Panda & Bear

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!

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.

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!

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!

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 😃

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

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.

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. 

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 😃 

The total fee for AOS is $1225.00 - it's $1140 for the form and $85 for biometrics, which can be paid in one payment totaling $1225.00. You can pay like you did for your I-129 (we paid money order for that), but they also have a credit card payment form now (which we used for our AOS). You can find the form here >> https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450 << if that's a better option. For full breakdown of the fees, you can go here >> https://www.uscis.gov/i-485.
 
EAD is your work permit (Employment Authorization Document). It allows you to apply for jobs and work while your AOS is pending/until you get your green card. It is a separate form >> https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 << but you can submit it along with your AOS (I-485) at no extra charge/fee. Same with your AP (Advanced Parole) >> https://www.uscis.gov/i-131 << which is your travel document. It's so you can leave the country and potentially re-enter the US while your AOS/green card is pending. This is also a separate form, but can also be submitted along with your AOS at no extra fee. I wouldn't recommend planning any trips/vacations during this time, in which you would need to use the AP, but most people get it in case of emergency. For instance, Paul wanted the ability to travel to Sweden until he gets his green card in case of a family emergency/death/etc. When you fill out the AP form, it asks questions specific to a trip you have already planned; that's okay, you don't have to give dates, etc., and we put the reason for travel as "in case of family emergency". Since it's free to file with your AOS, it doesn't hurt to have it just in case.
 
Don't worry about not having things in your names together yet - these things won't really be needed until AOS interview time anyway, so you can use the time while it's pending to accumulate things like that.
 
It's a lot! It definitely is. At least you are TOGETHER this time, and can face it side by side instead of an ocean apart. Paul is so ready to work and feel normal, and I completely understand that. At the same time, I know once he starts working our schedules may clash, and we'll miss all the time we have together now. So we're trying to focus on that. I know he goes a little stir crazy during my work days, but it's still so much better coming home to each other at the end of every day after being apart for so long before this.
 
Just take it one step at a time! Don't rush it, and just try to enjoy the time you have to integrate into your new home. Give yourself things to plan, look forward to, and accomplish in the meantime. Paul tries to find projects to work on during the week while I'm working. We live in the country so he can't really walk anywhere or get around on foot like he's used to in Gothenburg, but we do have Uber. If you're able to get out, give yourself goals. Conquer a certain part of town or other goal. Exercise is one of the best recommendations to kill time, since it's also a stress-reducer. Paul uses our treadmill a whole lot I fortunately work early and get home early, so unless it's raining, we try to get outside and go do something to get out of the house at least for a little while. Do some research - if you'll have to eventually retake any tests to get your license where you are, start brushing up on the local driving manual. Paul has to retake the skills and written test when the time comes, so he ordered an SC driver's manual so he can start reviewing it now. He does our meal/grocery shopping planning and coupons. Even little things will add up to occupy your time.

Hello to all VJ family members.  As most of you know I am in the Philippines right now enjoying time with my better half.
 
Anyway......., Yesterday, or well I should say the 27th in the Philippines was my Fiancees birthday. This is the first time we have been able to be together for a birthday, so we wanted to really celebrate with a nice dinner and some wine. After getting ready and waiting for a Grab (Uber) if your not sure what grab is, my email notification went off on my phone. So looking for something to do I checked my email, and the email I received was from USCIS,  it said there was a case status change. I quickly grabbed my laptop, logged in, and WOW!!!! It said our case was Approved on the 26th!! Honestly I couldn't think of a more perfect way to get an approval notice! Almost like a storybook notice. We are together, it's her birthday, we were all dressed up and leaving to celebrate. Needless to say we now had two reasons, and of course we over celebrated, if that's such a thing. he he
 
Just wanted to let everyone know and thanks for all the support. I'm glad I could help in the past with scans and answering questions and will continue to help in the future.
 

Благодарю!

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

Awesome! Congrats!

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

By the way, I agree; It is a total NIGHTMARE.

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

Hey! You don't need police certificate from the US, they can check it without you giving them these papers, don't stress out and be happy =) 

Hey! You don't need police certificate from the US, they can check it without you giving them these papers, don't stress out and be happy =) 

I JUST GOT AN EMAIL
 
 
WE ARE APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, dear Junies!
 
Nothing makes me feel all the feels like you guys...what a crazy time just to be alive, huh? Not to mention, doing what we're doing during some of the most momentous events in the history of America.
 
Crazy, crazy, wild ride. 
 
I'm not sure I'd recommend this ride to anyone else!  It's not a safe and cozy trip, not even close! It's all full of bumps and spills and it's definitely lacking seatbelts Yet, on the other hand, I can't say I'd trade it for a safer, easier road, either. And I definitely wouldn't trade my personal Murcan for anything!  
 
To those who feel lost...overwhelmed with problems (health problems, lost documents, lost relationships...dear God!) Words don't suffice. You have my deepest sympathies, concern, and sincere good wishes.
 
To those who are are done or almost done...congratulations! Just gotta get through the medicals and interviews and then home, sweet home! Celebrate and revel in a job well done...you deserve it!
 
To those, including May filers, still waiting and waiting without any word...? You're a big part of the reason a lot of us keep coming back here. There's not a single person here, among this unique bunch, who doesn't feel your suffering. We ALL feel you, I can tell you that without any doubt. We are SO READY to celebrate with you when your turn finally comes.
 
God bless, everyone.