Nafisa & Bryce

My husbands 10 year GC was in our mailbox today! Approval was 3/8, but we did not receive any notification from the USCIS site. What a happy surprise! Wanted to give some hope to some of you LIN folks-seems things are moving along there finally 🙂

21 minutes ago, BahamaIslander242 said:

Update: it’s my NOA extension letter. Just pulled it out of the mailbox : )

Date of Received Filing: Jun 5th

NOA Dated: July 1st

 

Weird thing is I called on July 6th to request a service inquiry. They told me they had originally sent one out on June 10th but would send me a new one within the next 15 days since I didn’t receive it. Well with this one being dated July 1st, I’d take the information they give over the phone with a grain of salt. Also I guess I’ll receive another copy at some point. Who knows? At least now I can rest easy for the next year or so. And also get my license renewed. lol Good luck all.

I wonder if Nebraska just got to their NOAs for the last month lol. Ours is coming today and is dated July1.

For those of you that got your NOA, was it 1 or 2 pages? I got the informed delivery that there’s an NOA on for delivery today and I can see where it says “page 1 of 2.” Just didn’t know if that’s normal!

7 hours ago, JimmyJane said:

Yay, a fellow LIN filer! I only call it a black hole as the processing times according to USCIS seems to be one of the longer ones, and those with other offices seem to have had more case updates...but who really knows!! Looking forward to the updates from everyone!

Oh well, that’s ok as long as it’s in process 🙂 fellow LIN, and I see you’re from Australia too (my husband is from Melbourne, I’m the USC). 🇦🇺 

4 hours ago, JimmyJane said:

Has anyone whose case is with the LIN/Nebraska office (which seems to be a black hole, sob!) received the fingerprint/biometrics notice that they're using the ones already on file??  Just been reading a bunch of y'all's posts about getting this and wishing/hoping/wondering if it'll happen for me....but it's been since June 2 that my case was received, June 8 was my text with my case number, so it's been a while and maybe I shouldn't get my hopes up!

 

Also- when I check my case on USCIS site, I just see that my case was received and that if I don't get the receipt notice by July 2, I should call/email- does that mean the NOA or just that lil ol' text with my case number? I have seen nada from USCIS in my mail thus far... My online account with USCIS has been acting up too- told me a couple of times that my account was locked due to too many attempts to login (hadn't been trying, or even logged in since AOS back in 2018...?!) and have had to get a new password a couple of times now- anyone else had an issue with this?

 

 

Oh no- what makes you say Nebraska seems to be a black hole? 
 

We are LIN too; just got our “received” text last week, so I don’t expect the biometrics update quite yet, but I’ll post on here if/when we do 🙂 

14 hours ago, Nafisa & Bryce said:

We got our case status text today tgat said our case was received and is being processed at LIN. The check has not been cashed yet, though. Anyone else get the text before the check was cashed? I should be relieved, I think, but now I’m a bit nervous.  

Just an update on this-we got the text yesterday evening (around 5pm), and our check had cleared by the time I woke up this morning (6am). 
 

June 16th-mailed packet (priority) to Dallas Lockbox

June 19th-Packet signed for in Dallas

June 25th-case status text (received)

June 26th-check cleared

now we wait for that NOA 🙂

19 minutes ago, JayDGODITRUST said:

You're perfectly fine it depends some get text message and then checks or debit/credit card was charged after but you're fine you're totally on track 

That is reassuring! I’m guessing it might take another day to hit our account. 

We got our case status text today tgat said our case was received and is being processed at LIN. The check has not been cashed yet, though. Anyone else get the text before the check was cashed? I should be relieved, I think, but now I’m a bit nervous.  

7 minutes ago, KAMN said:

My overnight Package has apparently arrived in TX and USPS tracking is saying available for pickup....Is this normal?

That’s what mine said (also to TX via USPS), but later that day it was signed for. Good luck!

5 minutes ago, Christy&J said:

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/form-filing-tips

 

so it says If you have any attachments, make sure each attached page has your name and A-Number (if any). You may also number the pages and include the total amount of pages being attached (for example, “page 1 of 11”).

does it mean we need to put A number on each pages ?? I have like at least 400 pages. 

 

 

So, I am a details person and this was one of the last things I looked at before I sent off our packet. I was crushed when I thought about adding that to each of our 300 pages! I did it for the first page of each section of evidence, though. Since it is not part of the instructions for the form, rather helpful tips for filing, I took that as things we could do to help make it easier for the IO. We followed all of the tips, though.

I’ve been obsessively checking our bank account to see if our check was cashed yet (Package was signed for on June 19th, late afternoon, so I don’t need to panic yet)-hubby is cool as a cucumber about it all, but even though we triple checked every detail, I found myself looking at my carbon copy of the check today to make sure I signed it (I did, and I’m sure I checked that 7 times before sending).

We have two small children, and ample evidence of a life together. I don’t know why I stress so much about it! Based on your posts, I think we are alike in that, so I wanted to tell you you’re not alone! This community is so great and helpful.

32 minutes ago, sebastianshaw said:

Was off the forum for a few days, but I have good news, got the credit card debit alert yesterday and got the e-notification on phone today with a LIN receipt. Nebraska service center apparently! 
 

best of luck  everybody! 

That’s great! How long did it take for your payment to be accepted? I’m just curious because our package was received on Friday and I’ve been checking our bank account several times a day (I know it could be a week or two) 😂 

Good luck!

5 hours ago, valentinasc said:

I'm curious to know if any of you received a letter from USCIS as a "reminder" to Remove Conditions. I haven't and my window to apply opens up in 5 days.

We didn’t. But, we moved since the AOS, and Even though we updated our address online, I wonder whether it was sent to our previous address. Our mail carrier is also notorious for putting mail in the wrong box 🙄

1 hour ago, thatsmygsp said:

Got it.

 

So basically, COVID changed nothing (formally) regarding who gets interviewed for I-751. That being said, I hope they are secretly lowering the bar at least a little. 

 

We did K1 and had a joint interview 2 years ago, and I think/hope we meet the criteria to have this AOS interview waived. 

 

Thanks! 

 

We went to the AOS interview together, but the IO said he didn’t need to talk to me (I’m the USC). Talked to my husband for 5 minutes and we went home scared we would be denied because the interview was so short. I’m hoping this time they don’t need to talk to either of us. Who knows what will actually happen 😂

Sent off our packet just now! As I was standing in line at the post office I found a new thing to worry about-whether the packet would be damaged in shipping! We didn’t put any filler in the box 😳 Always something to worry over 😂

4.9 lbs for us. We used 3 large binder clips to hold everything together, and sent in a large priority mail box. 
 

I expect it will be at least July before we hear anything, since it isn’t expected to arrive at the lockbox until Friday. It is a weight lifted to have that packet off my hands though. Here’s hoping this is the last packet we have to send to prove our relationship is real! Best wishes everyone! 

I’ve put our packet together, we’ve signed and double checked everything but the discussion about marriage certificates has me wondering whether I’ve missed anything else. I remembered that the other apps asked us to send passport style photos that are current, but I didn’t see that anywhere in the instructions (unless I missed it). Do we need to include them?

48 minutes ago, peachouille said:

I did it all new to old.

 

Looks like solid evidence to me. I assume bank statements are included too. I'd recommend tax transcripts if possible too, they like those.

 

For reference, this is what I'm sending:

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Exhibit A: Joint Tax Transcripts

A.1 2019 Tax Transcript and W-2 Forms

A.2 2018 Tax Transcript and W-2 Forms 

A.3 2017 Tax Transcript and W-2 Forms

 

B Exhibit B: Joint Housing 

B.1 2020 Lease Renewal

B.2 2019 Lease Agreement

B.3 Storage Unit Switch 

B.4 Affidavit for 2018 Living Arrangements From In-Laws (we lived with my in-laws for a couple of months when I immigrated).

 

C Exhibit C : Joint Banking Statements

C.1 Bank 1 Joint Checking and Savings Accounts

C.2 Bank 2 Joint Savings Accounts

C.3 Old Bank Joint Checking Account 

 

D Exhibit D : Joint Credit Cards Statements

D.1 Credit Card 1 (mine, with husband as authorized user)

D.2 Credit Card 2 (mine, with husband as authorized user)

D.3 Credit Card 3 (husband's, with me as authorized user)

D.4 Credit Card 4 (husband's, with me as authorized user)

 

E Exhibit E: Investment Accounts Beneficiary Designations

E.1 My 401k - Husband as Beneficiary

E.2 Husband's 401k - Me as Beneficiary

E.3 My Roth IRA - Husband as Beneficiary

E.4 Husband's Roth IRA - Me as Beneficiary

E.5 My Brokerage Account - Husband as Beneficiary

E.6 My Health Savings Account  - Husband as Beneficiary

 

F Exhibit F: Joint Health Care Coverage

F.1 2020 Health Insurance Cards

F.2 2019 Health Insurance Coverage

F.3 Dental Insurance

 

G Exhibit G: Rental and Auto Insurance

G.1 2020 and 2019 Rental Insurance (in husband's name)

G.2 2020 and 2019 Auto Insurance (in husband's name, covering both of us as drivers)

 

H Exhibit H: Utility Bills at Joint Residence

H.1 Internet Bills (half in his name, half in my name, switched account holder to keep promotional price )

H.2 Gas and Electricity Bills (in my name)

 

I Exhibit I: Wisconsin ID Cards

 

J Exhibit J: Travel 

J.1 Vacation in December 2019 (flights + Airbnb receipts)

J.2 Vacation in August 2019 (flights + Airbnb receipts)

J.3 Vacation abroad in July 2018 (flights receipts). This one was before I even immigrated, to celebrate 1st wedding anniversary.

J.4 Me Visiting husband for Christmas 2017 (flights receipts). Again, before I immigrated.

 

K Exhibit K: Photographs

 

L Exhibit L: Miscellaneous Evidence

L.1 Joint Costco Membership

L.2 Family Holiday Cards

 

 

Thanks for the reminder on the tax docs! We don’t have transcripts BUT we have the Joint returns we filed through TurboTax (which also show they were filed and accepted by IRS). I also forgot to mention our letter from Donald Trump (addressee to both of us) regarding the stimulus check we received- if the president acknowledges us how can USCIS argue (that’s a joke we may or may not include the letter) 😜🤣 

we also plan to include Christmas cards and party invites addressed to both of us, which I forgot to mention. Anyhow, many thanks for that confirmation!!

We’re preparing our paperwork now! I’m discovering that the last few years (and babies, and device breakage) have taken a toll on my record keeping. 
 

For things like bills and bank statements, did you guys put them in order 2018-2019-2020, or new to old? 
 

Also, we have the following:

lease agreements in both our names (one per year), rent/water bills in his name, gas/electricity/phone bills (which include his name & phone #) in my name, shared health/dental/vision/car insurance, we both have life insurance policies naming the spouse as beneficiary, flight itineraries and photos from a trip we took for my work, we have two children together (so we’re including their birth certificates, along with some family photos which include our boys). Photos with friends (at sporting events-should we include our tickets for those events? At church and other functions too)

When my husband had his AOS interview, they didn’t even look at the evidence we brought so we will include some of those documents as well.

is this sufficient? Am I missing anything?

13 minutes ago, Lallison said:

Hi there, 

 

Just curious as to where you went for the walk in I-693 and if you don't mind letting me know how much it was. I have not received a letter for an interview yet, but I received a letter asking for me to bring an I-693 IF (and this seemed odd that they said IF) I was requested to appear at an interview. I also submitted a valid DS-3025 so it was a surprise to receive this letter as well. I have heard some doctors will just transcribe your DS-3025 and vaccination worksheet as long as you have all the proper vaccinations (which I do) and it is not as expensive as a full medical. 

 

Thank you for your advice! 

It was the travel and immigration clinic in Upper Arlington and it cost somewhere between 300-400. We don’t remember at this point as we’ve had quite a lot going on since then 😂 it was simple and quick, just brought along the vaccine record, the doctor did blood and urine tests, and we went back for the report a few days later. Good luck to you!

16 hours ago, JAdams333 said:

Hi all,

 

First time post, so please bear with me -I don't usually post on these sort of forums however this one does seem particularly useful for my situation.

 

I am 30 and I live in London, my fiance (29) lives in New York. We met when I was visiting the USA after chatting on a pretty standard dating app.

 

We have been together for seven months and have visited each other in person on six occasions in this seven month period. We see each other every month. We want to marry and live together.  

 

After researching the pros and cons of living in both London and New York, we decided NYC would be where we both want to live together, and it seems to me the K-1 visa is the process we need to follow. 

 

I have compiled a solid amount of evidence of our meetings in person, photos together, photos with family and our friends, plane tickets, passport stamps, correspondence, etc. This is not my area of concern! 

 

Now the problem is this -- I haven't bought her a ring yet. Quite simply, I'm still saving for it! and I want to give it to her on the 1 year anniversary of us meeting. We plan to marry, We have planned our day but we haven't booked anything, simply because we are unsure exactly how long any visa process would take, but after reading through some posts on this forum I have a rough idea, but at this stage we do not want to pay deposits or anything just in case the timeline is extended, or if there are any hiccups or issues of any kind.

 

I'm wondering if this approach could make any adjudicating official dubious of our intent to actually marry? (I don't fear an interview or 'proving' our relationship, what worries me is the lack of ring, lack of venue might cause doubt as to the intent to actually marry)

 

Now, I can prove via email correspondence we have spoken with wedding venues and discussed finances for this sort of thing. Is suitable evidence of intending to marry?

 

I understand the obvious answer, perhaps, is to simply wait until the ring is sorted... But we do want to get the ball rolling, and I could continue to save for the ring whilst the paperwork is being dealt with. 

 

Apologies if this sort of thing has been covered elsewhere. I just wanted to get some advice for my exact circumstances, and as always, any helpful advice is appreciated.

 

Many thanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For us there was never any question about a ring. We submitted a photo of when we got officially engaged (like you, we planned on getting married and my now husband saved for the ring for a few months before officially proposing), but otherwise the main concern was our intent to marry within 90 days. we had been together 6 months when we applied, we knew reallly early that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.

I suggested to my fiance when he was saving for a ring that we just get a placeholder and save once we were together in the same country for the "real deal." He wouldn't go for it, though, said I was worth the real thing. Maybe that's how you feel too, but it's something to consider if you are particularly concerned about an official engagement.

That said, we also have a baby together which may have been one reason they didn't ask many questions about our  engagement and stuff. They asked in the interview when we last saw each other, if I had been to Aus, what his intentions were when he got to the US (to marry me within 90 days and start our life together), simple things. We worried and thought ahead about alot of things that were never an issue.

The process for us took a grueling 8 months for the K-1, our son was born and my husband missed the first two months of his life, but now we are together as a family...we have another baby on the way, we wake up together every morning, my husband has his green card and a good job here. It was 100% worth the work, the wait, the stress and anxiety for what we have together. Good luck to you!

Just a quick update to say we submitted the medical on Friday of last week, they would have received it on Monday. This evening (a week later), we got the notification that my husband's green card has been sent via USPS, along with tracking info which says it will arrive by Monday. Hopefully this helps someone else not panic when receiving an RFE or an unexpected delay in their case :-) 

We waited for 8 months for his K-1 visa to be approved (he missed the first two months of our son's life because of the length of this process), but only 4 months from application to green card with the AOS. We had several panic moments over the last 14 months, and several times where we worried over updates to the status of our case. If you're still waiting or at the start of the process, hang in there. 

12 minutes ago, TNJ17 said:

This is why. You should have sent the vaccinations record along with your AOS package or indicated on your cover letter that you would be bringing that in at your interview. You don’t wait for them to ask for it. You just give it to them. That was your mistake. Unfortunately I think you’re just gonna have to cough up the money for a new medical now and do it. Or you might delay your greencard a lot. 

As I said previously, we are going on Tuesday for another medical. We are not going to wait on this, and we are doing as we were asked to (as we have for the entire process-we brought everything to the interview including the vaccine record and the IO refused to look at anything but the birth certificate, passport, etc.). This isn’t the first time it has happened that USCIS makes this kind of mistake for a k-1 applicant, and we are not surprised to have a hiccup in our case. We are quite fortune that we had an interview so quickly and we are hopeful to have the process finished soon. All the best to you.

14 minutes ago, Ketsuban said:

RFEs have a 90 day expiry, right? Whatever the deadline is on yours, would you be able to book an infopass and discuss this with your local office? Tell them that you already have a completed medical with all vaccinations recorded?

We are just going to get it taken care of now instead of waiting for an infopass appointment. We can’t afford to wait longer for processing than we have to right now. If we could we would though-we have until the end of November to respond.

5 hours ago, Diane and Chris said:

I’m curious to know if any mention was made of the medical at the interview. We were asked about a new medical. We told IO that we had the medical done in Switzerland April 2017 and the IZs were marked complete. He looked at that and made a check mark and seemed satisfied with that. 

The IO made no mention at all about the medical. Very frustrating. If I had been in the interview (they said they just needed him and never spoke to me, asked basic questions and said if all goes well you’ll hear back in 4-6 weeks) I would have gone down the list of what they asked us to bring and shown everything whether he wanted to see it or not. Can’t do anything about it now though.

There’s a place here in Columbus that does walk-in medical exams for the I-693 so we are going on Tuesday (between my  ultrasound/midwife appointment and our son’s 6 month checkup lol..our life is one big adventure). 

9 hours ago, TNJ17 said:

Do you have any idea why they requested a new medical when yours is not even 6 months old yet? Did they say anything at your interview about your medical? Did you not have your vaccinations record? That is honestly the only reason I can think of for them to request a new medical that is so fresh like yours. If you could update on this for us that would be great information for people with the same issue. Thanks. 

At the interview, my husband was not asked for the immunization record (though we had EVERY piece of evidence we were supposed to bring, the IO did not look anything except birth certificate, marriage certificate, and passport). I think that’s probably why we got the RFE, which is very annoying. We had a feeling the IO was not very experienced and did not ask for everything he would need. My husband does not have any medical issues of concern, he has all of his immunizations as well. Nothing to do now about it except comply. 

It was indeed an RFE for form I-693, which according to the form instructions we did not need. He had his medical exam in Australia in March of this year! I'm not sure what to do in this case, but it sounds like we have to pay for another medical 😞 If anyone has any experience with this kind of RFE or any insight, please share. Thanks.