AmyOlivia

I hope that the CISOMB can help you in your quest for the much-heralded RFE. I believe that they helped us when we seemed to be stuck in the middle of the ROC process, and not seeing any movement on our case. Right after the CISOMB started on our case, we got an RFE from the CSC for more "marital bonafides" evidence (USCIS new-speak). At least it showed some movement. Actually, I think that getting CISOMB ruffled somebody's feathers at CSC, and in retribution, they presented us with a RFE. As a consequence, our RFE response weighed in a almost four pounds of paper evidence. That was in addition to the initial six pounds of paper evidence we submitted with our original ROC petition. At that point of the RFE response, we just sent them everything 'cept the kitchen sink.  We were approved.5 weeks after receipt of the RFE.
 
With regards to  COAs, many folks neglect to do a proper COA with USCIS and  USPS. A lot of the mailings from USCIS can have notations on the outside of the envelope, such as,  "If Undeliverable, Do Not Forward," or "Do Not Forward."  As a consequence, if a proper COA with the USPS is not done, USPS have to follow the directions of the sender, USCIS. This typically results in the addressee not getting the mailing. That is why the latest USCIS links about COAs mentions the need to concurrently notify USCIS and USPS of COAs. I have heard rumors that USCIS will soon be implementing improvements in their mailing processes.....Stay tuned, details at ten....  
 
It is a good idea at this stage of your search for your lost RFE to try as many approaches as possible to first of, responds to your RFE, and secondly, to alert them that you have not abandoned your case and are working hard to getting your mailings.
 
Good luck on your immigration journey.
 
 

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.

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.

As I sit here now, three days after the fact, I still can't believe that after months of paperwork, waiting and more waiting, my Visa has been approved!!
 
Obviously, I'm elated and happy beyond belief and wanted to share my experience with you all for a few reasons. Primarily, just to let anybody in a similar situation to mine read over my experience and the like. But I also want to generally share in my excitement with people who truly understand the frustrations of this process, and start some small celebrations while I wait for my Visa itself to arrive!
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(The following was written in my notebook on the train home from the interview, so I apologise for any poor wording, etc. I'll be editing my terrible written grammar when typing it up here, but won't be making any more substantial edits beyond that. As a writer by trade, I felt it necessary to explain this before jumping in...!)
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The Day Before...
 
Finances permitting, I would absolutely recommend for everybody to stay overnight before your appointment. Even though I barely slept, the principal of being close-by was soothing; especially since I actually live in the East Midlands, so travelling to London isn't exactly a quick trip for me!
 
The hotel that I stayed in was the London King's Cross Royal Scot, an older hotel not too far from Kings Cross Railway station, and it included a full, unlimited breakfast (yum!!). I brought along my best friend of many years (twenty, to be exact...!) to be my moral support and travelling companion, and we both appreciated the large breadth of good food to start our day!
 
The Big Day!
 
We made sure to hop on the tube after peak times, and made the necessary changes to the Victoria line before hopping off at Vauxhall. I'd absolutely insist that you take Exit 1, as outlined in the interview guidelines, because the walk along the Thames is absolutely breathtaking if the weather is nice. I was very lucky to experience a sunny, temperate day in London on the 15th.
 
Not only was it stunningly beautiful, but it allowed me plenty of time to try and calm down. I obviously wasn't 'calm' by any description when arriving at the Embassy, but every little helped when it came to soothing the frayed bundles that I call nerves.
 
Anyway, back to the scenic walk! You really can't miss the Embassy on this route, thanks to its outside facade. I sat outside for a while with my friend in the sunshine, happy that I chose the 11:30am slot and not having to wrestle with commuters. Because I started to get anxious, I approached the outside Visa desk too early, and was sent away to return at 11:10am. Hold your nerve and head up to get your documents checked later rather than sooner; you'll get sent straight on through to security regardless.
 
All I needed at the outside desk was my appointment confirmation/ instructions email and my passport. I fumbled about with my DS-160 for no reason! Have it ready just in case, but I was never asked by anybody to see that piece of paperwork.
 
After another check at the desk at 11:10 this time, I was sent up to the security entrance where a security guard checked the same paperwork as stated above, and sealed the deal with a high-five and fist-bump to wish me luck. One thing I'll say with absolute certainty is that the staff you encounter when going through with the interview process is absolutely critical, and this interaction was such a relief to experience. Glimmers of humanity!
 
I benefited from leaving my luggage with my best friend, because I was through security in less than a minute. I only took my phone, coat and documents, and I'd absolutely recommend travelling as light as possible. Less to faff around with is always better.
 
Once inside, I queued like a good Brit, and was soon met with the Embassy staff asking for anybody doing immigration Visas. In spite of the K Visa technically being of the non-immigrant variety, you absolutely fit into the immigrant category. The guy checked my confirmation email and ushered me up to the desk, before checking me off the list and sticking some tickets on my print-out. He told me to go up to Level 1, turn left and left again; insisting that I don't follow any other instructions. I was confused by this insistence of his until I reached Level 1 and Embassy staff tried to direct me over to the non-immigrant side. If not for this initial point of contact I had, I would have likely slipped over to the non-immigrant side without a second thought.
 
And so, I did just as I was told; turned left, and then left again. I found myself in a smaller, somewhat secluded waiting area for immigrant visa interviews and had barely sat down before my ticket number flashed up on the screen (the ticket will be stuck to your confirmation print-out when heading inside). What followed was the document collection portion of the appointment, and I nearly had a heart attack.
 
The man who saw me was very pleasant and I chatted with him for a while before we got down to business. Then, my organisation started to pay off. He asked for my confirmation email/ instructions sheet, followed by my passport and birth certificate. He specifically wanted the original, even though I had taken photocopies just in case. Then he asked if I had been married before (no), adopted (no) or if I had lived anywhere else since turning 16. This led into him asking for my original ACRO, the police certificate. I had all of this information paperclipped in corresponding order within my document wallet, so I was quick with giving him whatever he needed, and I was starting to feel pretty great about the whole process.
 
But then came my worst fear: the Affidavit of Support, that dreaded form I-134.
 
This document has been the bane of my existence from the start of this year. My fiance was in the midst of changing careers this year, with an income $100 below the requirement last tax year. As such, we turned to his sister to be our support because of her high income, long history with her employer, and close proximity to our address. After much agonising, back and forth and contradictory information as to whether we'd need Affidavits from both the sponsor and fiance, I had it all compiled. The general consensus within the VJ community was that London weren't bothered by who the sponsor was, as long as the income requirement was met and evidence provided.
 
The minute I handed over the documents, however, the previously cheery, talkative man frowned.
 
"We still ask for an Affidavit from your fiance."
 
What?! I started to panic and barely held myself together, calmly explaining our decision and the circumstances around it. My fiance didn't earn enough last year due to a fluctuating retail job, his new job is less than a month old... etc. The document collector became quite stern and said that the interview officer would review it all and decide what needed to be done, which, as you can imagine, wasn't a lot of reassurance.
 
I honestly couldn't breathe. He took copies of my Visa photographs (I took four 2x2 images) and then told me to take a seat.
 
Never has a wait felt so long.
 
 It probably wasn't much longer than 15 minutes, however, and my turn came. I positively bolted up, said a few prayers, and went to meet my interviewer. She was a nice, softly-spoken American lady. I could feel that she was quite stern as she politely asked me to raise my right hand and take the oath, but the questions she asked were conversational and easy. These questions are as follows:

"Have you had any previous US Visas?"
"Have you overstayed any of them?"
"When did you meet your fiance? How did you meet? How long have you been together?"
"How often have you seen your fiance since getting together?"
"What does your fiance do?"
"What does your future sister-in-law do?"
"What do you plan to do for a career in the United States?"
 
As always when I'm nervous, I felt like I babbled a little too much, but I was honest and kept a semblance of cool. I'm not honestly sure what brought the approval specifically, but I sensed a somewhat positive reaction when I explained how long my fiance and I have been together, with specific recollection of long visitations with one another, and my chosen career path as a Teacher.
 
So, even though the document collector scared me half to death, my app was approved rather swiftly. I probably only stood in the booth/ window for less than five minutes!
 
I almost burst into tears of joy on the spot, thanked the interviewer a thousand times, and practically skipped out of the Embassy! Now I need to wait for the arrival of my passport and the famed BBE, big brown envelope, and I'm US-bound!
 
Even though it didn't end up mattering or delaying my approval, I would recommend that those of you with a sponsor also get your fiance to fill out an Affidavit. It'll save you a lot of stress and anxiety after getting an ominous reception from the document collector, that's for sure!!
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Thank you all for reading my ramblings, and for helping with all of my previous questions along the way! This approval is a huge weight off my chest, and now I can't wait to get myself out to the States. My life has been on hold since we decided to pursue this Visa, and now it finally feels like it's in the 'Play' position again!
 
In peoples' experiences, how long does it take for the documents to arrive with you? I have paid for courier delivery to my home, so I'm unsure if that will speed up the delivery once everything is processed (which I know takes between 7 to 10 working days... curse you, bank holidays!!).
 
I know that it isn't recommended to book a flight until you HAVE the documents, but flights are already looking expensive right now. I want to safely book a flight which will ensure the arrival of my documents in time, and won't bankrupt me for a one-way trip, so it's a difficult balance to strike. My absolute ideal would be for me to jet off as soon as possible; I've been away from my fiance for too darn long as it is!!

Hi All,
 
Noticed that NBC processing time for "Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]" changed.
It was 6.5 - 8.5 months  but now it reduced to 2.5-5 months.
 
Great news for all who are waiting for AOS EAD.
 
 

General tip: If you have a choice of lines, always pick Immigrant. Usually the shorter line. The Immigrant Visa Unit is conducting your interview even though you Visa will be non-immigrant. 
 
When you get in line outside, your interview confirmation shows you have an appointment and have your passport handy. Security booth may ask for same.
 
Inside reception desk person will want to see your interview confirmation again and will put stickers with you number for the day...like an Argos ticket that they will call out when your time comes.
 
You turn in all documentation at the first window called to. That is a document collector/organizer. That is not the interview ---confirmation, passport, birth certificate,  police certificate, passport photo, I-134, etc. No photocopies of anything are needed. No relationship stuff or anything from the petition.
 
That's it for turning in things. Second window called is the interview. They just take your fingerprints. They don't want to see any proof of relationship in London. No trips, no engagement, no photos. 
 
Here's one of my favorite tales of the day...
 

We love Mt Rainier! If you’re thinking of making a stay of it, I highly recommend the Deep Forest Cabins to stay. Have you been into the Olympic national park yet? 
 
I have started a new hobby since I moved here - hot tubbing. We have a wonderful Hot Spot Rhythm tub just off the deck and I’m in it twice a day. Wonderful. 
 
I also find that volunteering is a big thing here. Later this month we are spending the weekend volunteering with the local library to help move everything into new premises. On July 5 we intended to volunteer with the beach clean up
after the fireworks from the 4th but we overslept! They collected 120 tons of debris. 

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.

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!

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.

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.

My wife's K-1 visa does not have her Alien # (A#) on it. I looked the last time this question came up. I found her Alien# above her name one the Form I-797, Notice of Action (NOA2), I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance(e) approval notice.
 
YMMV

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

Check the I-129F petition approval notice.

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?

As a fellow Washingtonian, I can attest to the fact that she can indeed get a regular DL without regard to immigration status.  

👍Thanks. Good info. I guess that explains why no mention of it on their website like is found on other state DMV sites.

I’m in WA also (on the beach in Grays Harbor County). Bank of America opened a bank account and gave me a credit card before the SSN arrived. I came in an IR-1 however so was already an LPR by that stage. 
 
I was 42 when I arrived and had been driving since 17 but that counts for nothing unless your license is from Germany, South Korea, Japan, British Columbia or Taiwan. I think I had been driving longer than the examiner when I took my test. Now is a good time to do your driving test while the weather is good. I did mine in February when we lived in the Cascades and there was a foot or more of snow on the ground. I quickly became an expert at chaining up and chaining off.

What they sent is most likely a certified copy. Does it say somewhere that it is a copy of the record on file at blah blah blah, and have a seal, stamp, or embossing and a signature. That person that signed is certifying it is an exact copy of the record filed with the county. Hence "certified" copy. Just photocopy that for AOS.
 
It's a bit weak in some respects. By all means do the EAD and AP applications as well. 3 for the price of 1. It is three separate applications all getting mailed together. Each will have their own evidence requirements. Some of the same things are repeated in each application so read the instructions for each...AOS/EAD/AP. Apply in your married name if that's the name you want to go by forever. 
 
No, no, NO!!! Your Social Security name has to match your USCIS entry name (The name on your I-94). SS office will look you up in the SAVE database. Let it ride until USCIS issues your EAD card or greencard in your married name. Then SS will find you in the database under that name and change your SS card. Those people screw up a lot so don't tempt fate.
 
Do it here https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports 
You can get a name change explained here https://www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information
 
BUT your current  passport has to get mailed to the UK. Right now you need it for opening bank accounts, ID at your biometric appointment, etc. Once you get those things sorted and an EAD for photo ID and maybe a WA license, send it off in that long lull waiting for the greencard interview. New passport will only take 3-4 weeks. Old one will be returned with the corner clipped off.
 
You may not get one u til you have something from immigration showing you are allowed to stay in the US. Most visa holders will have a certain length of time noted on their visa.  Right now you have 90 days that you can show on paper...when you entered they marked it in your passort. An EAD card will give you 1 year as shown by the date on it. Their website doesn't show what they require from non-citizens. Call them and ask what foreigners need.
 
No you don't.

I answered in your other thread how to get one. Agree you can keep the current one.

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

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.

Btw, I went to college in Olympia 🙂

Nope!  Husband got his DL last November and didn't get his EAD/AP card until March of this year.
 
Speaking of which, you did apply for both the AP/EAD, correct?  It is a combo card, and free to apply at the time of applying for AOS.  You can in fact travel and be admitted back to the US with AP.

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!