Sav&Har

16 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

There is no additional extension letter.  Your status does not expire when the letter does.  If you need evidence of your status for travel or work, you should call USCIS, get an appointment, and get a stamp in your passport.  Otherwise, you just have to wait for the interview.

Hi, so the extension letter is for traveling and work. If it expired, and the there is need to travel or apply for a new employment during that time we would need an appointment with USCIS first? Also, what about existing employment when it expires?

Short answer, no. Unless this article is inaccurate or something has changed.

source; https://cliniclegal.org/resources/ground-inadmissibility-and-deportability/public-charge/public-charge-final-rule-faqs

Hi all. I have been so distracted with work that I've NOT been at all caught up with the latest in the immigration side of things. So sorry for the ignorance.

My US citizen wife, was a Medicaid recipient and after change of income (when I started working) she qualified for a Premium Tax Credit toward a healthcare plan. She signed up for it and use it for the month of December only. I don't have, not interested or plan to use any healthcare or any kind of program from the government. The form to include that tax credit on our taxes was mailed under my name (as I am the only income earner in our tax family) but notes my wife as the beneficiary or person covered by the health plan or using the tax credit. Overall, do you see this affecting me (the immigrant) in the long run? even though the tax credit goes to her coverage and not me.

23 hours ago, Shiran said:

To a few of of you agonizing about a job, it is fairly standard procedure to Expedite EAD under "Severe Financial Loss" category, in vast majority of cases it results in trouble free approval. You already have a job, all you need is a letter from your employer. Same goes for K-1 people who have a job offer. I don't know why some have a huge stigma against expediting, that is what ii is for. 

Hi, after busy months on my new job came back to see how you guys have been doing. I just stumbled upon your timeline and noticed you FINALLY! got an interview scheduled. Best of luck to both of you in the interview.

3 hours ago, Barefootek said:

I would love to but financially it doesn't work. I am self employed and so I can travel back and forth on a regular basis, but have no real prospects for making what I consider reasonable money in Ecuador. That is why spending extra money would be a mute point, if it meant spending more time in the States where I have an income. I look forward to having enough money to move, but I am not there yet.

Then another reason to stick to the CR1 route. You can plan multiple short trips while waiting.

19 minutes ago, Kristi&Luigi said:

Thanks everyone. I guess that means my RFE reply was approved? 😁

Yes. They were satisfied with the RFE response.

1 hour ago, NikandDonnie said:

Yeah I figured, just wanted to be extra sure.

 

It also asks for a marriage certificate, we submited an original with the petition, do we need to get another one to bring to the interview?
 

They generally ask for photocopies when filling applications for immigration benefits with USCIS, that's because they are going to keep those documents and will not return it to you. At the time of the interview is when they ask you to bring the originals of those photocopies just for them to have a look (some times they don't even bother). In your case since you submitted the original to them already, you can make that clarification to the officer if you're asked for it and now if you have the chance and time before the interview, try to get a certified copy and bring it to the interview, just to be on the safe side. Good luck!

8 minutes ago, Kristi&Luigi said:

So has everyone else from march received the same notice? 

Most yes. It means they don't need any further background checks or investigation, until the interview. Some people call it the "real wait". From there it might take 1 to uncertain amount of months depending on the field office. 

6 hours ago, alun said:

Because I had a short day at work , I went to the SSA  local office ,with my green card, to ask for a card with the "valid for work only with DHS authorization " wording removed . They said it is going to stay on my card until I become a citizen . I went back the same day . Got the same incompetent worker . Asked for a supervisor . It is going to call me Monday , but I work after 5 so won't be able to take the call probably .She ( the worker ) said " the law changed " . 

I called the SSA customer service help . They will call me back in 80 min.

I took my drivers road test after my green card approval . It been 3 weeks . Still don't have a DS ( probably lost in mail ) 

"The law have changed"... nonsense. I probably would've laughed in front of her if I hear that.

5 hours ago, NikandDonnie said:

Just got my I-797C notice of action (AOS interview letter)

 

Neither me or my spuce have ever been arrested or have a court record, on the notice it says:  "If no court record is available, bring a letter from he court with jurisdiction indicating this"

 

Does that mean we still have to go and get a letter stating that he has never been arrested? (also not sure how I would go about doing this since in Serbia you have to request this in person)

No, it literally says IF any of you have been arrested. As you pointed out, you both haven't so you don't have to get or provide any of that. That part specifically is for people who actually have been arrested but a long time ago and doesn't have a record at hand.

If your i-94 is not expired or is not within 2 week of its expiration. Then yes, you can apply for one. But note it will not have authorization for work, it will be useful only for DL (depending on the state) or adding yourself (assuming you're the immigrant) to your partners accounts.

9 hours ago, missileman said:

They are stupidly wasting their time.  The chances of his getting another B1/B2 are slim......

I am glad I am not the only one noticing this. There is an obvious reason the first B1/B2 was voided in the first place. If they wanted him to keep the visa, they would had simply denied entry and allowed to come back another time.

1 hour ago, Naes said:

If it was an affidavit things would be different but for translation there are no rules as to who should do it as long as it is certified by the translator.

 

I translated myself no problem so far as it seems like  common practice.

That is good to know.

2 hours ago, Naes said:

Why “not a close family member”? He/she can even translate it themselves. Having a 3rd party is not really a must here. 

 

Most people i think does it themselves as long as they have enough fluency in both languages. 

Admittedly I haven't found any specific "rule" on that. I always understood that it can be seen as a biased if is done by the applicant or close family member. However, I can be wrong on that.

You can just literally ask a friend (not a close family member) that knows both Spanish and English, and make a signed certification (statement), there is a template here for that. Then they can translate accurately. And that's it. You don't need a certified translator or some company to do it for you for a price. Unless you're really into giving money away. I did that and didn't cause any issues. 

But yes, if your documents, any documents, are not in English then they need to be translated.

10 hours ago, Ed&Midori1031 said:

The sooner the better.  People say to apply for AOS within the 90 days, due to being out of status after the 90 days are up, but it's completely up to the applicant.  My wife and I wated 2 months after her 90 days expried, and we recent got approved for our AOS (of course I requested expedite).  I've read people even waited years to apply.  Ultimately, the sooner the better. 

While is true that is up to the applicant, given we are ones choosing whether to apply for the benefit or remain of out of status and subject to deportation. People shouldn't think that way, but rather to apply for the benefit as soon as they can, otherwise we're leaning to doing something that is against the law. Once the 90 days are up, we are (were) in unauthorized stay and subject to removal from the country. There is really no real benefit on not applying for it sooner anyway. Some of us happen to have an extra delay on applying for the benefit with a more justifiable reason (at least myself I wish we could have applied within the 90 days) but waiting years to apply for no reason just seem to me like a complete negligence and probably not even deserving of the benefit.

Simply put, your AOS application/adjudication will not be affected solely because you go out of status, and thus there is not such a loop, your AOS will be processed just as normal. It could be any other reason but not that. But as I said before on this thread. File as soon as possible. Your question is totally okay. What get people, or should I say a few, riled up and maybe surprised (because of how commonly it has been asked recently) is the fact that you should and is important to assume the process (specially K1 holders) is not over until you have a residence in hand. So it's important to know ahead of time want is the next step, and act accordingly and in a timely manner.

Even for people who are aware of the process, things can be delayed for any reason, but you should try the best you can to avoid delays. We already anticipated even before we applied for the K1 visa that upon my arrival we were going to be a little constrained financially and were expecting a possible delay on applying in time for AOS, it end up being true and I was out of status for almost 3 months but I was always was aware of the risk. Luckily I am a home person and don't go out much beyond yard chores for my in-laws near where I live. Even a 3min walk to the post office if I were to be asked for ID, it would had been over for me. And there is no way to get around it after that point, if there is, I can assure is not cheap, easy and/or pleasant. In the end I was not asked about it at the AOS interview and didn't cause any issues in my approval. I also didn't have the vaccinations completed on my K1 overseas exam and I had to re-do the medical exam (I was unlucky finding a doctor who just fill out the vaccination part of the i-693 Form) but I made sure I performed it and sent it with the AOS package to avoid any delays in the processing. 

6 hours ago, Sailormooon said:

Hi guys! Just got the notification that the card was mailed to me but it doesn’t have the tracking number or anything on there? How do I get that?

Same day, early in the morning It had your current notice and then later on like about 5pm, it changed to USPS picked it up, status.

2 hours ago, Shiran said:

This fear of missing mail is why we made sure soon after PoE to go to local post office that is actually in charge of day to day mail delivery to us (And is not same as large post office most people use to actually send mail out) and let them know there is a new person living at the address, and they updated the name on the mailbox the next same day. 

In other news, while we wait... My wife got her very first FICO score, 713 according to Wells Fargo, which is actually "Good" Capital One now won't stop sending her credit card offers. 

We actually did that too. On the very first trip to the post office after I arrived, we asked to add my name to the PO Box and I was indeed added. And throughout all the time I've been here the mail lady that works there has get to know us very well, she already know the only Hispanic guy who receives mail there is me. Lol so I don't think she would have missed it, I have had mail before that incident sent to my physical address and she had put it on our assigned PO Box. Maybe that day she wasn't there or she wasn't in a good mood and decided to give me a lesson, so next time I make sure I use the PO Box address as mailing address instead lol 🤔

7 hours ago, Michaela K. said:

UPDATE:

Never mind, I spoke too soon. My frustration continues. Yesterday my status changed to "Notice Was Returned To USCIS Because The Post Office Could Not Deliver It". So I decided not to wait until June 18 since now I know the interview notice won't be delivered for sure by then and I called them today to fax it to me as I was told to. I spoke to tier 2 officer and he said he will NOT fax it and that I should do an e-request. E-request says to expect a reply by July 3rd.  

 

So I guess I can pray that it gets mailed immediately and get delivered this time or I will miss my interview? How is it possible that one person tells me it can be faxed and then another says it can't and that he can't see anything on the system? This is so frustrating! 

I think I'll just keep calling and requesting tier 2 until I get to talk to someone who will be able to fax it to me. 

 

Any ideas about what I could do?

 

I tried to read through some VJ threads regarding this issue but they don't really have any answers or updates about how it end up (not) working out 

The positive side of that is they are aware they, and not you, are the ones with the interview notice at hand. And highly likely they will attempt to re-send again.

I faced almost similar situation with the NOA1 of my AP. Long story short, where I live we don't receive mail directed to our homes and we are assigned a PO Box in our nearest Post Office, for free. The AP form only have a section for the physical address and not a mailing address like the other forms (AOS/EAD). So USCIS mailed it to my physical address. Whoever was at the post office probably couldn't link the physical address with our assigned PO Box, and didn't put it on the PO Box, so it was returned to USCIS. On April 10 I got that same update and I believe the next day or same day it updated again saying "Document Was Mailed to Me" (or similar) saying they sent it again. After I got that notice online I let the Post Office staff that I might have a letter in the next few days and might have my physical address and asked them to put it on the PO Box. I don't think It took more than 4 days to arrive so maybe there is hope you can receive in time, your interview is 13 days away so even if is mailed tomorrow, it should be plenty of time to arrive.

15 hours ago, alun said:

It is not . Mine is still processing after almost two weeks from picking it up . I suppose the CO has to  close   it after interview approval . I emailed them from the new account and they replied that I need to call 📞. Didn't have time yet  .

I see. I assumed that since all the notices closing EAD/AP and AOS approval came at the same time via text and email. But yeah, that can be possible. I don't think there is a need to keep them processing anyway.

8 hours ago, clw654321 said:

Everything moved so quick for you. How was that? Especially considering EAD/AP is taking longer now.

My presumption (and not based on the real truth) is. Since cases originating from a State are only likely processed by the field office assigned for that State (ie. The Field Office in Colorado will NOT process a case originating from Vermont, and likely only cases originating from Colorado) and that some States are less common on immigrant settlement, the processing backlog is probably lower. There are a few people from Ohio who have had about the same timeline as me and has been as speedy as me too, which again, probably is not a common state for immigration settlement but I could be wrong.

As for EAD/AP I am fairly sure they are proceeded in Lee's Summit*, MO National Benefit Center only (which could mean, all applications nationwide for those benefits are sent there), just like the I-129F which is processed at the California Service Center. And agreeing with the above reply. The combo card get instantly closed upon approval of the AOS for some of the lucky ones, which means reducing the backlog for those who live in States with a higher backlog on AOS.

16 minutes ago, Sailormooon said:

How long does it take for the card to come generally after the status ‘new card being produced’? 

It took about a week or less. Today I just picked up mine. (6 days ago it had that status), It should change at some point and even give you a USPS tracking number.

Side note, it might show CF1 under category. And it seems like its completely normal for K1 applicants.

13 hours ago, Sailormooon said:

Wow, my interview was so different. I didn’t send any documents with my husband and i’s name or any proof with the initial AOS document and at the interview he said he only needed me Since we were already approved for k1 and got married in 90 days. He said I didn’t need any proof hahahahaha. It’s weird how different everyone’s interviews are! I wonder how they determine whether they want proof or not? 

 

My husband and I were pondering this and maybe it’s because they’re concerned if we will become reliant on the state so they ask for more proof but if the spouse makes a lot more over what is required, maybe they don’t need proof? I don’t know... It’s a mind boggle to me

For us, she (the officer) only took our little "bonafide marriage evidence" which was smaller in size (and pages) than the whole package I took there, everything that I collected was brought back home with me. She wasn't interested on anything else, and didn't ask a single question to my wife (US Citizen). Quite contrary, my wife asked questions to the officer. 
 

6 hours ago, Sailormooon said:

So what’s the next step after the green card? Is it valid for two years?

File for ROC in 2 years (minus/within 90 days before the 2 years mark).

(optional) File for Citizenship in 3 years from the date of approval of your Residence status, regardless if your ROC is in process or approved. And assuming you meet all of the requirements for Citizenship.

12 hours ago, Pengunista said:

Yeah I hope so too, I’m so ready for this to be over hehe, at least for now coz I know in two years I have to tackle the ROC.  I’m just tired collecting documents to show them haha.  From the time I sent our AOS, the only hiccup was I have to redo my biometrics, other than that it was smooth sailing, no RFE or RFIE, so we went to the interview feeling confident, I mean nervous but confident about our relationship.  Thank you for the vote of confidence hehe. And yes, we will try to add my name to other stuff, we talked to my mother in law and asked if we can put our names on the utility bills.  She talked about health insurance, but we told her my husband can’t add me until November of this year when the open enrollment time is.  I will let you know what the outcome is as soon as I get an update. Enjoy the gym and good luck. 

I really hope you get a response soon. My interview almost at the end looked intense but it turned out positively in the end. I do believe the are more lenient on this type of interviews and should be able to understand that not all of us are able to get some of those documents.
 

Side note, my case early this morning changed to "Card Was Mailed to Me", and then in the afternoon changed to "Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service". They even included a USPS tracking number on the e-notice for me to track it. I also picked up the mail approval notice this morning, it was in a fancy paper (like the NOA2 of I-129F), welcoming to my new resident status. It came from the National Benefit Center in Missouri, MO. I thought initially it was a cancellation notice from AP/EAD since they were the ones processing those. I even joked with my wife before opening it. "Look they send you a NOA1 and receipt in a standard paper but a cancellation of a benefit on a very fancy and thick paper." 😅

30 minutes ago, MontanaEllie said:

Hi everyone! 

 

We have our GC interview on June 28th, yay way sooner than expected, only about 2 months after sending our AOS stuff. I did my medical back in Germany in December, so as far as I understand don't need to re-do it, since it's been less than a year. I have however been reading about people sending in form DS-3025 with their AOS package or bringing it to the interview. I don't have a DS-3025! The doctor in Germany never gave me one. Does anyone else have that problem? Apparently, they didn't care too much since I still got invited for the interview but I'm wondering if they are expecting me to bring it to the interview. Any help is much appreciated!! 

I am certain, is not necessary at this point. I believe the medical exam done overseas also includes the original form of those. If all the vaccinations were completed, the form in the medical exam also has a section where it confirm that the vaccines were completed and its evidence. A homework that your doctor already did, and the officer should be able to see.

Because of incomplete vaccinations. I had to do a i-693 medical exam in the US, even though my medical exam was still valid. After the exam here in the US they didn't give me any proof or a copy of the vaccine record. I literally had no proof that I took those vaccines beyond the sealed medical envelope sent with the AOS application. It did not seem to cause any issue and I was not asked for any of that evidence at the interview. So I am pretty certain you will be fine.

5 hours ago, lotusflower16 said:

Couple of hours later, status changed to card being produced. Don't know if this will be of any help to others in the future but I guess my point is, if you come prepared and ready, you should be okay (coming from someone who worries a lot). 

 

I hope others hear something back very soon about AP/EAD and GC interviews. I realize we've been fortunate with the early interview so I'm really rooting for you all to get news soon. 

Yes, I think GC interview, marriage-based specially for K1 holders. They seem to be more lenient compared to consular interviews for an immigrant visa and if the relationship is authentic or there is no obvious missing documents/requirements like financial requirement or medical exam. People shouldn't worry or stress out too much. It is simply a conversation with the officer in where you get asked things that you already know and shouldn't have a problem giving an answer, sometimes you know so much that you end up talking too much . I was confident with the bonafide marriage evidence that we've got we still would be fine (I mean, its all we could get and if I had the chance to get more, I wouldn't have hesitated to do so). I guess what caused the confusion is probably that the officer assumed I was not going to show her absolutely anything. If you all have more than I could provide, you should have an easier or smoother experience.