fromthewater

Hello,

I am getting ready to file for N-400 in the state of Alaska. I would like to know the potential timeline and other people's experience and advice. Since there are not many people or posts about Alaska, and the only timeline data I found were from years ago (2009-2016), I want to ask if there are any of you from Alaska can share your Naturalization experience (or any other cases with Anchorage field office, too)?

(Interestingly, the data from previous years suggest that N-400s are interview are conducted within 2-4 months after submission!)

I did check on USCIS for Processing Time page, and it is showing 11.5~17 months. I have seen a lot of people's posts with timeline way different from Processing Time site, so I want to get some crowd sourced information on VisaJourney.

To my understanding, Anchorage is the only field office for the whole state?

Does that mean they usually take a long time to process things? Or for appointments like interviews?

(Or instead, is there few cases, so things get done faster?)

I saw somebody asking about walk-in biometrics for rural residents, is that still a thing?

Do they usually do same day ceremony after the interview? Or could we request to do that?

How are the officers or general vibes of the ANC office?

Any other things to note?

7 hours ago, Timona said:

 

Divorce times are currently unpredictable. What would you do if RFE comes faster than the divorce? As you know, RFE's have 30 days turnaround.

This is why it is advisable to request for a switch when you have the divorce in hand. Additionally, some people reconcile before final divorce ruling and live happily ever after. So, I would rather switch when I actually have the divorce certificate in hand.

I cannot imagine how uncomfortable it would be for anyone in a similar situation to ask their USC abusive/manipulative spouse to "joint" file as married with them.

What are the chances that the USC spouse would even say yes? What would they make the immigrant do in exchange?

Furthermore, they are separated, whether it's physically or emotionally. If you file as "married" filing jointly, that is misrepresenting what is going on to USCIS.

Understanding that divorce can sometimes take forever, I really doubt that anyone receives an RFE that fast. We all know how slow USCIS is, and I do believe if you mention that you will send them certified divorce decree once finalized, they wouldn't send you an RFE that is unreasonably early.

Also, response to an RFE deadline is usually 90 days, not 30.

That is actually why I would suggest tick both good faith and divorce waiver.

With abuse, you don't need divorce decree. And it may also help explain why the case may have some weird spots.

You can always request to amend your form. USCIS would most likely do it as a courtesy, instead of asking you to submit another I-751.

On 11/18/2020 at 8:22 PM, aje082 said:

Yes long journey 

Any update on your case?

On 11/16/2020 at 9:46 AM, Lucky Cat said:

"Public Charge" is not factor or even considered in Removal of Conditions or Naturalization.....

Can you share any official USCIS Memo or announcement that indicates Public Charge not considered when RoC or N-400?

Thanks for sharing.

I hope you received a notice for approval?

On 11/12/2020 at 5:55 PM, Andytn3591 said:

I got my I-751 interview just a few hours ago. Here's my experience:

 

On 11/11/2020 at 11:36 AM, 0310 said:

My 2-year CPR card is expiring in 10 days, so I'm planning to send my I-751 petition to remove conditions this week, possibly tomorrow.

 

Thanks for reading, any help regarding the divorce explanation is appreciated!

Well, apparently you should have filed, and I hope you did. However, I am still posting some suggestions here that may help with your RFE or other petitioners.

I suggest you file and TICK BOTH Divorce Waiver and Abuse Waiver.

For Divorce Waiver, submit all bona fide evidence you do have. Make sure you collect everything before you move out. Make sure it covers from "Getting your conditional GC" to Now.

For Abuse waiver, send photos of your injury from your wife. Write a detailed Declaration from how you met, how you fell in love and decided to get married, and how things turned bad. Detail the abuse.

What is tricky is that you might want to leave out her infidelity. USCIS does not care if she stepped out on you and it is wrong, and of course this marriage does not work for you anymore. On the contrary, this might make USCIS question the "bona fide" marriage, and whether your wife married you because of love or for immigration convenience. For this, you may want to consult an attorney. Maybe even use their help to prepare the forms properly.

"No fault" - USCIS does not care who's at fault. CA is also a no fault state. It also wouldn't matter to the court who's at fault. The only thing you could argue or fight about is properties and custody etc.

On 11/11/2020 at 12:21 PM, Timona said:

 

Since you are still married and not expecting final divorce soon, you would have to file I-751 as married. With this, you do not have to provide the highlighted now. When divorce is finalized, send it to USCIS and request to switch to I-751 with divorce waiver. I still do not think an explanation is need at that point because USCIS knows divorces happen all the time. However, if you feel like, then when that time comes, put down the highlighted paragraph. It is precise, short and clear.

 

Incorrect. When divorce is in proceeding, you can file for divorce waiver, and wait for the RFE to supply them your decree. In your I-751 filing, quote this, "USICS Memo, "I-751 Filed Prior to Termination of Marriage," (Apr. 3, 2009). In adjudicating the I-751, USCIS must issue a Request for Evidence to allow the applicant to submit his/her final divorce decree. https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/i-751_Filed_ Prior_Termination_3apr09.pdf

On 11/10/2020 at 10:51 AM, bunbo123 said:

Hi Everyone,

 

I just want to share my situation and looking for advices from anyone that have experience with I-751 application before. I submitted my I-751 in July 2019 and got a RFE letter a year later, I submitted all the additional photos and documents that I have. I checked my case status online and it said that USCIS is ready to schedule an interview for my case. This notice is since August and it has been more than 2 months now we did not receive any updates about the interview schedule. Is there anyone experience the same issue?

A little bit background about me and my husband. We married in March 2017 and I got my 2 years green card in October 2017. We have been living together for 2 years till January 2019, my husband graduated a year after me. I already got a full time job where we live and he found a job in his major so for his career development, he took the job offer and move there first, if he likes the job and life there, I would move later. Hence we were living in 2 different states for only a year. Luckily my husband found a job back here and moved back. During one year period, we traveled back and forward 4 times to see each other. 

For my I-751 application, I have submitted all documents and evidences that I believed it were sufficient

- Our tax transcripts married filed jointly for 3 years (2017,2018,2019)

- Joint bank account (checking and saving)

- Joint car title and car insurance

- my Pension retirement account, 401k, life insurance with my husband as beneficiary

- a lease contract with our name on it

- all flight tickets, hotel bookings where we traveled for 3 years

- photos of us and family friends and travelling 

- Phone call records for a year we lived in 2 different states

It does not really make sense to me why they require us an interview. The waiting time is really frustrating. We are planning to buy a home this year but I am not sure If I can proceed with it if my status is still pending....

Unable to tell what was your status before your GC. Like did you go through an AOS from K-1 or some other visa?

Best guess is that you did not get an interview during AOS, and that is why you are getting an interview.

Or if you had already interviewed during AOS, then perhaps USCIS still has some doubt about your case even with RFE Response.

Or your case was simply selected to interview randomly.

On 11/15/2020 at 10:55 AM, J2j said:

Just an update on my case. I submitted everything I could provide back in July before the due date for RFE, I was so worried and almost certain I will get an interview. However, I just randomly checked my status today and said my card was mailed to me. Feel so lucky, I filed my case under abuse waiver. If you guys have any questions plz let me know. I still haven’t received my new card yet but hopefully it will arrive soon. 

Does that mean it took 4 months from Response to RFE received to case approved?

I thought usually USCIS makes a decision on approval or interview within 60 days of receiving the response. Even though it is COVID time, didn't expect it to take 4 months...

On 4/14/2020 at 9:46 AM, Sukie said:

You create a reply to the RFE that explains exactly what you have said here.  For each item them want, tell them why you cannot provide the document.  Be sure to mention your protection order.  Don't be whiny about it - just state facts.

 

Then reiterate that you married in good faith, but that the marriage failed.  You are not the only one in this predicament, and you will probably have to sit for an interview, but if they believe you married in good faith, you will be ok.

 

Best of luck to you.  I'm sorry things did not work out with your husband.

 

Sukie in NY

 

 

Just wondering, how would an interview help in such situations? Like what can you tell the IO in person anything different from what you can provide them in a detailed declaration and evidence?

What makes USCIS decide to request for an interview or not, and what are they trying to know/achieve in the interview?

On 11/20/2020 at 9:48 PM, da95826 said:

Police reports, and protective orders are good evidence both abuse abuse and a bona fide marriage as green card holders that are not in a real marriage don't get into fights and call the police. 

What about green card holder immigrant spouse got arrested in those situations even though they were the abused one?

Hi Karoline,

I hope this could help. It does sound like you could file for abused waiver, and follow the below steps.

My suggestion to you,

1. Starting looking for a place to move to, and move out ASAP. Do not wait.

2. Gather all evidence before you move out.

3. File for Divorce right after you move out. Divorce takes time, especially in California.

4. Start preparing for your I-751 paperwork. You can do this yourself, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to pay $1,000/$1,500 or so for an attorney's assistance.

    Tick BOTH Divorce Waiver AND Abused Waiver. Assuming you really have all the evidence like you mentioned that is sufficient.

5. You will receive an RFE for your Divorce Decree and any Bona Fide and/or Abused evidence that USCIS wants to see additionally.

6. Respond to it. Hopefully you get an approval or an interview before approval.

You did not share when you received your conditional GC and when you're qualified for RoC, so I am not sure if your filing window has opened yet.

From your description, you qualify for both, so I am suggesting you tick BOTH boxes. Later on, you can always request to amend the form is needed. But it is likely that you will get approved based on one or the other, or both grounds.

With Abused waiver, you can file I-751 anytime, even before your 90-day filing window prior to GC expiration.

With Divorce waiver, since you say you have "plenty" of bona fide evidence, you should be good, too. Although, you must submit have finalized the divorce and submit your divorce decree to USCIS once your divorce is finalized. If divorce is not done, you cannot qualify for Divorce-Bona fide waiver.

Make sure you submit all evidence covering the time from "receiving your GC" to now.

Write a Declaration detailing how you met, how you got to fall in love and get married, how things got bad and detailing his abuse - physical, mental, financial, controlling, manipulation, threatening etc.

Good luck!

On 11/29/2020 at 10:08 PM, Karoline said:

Hi Guys, this is my first time in the group. I have been married to an American citizen for about 3 years and I'm about to file for ROC.
My marriage has been so bad that I want to apply for the ROC - waiver.
My husband, since the covid has been drinking a lot, he is unemployed and I'm the only one working and paying the bills. 
I would like to know your opinion about whether I qualify for ROC under VAWA.
The evidence I have of the abuse are: Text messages, photos of the bruises, photos of the things that he broke in our house (TV, coffee maker, mirror etc.).
Letters from several friends and family, prescription of his drugs for depression and bipolar disorder.
I also went to the hospital once when he threw me on the floor but I said that I had fallen. I think I can ask for the medical report.

I also can ask a report from my psychologist.

He took all the money out of our bank account, including the rent, to make me do what he wanted.

I'm a very calm but he is so jealous. I have to inform him of everything I do and send proofs (photos) of where I am.

I've never involved the police and I don't want to involve. I just want this to end.

My husband is a sick person.

Questions: Do I have enogh evidence for ROC - VAWA? 

Does ROC - Vawa take longer than divorce waiver?

There is a possibility to apply for citizenship during the ROC-Vawa process or have to wait for approval?

*I have plenty of evidence of bonafide marriage. 

 

Thank you for your kindness.

 

 

 

On 11/3/2020 at 12:03 PM, Hannah_NYC said:

Waiting since July 1 for interview. 

Is your receipt number starting with WAC1990?

On 11/30/2020 at 9:30 AM, Villanelle said:

Currently the n400 online system can be used by those who are filing under 3 year LPR + marriage to USC or 5 yr LPR status only. If you are filing based on any other reason then you must use paper. So for those filing at 3yrs based on approved VAWA 360 or approved 751 needs to file on paper. Im not sure if the reason you cant use the online system is specifically because of the DV privacy regulations or just a poor design. Those in the military often qualify for naturalization outside of the standard 3/5yrs and they also need to file on paper and can not use the online system.  

Thank you! This was the easy and clear answer I needed!

I tried searching about it with no clear indication on this.

Also wondering, outside of COVID, how long does it "usually" take USCIS to make a decision after receiving RFE? 60 days?

What is the current trend now?

On 11/26/2020 at 3:57 AM, Villanelle said:

because at the end USCIS needs to have a form that contains only the boxes checked that can and are approved. 

Thanks for the explanation.

Question on N-400 after I-751.

If a petitioner had Abuse waiver on their I-751 (whether it was the only one, or one of the grounds) :

Scenario 1: The petitioner got approved based on DV. Then can the petitioner apply for N-400 online?

Scenario 2: The petitioner got approved based on Good Faith or any other grounds, and had to drop DV. Then can the petitioner apply for N-400 online?

After I-751 is approved and closed, are future applications still restricted to paper filing only when a petitioner was once associated with DV?

On 11/19/2020 at 6:53 PM, Demise said:

It is possible that USCIS would approve the first two grounds but decide that you do not meet the extreme hardship ground.

 

It is also possible that USCIS would only approve the second ground.

On 11/15/2020 at 9:39 AM, Villanelle said:

You will not file under divorce+abuse and only be approved as divorce or vice versa. 

These two scenarios seem to contradict a little. Is it possible that USCIS only approves based part of the checked boxes, or they would only approve all or none?

5 hours ago, Villanelle said:

 

Thank you, @Villanelle.

On 11/8/2020 at 3:15 AM, Villanelle said:

When you submit a petition to USCIS it's kind of like a train leaving the station, it starts down the track and goes until the end. It can slow or speed up, even pause for a bit but it always goes to the end. The end can be approval or denial.  You can also withdraw to end it. It's a whole thing about them having an obligation to process immigration paperwork submitted. 

 

N400 cases can and do move forward regardless of the status of the 751. It just won't be approved until the 751 is done. You can file n400 when you are eligible whether that's 3 or 5yrs. The 5yr people aren't rejected submissions because ROC wasn't done when they submitted so the 3yr people aren't going to be rejected at submission either.  Neither one would be approved though until the 751 is. They proceed with the n400 processing assuming your ROC will be approved rather than waiting for the ROC to be approved but again the n400 can not make it to the end approval until ROC is done. 

 

If you submitted the n400 and your ROC is denied the n400 will be denied as well. If you submitted ROC as abuse and then n400 under 3yrs and then later switch ROC abuse to divorce and are approved as such the pending 3yr n400 will be denied and you can reapply at 5yrs. 

 

So the n400 is going to move forward on it's track. It will get to the interview step. The interview will happen but you will be told they can't make a decision until the ROC is done. The abuse waiver ROC is generally done by VSC although any office can process it. The NYC would have to pull the 751 from VSC to process it along with the n400 they have currently in front of them. According to Pinkrlion who is familiar with both NYC offices and abuse waivers in general they are not going to do that. It happens like that sometimes. You can search the forums for posts about it, usually titled as n400 decision can not be made due to pending ROC. The only advice for people with a pending ROC who also file n400 and then the n400 moves faster and an interview is scheduled for n400 before ROC is done (or ready) is to try to confirm with infopass or congressman ahead of time that the local office has both. 

Does that mean if a petitioner ADDED their ROC from Divorce to Abuse, and they’re beyond 3-year as a CPR, they can then instantly submit N400, too, without being rejected? 

But if USCIS approves based on divorce and not abuse, the N400 will then be denied?
Is it recommended to do so?

Wondering when it comes to WAC receipt, in the state of AK, any information on how these offices usually conduct their business?

On 10/19/2020 at 1:20 PM, newyorker94 said:

Hi all,

 

I hope you're staying positive and testing negative! 😉

 

I wanted to start this thread since I haven't seen any new ones about this topic recently.

 

My attorney and I filed for the I-751 with the divorce, extreme cruelty, and extreme hardship waivers in New York City. The case is currently at VSC where I also know the VAWA Unit is. The divorce was still pending at the time of filing. We filed on the 1st of April 2019 and still have not heard. Here's a very short timeline:

 

April 1, 2019 - Filed I-751

April 19, 2019 - Case was received

July 1, 2019 - Case was updated to show fingerprints were taken

July 23, 2019 - Divorce was finalized by Supreme Court of New York

* I did not receive any RFE*

 

I checked the processing time and it said 11-18 months, but today it shows 11-19 months. My CPR expires on November 24, 2020 and I've contacted customer service and they say there's a 30-day period prior to expiration that I can set up an Infopass appointment to get a stamp on my passport extending it for another year. However, it's going to be 19 months from November 1st. I sent a letter September 21, 2020 addressed to the VAWA Unit at VSC in September asking for an update on my case after being advised by customer service to do so. I then called up customer service again asking why I never received an RFE for the final divorce papers. They told me I could send the divorce letters with a cover letter and copy of my I-797, passport, and front and back of green card.

 

Another fault of mine is, without knowing COVID-19 would be a huge part of the backlog at USCIS, I applied for N-400 which is also taking longer than expected to process. So I guess it's good since it buys me time. I know it was not so smart and maybe I was too confident my I-751 would be adjudicated before then. I knew that if it gets approved that I'd be able to apply for citizenship under the 3-year rule. Heck, I didn't even know you could file for the waiver before the 2-year period ends (I was separated from my spouse before the deadline came closer). I didn't seek for a lawyer's assistance since I had no money, nor did I know what a Pro Bono lawyer was. Yeah, trying to get your life together alone is hard, especially in New York City.

 

I still haven't heard anything. Does anyone have the same case as I do? If anyone has any input, can you please help? What should I do?

 

Note that I did not specify as to what kind of abuse I suffered, as those were all included in my application and something no one wants to talk about. Just asking about the timeline. Thank you!

On 10/19/2020 at 5:42 PM, Villanelle said:

So you did use an attny to file?? I know you are asking specifically about the timeline and would rather not discuss the abuse- which is fine but its incredibly odd that an attny would file under divorce + abuse + hardship. See the thing is every box you check you need to prove. So you checked 3 boxes- divorce, abuse and hardship. You now have to prove all 3. 

 

Frequently people post asking which box should they check and its an individual choice everyone has to make on their own. Divorce is obviously the easiest box to prove. For that you need to show bonafide marriage + divorce. For abuse you need to show bonafide marriage + abuse. For hardship you dont show bonafide marriage at all, you just need to show hardship. And we are talking asylum type hardships- basically the hardship box is asking them to ignore the marriage completely and grant you status based on not being able to leave because you would be forced back to a bad place. ... 

 

Often in abusive relationships the couple will not have what is considered the traditional bonafide evidence stuff like joint accounts or property (due to one person being controlling and financially abusive) Or they are lacking social type evidences like photos with friends or trips or stuff like that. When you use the abuse box they will take into account the abuse impacting how much bonafide evidences you have. So those who are lacking bonafide evidences will want to use the abuse waiver option. Those who have sufficient bonafides evidences can decide if they want to use divorce waiver only or abuse +divorce or abuse alone. Again hardship waivers are rarely used and when they are its best done with an experienced attny.

 

Generally speaking your ROC is not being processed any differently then anyone elses ROC- its just being done at VSC so you have to take into account your processing times may be longer then average and may be longer then VSC times overall because the overall times for VSC take into account all the ROCs (joint, abuse, hardship) and your case will have to go to an Officer who does abuse cases- so it may take a bit longer. Currently ROC is taking 1-2 yrs for most people. You send your package and it sits and waits for an Officer to get to it. When they do they will send the RFE for the divorce decree. Depending on what evidences you sent you may get the RFE for additional abuse proof or additional hardship proof. IF you do then you need to speak with your attny about withdrawing some of the boxes. They may have overzealously checked off boxes either intentionally or because they dont know what they are doing- Im not sure. But if you get an RFE for abuse or hardship you can respond by asking them to withdraw your request for those waiver types -or- you can send the evidence they require. They are under no obligation to withdraw your boxes but they almost always do as a courtesy. If they refuse you would have to file (and pay for) a new 751 with the appropriate boxes checked. 

 

Because your case is at VSC and tagged as abuse you can only contact them through the mail system or through an attny. (or congressman) you can not get any info over the phone. Its generally advised to NOT send unsolicited stuff like the divorce decree because it often does not make it into your case file. If you do send it (or already have sent it) I hope you have another copy ready to send if you are RFE'd. If you dont have additional copies- get them now. 

 

Your n400 shouldnt have much impact on your overall timeline. Historically the n400 gets processed faster then the 751, so often the n400 comes across their desk first and when it does they will pull the 751 because you need the 751 done to do n400. Your 751 has been pending a while now so it may come up before the n400 does. You can search the forums for 'combo interview' for more information and current timelines of those waiting for combo (751-n400) interviews. In some places those who are waiting for combo interviews are waiting longer then if they just did the 751. 

19 hours ago, newyorker94 said:

Hello! Yes, I did use an attorney to file and he advised to check all 3 boxes and we gathered all sufficient evidence, although the extreme hardship was mostly in the written statement along with the divorce and abuse. I submitted the divorce decree without an RFE and as of yesterday, November 6, my N400 interview was scheduled without the letter in the document tab which should take about a few days.

 

So my question would be, how likely will it be a combo interview? I have an InfoPass appointment and was thinking I could ask the officer who will give me the I-551 stamp I requested what the process will be like. I really hope this works out and this will all be over soon. I really, really appreciate your response as I have been reading cases similar to mine in different forums and always found your reply to be super helpful. Bless your heart!

17 hours ago, Pinkrlion said:

Processing times for divorce and abuse waivers are longer than regular I-751 processing times.  Your N-400 will not be approved until your I-751 is approved.  Most I-751 waiver applications do not have a combo interview, especially if you are in NY.  

Hello guys,

I am in a similar situation, going through I-751 waiver, and I would like to ask you some questions, specifically regarding N-400 under 3-year vs 5-year rule.

If you filed your I-751 in April 2019, that would mean you got your initial conditional GC on April-July 2017 or later?

If by CPR you meant conditional GC, that would mean you got your initial GC on Nov 24 2018?

I understand that when I-751 is approved under abusive/battery rule, the applicant is eligible to apply for N-400 under the 3-year rule.

But since the I-751 is not approved yet, would it be premature to submit N-400? I am a little surprised that USCIS did not simply send back the N-400 package due to disqualification (because the GC/CPR status has not been 5 years.)

Like what happens if USCIS ended up approving the I-751 under "divorce, bona fide" instead of "abuse"? Would that then mean N-400 goes invalid automatically?

I am also surprised that USCIS scheduled a N-400 interview for I-751 "waiver" candidate before I-751 approval.

Best of luck, OP!

This is the first time I am hearing someone applying for N-400 under 3-year-abuse before their I-751 is approved.

Can anyone who knows scenarios like this share more??

Thank you!!

On 10/6/2020 at 4:30 AM, Ku Mưa said:

I applied for divorce waiver and got approved in 11 months without interview and rfe. So don't worry

You didn't even get an RFE? OR did you get one? Just to clarify.

This happened to me, too. I am still not able to access via home wifi.

I am only able to respond now through VPN+Incognito mode. And I soon got blocked again, and having to try a different VPN...

Can someone help un-block?

Greetings!

Does anyone have the experience of being approved for abuse waiver without an interview?

Does abuse waiver have a higher chance of being requested for an interview?

I am asking because I originally submitted with only Divorce waiver, and I got an RFE. I talked to immigration professionals, and I have been advised to add in abuse waiver - because they believe I am qualified for that, and that I should write a personal statement.

I don’t have police report or restraining order, so I don’t feel strongly about a abuse waiver.

Now, I am debating if adding in abuse waiver is necessary. It seems like I could be approved with divorce waiver after responding to the RFE.

So - 

Does abuse waiver EVER get approved WITHOUT an interview?

Does abuse waiver have more chances/ more cases of being interviewed?

What would you do if it was you?

Much appreciated!

Greetings!

Does anyone have the experience of being approved for abuse waiver without an interview?

Does abuse waiver have a higher chance of being requested for an interview?

I am asking because I originally submitted with only Divorce waiver, and I got an RFE. I talked to immigration professionals, and I have been advised to add in abuse waiver - because they believe I am qualified for that, and that I should write a personal statement.

I don’t have police report or restraining order, so I don’t feel strongly about a abuse waiver.

Now, I am debating if adding in abuse waiver is necessary. It seems like I could be approved with divorce waiver after responding to the RFE.

So - 

Does abuse waiver EVER get approved WITHOUT an interview?

Does abuse waiver have more chances/ more cases of being interviewed?

What would you do if it was you?

Much appreciated!

Hi guys,

Do we have to attach the original RFE with our response, or a copy is fine?

Quote: "IMPORTANT: THIS NOTICE CONTAINS YOUR UNIQUE NUMBER. THE ORIGINAL NOTICE MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE REQUESTED EVIDENCE."

Can I submit my response with a COPY of the RFE?

Because I am travelling, I had to ask a family member to receive and scan me the notice, so I don't have the physical RFE with me. Can the scanned version work?

Thank you!!

Hi guys,

Do we have to attach the original RFE with our response, or a copy is fine?

Quote: "IMPORTANT: THIS NOTICE CONTAINS YOUR UNIQUE NUMBER. THE ORIGINAL NOTICE MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE REQUESTED EVIDENCE."

Can I submit my response with a COPY of the RFE?

Because I am travelling, I had to ask a family member to receive and scan me the notice, so I don't have the physical RFE with me. Can the scanned version work?

Thank you!!

4 minutes ago, Statebriga said:

Actually quite opposite i'd say
Initial means more some kind of formal documentation that's required with application.
Additional is more kinda of proof of evidence that you volunteraly send out to prove your relationship.

Sounds like if they send out "Initial" to someone who haven't sent out their Divorce Decree,  it would make sense because that's considered "required" in a waiver petition?

If needed, will they include proof of relationship in the "Initial" RFE? Or do they do a second "Additional" RFE after receiving Divorce Decree?

Does anybody know what the difference is between “Request for ‘Initial’ Evidence Was Sent” and “Request for ‘Additional’ Evidence Was Sent”?

If you get the “Initial” one, does that mean it is likely they send a second RFE?

Is "Initial" usually only for Divorce Decree? And then they send an "Additional" one for more things if needed?

Is it more chance you get an interview when they send you "Initial RFE" and more chance to approve without interview when they send you "Additional RFE"?