TandSarahJane

14 hours ago, Lizzady said:

Did anyone receive their EAD without any online updates/status changes?

Sort of. MyUSCIS (the one you sign in to view updates) had no update at all. The "old case status site" egov (the one you just put a case number into) had an update for EAD approval, and then 2 days later a USPS tracking number. No emails or SMS notifications were sent.

7 hours ago, paulmit said:

Does anyone know if you need to change your social security card after you receive a green card?

I used to work for university when I was a student, so I have a social security card but it has VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION on it. Do I need to change my social security card to one that doesn't have those words? Thank you!

No, your SSN is yours for life. Even if you have a new card issued, it will have the same number and still have the DHS statement on it. 

EAD / AP approved yesterday!

Today we started the request to expedite GC on humanitarian (medical) grounds.

Not sure if you saw this article in your googling.... It is from 2016, about how SLC was ramping up data sharing with other governments and hiring recovery agencies abroad to enforce repayment.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3442862/Graduates-abroad-avoid-paying-student-loans-tracked-debt-collectors-legal-clampdown.html

39 minutes ago, Loo1 said:

So crappy and frustrating, especially since it’s not needed and we had it at the interview. 
We just advise anyone going for the interview to either ask about the DS3250 or insist they take a copy of it 

Probably worth reporting to the Ombudsman's office. If that gets no traction, then the DHS IG.

And take care of your medical... good luck!

We found a few other people that live nearby in the same/similar situation and common heritage, so maybe a few times a month they will get together and go shopping, take a baking class, try a new restaurant, or other adventure to get out and socialize.

Sometimes we are able to travel together for business trips or commingle a modest sightseeing adventure.  Those have been quite fun and have added quite a bit to our photo album.

After you get married it's not a bad idea to go see the docs and start building your medical files here in the USA.... not exactly exciting but the medical systems in the USA are probably different from what you are accustomed to.

Take classes online or self-paced learning is also something to keep your mind going strong and maybe pick up new skills for personal/professional development.

Right now we are cresting 6 months of waiting for EAD.

Just now, Irush93 said:

Lol, no there have been people saying they ask for expedite due to financial hardships. So I was curious if that still requires a job offer. It seems that's not the case though. 

It really depends on the individual circumstances.  If you are well inside the "normal processing time", then they will almost 100% ask for documentation to include a job offer letter.  Otherwise, you'd have couples like us just complaining to expedite because the ride-share costs and grocery deliveries are adding up and we want the EAD/SSN so we can get a drivers license, etc.  Other people have very real situations like sudden medical disability, etc. that put the working spouse at a reduced earning along with increased medical debts, etc.  those probably would not require a current job offer because their circumstances are already very real.  Like anything, they won't base decisions on what you're thinking of doing someday, but what is real and current.

11 minutes ago, Lizzady said:

I'm sorry, the unknown sucks. Where are you located? I'm in Long Island NY, my notices came from The national Benefits center. 

10 minutes ago, payxibka said:

Minneapolis.   I'm thinkin 100 more days before we hear anything about an interview 

We are with you - our 1st bio date was in September and that's it.

56 minutes ago, Irush93 said:

Hey all!

 

I am just looking to see if there have been any approved EAD expedite for financial hardships without a job offer.

 

Are you referring to successful expedite for "Please just work faster"?  Yeah no, I think everyone falls into that criteria. Especially ones that have been waiting quite a few months longer.

When you get to month 7 and request it they haven't been asking for much/any justification.

For what it's worth, this is not the first time USCIS has taken some type of action that cites a requirement for a certified english translation of a birth certificate from the UK, and the birth certificate was included in the original submission and subsequently "misplaced". The other VJ members that reported similar situations were March/April filers if I am not mistaken.

If it's any consolation, it also appears that USCIS tends to correct their mistake after review of the service request.  Usually it takes about a week or so.

5 minutes ago, Mrs Stefano said:

Does this only apply to future spouses? I have known a few CR1/IR1’s who weren’t allowed to be added on their spouse’s insurance until the immigrant has an SSN

5 minutes ago, geowrian said:

It applies to anybody.

If somebody was denied coverage due solely to a lack of SSN, it was done improperly.

Sometimes the HR departments don't know what to do and you have to pleasantly insist that they figure it out, or speak with their management.

Sounds to me like the adjudicator made an error in sending you the RFIE or there is a mistake on your paperwork that you need to address.  They are human...

I would recommend reviewing your copy of what was submitted for any errors (such as question 36.... I am a () US Citizen () LPR ) and if that is correct, then walk the adjudicator through the rules that an LPR can file an I-130 and that you do not fall under the exclusion criteria listed on page 2 of the instructions.

51 minutes ago, DaveAndSmey said:

I have open enrollment at my work this month.  Do they require she be here and have a SS# to be added to my insurance?? 

Just for future reference no, your future spouse does not need to have an SSN to be added to employer insurance after you get married in the USA.  A fair number of K1 entrants are having issues getting SSNs after arrival, our situation included.  

Also, that marriage date is your "qualifying event" so you would change your health coverage at that time, usually you have 30 days to send that update and notify the company of the qualifying event.

Lastly, if your future wife's culture is "not one to go to the doctor unless you're seriously ill" or she did not have much access to care, you may consider some proactive doctor visits after you have her covered on your policy.

This is a little confusing. What was the path that you (the petitioner) took to your green card?

12 hours ago, Akipog said:

Hi May filers,

 

I was wondering if anybody knows what to do when we need to renew EAD? My husband expedited his and received it in July but our green card interview processing times is 1.5 to 2 years. On the Uscis website it says not to apply for new ead more than 180 days before it expires. I'm wondering if I could do a second expedite or would I have to wait 5.5 to I months for the second ead. 

When you have 180 days remaining on your existing EAD, you submit paperwork for renewal and include your i485 NOA1 as evidence of ongoing AOS processing. I don't know why there would be a 2nd expedite needed, if they get the GC done then good, if not, and they take a while on the EAD renewal then you will get a letter with an automatic extension valid for 180 days from the previous EAD expiry.  If you are worried about I-9 requirements, USCIS explains what is considered "valid" here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/42-automatic-extensions-employment-authorization-documents-eads-certain-circumstances 

12 hours ago, HRQX said:

That is true if the spouse is a nonresident alien for tax purposes: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/1041 Determine if your spouse is a resident alien for tax purposes: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/determining-alien-tax-status

Actually there is an indexed exclusion amount for taxation of spousal gifts when the spouse is not a US Citizen.  In 2019, that exclusion amount is $155,000.  If the spouse is a US Citizen then the exclusion is unlimited.

You should understand the tax consequences of adding your non-citizen spouse to the deed.  From my research and reading of tax rules, gifting partial title to a spouse is non-taxable ONLY when the spouse is a US Citizen. For your non-citizen spouse, the deed that you quitclaim (50%) will be considered taxable income in the eyes of the IRS. 

2 hours ago, DWolf said:

 

Same boat as you.  Got approved on Oct 29 according to USCIS rep. but no online updates as of Oct 30th.

 

Keep us updated on any changes and I will too.  I think I’m following it more closely than my wife. 🤣

Please kindly complete/fill-in your timeline.  It is helpful for others, including myself, as we are using the same regional offices and also experiencing "no online status update" nor anything else since our delayed Sept bio appt for EAD. Thanks!

Your military dependent ID is federally issued and REAL ID compliant.  It is more than sufficient for travel.

10 hours ago, Lizzady said:

Anyone late May Filers here have their stuff being processed at NBC? And has anything been approved for you yet? 

 

No, only EAD biometrics have been completed.  It is fine for us as we are not in a hurry at this time. We spend a lot of time talking with each other and making new friends nearby with similar backgrounds, vlogging, and just living life.... checking the mailbox/online everyday for any updates but not having any anxiety over it when today is the same as yesterday.

If you are persistent and pleasant enough with a Tier 2 representative, they can eventually send a copy via fax but it is certainly not the norm.

What prompted you to know about the AOS denial?  Is that the status online?

There are scammer calls going around these days.

4 hours ago, brazilk1visa said:

A lot of people suggest Vegas but I don't think they issue the certificates the same day, do they?

Legally I believe the officiant has 1 week to submit the papers and have it recorded. We specifically asked for our minister to expedite and it wasn't an issue.

FWIR recording is done M-F. We got married on a Sunday, went to the Grand Canyon on Monday and picked up a bunch of Certificates Tuesday morning first thing.

46 minutes ago, ironeagle17 said:

Any word from anyone on appointments. I have read to open up inquiries to try and help speed the cases along. 

 

still nothing since our i797 back in july 11th

We had our EAD biometrics appointment on Monday. Our NOA1s are ~ May 21. Still waiting on AOS Bio appointment.