FlyingPan

39 minutes ago, Sardor89 said:

 Hi there. I’m in Chicago Field. I filed my case on March 12. I got my biometric appointment on March 28. And to these days my case status still under review. I was kind of worried and tried to contact with anybody through live chat but I got reply that my case was processing normally and the earliest I can submit questions is July 7 2024 and don’t contact them before that date. And that they’ll notify me if they need any additional information.  I’m worried that my case is somehow got skipped or they forgot my case. Is anyone from Chicago field here in the same situation?

                              Dodoni

I understand your sentiment of feeling 'skipped' as my wife is in the same boat- except with the Los Angeles office.  She had her bio appointment on 3/28, and her case has been sitting in 'being actively reviewed' status ever since.   It's not a good feeling to watch LA office applicants with similar timelines already have their oath ceremony or folks with bio appointments a month after my wife's already have their interview scheduled.    There doesn't seem to be much we can do at the moment, except be patient and wait.  I'm so very grateful we've successfully reached last stages of this process, and can't wait for it to be over permanently...  

Thank you, MariaR323.    I appreciate the feedback and the clarification you're making.  I'll be using Turbo Tax again this year, so paper filing will be my fate this year.   Thanks again!  

Thanks Wouzopo- really appreciate the feedback!

Like many right now, I'm filing for the first time in a K1 situation.  I've read through a lot of threads trying to understand what's required of me to stay on the right side of the law.   I'm seeking a little reassurance that I've interpreted what I've read correctly.  Thanks in advance to those that review/provide guidance.  VJ in general has been a lifesaver in this long, rewarding, and sometimes trying process.

My Situation: 

• My fiance arrived to the US in August 2019 and we married later that month, so she does not pass the substantial presence test.   Currently going through AOS.
• She made Zero income in 2019 (either in the US or her native country).    
• She has her SSN since September 2019

Proposed Tax Filing:

• Based on what I've read in this forum, MFJ  (vs MFS) is likely the way to go to minimize income eligible for taxes by $24K.       
• There's no need to complete IRS Form 2555 as there was no foreign income earned, or alternatively, state on that form $0 income earned.
• Include joint declaration paper letter from my wife and I that we were married at the end of tax year 2019 to be treated as US residents for the entire tax year (per IRC6013 (g))
• Must file via Mail as e-filing in my situation isn't possible (even though personally preferred)

Please let me know if I've missed anything glaring.  Sincere thanks and good luck to all...

I know everyone's experience is different, but I thought I'd add my own here given I was married in LA County last August- 16 days after my wife (then fiance) arrived in country.  We got married at the county office at Norwalk.  They'll give you a temporary marriage certificate that day after it's signed by your 1-2 witnesses.  I immediately used that as proof with my employer to get my wife on my health insurance.  I had previously heard horror stories and long delays about getting the official, certified, permanent marriage certificate in LA, and was nervous about being able to file AOS in a timely manor.   The county clerk I spoke with confidently said that I should have it in 3 weeks.  I really didn't believe it, but 2.5 weeks later, I was very surprised to see an LA County envelope with the certificate in my mailbox.     I'm sure there is some credence to the poor reputation LA County has in turning around marriage certificates, but that was not my experience.    That said, I do think it would be advisable to marry sooner than later after the fiance arrives to give yourself extra time if/when unexpected delays occur.   Good luck!

On 12/5/2019 at 4:37 PM, pasadenagirl said:

anyone who did their biometrics in el monte USCIS here in california? 

I did mine for the second time because they cant read the first one. Did yours in the website of uscis updated the same day? Im just worried because it took them a month before they set for a second appointment. I just wanna make sure it takes time. because they did not ask me to sign again today. Im just wndring if they missed it. I ask the girl a lot of time if there is anything else she said everything is good.

My wife did her biometrics in El Monte last week- 12/4.   Her 485/765 cases were updated on the USCIS website to 'Fingerprint Review Was Completed'  status the next day.  

I flew MNL>ICN>LAX in August with my filipina fiance on K1.   Stayed in ICN terminal for 3 hr layover, and we experienced no issues.  You will be fine!  

I got married in LA County last August.  Only my fiance's passport was required for her to get the license there (1st marriage):  

https://www.lavote.net/home/county-clerk/marriage-licenses-ceremonies/general-info/eligibility

Maybe it varies within California by county, but you should be able to get around having a Drivers License or ID.    My wife has an appointment with the DMV in December.

LA County has a bad reputation for turning around marriage certificates, but ours was received in the mail 3 weeks after the ceremony- not bad.  

Lastly- I agree with the others- get the SSN done early and not later.  Fair chance you may need manual verification- and a lot of people (including my wife) get lost between the DHS and SSA when that happens.  It's good to have the I-94 clock on your side when working through that potential malaise.  

Good Luck! 

October Filers-  Just sharing my submission timeline- AOS mailed via FedEx 10/16, received in Chicago on 10/22, wife received 3 receipt #s via texts late last night (11/6), and check cashed this morning (11/7).    Best of luck to all as we continue this process...

I know OP is looking for a super fast process, but for reference, I was married at the LA County office (Norwalk) in late August.  When I submitted my marriage licence, I scheduled the civil wedding 1.5 weeks later without issue.   On the day of the wedding, we got a temporary marriage certificate.   We were told we'd have the real marriage certificate in 3 weeks.  I didn't believe it, but exactly 3 weeks later,   it showed up in the mail.    

Employment Verification letter is mentioned in I-134 form instructions (Affidavit of Support/ Supporting Evidence section), and as mentioned previously- brought to K-1 interview.   It may or may or may not be asked for on the day of the interview.  

My timeline stated 12/21/18 and NOA2actually was 12/12/18.   When I originally filled out my timeline in the summer, the timeline stated 1/9/19, and I watched it gradually drop over time.   As people here have noted, everyone's situation is different, but I did find it interesting to see how my hypothetical NOA2 date was being projected based on overall timeline trends.    

On 4/7/2019 at 8:25 AM, rollitup said:

My fiances appointment is scheduled for May 14th and I'm planning to get her a place to stay across the street from the embassy. Her appointment time is for 6:45am. If checkout time is 12pm would that be enough time to come back and check out or should I book her an extra day just in case? 

For USEM,  my fiance had her interview on 3/21 and the scheduled time was 710am.  We (I accompanied her) got to the embassy a little before 7.   After 2 rounds of security checks, pre-screen, finger prints, and CO interview, we we're back at our hotel (walking distance) having breakfast around 915am.    The process was very organized.   Everyone's experience is different, but I would think noon hotel checkout should be ample time for the interview process if she's staying across the street.  Good luck!

1 minute ago, Hank_ said:

Yup your got it correct, complete the SS -5 in her maiden name so it matches the I-94 and her passport/visa.   The maiden name on the SS card will not be an issue.

 

Once you complete AOS (I-485) in her married name you can then go back to SS with the green card and marriage certificate to change the name to the married name.  Easy Peasy.

 

Next for your fiancee is getting the CFO sticker then it is flying time!!!

Thank you!

On 3/26/2019 at 4:21 AM, Hank_ said:

Ah .. so you applied using her married name .. SSA checks the SAVE database and that is what they go by for issuing an SSN.  Had you used her maiden name there would not of been an issue.   And no it would not of been a problem using her maiden name.  Once she received either her EAD or Green Card she could then update SSA, which should be done anyway once she receives her green card for sure, as they will issue a new card without the DHS statement of "not valid for employment ..."

Hank- Thanks for your insights (and VisaConnection website) not only on this but throughout this arduous process.  I honestly don't how I would have navigated this 9 month odyssey without the input/help of you and so many people here.  Anyway,  my fiance got visa in hand  this past Saturday (absolutely THRILLED), and I'm thinking about the  sequence of events once she arrives here.  From your  post, it sounds like the Social Security office doesn't care so much of the timing of the marriage versus the notion that the name we submit matches the I-94 and fiance/wife's passport name (even if we submit for SSN after marriage).  Just confirming that I got that right?      

14 hours ago, Commish10 said:

I received an email that says my previously scheduled appt scheduled for March 7, was rescheduled for March 14. However, when I log into the scheduling it still says March 7? Too late to call till Monday.

 

What do you think? I have all kinds of travel arrangements booked for us to be the  March 7.

 

Thanks

In the same boat- was 3/7 till Embassy decided it wasn't.  Now 3/21.  I will be joining my fiance for the interview and am kicking myself for booking  (at the time cheaper) non refundable hotel rates for the week of 3/7.  Between hotel and airfare changes, over $1K lost for arbitrary K1 appt change .   It was a calculated risk, and I busted.   I won't care as long as we're approved.  

Received NOA2 approval today (NOA1 6/27 (old) and 7/2 (new)).   It was of silent variety: hard copy letter in the mail- dated 12/12.  No update on either new or old site.  

9 minutes ago, MikeyM7106 said:

After complaining yesterday I got a silent approval. NOA2 12/7, NOA1 06/19. I think they look through these comments and laugh at us complaining and then update it Haha. 

In that case- I'll chime in  - still waiting patiently (6/27) and praying for a positive result soon.  Congrats to everyone who's gotten the good news so far!

14 minutes ago, Drsmile said:

Okay this goes out to everyone with this kind of Status on their case.

 

I had this status on my case till my petition was finally approved.

 

I was so paranoid and scared thinking that USCIS wouldn't process my case.

 

Not being able to RECEIVE YOUR NOA1 IN THE MAIL DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR PETITION PROCESSING!

 

 

However, I had to change my address to a more reliable destination as the previous address I used was difficult to deliver to.

 

 

I finally received both my NOA1 and NOA2 in the mail on the same day.

 

So do not panic, just ensure your address is valid.

Thank you for the testimonial and assurance, Drsmile!

Not sure my screen shot came through (sorry- I'm a newbie!), so I'm resending attachment in case it's helpful.

9 hours ago, BigWill said:

I just saw about new site and thought i would check that because the old one still says case received as of june 29 and i see this. Has anyone gotten before and does it mean i start back at end of line?

I got something similar, but a little different from the new site (no threat included about discarding petition).  In my case (NOA1 June 27), I didn't initially get my NOA1 hardcopy letter.   In late July, I saw this Undeliverable status, and I assumed this was referring to my NOA1.   I found the USCIS document request site confusing (felt like the site was asking me to tell it what document I was missing versus the other way around), so I called USCIS.  Rep said my case was 'Received' state, and could not tell me what this Undeliverable message was in reference to.  I told him I hadn't received my NOA1, and he told me to wait till Aug 1 and then call back if I hadn't received it- which I didn't.  I eventually called back, and new hardcopy NOA1 was sent on 8/15- which I did receive this time.   

This whole process has me a little paranoid.  On the old site, I'm showing Case is Received.  On new site, status says Document was Returned as Undeliverable.  When I call,  the automated recording says Case is Received.  When I spoke to an actual rep last week, the last update they show is that a document was mailed to me on 8/15  (oddly he couldn't tell me which document had been mailed to me- I guess their system isn't that informative), and case was still in Received state.     Definitely give them a call and see what you can decipher, and let us know what happens.    

I think I just provided my name and WAC case number.     I am the petitioner, so maybe that made a difference.   You could try having your petitioner  call, and see if that helps.    I just recall them insisting it was sent, and to wait longer before calling back- which I did.   After 30 days, they were responsive in sending out a duplicate NOA1.    Good Luck!

This happened to me.  I have an NOA date of 6/27.  I did get a text and email, so I knew they had acknowledged receipt, but I didn't get the actual letter.    I wanted the actual snail mail letter for my own records, so I called  USCIS after 2 weeks.  The USCIS rep said to wait until 30 days passed from NOA1.  I waited and got nothing.  I called back again, and they resent the letter which I finally received about a week later.   

Weeks later, I registered and logged on to the new USCIS site.   I saw an update  waiting for me saying a document relating to my case was attempted to be delivered in July by USPS at the address I provided, and they were unable to do so, so the document was returned to USCIS.  I'm pretty sure this was in reference to my initial NOA1 letter.    Good luck!