Ms.Green

On 6/14/2018 at 10:14 AM, Ms.Green said:

As promised, update on my interview:

 

* Got there about 30 minutes before my appointment time.

* Went through the security check with my passport and appointment letter.

* Followed directions on the letter to get to the actual interview waiting room.

* Waited about an hour past my interview time to be called in.

* Got called in and followed the officer to an office room.

* Gave my Passport and Drivers License.

* Was sworn in.

* Signed a waiver that I agree to be interviewed without my attorney present.

* Handed my original birth certificate and notarized translation.

* Was asked my first and last name. Spelled it out (it's a difficult name). Gave my date of birth. Was asked if I am still married. I said no. She asked if I have my divorce decree. Handed a copy of the decree. The officer updated my address and went on to ask the I485 form questions.

* Answered no to all questions except one about ever receiving government assistance. Answered "yes" to that since I was receiving food stamps and cash aid before I got my EAD. I went on to explain that after receiving my EAD I have stopped receiving cash aid and presented the officer with my pay-stubs and taxes. 

* After that the officer went on the computer and started typing, reading and counting something.

* I was handed a continuation letter that said that my case is being reviewed, no action required on my part and I will be notified if anything else is needed.

 

The officer was very professional. No questions about my marriage or my ex husband. After handing me the Continuation letter she did explain that my biometrics had expired on June 1st and I might need to redo that.

 

About an hour after that my case status online changed to "Interview Was Completed And My Case Must Be Reviewed". 

 

Feelings after the interview? I don't know. I feel strange and confused. Worried and anxious. I really can't blame anyone or be mad at anyone that I did not get approved on the spot. I did not lie or hide anything, was honest and composed, that is all I can really say. The only thing I know for a fact I am very ready for this to be over. After the interview I started looking into the deportation process and thinking of the steps I would need to take if that is the case at the end (I have pets left after my marriage, I would like to take them home with me in the case of deportation). And I guess I'm waiting again.

I hope you guys are holding up well and I will be updating you as always. I can't believe I've been here for 3 VAWA threads now 

Just wanted to let you guys know, that I had received a notification this morning "New Card Is Being Produced". I was approved a week after my interview. I am so happy. I am officially a Legal Permanent Resident and will be spending Christmas with my family this year. 

7 minutes ago, NiceGuyXLE said:

If i apply all at the same time 360,485 and 765, The process goes the same as for everybody and i also qualify for EAD ?

Maybe someone can correct me if I am wrong.

If you are a spouse of a USC, you are able to file concurrently and receive EAD while AOS and VAWA are pending.

If you are a spouse of an LPR, you have to wait until a visa is available to file the AOS or EAD.

41 minutes ago, NiceGuyXLE said:

Is there a difference in waiting time if the abuser is LPR ?

Yes, you will have to wait until a visa is available.

14 minutes ago, Military said:

Congratulations, I am confident that everything is going to work out. I think the officer may need to get supervisor approval because you stated that you received public benefits. However, I think @sandraj  covered most public benefits that you can accept without running afoul of the USCIS "Public Charge" rule. 

 

"For purposes of determining inadmissibility, “public charge” means an individual who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or institutionalization for long-term care at government expense.

A number of factors must be considered when making a determination that a person is likely to become a public charge.

Under Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an individual seeking admission to the United States or seeking to adjust status to that of an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card) is inadmissible if the individual, "at the time of application for admission or adjustment of status, is likely at any time to become a public charge."

 

My interpretation is that it would apply at the time of admission, however, @sandraj would be in a better person to interpret it. Hold your head up and keep your fingers crossed, you have provided proof that you are working and that you just went through a rough patch which is not the case right now. 

Thank you for the positivity!

On 6/12/2018 at 3:22 PM, Ms.Green said:

Hey guys, just wanted to let everyone know, that after having my VAWA approved on the 20th of December 2017, I am going to my AOS interview tomorrow at Santa Ana California.

 

The documents I am taking to the interview:

 

* Passport

* Birth Certificate

* Certified Birth Certificate translation

* New Medical exam

* Marriage Certificate & copies

* Divorce Certificate & copies

* I-94 records

* 2017 taxes and pay-stubs

* VAWA approval

* Interview letter

* My old and new EAD's

 

BRINGING COPIES OF EACH DOCUMENT

 

I am for sure forgetting something, but I will post a follow up after the interview.

 

Also, my now ex husband has been sentenced to 6 years in prison back in April. 

 

I wish everyone best of luck on your journeys and will keep you posted as always!

As promised, update on my interview:

* Got there about 30 minutes before my appointment time.

* Went through the security check with my passport and appointment letter.

* Followed directions on the letter to get to the actual interview waiting room.

* Waited about an hour past my interview time to be called in.

* Got called in and followed the officer to an office room.

* Gave my Passport and Drivers License.

* Was sworn in.

* Signed a waiver that I agree to be interviewed without my attorney present.

* Handed my original birth certificate and notarized translation.

* Was asked my first and last name. Spelled it out (it's a difficult name). Gave my date of birth. Was asked if I am still married. I said no. She asked if I have my divorce decree. Handed a copy of the decree. The officer updated my address and went on to ask the I485 form questions.

* Answered no to all questions except one about ever receiving government assistance. Answered "yes" to that since I was receiving food stamps and cash aid before I got my EAD. I went on to explain that after receiving my EAD I have stopped receiving cash aid and presented the officer with my pay-stubs and taxes. 

* After that the officer went on the computer and started typing, reading and counting something.

* I was handed a continuation letter that said that my case is being reviewed, no action required on my part and I will be notified if anything else is needed.

The officer was very professional. No questions about my marriage or my ex husband. After handing me the Continuation letter she did explain that my biometrics had expired on June 1st and I might need to redo that.

About an hour after that my case status online changed to "Interview Was Completed And My Case Must Be Reviewed". 

Feelings after the interview? I don't know. I feel strange and confused. Worried and anxious. I really can't blame anyone or be mad at anyone that I did not get approved on the spot. I did not lie or hide anything, was honest and composed, that is all I can really say. The only thing I know for a fact I am very ready for this to be over. After the interview I started looking into the deportation process and thinking of the steps I would need to take if that is the case at the end (I have pets left after my marriage, I would like to take them home with me in the case of deportation). And I guess I'm waiting again.

I hope you guys are holding up well and I will be updating you as always. I can't believe I've been here for 3 VAWA threads now 

4 minutes ago, Iceman1 said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congrats on your interview, I'm sure everything will go perfectly. 

Can you share when your timeline?

Thank you!

Sure:

October 2016     - Filed VAWA

December 2016 - Filed EAD (C09) and AOS

January 2017     - Received NOA's for EAD and AOS as well as Prima Facie for VAWA

February 2017    - Received EAD card and Biometrics Appointment (got my EAD without biometrics)

March 2017         - Did Biometrics

December 2017  - Filed my EAD renewal & received my VAWA approval

January 2018      - Received NOA for EAD and a letter stating that old EAD is still valid for 180 days

May 2018             - Received new EAD and Green Card interview letter

Hey guys, just wanted to let everyone know, that after having my VAWA approved on the 20th of December 2017, I am going to my AOS interview tomorrow at Santa Ana California.

The documents I am taking to the interview:

* Passport

* Birth Certificate

* Certified Birth Certificate translation

* New Medical exam

* Marriage Certificate & copies

* Divorce Certificate & copies

* I-94 records

* 2017 taxes and pay-stubs

* VAWA approval

* Interview letter

* My old and new EAD's

BRINGING COPIES OF EACH DOCUMENT

I am for sure forgetting something, but I will post a follow up after the interview.

Also, my now ex husband has been sentenced to 6 years in prison back in April. 

I wish everyone best of luck on your journeys and will keep you posted as always!

I-360 notice date October 25th, 2016. Still nothing but two Prima Facies. The anxiety is slowly but surely killing me. Don't know if I should start packing my bags. Ughhhh!

14 hours ago, gramercy said:

Has anyone here experienced these:

 

1- Severe anxiety symptoms?

(example: pounding heart, jumping every time the doorbell rings, trembling or shaking..etc)

 

2- OCD after trauma?

like... not wanting to touch anything the abuser touched?

 

Please share if there is something you have done helped you cope or feel better.

 

 

I have the same symptoms. Around February I went ahead and asked for a therapist from my victims advocate. I've been going ever since. They diagnosed me with PTSD and depression. She also wrote an affidavit for me saying that I am going to therapy and what my diagnosis is due to the abuse. You need to get a therapist, especially if you are like me, no family or friends. It makes it harder to get over the trauma if you have no one to talk to. Mine also gave me pointers on how to handle the anxiety. The non profit that helped me pays for the therapy so I just go and let it all out. Since February I've been doing much better, it definitely helps a ton. 

After I managed to escape I threw out everything that reminded me of him. I mean everything. That helps me with not getting additional triggers that could worsen the PTSD.

And if you ever want to talk, I'm always here to share and listen.

2 minutes ago, Elena martinez said:

I have not recieved any rfe request either.when I filed the 1360 I included in the package my i485 along with it,I included my receipt notice from my i130 which I thought that's what I had to do..but they returned my i485 with a note that said "please resubmit your i485 with a copy of an i797 approval notice establishing that you are a beneficiary of a pending or approved immigrant visa petition which would make a visa immediately available to you or that you are otherwise eligible to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident".I'm so confused I thought the i797 for the i130 would be enough..and  ever since then I haven't tried submitting the i1485 since I thought I now needed to wait to get approved for the vawa first..I didn't knw I could submit it with my i360 notice of receipt..well that's good news..I will try rwsubmitting the i485 along with the vawa receipt notice..so you were able to send it later in December? Will I need a lawyer to resubmit it as well? Since I take care of my disabled child 24/7 I can't work and have no money for the fees..is there a few waiver for the ead and aos?do you advice me doing it on my own?or should I just wait for my vawa to get approved?

 

I only submitted my police clearance report ,pictures of me and him,our kids,my sons dr. Letters.restraining orders police reports from abuse and him damaging my belongings..I didn't submit no affidavit reports from friends or family members although I have many witnesses of his abuse towards me..I didn't want to bother people with my problems by asking them to write me letters also because I stopped talking to all my friends and family members cause my husband wouldn't let me out the house and didn't want me socialising with anybody..I also included reports of when he got locked up for having firearms in our room..which I hope it helps since he ended doing time for that and is now on felony probation..sorry to hear about the situations he put you through..i went trough pretty much the same with my husband..suicidal thoughts and all as well..the letter I wrote describingof how everything went with the abuse was about 7 pages long..I took me about a month to gather everything I was in a rush to get my application mailed in..although I should of sent in more info and affidavits..I just hope it helps..and regarding the visa through my child i don't want to risk it since I have no way of paying a lawyer..thanks for you help!and best of lucks:)

You can get the fees waived. Just make sure, when submitting the AOS and EAD forms include the fee waiver form for each separately. Include a copy of your receipt notice with the i485 (not needed for i765), and mark that you are applying for a work permit under section c9 which will allow you to receive the card in hand after about 90 days. 

If you do not work, I would recommend doing it on your own. I hired an attorney, cause I felt like a 2 year old, did not know where I am or what is happening. No shelters would help me, did not know about public attorneys. I mean I was clueless. Money was the biggest reason why I did not file earlier. Do not make the same mistake. I am still paying people back.

I think you have a strong case and do not worry about the VAWA, they accepted it and t just means that they will 

a) simply approve it

b) request for evidence (which is perfectly fine)

I just recommend take you time, write to sandranj and all will be fine. I feel you have more proof than most of us here.

26 minutes ago, Never_Give_Up said:

I really do think that it is truly unfair to keep people waiting for so long, while kept in limbo and unable to move forward with their lives. Each month, it feels as though the processing times are getting longer and longer. This time last year, the processing times were showing as 5 months on the USCIS website, but now many are waiting over a year without hearing anything back. As a community, I am starting to think that it would be wise for us to get in touch with our local Congressmen and Senators to draw attention to how long this process is taking, and the effect that such a long process has on those who are seeking relief under the VAWA bill. It can't hurt, and maybe they will be able to push for some policy changes. Any thoughts?

While I agree that the wait time is just getting longer and longer, I like to think that we should be patient and remember that there are more people who wait even longer. Imagine all the refugees running away from war, victims of crime, or sex trafficking. I recently met a 13 year old girl that was sold by her parents and then used for child porn. I am more happy to wait longer if it means that people like that get a chance in life before me.

In regards to changing the situation, I don't think contacting politicians will change anything anytime soon. To make changes nation wide, will take at least 5 years. Plus keep in mind that there has been an increase in immigration cases due to President Trumps election. People are scared, therefore try applying for anything they can. The one thing all of us can do is fight back by getting involved. I personally started volunteering A LOT during any kind of elections. Since I cannot vote, I thought, I'll at least help elect the people that will make decisions that will affect me and all of us. By getting involved through volunteering you do meet quite a bit of influential people. If we talk about our situations and how difficult it is, something might start happening. But remember Immigration reforms are nation wide, so the White House makes all the decisions. 

I say lets all stay strong and not forget what we had to endure. That way help others escape and prevent it from happening to someone else.

Sending lots of love to everyone and will go and be paranoid in some corner until tomorrow.

37 minutes ago, Elena martinez said:

Hello I have a question regarding my i360..on October 12.2016 the vermont service center recieved my i360 and waived my fee..I also included my i485 along with it..since I am married to a us citizen and he had previously petitioned for me back in 2012..my i485 was denied..I thought you could apply for both i360 and i485 at the same time?..I have so far only received my i797 receipt notice back in November 2016..its been about 8 months and have not received a prima facie notice or any other notices..no finger prints no nothing..has any body else has had a similar case to mine?I did all the paperwork by myself since I cannot afford a lawyer..also what are my chances of getting approved..I have no criminal record..I included restrainnig orders..anger management papers when my husband had to do the classes..police reports form 2012..will it not validate since the abuse recorded was from 2011 and 2012?also I had spoke to a lawyer and she had told me I could also fix my status since I have a 4 year old with a disability is that true??what are my chances of getting approved since I also included my child medical records with my petition..

 

Hi Elena,

Good thing you filed for VAWA. They will not deny it, they might just ask for more proof if anything is missing which is normal if you did it on your own. If you provide sufficient evidence to their requests they will approve it. You can always write a letter to Vermont Service Center asking for an update, but do not expect to hear back, since it has only been 9 months. Some people wait for 2, I've even seen 3 years.

Try resubmitting the i485 and i765 along with a copy of the receipt notice from i360. You are not receiving any biometrics or interviews because the i485 was denied. 

I've heard that you can apply for a visa having a child with disabilities, but I am not sure that will be easier than just applying for VAWA. 

I applied for VAWA first and got my receipt along with the prima facie on the 25th of October, 2016. Then I had to wait, since I had no money to pay my attorney and then just ended up borrowing some money to pay for the AOS and EAD and filed everything at the end of December (I really needed a job, could barely feed myself). Then in February I received my EAD and am still waiting on my VAWA case. Have heard nothing in regards to it.

I submitted a police report, 911 call transcripts, restraining order, divorce paperwork, pictures of us, me with his family, him with mine, bruises, text and email conversations, him admitting to the abuse in an email, FBI clearance, I even did a hair drug test, cause in the divorce paperwork he mentioned that I am an addict (figured since he said I'm a drug addict I'll just add that in there to prove that I am not), mail that I received to our address, affidavits testifying of the abuse and that we resided together. I am still gathering more paperwork just in case. I got affidavits from my parents that he would visit them and that they helped him financially, that he tried to extort them after I left, affidavits from friends that had to get him out of jail for vandalism in my country, psychological evaluation (I tried killing myself back in June 2016). Just everything I can think of, so I would not be terrified when I receive an RFE or INTENT TO DENY.

I hope this helps.

Interesting statistics I found.

In 2016, the average wait time from VSC receipt notice (or RFE) to decision was 279 days. This was the average. So some cases take longer and some take shorter. Sandranj was saying that she still has some from August that have not yet been approved. I am on day 259. So I know something will have to come in the mail. I think it will take longer than 279 days to get something for all of us, considering how backlogged VSC has been. If I don't hear anything back in a year, I will most definitely start contacting the ombudsman. But fingers crossed as always.

10 minutes ago, Godblessme said:

My RFE is about bona fide marriage. 

I am anxious too. The denial rate is high and the waiting period is getting longer and longer. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all 2016 autumn filers get a response soon! They should update the processing times next week, we'll see where they're at.

8 minutes ago, Godblessme said:

I filed in mid November 2016. Got RFE in December. No prima facie. 

What was your RFE about?

I only have my Prima Facie (now extension) and by my calculations they should start touching files from October by mid July. November should start mid August. 

I'm super anxious wondering if I will get an RFE and then have it prolonged again for another 10 months (if I even have ways to respond to the RFE). I think I submitted everything I had, but right now am just getting a bit paranoid looking at the statistics of VAWA approvals and denials. 

2 hours ago, Niniadara said:

Is someone here November filler? Did you get any rfe? 

I filed in October 2016. No RFE's so far. Getting really anxious. Have you gotten anything?

3 hours ago, helpneededASAP said:

Just getting to this thread....have anyone here gone through VAWA fraud in the beneficiary's attempt to gain citizenship? http://bit.ly/EndMarriageFraud

Yes we have seen some VAWA denials. To what your linked petition is implying, that VAWA has a high rate of fraud - news flash, all visas have fraudulent activity, as well as benefits, insurance and etc. Someone will always try to bypass the system. There are US citizens that get paid to marry immigrants and provide them the visa. When applying for VAWA you have to provide documents proving that it is a bonafide marriage and that it was entered in good faith. So most of the suggested adjustments, are actually already implemented and the rest just do not make sense. 

I am sorry for anyone that was used to gain visas, but understand, that all the women that are active in this forum day in and day out are not the ones that are committing the fraud, therefore, cannot help you with your question. VisaJourney is very strict on their policies and do not allow any advice on how to commit fraud. And while I understand the frustration of the people that were tricked, so were all of us. Some of us are blind, suffering from PTSD's, Depression, tried committing suicide, lost the ability to have kids and in general have spend some time in hospitals due to our injuries and are too scared to go back home. So the petition to allow US citizens and LPR's to get rid of us, only enables the abuser and does not protect the abused. 

I do not see it passing and I know that each and everyone of us here will not let it pass through congress. Especially now.

Good luck in your search for answers.

On 2/24/2017 at 6:04 PM, B.km said:

 

It all depends on how you filed your AOS and EAD. What did you put on your EAD? Is based on VAWA or on a pending AOS?

On 2/24/2017 at 4:42 PM, RonandJay said:

Hi Ms Green, I hope your are doing well, and that your day is going fine too. I sent the amended for my I-765 (changing from c31 to c9), along with the letter to renew/extend my prima facie letter. It was delivered yesterday, and to my surprise I received and update on the I-360, saying they received my correspondence and it's status now says: Initial Review. Would you by chance know what that means? The word 'initial' is throwing me off, as it is a request for 'extension' letter. I patiently await your response. 

It just means that someone is reviewing your request for prima facie extension. No need to worry, everything seems ok and if anything you'll just know that they received it and are working on it! Congrats

8 minutes ago, B.km said:

Dear fellow members and readers,

I have i-360 pending. Can someone help me to know if i am being impatient or should be worried? 

Filed for i360, i485 and ead form back in july 2016. Reciept date july 28 2016. 

Sep 2, biometric appointment

Sep 10 more evidence

Oct 7, prima facie notice 

And nothing else since then . 

Prima facie will expire april 5, 2017. 

Am i still in normal processing time or should i be worried? 

I think you still are. After an RFE time starts from the beginning as far as I am aware. Be sure to renew your prima facie. Ir expires 180 days after it was issued.

13 hours ago, aquila said:

Please how long does it take to receive notices after delivery of forms at Vermont? Thanks

30 days

4 hours ago, Tortmaster said:

Thank you. I just checked, there are no available appointments in our local office. Sigh. I think i messed up filling out the form. I will try to do a change of address. If my husband gets his hands on my mail he will not give it to me.

Why don't you just try and do a walk in. They will most likely accept you if you explain the situation.

3 hours ago, Februl said:

Has anyone received an approval or an RFE from VSC recently? The website says they were processing April 10 applications on Dec 31. I have no idea what they are processing currently. My submission was received Jul 6th, 2016.

I'd say wait 60 days and then try to inquire. If you have an attorney ask him to call Vermont and ask about the status of the application. I filed mine in October, so still a long wait... 

21 hours ago, newyorkfreebird said:

EAD status says on 12/12/16 received my application and that the fee was waived , thats all. how do I open service request? what do i say them when i call? which number i dial?

Did you use an attorney?