M&JB

On 5/12/2019 at 3:10 PM, seidj19 said:

 

Hi! How did you send the COC to the US embassy? Was it via courier?

Also, how long did it take after submitting your COC until they approved your visa?

 

I think I may be in the same situation. My interview is on June 7th and I just submitted the appeal to request for COC yesterday.

Not sure if I'll receive the COC before my interview.

When I requested my COC from SG, I attached a letter from the US embassy stating the reason then SG sent it straight to the US embassy. Case online then changed saying I was approved. Also, SG will send it to you too. But in my case I didn’t need to send it to the embassy since they already received it. Good luck

22 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

No because you are in status now.

 

As a spouse of a Filipina I have had issues on PAL and Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong on a one way basis.   Not an issue with the PI Government but an issue checking in.   My fix was to get an award ticket back and then cancelling it.  Never had an issue with Cebu Pacific and never tried Air Asia from Hong Kong.

 

I'm a business travel I see lots of  IPADS and snacks and a favorite blanket, etc!  I have a brother in law who is a doctor and he knocks his kids out with cough syrup.

 

With my ex wife we used to split them up.  Depending on the cabin a window and the adjacent seats.   Either back to back or a few rows apart.  

2. When you do get this ticket and cancel it later, do you get the full amount? Have you heard of flyonward.com? Is this a scam?

6. Did it work for you and your ex with the kids separated?

Thanks!

Hello. So I recently got my 10-yr gc last February after being out of status for 4 years (K1 visa). We (my US citizens husband and two kids) plan to travel to the Philippines this August for at least 6 months. My questions are:

1. Since I have been out of status for a long time, will I have a problem coming back in the US with my 10-yr gc?

2. I have been really looking into whether they will need onward tickets to show to the immigration since they are US citizens. I am aware that they will be qualified under Balikbayan privilege as long as they are to travel with me. I recently saw a post online about this and want to see what other people here will say. We do not want to buy return tickets, unless we absolutely need to, because we want to have an open schedule. According to this link

http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php/faqs/travel-req #11. 

11. Who are exempt from the return ticket requirement?        

1.  Philippine passport holders;
2. Former Filipinos and their dependents (immediate family members); 

I went to my K1 visa interview without my COC, they gave me a 221g and put my case to administrative processing until they received my COC. Then they approved me.

4 minutes ago, CJlove said:

Yes, he does talk to his family. They text on whatsapp and FaceTime on weekends. Thank you. I wish things would get better soon... 

Everybody go through the homesickness phase, so I suggest sitting down and talk to each other. Try to remember the long distance relationship you had with each other before you were together. Fights are normal as well, don’t dwell too much on them and instead focus on how to make your relationship work and communicate more. 

Completely normal. I have been in the US for 5 years and did not really get to adjust until after a year and a half. Felt homesick, depressed, and even thought of coming home. But got all through it with some new found hobbies, a lot of face time with families back home, and communication with my husband. 

Maybe go out more on the weekends and talk more with each other? Has he been talking to his family back home? More communication, maybe? Every story is different, so maybe try to figure out what can help both of you. 

Good luck.

5 minutes ago, ceeq said:

These are the new ones for the evidence of bona fide marriage like gym memberships, car lease, phone bills under my new name. Things like that. I am bringing the exact copy of the 485 as well as the k1 application just incase and also the ead/ap application because I'm that paranoid. lol SF office.

You can highlight what you want so it’ll be easy. I brought new documents and they were the only papers she took. They will mostly ask for documents supporting bonafide marriage.

23 minutes ago, ceeq said:

Would it be okay to highlight names on supporting documents to bring in for the interview? I just want to make it easier for the IO to review them rather than spending so much time reading these docs.

Are these supporting documents you’re gonna bring new or did you file these initially with I-485? I brought all copies on my interview, and the IO didn’t take any of it as she already got everything on her file. I still brought them just in case.

13 minutes ago, vscp said:

Thanks! After she took all the documents we offered, she told us we would definitely not be approved without responding to an RFE in the mail. We did not get any RFE or any documents. Approval and green card in exactly 1 month. 

 

As long as she said you're approved, I think you'll be fine. You guys have kids together!  

That was weird! I guess some officers just want the applicant to sweat a little before they can breathe!  

1 hour ago, vscp said:

Hiii there! I'm sure most of you have already gotten your green cards by now as the SF field office took 1 year and 6 months to interview us. 

 

I had my interview on 1/16/19 and we feared the worst. To the irritation of the interviewer, hubby forgot a lot of exact dates and he was nervous that he stumbled when reciting his own name and address. He also said the longest he stayed in the US on a tourist visa was a couple weeks, but he's Canadian so he had been here for longer for some visits long ago. Our interviewer constantly shook her head, sighed, and scoffed at us. When we brought our all our evidence (car insurance, employer's benefits, cards from all our friends and family over the years, printed out photos, costco membership, tax returns), she chuckled that it was not nearly enough and to expect an RFE! She demanded to know why there was no joint lease. I told her I had bought the house years ago so there would be no need for any sort of lease. She rolled her eyes at us, looked very annoyed, and ended the interview abruptly after writing furiously on her piece of paper. We went back out to the waiting room and just sat there for an hour looking shocked, confused, and trying not to cry. 

 

We saw everyone who interviewed around the same time get their approval and cards very quickly. When there was no news for us, we panicked and started researching lawyers. The dread ate at us. There was no RFE in sight either... 

 

Then one month later, on 2/14, VALENTINE'S DAY, our online case status changed to CARD IN PRODUCTION and a day later, status changed to APPROVED for both I-130 and I-485. We got the approvals in the mail on 2/19 and still waiting for the green card to come.

 

Just wanted to share in case others also had a terrifying interview experience like us. There is hope and you will be fine!  

Congratulations! We had our interview yesterday and the lady said we were approved. Although we barely got the dates correct either lol we have been together for 10 years, 2 kids, and we even did not have a mortgage or lease because he owned the land way before we met and we currently own our house now. We only have 2 joint accounts. 

I’m curious, so in that almost a month, you guys did not get any RfE in the mail?

1 minute ago, little immigrant said:

Wow already "card being produced" that's awesome! Once it ships you'll get the tracking number on egov.uscis.gov and if you have informed delivery it will automatically appear there. CONGRATULATIONS! 

Thank you so much for being here all the way this process! Now I just need to wait for the card and I can finally breathe. 😂 

3 hours ago, wildling99 said:

I hope your interview went well!

 

I can see in my USPS informed delivery that we're receiving the I-130 approval (you can see through the window the page has shifted and it says "your petition is approved") and our RFE in a separate envelope for the new medical.

 

I went for all the medical stuff last Thursday, so just waiting on getting that back to send in again!

Thanks @wildling99! Yes, I think it did go well! The lady who interviewed us said we were approved and green card should be in the mail within 30 days but more or less within 2 weeks.

Our interview was at 8:10AM today, we got there late, at 8:15 (we had a snow storm for two days and the road were bad, we even left 5 hrs before the interview time. Supposed to be only 3 hour drive.) We finished the security check out at 8:20, didn’t get called until like 8:30. And the interview was over 20 minutes tops!

We sat down, the lady took a picture of me. Asked us for some IDs. Stood up for the oath, then sat down the whole time after that.

I brought EVERY documents I could think of, from forms that I initially filed with I-485, supporting documents, photos, etc. And the sealed I-693. She didn’t need all of the copies I made because she already got them in file, except for the I-693 and some new proofs of relationship (joint bank accounts, kids birth certificate, etc) Asked me the Yes or No questions. Then asked when did we meet, how long were we married, why it took a long time for us to file for AOS, how many kids we currently have.

Basically normal, regular questions. Then in the end she gave me a paper that says Congratulations! Then told us green card should be in the mail within two weeks.

And also within 2 hours after the interviewy online status updated to New Card Being Produced.

6 hours ago, wildling99 said:

Hey July filers! I had my interview this morning in Phoenix. I don't think I slept last night with all the anxiety and trying to make sure I had all of the papers/documents/etc in order to bring. Our interview was at 7:15. We arrived at about 6:50 but the office isn't even open until 7. Went through security and checked in. They saw quite a few single people before they got to two couples and a family before us. I would say we went in around 7:35. Our agent was friendly. I guess I thought that it would be a uniformed officer, but we were just in a little personal office and he was dressed like a normal employee. We swore the oath and he asked us a lot of basic questions (when, where, how did we meet... when was the proposal... did my husband ever visit Canada... how did I enter the U.S. the last time according to my 1-485 form... when was the proposal... was there a ring). 

 

I submitted a LOT of stuff with the initial application (car insurance, our cell phone bills, about 50 photos, all of the W-2, tax returns, etc). He told me I was more thorough and prepared than most people who came with a lawyer/prepared using a lawyer, which was nice! I brought along updated copies of everything that was listed on the interview notice we received in the mail. I basically used it as a checklist and had everything labeled in a folder. He kept the new W-2 for my husband & 2017 joint tax return, three 8 x 11 sheets of printed photos, our new lease, our rental insurance and our joint dental insurance. He added all of that to the folder.

 

He told us he approved our I-130 and then it was on to the I-485. I brought my medical (as I hadn't submitted with the initial application). I thought it would be fine as the exam was in August 2017, despite being expired with the new rule being 2 years, but unfortunately my doctor had signed it in December 2017 and our application was filed in July 2017 - it needs to be signed no later than 60 days after the application. Even though the exam was within the timeframe, it was the signature that needed to be in the 60 days. In all honesty, my doctor's office was going through a lot of managerial changes and I think that had something to do with that. Long story short, they had asked me to get a flu shot, even though it wasn't flu season...anyway. I will have to redo the medical, but that's the only thing I'm missing. I'm going tomorrow morning to redo that and then will wait for the RFE to mail it back. He said to be sure it is sent certified with a signature and also to get the doctor to copy it before sealing it. The agent was very understanding - he said we were good except for that. That was really reassuring! He shook our hands when we left and noted again that I did a great job on preparing my application. We were out around 8:25.

 

I think I was way more stressed out than I needed to be. It's a very nervewracking experience for sure, especially when you've waited so long. The hardest part was remembering dates (we've been together for four years and sometimes you're questioning...oh wait, was that 2015? 2016?)

 

Good luck everyone! Hopefully I don't have any weird diseases on my new medical tomorrow lol!

Thanks for this! My interview is in a few days, also in Phoenix. Like you I also have my documents labeled and all ready to go. I didn’t submit my medical when I filed I-485, but I already have the sealed envelope from the doctor also all ready to go. My husband and I have been together for 10 years this October, and I am trying to remember all the dates! Haha. Good luck and please update when you received your gc.

10 hours ago, Ray&Ash said:

1.)  Does anyone know from experience or from attorney - what happens when your A-File moves from service centre to the filed office? I called USCIS due to EAD renewal delays and I was told that EAD cannot be issued as the file is not with them. it was sent to field office instead. Does this mean next step is interview scheduling?

 

2.)  My GC journey started with a K1. Does anyone know if interviews for some of K1 adjusters are getting waived? Me and my then fiance(now husband) both were present for my K1 interview. So basically we already did the interview together once. 

 

1. Not sure on this. If it is at the field office I would think it is ready for scheduling. Have you checked your case status online? 

2. They used to waive the interviews for K1 adjusters but they recently just changed it. Everybody gets interview.

5 hours ago, hwk said:

 

My husband brought our bank statement, insurance, and photos. the only one he asked and wanted to keep was the Photos and also the 2017 tax return & w-2 &1099s for 2018. 

 

Online status hasnt changed yet . 

 

Did you bring a photo album or just pictures?

Good luck!

On 1/22/2019 at 1:59 PM, hwk said:

We finished our interview! 

 

we got there 10 minutes before the interview time due to a heavy traffic towards San Francisco but it was ok as we were called about 40 minutes after our appointment time. 

Interview was very fast about 15 minutes. Some of the questions were:  When where and how did you meet?  Are we going to have kids? my name and parents names. and if my parents met my husband and lastly the have you ever done questions.  The agent asked if we have our 2017 tax returns and we provided it as well as the 2018 w-2 and 1099s.   That was it!  before leaving he told us that we should be getting the green card in 30 days but realistically in about 2 weeks, but could not tell us that we were approved or not.  

 

 

Did the officer ask you for any specific proofs for your marriage? Did you bring a lot?

If he told you you should be receiving your green card, I think it would mean you were approved.

11 minutes ago, Bill & Katya said:

When my wife went through her AOS we needed to see a CS to get the 3025 transcribed.  Of course like many CSs he would not do it without a physical and we decided we did not want the hassle of shopping around.  Anyway, he told her she needed a flu shot, so we went the next day to the county health department and got one there for free, then went back to the CS with that documentation and he completed the 693 and 3025.  As others have said, only the CS can tell you what vaccines you need,but you don’t necessarily have to get the vaccines from the CS, but they will not complete the forms until all the vaccine documentation is received.

 

Good Luck!

I tried to call the CS today to ask what can I possible still need but I forgot that it’s holiday so I’m gonna have to call them back tomorrow. Thank you for your answer!

Also, so you met with the CS first before the flu shot that’s how you know right? I’m asking because I have an appointment on Friday and wondering if I can do the same, CS first before cheaper clinic, and come back. I’m just not sure if I can since I had to make an appointment to see the CS. The closest available appointment was like 2 weeks after I called.

Just now, C90 said:

What's the reason that you waited 4 years to adjust status? Expect some questions there. Anyway, you can get the vaccines in another clinic before Friday if you figure out which ones you have to get, just make sure you get a medical record that you've received them. Civil surgeon will know best what to do with the vaccins, so I don't know which ones you should get. 

My husband got hurt in his job and not able to work anymore so he filed for Disability. Been married for 5 years with two kids. I know, that’s what I am trying to figure out which one I do really need.

My AOS interview is schedule for next month, and I have a CS appointment for I-693 this coming Friday. But I really need some help as I have been here in the US for 4 years before I filed for AOS so my I-693 was long expired. 

I would attach a picture of my DS 3025 but it says it’s over the sized limit so I will just explain it. 

DTap -  Not age appropriate

Tdap ✔️ 06-13-2013, Insufficient Time Interval

Polio-OPV -Not age appropriate

MMR ✔️ 06-13-2013 Insufficient Time Interval

Hib - Not age appropriate

Hep A - Not age appropriate

Hep B ✔️ 06-13-2013, Insufficient Time Interval

Meningococcal - Not age appropriate

Varicella - only says VH on Completed Series

Pneumococcal -  Not age appropriate

Influenza ✔️ 06-13-2013, Insufficient Time Interval

Results:

✔️ Vaccine history incomplete

✔️ Applicant may be eligible for blanket waivers because vaccines are not medically appropriate

Signed by Panel Physician 06-13-2013

Can someone help me to understand this better?  I’m asking because the initial cost for the exam is $225. I’ve been told that there is more cost if I need vaccinations. So since it says in my DS 3025 that vaccines history incomplete, am I gonna need all of these vaccines? I’m trying to see what I can I do before Friday. If this CS cost really ridiculously expensive for the vaccines, should I go to a cheaper clinic for them before Friday? Or the CS is the one required to do the vaccines as well? Can someone help me to understand which do I need? Thank you so much! 

Oh and I am adjusting from K1

6 hours ago, wildling99 said:

We do! Well, Scottsdale

Close enough!

We live in Flagstaff. My interview is just a few days after yours. Good luck to us!

On 1/7/2019 at 7:06 PM, wildling99 said:

Online update on Dec 28, rec'd notice in the mail in 1/5!

Thanks! Do you liv in Phoenix?

2 minutes ago, RevGreen said:

But I already said why... because of a job opportunity.

So... while you are in the process of AOS, were you looking for jobs in Thailand? Or are this “job opportunities” just came to you without you even looking for it? Just curious, that’s all.

1 minute ago, RevGreen said:

 

Why does it matter to you? We moved to America because we wanted to. And now we are moving back to Thailand because we want to.

Being rude don’t give you good answers on here. One may just simply wonder why.

28 minutes ago, babybabycakes said:

Hello Guys,

 

My fiance and I decided to do-it-ourselves to file for my adjustment of status. Our previous immigration lawyer (who worked to process my K1 visa) fee is just way higher than what we expected, specially with the  USCIS filling fee too. All is good so far though.

 

I have prepared the following:

• Cover Letter
• G-1145
• I-485
• G-325A
• I-864
• I-693
• I-765

 

Supporting Documents

• Passport Bio Page (photocopy)
• Passport Visa Page (photocopy)
• Birth Certificate
• Most Recent I-94 and Travel History (printed)
• I-129F USCIS Approval Letter (scanned copy - my fiance lost the original one! thankfully he scanned it and sent it to me thru email before)
• Marriage Certificate

 

I have also prepared I-131 (Advance Parole) but I wasn't sure what to write on "Reason". Will it be acceptable if I write "To visit family"? And for the "Country to visit" I only wrote "Philippines".

I was just wondering, when the time comes, can I still travel anywhere aside from Philippines? or is it something I need to include in advance?

TBH, I am still thinking about submitting this since I am following US naming standard, and I want to avoid questioning. 😣

 

Another question, do I need to attached 

Lastly, since I decided to follow US naming for now which is (Maiden first & middle Name (as used in visa) + husband's surname) will it be okay to write my married surname on all the forms instead of my maiden surname?

 

 

That's all I can think for now. Please let me know if I missed any form/s or supporting documents.

Thanks in advance!

You can use your maiden surname as your middle name like we do in the Philippines. Just make sure to be consistent in writing in all forms you’re submitting.

21 hours ago, wildling99 said:

Received our interview notice in the mail today! We are scheduled for February 13, 2019. 

 

On March 19, we’ll have been married for two years. Is there ever an instance of them issuing a 10-year when it’s that close? I’m so flipping happy to have an interview date at last!

Congratulaions! How long after you got an online update until you received your notice in the mail?