Nathan&Amy

I have a Social Security Card with my married name, but now that I have my gc do I need to get a new one without the DHS authorization note on it?

17 minutes ago, lafe4c said:

Congrats! Yes. I received mine in this order too

Ok thank you!

Interview completed! Adjusting from K-1 visa, we had our AOS interview yesterday morning at 8:15 AM at the local USCIS office here in Des Moines.  

Then yesterday at 4:15 PM, I got text/email notifications that my case has been updated, and when I checked My Case Status, it has changed to "My New Card Is Being Produced"...!

does that mean I'm approved and the next step will be receiving a GC in the mail? will there be any more case status updates?

Do I need 2 new passport-size photos for the I-485 interview?

On 4/4/2018 at 1:38 PM, just_me_ said:

For those who received their interview notices, has your status on the status checkers changed? Or does it still say "case received" blah blah blah lol

 

Thanks!

Mine still says this:

February 27, 2018

We received your response to our request for more information. Your case is no longer on hold.

I received my interview schedule on 03/31, it was dated 03/26.`

3 minutes ago, Nouchigang said:

You are giving me hope, there is life after a RFIE loool. Congrats and good luck

I had one too for my birth certificate and they received the response on Feb 20, I hope I hear some good news too. Take care

What was your RFIE for the bc? I also got one for my bc, they said I had sent secondary evidence of birth and not a real birth certificate. (I had sent the long form bc which is what it says to send for Ontario on the USCIS site). I booked an infopass appt and the guy there said he could see no reason for the RFE and wondered if the officer just didn't realize it was a real bc. so I sent back an original of the long form and a copy of the short form.

Does anybody know approx. how long it would take to get the green card after the interview?

On 3/19/2018 at 5:02 PM, kvito28 said:

So I successfully expedited my EAD and even though I already have my card in hand the status still shows that the card was mailed to me. It never got updated to delivered. I wonder if these things can also happen to I-485 applications. My field office seems to be rather fast and I just do not want to miss a notice of interview or any updates that the USCIS may send. Any thoughts? should I inquire on it myself by calling them?

Sorry if someone already asked this - what was the basis you expedited the EAD on?

On 1/9/2017 at 6:51 PM, imagetheif said:

Hi everyone. I've just received an expedite for an AP and since there's not a lot of information online about the process I thought I'd share my experience in hope it'll save someone some difficulty. 

 

I submitted my AOS papers including AP application around 85 days ago in hope that I'd have enough time to get my AP before my academic and business appointments. After about 2.5 months I decided to expedite the process because I was getting concerned I wouldn't receive my AP in time for my flight. I should point out that simply submitting your AP documents (i.e. letter, evidence of emergency etc.) does not expedite your processing. 

 

I called the 800 number to check on status and began the expedite process with a tier 1 representative. 4 days later I received an RFE with instructions to submit documents via fax. For the following 3 weeks I continually tried to submit documents via fax with very little success; out of the dozen + times I tried to fax the documents over a period of 3 weeks the office only picked up the fax once, and even then we didn't receive the confirmation receipt were were supposed to. I called the 800 number daily and talked to a number of tier 1 representatives. Almost all of them just told me to wait between 16 and 90 days, and if I received no confirmation of receipt letter I could call back again, which of course is far too late. Eventually I was put onto a tier 2 receptionist (after waiting 2 hours for a callback - 1-2 hours is the norm) that recommended that I post my documents to a PO box with the words "DO NOT OPEN IN MAILROOM" on the letter. We tried this, but even then 3 weeks after it was supposed to arrive we received no information as to wether or not it was actually received by the office processing my case. Talking to three other tier 2 receptionists (every staff member will likely tell you something different) it was clear there wasn't really anything they could do at all beyond submit a request for a status update, which itself takes at least 3 weeks to be posted out. In other words, from my experience the 800 number was completely useless other than to begin the expedite process, request forms, or check on status - most of which you can just do online. Not all of the staff were terrible, most of the T2 people were great and really understanding, but with two exceptions the T1 people were totally hopeless and frequently said things that were completely false. 

 

Eventually I came across an article about someone's experiences going directly into a field office without an appointment and I decided to give it a try, in spite of the fact that all of the call center people I talked to about going in person said it wasn't possible and I should just wait (with the exception of one lady that told me I could try the field office in Jamaica, which is the wrong office). I went to the office near city hall. I first had to visit a kind of preliminary intake desk on the first floor where they checked my documents and asked questions, after that I was sent to the third floor where I waited for around an hour and copies of my documents were made and I was then interviewed fairly briefly. The clerk asked a few simple questions about my travel plans and mainly just checked over my paperwork. She did ask if I had my biometrics appointment, which I hadn't, so she scheduled an immediate visit to the passport office on the corner of Houston and Varick. I had read online that the biometrics weren't required for the AP and the call center staff also mentioned this also, but in my case at least it was required. I did the biometrics, which didn't take long, and went back to the USCIS field office, waited another while and walked out with my AP documents in hand. I think all together it took around 5 hours including travel to the biometrics. 

 

It's worth mentioning that I was told the phone line initiated expedite process and the field office expedite processes are completely unconnected so it's possible to apply via both channels. 

 

tl;dr: if you're applying for an expedite it's probably simplest to go directly to your local field office. If that isn't possible or you're rejected, then try apply by post. And after that, maybe contact the call center and ask to be connected directly with a T2 staff member. 

 

Good luck! 

Thanks for sharing! Can you advise what you gave as reason/evidence to expedite? Did you take plane tickets or something like that?

Is the field office also able to process expediting the EAD?

3 minutes ago, Nathan&Amy said:

Hello all, I haven't been on in a while so apologies if someone has already posted this same question or similar.

We filed the I-485 and then sent the I-131 and I-765 separately a little later. All were accepted, got the email/text, cheque cashed, and NOA1s received. Then, we got an RFIE (Request For Initial Evidence) in the mail stating that my birth certificate was insufficient and they need further evidence of my place of birth and my parents names.

The birth certificate that I submitted has all that information, it is a long form birth certificate from the province of Ontario, Canada - there shouldn't be any reason it wouldn't be enough. Anybody have any feedback or has anyone else got this? I am going to send the actual document rather than a copy so they can see the seal, as well as my short-form card size bc which I sent when we did the K-1. It was accepted then, but it doesn't even have my parents names on it, whereas the long form has all that. Also trying to get my record of birth from the hospital I was born at but it will take a few weeks to get and we're losing valuable time by doing so... appreciate any information on this issue.

I have just checked this site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Canada.html

and this is the acceptable birth certificate for my province:

Ontario: Applicants should obtain "large" certificates or certified copies of a registration from the Office of the Registrar General in Toronto (Macdonald Block, 900 Bay Street, second floor, tel: 416-325-8305) or at Ontario Land Registry Offices and Government Information Centers located throughout the province. Further information, including locations and information on ordering by mail is available online.

That is exactly the birth certificate I have and sent a copy of, because I ordered it from the Registrar last year for the purpose of immigration, from the same website that is provided here on this US gov site.

Hello all, I haven't been on in a while so apologies if someone has already posted this same question or similar.

We filed the I-485 and then sent the I-131 and I-765 separately a little later. All were accepted, got the email/text, cheque cashed, and NOA1s received. Then, we got an RFIE (Request For Initial Evidence) in the mail stating that my birth certificate was insufficient and they need further evidence of my place of birth and my parents names.

The birth certificate that I submitted has all that information, it is a long form birth certificate from the province of Ontario, Canada - there shouldn't be any reason it wouldn't be enough. Anybody have any feedback or has anyone else got this? I am going to send the actual document rather than a copy so they can see the seal, as well as my short-form card size bc which I sent when we did the K-1. It was accepted then, but it doesn't even have my parents names on it, whereas the long form has all that. Also trying to get my record of birth from the hospital I was born at but it will take a few weeks to get and we're losing valuable time by doing so... appreciate any information on this issue.

On 1/20/2018 at 7:32 PM, spiritedaway said:

One more thing. when I fly to the US can I use my Visa to travel to places like Cancun? we wanted to visit for a weekend but not sure if i can travel around with it.

No you have to stay in the US until you have your green card or travel visa.

On 1/21/2018 at 8:56 PM, Nouchigang said:

Thank you for your help, my package was received at the Lockbox on Jan 8th.

I just saw on my bank account, they cashed just the 2 checks needed ($535 and $1225), does it mean they accepted my package and are just sending me back the extra check?

 

from the link you sent me it seems that sometimes they send you back the check with no pb or they reject the entire package, but since they cashed the 2 other checks Im assuming they accepted my application. Right? I will email them tomorrow 1st thing.

 

Thank you

I thought the total due was $1225, because there are no fees for the I-131 and I-765 when filing the AOS. Is that incorrect?

On 1/16/2018 at 2:55 PM, Nathan&Amy said:

We mailed in our I-485 on December 28 via USPS Priority (not sure when it was delivered). Got the confirmation email and text on January 9, and the cheque was cashed on January 10. Have not received the I-797 yet, but have been checking the USCIS case status search and finally today (January 16) it updated to show they received the case on January 8.

We did not file the I-131 and I-765 at the same time as the AOS, so we are working on submitting that now.

Got paper copy of I-797! in yesterday's mail, 01/17/2018

Maybe I'm confused and I actually need to select 1a in Part 2 'Application Type'.

1.a. is applying for a reentry permit if I am a permanent resident or conditional resident?  Is that correct... am I a conditional resident? argh... lol.

Also on the I-131... I am filing because my husband has a proposed business trip to Canada in April which is right near my family so we would like to visit them at the same time.

Part 7 of the I-131 says On a separate sheet of paper, explain how you qualify for an Advance Parole Document... etc.. What do I do for this? I thought to qualify it has to be an emergency, but it seems other people are getting the travel visas without having an emergency?

On the I-131, what do I put for Part 2. Application Type?

Came in on K-1 Fiance visa, and I have a pending I-485. it would be 1.d., right? Because I am not a permanent resident yet?

We mailed in our I-485 on December 28 via USPS Priority (not sure when it was delivered). Got the confirmation email and text on January 9, and the cheque was cashed on January 10. Have not received the I-797 yet, but have been checking the USCIS case status search and finally today (January 16) it updated to show they received the case on January 8.

We did not file the I-131 and I-765 at the same time as the AOS, so we are working on submitting that now.

19 hours ago, cherryblossoms916 said:

Hi guys! Mailed our AOS,EAD and Advance Travel Parole yesterday. ✌🏻

What did you give for the reason for needing advance parole?

On 8/26/2017 at 11:19 PM, Marzena & Stephen said:

Did you know you (beneficiary) could apply for ei(unemployment insurance) (within 4 weeks of leaving your job) when you apply for your ead?! 🤔 I thought this was super interesting and i will for sure try it! Never know how long it will take before you find a job after ead !(apparently as per this forum payments are held until ead but still! )🤓 @L&LM @gob332 @joannan @Nathan&Amy

@twoDs

can you explain a little more how this works? You have to apply for EI in Canada within 4 weeks after you stop working? I don't think I would be able to do this as I finished at my job on September 30 then came into the US on October 29. We have filed the I-485 but are just filing the EAD now.

Hello all, haven't been on in a while but have a question about applying for the Social Security Number. On the SS-5 form, #5 Citizenship - I'm assuming I would be 'Legal Alien Not allowed to Work'. In the instructions for the form, it says if you are checking that option then you have to provide a document from a U.S. Federal, State, or local government agency that explains why you need a Social Security number and that you meet all the requirements for the government benefit.

What would I use for that?

On 11/18/2017 at 2:23 PM, TearsOfBabylon said:

Just the passport and a print of the I-94.
I brought a birth certificate just in case. 
That's it!

Check your I-94. For a friend it was online after 3 days already!

What exactly is the I-94? I crossed at a land border, I didn't fill out any forms. What should I bring for that?

On 9/18/2017 at 3:26 PM, Kateryna_I said:

Olya, what's email from the justice of the peace? 

And didn't know it is necessary to bring new letters of intent. Good to know. 

I am a different embassy than you but I definitely needed a new letter of intent, from the petitioner and dated within 30 days of the interview.

23 hours ago, AnJ Co said:

 So last night, I get this email.  It says my file has been reviewed.  My question is the noticeable missing from this list is the I.134, and Continuing Relationship Evidence.   Is this list standard? Or is my heavily front loaded I.129f paying off?

Any Ph filers see any difference in this email compared to yours?  I also noticed the font is different in the list part than the rest of the e-mail font, like a blank was typed on with what they needed.......   

 

DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL. Please be advised that this account is unable to receive messages. For inquiries you may send an e-mail to support-philippines@ustraveldocs.com or call the Embassy’s Visa Information and Appointment Service at (632) 976-8500, (632) 976-8501 or (632) 976-8502 Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Manila time), except on Philippine and U.S. holidays. Callers in the U.S should call (703) 520-2235, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time).

 

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX:

REF CASE: MNL201773XXXX

 

 

Congratulations on your upcoming immigrant visa interview.  Your file is now with the U.S. Embassy in Manila and we have had a chance to review it.  Based on our review, you need to bring the following documents with you to your interview:

 

 

FROM APPLICANT(S)

- Application Fee

- Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

- Certificate of No Record of Marriage (CENOMAR) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) within the past 12 months for XXXXXXXXXXX

 

- Medical examination results for XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

CLEARANCES

- National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) Clearance issued within the past 12 months for  XXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

Please remember to bring with you:

 

- Bring a valid passport and all expired passports for each applicant.

- Bring a confirmation page from your DS-260 online application for each visa applicant.

- If you have lived in a country other than the Philippines or the United States for more than 12 months, please submit a police clearance from that country.  For more information please go to: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html, search for the country you lived in before, and look at the information provided in the "police records" section.

- All applicants must register their delivery address online.  We are unable to deliver your passport and visa if you fail to register a delivery address. To register online, click on the “Select Document Delivery Address” link under the Immigrant Visas section of our website (http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/) .  Once there, click on the first link under the “More Actions”  to register a delivery address for the first time, or to change an existing delivery address. If you have any question(s) on how to register a delivery address, please contact Manila’s Visa Information and Appointment Service Center at (632) 976-8500, (632) 976-8501 or (632) 976-8502.

 

We hope this email helps you prepare for your interview.  If you are unable to obtain all of the requested documents, you may still attend your interview at the U.S. Embassy. However, if you do not bring these documents to your interview, it will delay the issuance of your visa.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Immigrant Visa Section

U.S. Embassy

Manila, Philippines

I have seen that sometimes embassies don't have the I-134 in their list of required documents. Would recommend you take it to the interview anyway though just in case.

At my interview (Montreal, Canada), they did not ask for any evidence of continuing relationship other than the consular said can I see what he looks like (my fiance) and I mentioned his mom in the conversation and she said can I see a picture of her - and I had taken an album of pictures of us and us with our families so I had all that. I also had boarding passes and receipts etc but didn't need it.