bird&bear

We were married about a year before my husband did POE. But we'd been in a relationship for about 4 years before we got married, and we lived together in his country (with both our names on the lease) for 2 of those years. Not sure if all that is relevant--just providing some additional context in case it's helpful. 😊

We're approved! Filed Dec 2021, biometrics Jan 2022, no interview, approved May 2023. We received two extension letters during the interval. Update says we should be receiving approval notice in the mail within a couple weeks. 

We're also CR1. We didn't file for N-400 though. 
 
Got my fingers crossed for you! 

Thanks! No N-400 for us, weirdly!

We're approved! Filed Dec 2021, biometrics Jan 2022, no interview, approved May 2023. We received two extension letters during the interval. Update says we should be receiving approval notice in the mail within a couple weeks. 

I am wondering if MSC is starting to issue the GC without interview? I got approved on March 14 even though it stated my case was ready for interview. I did call them over a month before asking for the status. Maybe calling them flagged the case and they decided to approve it. 
 
It is hard to believe that would have caused the approval being over a month since I called, but who knows. All I know is it as approved just one month before 2 years. I originally filed in April 2021. 
 
I was a bit shocked to be approved given that that MSC is a shoe in for an interview. Anyway, just wanted to update and find if there are similar MSC folk now experiencing approval without interview.

@paret3169 We got a 48 month extension letter today as well! We're MSC.

@paret3169 We got a 48 month extension letter today as well! We're MSC.

Just received my 10-year Green card today. Here is the timeline of my case:
 
02/01/2021     Case Received by USCIS 
03/08/2021     I-797 NOA Letter Received 
08/27/2021     Biometric Appointment Done 
11/10/2021     Case Ready To Be Scheduled For Interview 
12/13/2021     24 Month Letter Received 
 
01/24/2023     Called USCIS For I-551 Stamp
01/25/2023     Missed 1st Attempt Call (They left voice message saying they will call me again, but I didn’t get any calls from them since then.)
 
02/18/2023     New Card Is Being Produced 
02/21/2023     Case Approval Notice Sent
02/24/2023     Card Was Mailed to Me 
02/25/2023     Card Was Delivered/48 Month Letter Delivered too
 
Field Office: Orlando
Receipt Number Starts With MSC
 
Seems like interview waiving is happening. I’m not sure if me calling them to request the stamp has anything to do with triggering the process moving forward or not. I do find it a bit strange that they sent me the 48 month letter at same time with green card. 
Waiting for sure gets frustrating sometimes. I hope this helps a little bit and gives whoever in the same situation some hope. 
 

Because at least in some cases the use of the attorney is optional, meaning, you don't HAVE to have one. 
But you DO need to fill out these forms if you want to stay here legally.

Yes, that is the idea.   Whether that translates from theory to practice is to be seen.

Here's my experience flying from Paris CDG to San Francisco SFO recently with extension letter.
 
The airline I flew was United. The mobile check in required uploading passport and other documents in their Travel Ready Center. I decided not to bother with it and just showed to the check in desk. It appears that some passengers who checked in using Travel Ready Center still had to wait in line (pointless).
 
While in the line for the check in, a security person came around with machine for reading passports. He swiped my European passport, started looking for visa, at which point I presented my expired Green Card. He swiped it through the machine too. I had my extension letter ready, which I immediately presented. He referred to his colleague and showed him the extension letter. The whole procedure took about 45 seconds.
 
Once I approached check in desk, had to present my passport and GC again. I had extension letter ready in my hands, and the airline agent only asked: "Is this 12 months extension letter?" To which I answered it was 24 months. She did not bother looking at it.
 
At SFO, I headed to Global Entry line. It was surprisingly long but moved fast. 
 
First, I needed to go to the kiosk. There were two types. The first few were new, with facial recognition. They said something like "Touch to begin". The older were a bit further and they had message similar to "Scan your document to begin".
 
I quickly realized the ones requiring docs may not work correctly with expired GC, so I went to the facial recognition one. Took few seconds to align face, take a picture. It printed receipt with my photo and details (name, nationality etc). With this receipt, I proceeded to CBP, who only briefly (2 seconds) looked at my GC and let me through. I didn't have to present my extension letter at this point.
 
Overall, the process was easy and painless.
I think the following things helped:
1. I had all documentation, and unexpired extension letter.
2. I had TSA precheck and Global Entry
3. The travel was with a big US airline
4. The travel was between major airports
5. The facial recognition GE kiosk was available and used by me.
 
Safe travels everybody!
 
 
 
 
 

Crazy drama today, traveling with expired green card and 24mnth extension. Destination Mexico, delta airlines wouldn’t let me checkin and verified at the airport because per agent on phone escalated to “Mexico no longer accepts extension letter for entry of us permanent residents”. My heart sank they told me nearest Mexican consulate would be able to help grant me visa in one day. 
 
luckily, I have a valid Canadian visa in my passport. With that visa delta completed the legibility criteria and allowed m to checkin and board. 
 
once in Mexico, they just looked at my expired green card and extension letter stamped my passport. Was done with immigration in less than 5 minutes.
 
worked out in the end but just thought I’d caution fellow travelers …now back to the margaritas  

Got my stepdaughter's approval today! Filed DEC 2021, got an RFE in NOV 2022, replied two days later, and just got the "New Card" update... all in November! And they processed the I-751 in less than a year.
 
She came in on a CR visa and her I-751 interview was waived... so it appears the interview waivers are definitely real. However, she is <14 y/o and her mom's I-751 was approved without interview in JULY 2022, so that may have made things a bit easier.
 
With that said our immigration journey is done for the next 10 years (unless someone wants to file an N-400... which my happen)!!
 
BIG THANKS to all the members on here for all the wisdom, reports, and advice. 

I was in your shoes in December 2017. I was in my early 20s, originally from what you call “third world country,” an international student in China for many years. I also met a special American guy and wanted to visit him in the US. I was 8 months away from graduating from my college and I also had good intentions and no desire to overstay my B-2 visa and become without status in the US. I went to Beijing after thorough preparation, I spent lots of money for the trip and the interview and I was denied on the spot. I wasn’t even asked ONE question. I was denied within one minute of my interview. All I said was, “Hi! How are you?!” The Consul smiled and said, “I’m doing great! How are you?” But all she saw was a young woman from a low income country with no strong ties to her country of origin (no house, no employment, no husband, no kids, etc.) and she just denied me immediately. I brought lots of evidence and none of it was requested. 
 
Truth is consulates and embassies are harsh. People mostly get denied and approval rates are low for someone as young as you. The only people from my country who I know were approved for B visas were mostly people in their 40s who had history of travel to Europe and other high income countries, had a huge family back home and stable long term jobs.
 
I have no doubt that your intentions are pure and you don’t plan to cheat, but Consuls don’t give out visas based on promises. They look at facts. Being 1.5 years away from graduating is not enough.
 
In my opinion, you’re being a little over confident by thinking you have high chances of getting a B visa in your current position. It is highly unlikely that you will succeed. 
 
@Powerpuff gave you wonderful advice. Thailand is a beautiful destination and the best shot for you to see your boyfriend soon. I’m sure you can’t wait to see him anyway.
 
After your vacation together, your partner can submit I-129F and the wait for K-1 begins. 
 
I was crushed after my B-2 denial and I ended up graduating, going back home and asking my partner to move to my country of origin, so that we can date some more and live together before getting engaged. 
 
We are now happily married in the US and all is well. 
 
I wish you all the luck in the world! I truly hope you and your partner will see each other soon! I know the pain of long distance well. 
 
Warmly, 
aurelius22
 

Nah, if your marriage (or anyone’s) has ripples, it’s not because of USCIS. 
If you’re a LPR it’s not like they can deport you if you don’t get in trouble. And there are circumstances you should absolutely avoid, like a DUI or a DV charge, but not just because of immigration, it’s because LIFE. I have a pending 751 and I’m able to live my life and do pretty much everything (except voting and applying for certain jobs and loans and whatnot)
Please point us to ONE Hacking video where he says so. I watch his shows every single day.

I have no evidence at all to even suggest something so sinister.

But it's not like an LPR can be kicked out of the US just like that? I understand that being a USC is the 'safest' situation to be in, but it would take a lot to strip a LPR of their status. I am the immigrant (my husband is the USC) and yes, the fact that is takes so long is annoying for sure, but I am not living in fear of getting my LPR status taken away or anything. I am doing everything he does (except for voting or applying for a job at USCIS for example), so I am not feeling like I have to be super alert about something. 
 
 
 
 

This is so sad. I just can't believe they're doing this to people, especially ones that have no intention to stay.
Just to be clear - I know it sounded like from my last responses that I intend to help my dad immigrate here, but that's not the case. I am just looking for any possible way for him to come see his grandson. It's frustrating

Lucky you get to fix another mistake: do NOT send any originals! Submit only copies at this stage and you will send originals to your Fiancée to carry to the Consular Interview. 
 
No worries, it should be rejected and back to you in 2 weeks or less

I can not believe how this thread has progressed. I feel like I should apologize to the OP for the unacceptable tone in this thread and am considering advising her to post in the VAWA megathread, even though she is not a VAWA case. But it appears to be the only place on VJ that is moderated to support victims of abuse rather than interrogate them.
 
Again there is nothing in the law that states she was required to come to the US to be with the husband. And before everyone tears apart that awkwardly worded sentence- the ir visa requires you to first have the US citizen or LPR file the 130 establishing the relationship. There is then the interview at the Embassy in which a decision is made and the visa issued.  Thats it. There is no follow-up determination. There are no requirements to live with your spouse. 
 
For the CR one would have to file ROC. But as we all know divorce is not a reason for ROC denial, hence the routinely approved divorce waiver filings. 
 
People here are getting caught up in the idea that her entering on the visa, which was properly approved and issued, must be wrong because morally they disagree with it. 
 
Again the visa was issued properly. There no fine print stating what you must do afterwards. It doesn't get revoked if things changed between it being issued or endorsed at POE. It can be stopped during that period if the petitioner requested such, but it wasn't. The relationship does NOT need to still be intact at POE. Im sorry if people disagree with such but thats how it is. 
 
I understand people think they are trying to help by connecting dots in a devils advocate fashion to show how a case 'could be' brought against her. But thats not how it works. The 'dots' being used are N/A. And then the comments suggesting she better not get involved in a new relationship! Wow.
 
Dig through the forums and find the postings by the user kkk1. He had a very similar story. He entered on an IR. Never lived with his spouse. Has since remarried and obtained citizenship with zero issue. He still checks in with the forums with updates and to express his gratitude for the support he received,  although under a new user name. 
 
This whole idea that the OP has done something wrong is very disheartening to read. Things change. She didn't obtain the visa under false pretenses. And this whole idea that well we don't know that, and it looks suspicious is nonsense.  Separation or divorce after the benefit was issued can be an indicator of bad intentions but it is not enough on it's own.  You all know this. So what else is there that could be considered 'a dot' to connect. 
 
She seems to have ample evidence of it being an unhealthy relationship. And this thread reads as people saying well you knew it was bad so you must have intentionally stayed for the benefits. Textbook victim blaming.  Its appalling.  

OP, don't take what you perceive to be harsh comments to heart.
 
The community at VJ is a robust one.  The best Quality Assurance team there is, when it comes to immigration.  If it feels posters are trying to break you, they're really just trying to make sure your case is solid and that you won't have any difficulties down the road.  They poke holes, not to question you necessarily, but to prepare you for whatever questions you may get.  Consider it 'friendly fire'.
 
I wish you the best.  Your situation is not an easy one, but you'll navigate it just fine.

Unless, your extension letter expires.....then you can't travel or produce evidence of status until you get an ADIT stamp......that is a period of "limbo", too.

Oregon (Portland specifically) chiming in here. My husband was able to use his extension letter when he transfered his California DL to an Oregon DL when we moved states in March of this year. Zero hassle. The DMV guy had to make a bunch of photocopies but seemed completely unbothered and told us they see these all the time. 

Oregon (Portland specifically) chiming in here. My husband was able to use his extension letter when he transfered his California DL to an Oregon DL when we moved states in March of this year. Zero hassle. The DMV guy had to make a bunch of photocopies but seemed completely unbothered and told us they see these all the time.