kanderson101

1 hour ago, Jorgedig said:

Hi there!  Wow, finally, eh?!

 

I don't recall being asked for husband's original EAD application at our AOS interview down in Tukwila.  I would just bring any receipts (renewals and initial apps), as well as the combo card.

 

The main focus of the officer at our interview was updating everything in the I-485.  He had the paper original, and went through each line item to update any changes, and confirm what we had reported.

 

Definitely bring a current I-94.  He wanted to know the circumstances of husband's leaving and returning to the US (it was two quick trips by car into BC), and we didn't have that, but he seemed satisfied with the passport in lieu of the I-94.  

 

He wanted details on husband's job....address, phone number, etc.  

 

Best of luck to you guys!  Don't be surprised or concerned if the interview ends without a definitive decision.  Ours was left with "we need to review everything" and it was over a month before the 'new card is being produced' message appeared.  Our interview was right at the beginning of the pandemic though (1/30/2020), so their practices could be a bit more streamlined now.

Thank you for the advice, it's very helpful! I'll be sure to bring those documents.   Glad to know they didn't go through copies of all of the previous submissions - I figure they should have the originals anyway but then again, I've learned that USCIS requirements are not all based on logic.

We're so excited for this part to be over! I couldn't help but laugh when we received the combo card renewal (took about 1 month, maybe less). The original combo card took something like 280 days. Ugh. 

Don't know if anyone still follows this thread but thought I'd try it...

We are FINALLY going to have our green card interview on August 18th (last one in March was canceled due to COVID-19). After reviewing documents, I realized that somehow the copy that I made of the original EAD application has gone missing (trying not to blame myself too much since it's been TWO YEARS and we've moved once). I have a copy of everything else that I submitted with the original AOS application, except for this. Is this something I need to worry about? The interview instructions ask us to bring copies of everything, but I don't know how much of an issue it would be not to have this, especially when we actually just received approval for the combo card renewal. 

Any advice would be great, thank you! 

On 6/7/2020 at 5:23 AM, sgpejaa2 said:

I just wanted to let you know we are in the same situation as you, albeit we are January 2018 AOS (K-1) filers.  My husband just applied for his third combo card.  The past two combo cards came down to the wire, but we were able to travel for the Christmas holidays.  Wishing you the BEST of luck that you are able to make it home this year given all the uncertainties of 2020, as well as a timely approval of the pending AOS.

Thank you! I hope you get your AOS approved soon as well. Such an insane process - had I know it would go this way I certainly would have done some things differently. But, here we are... At least we're with our spouses!

1 hour ago, Ayrton said:

The date to renew AP by itself is 120 days before it expires (used to be 90). But when you have a combo card, you can submit it with the EAD up to 180 days before the card expires.

 

USCIS phone line is better known as misinformation line.

 

I was afraid of this. Ugh. Well, nothing to be done now. Thanks for your help

2 hours ago, Ayrton said:

Unfortunately It can take the same time. That's why they allow you to renew up to 180 before it expires and they automatically give an extension for the EAD. Unfortunately this extension doesn't apply to AP.

Thanks for your response! Although this is another very confusing thing - I called USCIS to ask how many days in advance I could file for renewal, and they said if I wanted to renew both the EAD and AP I could only file 90 days before the expiration date. They told me that the 180 days is for renewal of EAD only. 

Hi all,

Unfortunately, my husband's AOS interview (from k1) was canceled due to the pandemic and has yet to be rescheduled. His combo card will expire at the end of August. Our application for renewal was received this week. I've heard conflicting info regarding processing times - are they the same for renewals as for initial applications (5.5-7.5 months)? We're planning to visit his family for Christmas and after our previous horrible experience waiting for the first combo card I'm already nervous.

Was so hoping to avoid this.... We filed our AOS back in November 2018. Never thought we'd still be waiting

13 hours ago, metacronym said:

USCIS has ceased all in-person services effective immediately until at least April 1st (not a joke).

 

 

This seems really misleading. Right at the top it says: "Below, we list offices that are closed or have temporarily changed hours. This information can change quickly, so please check this page on the day of your appointment for any office closures or other important information." 

It only lists two CA offices when you click open the "Field Offices" tab. Are other offices still open?? We have our interview scheduled on March 31st. We haven't heard anything about it getting canceled but of COURSE USCIS has the incorrect address on file for us (even though we changed it and double checked this change after moving last August) so now I'm panicking about not getting a notice (our original interview notice never arrived -USCIS had to email us a copy). 

Hi all, 

It's been a while. I hope that everyone enjoyed their holidays  

I didn't want to think about this, but now that we're almost 6 months out from the EAD expiring, I've started to look at renewal. Planning on sending in paperwork in Feb but I've seen really mixed info on VJ about combo card renewals. There were posts from 2018 that were mentioning that when EAD expires, it is valid for 180 days after (automatic extension) but that the AP does NOT get this extension. I hadn't anticipated this, and we're planning on traveling to Belgium for the Christmas holidays in 2020. Can anyone else verify this info? 

I'm assuming that once the EAD is renewed, there would be a new combo card WITH a renewed AP, right? If the AP can be renewed, do we need to fill out JUST I-765 or both I-765 and I-131? 

TIA! 

On 10/22/2019 at 12:58 AM, Jorgedig said:

Today happens to be our first anniversary ♥️.   Anyone besides us still waiting for an interview?  Seattle LFO is slowwwww.

Happy anniversary! Ours is coming up too. We're also waiting on the Seattle LFO for an interview. Unfortunately it seems like it could be another year or so before they get to us.

On 9/10/2019 at 4:14 PM, ladybell3k said:

Well I’m glad you at least know that your interview is ready to be scheduled. I haven’t received that update yet and hope I do soon. I have set up an appointment with a local representative for tomorrow so I’m hoping that she’s able to be of assistance in getting my ead/ap.

 

Overall though, I’d say there isn’t much else we can do other than wait. This entire process is very frustrating, but we must try and remain patient. 

On 9/17/2019 at 7:31 AM, ladybell3k said:

"On September 16, 2019, your inquiry about why your case is taking longer than our processing time, referral number SR**********, was assigned to an officer for response."

 

My inquiry has finally been assigned to an officer after almost 2 months. Does anyone know how long it takes to get a response once it has been assigned to an officer? What should I expect?

 

Hey - I'm really sorry that you're dealing with this, it is an unbelievably frustrating spot to be in. I did want to just share my experience - we filed in November 2018 and were approved for EAD/AP after 256 days. We tried everything we could think of - requesting expedites, speaking with our congresswoman and senator, contacting USCIS and badgering them almost every week. Our politicians were next to useless, they said they couldn't do anything except for submit additional expedite requests on our behalf. We filed Service Requests after were out of the typical timeframe and we never received word about that either.

All in all it honestly got us nowhere. We actually ended up doing a free legal consultation at around 240 days, because we couldn't handle it anymore. The woman we spoke with told us that our wait was unusual, but she also said that requesting expedites and getting our politicians involved had most likely ended up extending our wait by about 2 months. She honestly believed that we would have been approved 1-2 months quicker if we had just left things as they were. 

I know there are definitely cases where it benefits people or has appeared to benefit them to request expedites or check on their cases, but my suggestion is that if you don't seem to be getting anywhere that way, just stop. Waiting is terrible but I guess it's possible that attempting to speed the process up will only slow it down. 

I hope you receive good news soon ❤️ 

3 hours ago, Pat Argen said:

Card in production for i-765! Hopefully it’s a combo card.  It’s been a good week. First, interview was scheduled, and then this. Everything’s coming along now 🙏🏼 Hopefully all of us November 2018 filers receive good news before August ends. 

YESS congratulations!!! That is awesome. 

4 hours ago, JMCKNG said:

Interview has been scheduled for the I-485 here! I cannot wait to see when we can finally go and get this taken care of as our EAD/AP was completely bypassed. The amount of time it took for Case is ready to be scheduled and Interview scheduled was only 1 week, must just be due to the field office. For those that are waiting still this is what my Senator said that USCIS responded to him with:

 

I heard back from USCIS. I have included their response below:

 

“I-765/ I131

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records confirm that your constituent’s case is pending at this time.  USCIS is committed to adjudicating immigration benefits in a timely and efficient manner while also complying with all relevant directives.  While the processing steps for most applications or petitions are completed quickly, a small percentage of cases involve unresolved issues that may result in adjudication delays. 

 

We are unable to determine at this time when the review process for the application will be completed.  USCIS will issue a decision on your constituent's case as soon as possible.

 

Wow, it was scheduled quickly! That's amazing!! BIG congrats to you, you've been waiting for so long. But after you get through that interview you won't have to worry about immigration stuff for a good long time good luck!

14 minutes ago, jakejon said:

Hey! 

 

I never congratulated you as I fail to check here every so often but MASSIVE congrats on your combo - so happy for you guys!  

 

J

Awh, thank you!! we're very excited Hope things have been going well for you these past few months! 

32 minutes ago, Allaboutwaiting said:

I don't think it is an issue. The important thing is the status update that will include the tracking number for the combo card. 

thank you  i did get the tracking number this morning. i suppose i'm just so wary of USCIS at this point that the slightest deviation from "normal" freaks me out. 

Does anyone know if getting multiple NOAs (for the same forms) is a problem? We received an NOA for EAD and one for AP. Both notice dates were August 6th. We just received two MORE NOAs for the same forms today. Everything is the same except the notice date is now August 7th. I'm thinking it's just a system glitch but I haven't heard this happen to anyone else. 

5 hours ago, Gigi2017 said:

Honestly, reading that many November filers are still waiting for their EAD and from December, January, February and March, makes my anxiety more and more deeper. 

You're right, the inquiry is useless. I filed mine 9 days ago and they didn't assigne it to anyone, there is an update about it on the Egov.uscis site. I called Tier2 and she said that system is wrong, the waiting time for the EAD is still over 8,5 months. And when I see people who filed way after me getting approved their EAD makes me cry all day long  

I'm sorry 😔 calling USCIS is so frustrating. We stopped bothering after they repeatedly led us around in circles. I hope you have good news soon. 

5 hours ago, JMCKNG said:

Well 264 days here waiting for EAD/AP.  Our SR for outside of processing times I'm sure got us a whole lot of nothing. Called once we were "allowed" to inquire because it was finally 30 days after the submission of our ticket for them to only tell us that yes, it is assigned to an officer and you have to wait, if you would like to can submit a new ticket.. I'm like #######. Yeah, that's going to make me want to file a new ticket or new anything to make sure my case gets stuck somewhere again.

 

On the small silver lining perspective, Saturday we received a status change for our I-485 from Fingerprints received (since 12/2018) to Case is ready to be Scheduled for an Interview. Any Milwaukee office people in here that received that status change and can reference how soon after they received their interview date scheduled? I know it's a HUGE range for some offices, but I'm holding onto hope that maybe we are just going to receive the Green Card and the EAD/AP will just dissolved at this point.. 

Yeah the service requests/inquiries/blah blah are just . I don't even know why they still have those options because clearly they do nothing. UGH. 

Well if you get scheduled soon, that would obviously be awesome. But I'm still holding out hope that you get your EAD/AP approval soon! It seems like they've been getting through the November stragglers pretty steadily (when I check the casetracker for 500 cases above and below mine). 

15 minutes ago, Pat Argen said:

Congratulations!! So glad you guys received yours, at least now you’ll be able to travel + work and not get stuck around the house. It’s been a hard wait on all of us. May i ask though... Did you file an expedite request or a case inquiry for both AP & EAD??? I filed for a case inquiry about 20 days ago and was planning on getting an expedite request but I got hesitant when I read your post. It’s just that things seem to be moving so slow 😕

Thank you!! Yes my husband is so excited about the idea of working, haha. To answer your question, if I remember correctly we filed a request to expedite EAD in May. We did not really have a valid reason, but tried on the basis of financial loss, since we'd heard that some people had success. We never heard back even after we sent evidence. So then we thought maybe the evidence got lost, and I re-faxed everything, which incidentally opened up a brand new expedite request. So if someone was to look at our account, there are 2-3 expedite requests (the third one was initiated by a USCIS officer, although they didnt tell us that that was what they were doing, since all we wanted was someone to check on the status of our FIRST request). The lawyer we spoke with assumed that each of those requests added time. 

I don't know if the inquiry (meaning the out of processing times inquiry) slows things down or not. That isn't clear to me. We did file an inquiry for both EAD and AP as soon as we could. If I were you, I would definitely do the inquiries but maybe not expedite.... that was the recommendation we had from this lawyer, anyway. I know how frustrating it is when all you can do is wait, but I'm also kicking myself now since the lawyer said we might have had our documents ~1 month earlier if we had left it alone. 

12 minutes ago, JMCKNG said:

I as well am going to hold off from expediting because my senator and actually USCIS told us even with a case inquiry it goes to a new Team, so I don't want anything else prohibiting it from moving forward we are almost at the 30 day mark after the inquiry so I'm holding on hope to that day we can call after the time frame expires. I don't need any new team transfers in my mind at day 259 

I would agree with this plan. I was really mad when I found out about this, because USCIS told us MULTIPLE times that requests did not affect processing times. Hopefully yours will be on the way soon ❤️ 

5 minutes ago, Allaboutwaiting said:

Guys! Those are AWESOME news! You have no idea how happy I am for you. I feel so relieved you're finally getting it. 

 

CONGRATULATIONS! 🙌

 

 

Thank you so much!!!! And thank you for being patient with my griping, angry posts. This community has been such a support, I would have lost my mind without it.  

17 hours ago, dr01d3k4 said:

Yep, October 18th 2018, though I was able to work on my J1 til mid November so it "feels" like 1 month less.

 

Ours has taken so long because we had 2 RFEs. One in late February that took a lot of back and forth with the lawyer to get sorted and replied to in early May, then another quick one in mid June. They received our response to that one on June 19th, so it's been 42 days since that - still within the 60 day window before we can send a service request! Got an update to "ready to schedule interview" last Wednesday, but with a 17-22 month wait in SF, I ain't holding out hope for that to be soon!

 

We thought this would all be done by March, maybe April, but hoped for February. That's how much we budgeted for in our savings but we're long past that now. This wait wouldn't have been so bad if I could have done something during it, but with the price of rent in the bay area... Add to that planning and then missing a trip home in May-June where I would have seen my friends, family and mum's wedding, and now I have 2 friends from UK coming to visit for over a week next Tuesday. It's great that I haven't had to book time off work to see them! Not so great that I haven't got much of a budget to actually do things with them.

Wow, I'm so sorry you've been through all of that. It just sounds mentally exhausting. Seattle also has a huge wait time to interview so I sympathize with that piece - sucks when the combo card is really your only way out for over a year. 

I'm glad you have friends visiting, although I suppose it maybe doesn't seem like the trip you had in mind when you planned it. I hope you still have a nice time. At the very least, it'll probably help take your mind off of all of this for a bit! Maybe by the time they leave, you'll have your combo card. One can only hope, yes? 

48 minutes ago, dr01d3k4 said:

Fifth this. I'm at 9.5 months now, been a week since "ready to schedule for interview" and still nothing. I'm happy for all you who can now send service requests, but this still feels insulting from USCIS.

 

Gonna contact my lawyer and see if there's anything more we can do. I'm worried I, and the rest of us from 2018, will get lost in the pile under Jan+Feb+March 2019 filers.

9.5 months? Jesus. I don't know...that's just....I would say "crazy", but I also that 6-8 months was crazy before it happened too. Hope my hubby doesn't see that because he'll lose it. 

38 minutes ago, Tavira87 said:

Still waiting for mine too - filed Nov 15th! I am usually pretty good at keeping my cool but this just make me SO MAD 😡 

20 minutes ago, JMCKNG said:

SECOND THIS

"Third" this.

🕛🕐🕑🕒🕓🕔🕕🕗🕘🕙🕚

13 minutes ago, jakejon said:

Not sure if it's a somewhat glitch but EAD/AP processing NBC has went down to 2.5-5 months?!! Extremely frustrating for those have waited over 8 months but seems the case inquiry date is set now at early March 2019! 

 

So sad to see some people STILL waiting for something. Hopefully those waiting hears something good real soon!  

I don't think it's a glitch - according to USCIS the processing times reflect the past 6 months of data. So if they've been approving 2019 filers heavily, it'll make it look like those of us in 2018 are just outliers. 

2 minutes ago, Gigi2017 said:

I feel so bad for all the November filers left behind. I have a friend in LA and she and her husband filed on November 2nd. They called at least 3 times because the husband still doesn't have EAD nor Interview date  

Your sympathy is appreciated. I'm so sorry for your friend, I hope she gets good news soon. This whole thing is seriously screwed up. 

1 hour ago, aosfilerdb said:

Mine has been received since Nov 23rd and nothing.  Ive submitted 2 "out of normal processing time" requests for my ead and advances parole.  Last night I got RFIE notice for i - 485 and i - 130.  #######?  9 months of waiting and crickets and I get this now?  I've used a lawyer who knows what he's doing and I'm confident that everything was sent.  My wife (USC) goes for surgery today and is going to be off work for a month.  Now  I  don't even have an EAD after 9 months,  only 2 rfie. I'm so upset.  I'm Canadian and literally only live 20 miles from the Canadian border which I haven't been able to cross for the past 9 months to see my family or friends.  Sorry for the rant everyone,  I'm just so upset at this whole unjust process.  I don't even know what to think anymore.   Dies anyone know if my EAD still gets processed or is everything at a standstill now for me? 

Omg that's awful. I'm so sorry! I hope it's something easily resolvable.... I'm not sure if the EAD would still be processing, it seems odd to me that they would need initial evidence for the other two forms but not the EAD. You may want to try talking with a tier 2 officer about that.