streanor

5 hours ago, stevo215 said:

@streanor Congratulations! 🎉 Thank you for your post. We have our interview tomorrow at the Manhattan office. I'm assuming you two had your interview there as well? If so, I wanted to ask if you had any issues with getting through security. I know the NOA states "arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before" but we plan to arrive at least 45 minutes earlier. I've seen some post where it took people longer than expected to get through but of course getting called up on time is a dream.

Yes, we were in Manhattan office. 

Oh I hadn't heard the 'arrive no earlier than 30 mins' rule before! We arrived 45 mins early and had no problem going through security. Didn't see anyone else there having an issue either, the line in security moved very fast.

GOOD LUCK!!

Interview in NY office yesterday (NOA Date 10 Sept 2018)

Was waiting for 2 hours before being called into the interview. It was a nerve wrecking wait as people who got there after us were being called before us.. couldn't work out their system!

The interview went very smoothly, the interviewer we got couldn't have been nicer and even made a few jokes throughout the interview. I didn't need medical exam because I did it for the K1. Interviewer also stated because we already went through the K1 she wouldn't have a lot of questions for us regarding our relationship. The only questions asked were..

What is your wife's full name?

Her profession?

Where is she from?

Her birth date?

Her fathers name?

Where does she have a checking account?

What is your husband's full name?

Where is he from?

His birth date?

His mother's name?

Where does he have a checking account?

One thing I was missing that she asked for was a letter from my job proving my employment. I had brought documentation from my job with health insurance info on it because I have listed my husband as my beneficiary. Since it had the company header on it she accepted that as sufficient evidence.

At the end she said she couldn't tell us if we were approved and that we would be put through one last background check. We went for a celebratory lunch after and within an hour my USCIS App showed card was being processed. WOHOO!! So much relief. Cant wait to have the card in my hands  🤩 

Interview in NY office yesterday (NOA Date 10 Sept 2018)

Was waiting for 2 hours before being called into the interview. It was a nerve wrecking wait as people who got there after us were being called before us.. couldn't work out their system!

The interview went very smoothly, the interviewer we got couldn't have been nicer and even made a few jokes throughout the interview. I didn't need medical exam because I did it for the K1. Interviewer also stated because we already went through the K1 she wouldn't have a lot of questions for us regarding our relationship. The only questions asked were..

What is your wife's full name?

Her profession?

Where is she from?

Her birth date?

Her fathers name?

Where does she have a checking account?

What is your husband's full name?

Where is he from?

His birth date?

His mother's name?

Where does he have a checking account?

One thing I was missing that she asked for was a letter from my job proving my employment. I had brought documentation from my job with health insurance info on it because I have listed my husband as my beneficiary. Since it had the company header on it she accepted that as sufficient evidence.

At the end she said she couldn't tell us if we were approved and that we would be put through one last background check. We went for a celebratory lunch after and within an hour my USCIS App showed card was being processed. WOHOO!! So much relief. Cant wait to have the card in my hands  🤩 

Just now, NYLondon said:

Thanks it's the travel for his work that is the issue, as he has to be in Germany in October for an event.  So it's the AP we are worried about.

Got ya, that seems to be a trickier 🙁 It's something that might be a problem for me next year too so I'm getting concerned.

Hope it all works out for you, good luck!!!

53 minutes ago, NYLondon said:

Husbands company is offering to hire a lawyer to expedite.  Not sure if it would help.  Any feedback on this from others that used lawyers?  I am a bit weary as I like to have control of process on our end. 

Thank you.

According to this article he should be able to continue working as long as the renewal is pending..

https://legalservicesincorporated.com/my-green-card-application-is-pending-and-my-ead-card-and-advance-parole-are-about-to-expire-do-i-have-to-renew-them-do-i-have-to-pay-for-the-renewals/

"Do you have to stop working until you receive your new EAD card? That could take several months (currently around 4-6 months). The answer is no: As long as the USCIS receives your EAD card application on or before the date your current EAD expires, your work authorization will be automatically extended for up to 180 days. This extension begins on the date your current EAD card expires and continues for up to 180 days unless your new EAD card application is denied. You should note that this automatic 180 extension of the Employment authorization only applies to certain categories and adjustment of status applications is one of these categories."

I did that about 3 years ago to visit my then boyfriend. I didn't have very strong ties to home at the time. I was questioned extensively and was completely honest and they let me through. I know someone who is on their second long period trip within this year and he didn't get questioned at all. It's completely up to the discretion of the officer you get at customs. 

If you have any evidence of ties - lease, appointments to come back to, etc. I would bring them just in case. Also have a print out of your bank statement to prove you have enough money to support yourself on your trip. GOOD LUCK!

5 minutes ago, K1visaHopeful said:

I've been silently rooting for ya hunny! Woooohooooooo!

AW thank you!!!!

For anyone whose interested.. I finally got my travel document today!! WOHOO!!!

It took 4 months after approval. I had to make 2 inquiries and a lot of phone calls to USCIS. Persistence paid off!! 

I'm afraid not from my experience, I had a previous J-1 and O-1 visa and was on the slower side of average waiting for my K-1 visa. 

Good Luck!

13 minutes ago, Naes said:

I am so sorry for how this became a nightmare...

 

But in my most honest opinion involving a lawyer won't do anything. As in the end they cannot do anything but calling them like you do, and all your papers are already done. All it seems you can do is to be on top of it and call and call again for tier2s.

This is my gut feeling too.. I'm going to keep on top of it as best I can. Thanks @Naes I really appreciate your reply! 

Half ranting half asking! Should I get a lawyer involved?

I'm now having nightmares about never getting my travel doc and missing both my best friends and brothers weddings in early Oct and Nov. I know I have time but so far everything has worked at snail pace with USCIS. My husband wants to get a lawyer involved. Is there any point?! I've just heard so many times their input doesn't help. Our congressman says he can't do anything for us because there's no major emergency to travel. I'm just so angry because I did everything right, the only reason why I don't have AP document is because of a mistake made by USCIS.

Here's my backstory: My AP was approved in March but my EAD wasn't approved until May. I expected to receive a combo card for work and travel but I received employment authorisation card with "Not Valid For AP" printed on it. Calling USCIS they said I should have gotten a travel doc within 30 days of AP approval but there records show it was never sent. Put in an inquiry, the 30 days passed last week, I got speaking to Tier 2 and they said they have contacted my office and said I should have a reply within 2 weeks... it's been 1 week, I'm not feeling confidant. Every time I make an inquiry they have never replied in the time they say they will!!

3 hours ago, emekus94 said:

unless am reading this wrong--
I thought that since you already received AP, your EAD will NOT be a combo card.
That's the whole point-- it was processed separate and apart from your AP.
But am pretty sure you might request to have a combo card. Though if you already have AP, not sure why you need a combo card. AP is sufficient to travel on its own.

Don't stress girl. Deep breaths. The end is almost near

My AP was approved 2 months ago, I expected my EAD to be approved the same time or soon after but it wasn't. I never received any travel doc and was told on the USCIS helpline that when my EAD was finally approved I would get a combo card... but I didn't. I called USCIS yesterday and the guy I was speaking to said I should have got a travel doc within 30 days of AP approval but according to their records it was never sent. So clearly a mix up! I've submitted an inquiry to get my travel doc.

Thanks, I've given up on stressing, over the worst of the wait now!! 

My EAD arrived in the mail yesterday, but came with another bump in the road.. they didn't give me Combo Card with Advance Parol. I guess because they took 2 months after approving my AP to approve my EAD they mixed things up..UGH! I have made an inquiry to get my travel doc. Lucky I don't need to travel until later this year. No end to the drama with USCIS!!

Here's hoping all my luck is being saved for my job hunting 😄

On 5/10/2019 at 6:22 PM, emekus94 said:

I've been stalking your profile every damn week to see this
SOOOOOOOO very happy for you and Patrick! Congratulationsssssssssssssssss 

Aw thank you so much! I'm delighted!!!! Now to job hunt EEEEK

The sooner you marry and adjust, the sooner you get your application in for EAD. Some people are lucky and only have to wait 4/5 months to work but I was one of the unlucky ones... my EAD just got approved last week after after 8 months. I'm ready with resume and portfolio to dive straight into job hunting but chances are I could be waiting another month or so until I have a job, bringing me to 9 months without work.

Not trying to completely horrify you. I just want to ask you to weigh your options. Hope for best case scenario but be prepared for worst case scenario regarding EAD.

BEST OF LUCK!

EAD APPROVED!!!!! WOHOOOOOOOO!!!!

After 8 bloody months I cannot describe the relief!! HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!!!! 

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst... the average is around 5 months.

I'm one of the unlucky ones hitting 8 months waiting this week 🙄 

34 minutes ago, Hemzi said:

Hey everyone, 

Hope you've all had good Easters, just made a post in the October filers  - as I filed in October and am still waiting on EAD/AP. Can't imagine what it's like for the people here whom are still waiting as I've gone out of my mind already so I can only imagine how crazy it is for the Sept filers who are still waiting but I've been trying to get some light shed on what's going on... Anyway wanted to post the information here also, as I'm hoping it might help others whom are still waiting.

I gave a call to USCIS today to speak to a Tier 2 agent. Spoke with someone today and was told that nothing had been touched on my case since Nov last year! He said that there was a huge backlog at NBC for EAD and AP's and that the last time someone called in he was advised to give the Ombudsman number, especially as I'm still within 'Normal Processing Times', even though I'm about a week away from being outside Normal Processing Times now. He understood my frustration and gave me the Ombudsman number. I proceeded to call the Ombudsman [(202) 357-8100] and they told me just to fill out a form online ( https://cisomb.dhs.gov/oca/form7001.aspx ) - which I have done but don't know if it's gone through as I've yet to receive a confirmation email. [It apparently doesn't work on Chrome or Firefox and you have to use Internet Explorer? - But I managed to work it on Chrome, if I don't receive any confirmation by tomorrow, will re-submit after re-downloading Internet Explorer...]
 

I am not sure if this will help anyone else, with chasing their case inquiries but if it does, glad to pass on the information - I know we are all going stir crazy in waiting. Here's to hoping we get some solid responses to everyone whose sent in a case inquiry or information for RFE/RFIE this week.

 

Thanks so much for sharing this! I'm coming close to 8 months waiting and waiting for response for my second inquiry after they didn't respond to my first one. I'm now working on getting help from my local congressman but I'm going to try this too! Thanks again, hope we all hear soon!!

@Naes I've visited Jersey City, it's a really cool spot, very vibrant with lots of bars, restaurants, things going on. Plus it's just a stones throw away to NYC which is always fun to have nearby to visit. Hope you love it there!

38 minutes ago, haileyfarrar said:

I would highly recommend doing so - If anything it offered us some peace of mind knowing someone was looking into our case, and that it wasn't forgotten. 

 

Your info on the side bar says you're from New York? Assuming that is correct (I'm so sorry if not lol), I looked up the New York senators and found Kirsten Gillibrand. Fill out her contact form and tell her what's been going on! There is a box for "immigration" that you can check under categories. Here is a link to her contact form: https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/email-me

 

I did the same exact thing with one of the Nevada senators. I got a confirmation email shortly after submitting the contact form, which instructed me to call her office if I required assistance with a government agency. As it was applicable to me, I called in and her office staff got started on the inquiry process right away. Hope this helps! Good luck! 

Thank you so much for this! I'm going to give it a shot!

9 minutes ago, haileyfarrar said:

225 is just ridiculous. Have you reached out to any of your local members of congress? From my understanding, USCIS is obligated to respond to inquiries made my government officials within a certain amount of time. We did that with my husband's EAD/AP and someone from the NBC responded to our congresswoman in about a week. 

 

So sorry you've been waiting so long. I hope it comes really soon! 

No I haven't reached out to local members of congress yet. I really just wasn't sure how to go about it.. any tips would be really appreciated!

17 hours ago, anna lucia said:

Hello! Are there september filers without interview scheduled or EAD yet? I really hope your documents get approved soon! Im from october and I didnt get anything either, 175 days now waiting. 

Yup, still waiting, 225 days. Just submitted my second enquiry for being outside processing times after getting no response from first one. Still hopeful it comes any day now!

8 hours ago, Chochosun said:

Yikes

 

Anyone know the numbers to press in order to reach a real person on the phone for USCIS? 😅

I was loosing my mind trying to talk to a human being on the phone when I called last week. There's an option it's something like 'Need help filling out an electronic form' ..that worked for me!