Simone_Lee

2 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Should have withdrawn N-400 the moment divorce was filed or at least before the interview. You got a nice IO. Some would have get upset / angry you proceeded with N-400 interview when ineligible for citizenship.

I did call to ask - they said to show up anyway 🤷‍♀️

I experienced this -

I filed for naturalization based on 4 years GC + marriage. I applied before I filed for divorce - December '20;

Divorce was official in August '21; went to my interview as normal in November '21. Passed all the questions except when they asked if I was married.

They denied my application since I had submitted it under the 4-year-marriage eligibility. The immigration officer/interviewer said I wasn't in trouble or anything, but since I'm divorced now I have to refile under the 5-year-residential eligibility. I waited a while, reapplied, and am going for my next interview in a couple of weeks. I don't foresee a problem with this one... but the last one was pretty devastating. 

There really wasn't any way around it. He told me it's better that I didn't lie/try to skirt around it because if they found out I'd likely be banned from applying again for a few years, if ever. 

If you have your GC and can wait until you reach your 5 year GC mark, I'd do that. Definitely don't postpone your divorce unless it's reaaaallllllly amicable. And if it comes up in the interview, just cite "irreconcilable differences". 

*Edit: I was not aware that there was a divorce waiver. 

**Edit: Also, I'm not sure if you're still on conditional GC so my advice may be useless, but may could help someone at some time. 

Good luck with everything. It's painful enough ending a relationship. The time and anxiety and expenses that come with the immigration stuff just makes it more difficult, but it's worth it. 

On 3/9/2018 at 10:08 AM, amaraimee said:

Hello, everyone!

My fiance has his K-1 Interview on March 20 in Johannesburg. I will be attending with him, and we want to "practice" some questions beforehand. Not that he doesn't know certain ones, he literally knows everything about me and our relationship (more than I do, probably), BUT we both think that practicing questions may help ease his nerves a bit. After all, this is a BIG deal.

SO, what I'm asking is for anyone who has gone through the interview process within this month or the last few months to let me know what kind of questions they asked. I know it's different for each couple, but I'm just curious as to which questions were asked to YOU (or your Fiance). This isn't just Johannesburg, any embassy interview works

Thank you in advance!

Hi! 

I actually just stumbled across your post and thought I'd chime in. I had my K1 interview at the JHB embassy just over a year ago, and here I am about to have my green card interview next week! 
 

In terms of the K1 interview itself, it's actually pretty laid back. The questions are things like "how did you meet? do you have any kids? what does your spouse do? do you have any other family in the US? what do you plan on doing once you get there?". They'll probably have taken his fingerprints and gathered his documents and payment before the actual interview, then he'll just wait a bit before he's called up to the counter. The interviewer will ask the questions and probably try to seem interested and friendly, all the while clacking away at their keyboard recording his answers to their questions. 

Good luck! 

Oh, also, I would suggest that he takes the payment in cash. Their card facilities are not particularly reliable and it is no fun having to run to the ATM midway through this whole saga! 

15 hours ago, Scienceteacher15 said:

Just wondering if anyone in Houston was getting interview dates. Also, wondering how much of a delay Hurricane Harvey caused. Does your case say any other than Fingerprint fee received? 

Nope, it's been stuck on Fingerprint Fee Received since April. I don't know if Harvey has much to do with it because it was pretty slow before that. I don't know. I honestly don't see an interview happening before next year. The general guideline is that it should take about a year, but with so many people getting their interviews and approvals so quickly it's hard to remain patient! 

15 hours ago, Scienceteacher15 said:

Any Houston filers? 

Yep. I filed in April, got my EAD and AP and now just...waiting. 

6 hours ago, Spiny said:

Been stuck at fingerprint received since May 1st and package received April 26 

Same. I figured I just needed to wait it out. Do you think we should call and see what the hold up is? 

On 9/22/2017 at 11:50 AM, Ninatica said:

Hello Larry, 

 

I am on the same boat, I got my EAD/AP already. However, my AOS status (I-485) changed to case ready to be scheduled 91 days ago. I am in Houston Texas, came on K1 Visa as well.

 

I have no idea when I would receive the interview notification (if any) either. I attended the Infopass appointment on 8/22 and the officer said that maybe by January 2018 since there is an important backlog. 

Hey! 

Just wanted to let you know I am also in Houston, TX. I also received my EAD but haven't heard anything about scheduling my interview. According to the statistics about the Houston USCIS processing times, we're looking at just over a year from the time you submit the application to the actual interview. I don't know why Houston has been taking so long, but I'm sure Harvey made things much worse. 

I try to remember that as long as I have the EAD and the AP, everything should be okay. It will take long, but life will carry on as normal and one day I'll wake up to find the process is moving along! 

On 9/13/2017 at 4:13 PM, Rachelberry said:

Hey there! I hear ya, I keep thinking 'today's MY day!' based on others getting their interviews, but still no. Where do you see the average between the two milestones? I was just working off of the YTD stuff found attached below.... Somewhere else to look?

 

Thanks

 

Hi! Sorry for the delayed response. 
Actually, on the visa journey site itself, under 'processing times', there's a link for the statistics regarding various visa processes at different offices. http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/aosstats.php
Hope that helps! 

So I'm perusing this thread and thinking, wow, so many people are getting really lucky. I can't believe how many people have already had their interview after filing in April! 

So, I go and check the statistics and average processing times. Dayum. On average, 155 days between biometrics and interview. In Houston, where I am, 390 days! Yeeesh. 

Again, I guess it's no biggie once we have the EAD/AP card. But it'd be nice to have it over with, you know? Eugh. 390 days. More than a year! Can't imagine things will improve after Harvey, either. Big love to all those affected (Irma survivors, too!)

Just now, Adam&Allison said:

 

Typically no - you're both sat down at a USCIS officers desk together and the interviewer can ask either of you questions. Most people, unless they have red flags, get asked fairly simple questions such as how did you and your partner meet, whens their birthday etc. 

 

If they suspect immigration fraud they may conduct what is called a Stokes interview - where you're both separated and grilled for an extended period of time, questions such as 'How many TV's do you have in your house, what is the color of your partners underwear' etc. 

Whoa! That's intense! I saw someone post this immense list of possible questions for an interview like that. Alright, well, we don't really have anything to worry about, I just wanted to be 100% certain about it since my husband (petitioner) just goes along with whatever I say about all this immigration stuff. 

Thanks again! 

3 minutes ago, Adam&Allison said:

 

Yes your husband must attend the interview with you for Adjustment of Status. 

Hey folks, 

I'm curious - and have been unable to find a solid answer to this on the forums - about what the petitioner has to do in terms of the AOS interview? Will my husband (US Citizen/petitioner) be interviewed as well? I've never been entirely clear on this point. 

Thanks in advance, and also, congrats to everyone who has either already had their interview or have had it waived. 

Rock on.

23 hours ago, lirnos said:

Hey everyone! I've been a silent partaker of this thread from afar and finally it's time for me to say hello to everyone and tell you about my journey as I have a couple of questions

Here's my timeline for my AOS (marriage to USC) application:

Married: 23 March 2017

Application sent to Chicago Lockbox: 13 April 2017 (I-130, I-485, I-765 & I-131 concurrent filing)

NOA: 17 April 2017

Text & Email confirmations: 25 April 2017

Biometrics Appointment Notice (NOA): 28 April 2017

Biometrics Appointment: 18 May 2017

Status changed to 'Interview Ready to be Scheduled': 13 June 2017

 

----aaaand, nothing since then
So today I've decided to submit a service request because, like many of you, it's been just a bit too long of not working and I'm really itching to get a job! (And also be able to leave the country in October for a family thing - which is still a while away, but just want to be on top of things).

 

So first of all, I just wanted to ask if calling is the best way, or if I can do it via this link: https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/displayONPTForm.do;jsessionid=abcYbb4aBjjZBfyC65e2v?entryPoint=init&sroPageType=onpt 

--and if calling is better, what number do I press? I tried to call this morning and I pressed 2 for 'current application/question about current application' but kind of went around in circles and couldn't hear an option that was related to submitting a service request.

 

Also just wanted to know if you think that looks like a 'normal' timeline (if there is such a thing haha). And just to clarify, the service center that is processing my case is the one found on the bottom left hand corner of my NOA's, right? 

 

I think that's all for now. Nice to meet you all! And thanks for sharing all of your experiences, it has helped me a lot Congrats to everyone on their progress!!

 

L

Hi! Your timeline is almost exactly the same as mine, except I don't have the "interview ready to be scheduled" bit. But, a day or two ago I finally received notification that my EAD is on the way (I didn't submit a service request or anything). 

Actually, I don't have much to add...just wanted to let you know our timelines are pretty close! I'm also hoping to get my AP soon so I can go home in December. Far off, but I like to be prepared. 

All the best! 

Received notification that my EAD card is being produced! 

Sent application April 11th

USCIS received on 17th

NOA on April 25th

Biometrics May 19th

EAD approval notice July 27th

- 107 days

...Now I have to actually get a job...

7 minutes ago, lovewins2016 said:

Hi!

 

1. No, receiving the appointment letter does not necessarily mean you will not get an RFE at a later date. In fact, you may still get one during the AOS interview.

 

2. Yes, that is correct. No need to worry about it. 🙂

Awesome! Thanks so much! So pretty much at any point until issued with GC they could ask for more evidence? Makes sense. Also, oddly, feels a little less stressful knowing that!

Hey all, 

Got my biometrics appointment letter today. My appointment is set for 5/19. Couple of Qs...

1) Does getting the biometrics letter mean I no longer have to worry about receiving an RFE? 

and

2) The biometrics letter states the 'case type' as I485 (AOS) and I765 (EAD), but doesn't say anything about I131 (AP)...should I be concerned; or does AP not require biometrics? 

Thanks in advance!

Update:
I only received my email today which tells me that my case (1-485) was received April 17th, and EAD was received April 24th. So, that took about 2 weeks to hear anything...the point is...DON'T PANIC! 

Packet sent April 11th

Delivered April 13th

Email from DHS April 26

Hey all, just checking in. Sent off my AOS this morning, wasn't quite as stressful as the I-129f but I guess that's because I'm in control now! Hope everyone is coming along nicely. 

Had my interview today and passed! I've never been more nervous for anything in my life, but luckily there were another 3 lovely women in the queue with me that helped mollify the nerves. Anyway, the wait was almost unbearable but we finally have our K1! Yay!

Hello fellow October filers, 

I'm just checking in. We saw a lot of quick progress between December and January, I had my medical exam as soon as possible after I received my interview date...and now I wait for the 28th February. The wait seems to be so much longer than waiting for the NOAs (especially when you are a grad student and work from home/procrastinate daily!) ...but at least it gives me time to get all of my affairs in order. 

Any good news from anyone? Any interviews passed? Anyone got any tips on the interview, what more/less to take with to the interview, etc etc? 

 

Received NVC Case Number! YAS! 28 days since NOA2.

Hey all,

I haven't been able to find a strictly South African thread for K-1 filers. I am in the middle of the process (I hope?) and thought I'd try open up the topic for us to share our experiences and any information or advice for/from those of you who are going through the process presently or have done so recently.

I am in Johannesburg and my fiance in Houston. He sent our petition in on October 10th and received NOA1 on October 19th. We got NOA2 on November 7th and are now waiting on NVC case numbers. The case was handled at the California Service Centre.

I just called the Doctor in Johannesburg who is the approved physician for the U.S. visa processes, and learned that in order to book an appointment we need the NVC case number as well as our consulate interview date. I also learned that the medical will cost R4605, excluding vaccinations. (That is seriously steep, I mean, come on!)

I am also still waiting on Home Affairs for my Unabridged Birth Certificate, although I did read that if adopted you can bring an abridged birth certificate with the adoption order. We'll see!

Finally, I think I'll need to reapply for my Police Clearance Certificate soon, I think it will probably expire before I have my interview. Guess I got a little too excited too quickly!

Please share your stories, experiences, hopes and fears here. I feel kinda isolated in the forums, to be honest!

Best,

Simone.

Hey folks,

Hope everyone is doing well waiting on the NVC. My fiancé in the U.S. will start calling today or tomorrow, hopefully we'll hear something good!

In the meantime I've been checking up on stuff about the medical and thought I'd share some info if there are any South Africans out there. I just called Dr. Junaid Hoosen's office in Sandton Medical Mews, he is the only approved physician in Johannesburg to perform the visa medical. His number is +27(011)7837320.

In order to make the appointment you'll need the case number and the appointment date. Also, the medical costs R4605 excluding vaccinations (for our U.S. friends, that's about $330), vomit!

That's all I've got.

The case number allows us to finish the DS-160 form, finish the medical exam, and CFO (in Philippines), and ultimately schedule an interview date. Honestly I'm guessing the US citizen filing it is suppose to notify his or her fiance/fiancee and start the DS-160 because they are the only ones that can fill out this form since it needs to be electronically signed by him/her only. I also don't understand why they have the 2 steps before going to consulate/embassy, maybe a way to route them?

I don't recall needing the case number for the DS-160...maybe that's where I'm confused.