Russel1995

Hey guys.  My wife and stepson just got a notice from USCIS,

Theyre reusing their old fingerprints!!!

Makes it easier lol.

14 hours ago, YvetteS said:

 

Extension letter was issued for 48 months. Texas Service Center

☺️

We just got our NOA 1s in the mail today.

I was not expecting the green card extension to be 4 years.

We will take it.

Sent my package last week.

Today the fee went through my debit card and we got our case number, putting us in the Feb 2023 filing club!

Got assigned Nebraska (LIN)

What I sent,

Note all statements and bills are every 3 months from 1st joint statement after marriage until filing.

package was like a dictionary. 🙃

9 minutes ago, Rearviewmirror said:

I'd also maybe go back and edit out you/your spouse's names from this post, so that it isn't on the interwebs forever.

Thanks for the concern. My name is un my username.  And in my timeline.

But I am not to worried about her name nor is she.  Her name is already listed in my Timeline.  Its on our mail box.  Its on facebook.

I am finishing up assembling my wifes I751 petition.

To be sure I'm sending a decent petiton and evidence, posting here for any ideas on what I may have missed while sending in.

Enclosed please find a JOINT I-751 petition for removal of conditions of permanent resident status regarding my wife, Yared Thompson, and her son . Please also find a USCIS form G-1450 authorization of credit card transaction of $765 for this form. My wife entered the US on a K-1 visa and her son entered with her on a K-2 visa. We are all happily living together and request that this petition be accepted for removal of conditions on the residence of my wife and her son.

This package includes the following:

·         USCIS form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transaction

·         USCIS form G-1145, Notification of Petition Acceptance

·         USCIS form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence

The following documents are provided to show evidence of our bonafide marriage,

·         Certificate of marriage, showing Yareds maiden name as it is listed on some of our documents

·         Green card copies of Yared Thompson, and Cristofher Gonzalez Tolentino

·         Copy of Yared’s updated passport showing “Thompson” now listed as married name

·         Minnesota state IDs showing same address (Minneapolis and Brooklyn park are interchangeable)

·         Warranty DEED for our home

·         Homeowners insurance policy with both names listed

·         Joint checking account statements, random from date of marriage to filing.

·         Joint savings account statements

·         BMO Harris auto loan pay off letter, showing both names on the loan.

·         Vehicle registration card showing vehicle registered to both Russell and Yared

·         Vehicle title showing the vehicle in both of our names

·         Car insurance cards with both names listed

·         Last will and Testament of Russell Thompson with Yared listed as the beneficiary

·         Last will and Testament of Yared Thompson with Russell listed as the beneficiary

·         Life insurance policy of Russell, with Yared listed as the beneficiary

·         Work emergency contact list of Yared Thompson

·         Work emergency contact list of Russell Thompson

·         Work beneficiary list of Yared Thompson

·         Work beneficiary list of Russell Thompson

·         401k beneficiaries of Yared Thompson with Russell listed.

·         401k beneficiaries of Russell Thompson with Yared listed

·         IRS letter addressed to both of use about child Tax credit advance

·         Tax return transcripts of 2019, 2020, and 2021 filed jointly by Yared and Russell

·         Dental insurance showing shared plan, Russell as subscriber.

·         Billing account statement from Xfinity mobile showing both of our names on the same Xfinity mobile plan.

·         CenterPoint energy (Gas) statement showing both of our names on the utility bill\

·         Photos of the whole family on vacations and trips we have been on

o    Photo, June 2022 at Deaf/HH family camp for Noah

o    Photos, July 2022 at Wisconsin Dells

o    Photos from several birthdays for the kids

o    Photos from some holidays

·         Signed affidavits from family

o    Photo of Yared with the individual who made the affadavit

18 hours ago, Genzo10 said:

Is one visit enough knowing that a visit is scheduled after she sent the I-129?

I visited my fiancée in US and we have got engaged there and i came back in France. She will come visit here soon, do the consulate will take the proofs as she came here visit my family?

 

Thank you all

Texhnically.  the only requirement for the I129F filing is that you at least met once within the past 2 years.

Now although that is the only requirement, it is highly recommended to get as many visits in prior to the interview.  There is never "too many" visits.

My wife and I had 3 visits prior to filing.  And around 10 prior to her interview

As for the spousal visa 

17 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

If you can visit the US, why opt for a K-1?  A spousal visa is far superior.  Visiting after filing is allowed at the discretion of CBP.

Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.

K-1        
    More expensive than CR-1    
    Requires Adjustment of Status after marriage (expensive and requires a lot of paperwork)    
    Spouse can not leave the US until she/he receives approved Advance Parole (approx 6-8 months)    
    Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 6-8 months)    
    Some people have had problems with driver licenses, Social Security cards, leases, bank account during this period    
    Spouse will not receive Green Card for many months after Adjustment of Status is filed.
    A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire
  

CR-1
    Less expensive than K-1    
    No Adjustment of Status(I-485, I-131, I-765) required.    
    Spouse can immediately travel outside the US    
    Spouse is authorized to work immediately upon arrival.    
    Spouse receives Social Security Card and Green Card within 2 or 3 weeks after entering the US    
    Opening a bank account, getting a driver's license, etc. are very easily accomplished with GC, SS card, and passport.

    Spouse has legal permanent Resident status IMMEDIATELY upon entry to US.
   

 

 

I see this posted alot... and it seems to be highly skewed to favor the spousal visa..

K1 visa benefits include:

Less upfront costs, Which allows 2 years to save up for the visa fees, and adjustment of status while the petitin goes through USCIS

No need to rush into a marriage on the 1st or 2nd visit for new couples.  Far easier to withdraw a petition than have to withdraw a petition and deal with a international divorce...

Doesnt require vaccines upfront.  Can wait and get them in the US using your fiances medical insurance after marriage, if not already vaccinated.  This alone saved my wife and I a couple hundred.

If it were me.. As it was.  If i havent at least known the individual for a couple years, k1 is the way to go.  The big benefit is no rushing into a marriage.

If the couple has been talking and visiting for a couple of years, then filing for a spoual visa probably is better.  Also because they would more likely issue a IR1 visa if married for 2 years prior to visa issuance, which means no removal of conditions.

7 hours ago, GringoHombre said:

Got the visa today after ~9 days (hough my Fiancé also tested positive for her COVID test so her return is a bit up in the air at the moment  

 

Will do TBoneTX

Before you come to the US.  Make sure to grab plenty of copies of important documents such as birth certificates, divorce certificates, (if needed), or anything else.   I had my wife grab 5 copies of her Birth certificate for her and her son.

Copies are alot cheaper in Mexico than getting copies from a Mexican consulate here in the US.  As well, never know when you can make a trip back to Mexico.  My wife's "HS diploma" equivalent is still there which has caused some issues proving education for jobs here in the US.  Luckily my employer allowed her to skip that requirement and just present it when we can get it.

On 7/14/2021 at 4:53 PM, GringoHombre said:

Does anyone have an idea what the turnaround time is after the interview for getting the visa?  Need to make sure my fiancé has accommodations during that time. Not sure if you can pick it up from the embassy when ready or have to wait until it is shipped to you.

Oh wow.

Thats cool your interview was in Mexico City.  When my wife did her k1, all Immigrant visas and K1 visa interviews were through Jurauz.  Mexico city would've been so much easier and $$$ saving  🤣

My wife lived in Pachuca, about 2 hours from Mexico city.. Would've saved on hotel costs, and plane tickets. 😅

they mustve started doing those interviews in Mexico city to help avoid a significant backlog during covid.

My wife, when she had her K1 interview in Jurauz in August 2019, was able to pick up her visa within 7 days.

You can pick up your passport and visa at the applicant support office, in the corner of the little plaza next to the consulate.

My wife's k1 visa was ready on the 2nd day.  We had scheduled our stay in Juarez for another 2 weeks after her interview. 🤣

Interview: 8/27/2019

Visa in hand: 8/30/2019

Left jurauz Sept. 9th  (if I recall correctly)

If you plan to pick it up, play it safe and expect a longer wait and be happy if it's quick like my wife's.

Her status didn't update online immediately, there was another couple in the hotel who mentioned their visas were ready and their interview was after my wife's.  So we called to ask about her visa and were informed they were ready to be picked up and the status updated 5 minutes after the call.

I would bring what you have.

If he was unemployed in 2019, did you guys also fill out the information in the i864 for assets?

If his assets and possibly your foreign assets meet the requirements to make up for the lack of income.. You should be good.

I'd bring a letter showing proof of none-filining of the 2020 return (can be printed from your IRS account) along with he other documents you mentioned.

If you used the assets, you should be good with the documents you provided in the i864.

Obviously bring a copy of everything for If it's needed.

My wifes interview was on April 12th.  It was approved and we got her greencard later that week.

My stepson case status (age 6, age 4 when filed) also was approved and we got the approval notice in the mail that also stated we should get his greencard within 30 days.  On day 30 we got a USCIS letter for a biometrics appointment for his i485

He did his biometrics for his i485 in Nov. 2019.  Any idea why theyd want a second?  Especially if they already approved the greencard?

Is it normal for biometrics to have to be done again???

His interview was waived on the 12th by the officer interviewing my wife.

5 hours ago, H.Angy said:

You will need evidence to show that your marriage is still in place and that you two are together. The evidence for AOS is not needed anymore.

 

The evidence we brought of our relationship to the AOS is still very much evidence of a bona-fida marriage..

It was the Interviewing officer who instructed us to send the evidence we brought with in our i751 packet along with any additional evidencewe aquire between now and when we file.

Note for AOs we had Home deed, joint bank accounts, joint credit cards, joint insurance, beneficiary "statements,...

Last I checked they want to see a bona-fide marriage, and not just proof forthe 3 months prior to filing i751.. but evidence since married wich would pre-date AOS.

With the approval if my wifea Conditional greencard from AOS, what evidence should we keep to be filed with the i751 when that time comes?

I'm certain we will provide the same evidence we brought to the AOS interview.. But what should we be sure to keep records of to send in aside from what we've already submitted at the AOS interview?

As well, any idea how common I751 interviews are?

You do not file the affidavit with the I129f.

You will complete the affidavit preferably within 30 days of your fiances interview.  They will then bring the completed affidavit along with all supporting docs to the interview.

The Interviewing officer may request to see it or they may not ask for it.  My wife wasn't asked for it but that is a rarer occurrence.

My wifes AOS was approved after a 1.5 hour interview.

Majority of that interview was the IO reorganizing ALL of my wifes immigration documents from the i129f to the evidence we brought in. (I could see all the papers he was pulling out of the binder lol)

Best of luck to anyone still waiting for their interview!!

Hopefully we will have the ROC interview waived.  IO said there is probably a good chance if we submit the right evidence, like what we brought in. But obviously not up to him.

My wifes status changed inmediatly after the interview to "case must be reviewed"

Actually changed DURING the interview..  It changed at 1:08pm April 12th and we got done with our interview around 1:20pm.  The IO stated he thinks the case will be approved and if it was up to him it would be.

The next day the status changed to "new card is being produced".  Then later that night on April 13th it changed to "Approved"

7 hours ago, kev and julia said:

Ah I see. So I go directly to the Mexico consulate website.  Does this place look right to you?

 

https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-mx/niv

 

Thank you for the help.

 

 

In mexico, the K1 applicant has access to schedule their own interview.  You can schedule it about 90 days out immediately, and if you check weekly you can easily bump that up 30-45 days.

Just keep checking the schedule daily/weekly.  If people cancel they'll open up new slots.

12 minutes ago, Russel1995 said:

Don't sweat it.

 

 

That's a minor mistake compared to what I did in my wifes I129f and can probably be easily fixed on the ds160

 

 

I misspelled her sons name, and forgot his 2nd last name.

 

 

To fix it I wrote a letter explaining the mistake, made a copy of the NOA1, and sent a corrected i129f page to USCIS.   For her country the envelope recieved after the k1 interview had a corner cut in the packet.  I saw my letter for the correction inside the packet

 

This is the post I made after I realized the mistake.  NOBODY gave me a answer on it so I I it my way and it obviously worked. 😅

 

 

 

Note: with your mistake you probably can leave it for the ds160 to fix it.

Or you could write a letter and explain the error, and include a copy of the NOA1.  I dont think the mistake is major enough to justify a full corrected i129f page. 😅

Don't sweat it.

That's a minor mistake compared to what I did in my wifes I129f and can probably be easily fixed on the ds160

I misspelled her sons name, and forgot his 2nd last name.

To fix it I wrote a letter explaining the mistake, made a copy of the NOA1, and sent a corrected i129f page to USCIS.   For her country the envelope recieved after the k1 interview had a corner cut in the packet.  I saw my letter for the correction inside the packet

This is the post I made after I realized the mistake.  NOBODY gave me a answer on it so I I it my way and it obviously worked. 😅

If your husband has a SSN, he can get a joint bank account ...  Id think that the refusing to add him to your account due to status would be discrimination.

Another thing you could do is save some mail such as bills to show a shared address, IDd with the same address would be best.  As well fill out the emergency contact info in your passport with each others info.

If you have a 401k, stocks, life insurance, Get a copy of the beneficiaries for all accounts if he is listed as the beneficiary.

I do think that joint bank account would be significant in your case.

My wifes and our interview is next Monday, April 12th.

What shoukd we expect?

We do have everything ready... 

For relationship evidence we have:

1. Warranty deed for the house.

2. Joint checking account statement.

3. IRS 2020 joint tax transcripts.

4. Copies of 4 joint credit cards.

5. Copies of shared Health insurance cards.

6. Car insurance with both our names.

7. Copy of home insurance with our names.

8. Cell phone bill with both our names.

9. Gas bill with our names.

10.  Anniversary hotel + gift receipts.

11.  Photos of family holiday gatherings.

We also set up a translator by phone for the interview, 60 minutes as my wife speaks Spanish and has limited English. She can understand and read Spanish fine, but needs more practice speaking it.

Again, what should we expect in the interview?

Read the reviews for any interview here for any immigration benefit.

Stressful interviews are more than common, and many are still approved.  I think it's just a technique used to squeeze out confessions or cause people to fear and slip up.

If you marry within the 90 days but file for AOS after the 90 days.. that is fine, but you are still in the US unlawfully until the AOS is filed.

As others have stated, if you marry after the 90 days, you must also file the I130 with the i485.  But you will still be out of status until that I485 + I130 is filed, and accepted.

I recall a thread on here where a woman was taken into DHS custody during a traffic stop.  She entered on a k1 visa, married within 90 days, but never yet filed the AOS.  She was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.  DHS won't come knocking on your door, but a mishap of events could end unfavorably for you until that AOS and I130, if required,  is filed.

Ethnicity, age gap, distance... Does not matter.

What matters is the legitimacy of the marriage.  Now if I moved to another state and the move was final, I would hope a legit spouse would also move.  A new job can be obtained.. a change of address couldve been filed.. 

How in 7 years did you only manage to file joint tax returns with a joint bank account?  There wasn't any leases with you listed?  No way to prove a shared residence?  Emergency contact info listing the other spouse? Health insurance? Family photos at holidays?

I dont want to sound rude or judge.. but if I was a IO, I'd be concerned about approving the case especially after not showing for a interview.  If one of our immigration cases even went 1 day past the normal processing, we'd be pounding USCIs to get the case moving in all possible forms.

Your case needs a lawyer.  I wish you luck and try to find MORE evidence of a legitimate marriage.  The evidence you do have sounds like it may be lacking for a couple who's been married nearly 10 years.

Again, best of luck and get a consultation from a lawyer and list all the facts of the case