phildinftlaudy

My partner came here on K1 in May 2016. I work for a college. He also wanted to go to school. Because his English was not at a level to be academically-prepared for college, we first enrolled him in non-credit ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). He completed all 6 levels of this (each one taking about 2 months). In regards to admission to the college. If he would have only been using the K1, he would have to pay out-of-state/international tuition rates - which are significantly higher. Once married, with marriage certificate in hand, spouse is able to claim residency in-state based on USC spouse residency in the state (translation ---- in-state rates). He didn't have to wait for change in status. Hope this info helps. 

Received notification New Card Being Produced on September 12, 2019.
CSC filer
Filing date: 7/23/18
 
 

Our lawyer felt that we had enough evidence and therefore said we didn't need to bother with affidavit letters. I don't think they are a red flag if provided in conjunction with other evidence. If they are the meat of your evidence then it might raise concerns. Include a couple if you want but if you feel your other evidence is strong go with that. 

LOL  :--)
 
Nope, no refunds. They sent the letter saying biometrics would be reused and also saying there would be no refund. lol  Oh well. We were just happy to see activity on our case. 

While you must have your permanent resident status for at least 3 years before filing Form 400, the rules do allow you to file your Form N-400 application up to 90 days before the 3-year anniversary of your admission date. We plan on applying and while we are eligible to apply at the end of July, we may wait a couple extra months to see if the 10-year card is approved/arrives to prevent any additional delay. However, we will definitely submit the 400 by end of October (official 3-year anniversary). 

While you must have your permanent resident status for at least 3 years before filing Form 400, the rules do allow you to file your Form N-400 application up to 90 days before the 3-year anniversary of your admission date. We plan on applying and while we are eligible to apply at the end of July, we may wait a couple extra months to see if the 10-year card is approved/arrives to prevent any additional delay. However, we will definitely submit the 400 by end of October (official 3-year anniversary). 

While you must have your permanent resident status for at least 3 years before filing Form 400, the rules do allow you to file your Form N-400 application up to 90 days before the 3-year anniversary of your admission date. We plan on applying and while we are eligible to apply at the end of July, we may wait a couple extra months to see if the 10-year card is approved/arrives to prevent any additional delay. However, we will definitely submit the 400 by end of October (official 3-year anniversary). 

Definitely bring all transcripts. Official ones are best. For community college, while high school diploma is all that is typically required, depending on the program of study, college transcripts may be needed (or, if your fiancée wants to get into an accelerated program - once again, depending on program of study). Also, the high school transcripts will need to be evaluated. That can be done here in the U.S.  There are many companies that do it. We used Spantran; however, there are lots that I am sure are equally good. We didn't need the high school transcripts evaluated when my spouse was attending non-credit courses but when he wanted to start his credit based program, the evaluated transcripts were required. It took a couple of weeks to have them evaluated. Most colleges will give provisional admission and allow a few weeks (up to a semester) to get the transcripts evaluated and the official results transmitted to them. 
 
Let me know if you have any other questions. Also, if you know the name of the community college, let me know, as I have connections across the U.S. and can get more college specific information from colleagues, if needed. 

We worked with an attorney. She had us front load. We didn't overload, but we did front load. Showed the relationship through: email messages, phone bills call log, photos of the times I visited, statements of intent, Western Union receipts, and airline/hotel receipts. Our interview in the DR lasted less than 10 minutes (maybe 5-6) with very basic questions. Every case and every country different, but we didn't have any problems. Did the same for the AOS and got approved with no interview. We were very well prepared however with details should we have been asked together or separately about anything included in the package or about our relationship. 

My spouse has a fairly good command of English; however, there are parts of the form that I interpreted for him. I had attorney assistance in filing and she advised me to sign the interpreter section as I was the one that did the interpreting. Hope this helps. 

Only To clean the table and update the number of applicants

Thank you, Phildinftlaudy!
I'm going to do this for August filers. We mailed ours on 8/1.
Best of luck!

California Service Center (17 applicants, 0 approved - 0%)
VJName........................Date of I-751...NOA1 Date...Biometrics.....Approved .........Notes 
PHILDINFTLAUDY                 07/23/18        08/02/18          --/--/18             --/--/--
PINBAK                                   07/09/18        07/10/18
DASBESTE                              07/19/18        07/26/18           --/--/18            --/--/--
MARRIENNE                           07/13/18          --/--/18           --/--/18            --/--/--       DIVORCE/FEE WAIVER
SPC                                          07/05/18      07/09/18          --/--/18             --/--/--
IMPLIFE                                   07/20/18      08/01/18           --/--/18            --/--/--
WYY                                          07/12/18      07/23/18          --/--/18            --/--/--
RNAB32                                   07/02/18      07/05/18          --/--/18            --/--/--
BACONBAIT                            07/12/18       07/24/18         --/--/18            --/--/--
TWIST899                               07/20/18       07/24/18           --/--/18            --/--/--
THOMAS&JING                      07/26/18       --/--/18               --/--/18            --/--/--
J&E H                                       07/11/18       07/16/18          --/--/18            --/--/--
ISMAR&BRANDY                    07/30/18        --/--18               --/--/18            --/--/---
WHISKERS222                        07/23/18
YANGIE                                    07/16/18       07/25/18           --/--/18            --/--/--
MINNIE_MOUSE                     07/25/18       --/--/18               --/--/18            --/--/-- 
YANIROSE                                07/12/18      07/20/18          --/--/18             --/--/--
 
Vermont Service Center (7 applicants, 0 approved - 0%)

VJName.......................Date of I-751...NOA1 Date...Biometrics.....Approved..........Notes
JOHN&MARIA                  07/23/18            07/26/18             --/--/18            --/--/--
ENDOFMAY                      07/12/18            07/16/18           --/--/18            --/--/--
IMPREZAOWNER27         07/23/18            --/--/18            --/--/18            --/--/--
MCSSAE7883                   07/14/18          07/17/18           --/--/18            --/--/--
NEM&GRH                         07/28/18         --/--/--                  --/--/--           --/--/--
DRELLANJ                        07/23/18         07/26/18
CRB                                    07/30/18            --/--/18           
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Received it today   😊

Days away my friend, today i also got the notification from USPS so the NOA should be here any minute

Just a quick Update. Its official im a united States Citizen yaaaaa

I will agree with @GreatDane All that matters is that the amount is correct.
 
Good luck in your journey!

Yes, no problem at all going to school. Use his passport, birth certificate, marriage license, and K-1 approval letter. Kevin arrived May 13th; we married June 17th; and he started ESOL June 28th. He tested and started in Level 2. Level 6 and 7 are usually combined. We filed for AOS in July and had his EAD/AP and green card by the end of October. If he has any type of transcripts (college or otherwise), have him get those before he comes over here. Also, have you had your interview yet? If not, there is a good hotel that is located very close to the "new" (not so new anymore) embassy. If you need any additional information, feel free to ask.    -Phil

My partner came here on K1 in May 2016. I work for a college. He also wanted to go to school. Because his English was not at a level to be academically-prepared for college, we first enrolled him in non-credit ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). He completed all 6 levels of this (each one taking about 2 months). In regards to admission to the college. If he would have only been using the K1, he would have to pay out-of-state/international tuition rates - which are significantly higher. Once married, with marriage certificate in hand, spouse is able to claim residency in-state based on USC spouse residency in the state (translation ---- in-state rates). He didn't have to wait for change in status. Hope this info helps. 

I sent one check. Just make sure it's for the right amount. The first time I had an extra $5 in the check so it was sent back.

1 check.

We went through the embassy in Santo Domingo in April 2016. All feeds were paid at Popular and at the medical clinic. At that time usatravel doc wasn't accepting online payments for Santo Domingo (I don't know if that has changed). But, we paid NO money at the embassy. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.   -Phil

Here's a list of what I did while waiting for my work permit:
 
1. Volunteered at a wildlife rescue center
2. Learned how to cook different cuisines
3. Watched a lot of series and movies online
4. Did household chores (and I still do)
5. Spent a lot of time with my husband since I know that once I start working again, our quality time would be lessened.
6. Spent time with our friends here in Jacksonville, went on potlucks and lunchdates along with our husbands, went to the park, did kayaking, went to the beach and played board games
7. Studied how to drive (with learner's permit of course  )
8. Went on out of town trips with family
9. Researched about the AOS process and helped those who are processing K1 visa (spent a lot of time doing this too)
10. Skyped (a lot) with family and friends
11. Started a hobby like crocheting, arts and crafts, painting, stuff like that. I may be able to sell those on Etsy since I already have a work permit.
12. Read books ( a whole lot of them)
 
I was never bored and I always find something to do. I know I would never be able to do much of the extra curricular activities once I get back to working like volunteering etc.
 
Congrats on your approval and best of luck on your new journey, marriage and AOS that is.

My partner didn't need SSN to start non-credit classes. I don't know if you would need it for credit courses or not. I do know that you would need it to apply for financial aid; however, if spouse is military and they are paying, there may be different rules. That would be one thing you can do when you settle in... check on eligibility status for school... arrange to complete the applications and take any pre-college tests that you may need for formal admission. 

My partner and I met at the beginning of April 2015 and filed I-129 in September 2015 --- 5 months after we met. In addition to visiting in April 2015, I visited again in May and August 2015, as well as January 2016. I also accompanied him to the interview in April 2016. I flew back in May 2016, when visa was approved and he flew back to Miami with me. Along with all this, we were able to show phone calls (primarily me to him via AT&T), samples of whatsapp chats, photos, and some money transfers. From time the I-129 was received (end of September 2015) until time he arrived in U.S. (mid-May 2016) was less than 8 months (and we were even delayed 2 months while he waited for follow up to positive tb screen). 
 
We were initially worried that our short relationship time would be viewed negatively, but we decided to let the evidence speak for itself --- and it did in a very positive way. 
 
Best to you!
 

they won't care about multiple insurances.
however they would care about joint assets and liabilities.
are you both on the title for the car, both on the lease? joint bank accounts and utilities in both your names? went on trips together? able to use each others credit cards?
essentially things that could be used or taken that would hurt the other since to grant them access you are giving them a level of trust you would mot give a regular friend.