Carole Joëlle

I would go to a local credit union b/c there are no monthly fees for a checking account.

Credit Unions are the way to go.  They are always much more friendly than the big banks are.

USCIS won't expedite without a signed job offer from the company employing you. 
 
You can definitely interview without having your EAD and explain to the hiring company that if successful, can they supply with with a signed offer letter and you will initiate the process ASAP. 
 
I did this and was successfully hired and got my EAD within a few weeks. Good luck!! 

Literally same days only we were early 2 days
Happy working?? LOL

October 2 - Arrived from Philippines to USA.
October 12 - Wedding.
October 15 - Sent App for I-485 & I-765.
November 13 - Biometrics.

Year 2019
January 7 - Called to request expedite.
January 8 - Received email with necessary info.
January 9 - Fax the Cover Letter, Job Letter, & copy of info they sent in the email
January 16 - Got a notification. Site says 'New Card is being produced'.
January 17 - Got a notification. Site says 'Case is approved'.
January 22 - Received the EAD in the mail.
 
It's pretty cool where they give you a tracking number and an ETA.
 
More info here: https://marecaranne.blogspot.com/2019/01/ead-expedite.html

Not an issue: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/international-travel-a-permanent-resident

@Delta7 I think the CO might've looked at this as desperation to come to the US because why would they go to Georgia when Yekaterinburg in Russia is currently open for tourist visa interviews and has a wait time of 1-2 months? See for yourself:
 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
 
So there's no reason to "wait it out" for Moscow. Just have them go to Yekaterinburg. I know someone who recently applied for a B visa there and was approved.

I'm not sure if all this is stemming from my comment, but I was pointing out the recent "extra" security the administration wants to place on high overstay rated countries (that already face high scrutiny and denial rates as Susie mentioned).
 
Wasn't trying to step on anyone's toes, just give new insight on current events that influence what was already said.

1) Golden rule: Don't purchase tickets before the visa is in hand.
2) Plane tickets and a flight itinerary don't prove somebody intends to return home. Other than those who entered by land (legally or not), nearly everybody who has overstayed had a return ticket.

You making purchases for them will go against their claim for them having string ties. If the own a business and doing well like you stated, it should be reflected as so. You buying them tickets looks like they may be reliant on you.
 
 
The realization is that there are countless people who never get the chance to visit the US. It is not crazy, it is simply a realization in life. Some people have things when others don't.
 
Point being, there are over 2 billion people in the world that don't have access to proper sanitation like in-home plumbing and clean water. That is 2 billion with a "b". To me, that is more crazy than someone not getting a visitor visa to another country.
 
But the most important thing is the options you have. Although it may not be what you wanted, you still have the option to visit your parents. And as we have seen on here, there are people stuck in the US who don't even get that option.

It looks they're trying to beat the system, to get around the one year wait time in Russia they go to a nearby country for an interview.  It makes them look desperate to get to the US and willing to cut corners and not wait like everyone else, this could have made the IO be suspicious of their intent.  They have a daughter in the US who used a temporary visa to stay permanently.  Look at the totality of the facts from the IO's perspective, and you can clearly see why their applications were refused.  They can try again, this time in Russia, it might help if they try from their home country, but in the long run be prepared to go and visit them if they are never able to get a visa.

Valid points, I appreciate the feedback. Yeah, I've been reading a few today, and our first initial reaction this morning when we found out was shock and thought that it was a mistake or her parents did something wrong. I didn't know tourist visas refusal rates were as high as they are. 

That's really the only thing we can think of. To be completely honest, we wanted to do the K1 Visa application that summer (2017) but literally as we were filing out papers and doing research, Trump and Putin began their peeing contest closing each others consulates. So we didn't want to risk a scenario where it took > 3 years for a process that was under 1 before. 

Hi I think as long as you don’t get paid I think it’s ok. 

Hi hi, I didn't find any thread regarding May 2019 AOS filers so I figured out I create one for those who are filing this month. I mailed my AOS package yesterday with FedEx and USCIS Chicago Lockbox received in on 1 May, 10am. Hope I can get my NOA1 soon!

In about a week or so, assuming you won't get lost in Lockbox Limbo, you should get paper NOA1 for I-485, I-131, and I-765. We got 3 of those but apparently some only get 2, with I-765 and I-131 being combined. A week or so after that you should get NOA for biometrics, that will cover both I-485 and I-765 (should be 2 bard codes on that form) You do not need to do appointment yourself, it will be made for you, and date is printed on that biometric notice. Having said that, some were successful in doing "walk ins" for biometrics before their official appointment date (We did 10 days earlier walkin) 
 
After that, assuming no RFIE/RFE, you enter long wait while your form I-485 and I-765 enter a derby race. I-765 and I-131 are processed at NBC with everyone else, while I-485 processed locally near where you live. For some people it means their I-485 will "win" the race which obsoletes I-765 and I-131. For others, I-485 will lag behind, and those folks will get their EAD card first. Current VJ projected timeline for EAD is about 3-5 months. I-485 is all over the place depending on your local processing center.
Hope this helps.

Thank you so much!!!! I really didnt know how was the process. Youve been very helpful. Wao I live in Vermont haha not too many People hopefullly that means it wont take too long 😅 goood luckkkkk 

Just a reminder, in some states (I know for sure AZ and TX) the driver license will have the same expiration as the immigration document shown to prove legal status. That means that if you use a visa with a short expiration date, such as a K-1, you will have to renew your license in a matter of months. 

There is absolutely no issue with driving, assuming you can work your way through your state specific maze to get DL. I do not believe there is any issue with training either as long as it is not internship type thing. E.g. you are not taking a spot that someone who could be paid could occupy. 

Received NOA in mail today dated April 23. The cheque was processed April 24. To those still waiting, I hope you hear something soon!

🌸🥳Helloo everybody, just wanna let you know that I received my visa on 28th February, and departed from Yaounde, Cameroon, on March 1st. Port of entry was Chicago, everything went very well, it's quick. I am now living in Michigan, upper peninsula, since 1 month! 🤭. Matt and I are planning the wedding in 2or 3 weeks. I am happy to read how everyone's process is going well;Thank you to you all for support and guidance 😉, especially @Greenbaum😊

It's been 323 days since we mailed our I-129F and on Tuesday my fiance was APPROVED in Juarez! I'm feeling so thankful for this community-we would have been completely lost in navigating this process without you guys!

Been here since last Nov. I still can't get a DL here in NC because my visa is expired and I don't yet have EAD or green card. Unfortunately in most states it's just another sacrifice you have to make to be with your loved one. 

i was married in michigan twice and neither time was i asked for a SS number just needed birth certificate and picture id. Both marriages were quite a few years ago but i believe it hasnt changed since then. Thye were both in Wayne county in the Detroit area.

hey there,
when we looked into it we didnt need a SSN, which part of Michigan are you in, im moving to central Michigan.
I will look through my emails I think my lawyer mentioned something about being able to get married without it, you apply for all that once you are married. I will check through everything.. sorry not much help