MarkBUK

We got her GREEN CARD in the mail today! Happy Dance!! Very different envelope...doesn't have the US Government "official looking" return address...I thought it was a credit card at first until I opened it. Came from California.

You had your wedding and filed your AOS papers on exactly the same day as we did and coming from England too that's another similarity! I'd like to say that we received our EAD and GC but nothing

73 days and the USCIS updated our case only because we mailed an RFE on the 5th September. No transfer to CSC it's still at the NBC and we live in California too.

Congrats though to the now successful GC holders

Our AOS/EAD/AP packet was received on 30th June and since the Biometrics on July 22nd there has been no touches. On the 5th September we got the dreaded pink letter from USCIS for an RFE, specifically financial support documentation.

This was obtained and mailed the same day and we called the USCIS to speak to an operator she said (not to tell anyone else) no matter how good your documentation is they will randomly pick out people and this will happen. I believe it's stalling tactics to reduce the number of claims to process. We are in San Diego and yet it's not been transferred to the CSC, it's at the NBC taking longer. I don't understand the logic but ah well.

Our packet probably won't matter now anyway but thought I'd share that. Good luck to everyone else in random waiting game!

HI sorry to hear that..it might not be that bad..Have you had your EAD though?

No. I went for a job, got it and then they've been holding onto it for me since August 4th but they've had to let it go due to my lack of EAD. It's very frustrating.

Our AOS/EAD/AP packet was received on 30th June and since the Biometrics on July 22nd there has been no touches. On the 5th September we got the dreaded pink letter from USCIS for an RFE, specifically financial support documentation.

This was obtained and mailed the same day and we called the USCIS to speak to an operator she said (not to tell anyone else) no matter how good your documentation is they will randomly pick out people and this will happen. I believe it's stalling tactics to reduce the number of claims to process. We are in San Diego and yet it's not been transferred to the CSC, it's at the NBC taking longer. I don't understand the logic but ah well.

Our packet probably won't matter now anyway but thought I'd share that. Good luck to everyone else in random waiting game!

Our EAD/AOS/AP package was acknowledged as being received on June 30th so we consider ourselves to be really 'July filers'. It's been 49 days since this date so I'm realistically expecting something to be further touched or accepted in the next 10 days or so. Biometrics were completed on July 22nd and nothing has been touched since. The AP is still showing a touch from July 7th although I'm not concerned about that.

I've only just noticed from my online case status that all of my documents are at the National Benefits Centre. From the experiences of our forum users does this mean that a transfer to the CSC (I live in San Diego btw) is not necessary and hence would my application be perhaps getting close to being completed? I'm also curious to learn if there is more/less likelihood of being granted a GC without interview because it's being handled at the NBC..

Congrats everyone who got their EAD! Good luck to everyone still waiting I've been sitting at home for nearly 9 months now, hope mine gets approved soon!

Based on what I've read from experiences on here I expect to hear something of a touch or card production ordered in the next 2 weeks (I filed on 30th June and my Biometrics were taken on July 22nd).

During this period I was interviewed and offered a postition with a great company to which they've held on for 2 weeks for me to receive my paperwork but I guess it was just too soon. Ah well, nice to be valued and know I can get work!

Good luck to everyone with their EAD and GC.

I've tried searching the boards and this may seem like a really dumb question but what is an actual 'touch'? I'm working on my timeline to post here but basically we got an NOA saying that our AOS was received on June 30th and I had my Biometrics on July 22nd. My EAD and GC status are

'processing' so what would a 'touch' be from this stage, a USCIS letter update of some kind?

Not a dumb question if you don't know what it is! If you check your case status on the USCIS website (known as "CRIS") then you can see the last date that somebody updated your case. It might mean they're actually working on it... or it may just mean that your file has been moved from one desk to another. Anyway, just log in here:

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/login.jsp

In the column Last Updated, the date shown will indicate when your file was last "touched". If the date corresponds to e.g. your NOA1 date, then you don't have any touches as such. But if there is a subsequent date that doesn't correspond to any letter you've had etc., then that's a touch. Might mean something, might mean nothing... although if you're like me it's nice to know that someone has looked at the case (even just to move it) because it means it isn't lost!

Ah, thank you I'm registered with the USCIS for the case online status and it was last 'touched' on the 22nd July, once my biometrics had been stamped. I'm hoping that the next 'touch' is following an email saying your EAD has been granted

I've tried searching the boards and this may seem like a really dumb question but what is an actual 'touch'? I'm working on my timeline to post here but basically we got an NOA saying that our AOS was received on June 30th and I had my Biometrics on July 22nd. My EAD and GC status are

'processing' so what would a 'touch' be from this stage, a USCIS letter update of some kind?

As a secondary question, I note that my case numbers begin with 'MSC'. As I stated above, I live in SD, CA (filed to Chicago) so I'm unsure if I'll get 'transfered' to the CSC. When this happens do the case numbers change to 'CSC' or do things proceed fine with the 'MSC' prefix?

As some may recall from my previous posts I got interviewed and hired on the same day for a professional position which is great but my deadline will mean an EAD turnaround of 45 days which I'm presuming is very unlikely.

I've taken Biometrics and I've not had a notice to be transfered to the CSC (I live in SD, CA) so I'm presuming that I won't have to do this step or I may be completely mistaken!

I'd love to take this position so being as I'm doing everything in my power, I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to expedite my EAD like request a temporary one, extension of I-94 (although it's expired on July 23rd), anything at all. I got real lucky and of course it's not the end of the world if I don't get it because I'll get another one but has anyone tried this route previously?

Thanks

On a related note to the EAD does anyone think it will help the process by being based and filing through the California service centre so I don't have to be transfered?

Here is what I'll be doing.. waiting...

I filed my AOS packet at the end of June and it was officially received on June 30th. It included the AOS, EAD, AP etc. On 22nd July I took my Biometrics and everything has gone according to plan so far.

In my line and level of professional work it usually takes to 3-4 just to sift through resumes and what not. So during this period I've been applying for jobs since I figure it's good practice and maybe I'll get lucky.

Well I did. I got called for an interview and was offered the position on the same day. It's pretty impressive and I'm pretty stunned and the company really likes me so I accepted the offer and told them of my work status and how it's pending. I have until August 15th to produce something to show that I've been granted an EAD otherwise I'll lose the position to the next candidate. I was excited to get this but now I'm feeling pretty down since there is only 11 days left to receive something from the USCIS.

I know it's something I brought on myself but I never expected to get hired so quickly! So, does anyone have any good short-EAD-granted stories to make me hopeful? I guess it means being awared an EAD in 41 days or less since acknowledgement of receipt.

We'll see.

I highly doubt you'll get your EAD before the middle of this month. You might want to see if they'll extend the offer to you again. I did hear of this happening to someone else here, and when they got back to the company to tell them the bad news, they were assured that when they DID get it, the offer would still be open.

What a horrible price to pay for looking too early...I'm sorry!

I was hoping for something more than a 'highly doubt' but I have to be realistic also The offer has been extended as much as it can and will go to the next candidate in line. It's tough but life goes on but a shame because everything about it is perfect for my skills and location. And great money. Ah well, winge over for the day. Maybe I'll just get lucky

Here is what I'll be doing.. waiting...

I filed my AOS packet at the end of June and it was officially received on June 30th. It included the AOS, EAD, AP etc. On 22nd July I took my Biometrics and everything has gone according to plan so far.

In my line and level of professional work it usually takes to 3-4 just to sift through resumes and what not. So during this period I've been applying for jobs since I figure it's good practice and maybe I'll get lucky.

Well I did. I got called for an interview and was offered the position on the same day. It's pretty impressive and I'm pretty stunned and the company really likes me so I accepted the offer and told them of my work status and how it's pending. I have until August 15th to produce something to show that I've been granted an EAD otherwise I'll lose the position to the next candidate. I was excited to get this but now I'm feeling pretty down since there is only 11 days left to receive something from the USCIS.

I know it's something I brought on myself but I never expected to get hired so quickly! So, does anyone have any good short-EAD-granted stories to make me hopeful? I guess it means being awared an EAD in 41 days or less since acknowledgement of receipt.

We'll see.

The only notice I received for an approved AOS application was the I-797D which came in the mail with my green card.

So it wasn't like the I-129F. (the GC was actually attached in the I-797D).

To drive around the city, I applied for a temporary driver's license instead using the driver's license I have from my country. The expiration was 3 months. And before it expired, I got my GC.

Where did you get the information to obtain a temporary drivers license from?

The I-94 will not be accepted if there is less than 60 days validity remaining.

The I-797 will be accepted - i.e. once your petition is approved. This is sent to you by USCIS by way of notification once aproval takes place.

Technically you can only drive on your UK license for ten days in CA if you are a resident!

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#BDLP

If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

<a href="http://" target="_blank"></a>Limited Term Legal Presence

All original and pending driver license or identification cards will expire on the expiration date of his/her birth date/legal presence document (BD/LP) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Your BD/LP document must have an expiration date 30 or more days from your application date. If your BD/LP document has an expiration date less than 30 days, you will not be able to start a driver license or identification card application.

If your BD/LP document has an expiration date of less than 60 days, you may complete your licensing requirements (written/vision/driving tests), but you will need to submit another BD/LP document with an expiration date of 60 days or more before your driver license or identification card is mailed to you. (i.e. this would be your I-797 or green card)

Before your limited term driver license expires, the department will mail out an “extension” letter with instructions on how to complete your application for a driver license.

Only the original or a certified copy of one of the following documents is acceptable if you're from the UK.

• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Permanent Resident Card
• Valid foreign passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (form I-94)
• Employment Authorization Card
• "Processed for I-551" stamped in a valid foreign passport
• Valid I-94 with attached photo stamped "Processed for I-551 temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence"
• Notice of Action (I-797 Approved Petition)

<a href="http://" target="_blank"></a>

Thanks for the information. As much as it varies from case to case, in your experience how long did it take for you to receive your I-797 for the AOS? I suspect from what you've told me that my EAD will most likely arrive first and will be used as evidence to apply for a license. I've had no problems with ID requests having my UK license being used since these requests have not asked for my immigration status. So during the AOS process I should be fine using my UK license as ID and evidence that I can drive but as soon as I receive my EAD or Notice of Action I should immediatley apply for a license?

Our AOS packet has been filed and the check has been cashed. We're waiting for confirmation via mail to arrive from the USCIS. In the meantime I went to the DMV and obtained the necessary forms to apply for my license. The lady said that since 60 days have passed on my I-94 that it is no longer a valid 'immigration status' form of ID and that something like a green-card will be valid which obviously takes a long time.

However, in their information pack it says that a Notice of Action (I-797 Approved petition) is valid. Will the USCIS issue an I-797 just like they did for the I-129F at the beginning of the K1 process to show that the petition has been 'approved' for the AOS?

Have any other drivers applying for a CA used this notice without problems? Clearly, waiting for the AOS to be completed could take months and months and I'd like to be driving with a CA license instead of the UK I currently have. I have a SSN.

Thanks

Our AOS will be sent this Friday once we receive our certified marriage certificate!

Quick question to all filers: Having read instructions for the I-485, the I-765 and the I-131 they all say you must submit 2 passport style photos with the form making a total of 6 photos if you file them all together. Did anyone else send this many? It seems a lot but if it's what they need to make it go smoothly then we'll do it. The guide on the AOS suggests 2 photos for the G-325A only though.

just put "undetermined" or something of that nature. When you list the reason why you want it, I am sure they will put two and two together and not worry about a specific date

I thought I would be using my AP in May of the year I applied. I ended up using it earlier than I thought, there were no problems.

Thanks Cassie, I was considering something like that and then elaborating slightly on the 'undetermined' comment on perhaps a separate sheet of paper.

We're about to submit our full AOS package which includes the I-131 advanced parole document. In our case, one of the purposes of travel is that I have a sick relative in England where there is a reasonable chance that she may pass away before my green-card and permanent residence is granted.

Naturally, I would like to go back if/when this happens with permission and since there is no fixed-date for this would I am unsure what to enter in part 3 of the form. In part 2 I checked (d) applying for advanced parole. I'm thinking that I may have to outline my circumstances on a separate sheet of paper in part 7 perhaps.

Anybody else had an I-131 query of this nature? Thanks

Just add an approximate, you don't have to be specific. USCIS wants to know the reason why you want to go (family, vacation, etc...) and aprox. when. Just go ahead and add an approximate date and don't worry about traveling specifically on those dates since your AP will not have other date than the expiration date.

Thanks for the advice but with respect to an 'approximate date' this would be difficult since the reason I would be going back would be to lend support to my immediate family because of the death of this relative.

For Relative based adjustment of status NO justification needs to be made for AP other than to be able to visit family while AOS is pending.

If you dont have AP at the time that you NEED to travel, schedule an info pass appointment and see about an emergency AP. Don't leave the USA without AP, or you will be abandoning the AOS, and starting the immigrations process over again, this time for a spouse visa.

Also your profile and timeline give no indication as to what visa you entered the USA on.

If K-3 you don't need AP to tavel, K-3 is multi entry.

From form I-131 directions:

NOTE: If you are in the United States and wish to travel abroad, you do not need to apply for advance parole if both conditions described below in A and B are met:

A. You are in one of the following nonimmigrant categories:

1. An H-1, temporary worker, or H-4, spouse, or child of an H-1; or

2. An L-1, intracompany transferee, or L-2, spouse or child of an L-1; or

3. A K-3, spouse, or K-4, child of a U.S. citizen; or

4. A V-2, spouse, or V-3, child of a lawful permanent resident; and

B. A Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, was filed on your behalf and is pending with USCIS.

However, upon returning to the United States, you must present your valid H, L, K, or V nonimmigrant visa and continue to remain eligible for that status.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-131instr.pdf

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=32451

I entered on a K1 visa with an expiration of July 23rd. We're already married and are about to submit the AOS package.

We're about to submit our full AOS package which includes the I-131 advanced parole document. In our case, one of the purposes of travel is that I have a sick relative in England where there is a reasonable chance that she may pass away before my green-card and permanent residence is granted.

Naturally, I would like to go back if/when this happens with permission and since there is no fixed-date for this would I am unsure what to enter in part 3 of the form. In part 2 I checked (d) applying for advanced parole. I'm thinking that I may have to outline my circumstances on a separate sheet of paper in part 7 perhaps.

Anybody else had an I-131 query of this nature? Thanks

Hi All,

I've seached the forums and I'd just like some final confirmation on the topic of SSN and AOS.

Currently, we are waiting for our Marriage certificate so we can include a copy in our AOS package which we will mail off when we receive it. I've been in the US for 6 weeks now and I've been driving regularly although my ID I have is my current UK driving license. To my knowledge, a SSN is required by the DMV in order to apply for a CA driving licence?

I've read different threads stating that because I'm on a K1 Visa I'm legally entitled to work because I'm still in the 90 day K1 period whereas others have said because I don't have my EAD yet my SS card will say I'm an alien that is not entitled to work.

Which is correct? I'd appreciate any comments on my SS status thanks! I want to obtain a license from the DMV and also be able to apply for banking/ATM cards.

A little different, your SSN will say that is not for work without DHS authorization....

Apply before day 76 of your entry

This was taken from the SS website:

If you do not have permission to work

Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing. You cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver’s license.

This is really the reason I thought I needed one for What does the 76 day timeline for?

Hi All,

I've seached the forums and I'd just like some final confirmation on the topic of SSN and AOS.

Currently, we are waiting for our Marriage certificate so we can include a copy in our AOS package which we will mail off when we receive it. I've been in the US for 6 weeks now and I've been driving regularly although my ID I have is my current UK driving license. To my knowledge, a SSN is required by the DMV in order to apply for a CA driving licence?

I've read different threads stating that because I'm on a K1 Visa I'm legally entitled to work because I'm still in the 90 day K1 period whereas others have said because I don't have my EAD yet my SS card will say I'm an alien that is not entitled to work.

Which is correct? I'd appreciate any comments on my SS status thanks! I want to obtain a license from the DMV and also be able to apply for banking/ATM cards.

My US fiance is soon coming to England because it is too long to be apart from each other and since her stay is going to be pretty short her luggage will be light. We had the idea that on the way back she could take my suitcase (which she would be allowed) and use it to take some of my personal belongings back so it will cost less when I move over.

My personal longings are not that much really and I would not be taking over any electronic equipment for compatibility reasons so it would just be things like keepsakes, books, dvds, maybe a few clothes etc.

Has anyone else used this as a method and what did you take? Did you run into any problems at customs?

Thanks

Thanks everyone for the replies I can't forsee any problems with regard to arriving here in England, my fiance will be staying for a short time, less than a month and this is the first time she will have used her passport. My concern was whether or not she would need some medical 'jabs' or not to proceed! I see that she does not.

Just to go off topic, I'm in the process of starting our timelines and I noticed the time-line of MawWilson. I see that you got your temporary work permit at JFK without problems and got a 'restricted' SSN very soon afterwards. What did the restriction mean and how easy was it to find work with your temporary work permit? I have a Ph.D. although I didn't go down the J1/H1B route.

Thanks!

Hi all,

My fiance and I filed our I-129F through our attorney that we hired and we are currently waiting for approval. Since I cannot enter the US until the K1 visa is granted my fiance is flying over to England to see me

It will be her first trip outside of the US and I've been searching online to see if she will require any special jabs or shots before she flies to England. I'd be interesting in reading of any US citizens who have come to England to see their partner and any precautions or advice they may have.

Thanks

Mark.

Yep, while I was in the US again for the month of April my wonderful girlfriend and I became engaged and we hired an attorney to help us in our K1 Visa quest! We had all our necessary paperwork, evidence, affidavit etc together for our attorney before I left to go back to England and the package with the I129F has been submitted to the USCIS! Like everybody else, we are of course hopeful that the process will be as quick as possible with timescales of around 5-6 months being suggested to get to the stage where I can enter the US to legally marry my fiance with the intention of also obtaining a temporary work permit from one of the possible ports of entry to the US such as JFK and Boston we believe.

We'll post our progress along the way and thanks to all that have helped us thus far; we are excited We'd also like to hear your comments and experiences from this point forward too