Wouter Erwee

Curious if anyone knows of a case at LIN – Lincoln Service Center (Nebraska Service Center) that has been approved.  Seems like WAC – Western Adjudication Center (California Service Center) is getting on with things.

Interested if anyone here has filed/thought about filling for the N400 process to become a citizen.  It is my understanding that as a spouse married to a US citizen my time is reduced to 3 years of waiting.  We got married in Apr'18, about 9 months for GC and two years, so this is where I am applying to remove conditions.  Hence the reason I am n this tread.  

Maybe I am completely misunderstanding this..

Joining the tread

2 hours ago, Chef’s Wife said:

Hey Wouter Erwee, did they mail you the letter (decision) and then the card? Because your case is still pending online. 3 weeks. Insane.

 

As per “simply waiting”, I might be mistaken but it’s 120 days.

 

Please let us know.

Hey Hey, No I am still waiting.  The only response I received was the letter they gave me at the end of the interview telling me they will reach out to me.  I called a few days ago and they said the only thing I can do is wait.  So frustrating!!

Hi All,

Feeling very discouraged here.  I had my interview in Seattle on the 18th of Sept after almost a year and a half of waiting.  The interview went really well but as per norm the lady mentioned she could not give us an answer right away and this is the way they do all the cases.  After some research I found this is quite normal and everyone received "Card is now being produced" a few hours or days later.  However I am still waiting for any notification.  Is this normal???  All my status says is:

Your interview for your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, Receipt Number MSC1891039917, was completed, and your case must be reviewed. We will mail you a notice if we make a decision or take further action. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

Does anyone know if there is a way to query this or do I simply just need to wait...?

This is making me very anxious.

Thoughts?

Hi All,

I finally got my interview here in Seattle.  

On the list of documents it asked for the I-692 Completed Medical Exam in a Sealed Envelope.  However when I arrive here in the US, the Border Patrol agent at LAX opened this envelope and removed some stuff.  Me being nervous did not think anything of this.  However now checking my Medical Envelope the only item in there that is left is my XRAY info and Vaccination card/report.

Should I be worried?

It does say in the description (Unless Already Submitted)

Thoughts?

Any other tips on preparing for my AOS interview...

Thanks

Anyone on this thread in the Seattle area?  Just wanting to see in anyone has had any updates?  I received a weird update on my case a while ago?

Does anyone here have any experience in expediting the renewal of your AP card.  I am in Seattle and even though it's been more that a year already I do not see an interview date happening anytime soon.  My EAD Combo expires on the 25th of June.  Applied for renewal n Feb already.  I know that you get automatic EAD extension once you reply based on the K1 (C9) visa, however the AP does not extend.  I need to travel for a day or two for my work outside of us.  I want to try and expedite my AP due to the fact that if I can travel I will lose my job.  Thoughts?

I am still waiting here is Seattle.  Just get my monthly email saying" We are still processing your case".  My EAD Combo card expires in a month.  Applied to have it renewed in Feb, but still only receipt of that as well.  Anyone in the Seattle area???

16 hours ago, krissy002 said:

Are there many people left still waiting to hear about an interview? Seems like many of you are getting your green cards already. Waiting is a b*tch......

Yes, still waiting over here is Seattle. Sucks, applied already to have my EAD card renewed.

Hi Guys,

I have to renew my EAD & AP card.  Here are a few questions.

• Do I file them together and mail the to the same place?
• Where do I send the packet? Chicago?
• Will the issue me a new Combo card or two separate documents?

I just want to confirm my thoughts.

Thanks

Hi there guys,

Anyone here already applied for their SSN's?  I have a few questions regarding that. Or maybe a forum suggestion...

I applied a few weeks ago and now received a letter saying they cannot verify my alien status.  But when I went for the interview for SSN, the interview went really well and the lady said everything was looking good.

Sorry if this in inappropriate for this forum.

Thanks 

Wouter

Hi Guys,

Sorry for my incompetence, but I have a few questions. Hoping someone can help.... We just got married this week and now I am completing the AOS forms. I am the foreign citizen here on K1 visa.

• Where do I get “A-Number” that goes on top of every page?
• Part 1 - 11.  USCIS Online Account Number?  Is this the WAC number?
• Part 1 - 14.  Do you have to complete an alternative mailing address or can you just leave it blank?
• Part 1 - 24.  What is your current immigration status (if it has changed since your last arrival)?  Do I just leave this blank?
• Part 5 - How many times have you been married?  This is my first marriage, so do I put 0 or 1?
• The form is also not allowing me to write N/A is the sections I don’t have any info.. it say only letters and hyphen.  Can I just put “N A”

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Wouter

Hi Guys,

I trust everyone is well.  I have been in the US for a few days now and just did our legal wedding for paperwork yesterday. Whooooo!!!  I am sitting in a Starbucks in Seattle trying to figure out all the paperwork for our next step, AOS, EAD & AP.   I just wanted to say to everyone that this is an long and difficult process, but have faith.  It will work out!!!

Good luck to all the saffas out there!!!

Wouter

Joining this tread to follow. About to file AOS in a few weeks.

Thanks

Thank you @doggieandsam & @JloveN.

Regards

14 hours ago, HOORAY7 said:

What are you asking for the legal marriage in the US?  Question?

I read a long time ago that you require something called "Letter of no Impediment" if you are a foreigner getting married is the US.  Just looking for info and if there are any things that we might have missed along the way.

Thanks

Hi guys,

I am flying out to Seattle from South Africa on the 17th Apr via K1 visa, a quick wedding and then we start the AOS, EAD & AP journey.

Hopefully it goes a little quicker than K1 process. Lets hope for the best.

Any tips, tricks, comments or notes are more than welcome.  This is a crazy journey, but it's well worth it!!!

Thanks 

Wouter

Hi Guys,

I hope everyone is well!!!

I am flying out to Seattle via Dubai and LA on Tuesday(17th) and we are planning to get married immediately.  Does anyone know of any good treads No1. regarding the LEGAL MARRIAGE IN US and No2. regarding the filling of the ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS, EAD Card and AP???

Thanks in advance

Wouter

Hi Guys,

Does it make a difference which airport you use to enter the states?  I was initially planning Johannesburg - Dubai - Seattle but the flights have become really expensive, so I can go Johannesburg - Dubai - Los Angeles - Seattle and it's much cheaper.

Or is there a rule that says I have to enter in the state that you are getting married in?

Thanks 

Wouter

15 hours ago, HOORAY7 said:

Good evening/morning to everyone!  I have a question for you all.  My fiancé there in SA will be emigrating next week here to Washington State (hope we get our visa's before next Thursday!) and she has been given some jewelry from her mum that has been in her family for a while and wants her to have.  Does anyone know if she needs to claim this at customs and if so, pay anything on it?

Hi there,

Where in Washington are you guys? I am hoping to fly out to Seattle on the 17th.

Wouter

On 3/29/2018 at 1:11 PM, amaraimee said:

Quick update: my fiancé’s visa was sent to DHL Sandton yesterday afternoon and today we went to DHL to inquire and it was there!!! We’re going home together Saturday

Hi There,

How many days from APPROVAL at the consulate to visa in hand?

Thanks 

Wouter

Good Morning Everyone,

Sorry for the delayed response, we were celebrating the whole of yesterday.  We are APPROVED!!!

So here's how the whole thing went down:

I arrived at Sandton City a bit early, my appointment ws only at 13:00 the afternoon.  Took a chance and went to the security at the consulate at around 12:00 but was told to come back at 12:45. Went for a coffee in the mall and returned at 12:45.  I was one of only 5 K1 visa applicants.  Started chatting to the other Saffas, 2 girls and another guy. (Sorry I am really bad at remembering names, one girl was from Port Elizabeth moving to NYC, another from Evander moving to Texas I believe and the guy from Pretoria going to Fort Lauderdale. There was another gentleman there too, but did not get the chance to talk to him.

1 - Checked us in on a tablet at the security gate, phones off and then you enter the security building.

2 - Went into the 2nd building and was checked in again, they check your passport, give you instructions on the DHL delivery and give you a number.  Then you sit and wait.  There consulate was really quite.  We were basically the only ones there.

3 - They call your number to a window where they collect all your documents.  I met with a really nice man, making jokes and conversation as you go along.

4 - I was very well prepared with all the documents and copies, but I believe the best approach is to only give them what they ask for and not submit anything extra. He asked for the following:

DS-160 form

Payment Confirmation

Unabridged Birth Certificate

Police Clearance

I-134 form ( affidavit of support)

Tax Returns and other supporting documents

US size passport photos

Proof of relationship

The man combined all the documents into a folder and told me to sit down again.

5 - Get called up for the interview.  Met a nice US lady who asked the following questions, very casual, not intimidating at all. (They must read the documents from your original submission because she knew that we met working onboard cruise ships...)

- So I see you guys met onboard a cruise ship?

- How long ago was that?

- Has she visited South Africa before?

- When was the last time she was here?

- Have you visited here in the US?

- Where are we going to live in the US?

Then she said "Great, I see no reason why I can't approve you visa application." and that was it, approved!!

6 - She then proceeded to cancel my C1D and B1B2 visas and told me that I could collect my passport within 7-10 days.

7 - She said that I would also receive an envelope with my visa to take with me to the US and give to the CBP officer at the port of entry. She instructed me very seriously " Do Not Open the Packet", haha. and that was it, out the door with an approved K1 visa.

Not sure if the other Saffas got approved as I was out the door first, but I believe all went well for them. whole process from start to finish was about 90 mins.

Not sure if I should go ahead and book a flight yet or wait till I have my visa in hand. If anyone has any input, please let me know. ...

I must say that I have found this South African forum very useful and would like to continue on the forum as we move along with with process.

Thanks for all the wishes and let me know if anyone has any questions.

Thanks 

Wouter

10 minutes ago, Vintage girl said:

My apologies for asking so many questions. Did you struggle to get a interview in Sandton? it seems that the schedule of interview went quick. Did you first made the interview?

Another thing how many days did you guys wait for the NOA2?

 

So the hold up was not at the NVC but at the Sandton embassy? or do I understand wrong.

NVC said that the packet had left for JHB and when you call the consulate, they say it's still at the NVC, haha.  But I believe my packet was maybe just laying there in JHB.  I just probably called the right person at the right time and 5 mins after my call we got an email from the consulate.

NOA1 - 18 July 2017

NOA2 - 13 Feb 2018 (215 days)

NVC Number - 26 Feb 2018

Interview - 29 Mar 2018

When I processed they online payment it took me to the schedule appointment page. (JHB only does K1 on Tue & Wed and only the last 2 weeks of every month) But all the dates were still open.  I could have selected an appointment for next week if I wanted, but I took a chance on the 29th and booked it.  You can always go back and change the date of your interview.  After that I called the doctor and pleaded for them to help me so that I can make my interview on the 29th.  Guess I got really lucky!!!!

No worries on the questions.  Ask if you have more.

1 minute ago, Vintage girl said:

Wow that is such great news. I am so relieved for you guys. How come the doctor appointments are wide apart?  jeez that interview date happened quick. I am supper happy for you guys. I hope that everything go well with your interview.

The Doctor1 and Doctor2 are usually only 2 days apart, to give time from blood tests to be processed.  But, when I called I just said I would be willing to come in any day anytime in order to make it for my consulate interview.