sam.e

Stated above, but Ye Old Kings Head in SM has the most comprehensive English menu we've seen... my husband was over the moon. Plus they have a whole little shop with English Imported goods. You pay about 3x the price for a bar of dairy milk... but so worth it 😂

Hey nadiachr13

Just came across your post, and wanted to say congrats on almost being at the end! I just wanted to ask how long it took to get your interview letter in the mail after you had the "your interview was scheduled" notification online?

We are in Phoenix AZ as well, and we got the notification Monday evening... any input would be great! Thanks!

19 hours ago, EmilyTim said:

Thank you - really appreciate your help. 

Working upon arrival isn't a must for me, I'm just eager to start working as soon as possible  I think volunteering will be the way forward for the meantime

 

My Husband applied for AOS the first of march and are still waiting for EAD, but we are hoping it will be approved soon based on current timelines found on here/USCIS processing times page. His greencard is "ready to be scheduled for an interview" since the end of July, but that doesn't mean much until the interview is actually scheduled.

He has volunteered to pass time, but as mentioned you have to be careful not to fall into "unpaid work" grey area. We found the best way to manage that was to volunteer with "volunteer only" positions - as in even if an American were to do the same job it would still be a volunteer basis. Non-profits like the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brother/Big Sister, and some YMCA positions are great options.

P.S. I love that you're in Flag, I went to uni at NAU and now we're living in Phoenix... but I miss my little mountain town!

Best of luck

39 minutes ago, Boiler said:

There is some confusion so just to clarify you can not get a visa in the US to enter the US. No US Consulates in the US.

 

Let us say the plan was to adjust status to a H2b then as soon as he left he would still need a visa to re enter. Adjusting status also takes moths and if this was the plan seems odd he would have been told it was OK to leave.

If this was in reference to my husband's story, I agree it is very odd and doesn't make much sense! That company was crooked and gave my husband false information, but at the end of the day all worked out in our favor. Complications are never easy, but we are proof that even with a denied entry and denied B2 you can still come out on the other side successfully!

3 minutes ago, Ben & Katy said:

Its so weird the differences of each agent and what type of port of entry you go through.  We have a friend in Rocky Point that has a "fiancee" living in San Diego.  Sometimes he comes to Rocky Point to see her and a lot of times she drives to California to see him.  She crosses in San Luis every time and they never get upset at her for saying she is visiting her fiancee.   Even though agents are rotated a lot most of the agents recognize her because she crosses so much to see her fiancee. I am very shocked they haven't revoked her visa.  

Seriously! Some people just have all the luck lmao

Just now, Ben & Katy said:

Well at least that is over with!  So did he get "stuck" in Canada?  

Yes, he was "stuck" in Canada for about 5 days. He actually applied for an emergency B2 Visa at the US embassy in Canada, and was approved, but with the holidays it still would have taken a week to get his passport back to him, which would have left him stuck there over Christmas. So he had to make the decision to revoke that application and go home to the UK. These were dark days lol, but we eventually got through it and are now on the brighter side of AOS applications 😂

20 minutes ago, Ben & Katy said:

In your situation how did it go down?  Did he say he was coming to visit you  (Fiancee) when he arrived on US soil (ETSA)?  

It’s a relatively long story. But In my best attempt to summarize, 

-August 2017 my husband (at the time he was my boyfriend) was hired to be a soccer coach at an American company. They issued him a J-1 visa, which was set to expire in October after 8 weeks (I believe)

-In October, this company told him that they were filing a H2B visa in his name to keep him working until December. He had emails and proof that the company explicitly confirmed he would be legally working in the US while this application was processing. 

-When his contract was up in December, we took a trip to Seattle, and got engaged!

-During this trip, we exited the US and went to Vancouver for a few days.

-The point of going to Vancouver was so that he would leave the US on his “work visa” and be able to re-enter the US on his ESTA and spend the holidays with me and my family.

-When crossing the border back into the US the agent pulled us in, and after a few hours he found that the company my (now) fiancé had been working for incorrectly filed for the H2B visa, which meant he had been technically working illegally for about 8 weeks.

-Luckily, my fiancé had all his paperwork verifying everything he knew about the visa was true and honest, and the incorrectly filed visa was to no fault of his own, so the agent did NOT issue a ban on him, only revoked his ESTA and confirmed my fiancé needed a formal VISA to be able to get back into the country. 

See a long story! Lol.

When he applied for the B2 visitors visa in January 2018 the embassy agent denied it because he mentioned he was engaged and with some more questioning admitted he was planning to immigrate eventually.

BUT it all worked out in the end, after a very long year he entered the US in December of 2018, and we got married in February of 2019  

Hi Mattie0212,

In 2017/2018 My husband and I went through a VERY similar situation. He is also from the UK, less than a week after we were engaged he was denied entry on his esta, and then denied a B2 visitors visa a month later.

We decided to file for the K-1 immediately after his visitor's visa denial, and after a VERY long 11 months of me only being able to travel to the UK to visit (2 weeks total time together), he was approved for the K-1 visa and was admitted into the US.

He said it was brought up shortly at his embassy appointment, but he gave a quick explanation of the situation and he was in and out within 30 minutes with an approval. He decided to fly through Dublin for the US pre-clearance check there, and it was a breeze.

It seems all impossibly scary and heartbreaking at the moment, but in time it will only be a blip on your radar.

Best of luck!

My Husband is in the same boat, except the minor difference is his grandmother has cancer and is "taking a turn for the worse" with that being the main cause. We have an infopass appt scheduled for Friday, but my husband is struggling to find/get supporting evidence as its his impression with the NHS they wont give out medical records to his dad/ they don't have receipts like we do in the US with their NHS systems (I may be wrong with that understanding, but that was the way he tried to explain it to me).

Does anyone have any input on what could be used as evidence (and even better, anyone have knowledge specific to the UK healthcare system/NHS?)

OP,  I can keep you updated from what we learn in this experience after Friday.

To answer your original question, her B-2 and student visa denials should not affect her K-1 Visa application. My husband (UK Citizen, who was my fiance at the time) was denied entry to the US on his ESTA, and then a month later denied a B-2. We then filed for the K-1, and had no issues 

I was worried about the same thing. A print out of the email confirming the LND  number from the NVC can be used at Knightsbridge. The official letter from the Embassy was only a list with a link to get the instructions needed to book your medical/interview appts. I found that everything we needed to know was found on here, and in most cases the advice given on VJ was much more thorough and clear. I would book your appointments, because the availability can be painful sometimes! Good luck with the last stage of your process!

Update: We ended up doing a separate filing of change of address for each case. And now online every case status page gives a confirmation of the change of address. We figured better safe than sorry!

In terms of the change of address for the sponsor (me), There was no option online for the !-864, and so I wouldn't know how to go about that. @Cryssiekins where did you see that it was required/how did you inform USCIS of the move?

Thanks everyone!

Heyo,

My husband and I have recently moved, he did the change of address on the USCIS website and listed all 3 applications on the form. However, when I check his case's status online, the change of address is only shown under the I-485 case history; and similarly, we received the confirmation in the mail which only listed his I-485. 

Just looking for opinions or previous experience on this, should he just file a separate change of address form for each case? Or should he call USCIS customer service line (I know the bane of everyone's existence) to ask and check?

No biggie, we are within the 10 days of the move still but we want to make sure our move is documented for ALL his pending applications.

TIA

My Husband is in the same boat. When I (USC) got my social security card updated with my new married name I asked the lady when my husband would come in to get the "temporary work only" taken off his SSN and she said when he gets his EAD we can do that. Anything before-hand (after POE, before EAD) would be keeping it in the same category as previously. 

She also said to its super important to make sure we put his SSN on ALL his paperwork! 

13 hours ago, MajaMukanowska said:

Hi everyone,

 

I think I have the weirdest immigration timeline one could have. K-1 visa got approved pretty fast in May 2017.  Came to the US in June 2017. Got married in July. Applied for the Green Card and EAD/AP in July. Then EAD/AP combo card got approved within 88 days. Here's when the fun starts...

 

The combo card expired 10/16/18. I applied for the renewal in July 2018 - so in a nice timely manner. 246 DAYS AGO. Even with the 180 days automatic extension, I will still lose my job in 3 weeks.

 

Yes, I made an Infopass appointment. They can't rush EADs, but they put in a request for the Green Card interview expedition - since it's been almost 2 years that I'm waiting for it. Well, that's nice of them, but I still have no sign of it happening anytime soon.

Yes, I have a lawyer. Apparently the best immigration lawyer in Maryland. She said I'm really on top of my paperwork so there is noting she can do for me.

Yes, I called the landline and put in service request - 3 of them. I call every 30 days. Everytime someone promisses to take care of it, and NOTHING HAPPENS.

Yes, I have my congressman working on the case. So what. They told me they will get back to me once USCIS replies. They never did.

Yes, I sent letters from my employer stating he's gonna be terminating me SOLELY because of EAD expiring. And mine and my husbands testimonies of financial hardships we're gonna face. Had the congressman forward the same letters to USCIS, too.

 

I guess I'm gonna lose a job that I love, because of nothing.

 

Anyone there with a similar problem?

 

Thanks, guys

 

Maja

This may be incorrect information, but have you looked into an Interim EAD? I've seen on multiple sites this info:

"Request an interim card. If the USCIS fails to make a decision on your EAD renewal within 90 days (or 30 days if you are an asylum applicant), you may request an interim EAD. This document can be granted for up to 240 days.

• You can request an interim card, in-person, at a local USCIS office.
• Make an appointment at your local office at http://www.uscis.gov/news/fact-sheets/your-guide-infopass.
• You must bring with you a document verifying your identity and the Receipt Notice showing that your application has been pending for more than 90 days"

I dont know if it is accurate, but couldn't hurt to try!

Late to the game, but is there a benefit from walking in instead of waiting for your appointed time?

Thanks!

Heyo Everyone,

So reading the instructions for applying for AP, and I am unsure on what to put for Part 4 - Information about Proposed Travel and Part 7 - Explain how you qualify for Advanced Parole.

My Fiance and I would love to make it back to England for his best friend's wedding/ his nephew's birthday/ to visit his grandmother sick with cancer in the next year while his AOS is processing. 

It appears on here most people who receive AP go on trips of leisure so I am just curious what you all put in those sections of your application, as vacation doesn't exactly qualify as "educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes" and what is provided as evidence.

Thanks friends

1 hour ago, adamj7 said:

Oh shoot (insert a more British swear word there for actual effect).... i thought I was done with this, in hindsight I should have juts got them to give me the jabs I needed.......

lmao right. Here's the site to find a civil surgeon in your area https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor

1 hour ago, adamj7 said:

When I got my medical I hadn't had a flu jab and needed another tetanus shot as mine had been more than 10 years, I went and got these at my local doctors and have a print out of my vaccination records with the additions. Does this mean I'm going to need to get a civil surgeon to transcribe those as they are not on my original vaccination record from my medical - although they made a note that I would get these.

My fiancé was the same, but Knightsbridge didn’t send his medical results to the embassy until they received confirmation of his flu jab and tetanus. We need to check his DS-3025 and see if it’s marked as “complete”. But I have scheduled a visit with a civil surgeon just in case 🙄 it never ends!

I'm sure this has been exhausted, but I am a little confused. On the "Tips for filing AOS for K-1" on this site the first point states:

"If you are a K-1, K-2, K-3 or K-4 visa holder the I-693 instructions state that you are not required to have another medical examination as long as your Form I-485 is filed within one year of your overseas medical examination. Regardless of if you are exempt from a medical exam, you are still required to complete certain portions of the I-693 and have a Civil Surgeon certify the form (and seal it in an evelope). Specifically, you will complete Part 1 (Information about you) of the I-693 and provide both the form and your DS-3025 (if you have it, proving your vaccination history) and any proof of required vaccinations that were completed prior to entering the US. If you do not have a copy of your DS-3025 you will need to provide sufficient evidence of your vaccination history to the Civil Surgeon (talk to the civil surgeon's office to discuss what vaccination records they accept as proof). If you do not have proof of your vaccination history the Civil Surgeon may insist on re-administering all the required vaccinations prior to completing the I-693. Once the Civil Surgeon has has verified that all required vaccinations have been performed, they will complete form I-693 Part 2 (the vaccination section) and Part 5 (the Civil Surgeon's Certification). They will then seal the form in an envelope and return it to you."

So do we still need to make an appointment with a civil surgeon and get my fiance checked out? This makes it seem it is still needed to have the I-693 completed and sealed by a civil surgeon, regardless of his complete vaccination and shot record.

Any insight would be helpful, thank you!

Hi,

Just a quick question I havent had much luck in finding an answer to. My Fiance first came into the country in 2014 to work on a J-1 and was given a Social Security Card at that time. 

He has kept the card through all these years, and we put that number on all our K-1 forms. Now he is finally here, and we are getting ready to have our ceremony and file for AOS, my question is 

Is there something we need to do to with his SSN so they know he is now a legal resident? He does not get a new number, correct? 

Any insight would be great, I have tried finding the answer on the SS site but it seems all the immigrant SSN information is to obtain a new card.

Thank you!

11 hours ago, TM92 said:

Also the following airports:

• Calgary International Airport, Canada
• Edmonton International Airport, Canada
• Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport, Canada
• Montreal Trudeau International Airport, Canada
• Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport, Canada
• Vancouver International Airport, Canada
• Winnipeg International Airport, Canada
• Grand Bahama International Airport, Bahamas
• Lynden Pindling International Airport, Bahamas
• L.F. Wade International Airport, Bermuda
• Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba
• Shannon Airport, Ireland
• Abu Dhabi International Airport, United Arab Emirates

Also, there is an immigration-only POE for the Victoria Clipper passenger-only ferry and the MV Coho car ferry at the port of Victoria, BC, Canada. And the Washington State Ferries service at the port of Sidney, BC, Canada; customs are still done at the US port.

That's great info to have, thanks!

56 minutes ago, lil.han said:

What is preclearance in Dublin? 

To sum up the above reply, it’s US customs and immigration clearance in the Dublin airport. So if you have a flight from Dublin to the US you go through the Pre-Clearance where they verify your Visa and passport in Dublin, and once you’re through it’s a “domestic” flight and there will be no customs upon arrival in the states. As far as I’m aware only Dublin and Toronto airports have this. 

For us its just a peace of mind that when he’s through the USCIS preclearance in Dublin, that’s it- he’s in- and can just enjoy the 15 hour travel day in peace haha

Hi All,

Just wanted to ask if anyone has been through the immigration in Dublin recently and what their experience was like, particularly with a K1 Visa. My fiance is british, but we decided to have him "enter" the US through the pre-clearance immigration in Dublin so that way he's not on a plane for 10 hours in nervous anticipation for POE.

Thanks!

Yeah we got the email from the NVC about two weeks ago. Last Wednesday when I checked the case tracker it went from "In transit" to "ready" so I assume it has been received by the embassy. Did you take the NVC email or was your appointment far enough out that the letter came in time?

Thanks!