Fibina

Here are a few thoughts about moving to Vermont on a K1 visa. When I was doing my research, I did not find a lot of information specific to Vermont, so maybe this will help someone.
 
Social Security Administration - this was very painless both when I first applied and when I went in to change my name after we got married. I had all my paperwork prepared according to their website and the VJ guide, and I did not encounter any issue at all. I used the Burlington, VT SSA office, and it was quite easy. I went in, got a number, waited for my turn for about 10 minutes the first time and about 20 minutes the second time. A very nice lady took my application and paperwork, asked some question about it and then informed me that I would get my social security card in the mail in two weeks. I got it within the week both times.
 
DMV - I first scheduled my written test using their General Information Phone Number and was able to get an appointment relatively quickly (within two business days). I went into the South Burlington office, and I got an application form at the check-in desk and proceeded the Exams office. After filling in my application and having my required paperwork with me, I took my exam on paper (their online system was out of order for the day). I passed the test, and he was sent back to the check-in desk along with my application and the paperwork. I got a number and waited to be called. I waited for maximum 5 minutes, and I was then invited to one of the counters where a lovely lady took my application. She informed me that I could not get a drivers license with an expiration date extending over the expiration date of my I-94 which was the proof of my lawful status at the time. She then proceeded with my application, and I got a learner's permit, expiring on the same date as my I-94. She also let me know that I could schedule the road test as soon as I felt ready to take it. I was able to make an appointment for the road test using their online scheduling form, and a week later I went in, together with my husband. For the road test, you must be accompanied by another person, over 25, with a valid drivers license. The guy I took the road test with informed me once again that the expiration date on my drivers will have to match the I-94. The road test consisted of verifying that the emergency brake works, driving around a bit, a hill start, turning around according to the VT drivers manual and parallel parking. I passed, and I went back to the check-in desk. I got a number, and I barely got to sit down and was called to one of the counters. Now, this is where it gets very interesting. The guy processing my paperwork was, it seemed to me at least, familiar with the K1 visa and the process of adjusting status. He asked me if I had applied and if I got my EAD already. I said that I had applied but did not have the EAD yet, though I had my I-797C forms. He checked his manual, verified with his supervisor and then let me know it was good that I had the I-797C on me because based on it I can get the two years permit.  This saved me from being stuck at home not being able to drive for a while until I got my EAD, an extra trip to the DMV and surely some money for a new permit.
 
Getting Married - This was the easiest of all. You don't need a social security number, and it is as easy as going to the city hall and getting the license. Changing my last name was pretty easy too. There's nothing on the marriage certificate that indicates the name change. Based on the marriage certificate I was able to change it with the SSA and get the drivers license in my married name. All my AOS/EAD/AP paperwork was filed in my married name as well. Until I get to change my passport to the new name, I will need to carry the marriage certificate with me whenever I need to prove identity.
 
Keeping busy - this is not related to the visa process at all but has contributed to my sanity during the first few weeks after I moved. Being stuck and home in freezing weather I was very excited to get a library pass and have access to many, many free resources. The Green Mountain Library Consortium has a rich collection of online resources. All I had to do for my library pass is to go into my local library with my ID and some mail proving I'm a resident.
 
It was very heartwarming to discover how friendly Vermont people are, and how they mostly want to help you. I just got the appointment for the biometrics, and once I learn more about the process, I will post updates. 
 
If anyone else has tips or thoughts about this, please reply to this thread.

We went in for the AOS interview yesterday. We were scheduled for 9:45, but we got there a bit early. We went in at about 9:30, went through the security check and were told to check in. The immigration officer was already waiting for us at the window, and he told me that I would go in with him and later he'll bring my husband in too. We went into his office, I was sworn in, and then he checked my identity (passport, drivers license, fingerprints, photo). Before we started, he let me know that he won't be able to give me approval on the spot because the original K1 application was missing from the file and he had put in a request to get it from another office. He then went over my application asking for my name, date of birth and confirming a lot of information I had put in initially. Most of the questions had yes or no answers. He then asked about how my husband and I had met. That was it. No need for any of the documents I prepared, they did not even talk to my husband. We were in and out in half an hour. We're now waiting for my file to be complete so that they can approve it. The tracker changed this morning to "Interview Was Completed And My Case Must Be Reviewed". Good luck everyone, hopefully, more approvals will come soon.

We went in for the AOS interview yesterday. We were scheduled for 9:45, but we got there a bit early. We went in at about 9:30, went through the security check and were told to check in. The immigration officer was already waiting for us at the window, and he told me that I would go in with him and later he'll bring my husband in too. We went into his office, I was sworn in, and then he checked my identity (passport, drivers license, fingerprints, photo). Before we started, he let me know that he won't be able to give me approval on the spot because the original K1 application was missing from the file and he had put in a request to get it from another office. He then went over my application asking for my name, date of birth and confirming a lot of information I had put in initially. Most of the questions had yes or no answers. He then asked about how my husband and I had met. That was it. No need for any of the documents I prepared, they did not even talk to my husband. We were in and out in half an hour. We're now waiting for my file to be complete so that they can approve it. The tracker changed this morning to "Interview Was Completed And My Case Must Be Reviewed". Good luck everyone, hopefully, more approvals will come soon.

We went in for the AOS interview yesterday. We were scheduled for 9:45, but we got there a bit early. We went in at about 9:30, went through the security check and were told to check in. The immigration officer was already waiting for us at the window, and he told me that I would go in with him and later he'll bring my husband in too. We went into his office, I was sworn in, and then he checked my identity (passport, drivers license, fingerprints, photo). Before we started, he let me know that he won't be able to give me approval on the spot because the original K1 application was missing from the file and he had put in a request to get it from another office. He then went over my application asking for my name, date of birth and confirming a lot of information I had put in initially. Most of the questions had yes or no answers. He then asked about how my husband and I had met. That was it. No need for any of the documents I prepared, they did not even talk to my husband. We were in and out in half an hour. We're now waiting for my file to be complete so that they can approve it. The tracker changed this morning to "Interview Was Completed And My Case Must Be Reviewed". Good luck everyone, hopefully, more approvals will come soon.

I just got my interview notification in the mail yesterday. I'm adjusting from K1, and my field office is Saint Albans, VT.
 
- I-485 received date Dec 22, 2017
- Request for initial interview notice date: March 21, 2018
- Received in the mail: March 26
- Received email update and case tracker updated on March 27
 
Still no updates from EAD/AP.

I just got my interview notification in the mail yesterday. I'm adjusting from K1, and my field office is Saint Albans, VT.
 
- I-485 received date Dec 22, 2017
- Request for initial interview notice date: March 21, 2018
- Received in the mail: March 26
- Received email update and case tracker updated on March 27
 
Still no updates from EAD/AP.

Hi guys, I just wanted to share smt with you, maybe that helps. I was trying to learn my tracking number for ead card, and I haven't seen any package on informed delivery (it sometimes happens), so I read somewhere that you can take tracking info when you chat through Emma on Uscis website. So, I tried, and I typed 'tracking number', i got some options and clicked technical difficulties, and after that I got an option like 'chat with a live representative'. It is much more easy than talking through phone in my opinion. He/she couldn't give me the number though, because card is just complete yesterday, but he/she said I can get the info through this chat when it is available. And first level customer representative that I talked on the phone was still seeing 'received' for my case, 'cause I think they are just allowed to see the updates on 'case status' page, not the other one. But this live chat representative knew my card is complete, etc. I just wanted to share:)

yes. thank you very much. its some good news at least. just wanna work.

I think people are very odd here.
 
Technically, you can apply for a K1 Visa without the intention of immigrating. The only thing is that the beneficiary can only stay for 90 days and must fly home before the 90 days is up.
 
Again, the letter of intent the couple need to send with their petition only needs to declare that they intend to marry within 90 days from the initial point of entry with the K1 Visa.
 
It's not a must to apply for a green card after marriage, guys. It's a must only if you want to adjust beneficiary status. 
 
I'm sorry, @Linda12345, that your fiancèe's tourist visa was denied. You should know he also has the choice to reapply for the tourist visa, though he has to make sure he has a lot more proofs that he has ties to his home-country and will definitely return there.
 
K1 is an option, but I truly believe the wait time is not worth it. And only for a one-time entry. Ask your fiancé to try again.

Here are a few thoughts about moving to Vermont on a K1 visa. When I was doing my research, I did not find a lot of information specific to Vermont, so maybe this will help someone.
 
Social Security Administration - this was very painless both when I first applied and when I went in to change my name after we got married. I had all my paperwork prepared according to their website and the VJ guide, and I did not encounter any issue at all. I used the Burlington, VT SSA office, and it was quite easy. I went in, got a number, waited for my turn for about 10 minutes the first time and about 20 minutes the second time. A very nice lady took my application and paperwork, asked some question about it and then informed me that I would get my social security card in the mail in two weeks. I got it within the week both times.
 
DMV - I first scheduled my written test using their General Information Phone Number and was able to get an appointment relatively quickly (within two business days). I went into the South Burlington office, and I got an application form at the check-in desk and proceeded the Exams office. After filling in my application and having my required paperwork with me, I took my exam on paper (their online system was out of order for the day). I passed the test, and he was sent back to the check-in desk along with my application and the paperwork. I got a number and waited to be called. I waited for maximum 5 minutes, and I was then invited to one of the counters where a lovely lady took my application. She informed me that I could not get a drivers license with an expiration date extending over the expiration date of my I-94 which was the proof of my lawful status at the time. She then proceeded with my application, and I got a learner's permit, expiring on the same date as my I-94. She also let me know that I could schedule the road test as soon as I felt ready to take it. I was able to make an appointment for the road test using their online scheduling form, and a week later I went in, together with my husband. For the road test, you must be accompanied by another person, over 25, with a valid drivers license. The guy I took the road test with informed me once again that the expiration date on my drivers will have to match the I-94. The road test consisted of verifying that the emergency brake works, driving around a bit, a hill start, turning around according to the VT drivers manual and parallel parking. I passed, and I went back to the check-in desk. I got a number, and I barely got to sit down and was called to one of the counters. Now, this is where it gets very interesting. The guy processing my paperwork was, it seemed to me at least, familiar with the K1 visa and the process of adjusting status. He asked me if I had applied and if I got my EAD already. I said that I had applied but did not have the EAD yet, though I had my I-797C forms. He checked his manual, verified with his supervisor and then let me know it was good that I had the I-797C on me because based on it I can get the two years permit.  This saved me from being stuck at home not being able to drive for a while until I got my EAD, an extra trip to the DMV and surely some money for a new permit.
 
Getting Married - This was the easiest of all. You don't need a social security number, and it is as easy as going to the city hall and getting the license. Changing my last name was pretty easy too. There's nothing on the marriage certificate that indicates the name change. Based on the marriage certificate I was able to change it with the SSA and get the drivers license in my married name. All my AOS/EAD/AP paperwork was filed in my married name as well. Until I get to change my passport to the new name, I will need to carry the marriage certificate with me whenever I need to prove identity.
 
Keeping busy - this is not related to the visa process at all but has contributed to my sanity during the first few weeks after I moved. Being stuck and home in freezing weather I was very excited to get a library pass and have access to many, many free resources. The Green Mountain Library Consortium has a rich collection of online resources. All I had to do for my library pass is to go into my local library with my ID and some mail proving I'm a resident.
 
It was very heartwarming to discover how friendly Vermont people are, and how they mostly want to help you. I just got the appointment for the biometrics, and once I learn more about the process, I will post updates. 
 
If anyone else has tips or thoughts about this, please reply to this thread.

Here are a few thoughts about moving to Vermont on a K1 visa. When I was doing my research, I did not find a lot of information specific to Vermont, so maybe this will help someone.
 
Social Security Administration - this was very painless both when I first applied and when I went in to change my name after we got married. I had all my paperwork prepared according to their website and the VJ guide, and I did not encounter any issue at all. I used the Burlington, VT SSA office, and it was quite easy. I went in, got a number, waited for my turn for about 10 minutes the first time and about 20 minutes the second time. A very nice lady took my application and paperwork, asked some question about it and then informed me that I would get my social security card in the mail in two weeks. I got it within the week both times.
 
DMV - I first scheduled my written test using their General Information Phone Number and was able to get an appointment relatively quickly (within two business days). I went into the South Burlington office, and I got an application form at the check-in desk and proceeded the Exams office. After filling in my application and having my required paperwork with me, I took my exam on paper (their online system was out of order for the day). I passed the test, and he was sent back to the check-in desk along with my application and the paperwork. I got a number and waited to be called. I waited for maximum 5 minutes, and I was then invited to one of the counters where a lovely lady took my application. She informed me that I could not get a drivers license with an expiration date extending over the expiration date of my I-94 which was the proof of my lawful status at the time. She then proceeded with my application, and I got a learner's permit, expiring on the same date as my I-94. She also let me know that I could schedule the road test as soon as I felt ready to take it. I was able to make an appointment for the road test using their online scheduling form, and a week later I went in, together with my husband. For the road test, you must be accompanied by another person, over 25, with a valid drivers license. The guy I took the road test with informed me once again that the expiration date on my drivers will have to match the I-94. The road test consisted of verifying that the emergency brake works, driving around a bit, a hill start, turning around according to the VT drivers manual and parallel parking. I passed, and I went back to the check-in desk. I got a number, and I barely got to sit down and was called to one of the counters. Now, this is where it gets very interesting. The guy processing my paperwork was, it seemed to me at least, familiar with the K1 visa and the process of adjusting status. He asked me if I had applied and if I got my EAD already. I said that I had applied but did not have the EAD yet, though I had my I-797C forms. He checked his manual, verified with his supervisor and then let me know it was good that I had the I-797C on me because based on it I can get the two years permit.  This saved me from being stuck at home not being able to drive for a while until I got my EAD, an extra trip to the DMV and surely some money for a new permit.
 
Getting Married - This was the easiest of all. You don't need a social security number, and it is as easy as going to the city hall and getting the license. Changing my last name was pretty easy too. There's nothing on the marriage certificate that indicates the name change. Based on the marriage certificate I was able to change it with the SSA and get the drivers license in my married name. All my AOS/EAD/AP paperwork was filed in my married name as well. Until I get to change my passport to the new name, I will need to carry the marriage certificate with me whenever I need to prove identity.
 
Keeping busy - this is not related to the visa process at all but has contributed to my sanity during the first few weeks after I moved. Being stuck and home in freezing weather I was very excited to get a library pass and have access to many, many free resources. The Green Mountain Library Consortium has a rich collection of online resources. All I had to do for my library pass is to go into my local library with my ID and some mail proving I'm a resident.
 
It was very heartwarming to discover how friendly Vermont people are, and how they mostly want to help you. I just got the appointment for the biometrics, and once I learn more about the process, I will post updates. 
 
If anyone else has tips or thoughts about this, please reply to this thread.

Thanks for this piece of info.. I will make sure I ask the DMV official to check their manual thoroughly. Fingers crossed! 

I was able to get my drivers license with my NOA1 in Vermont as well. I did not expect it though after 2 different people told me that I could not get a driver license with a validity longer than my I-94, which expires at the beginning of February. I was extremely lucky that the third person I talked to was familiar with the K1 rules, checked the DMV manual and found that the I-797C form from the AOS or EAD application (NOA1) is considered proof of lawful status for a K1 and he was able to give me a licence that is valid for two years. 
 
Best of luck!

I was able to get my drivers license with my NOA1 in Vermont as well. I did not expect it though after 2 different people told me that I could not get a driver license with a validity longer than my I-94, which expires at the beginning of February. I was extremely lucky that the third person I talked to was familiar with the K1 rules, checked the DMV manual and found that the I-797C form from the AOS or EAD application (NOA1) is considered proof of lawful status for a K1 and he was able to give me a licence that is valid for two years. 
 
Best of luck!

I just got my biometrics appointment today, scheduled for the 1/26. Our NOAs are dated 12/28

Hi everybody! We sent our AOS package on 12/20 and it was delivered at the Chicago lockbox on the 23rd. We're still waiting to hear back for a confirmation and we're still a hopeful for a December NOA date. 

I applied for a SSN last Tuesday and had it in the mail today (one week later). It is free to apply for it and the VJ info on it is very good: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn.

I applied for a SSN last Tuesday and had it in the mail today (one week later). It is free to apply for it and the VJ info on it is very good: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn.

I applied for a SSN last Tuesday and had it in the mail today (one week later). It is free to apply for it and the VJ info on it is very good: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn.

Lurker here is happy to report we got an update via the tracker late last night/early this morning.
 
I-129F Date Sent: Apr 15
I-129F Date Received: Apr 18
I-129F NOA1: Apr 20
I-129F NOA2: Sep 18 via USCIS tracker
 
Good luck to all of you still waiting. NOA2 will come exactly when you least expect it and it will surprise you. 

Lurker here is happy to report we got an update via the tracker late last night/early this morning.
 
I-129F Date Sent: Apr 15
I-129F Date Received: Apr 18
I-129F NOA1: Apr 20
I-129F NOA2: Sep 18 via USCIS tracker
 
Good luck to all of you still waiting. NOA2 will come exactly when you least expect it and it will surprise you. 

Lurker here is happy to report we got an update via the tracker late last night/early this morning.
 
I-129F Date Sent: Apr 15
I-129F Date Received: Apr 18
I-129F NOA1: Apr 20
I-129F NOA2: Sep 18 via USCIS tracker
 
Good luck to all of you still waiting. NOA2 will come exactly when you least expect it and it will surprise you. 

Lurker here is happy to report we got an update via the tracker late last night/early this morning.
 
I-129F Date Sent: Apr 15
I-129F Date Received: Apr 18
I-129F NOA1: Apr 20
I-129F NOA2: Sep 18 via USCIS tracker
 
Good luck to all of you still waiting. NOA2 will come exactly when you least expect it and it will surprise you. 

Lurker here is happy to report we got an update via the tracker late last night/early this morning.
 
I-129F Date Sent: Apr 15
I-129F Date Received: Apr 18
I-129F NOA1: Apr 20
I-129F NOA2: Sep 18 via USCIS tracker
 
Good luck to all of you still waiting. NOA2 will come exactly when you least expect it and it will surprise you. 

Lurker here is happy to report we got an update via the tracker late last night/early this morning.
 
I-129F Date Sent: Apr 15
I-129F Date Received: Apr 18
I-129F NOA1: Apr 20
I-129F NOA2: Sep 18 via USCIS tracker
 
Good luck to all of you still waiting. NOA2 will come exactly when you least expect it and it will surprise you.