faycher

Hello all,
 
I am an April RoC filer but I saw that there was no spreadsheet created for May filers. So, I took the liberty of making one for our May friends. I created the April filers spreadsheet so I basically added a new sheet at the end of the same document as I was too lazy to create a whole new doc lol. Feel free to enter your info so you can track it yourself and others can take comfort in knowing how the cases of other May filers are progressing.
 
Here's the link; and it's the last sheet named 'May 2021 RoC'. Good luck to you all.

Check cashed this morning! I am curious to find out which processing center it goes to. 

USCIS transactions appeared on my creditcard today 😍😍. How long usually it takes to receive the extension letter? Got anxious as my GC is expiring this June 19.
By the way I still didn’t receive any text or email from G-1145
 
 
I send my Documents last May 13 (around 4 PM and accidentally used the priority mail instead of the express one with guaranteed 2 days delivery since they have a cut off)
 
May 15- Documents arrived in the lockbox which is 1 day ahead of the supposedly delivery (got lucky 😍)
 
May 25- USCIS charged my creditcard.
 

Package delivered today!! Game officially starts.

We are recommended for approval on the spot Time to just wait.
 
How soon do you guys get " Card being produced" notice?
 
So the whole process is nice and easy. We were asked for 2018 tax return from us, and don't even need joint sponsor's stuff at all. Didn't ask to see photos or any joint evidences at all either. I did submit for new medical and the officer took it. We went through the I-485 information and had me sign it. Then only other questions are: 1. How did you two meet? 2. (Ask my husband) did you get to see her family overseas? Then that's it. 
 
The whole process is quick. Hope to get the card soon!
 
 

Congratulations! Glad it all went well for you and you can take a break from this for awhile. Thanks for adding your experience.

Hey, that's great! Congratulations - great anniversary gift...

Just got the letter. Interview date 8/5. Happen to be our wedding anniversary. Such a coincidence 

This is wonderful, sure is moving a lot faster now. I hope I’m next! My PD 8/31/18!  Good luck to you 

Hi guys-
 
I just got app notice that they scheduled my AOS interview today. My PD is 8-16-2018. So definitely they are moving a lot faster now. Hanging on!!
 
I will update my interview date once I get the letter.
 
Thanks

Told ya!! 😎

I just got an update today that my card is in production!!
 
Took exactly a month (put in the request on Sept 10th). Asking the Congressman did not help, as they told me that my application for expedite was rejected. Nevertheless, super excited that my card is here. I can start work at my new company!

Updated the table with Natsusnowy1204's interview date; 10-09-18. Also added Faycher's PD 08-14-18. Ladies and gentlemen, feel free to update the table as you see it. 
 
All the best,
 
USC4SPOUSE

Hello, guys! I have good news, I resend my documents and finally, I got my receipts notice. 
 
Sent: 08/09/2018
Received: 08/13/2018
E-notifications: 08/22/2018
 
Now, I am just waiting for my letters arriving in the mail. 🙏 

Marked . Hopefully we can send out package by next week. Still waiting our certified marriage certificate to be mailed back. Everything else are all set.

Marked . Hopefully we can send out package by next week. Still waiting our certified marriage certificate to be mailed back. Everything else are all set.

Marked . Hopefully we can send out package by next week. Still waiting our certified marriage certificate to be mailed back. Everything else are all set.

Hello, 
 
I was reviewing my AOS packet and while giving a second read to the I-693 instructions something caught my attention.
 
I did my medical in March 2018 and I received a completed Form DS-3025 to include in the application. 
 
My vaccinations record show that I only have one MMR shot, which I received one year after my birth. 
I never received other MMR shots. 
On the day of the medical back in Italy, the Panel Physician determined that I did not need a second one.

However, the blanket waiver section on DS-3025 was left blank. 

I read experiences from other applicants getting an RFE for missing vaccinations  - would that be my case as well? 

I also have with me the results of immunoglobulin blood tests for measles, mumps, and rubella that I took in Italy during my yearly checkup. They show that my immunity levels are high, but I now understand that any test or result from foreign countries will not be valid. 

What are my next steps? Do I really have to contact a civil surgeon and have the medical exam again? 
Is it possible to visit a civil surgeon only to have a second shot and avoid to do the same medical ($$$) test I did 3 months ago? 
 
Thanks
 
 

Nonresident Alien vs. Resident Alien

You are considered a nonresident alien (NRA) unless you meet one of the two tests described next for a resident alien (RA).

You are a RA of the United States for tax purposes if you meet either the green card test or the substantial presence test. Note: this does not mean you are a RA for the entire tax year. In the first tax year in question, unless you established presence on the first day of the year, you would be considered a dual-status alien; RA and NRA for the time before you established presence in the U.S.

Even if you do not meet either of these tests and are considered a NRA, you may be able to choose to be treated as a U.S. resident for tax purposes. Most people will choose to go this route with their spouse because it reduces tax liability when electing to file a joint return.


You have 3 Options for filing your tax return via mail (you cannot e-File):

1. NRA spouse + Filing Separately

You can file a paper return via mail as Married Filing Separately (MFS) and write "NRA" in the SSN/ITIN field for the NRA spouse. You do not need to report anything for your NRA spouse since you are filing separately. This option allows you to file sooner and then later amend to MFJ. Generally speaking, MFS is the least favorable filing status.
SSN/ITIN not needed.

2. NRA spouse + Filing Separately + Spousal Exemption

You can also file Married Filing Separately (MFS) AND claim an exemption for your NRA spouse ONLY IF the NRA spouse has no U.S. source income. Although MFS is generally the least favorable filing status, this option at least allows you to claim the spousal exemption.
SSN/ITIN is needed.

3. Dual-Status/NRA spouse + Filing Jointly

You can choose to treat your dual-status/NRA spouse as a RA for tax purposes for the entire tax year in question. This option allows you to file a joint return (MFJ) and apply all eligible deductions and credits. You would be required to report BOTH spouse's worldwide income. A special election statement needs to be attached to your return indicating this choice. See the following IRS link for how to write the election statement: http://1.usa.gov/1Sw3S7A
SSN/ITIN is needed.


The question of what choice to make depends on which method produces less tax. Generally speaking, MFJ where foreign income is present (or not), should compute to be the most favorable option. With foreign income present, you can apply the more common foreign earned income (FEI) exclusion or foreign earned income (FEI) tax credit so that you do not pay tax twice on the foreign income. (The 2015 FEI exclusion is up to $100,800.)


Re: ITIN application
You may be able to avoid having to send in the passport for your foreign spouse but please read the requirements for the Identity/Foreign Status documents. You may be able to send in a certified copy of the passport but, again, double check. Also, keep in mind, an ITIN application takes approximately 7 weeks to process PLUS another couple weeks to process the tax return.

See this link for the instructions on the W-7 and ID requirements: http://1.usa.gov/1OZHelw

See this link for general info on the W-7 application process: http://1.usa.gov/1NL3CLj



I hope this helps most of you questioning how to file your first year tax return with a dual-status/nonresident spouse.

~Maria


P.S. Mods, please consider pinning this.
IRC Section 6013g NRA Election for RA.pdf

Thank God!
Finally to the end of this journey! my visa is issued after 15 days of Administrative processing after interview.
Hope you all goes well in the following process!

Thank God!
Finally to the end of this journey! my visa is issued after 15 days of Administrative processing after interview.
Hope you all goes well in the following process!

Thank God!
Finally to the end of this journey! my visa is issued after 15 days of Administrative processing after interview.
Hope you all goes well in the following process!

Thank God!
Finally to the end of this journey! my visa is issued after 15 days of Administrative processing after interview.
Hope you all goes well in the following process!

@NaesI thought so that once it changes to NIV AP it will be issued soon. But the situation turns out not really. it has been 12 days since my interview and the CEAC status changed to NIV AP since July 1st which is 4 work days from now. I was not worrying too much until I received an email from embassy as follow:
 
Your visa application is currently under additional administrative processing, and the Embassy is unable to process your case any further until the administrative processing is completed. Although we understand your concern, we are unable to advise you with any degree of accuracy how much longer the processing will take. Your understanding on this matter is highly appreciated. We will return your passport as soon as your processing is complete.
 
I start to feel that it is not a normal AP. it is something additional like I thought. I am a foreigner in JP. I do not know if it is the case or not. I am not from a banned country. 
Everyone any thoughts?