EvieMN

43 minutes ago, MK878 said:

Hi EvieMN! Goodluck with your interview! I am in a similar situation where I dont have divorce decree but my spouse and I are only separated. My spouse and I filed together but he recently sent a letter to USCIS mentioning something about divorce or separation and they sent an RFE. We have been married for 4 years and have a 19 month old daughter. I would love to hear more about your experience as i dont have a divorce decree and am very worried as to what to do. Even if we file soon we wont have anything by the time im supposed to provide evidence. Also will your ex-spouse be accompanying you to the interview?

Hi! I already had my interview and received my green card. 
For your case, the most important thing is - do you think there is any hope for your marriage? If not, file for divorce as soon as possible. Even if you don’t have the divorce decree, respond to the RFE before the given deadline and give them whatever additional evidence you have that you didn’t include in your original filing. I’m not an expert and I did use a lawyer but I would definitely include a statement from yourself outlining what has happened/is happening with your spouse. I also didn’t have my divorce finalized when they asked for more evidence and my lawyers sent a similar statement. I provided the divorce decree at my interview. And no, my ex wasn’t at the interview. Once you switch to a divorce waiver, typically the ex spouses aren’t involved anymore. 

On 4/4/2022 at 9:05 PM, Kevinbrant said:

Congrats! Did you submit a divorce decree at any point in time?

Yes! As the person above me said, I definitely needed it. With covid conditions, we got divorced via zoom. It was super easy and probably way less stressful than going to court. They said they’d mail it to me but since it was taking too long, I went to the court the morning of my interview and got copies of the divorce decree. I believe I had to request them by phone prior but that would vary based on where you are anyways. Good luck! 

Hi guys! 
Just had my interview 4/19. Initially filed jointly but switched to divorce waiver. 
Not going to lie, it was pretty tough. The officer started with confirming everything on my application, then asked about how the relationship started and developed. She asked me questions about almost every piece of evidence in my file. Questions about my ex spouse, details about his/our life, about people from the photos I had provided. It had me extremely anxious and stressed but I was fully honest about everything including our separation. I explained why we didn’t have some of the common joint assets couples usually have. 
Towards the end, she asked if I had anything else to add. It sounded to me like she wasn’t very convinced with what I had so far. I was so stressed out at that point, that I forgot I had my affidavits from friends and my ex spouse with me! So I just gave her some extra photos and was on my way out haha. 
She said “Everything looks good with your application!” but I was still convinced she hated me. When we came out, my lawyer said that this particular officer is always pretty tough but she believed it went well. I was fully prepared to wait at least a month but the very next day I got a notification that my case was approved! 

Hi there! 
Just had my interview 4/19. Initially filed jointly but switched to divorce waiver. 
Not going to lie, it was pretty tough. The officer started with confirming everything on my application, then asked about how the relationship started and developed. She asked me questions about almost every piece of evidence in my file. Questions about my ex spouse, details about his/our life, about people from the photos I had provided. It had me extremely anxious and stressed but I was fully honest about everything including our separation. I explained why we didn’t have some of the common joint assets couples usually have. 
Towards the end, she asked if I had anything else to add. It sounded to me like she wasn’t very convinced with what I had so far. I was so stressed out at that point, that I forgot I had my affidavits from friends and my ex spouse with me! So I just gave her some extra photos and was on my way out haha. 
She said “Everything looks good with your application!” but I was still convinced she hated me. When we came out, my lawyer said that this particular officer is always pretty tough but she believed it went well. I was fully prepared to wait at least a month but the very next day I got a notification that my case was approved! 

On 3/16/2021 at 9:12 PM, Kakeup said:

@EvieMN please keep us updated, I’m almost going through the same even tho we are not talking about divorce yet! Hopefully I don’t get a RFE and just get the case approved. What evidence you sent in the ROC? 

I didn’t have much to send honestly. The way we lived wasn’t super conventional so not a lot to show. But I sent a previous lease agreement, tax returns, travels, note from employer stating we lived on their property together and some photos I believe. 
My lawyer has advised me to get some affidavits for the interview and if possible, a statement from my ex husband. 

Hi guys! Glad to see so many approvals already! 
 

Just checking back in after a tough year. Here’s a brief update from me:

I filed jointly with my spouse November 2019. 
We separated a few months after but didn’t file for a divorce until November 2020. 
I got a RFE in October so I used that to inform them that we’re going through a divorce. Also because I didn’t have any additional evidence to provide them with. 
My case was transferred to NBC in February and I got my interview notice a week ago - it will be on April 19th! 
 

I started working with a lawyer after I knew that we’d be going forward with the divorce. They helped me answer the RFE and will be accompanying me to the interview. 
My only concern is that I don’t have a divorce decree just yet. I have a hearing on Tuesday so hopefully it will be finalized then. 

Just checking in here to follow your journey and share my experience as well.

I filed jointly with my spouse November 2019. 
We separated a few months after but didn’t file for a divorce until November 2020. 
I got a RFE in October so I used that to inform them that we’re going through a divorce. Also because I didn’t have any additional evidence to provide them with. 
My case was transferred to NBC in February and I got my interview notice a week ago - it will be on April 19th! 
 

I started working with a lawyer after I knew that we’d be going forward with the divorce. They helped me answer the RFE and will be accompanying me to the interview. 
My only concern is that I don’t have a divorce decree just yet. I have a hearing on Tuesday so hopefully it will be finalized then. 

Just now, missileman said:

Why would you need the extension letter?  It is only used in conjunction with an expired green card.

You have a point. I’m not sure really. I was thinking of terms that if the border officer can somehow see that my original green card is expired that extension letter is my proof that I have filed to remove conditions. But I think I’ll mostly carry it with me for my own peace of mind. 

Just a little update. 

I went to the Cleveland field office 10 days ago. Was in and out in 10 minutes. The officer already knew what I was there for, pretty much. I had an appointment set up by calling their call center. 

I got a temporary stamp to act as my green card valid for one year. (Mine is lost) So I will be traveling with that and my extension letter. I won’t be coming back into the US until March 10 so I’ll let you guys know how it goes then. 

Just a little update. 

I went to the Cleveland field office 10 days ago. Was in and out in 10 minutes. The officer already knew what I was there for, pretty much. I had an appointment set up by calling their call center. 

I got a temporary stamp to act as my green card valid for one year. So I will be traveling with that and my extension letter. I won’t be coming back into the US until March 10 so I’ll let you guys know how it goes then. 

I got a call from an immigration officer and was able to schedule an Infopass appointment for December 23rd. 

Just slightly worried because I was told to bring my I-90 receipt notice (lost GC) which I do not have. I don’t remember getting one. What I have is a biometrics appointment notice for the same application which I hope will suffice. 

7 hours ago, Scandi said:

If you have one of these three options you're perfectly fine to travel:

 

1. valid greencard 

 

or...

 

2. expired greencard AND valid extension letter (must travel with BOTH)

 

or..

 

3. i-551 stamp in passport

 

Ansbekk was replying to me because my situation is different and I have neither of those 3. 

I don’t have my green card on me, my stamp expires when the lost green card does and now I have an extension letter. 

I’ll be calling USCIS tomorrow to hopefully shed some light on this mess. 

11 hours ago, Ansbekk said:

Hey, welcome back.  I remember you from 2 years ago in the AOS forum haha!

Welcome to ROC

I remember you too! Good luck!

I have been dreading calling USCIS but I’ll have to do it. Couldn’t find any info about my situation online, their website and “Emma” were useless. 😑

Hi guys! 

Joining this thread as I sent my package a little late on the 12th I think. Recently got my 18 month extension letter. 

Unfortunately lost my GC in May so hopefully I’ll be able to travel with just my stamp and the extension letter. 

Hi guys! I read most of this thread but unfortunately my situation is different. 

I lost my GC in May. I then filed the I-90 and went to the immigration office where a nice officer stamped my passport with the temporary stamp I-551 which expires the same day my GC would - at the end of January. He told me that if he has to be honest, my application to replace the GC probably won’t be processed before I had to apply to lift the conditions so not to expect much. I filed the I-751 last month and recently got my 18 month extension letter. 

My issue is: does the stamp in my passport count as an expired GC for the sake of traveling abroad? Or would I need a new stamp? I’m calling my local office soon as they don’t accept online made appointments anymore but was curious if someone has been in the same situation recently. 

On 10/18/2019 at 7:07 PM, Cryssiekins said:

I used my cover letter to explain why my evidence was the way it was.  We had separate car insurance bc I had trouble finding a company to take me, and he had 2 dui’s, so we had to wait until literally just before we submitted ROC to get a joint plan.  
 

Show the bank statements from when you did have an account together, and explain why you no longer do.

 

Honestly, it’s better to preemptively explain any deficiencies at the get home than wait for an rfe or for it to come up in the interview.

 

The purpose is to show a shared life - not everyone is going to have everything, but it looks like USCIS places heavy emphasis on financials.  So have a joint account now and come interview time, you’ll have roughly a year worth of statements.  Add an authorized user to credit cards.

 

I used some affidavits as well.  Sure, they don’t offer much in the way of probative evidence, but they certainly don’t hurt.  
 

Stick to maybe 10-15 photos, as those aren’t strong either.  
 

You can only send what you have, so use that covering letter to present your case in the best way. 

Thank you! I’m worried because I’m not sure what is “appropriate” in a cover letter like that. I think I’m gonna end up mentioning a few things but not all of them. 

On 10/18/2019 at 7:07 PM, geowrian said:

I always say focus on what you do have, not what you don’t. The reason for not having some evidence is irrelevant IMO, so there’s no reason to mention it.

Thank you for your reply! I definitely like the sound of that. Just worried that I may not have enough due to our unconventional lifestyle 

Hello, VJ community! 

Been a long time since I’ve been around. It’s almost my time to file for ROC. Actually I’m a little late in starting to gather everything but it’s been a busy summer. Anyways, I’m in a bit of a pickle trying to decide how to handle (lack of) evidence. Do I explain all of the issues below or do I just omit all that and submit what I do have?

1. Lack of joint lease/utilities - ever since we got married 2 years ago, we have been living in employee provided housing with the exception of 6 months. We have a lease for those 6 months but even then, we weren’t paying utilities so no bills in both of our names. 
2. Lack of healthcare insurance - truly, we haven’t been able to comfortably spend that much money each month so far so we have gone without. We’re young adults still trying to figure things out. 🤷‍♀️
3. Lack of retirement accounts - we both have only worked service industry jobs so far hence no retirement accounts whatsoever. 
4. We both had different phone service providers at time of marriage (I was in the United States on a work visa) so we just kept them separate. 
5. We had a joint bank account for a while but since we don’t have any joint bills each month and I didn’t like that bank anymore (he was on my account) I closed it. He can add me to his current account but obviously that will be very recent. 
6. Husband’s DL still lists his address as his parents house as he never changed it when he moved to the city where we met and currently live. His DL didn’t expire yet so he hasn’t bothered to change it. 
7. And one last thing for the nice person still reading this - I lost my green card in May and got the stamp in my passport instead. 

I know that’s a lot of information and a lot of explaining to do. I’m not sure if it would be beneficial bringing up all of that myself. 

I can provide evidence such:

1. tax documents showing we filed jointly
2. lease for 6 months from last winter
3. w2s from same company
4. note from company stating we have lived together on their property 
5. joint car insurance
6. trip he took to my home country
7. trip we took to Vegas with friends
8. wedding we were invited to together
9. plenty of photos
10. affidavits from mutual friends 

5 hours ago, FloridaMinsk said:

 

I feel you.  My wife needs both.  She wants to work.   Also she had to go back and see an ill family member so she needs that AP as well to come back and work.  

She left the country without AP?

Aren't you worried about coming back?

I mean they can see if she left the country before approval of AP... I think.

Well this is the subforum for K1 visa applications.

www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/657749-january-2018-aos-filers/

6 minutes ago, Iwillmax said:

Hi there, so now my wife received I-797 Biomatrics (fingerprint) appointment on next Friday, wondering, since her English is bad (don't let her know I say this... :P) is it possible I go into the lobby with her for the fingerprint process?

On the notice, it says "only persons who are necessary to assist with transportation or completing the the biometrics worksheet should accompany you." so, can I go in with her as for translator?

Thanks. 

It may depend on the office but I went to the one in Detroit and my husband was with me until I checked in. When the lady actually took me to another room to do the actual biometrics, he couldn't join me.

1 hour ago, mrshoon said:

Would you mind sharing your interview experience? Or if you have already somewhere here can you pls show the link? Reading Ansbekk's interview experience makes me more nervous! My interview is coming up and I'm getting super anxious 

It's in the October thread here^

Maybe I was just lucky but my interview was really painless and easy and we weren't asked for4 any additional documents, only photos. We actually forgot those at home but the officer was understanding and just went through the photos which were already in our file. Let me know if you have any questions!

1 minute ago, Patoga said:

Can i just put my inlaws address in my current state??? 

No as this wouldn't be the place where you currently physically reside.

Change your address with USCIS as soon as you move. They need to know your current address. Yes, it might change your processing time but you have no other option but to disclose it.

27 minutes ago, doggieandsam said:

for those of you who already got their gc - what is your resident since date? is it the date of your interview? approval date? or AOS NOA1 date?

 

i'm confused because there is a discussion in one of the threads im following and one user got a gc which starts on his PD date and he called tier 2 and they said its correct.

Approval date.

3 minutes ago, Ansbekk said:

An update for me:

First I apologize for not giving a review about my experience interviewing at the Cleveland office.  It has been a very busy week for me work wise.  Anyways, here is my experience:

My interview was at the Cleveland office Friday the 2nd at 10:30 in the morning.  We arrived there about 15 minutes earlier.  We checked in (finger print scan and a picture) and were told to wait for an officer to call us.

45 minutes later, an officer called my last name and asked us to follow him.  He introduced himself by last name "Arasim" and apologized for the delay as he was stuck with someone else before us.  He made it funny though.  He asked us to rise our hands and we swear to say the truth after he informed us that we will be video taped.  After that, he said that he will start with me first. He went through I-480 questions making sure that everything is correct, but I felt he was testing my answers on some the questions like where I work (worked) and entry dates.  With humor, he asked the mandatory questions that are in the end of the i-480 like crime questions, illegals, weapons,..etc.  Of course all are NO!!!! And then asked my wife's date of birth, place of birth, phone number and where we live now.  He made a funny comment when he learned that my wife is from MI state, he said that it is going to be a tough interview when her turns arrives.  He asked me for my passport, my EAD from OPT, I-90 and my license. He also asked my wife for her ID. Then he turned to her and asked her a few I-480 questions, but nothing about me.  He later turn to me and asked questions about my plans prior meeting my wife.  He asked for my I-20s and lease documents.  He did not want the copy of the lease, so he took the original.  He asked my EAD approval letter, but I gave the copy.  He took bank statement, credit card statement of both names, health insurance, phone bill both names, electricity bill, he did not want rent insurance.  He asked about car registration, but our cars are not shared between us.  He did not care.  He kept asking me over and over and over about whether I entered illegally and did I ever worked illegally.  Did a CPB officer stamp my passport at the port of entry and did I ever tried to fake anything.  He did not ask for her birth certificate , he did not want to see her taxes, or anything from her, he focused on me the entire interview.  It took about 30 minutes to 35.  Then asked about proposal and where we got married.  Who attended the wedding and did both families agreed to the wedding.  Intermediately after that question, he asked her for her mom and dad's phone number.  He asked if we have anything else to add? My wife gave him our album and he smiled and said "SURE LET'S SEE SOME PHOTOS" He took his time and looked through all individually.  We noticed he looked a photos with families longer.  Then he said I cannot approve the case now as I have a lot of documents to review and I have to verify everything.  He explained the conditional green card process and that we have to renew within 90 days prior to the expiration.  He said that I can apply for citizenship after the 3rd year.  He asked if we have any questions, we asked him when should we expect to hear from him, he said about a month from now.  He apologized again, shook my hand, and walked us to door.  Two hours later, he called her mom who was with us and asked her about me and my work type and if they like me.  He asked if she met my family and if she is with us in Cleveland.  She answered all correctly and then thanked her and hangup.  (phone number was 216-000-0000).  Today I received texts and emails that CASE WAS APPROVED YESTERDAY!!!

 

For those who rely on case status, my case status (except for the i-485 now) still saying case was received.  Even after the bio-metrics, it never changed.  It did not change for interview scheduled either. 

 

That's all I have for now guys.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I am sorry if there are any mistakes, I am writing fast and without proof-reading.

 

Waiting on "Card in Production" now  

Wow your experience was very different from mine ut Im happy it all ended well!

Can't believe they'd call someone's inlaws. Congrats!