Panda & Bear

I know there’s no O-6 in my command... Legal office mailed my papers to different state, it was the only option for me. But again I didn’t go anywhere but the legal office, they did the rest for me. I think your son should find a legal office in his command, it’s their job anyway to deal with immigration process, they know more about it, and he doesn’t have to stress out about it.

On 12/10/2020 at 5:00 PM, Ksenia_O said:

Hi, guys.
 

My son  joined NAVY on April 30 of 2020 And after Completion of A and C schools arrived to his first Commend 2 weeks ago.

 

He already has his N-400 "ready to go" but got stuck with N-426 certification... The instruction says that ONLY military personnel, serving in pay grade O-6 or above, can certify the form. But there is nobody at this grade on son's base... 

 

So... How does it actually work ? Where or who do you start from/with to request a certification of N-426?

 

Thank you!

Hey there! 
I joined the military in August 2020, and already sent my N-400 to USCIS. So when I needed N-426, I went to legal office in my A-school, and they did everything for me, because we don’t have access to people with such high rank as O-6 or above. So I would recommend you to find a legal representative at his command, and let them do their job 😃 It should be pretty easy, they should know what to do! Good luck!

On 5/19/2020 at 11:09 PM, ohcoffeeeyes said:

Sorry if I sounded a bit aggravated in my reply cause I was sure that I had read otherwise. I went on the Navy website too and I looked at the LS one and the HM one (cause I know with all my heart HM is open to green card holders, someone online said he got it a week ago and hes a LPR) and they both stated that a U.S citizenship is required which we know is wrong so I think the website just has it mixed up... Which is fine, like I said I don't care as long as I'm in the Navy but I would love to be a Seabee.

 

Thank you for telling me about the tuition assistance, it's very exciting! My home country is first world but there is no where that I would get free university whatsoever. It's quite nice. Thank you so much for your replies by the way. It's nice to hear from others who are LPR's joining the Navy.

Actually it’s not totally wrong: there are different jobs within LS or HM rates which require US citizenship (when you work with classified information or salaries for sailors for example), these jobs aren’t available for LPRs but some of them are (like basic accounting or mail delivery). At least this is what I’ve been told. 

By the way, do you know that in order to get benefits from the military (citizenship, GI Bill, tricare, etc.) you don’t have to be active duty, being a reservist allow you to get all these perks (but it’s not gonna be full medical coverage, just health and vision). Still a good option if you don’t want to commit to a full time military life 😃
 

Yeah dude, no problem! So nice to have people, and all this information available, so you know what to expect. Ask whatever whenever, I’ll be happy to help 😃 

8 hours ago, ohcoffeeeyes said:

Huh? Really? You need a security clearance to be a Seabee? I was reading online and Seabees literally never get security clearances, even if you're a diver, you usually have to fight for it. My FIL knows a recruiter I'll ask him about it, but yeah, LS is on my list and so is PS if Seabees aren't available. (Which I know they won't be so I'm prepared to wait. Cause they're very overmanned)

 

Also I'm stuck with only a HS diploma sadly, I don't really care much for the bonus, just being given my GI Bill, Tricare and other benefits will do me a solid.

This is from the Navy website about qualifications for Seabees:

”A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor in the Navy Construction Battalion. Those seeking a position with the Seabees must be U.S. citizens.” Maybe asking a recruiter would be the best for you, but I’m sure these rates weren’t on the job list available for me (I can tell you exactly what rates were on that list since my recruiter told me all the rates for LPRs are open for me).

That’s ok, you don’t have to have degrees to join. However, during your enlistment you can apply for different courses, and actually get a degree and/or tuition assistance for it, and you can save your GI Bill for later 😃 

11 hours ago, ohcoffeeeyes said:

Thank you! 20 were available! That seems like a lot! I am not sure what I want yet but as I said, I am at the interview stage of my CR-1 (just waiting for this coronavirus situation to end... hopefully soon) and then as soon as I get to the US I'm talking to a Navy recruiter. I'm looking mainly as Seabee rates and other admin roles if they aren't there, like LS, so it's nice that you were able to procure that. Thank you so much for your response. I'm happy electrician's mate was there too that's on my list.

 

I hear that... back in the UK all my family were in the British Army, dad was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during GWOT, grandfather was in Northern Ireland and g-grandfather was in Korea and Malaysia, so I have always been a bit aligned to it. My wife's family are ALL US Navy and my wife would love to reenter that environment so I thought why not? Lol. I hope you have a good Navy career! and Congratulations.

I’m sorry to say that but for LPRs Seabee rates aren’t available (you need to be a US citizen).

my thoughts to you is to prepare for ASVAB test in advance, and take into consideration a PICAT version of it (they might even let you do it at home), the only trick with PICAT is that you will need to go to MEPS for a conformation test but it’s super easy (I did it). After your test your recruiter can tell you exactly what rates will be available for you (keep in mind the higher ASVAB score, the more rates). Kinda good that most of the rates for LPRs don’t require high score but if you’re planning to stay in the Navy longer, you’ll have a chance to change your rate (especially after getting your US citizenship), so they can use your test score for this too. 
Also if you have any degree (not only high school diploma), try to get an evaluation of it because the Navy might recognize it, and enlist you with a higher rank (not E-1 but E-2 or E-3) which means more money 😃 and they also offer bonuses for higher education (up to $8,000). Geez, I just realized I sound like a Navy recruiter, they need to pay me for their promotion 😃

Dude, that’s awesome! What a nice military family tradition you have! Good for you 😃 I love military community, so many great people there, can’t wait to be a part of it.

1 hour ago, malajoe said:

Good decision on joining the world's finest. I joined in 2010 as a LPR and I have not regretted that decision yet. There are a lot of opportunities. You just have to set goals and reach for them. Ensure that you have a strong support system because it can get tough at times. 

You’re absolutely right! Support is really important especially if you have lots of sea duty. All my family is Marines, so I had pretty much no choice but to join the military 😃 But they understand how hard it is, and they’re extremely supportive!

18 hours ago, ohcoffeeeyes said:

Awesome. I've actually decided on Navy now after waiting. What rate are you shipping as or are you going in as PACT? And what jobs were available at MEPs?

Navy is a good choice, especially if you like to travel. The availability of jobs for you is determined by your ASVAB score (the higher score opens more jobs), and being a permanent resident is also reducing the amount of jobs significantly (my score is pretty high, technically I was qualified for every job in the Navy but only 20 of them were available for me, mostly technical or electrical fields). When I went to MEPS, before they did my medical exam, a Navy chief asked me about my job preferences, and after the medical I talked to a person who gave me 3 job options (based on ASVAB score and my medical results), one of them was the job I wanted. From what I saw they have tons of different jobs available currently (he showed me), he even asked when I would like to go so he can look what jobs were available for that particular time/month. I was surprised that guy didn’t try to push me to choose a job they really need people for (he suggested me to be an electrician’s mate, and go to boot camp in 2 weeks after signing a contract but I wasn’t interested). So, I’m gonna be a logistics specialist.

On 3/11/2020 at 6:10 PM, ohcoffeeeyes said:

Hey man I'm going to walk into the recruiters office first day I get my greencard, I already talked to a navy recruiter but I have already settled on Army (navy recruiter is a friend of my FIL he said he'd talk to me about what I'd need)

 

I just wanna know how long did it take you to join? I know a while back it was quite hard but I heard they changed it so its the exact same for LPR's as for citizens

Hey, I recently joined the Navy, currently waiting for boot camp ship date. From the moment I brought my docs to my recruiter to the moment of signing the contract, it took me 28 days. It wasn’t really hard for me (except getting ready for ASVAB test, took me about a month), but I can tell that it was difficult for my recruiter because of paperwork (filling out all those forms with weird foreign names is no joke!). All military branches are suffering now, not so many people want to join, so they try their best to push people through as fast as they can, they even close their eyes on lots of stuff that can be kinda disqualifying but nothing serious. 

1 hour ago, Bluewaters said:

Hmm.... That is frustrating. "second rfie!" I look forward to hear from them soon. Today mark 94 days for me. I plan to call again next week. 

In a way I feel that we those who get RFIE are being punish in a way I can't understand. 

Some March filers are getting ead approvals and their interviews scheduled. Even some April filers are getting their interview scheduled. 

I don't know why I have not heard anything after submitting my response about whether i am ready to be scheduled for the interview or whatever. 

I hope we get lucky and get process fast. 

I am so frustrated. 

I wish us both luck. 

You know this system is a big joke, nothing is working in a way it’s supposed to, so why do we even bother to understand it? It doesn’t make any sense at all anyway! Seems like the USCIS motto is “let the force of powerful random decide” 😃 

No worries, we’ll get our updates (better) sooner or later, don’t think about others, it’ll make you even more frustrated and depressed, we don’t need it in our lives. 

Let’s hope for the best!

On 5/15/2019 at 4:58 PM, Bluewaters said:

Yes they have certain amount of time to respond to rfie, which is 60 days. I talked to my attorney about it when I hit 74 days after submitting my RFIE response. and he said he wasn't able to put in an inquiry. So I myself called last week and put in an inquiry and I was told to call back after 30 days if I don't get an update. 

Hey, sorry about your RFIE, I know how you feel. I got my RFIE in February (affidavit of support related issues), and after 60 days of submitting the response I called USCIS, and was told their processing time for it is about 90 days now, and I’m within this timeframe. It was frustrating. But I was shocked when next day my status changed, and I got to know they sent me the second RFIE (yeah, yeah...). Turned out they sent me the exact same letter as the first time, just changed the dates, and this time they give me less time to respond. I wonder is it because I called them or just “being lucky”? Anyway wish you all the best, hope you’ll hear from them soon 😃

10 minutes ago, Sailormooon said:

I’m really worried... my package arrived in the Chicago lockbox on March 1st but my cheque still hasn’t been cashed! Is this normal?! 

Unfortunately yes, some people waited about 20 days for their checks being cashed. They will get to your case soon, no worries! 

35 minutes ago, DJClaire said:

No worries, I will leave it blank. Thank for your help. I have a few last questions before photocopying everything and sending it off.

 

AOS / EAD / AP QUESTIONS

 

1)      Do I need to also complete and include the G1450, if I wish to pay the $1225 fee by credit card?

2)      On the i765 EAD form, just to make sure Q.27, what code do I put in there? I am a K1 visa holder, who has just married. There are three boxes but I think I am a C 9. Can anyone confirm?

3)      Q24a on the i864. Is it optional to write in the figures for the last three years of tax returns? I have ticked to say I have attached just the most recent year.

 

So close to getting rid of this mountain of paperwork for a while! 😉

 

 

1. I paid with a check, so not sure about how it works with credit cards.

2. Yes, put C9 in the first two slots, leave the third blank.

3. Many people suggest to attach tax return for the last 3 years but it’s optionsl. I included just the recent one (which is 2017), cuz we applied for 2018 tax return today. USCIS will accept 2017 tax return papers till April 15, after that you have to attach 2018 tax return papers.

1 minute ago, DJClaire said:

Thank you.

Can anyone tell me where I can find my USCIS online account number?  I am not sure I have one??? I have an account to monitor my cases using this url:  https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do 

However that does not give me any kind of account number.  Should I just leave this question blank on the i-765?

 

I don’t have a USCIS account number, so I left it blank on the forms. As far as I know if you registered on their website, and use your login and password to monitor your cases, you definitely have an account number. Sorry I’m not sure where to look for it. 

27 minutes ago, DJClaire said:

Congratulations Nic! 

We managed to marry on Valentine's Day as planned.

 

I am also in the same boat in regards to the ACRO Police Certificate. They kept it at the interview in London.

Do we need to pay and get another one done remotely from the US? 

Hey! You don’t have to worry about getting this police certificate if you have no criminal records in the past. They ask for these docs only if you’ve been in troubles before, so they know what kind of person you are. So if you’re a law abiding citizen, you have nothing to worry about 😃 

10 hours ago, BradOH said:

Congrats to those who got their interview scheduled. I am just beginning the process. My plan is to be there for the interview in Moscow. Can anyone tell me how long it was from the time you sent in the I-129f to the time of approval for an interview, and then about how long until the interview.

 

Thanks in advance!

Hey there! For us it was almost 200 days to get our NOA2, and according to our timeline the interview will be in 304 days since we sent our petition =) sooooo it's a pretty long process, get ready for it. Good luck to you!

6 minutes ago, visaquestions said:

I felt like it was the honorable thing to do to get a girl from my ethnic motherland!

It's so sweet and romantic =) I'm happy for you!

Oh, lucky you =) no wonder you decided to have a Russian girlfriend =) nice to meet you too! 

Just now, visaquestions said:

I would LOVE to but, I am not sure at this very moment! It would be great to be there with her, though! Are you going to Russia to attend with your significant other?

Actually I'm the beneficiary but my future husband is planning to come here, he's never been in Russia before so I think it's the best opportunity for him =)

1 minute ago, visaquestions said:

Congrats to all of us, we deserve it! Also, I personally want to THANK everybody who chimed in and added to the conversation. Thanks to every single one of you who did so.

Thank you! Likewise!

You're more than welcome =) thanks for being with us too =)

I guess we're going to meet there, will you come to Russia to support your SO during an interview?

1 minute ago, visaquestions said:

We got an interview date for late May! March or April sounds great, though!

Awesome! Congrats!

1 hour ago, mguilli said:

The daily limit is definitely more than 5, but you can get around it.

 

Turns out, you can just refresh the dashboard page. A blue box does indeed pop up on the left hand side of the page indicating dates are available for scheduling. And it doesn't count against the daily limit.

I see, hope you're right =)

by the way on my conformation page it says I need to go to the US embassy (Novinskiy boulevard 21) but I heard they opened a new one close to the old embassy. Can you ask your fiancée please, I want to make sure it's not a mistake, thanks in advance, and good luck with your interview!

Hey guys! Update: the dates for immigrant (IV) and non immigrant (NIV) visas are different, the forum which @visaquestions fiancée following is for NIV visas, so probably it's no help for us. I was able to schedule an interview today (May 31, 10 slots were available), I checked the website at 6pm Moscow time, and there was it. I truly believe they'll open other dates soon cuz IV visas have priority over NIV ones (I called the US embassy and they told me that), so keep checking! Good luck!

8 hours ago, visaquestions said:

I would say start checking about 08:00 Moscow time until about 20:00 Moscow time, several times throughout the day. There is a limit on how many times you can check but, I am not sure how many times exactly, aha. That's what I do but obviously, I have had no luck for about 2 months now. I feel like I am doing something wrong. They have had my case in Moscow since about late January. I am trying to transfer, too, so hopefully, somebody who has done so will pitch in!

Hear hear... you can check it up to 5 time a day but I heard that after checking 3 times the system starts to alert you that you can exceed your attempts, and can be  blocked for next 2 days (like it's our choice to check it all the time, and we enjoy it lol). We decided to wait till mid April (hoping to schedule something), otherwise we'll transfer our case to another country (by the way not so many countries which accept Russians to apply for US visas in their countries), we think by this time someone else tries to transfer so we can learn from them =) 

Hey guys! This whole process is a nightmare, especially concerning the embassy part... I'm also curious about the transferring thing =)

What time do you usually check the website to see available interview dates? 

Just now, Mahabbat said:

I confused words:D I used my debit card:D I was sleepy when I saw your message:D

Oh don't be sorry, that's ok =) thanks for your help, you're awesome! =) best wishes on your journey =)