AmyOlivia

Thank you so much for your help!

I called the USCIS Contact Center today closer to their time of closing, approx 4:30 Western and I was able to speak to somebody!! Crazy stuff, not sure why I kept trying to call them first thing in the morning or around lunchtime haha.

Nevertheless, the person I spoke to has confirmed that they've sent a duplicate notice. She also confirmed that I can request an emailed copy (didn't know this was a thing?! YES PLEASE) and I can be working on gathering whatever evidence they need just in case this duplicate doesn't arrive. I'l call them back tomorrow and request that this is done. 

Either way, all is moving again and yes, there's still urgency, but they've logged me as being active on the case. As soon as I have the initial request for evidence in front of me, I'll be busting my butt to get it all gathered together!

So frustrating that they're so hands-off in spite of having loads of different ways to notify and move on with stuff *cough* e-Requests *cough cough*. My husband has delegated the task to me so that he doesn't start shouting at them, based on our previous issues with the Contact Center, so I'll keep everybody updated as it happens.

For now, all good!

1 hour ago, Pitaya said:

If you have moved since starting your immigration journey, please be certain that you have done proper change of addresses (COA) with USCIS and USPS, https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange . Improper and incomplete COAs with both of these agencies, seems to be a big reason why important mail tends to "slip through the cracks."

 

You have been plenty patient with the USCIS (Dis)service Line, more than I would or have been. As you stated, your RFE has a finite deadline for response. If they get no response from you, they could rule that you have abandoned your application, and close your case. This verbal/email cat 'n mouse game is getting you no where! You have to step up your game! I would suggest that you contact the DHS Ombudsman (CISOMB), their job is to help you resolve issues with USCIS, take a look at this useful list of CISOMB FAQs and see if they might be able to help you: https://www.dhs.gov/cisomb-faqs . At the very least, if you file a claim and open a case with CISOMB, you have written documentation that you were being proactive in trying to work on your long-overdue RFE notice, and didn't abandon your application.  Here is the link for opening a case with CISOMB, https://www.dhs.gov/contact-cisomb . I would suggest that you avoid just calling them, email or write them, that way you have a record of what you've sent. I would suggest that you move on this soonish, you are up against the clock. 

 

Good luck on your immigration journey.

Thank you so so much for this course of action!!

I was looking for a way to escalate things properly. Funny how the ombudsman is so tricky to find details of...!

I’ve previously not had great experiences with the call center representatives and the constant game of on-hold, off-hold (my husband previously spent four hours on the phone shouting at them to move our fiancé petition along after they threatened to close it due to nobody doing their job to forward mail properly), so this being a definitive way to track everything is far more appealing!

I’ve submitted a case to the ombudsman with all details they’ll require and we’ll go from here. I have the opportunity to call the call center again tomorrow so I’ll try that approach also, notifying them of my claim with the ombudsman and see if I can get something concrete.

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I posted here in actual fact, so I hope everyone is doing good. I'm loving the States thus far and would be doing way better if the USCIS could actually respond to me about something...!

Long story short, I received a notification on my case on October 1st stating that I was being sent a request for initial evidence. Bummer, but no big deal. I waited and waited, but no notice came. I submitted an e-request on October 16th, as the USCIS requested that I do on my case status update, and was told I'd have a response/ resolution by November 8th.

November 8th came and went. I allowed an extra few working days and then started to try and call. No matter when I call (I'm on the west coast timezone-wise, probably doesn't help), I'm on hold forever and can never speak to anybody.

I got fed-up and submitted another e-request due to the lack of response on the first one. That was weeks ago and still no response.

I understand that it's coming up to and has been around holiday time; does that slow communications down? Is there a reason why I'm not getting responded to? Shall I keep trying to call the USCIS communications office so I can try to get this resolved?

I'm now worrying because of course there'll be a deadline for the request, but I can't get ahold of anyone and it feels like I'm shouting at a brick wall!!

Has anybody experienced similar? Any tips or advice? I'm going a bit crazy over here.

Late to the party, but here's my progress from a K-1 Visa!

AOS Packet including I-765/ EAD app sent: 07/28

Packet received: 08/02

SMS Notifications (a lot of them!!): 08/13

Notifications in the mail: 08/16

NOA for Biometrics: 08/23 for appointment date 09/05

Biometrics appointment: 09/05 (I just got home!! Seattle USCIS center)

That's everything for me so far! The USCIS Center for Seattle was busy but not overly packed for my 12pm appointment. Very painless process, minus the wait time I had for the officer to check my married name/ name change. I don't think it was helped by the people ahead of me who had a large number of Visa issues though; they were with the officer for over half an hour. Otherwise, very quick.

15 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

Glad you're enjoying Oly so far!  Have you been out to the Evergreen State College campus?  It is beautiful.  It sits on 1000 acres of 2nd growth forest. You can hike down to the beach, and there is an organic farm.  Back in my day, Nirvana played live in A-Dorm.  Good times!

My husband took me out there a couple of years ago when I visited, yes! It's absolutely stunning. We should really head back sometime soon!

We're also planning to head up to Mt. Rainier in the next couple of weeks as a treat for submitting our AOS! Very excited about that.

Hi there everybody! Just your friendly resident essay-writer here and looking to discuss something fun and light-hearted while I'm bashing my head against a wall as I finalise our AOS paperwork.

I wanted to start a discussion about (you guessed it) hobbies you may have, or hobbies you developed from your time in the US and during the long wait times!

At the moment, I am exercising almost every day, and I go on scenic walks up and down the trail which sits right near our apartment complex. I struggle to write poetry and some short fiction, with which I have to give myself deadlines to even get any results. I've recently discovered a love of casual photography from going on walks and exploring the area (it's honestly so pretty in Olympia!!). True to Washington State's unpredictable weather, I've picked up on my gaming a lot while being here also! And I'm an avid nature lover, so my husband has been periodically driving me about to a lot of the nice walks, trails and nature reserves (this week we're headed out to a zoo).

For any long-term AOS fellows, I'd love to hear about what you did to while away the time!

In spite of being somewhat inactive (I've worked almost non-stop since I turned 16, so not working is odd!), I'm really loving the place where I've moved to and the life I'm building here! I've been considering picking up on some other hobbies like scrap-booking, calligraphy... some relaxing activities to unwind after spending long periods of time job hunting and tending to AOS stuff.

1 minute ago, Scandi said:

My K-1 visa in My passport has my A# on it, although that doesn't seem to be the case for everyone. 

I see! I've found other posts online saying as such. Does it appear as A#, or does it have another name on the K-1?

4 minutes ago, HRQX said:

Check the I-129F petition approval notice.

Perfect! I'll scour through our collective files and get that secured, because I also need it for the AOS packet/ need to make copies of it.

Hello everyone! Local essay-writer is back at it again.

I'll keep this one brief. I'm neck-deep in filling out my AOS paperwork and of course, the Alien Number has popped up a fair few times. I'm certain that I've been given this number throughout the process of the K-1 being completed and the like, but cannot find it for the life of me.

In order to make the AOS as smooth as possible and send it all correctly first time, can somebody please let me know where I can find the A#, or who I can contact in order to retrieve it?

Thank you all so much in advance!

Thank you all for further insight!

I'll not touch my SSN as per Wuozopo's advice; I'm relatively sure that sounds familiar to me now that I've read it, actually. I apologise if you've previously told me that in my various other questions on the forum!

In regard to the passport, that makes perfect sense. I've also determined from the discussion I opened in the UK board that I can simply travel using my maiden name & passport, plus a copy of my MC and simply wait for the renewal time in 2024/ late 2023.

It's a relief regarding the DL! I'll get brushed up on state laws and just take the knowledge & practical tests when I can. Does anybody know rough costs for each?

1 minute ago, Jorgedig said:

Good plan.  I think there is at least one community college in Oly.

There are a couple close enough to where we live to justify me primarily using public transport/ a bicycle/ my own two legs to reach, so that's perfect for me!

Again, thank you so much for your help and insight ❤️

Am I right in thinking that sending my AP/ EAD paperwork alongside my AOS can have the card with me in 90 days? If at all possible, I would love to be in school-based employment for this academic year, and even if I get the card back on the 90th day, it will be in time before Fall terms start. Of course, with Seattle being as busy as it is, I'd understand if the card takes longer to get back to me, and I'll simply get work wherever I can when I can after receiving the card.

1 minute ago, JFH said:

You can still use your passport as it is. Or you can change it. Your choice. International air tickets will have to be booked in your passport name. If that differs from the name on your GC you will need to carry a copy of the marriage certificate with you when you fly.

Perfect, thank you so much!

Considering that dealing with the passport office is pretty much always expensive business, I think I'll keep my passport until renewal and simply carry a certified marriage certificate with me whenever I travel, ensuring to use my maiden name on tickets etc. 

1 minute ago, Jorgedig said:

My husband had to have his Washington DL for us to open a joint account at my credit union (BECU).  It is actually related to the Patriot Act I believe.  

 

Regarding the SSN name change:  I'm the USC/petitioner, but I did change my surname following the instructions on the website. If I remember correctly, it was simply a form to fill out and a copy of the marriage certificate (certified copies of which are $3, at least in King County).  I would imagine for you it would be exactly the same procedure, as unlike most immigrants you do not have to wait for an initial SSN.  In fact, I haven't even done my passport yet (just lazy), or my DL.  Must get to it!

Aha!! That would explain why TwinStar couldn't open an account for me. They're a Credit Union, so I would assume they function pretty similarly. As a few others have said, however, there will be other banks that don't require a Washington DL/ state-issued ID and that will likely be our next step to look into dependent on how much the knowledge and driving test for WA will cost.

Good stuff, that sounds pretty darn painless! I'll keep chasing the registry office for our certified marriage copy (we paid for one when booking the wedding at the courthouse) and make sure to get my SSN details updated using the stated form.

I recall reading about the dual AP/ EAD card, yes! I'm in the process of getting all of the paperwork together for our AOS things and as such haven't filled out the forms regarding AP/ EAD, but I'll absolutely be sending that in my AOS packet! Also very valuable to know that I can travel using the AP ❤️

Ah, that's amazing!! I want to be a teacher here in Olympia, and some of the pathways to get that started (at least for one of the alternate routes, because I'm not a certified teacher) is to teach at a community college utilising my degrees (BA English & Drama/ Theatre, MA Creative Writing).

1 minute ago, Jorgedig said:

Welcome to the Evergreen State!

 

Yes, this is common.  My husband is 52 and had to take both the written and road tests.  Actually, immigrants in Washington state are extremely lucky, as they can get a DL without regard to status.  

 

Are you sure you need a DL for your AOS interview?  I have never read that.  You could also get a non-driving state ID, but I think you will find that the driving test is much easier than in the UK.

 

Also be advised that the Seattle FO has one of the largest waits in the country for AOS interviews (clogged by Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Google etc H1b applicants probably), with the current processing time something like 15-23 months.

Thank you so much!! I absolutely love it here ❤️ 

Fabulous, no problem at all! And oh, that's actually pretty fantastic! So I don't require my EAD and such things before doing my tests to get a DL? Truthfully, because everything is a close walking distance around where we're living and a soon-to-be-purchased bicycle, I'm not DESPERATE to be driving. I was primarily panicking because I assumed that a DL was like, a very vital piece of identification for doing basically everything.

I'm honestly not surprised at all about Seattle having such a long waiting time, considering all of the industries that have employees coming in and the like. That is certainly a very steep waiting time, but it somewhat aligns with what we'd been expecting. I recall reading somewhere that I obviously can't travel until the AOS is all processed, and the time listed was something like 24 months as the longest, so we've planned around that and my family will be making trips out here to see us as often as they can.

When our AOS is in-hand and being processed, I'll feel far better; long waiting time or no. I'm very glad that I decided to get an EAD rather than wait for my GC!! I don't think I'd be able to handle being out of work for that long...!

Hello fellow Brits!

Just a quick question. I previously posted it in amongst a monstrous topic I made about AOS stuff, so I'll break it down to put it here instead for those with experience in this area.

I'm now married and have changed my name to that of my husband's. My UK passport, however, is not up for renewal until 2024. Do I have to get a fresh passport with my married name on it, or can I keep using it to travel under my maiden name? It's doubtful that I'll even be travelling anywhere save for the odd trip back to the UK between now and renewal, so honestly my passport will only be serving as photo ID until I can secure a state-issued one for myself.

Thanks in advance!

2 minutes ago, K1visaHopeful said:

 

Thank you for the response!

Re. Certified MC copy and AOS packet: Fantastic, getting photocopies will be no problem at all.

Re. Name change: I'll apply for a fresh card using my married name, no problem! I believe the form is the filing of it is free, correct?

Re. AOS Name: Understood, that makes far more sense. I'll ensure to fill out my name as I want it to be going forward.

Re. Passport: No problem, I'll post a separate discussion in the regional forum just to confirm. It does, however, make sense to travel with my passport as it stands/ using my maiden name until renewal and carry about my MC. Far cheaper than a fresh passport, of course. And truthfully, we won't be very likely to be travelling out of the USA much in the space between now and my passport's renewal date, save for perhaps a trip back to the UK to see my family and a honeymoon jaunt. I don't think it'll be much of an issue.

Re. Driving License: That certainly rings a bell from the mish-mash of information about driving license requirements for WA, thank you!

Re. Bank stuff: Hmm, I did gather that it would vary by bank and the like; I'll look up my husband's bank online to see what they list on there and if there's no dice, we can easily find me another bank to register with so I can have an account for the US. I've been somewhat lucky because my UK bank account is a subsidiary of an international bank with a relatively local branch, else I would be in a lot more of a difficult situation regarding this part.

2 minutes ago, dentsflogged said:

Re the driving: yes it’s common practice to have to do the tests. I did in WI, it’s all pretty common sense standard, I didn’t bother to study at all and still passed with no mistakes.

 

Also you don’t “need” a licence when it’s time for AOS, or even your current state having issued you ID, so long as you have an ID issued by a recognisable state; such as your passport or UK drivers licence (if unexpired). Plenty of people don’t or can’t drive, it would be ludicrous to have a state issued drivers license as a requirement during AOS. 

 

As for changing your name, in 99% of cases all you need to do that is your marriage certificate. I wouldn’t touch your passport until it’s time to renew unless you like spending money on things you don’t have to. 

 

For bank account etc again it doesn’t need to be a “state issued” ID just a valid picture ID. I opened my current bank account while I was here over a year ago on a tourist visa with my passport and nothing else. Some banks require a SSN but not all or even most. 

Hiya! Thank you for the response.

Ah, no problem at all; I gathered it was a requirement but wasn't sure how it worked from state to state. I primarily confused myself by all of the rigorous explanations on the WA Licensing site. I'll brush up on my knowledge of driving laws/ regulations for this state and go ahead to take the tests when we have the financial excess for it! At the moment I'm fine with being a pedestrian due to everything being so close.

Oh I see! God, that makes it so much easier. 

Great stuff on the name change! Due to the registry office asking me about changing my name when we booked the ceremony/ paid for the marriage license, is it safe to assume that they've sorted out the name change? I'll keep trying to get in touch with them but they're unfortunately very slippery to get a hold of on the phone. And as for the passport aspect, that's honestly great news! I wouldn't have minded awfully if it was required of me by law to get it changed/ updated but absolutely would have complained the whole time; dealing with the passport office is NOT cheap business!! I'll keep my passport as it is until the renewal date comes up.

Interesting... my husband and I went into his bank, which is actually a Credit Union, and I handed over everything I had at the time (SSN, proof of address, etc), and the man we spoke to at the desk said that I needed a state-issued identification. I'll have a little gander into this aspect a bit more; it might have just been the guy we happened to speak to on the day, or it might be an extra requirement due to Credit Unions functioning a little bit differently to banks. I found it a bit odd as well, truth be told. Hopefully we can drop in on Monday/ Tuesday having cleared things up to get my own bank account and our joint account set up utilising my UK passport.

Salutations, one and all!

I apologise for my lacking presence around the forum since my approved interview date; as you can all imagine, things have been rather hectic ever since my arrival into the US of A.

My other half and I sealed the deal with marriage on May 20th, so we're finally on the way to getting all of our AOS done and dusted!!

However, I do have a fair few questions regarding what steps I need to be taking now that we are indeed married. I'm aware of and have been looking at the AOS step-by-step guide etc, but some extra clarification would be fab.

First and foremost, we arranged when booking our marriage ceremony that I am having my surname changed to that of my husband's. I made sure to specifically state it, as I didn't want any further confusion down the line. We received a package from our courthouse marriage ceremony, but most of its information seems contradictory (to me personally; it says to fill out and return a marriage certificate and marriage license... which we did at the ceremony itself). We received our marriage certificate in the mail (currently trying to pin them down on the certified copy we paid for) and all of that jazz, so is there anything further I need to do now that you're all aware of, WA State dwellers?

The marriage package does also tell me how to change my name on my Social Security Card and everything, but I've seen some contradictory/ confusing advice from others on the forum as to whether it's worth doing as such. I have my own card from working abroad on the J Visa previously, and by all accounts this will remain active without any further tweaking but won't be valid until I get my work authorisation paperwork. Should I head into the office and get my name changed on the card? If so, will this impede the AOS process at all? If memory serves, I need to fill out the AOS paperwork using my maiden name, so I really don't fancy causing confusion/ any delays in our packet being processed.

Further to the above question, what will happen with my UK Passport? Obviously it is all registered in my maiden name, and has until 2024 until it runs out. Would I be better to keep my maiden name on it until the renewal date, or is it required for me to apply for a new passport/ name change copy/ whatever might be required? If so, how can I do that?

Another glaring confusion for me at present is receiving a US Driver's License. I've researched the rules for WA Licensing and everything, but it outlines essentially having to take all of the WA tests in some manner or other. Is that rather common practise? I'm almost 24 years old and have had my UK full License since the age of 17, but this doesn't seem to count for much. I'm aware that I need a US Driver's License to take for AOS interview, so I'm somewhat apprehensive of this fact now that I think about it and how much seems to be involved.

I'm also very aware of my requirement for a State-Issued identification card to take in order to set up a bank account/ multiple bank accounts here in the US. My husband and I have already signed a lease agreement for our apartment, at which we're living with a roommate, so we have that aspect down pat, and obviously my SSN is actually helpful in this circumstance as well. The missing piece is that State-Issued ID, which I was told I can get at the DMV... but there's not really any clear-cut information about what I require in order to get such an ID card. Is it a driver's license? Is it something else? The DMV is, of course, always packed up like a tin of sardines which isn't ideal in order to get information, and their lines are always busy at our local office. Have any of you encountered this, and what is it all about?

And on an unrelated note, I'm having a blast in Washington State! The weather is very reminiscent of the UK but far warmer on a regular, which I'm absolutely in awe of. Couple that with its Evergreen State status, and I'm honestly in heaven.

Thank you for any advice/ assistance in advance, guys!

Regarding the shipping of goods to the US, I'm in the process of sending my life in 5 medium-sized boxes via freight using a local company near me. The grand total of sending items such as my PS4, stacks of games, books and other such items is setting me back by £500 or so, and it actually includes basic insurance up to the value of things I'm sending. 

I'd recommend trying to find a place near you; it's surprising what options are out there!

The company I used is called Pack & Send, based in Lincoln, and they also do collection from UK residential addresses for a very small fee (which is ideal for me, since I only have a Mini... ). 

7 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

No ESTA. White envelope. Passport. Yay! 

When do you leave?

❤️

My fiance managed to snag a crazy-good deal for the 3rd of May, next Friday! I was working one of my last shifts yesterday and meanwhile he was prepping the whole thing to make sure we had it locked down.

Considering that I was looking at multiple stop-overs for the price of this direct flight that he found (to fly only a few days later), I'm very excited! Also very happy that I've had a lot of stuff prepared and ready for me to leave for quite a long time now, because it means I can definitely fly on that day without worrying about it.

1 minute ago, missileman said:

Your need only your passport with valid K-1 visa and the packet (if applicable).  No ESTA required.

Thank you so much!

Because I couldn't find a section entirely relevant, I hope this will suffice!

I have been given that all-important approval, followed by a confirmed delivery date of my Visa documents for tomorrow on guaranteed, signed delivery! As such, I have booked my flight today; allowing for any delays that might occur (even though this seems very, very unlikely).

As such, I have a question regarding travel on the K-1 Visa. It may seem silly, but I just thought of it when trawling through my flight confirmation!

I don't need to purchase an ESTA, do I? I'll require my BBE (the famed big brown envelope), passport and other such items that will be returned to me tomorrow, and that will count as my relevant travel Visa, correct?

Thank you in advance!

11 hours ago, VanillaCats said:

I rescheduled my interview so now it's tomorrow XD Ahhhh, nervous

Don't fret!! It's honestly not that bad at all ❤️ 

Good luck!

5 hours ago, Kdunn said:

@AmyOlivia do you mind if i ask when your medical was? My fiancée wants to chance leaving 12 days between medical and interview but I’ve been telling her that the general recommendation from the forum is 14 days (2 full weeks).

My medical was the 30th of March, which the doctors' office praised as being a good space of time between the medical and my Visa interview (15th of April), so I'd recommend the 14 day sort of gap just to make sure.  

On 4/22/2019 at 6:05 PM, LukeU said:

The CEAC can take like 10-15 attempts, you'll time out a lot and I have no idea why. I very often had to walk away and calm myself down as it would just sit loading forever and a day. 

 

The pain only got worse as it said Issued and I got really excited and then it took so much time to find it again lol!! 

 

May is definitely a logical departure date all been well for sure 

CEAC finally decided to work for me today, just as I'm heading to bed, and it says that the status is Issued!!

Ahhhh, so exciting!

By all accounts, this means that the documents' arrival should be pretty darn soon, correct? I have the courier service to be delivered direct to my door and all.