N0mad

The manager at the local IRS office told us this, and it's consistent with your link. I think your interpretation of "cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN)" is different from IRS interpretation. According to IRS, she CAN get an SSN, it's just taking much longer than they expect.

We're in similar boat, but we never received any notice. Got the greencard in September, local (Boston) SSA office is by appointment only, which requires you to snail-mail all documentation ahead of time. When they scheduled an appointment, they said that they need to request it by mail. We waited 4 weeks, called them up and found out there was a clerical error that resulted in our file just sitting there until we called (not sure why they didn't inform us). The clerical error has since been fixed, but another 3 weeks later there is still no word from them. This dysfunctional system is getting really frustrating at this point.

"Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens" on the second page at the top-right:  http://ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html
 
 

This feels very personal when some of us have been waiting years to be in a position to move to the US to be with their partner, only to get stopped a mere month or two away from achieving our dreams with highly questionable political moves.

Approved!

139 days and approved!
 
I'm so glad that wait is over. I hope others get their approval soon also!
 

After 138 we are approved!!!! Wooooo so happy lol okay on to the next steps finally lol

With the disclaimer that I haven't been paying as close attention to this since Anastasia's visa was issued back in March... it seems like they've mostly resolved the backlogs with immigrant visa processing in Moscow in 2019 (they were pretty bad in 2018, so we had been worried). At least, I haven't heard of extended periods without any K-1 interviews, or read comments from new people complaining about interview availability in the nine months or so.
 
B-1/B-2s are another matter entirely; the backlog is very long in Moscow for them right now (officially waiting time is 300 days the last time I checked) though for non-immigrant/immigrant intent visas at least Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok work.

We just got approved (136 days)

We just got approved (136 days)

We just got approved (136 days)

We just got approved (136 days)

We just got approved (136 days)

We just got approved (136 days)

We just got approved (136 days)

USCIS official processing times give worst case scenario estimates, which is why many members don't trust them and use alternative timeline methods, such as this forum. Realistically what percentage of the population actually wait the 7 months posted on USCIS until NOA2?. It's only fair to expect members to compare themselves to the average, which has been around 100 days for the last few months, and start to get worried when our case is taking significantly longer. I understand that we're told not to do that because each case is unique and we can't do anything about it until the 7-month timeframe elapses anyway, but it's no surprise we're starting to get anxious after 120-130 days. I'm sure you understand.

Congrats!
Now I'm getting lonely here in the NOA2 waiting room.

APPROVED!!!

USCIS official processing times give worst case scenario estimates, which is why many members don't trust them and use alternative timeline methods, such as this forum. Realistically what percentage of the population actually wait the 7 months posted on USCIS until NOA2?. It's only fair to expect members to compare themselves to the average, which has been around 100 days for the last few months, and start to get worried when our case is taking significantly longer. I understand that we're told not to do that because each case is unique and we can't do anything about it until the 7-month timeframe elapses anyway, but it's no surprise we're starting to get anxious after 120-130 days. I'm sure you understand.

USCIS official processing times give worst case scenario estimates, which is why many members don't trust them and use alternative timeline methods, such as this forum. Realistically what percentage of the population actually wait the 7 months posted on USCIS until NOA2?. It's only fair to expect members to compare themselves to the average, which has been around 100 days for the last few months, and start to get worried when our case is taking significantly longer. I understand that we're told not to do that because each case is unique and we can't do anything about it until the 7-month timeframe elapses anyway, but it's no surprise we're starting to get anxious after 120-130 days. I'm sure you understand.

USCIS official processing times give worst case scenario estimates, which is why many members don't trust them and use alternative timeline methods, such as this forum. Realistically what percentage of the population actually wait the 7 months posted on USCIS until NOA2?. It's only fair to expect members to compare themselves to the average, which has been around 100 days for the last few months, and start to get worried when our case is taking significantly longer. I understand that we're told not to do that because each case is unique and we can't do anything about it until the 7-month timeframe elapses anyway, but it's no surprise we're starting to get anxious after 120-130 days. I'm sure you understand.

USCIS official processing times give worst case scenario estimates, which is why many members don't trust them and use alternative timeline methods, such as this forum. Realistically what percentage of the population actually wait the 7 months posted on USCIS until NOA2?. It's only fair to expect members to compare themselves to the average, which has been around 100 days for the last few months, and start to get worried when our case is taking significantly longer. I understand that we're told not to do that because each case is unique and we can't do anything about it until the 7-month timeframe elapses anyway, but it's no surprise we're starting to get anxious after 120-130 days. I'm sure you understand.

USCIS official processing times give worst case scenario estimates, which is why many members don't trust them and use alternative timeline methods, such as this forum. Realistically what percentage of the population actually wait the 7 months posted on USCIS until NOA2?. It's only fair to expect members to compare themselves to the average, which has been around 100 days for the last few months, and start to get worried when our case is taking significantly longer. I understand that we're told not to do that because each case is unique and we can't do anything about it until the 7-month timeframe elapses anyway, but it's no surprise we're starting to get anxious after 120-130 days. I'm sure you understand.

I feel for you and I've said this on a different thread. I am SO humbled by all of you who have been waiting much longer than the estimated 3-4 months. I am truly sending you the best vibes and praying for approvals for all of you September filers to be approved by the end of the week!

I wanted to address the negative attitudes we have seen on the rise recently in the upper/ immigration forums towards those who ask beginner/ simple questions, or have unusually fast or slow VisaJourneys.

First, there is a tone difference between the Progress forums- which are mostly for support and cheerleading, and the Info forums, which are mostly to have questions answered.   While all our forums are supposed to be welcoming to all and friendly, this is especially important in the Progress forums, which are not to discuss politics, or be negative towards  those fortunate to have their case dealt with quickly, or  critical of those who voice sadness about their own slow progress. These forums are there to uplift eachother!

Secondly- in the info forums, you may get bad news.  When a question is asked, our members are encouraged to answer truthfully, even if this may not be what the Op wants to hear, because it is important to be informed.  However, the emphasis is still on being welcoming and friendly.  If you need to give bad news, do so gently, and stick to facts; constructive criticism of the Op's plans ARE allowed, but the emphasis is on constructive.  No need to dwell on mistakes (or tell members they should be on 90 Day Fiance- that is a personal attack and automatic suspension), or  illegal actions in the past- instead, encourage and explain legal options for the future.  And ONLY legal options- as per our TOS, VJ does not support, condone or encourage illegal (immigration) actions, and such posts will be removed.

Ultimately, we are here to help all members, old and new, easy cases and complicated, those who write a fact filled bullet point post and those who are panicking and don't make much sense in their first post. Yes, sometimes questions can be easily googled, or answered via a search of our forums.  But if you feel that way, just scroll past- no need to criticise the OP for asking the question.