appt date is August 14, 2014). I was in and out in 15 minutes!
Santa Ana - 7/28/2014 Early walk-in successful. Really nice staff... was in and out within minutes. Very short wait since there were others ahead of me. Very friendly.
Santa Rosa - Walked in right after lunch. very few people. They were not happy and pointed out the scheduled date many times, but didn't send us away. I'm glad we were in the area and busy on our actual day.
San Marcos - Walked in at a little after 2pm and we're 2nd in line. Showed Appointment Notice and passport. Entire process only took 15 minutes and didn't have to pay parking fee (inside a small shopping center)
San Marcos - Walked in right after I got apt letter, went 20 min before closing, was the only one there, didn't give any reason, was in and out in 7 min, free ample parking space.
San Jose - 4/29/14 - Successful. Appointment for 5/14/14. Did a walk-in at 11.20am. Staff was pleasant and polite. In and out in 10 minutes.
West Sacramento - 4/28/14 - Unsuccessful

COLORADO
Aurora - Went 10 days early. Reason: I was in the area and had lots of meetings on appointment day. Successful. I arrived at 8 am and saw that lots of people were waiting. Left, did some chores, and came back at 9:15. Finished biometrics in 10 minutes.
Denver - went in 2 days early because I couldn't get the day off of work to take hubby on exact date and we had no issues

FLORIDA
Jacksonville - May 2013- Gave no reason, 2 weeks before appointment, successful in 25 minutes.
Miami - June 2012 - Gave no reason. Showed up 2 weeks before - was in and out in 5 minutes.
Oakland Park - Feb 2013 - Gave no reason, 2 weeks before appointment, succsessful in 10 minutes.
Tampa - May 2014 - Said I would be out of town, 2.5 weeks before appointment, successful in under 30 minutes
Tampa - 8/12/2014 - Appointment for 8/21/14 - Gave no reason, successful
Tampa - 9/18/2015 - Appointment for 9/22/15 - Not successful, was told to come back day of appointment, was told they were understaffed and there were no walk-ins allowed all day
West Palm Beach 6/14/2016 Appointment for 6/24/2016. Successful, wasn't asked why , just did everything in 20 min. They were nice.
GEORGIA
Atlanta - No reason Officer had us wait outside until the earliest appts went in (about 15 minutes). Yes.
Atlanta - Our appt was for 6/13 went in 5/25 and we were successful with no questions. The office just wrote on our form Walk-in.
Atlanta - Appointment for 04/26/13. Did a walk-in at 3PM 04/17/13 successfully. Reason was husband is working on appointment day. No question of reason though.
Atlanta - Appointment for 10/18/13. Did a walk-in at 3PM 10/01/13 as we are on vacation on appointment day. No problems, the place was deserted. Successful - in and out in 10 minutes.

ILLINOIS
Naperville (abut 30 miles west of Chicago) - My appt was 8/13. Went on 8/30 at 2pm but was unsuccessful - only one technician on duty. I asked if there was any point in trying again and was told 'I can't tell you not to try again but to try earlier in the day'. I went on 8/1 at 11am and was seen after the 11am appts. I was in and out in about 25 minutes. I was told that I shouldn't really be doing this and not to do it again but at least they saw me. I didn't give any reason for wanting an earlier appt. I just said that I had been waiting so long during the whole K1 process, I would like to get a head start on AOS!

INDIANA
Michigan City - January 2012 - No reason needed - Yes to successful walk-in(asked about it, I was there the same day as appointment)

IOWA
Des Moines - April 2010 - Husbands erratic work schedule meant rescheduling wouldn't help because there was still no guarantee the new date would work - Successful
Des Moines - March 2011 - To get it over with - Successful (advised they were being more strict but letting them proceed due to no-one else being there)

LOUISIANA
Metairie - Unsuccessful. You must arrive on the correct day at the exact time of your appointment, or they will not see you. Tried for AOS, ROC and N-400. Two friends have also tried it and been refused.

MARYLAND
Baltimore - April/2013, told guard I will have oral surgery couple days before appointment & will be very swollen/bruised, she asked for supporting documents which I provided. Denied walk in. Was told I could come the day of if I was feeling well enough or after appointment date but not before.
Wheaton - told Security guard I was not going to be in State on the day. Yes
Wheaton - July 2012, asked why could not make appointment, said attending wedding. Successful(out in 10 minutes).
Wheaton - Dec 27, 2013 - Told guard we had an 01/07/14 appointment in Baltimore but had a dr. appointment the same day. He passed us on through. The gentleman who we talked to gave us a lecture about going to the wrong place, that people would be waiting for us on the appointed day, that it wasn't fair to them, etc, etc. - but then said he would allow it this time but to do all other appointments on the scheduled date at the right office.

MASSACHUSETTS
Boston - I took my wife for her scheduled biometrics appointment on 1/14/14. In an effort to get some info for this thread I asked the woman at the front desk if they allow early walk-ins, this was her reply: "It depends on what the reason is. If you legitimately need to come at an earlier date they will allow it, but if you just walk in for no apparent reason, they may not."
Boston - Tried to do early walk in for my appointment in Lawrence, told them I worked in Boston and would have to take time off to go to Lawrence. They asked me if I couldn't make it on the original date, I said I could, just didn't want to take time off from work. They told me I'd have to come back on the day of my appointment, but I could do it in Boston. Still waiting to go back. - Not successful.
Boston - I missed my 01/08/2016 appointment due to the info getting to me too late (got it on 01/11). Called USCIS helpline, was told to either try a late walk-in or send paper in to Virginia to get a new appointment (wait time about a month *ahhh*). Showed up at Center today (01/12/2016) with letter and ID, manager came over to sign off on late slip and let me in no problem. There at 8:45am, back out at 9:30am, not bad at all and ALL DONE.

Boston - 08/01/2016. Success! Stopped by at 2:30pm - 30 mins before closing, there were just few people waiting, security didn't even asked for a reason why I'm there 11 days earlier, let me in. While seating and filling the paper - the supervisor approached me and politely asked for a reason why I came in early - I explained my situation that my spouse has a court hearing the same day and time like my original appointment and I have to be there (it's true). He just smiled back and I was done in 10 mins. Very nice and kind people working there!

Lawrence - did an early walk in 3 weeks before my appointment. Just asked politely if it was ok as I was in the area that day anyway. They couldn't have been nicer. Done and on my way home in less than 25mins! Was quite anxious beforehand as I'd heard bad things about Lawrence. But they were all friendly and really nice and accommodating.
Lawrence - 05/08/14 - Went one day early, they commented that it was supposed to be the next day, no questions. Successful. Should've tried there first instead of Boston - MUCH better office.

MICHIGAN
Detroit 07/29/14 SUCESSFUL
-We arrived about 245pm security only asked for identification and where we were going. The clerk in ASC was more difficult initially when she looked at our appointment she said why are you here so early (appt scheduled for 08/14/14) I explained my wife is pregnant and due any day she said well we had a power outage yesterday I don't know if we will be able to get you in ( only 2 people were waiting for someone) so she went to ask her supervisor when she returned handed me the clipboard and stamped our I -797 and said I can't guarantee it but fill out this form so as soon as I finished filling the forms they called my wife and son back about 15 minutes in total.

MINNESOTA
Duluth - successful
Minneapolis - May 2012- NO because one of the computers was down
St Paul - No reason asked or given. Successful
St Paul - April 14th, 2014. Guard noted we were kind of early but I can let you in, as we're not busy. We mentioned we had a trip planned on the appointment day, after his comment. Successful
St. Paul - No reason asked or given. Successful. They will let you in if it is a slow day at the office.

MISSOURI
St. Louis - No problems, no questions asked, Successful

MONTANA
Helena - family had appts on different days. Did all the same day. Friendly office.

NEBRASKA
Omaha - 3/22/2012- appointment was for Apr 5. No questions. Successful
Omaha - 4/08/2014 - Appointment was for 4/18. No questions asked. Successful

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Manchester - Did routine security check and showed I-797 to guy at the window who said the decision would be the department's whether to take early appointment or not. Lady gave me lecture on how to change appt, if not able to make it and said they need to stop early walk-ins as they schedule staff based on # of persons per appt, Asked why I wanted it done, told the truth...it was anxiety....

NEW JERSEY
Hackensack - The guard asked me what I was doing there on 8/20/12 when my schedule was 8/30/12. I told him my sister will be having her baby and I will fly to Rochester on 8/25/12 to be with her. The guard let me talk with the manager and the manager checked my roundtrip ticket. The walk-in attempt was SUCCESSFUL.

NEW YORK
Brooklyn (60th St) - 5/7/14 (9am Wednesday morning) - no reason asked or given - successful, but an hour or so wait
Holtsville (Long Island) - 5/22/12 No reason asked. YES
Holtsville (Long Island) - 4/11/16 Successful. Officer asked for a reason and I explained that I had to take the day off to drive husband to the doctor and was hoping to not have to take another day off later in the week for biometrics as well. She said no problem. No wait. We were the only ones there at 12:30PM.
Manhattan - 11/21/2010 - Successful. I did a walk-in at Varick Street in late October, about 2 weeks before my appointment date. I went at 8am, I was one of the first people there, so I had my biometrics done straight away. They didn't say or ask anything about me coming early. In all it only took about 20 minutes from arriving until I was done.

Manhattan - 11/22/2010 - Successful. Went at 7:45am this morning. No one asked about me being there 3 weeks earlier than the date on the letter. Was out again by 8:25am

Manhattan - 09/15/2011 - Successful. I arrived at 7:50 with 3 people ahead of me in line. My scheduled appointment date is a week away. I was in and out in 15 minutes.

Manhattan - 02/21/2012 - Successful. I walked in a couple of weeks ago - a week before my scheduled appointment. Arrived at 8, 10 people in line before me, guard verifying our documents looked at mine and mentioned my appointment is in a week. Told him I'm moving the same day of the scheduled appointment, he didn't seem alarmed - let me go. Smooth sail after, was out before 8:30 and everyone there were super sweet.

Manhattan - 08/08/2012 - Successful. Scheduled appointment is August 24th. I arrived at 7:50 and got into a long line to go through security which opened at 8 am. I was on my way home by 8:40.

Manhattan - 01/15/2013, Couldn't get to Philadelphia, Walk in Successful

Manhattan - 02/01/2013 - Successful. Walked into Varick ACS 2:00 PM.. Building security just saw my letter, let me in, no questions. I was out of the building by 2:20 PM.

Manhattan - 05/31/2013 - Successful. My appointment was for June 12 and I'm on business travel. I walked into Varick offie at 10:10 am and was out by 10:20 am.

Manhattan - 02/08/2016 - Successful. I got into the building around 8.10 and was out and biometrics done by 8.30 no questions asked nothing about not being on the official scheduled date and they were very friendly.
Manhattan - 03/04/2016 - Successful, no questions asked. Went at 08.00, not super busy, waited 45 minutes.
Manhattan - 04/01/2016 - Successful. Friday afternoon at 3pm. Super fast and excellent service!

Manhattan - 05/11/2016 - Successful. Security guy came check if you have appt paper. He checked mine and told me that my appt is in 2 weeks. I told him nicely that I am aware of that but I will be out for work on that day I hope they let it slide this time for me. He then let me go on. I was out of building 8:15.

Manhattan - 06/13/2016 - Successful. No questions asked. Arrived at 9:00am. It was a busy Monday morning, I was out at 10:00am

Port Chester - 02/21/2013, No reasons asked, very friendly, successful. Note: I am living in Connecticut but close enough to the New York state line - appointment scheduled automatically for Port Chester, not CT.
Port Chester - 03/01/2016 - Successful. No questions asked, friendly guard smiled, checked the appt letter, and gave us a form to fill out. Total time take just over an hour. (original appt was for 3/11)

OHIO
Cincinnati - 07/23/2014 - Successful.
Cleveland - no questions. Successful.

OREGON
Portland- 07/2012 Unsuccessful, no walk-ins allowed.

PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia - Drummond Road -Successful. No questions asked. YES
Philadelphia - Oct 2013 successful
Philadelphia (May 12, 2014) - Drummond Road. SUCCESS, but highly stressful and not recommended on a Monday AM unless an emergency.
Pittsburgh - did this twice and no questions asked! YES
York - Successful. Place was basically empty and took less than 10 mins.
Pittsburgh - 7/7/14: No issues, place was empty and they were happy to do it (17 days earlier than scheduled appt). In and out in 10-15 mins.

TENNESSEE
Nashville - 06/13/2016 - Success

Nashville - 06/24/2016 - Success

TEXAS
Austin - We were in the area that day (we live an hour away) - Yes
Austin - Feb 2014. Was initially told to come back after 12noon but then success.
Dallas (Whitehurst) - Yes, had to give a reason, come early and they will take you
Fort Worth (Landmark Lake) - Successful, but they were not happy about doing it early.
Houston (Hwy 290 office) - Jan 2012 - gave no reason, only appt letter. Yes (3 times-AOS, ROC, Citizenship)

Houston (Hwy 290 office) - June 2016 - Went first thing Monday. Told wouldn't be a problem but to come back in the afternoon (they were really busy). 2nd attempt and was done within 30 minutes. Successful.
Houston SW (Sugarland) - No questions. YES
Houston SW (Sugarland) - Successful, but they were not happy about doing it early.

VIRGINIA
Alexandria - Successful
Alexandria- 01/07/2014- A week early. No questions asked about date on letter. Successful.
Alexandria- 02/27/2014- A week early. Gave no reason. Handed them appointment letter and passport, that was it. Successful
Alexandria- 05/16/2014- 3 weeks early.Gave no reason & no questions has been asked. SUCCESSFUL.
Alexandria- 09/15/2015- A week early, work conflict. No questions asked, place was deserted so service immediately. Successful.
Alexandria- 06/13/2016- 9 days early, no questions asked. Place was kinda crowded at 10 AM, about 40 people ahead of me, it took 1 hour and 5 minutes, the officer was very nice. Successful.

Alexandria- 07/18/2016- 10 days early, no questions asked. Gave no reason. Took 45 minutes. Came in at around 9:30 a.m. Successful.

WASHINGTON
Tukwila - 06/19/2014 - 2 weeks early. No reason necessary. In and out in 20 minutes. Successful.

Tukwila - 06/21/2014 - 9 days early. No reason necesssary. In and out in 10 minutes. Successful.

Yes you can apply for schengen visa with AP. I did that 3 months ago at the german consulate in Houston and had no issue at all. Just last week I applied for the French visa and was also successful.

AP does not prove permanent residency. In the case of applying for schengen visa it just serves the purpose of a proof that you will be able to return to the US. Just bring your AP card and a copy when you go apply for the schengen visa, you will be fine.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing the info.

If even German consulate accepted it - then there should be no problems with other EU states.

Can you please share the discount airlines that will fly you to Berlin/Paris/Madrid/Lisbon/Prague for 20-40 Euro? Does Wizz-Air fly from Russia?.....We can not find tickets to those cities for less than $280 USD from Kyiv

20-40 Euro - please reread my previous post - I mentioned that you get these rates on inside-EU routes by flying from Finland, but very close to Russian border

There are plenty of European discounters that offer these inside-EU rates - 3 biggest ones - RyanAir, EasyJet and WizzAir.

There are few that fly from Moscow to EU (Pobeda, WIzzAir, Vueling, Meridiana) - rates typically are not so low, but sometimes you can find really super-cheap deals - I just bought Moscow to Budapest WizzAir tickets for October for my parents - 36 Euro roundtrip. I'm not sure about Kiev - but I'm more than sure you can create your own cheap flight to EU by buying 2-3 separate discounters legs through Moscow, Chisinau, Istanbul or other surrounding non-EU hubs. Use skypicker.com - they show lots of ways to combine different legs to achieve final destination.

Also check Pegasus Airlines - these Turkish guys has tons of very cheap flights to EU from Istanbul and to Istanbul from Russia, Ukraine, etc.. but again you have to combine few separate tickets.

For "US to EU" route I recommend to check Norwegian - they have direct flights to Oslo and London from Boston and New York. I recently helped my US colleague to find an affordable way to go to EU and we got one-way non-stop ticket from Boston to Oslo for $102.