KiTu

We got our approval email today. Also SRC. Everyone else's will come soon!
I was actually going to check Case Status today but then I saw the email. 

We got our approval email today. Also SRC. Everyone else's will come soon!
I was actually going to check Case Status today but then I saw the email. 

We got our approval email today. Also SRC. Everyone else's will come soon!
I was actually going to check Case Status today but then I saw the email. 

We got our approval email today. Also SRC. Everyone else's will come soon!
I was actually going to check Case Status today but then I saw the email. 

Yay!! My letter is fiiiiiiiinally coming today according to informed delivery! It is dated 6/30. The person I spoke to on Tuesday told me that it was mailed out on Monday 7/6. At least I can now renew my license and be able to get myself places while hubby is out of town

Expect fee increases and surcharges in the near future.

Thank you, Kitu. I remembered you, we had similar timeline when we were waiting for 2 years green card interview. 

Well today is the last day of my GC being valid. I called USCIS to make an appointment to have a stamp put in my passport, like I was told to by the tier 2 officer I spoke to 2 weeks ago. Lo and behold, they won't give me one because my card and driver's license expiring are not considered an emergency. The only thing considered an emergency is if I will lose my job because of it. So here I sit with no letter, no extension, an expired GC as of tomorrow, and no answers. Why would a tier 2 officer tell me to call and make an appointment knowing full well that I won't get one? I mean really.. 

Also a May filer. Sent to Dallas lockbox and received on May 5th, with the text notification from USCIS also.
No NOA in the mail, and after calling USCIS today I was told to email the lockbox email which is exactly what I did. Now I get the joy of waiting for some kind of response from that. Hopefully it will be the letter.. I shouldn't be surprised but it always catches me off guard just how flippantly they mess with our lives. Totally infuriating.

Also a May filer. Sent to Dallas lockbox and received on May 5th, with the text notification from USCIS also.
No NOA in the mail, and after calling USCIS today I was told to email the lockbox email which is exactly what I did. Now I get the joy of waiting for some kind of response from that. Hopefully it will be the letter.. I shouldn't be surprised but it always catches me off guard just how flippantly they mess with our lives. Totally infuriating.

Now that I have had the psychiatric assessment I can tell you all about it!
So Monday 6th March I had my medical and of course I had to tick the boxes stating that I had suffered Mental Illness, had self-harmed, attempted suicide and been hospitalised due to it (I was not however an inpatient on a psychiatric ward).
I have extensive scarring from 12 years of doing it, and it is too obvious to hide. my thoughts to you? Even if you think it will go against you, be honest! You cannot hide this kind of thing..
If you have had a mental illness and/or self-harmed etc. make sure to take with you:
A letter from your GP detailing your diagnosis, any past, present or future treatment, what medication you are taking/have taken (if any) and when, whether they consider you to be at risk of harm to yourself or others.
Your own statement about your struggles – again, be honest.
Previous records of any psychiatric care – write-ups from the psychiatrist, referral letters from your GP – you can get these from your GP.
I also took a letter from a friend who is a nurse and whether that carried any weight I'm not sure, but the psych noted it.
If you are not currently under any psychiatric care, be prepared to be told that you may need to have a psychiatric assessment. DO NOT PANIC! This is just procedure and for them to ensure that you really are as well as you say you are – and to have a professional opinion.
 
Also, if/where you have stopped any medication for depression/anxiety etc. be prepared to be asked WHY you stopped taking it. Then be prepared to answer WHY you aren’t under psychiatric care now. Also be prepared for them to ask you how long you suffered, how you feel now and please, please, please be ready for the doctor to roll up your sleeves and check for scars.. I wasn’t ready for this and it made me uncomfortable. It would have been good bedside manner to just tell me what she was about to do, but I guess they feel they have an obligation and a right to just do it.
I got a call three days after my medical (9th March), from the physician who saw me, to tell me that I would need to make an appointment with Dr Shanahan at Nightingale Hospital. I asked if I have to go and see him or can I see another independent psychiatrist, and she said that I have to book with him.
I called Nightingale straight away and got an appointment for Tuesday 14th March.
The Psychiatric Assessment
My appointment was at 13:30 – the building you are looking for is Number 7 Lisson Grove.
The nearest tube station is Marylebone, it will cost you around £2-£3 on an Oyster card. Out of the station, turn right and walk along Melcombe Place, past the taxi rank. Cross the road and you will see Harewood Row pretty much in front of you. Walk down Harewood Row to the end. Cross the zebra crossing and turn left. Number 7 is on the right, just a few short yards from the zebra crossing. Press the buzzer – the door will be opened for you without you even announcing who you are.
I went to reception, told the receptionist who I was there to see and she asked if it was my first time there, when I said yes she handed me a form to fill in – this is just a sheet for you to fill in your contact details and how the assessment will be paid for. They will send you an invoice. (I will update this when I receive mine to give an idea of how long it takes!) Hand the form back to the receptionist.
I waited (I was 20 mins early) and a minute or two after 1.30 the receptionist handed me back my form and said to hand it to Dr Shanahan in room 210 on the second floor.
I knocked on the door and Dr Shanahan said to come in, in quite a jovial tone. He shook my hand and said to take a seat. He explained why I was there and what he does (as Knightsbridge does not really explain anything about him - luckily I had done my research!)
Dr Shanahan is a really nice guy. Irish, softly spoken and generally a nice person to talk to. He asked first about my fiance, asking his name and how we met etc - I think he uses this partly as an opportunity to prep me for the interview, too. He asked how we met, what he does for a living, what our relationship is like etc. and the visits we have made to each other.
He then asked if I have met his family and if he has met mine. I said yes to meeting his but no to meeting mine and he asked why, so I explained about my family not being very close etc. and that’s what got us onto talking about my past. He recalled that I had experienced a difficult childhood and lived with some not very pleasant people. He asked about it and then got onto the self harm etc. When did I start, for how long, when did I get help and who was it etc. He asked about therapists, whether I had experienced good or bad therapy and I said both - he even went to his computer to check over the notes and pick anything significant out. He asked about the recent meds and why I had started and stopped taking them. So I explained and he simplified my stopping reason with ‘they did what they had to do?’ Yup.
He made a couple of jokes which made things a lot easier, and he showed a genuine interest in the non-psych stuff. He asked why I am not under psych care now and I explained that I don’t need it, it doesn’t cross my mind anymore.

He stumped me at one point by asking what I would tell my younger, troubled self. I had to think for a moment, which was fine - there was no pressure whatsoever. And then later on he asked what is different now to back then.
At the end, he told me what he was going to put in his letter and to put it vaguely, it was that he would put in a positive recommendation.
I had been so worried that this guy would be difficult to deal with and would grill me and try to trip me up, but he didn’t - AT ALL. He is funny, charming and really just wants to help you. I know it is nerve racking when somebody says ‘you will have to see a psychiatrist/go for a psychiatric assessment’ but please, don’t fret. Dr Shanahan is one of the few gems in the psychiatric world and he will see what he needs to see - and that is who you are now.
So that was Tuesday, it’s now Thursday. Knightsbridge received his recommendation and are now checking it ready for sending to the Embassy. That was a 24 (plus a few) hour turn around. Now Knightsbridge will take up to 48 hours to do their bit and send it off to the Embassy.
So, I reiterate. Do not panic if the panel physician tells you that you have to see a psychiatrist! Dr Shanahan is their go-to Psychiatrist who specialises in drug and alcohol abuse and he is medical director of Nightingale Hospital - you will be in safe hands
 
If you have any questions related to this, please feel free to message and ask me - it's a daunting experience leading up to it and I absolutely appreciate that.

Thankfully answered the question myself - our Visa was issued today.
The Psych's report was received at Knightsbridge last Thursday morning (16th March), then despatched from Knightsbridge on Friday 17th properly received by the Embassy (in London) on Monday 20th. The assessment delayed things by one day, and everything since then sped along. Monday morning the case updated date changed to Monday's date, with AP, then it changed at lunch time to 'Ready' and Tuesday morning it was back to AP with the case created date as Tuesday's date. Then 9am this morning (Wednesday) it was issued! Yay!

After 375 days (PD May 15th 2017) I received the email today to say that my interview has been scheduled. Here’s hoping the notice comes in the mail by the end of next week..
 
My case is at the Montgomery AL field office. Has anyone any advice on how long it takes to receive the notice?
 
Good Luck to all those waiting, it is a frustrating and sometimes depressing experience but all we can hope for is that these offices get faster at working on cases..

After 375 days (PD May 15th 2017) I received the email today to say that my interview has been scheduled. Here’s hoping the notice comes in the mail by the end of next week..
 
My case is at the Montgomery AL field office. Has anyone any advice on how long it takes to receive the notice?
 
Good Luck to all those waiting, it is a frustrating and sometimes depressing experience but all we can hope for is that these offices get faster at working on cases..

After 375 days (PD May 15th 2017) I received the email today to say that my interview has been scheduled. Here’s hoping the notice comes in the mail by the end of next week..
 
My case is at the Montgomery AL field office. Has anyone any advice on how long it takes to receive the notice?
 
Good Luck to all those waiting, it is a frustrating and sometimes depressing experience but all we can hope for is that these offices get faster at working on cases..

After 375 days (PD May 15th 2017) I received the email today to say that my interview has been scheduled. Here’s hoping the notice comes in the mail by the end of next week..
 
My case is at the Montgomery AL field office. Has anyone any advice on how long it takes to receive the notice?
 
Good Luck to all those waiting, it is a frustrating and sometimes depressing experience but all we can hope for is that these offices get faster at working on cases..

It says the USCIS website up to 180 days before the current one expires and it’s not recommended to do it more than 180 days before. That’s why we put ours in now

It says the USCIS website up to 180 days before the current one expires and it’s not recommended to do it more than 180 days before. That’s why we put ours in now

We sent our application off yesterday with about 170 days before it expires. We sent the latest I 765 & I 131 application forms in separate envelopes both with a copy of our I 485 receipt and the I 765 receipt with that application and the I 131 receipt with the I 131 application. We also sent the approvals with each and a copy of the front & back of the combo card, a copy of the barcodes page and a copy of our marriage certificate. You will also need two new passport sized photos for each application. If you want to get the text/email notifications put a G1145 in with each one too.
You don’t have to pay any fees for a renewal and the renewal will give you another 180 days of authorization. Hope that helps!

We sent our application off yesterday with about 170 days before it expires. We sent the latest I 765 & I 131 application forms in separate envelopes both with a copy of our I 485 receipt and the I 765 receipt with that application and the I 131 receipt with the I 131 application. We also sent the approvals with each and a copy of the front & back of the combo card, a copy of the barcodes page and a copy of our marriage certificate. You will also need two new passport sized photos for each application. If you want to get the text/email notifications put a G1145 in with each one too.
You don’t have to pay any fees for a renewal and the renewal will give you another 180 days of authorization. Hope that helps!

Now that I have had the psychiatric assessment I can tell you all about it!
So Monday 6th March I had my medical and of course I had to tick the boxes stating that I had suffered Mental Illness, had self-harmed, attempted suicide and been hospitalised due to it (I was not however an inpatient on a psychiatric ward).
I have extensive scarring from 12 years of doing it, and it is too obvious to hide. my thoughts to you? Even if you think it will go against you, be honest! You cannot hide this kind of thing..
If you have had a mental illness and/or self-harmed etc. make sure to take with you:
A letter from your GP detailing your diagnosis, any past, present or future treatment, what medication you are taking/have taken (if any) and when, whether they consider you to be at risk of harm to yourself or others.
Your own statement about your struggles – again, be honest.
Previous records of any psychiatric care – write-ups from the psychiatrist, referral letters from your GP – you can get these from your GP.
I also took a letter from a friend who is a nurse and whether that carried any weight I'm not sure, but the psych noted it.
If you are not currently under any psychiatric care, be prepared to be told that you may need to have a psychiatric assessment. DO NOT PANIC! This is just procedure and for them to ensure that you really are as well as you say you are – and to have a professional opinion.
 
Also, if/where you have stopped any medication for depression/anxiety etc. be prepared to be asked WHY you stopped taking it. Then be prepared to answer WHY you aren’t under psychiatric care now. Also be prepared for them to ask you how long you suffered, how you feel now and please, please, please be ready for the doctor to roll up your sleeves and check for scars.. I wasn’t ready for this and it made me uncomfortable. It would have been good bedside manner to just tell me what she was about to do, but I guess they feel they have an obligation and a right to just do it.
I got a call three days after my medical (9th March), from the physician who saw me, to tell me that I would need to make an appointment with Dr Shanahan at Nightingale Hospital. I asked if I have to go and see him or can I see another independent psychiatrist, and she said that I have to book with him.
I called Nightingale straight away and got an appointment for Tuesday 14th March.
The Psychiatric Assessment
My appointment was at 13:30 – the building you are looking for is Number 7 Lisson Grove.
The nearest tube station is Marylebone, it will cost you around £2-£3 on an Oyster card. Out of the station, turn right and walk along Melcombe Place, past the taxi rank. Cross the road and you will see Harewood Row pretty much in front of you. Walk down Harewood Row to the end. Cross the zebra crossing and turn left. Number 7 is on the right, just a few short yards from the zebra crossing. Press the buzzer – the door will be opened for you without you even announcing who you are.
I went to reception, told the receptionist who I was there to see and she asked if it was my first time there, when I said yes she handed me a form to fill in – this is just a sheet for you to fill in your contact details and how the assessment will be paid for. They will send you an invoice. (I will update this when I receive mine to give an idea of how long it takes!) Hand the form back to the receptionist.
I waited (I was 20 mins early) and a minute or two after 1.30 the receptionist handed me back my form and said to hand it to Dr Shanahan in room 210 on the second floor.
I knocked on the door and Dr Shanahan said to come in, in quite a jovial tone. He shook my hand and said to take a seat. He explained why I was there and what he does (as Knightsbridge does not really explain anything about him - luckily I had done my research!)
Dr Shanahan is a really nice guy. Irish, softly spoken and generally a nice person to talk to. He asked first about my fiance, asking his name and how we met etc - I think he uses this partly as an opportunity to prep me for the interview, too. He asked how we met, what he does for a living, what our relationship is like etc. and the visits we have made to each other.
He then asked if I have met his family and if he has met mine. I said yes to meeting his but no to meeting mine and he asked why, so I explained about my family not being very close etc. and that’s what got us onto talking about my past. He recalled that I had experienced a difficult childhood and lived with some not very pleasant people. He asked about it and then got onto the self harm etc. When did I start, for how long, when did I get help and who was it etc. He asked about therapists, whether I had experienced good or bad therapy and I said both - he even went to his computer to check over the notes and pick anything significant out. He asked about the recent meds and why I had started and stopped taking them. So I explained and he simplified my stopping reason with ‘they did what they had to do?’ Yup.
He made a couple of jokes which made things a lot easier, and he showed a genuine interest in the non-psych stuff. He asked why I am not under psych care now and I explained that I don’t need it, it doesn’t cross my mind anymore.

He stumped me at one point by asking what I would tell my younger, troubled self. I had to think for a moment, which was fine - there was no pressure whatsoever. And then later on he asked what is different now to back then.
At the end, he told me what he was going to put in his letter and to put it vaguely, it was that he would put in a positive recommendation.
I had been so worried that this guy would be difficult to deal with and would grill me and try to trip me up, but he didn’t - AT ALL. He is funny, charming and really just wants to help you. I know it is nerve racking when somebody says ‘you will have to see a psychiatrist/go for a psychiatric assessment’ but please, don’t fret. Dr Shanahan is one of the few gems in the psychiatric world and he will see what he needs to see - and that is who you are now.
So that was Tuesday, it’s now Thursday. Knightsbridge received his recommendation and are now checking it ready for sending to the Embassy. That was a 24 (plus a few) hour turn around. Now Knightsbridge will take up to 48 hours to do their bit and send it off to the Embassy.
So, I reiterate. Do not panic if the panel physician tells you that you have to see a psychiatrist! Dr Shanahan is their go-to Psychiatrist who specialises in drug and alcohol abuse and he is medical director of Nightingale Hospital - you will be in safe hands
 
If you have any questions related to this, please feel free to message and ask me - it's a daunting experience leading up to it and I absolutely appreciate that.

I was also (incorrectly) given the same advice as you were, about the medical.
in the i-693 instructions it states:
 
If you were admitted as a:
 
A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or
B. K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen or a K-4 child of a K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen; and
C. You received a medical examination prior to admission, then:
(1) You are not required to have another medical examination as long as you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination; and
(a) The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or
(b) The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of the waiver.
(2) Even if a new medical examination is not required, you must still show proof that you complied with the vaccination requirements. If the vaccination record (DS 3025) was not properly completed and included as part of the original overseas medical examination report, you will have to have the Part 9. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 3., 4., 6., and 9. of Form I-693.
 
So in short, as long as you had your medical before you moved here and sent the vaccination sheet and medical report in with Your I-485 you are fine. The only time the medical expires is if you have NOT sent it in within a year of the medical having been carried out.
I checked this BEFORE we sent in the AOS and AFTER the person told me that I would have to get another one and I panicked 😬 so I am happy to save you that same panic!
 
 
 

I thought the same but the Tier 1 told me my case is in Montgomery and sent over a SR so I am hoping that the SR will get them to sort it out and get a move on with it since they are 2 months past our file date.. I will update as I hear more info 

Yes I called USCIS today and spoke to a Tier 1 Officer.. I am not after the case being expedited because I already have my EAD.. I just don’t understand why they’re working on July cases but somehow ours has been overlooked. I didn’t even know which field office our case was at, which I now know. I am hoping that the service request will get the case dealt with and I am also hoping that we will now not have to have an interview because of their oversight. We’ll see.. it is just frustrating to call and be told that they have somehow gone 2 months past our case date without so much as scheduling an interview or even updating the case as ready to be scheduled..

I decided to call the USCIS today to find out which field office our case is at considering we have heard absolutely nothing in 243 days. Not even an update saying our case is ready to be scheduled for interview - which I expected having read previous comments here... Turns out our local office is working on JULY cases. Err.. what happened to OUR case which was filed in MAY!? So of course a service request has been filed for out of processing times.. Now another 30 day wait. As you can imagine I am already miffed about having been completely overlooked so to have to wait another 30 days to receive a letter telling me what I already know and that there IS no update.. has me spitting feathers. This system is so disorganized and unfair. Now I am worried that we have an RFE despite providing every shred of information and evidence we had, AND that they have just not bothered to tell me and instead have waited to see how long they can sit on it before they can just throw the case out ‘because I didn’t provide what they asked for’ (but actually didn’t).
 
Has anyone else here had/got a case at the Montgomery, AL office?
 
I am so frustrated