Pasta

I had to get a new O1 stamp overseas in order to start my O1 status because I was subject to the 2 year rule. My understanding is that you were eligible to do a change of status since you are exempt from the 2 year rule, so your I-129 in your O1 application is also your change of status application. The I-797 approval for your O1, does it have an I-94 attached to the bottom? If so, that’s your current O1 status.
 

I’m not certain is this is always the case, but my F1/J1 change of status and O1 extensions with I-94s (no need to leave the US) we’re on I-797A notices while my O1 approval notice (no I-94, needed to take the notice to the embassy for a new stamp) was an I-797B.
 

The next time you do exit the US, you will need to get a new O1 stamp before you can re enter.  You need to notify your J1 sponsor to end your J1 status. 

Haha. I have the same issue, then I noticed your husband is from the same country as I. 
 

I run my two parts together into a single name. I never changed my name legally so it is still Aaa Bbb in my passport. I lucked out when getting my drivers license. I wrote Aaabbb on the form but the first DMV lady said it had to match my passport so canceled it out and wrote Aaa Bbb. But the second DMV person who was actually entering the info into the system saw the cancellation and said I could do Aaabbb if I wanted. So my passport and drivers license name differ in having the space. This will likely get corrected if I apply for a REAL ID license however. 
 

In practice, it has never been an issue. When I have had to show ID for anything, this minor discrepancy has never been questioned. My credit report shows all names (including my “English” name that I’ve used from birth although it’s not a legal name). Credit is usually tracked by social security number so it hasn’t been an issue either. 

4 hours ago, PupperPup said:

My EAD case changed again:

 

NOA : April 21st

 

Aug. 6:   Biometrics 

Sept 15: New Card Being Produced

Sept 17: Case Approved

 

I thought it was approved first then new card being produced.... but whatever keeps my case moving I guess 😅

Similar for me:

4/22: I-765 received

8/13: Biometrics

9/17: New card being produced

By the time I get the card, will be just about 5 months from application to EAD.

2 hours ago, WOOSH said:

I did biometrics on Aug14th, I called USCIS this monday to expedite my I765 case. it was approved on Wednesday 

Do you mind sharing what your reason was for expediting and what evidence you provided? I’m planning to request an expedite on mine and I think I have good justification, but the lawyer I’m working with seems very hesitant. Thank you!

2 hours ago, Josias said:

Congratulations. Is your appointment for the San Marcos or Chula Vista office? My wife’s NOA1 was on 4/10 and our office should be in Chula Vista but no appointment yet. 

It is the Chula location. I’m glad I got my appointment but obviously there’s no rhyme or reason as to how they are scheduling.

On 8/4/2020 at 11:34 AM, MJAK said:

Glad to see things are moving along! I haven't received my biometrics appointment letter but hopefully soon. Anyone from San Diego, CA has their biometrics scheduled?

Hi MJAK. I received my appointment letter for SD on Monday. Appointment date is 8/13 and my NOA is 4/22. If your timeline is similar to mine you should get your appointment soon. Good luck!  

You can apply for the O1 but cannot change status in the US. You have to get a new O1 stamp from outside the US. Until you do that I think your status ends when your J1 ends even if you have an O1 approval notice. You can only change status in the US if you aren’t subject to the 2 yr rule anymore, either by waiver or if already fulfilled. 
 

My path was J1 (still had about 8 mo of validity when my O1 was approved) -> O1 (returned home for stamp) -> J1 waiver -> AoS for marriage 

Sharing my timeline as I found this website very helpful and reassuring during the whole process. 

I am from the the same country as the user GKT who posted his timeline in a previous thread. Our embassy sent out NOS to DoS at the same time (they batch the letter, so one letter had 4 applicants names). Just going to show how different the timeline can be between different people! His favorable recommendation was issued within a month of NOS while mine ended up taking 4 months.

I had no government funding but had 2 different J1 sponsor organizations. The DoS requested a “Funding source memo” and I couldn’t find much info about this request. I contacted both my sponsors and no one had received anything. This was during the government shutdown and everyone advised waiting.

I emailed the 212waiver address twice, once on 2/25 and again on 3/13 to ask who they sent the request to, as both the responsible officers on my DS2019 forms had since left the sponsor organizations. Finally on 4/3 I received a reply from this address apologizing for the long wait and stating that they re-sent the request. And then the response to the memo was received very quickly. I suspect that they did not send the original request when it was noted in the timeline as both my sponsors are very familiar with J1 waivers. 

I just received my I797 receipt from USCIS yesterday 5/8, dated as 5/1 receipt date. 

Best of luck to everyone who is still waiting!