dusty_jewels

3 hours ago, OldUser said:

You need to remove conditions on your LPR status.

 

1) It doesn't matter now, you're LPR. Sponsors do not matter for I-751 or N-400

2) Vietnamese address where? Which form? I-751 or I-131?

Yes, I forgot that was the term!

I listed the form I was talking about in the topic but didn't make it clear in the post itself - Form I-751 Removal of Conditions

Thank you!

Hi guys,

These might be silly questions but I want to make sure I get this absolutely right with your help. I need to extend my 2 year conditional green card, and after that apply for Reentry Permit Form I-131 as my husband got a job in Vietnam and that's where we will be mostly living. I will be in the US the whole time during this application, at least when I get the receipts and biometrics notification, and if I've flown back to Vietnam, I can go back to the US at any time.

Questions for Form I-751:

1. My mother-in-law was our joint sponsor from when I first applied for the green card, does it matter now? I assume I don't have to mention her in the form.

2. I was advised to put our Vietnamese address as an overlap on the last page of the Form I-751, Additional Information.

Do I just say ADDRESS OVERLAP: [Vietnam Address]?

I was also advised to say it like this:
Temporary Overseas Work Assignment from x to y dates/employment and Vietnam address

3. My spouse's current Vietnamese number cannot receive international texts or calls. Can I leave the telephone numbers blank and state his email address instead? I will have a US number that can receive international texts and calls. 

Appreciate all answers. Thank you!

1 hour ago, OldUser said:

Yes

Thank you! Appreciate your time!

1 hour ago, OldUser said:

Where is this information from? Re-entry permit is linked to your LPR status, not GC.

Yes, I believe LPR and GC is the same for my situation right now.

But I'm confused here.

To answer your question, two immigration lawyers, plus when I asked this on VJ, no one disputed it, and it also says on https://www.usa.gov/travel-documents-foreign-citizens:

"For conditional permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years after the date of issue. Or it is valid up until the date you must apply for removal of the conditions on your status, whichever date comes first."
 

I'm a conditional permanent resident. My green card expires in March 10th 2025. If I apply now, my re-entry permit expires then.

I'm looking to apply for the reentry permit after my removal of conditions is received, which I cannot apply for now since it's not December 10th 2024 yet. I plan to apply for the removal of conditions around January 5th 2025 when I come back to the US.

I believe I haven't misunderstood the lawyers and the usa.gov website regarding expiry of the re-entry permit for conditional perm. residents like me?

1 hour ago, OldUser said:

Who told you this? Nobody can predict with 100% your biometrics will be reused and you won't have interview. You should always assume you have to attend both. When you don't have to, it's a nice bonus. Not having interview for GC is likely going to increase the chance of interview for I-751. USCIS wants to interview immigrants at least a few times during the process.

Another VJ forum user told me. I believe you liked her comment on my last post. But yes, I agree that no one can predict that, I'll just cross my fingers for me to receive the biometrics re-use notice. I'll be staying till then.

50 minutes ago, OldUser said:

This is not how it works. USCIS schedules you for appointments. You don't get to choose dates, only can ask to reschedule appointments (cannot guarantee it will be granted). It's unlikely you'd get interview for I-751 within 6-7 months of filing, but biometrics may be scheduled in this timeframe by USCIS.

 

Ideally, one should not leave the US until biometrics are reused / taken. If leaving before that, it's advisable to monitor USCIS account, case status and mail for updates. If appointment is scheduled, it's recommended to drop everything and come to the US for the appointment to ensure there is no denial of I-751.

 

Good luck!

Thank you. I plan to stay until I get the biometrics notice. It's the interview that might be tricky for my husband, not me, as he's the one in Vietnam for work. I can fly into the US at any time and stay however long.

So I guess, to answer my overall question, my husband might be needed back in the US next year for the interview, if scheduled?

Hi, I just wanted to be entirely sure because I'm not in a straight-forward situation.

So I can start applying for Removal of Conditions on my 2-year greencard on Dec 10th 2024, but I will be in Vietnam living with my American husband as he has a 2-year work contract there, so I also have to apply for my reentry permit. I can't apply for it now since it will expire with my 2-year greencard.

I've decided to come back from Vietnam on January 5th 2025 to apply for everything, and by then I would have been away from the US for about 5 mths 2 weeks. My husband will not be flying back with me.

I have been advised here on VJ to apply for the I-751, get the receipt/48 months extension and then apply for my reentry permit I-131.

So questions:

1. Is my husband needed physically here in the US when I apply for both I-751 and I-131? From what I read, there is no need.

We plan to fill out the I-751 form with his signature + the check for the fees over in Vietnam, and I bring all of that back to the US and send it to the USCIS.

I have been told that biometrics should be re-used and that a physical interview isn't likely. I wasn't interviewed for my greencard.

2. I assume that I-131 is just me applying only, and biometrics will likely be re-used as well.

3. Also, is there any guide on VJ about the I-131? I couldn't find any, or is it very straight-forward?

We will both be flying back in July 2025, so I assume if I need to be back in the US for anything, I can schedule it in July 2025.

Appreciate any help!

4 hours ago, Family said:

For the form the I-751 form itself you can use your relative/trusted friend’s US address for both physical and mailing address.
 

On the last page of the I-751 you can include info as Temporary Overseas Work Assignment from x to y dates/employment and lodging address. This way it will not be used for correspondence.

 

THANK YOU! Will use my MIL's address. I have no idea how you know this, but you're better than an immigration lawyer at this point. THANK YOU!

On 4/17/2024 at 6:21 PM, Family said:

Change your timeline as follows

1. Go as planned Aug 24.

Document disposition of big ticket items ( either storage or in family’s garage )

establish physical address w family in US on DL, bank , credit , SS , IRS . USCIS w AR-11 

Have family write up a letter stating you and spouse will be lodging /living w them for the duration of overseas contract . 

2. Fly back in Jan 25 and file I-751 . You will have receipt in 10 days or less , then file I-131 and you should have biometrics re use notice in a few days.

Mark both physical and mailing address for I-751 w US address at filing . . since you will be here at filing you will simplify the usual confusion . 
NOW include all the  evidence from item 1 and disclose Vietnam address as an OVERLAP on last page of I-751. 
 

You should be done in 2 to 3 weeks in January and don’t need to worry about coming back every six months .

After 11 months , if I-131 is not approved , start prodding USCIS and your congressman. 

 

 

Don’t bother w December filing . 
You will NOT be denied entry as long as your I-751 extension is valid ..so look at card and letter carefully .

 

Hi, you've been so helpful in April and I just have 1 question if you have the time... you mentioned disclosing my Vietnam address... will it be OK if I didn't?

I mentioned a physical address in NV while I stated my mailing address to be my MIL's permanent residence in CA.

USCIS messed up somehow and sent me a letter to my NV physical address which was temporary and very rural. Had I not be there at the time, I would have never gotten that letter.

Vietnamese mail gets lost very easily... especially addresses in English. I rather not indicate anywhere that I will be in Vietnam, just in case.

Thank you SO much!

21 minutes ago, Family said:

DL is drivers license. 
‘Yes, file everything in Jan while you are in your US home ( w family) .

Regular folks, even teachers , do maintain more than one “ home “  and hop continents…even without trumpy or diddy big bucks  😂

 

You can include a request to expedite biometrics scheduling when you file the I-131 or call it in once you get the receipt notice. Of course , do wait to have the biometrics letter in hand before taking off. 
I have some hands on work experience. 

Ah that should have been obvious... even more cultural differences because Singaporeans don't need to drive and so I can't drive. 😂

Great, I thought to expedite biometrics you have to have a really good reason but I'll put in that we have upcoming booked flights back to Vietnam. 👍

Thank you so much for everything, this was great and helped a LOT!

47 minutes ago, Family said:

All things point to excellent speed w filing receipts. …this month is unusual due to fee increase .Make sure to pay filing fees w personal checks .

 

Set up a USCIS online account now and get familiar with tracking your cases. 
Biometrics re-use is now the rule, rather than the exception. ..likely will be reused for both filings

 

Yes, CBP will be impressed 😂

This is amazing, and seriously, I'm guess you know this from observing current news and other people's success stories?

HOW are you so up to speed? Magic!

LOL yes we were scared out of our wits that credit cards might decline so we always wrote personal checks. So RIP to my poor husband's bank account because bless him, he's a teacher.

Great, I already have a USCIS online account that I was monitoring diligently. 👍

So they actually will re-use my biometrics from 2 years ago? How interesting!

Two last things, you said:

Quote

establish physical address w family in US on DL, bank , credit , SS , IRS . USCIS w AR-11 

Pardon my ignorance, but what is DL?

And you said:

Quote

Mark both physical and mailing address for I-751 w US address at filing . . since you will be here at filing you will simplify the usual confusion . 

I thought filing means mailing the forms in, do you mean that it's best to not file in Dec 2024 because I won't be in the US, but file everything when I'm actually back here so I can clarify if anything goes wrong?

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

29 minutes ago, Family said:

Change your timeline as follows

1. Go as planned Aug 24.

Document disposition of big ticket items ( either storage or in family’s garage )

establish physical address w family in US on DL, bank , credit , SS , IRS . USCIS w AR-11 

Have family write up a letter stating you and spouse will be lodging /living w them for the duration of overseas contract . 

2. Fly back in Jan 25 and file I-751 . You will have receipt in 10 days or less , then file I-131 and you should have biometrics re use notice in a few days.

Mark both physical and mailing address for I-751 w US address at filing . . since you will be here at filing you will simplify the usual confusion . 
NOW include all the  evidence from item 1 and disclose Vietnam address as an OVERLAP on last page of I-751. 
 

You should be done in 2 to 3 weeks in January and don’t need to worry about coming back every six months .

After 11 months , if I-131 is not approved , start prodding USCIS and your congressman. 

 

 

Don’t bother w December filing . 
You will NOT be denied entry as long as your I-751 extension is valid ..so look at card and letter carefully .

 

WOW! This is incredible, how do you know this? What magic...??

Can I clarify this part here?

Quote

2. Fly back in Jan 25 and file I-751 . You will have receipt in 10 days or less , then file I-131 and you should have biometrics re use notice in a few days.

All the research I've done imply that getting the I-751 filing receipt takes longer, and biometrics appointment for I-131 can take a few weeks. Do you know if the processing times have changed? You're saying biometrics reuse... is biometrics reuse actually possible and I DON'T have to go to a biometrics appointment?

I was prepared to drive 1hr 44mins to the nearest ASC with my mom-in-law and do the biometrics appointment again when scheduled.

Lastly, are you saying that showing the receipt of pending I-131 is good enough for the CBP, along with evidence of all the other ties to the US?

THANK YOU very much in advance if you answer these questions!

1 hour ago, JKLSemicolon said:

Just wanted to add that this sounds a lot like the Sunk Cost Fallacy and you don’t want that to cloud your judgement. Try to lay out your alternatives objectively and weigh the pros and cons of each (this would be good to do during an attorney consultation if you end up getting one).

 

I am saying this having in our case gone through the K-1 process and starting the Adjustment of Status before cutting our losses and starting over with a CR-1 visa. When your circumstances change sometimes that merits re-evaluating the path forward.

I'm sorry you had to do that and I understand.

Over here, I'm thinking about having solid evidence regarding ties to the US as I believe they do totality of circumstances at CBP, and I'll consult the immigration lawyers if opening an LLC and paying corporate taxes is a strong tie.

Thank you SO much for your helpful reply.

I'll update!

1 hour ago, Redro said:

@JKLSemicolon has a good point about I407. You just have to think about the timing and your status in Vietnam and where the interview will take place.

Go to the interview too early in Vietnam and you might receive a 221g about your husband’s intent to return to the US (if he is still working in Vietnam). Leave it too late and you might not be able to stay in Vietnam if your visa there is dependent on your husband’s authorized stay in Vietnam… and again if your husband doesn’t return to the US before you, that might also cause issues. You might have to change the interview venue to Singapore. Additionally, you might need to obtain a joint sponsor if your husband isn’t earning any money in the US… (income from Vietnam doesn’t count)… 

 

Comparing costs of ROC vs abandoning GC. 

 

I131 reentry permit costs $630 (you might have to apply for it 3 times depending on the validity of the reentry permit) 

Before ROC $630

AFTER ROC is filed $630

Filing ROC- $750 

Then of course the cost of filing to the US twice a year… 

 

Filing i407 $0

new I130 $625

DS260 $325 

I864 $120

Green card $220

Optional B1/B2 application $185 

 

im sure you’re realizing deciding to move to Vietnam for a few years isn’t as simple as you thought it was… I tried to find some success stories on VJ of filing ROC and I131 at the same time but people asked the question and never came back to update the forum. So, if you do manage to work it out please come back and tell us what you did… 

 

 

 

 

THANK YOU so much for such a thoughtful reply. You are right, actually it might be so much easier to just change the interview venue to Singapore if I decide to give up the green card.

You are also very very right about no success stores. I can't even find a success story where someone came back twice every year and were still allowed in... they don't say and no one updates!

So I don't know. And I don't think anyone truly knows (well, not the ones who successfully came back anyway, but they aren't saying anything.)

What I do know is that there are success stories of people who came back to the US after 2 years away without the Reentry Permit and were let in... heh... maybe that's the solution (probably won't do that.)

All of this really would be so much simpler if I had already applied for the ROC or got the 10 year green card. Sigh. But alas, I had to have the conditional one.

What I believe I can also do is prove as many ties to the US as possible, especially if I set up an LLC and pay corporate taxes, at CBP.

Another option would be me staying 3 months at a time when I return to the US, ensuring that I stay in the US 6 mths or 50% out of the year while also proving those ties.

I'll have to consult immigration lawyers and ask for success stories. I'll update!

1 hour ago, JKLSemicolon said:

Your leaving in August is due to your husband’s taking a job in Vietnam and your essentially moving out of the country with him, correct? I am saying that given that, it makes sense to apply for the re-entry permit and complete biometrics before then, even if you do return at some point a few months after that. To me is less about ensuring you are able to re-enter the US on any given trip and more about justifying the (presumable) lack of evidence of a life together in the US after a certain point during the conditional residency period.

 

Do give the I-407 route some serious consideration. If you search this forum you will find others who have gone that route and depending on the specifics, may be a better fit.

 

Whatever you choose, put yourself in the shoes of someone adjudicating your case and think about the questions that they might have given your situation and how you can overcome that with quality evidence.

Thank you! This is really tricky. I've been told I can't reapply for the Reentry Permit once I am pending ROC and my 2 year green card has expired. But that would make sense as to the intent of staying in the US.

I had no idea the green card would be so black and white with such long processing times and little room for flexibility. Coming from Singapore, I've obviously been too privileged.

I'm prepared to now add my name to our car, open a bank account and very possibly open a functioning LLC to prove intent of staying. I was going to do it anyway but was just lazy on the 2 year green card.

Will also consult with lawyers. Thank you so much!

24 minutes ago, JKLSemicolon said:

If you do plan on filing for removal of conditions, I would apply for the re-entry permit ASAP as if nothing else it serves as evidence that you intend to maintain permanent residency in spite of prolonged periods out of the country (which may be hard to justify and/or will create a large gap in evidence during the ROC process).
 

A possible alternative would be to go to Vietnam, surrender the GC via I-407, have your husband petition for you again via I-130, delaying as needed at the NVC stage until ready to return to the US under the IR-1 category and receive a 10-year GC without the logistical complications of ROC. The obvious downside to that would be not being able to visit the US after surrendering the GC, which could possibly be remedied by applying for a B visa before filing a new I-130. The B visa is not guaranteed but you’d have a better chance after the I-407.

 

There are pros and cons to each approach and you would have to compare costs, etc. but I think it’s at least worth laying out all of your options.

Thank you very much! Great alternative, thank you very much for that.

Of course, I would rather not give up the green card after all the pain we went through and money we paid to do it. 

When you say apply for the Reentry Permit ASAP, do you mean right now or when I come back in January 2025 (I would have already filed for ROC in Dec 2024 and gotten the filing receipt) before my conditional green card expires? There will be a 5-mth absence but I was planning to stay in the US for a month or so to make sure I do my biometrics because I leave again for Vietnam.

Thank you!

35 minutes ago, Redro said:

I believe you get pulled into secondary whenever you enter on the extension letter. I would just be honest about your situation (husband has an assignment for 2 years in Vietnam.) Then of course every other trip you’ll be coming back with your husband so that might make entry smoother? 
I did some extra googling and see that USCIS does tell ROC applicants to apply for I131 if they think they will be outside the country for more than 6 months/ a year… so I suppose you could apply for I131 just as added security… it sounds like a stressful situation to be in… You could also file the I407 and then re-apply for a GC when you decide to return to the US… but a 2 year timeline would most likely mean you need to submit a new I130 petition as soon as you arrive in Vietnam… is your husband sure it will only be 2 years or could it be extended? 

That's correct, I will be coming back twice a year and he will be coming back once a year.

Yes, the USCIS tells ROC applicants that, but I feel we get such a crappy deal due to the long processing times.

The Reentry Permit expires when my conditional green card expires anyway... I feel like it's as good as throwing money away if I apply right now, since it might not even get approved by the time my green card expires.

I think the best option is to come back every 5-6 months, and have documentation I have a bank account in the US, paid taxes on time and my marriage certificate.

I wish they didn't have the 90 day window thing, or I could just apply for ROC right now and might even be able to slip in that Reentry Permit.

2 minutes ago, OldUser said:

I've never been pulled into a secondary as a LPR travelling on 2 year GC and extension letter. I had maybe 5 trips on it?

That's useful to know! I've been in secondary before and it wasn't good nor bad. They didn't allow me to inform my then-bf that I've been detained because I stayed 88 days in the US 17 months ago at that time.

1 hour ago, Redro said:

I would just go to Vietnam and come back every 6 months to keep the GC active TBH. Who even knows if the re-entry permit is valid for someone in the middle of ROC… and who even knows if USCIS recognizes re-entry permits for people who are removing conditions to REMAIN LPRs while they state they want to live OUTSIDE THE US for 2 years… 

I assume if called for an interview you and your husband will return to the US… 

ETA: Reentry permits take a long time to process and some ROCs are being approved in under 6 months so applying for one might be a waste of money in case the I131 for ROC filing does not cover the 10 yr GC when it is issued 

Very helpful, thanks! More helpful than the immigration lawyer, but he confirmed that I can only apply for the Reentry Permit if my ROC is approved, which by that time we might just be back permanently in the US!

With coming back 4 times over 2 years, I know I'd be subject to questioning at immigration. Any idea how I can make that go smoothly? Prove ties to the US, etc?

In my defense, it was not my idea or intent. I intended to stay for years, I've already been here 3 years.

We're new to this and were both privileged in thinking my conditional green card wouldn't be an issue in terms of long-term travel.

Had we known this would be such an issue, we'd have gotten a job where we are instead.

6 minutes ago, Timona said:

File re-entry NOW. Leave after biometrics, not before.

I'm confused with this one? According to usa.gov, they say:

"For conditional permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years after the date of issue. Or it is valid up until the date you must apply for removal of the conditions on your status, whichever date comes first."

I'm on the 2-year conditional green card right now. Won't the Reentry Permit be based on when it expires in March 10th 2025?

And I don't plan on leaving before biometrics after filing for the Reentry since I know I have to be in the US.

So my situation is just a little complicated, and I'm just wondering if I can get eyes on this to check if I've gotten the timeline right.

My American husband got a 2-year contract job in Vietnam. I am to move over to be with him but we underestimated how troublesome my 2 year conditional green card would be.

It expires March 10th 2025 but I plan to be in Vietnam with him already.

So the earliest I can apply for Removal of Conditions is December 10th 2024.

I believe I do not have to be in the US to file, but I need the actual filing receipt to reenter the US when my conditional green card expires.
 

I also believe I have to apply for a Reentry Permit because we plan to only visit family in the US once per year while my husband is working in Vietnam.

But I see that if I were to apply for the Reentry Permit now, it expires when my conditional green card expires, so there's no point. I need the whole 2 years it gives me.

I also see that for the Reentry Permit, I have to be physically present in the US for filing and my biometrics appt.
 

I believe this is the correct timeline where I can get everything approved safely, allowing me to stay in Vietnam for 2 years:
 

1. I fly off to Vietnam in August 2024

2. I get a family member in the US to send out my package for the Removal of Conditions on December 10th 2024 while I'm in Vietnam. I will have a physical address in the US.

3. I fly back to the US sometime in January 2025, under the 6 months red flag limit.

4. I should have gotten my Removal of Conditions filing receipt by then, and I can now safely apply for the 2 year Reentry Permit that should be now based on my pending 10 year green card right? I will also ask them to send the approved Permit to the US Embassy in Vietnam.

5. I wait for the Reentry Permit biometrics appointment.

6. I attend my biometrics appointment that's hopefully scheduled by March 2025.

7. I fly off to Vietnam.

8. I collect my Reentry Permit when it's approved at the US Embassy in Vietnam in late 2025 or early 2026.
    

It also takes 6-12 months for the Reentry Permit to be approved, so 4 questions:

1. Is my timeline correct?
2. If filed after I receive the receipt for Removal of Conditions, will my Reentry Permit be 2 years because it's based on my pending 10 year green card?
3. How risky is it to ask USCIS to send the approved Reentry Permit to the US Embassy in Vietnam?
4. Since it takes 9-12 months for the Reentry Permit to be approved, will the official filing receipt would suffice at immigration if we fly back to the US to visit family (in Dec 2025, I would have stayed about 9 mths in Vietnam)?

Would appreciate any thoughts. I can fly back to the US at any time if need be, it'll just be really troublesome.

2 hours ago, InspectorGrover said:

I also follow a USCIS subreddit (currently has 67,000 members) and I am seeing some posts of people saying they were approved without interview for a I-130 & I-485 application. Not sure if because the I-485 is there that it's the reason. I also just saw a post where someone said they were approved for a 10-year Green Card without interview - they didn't specify what application they made. 
(sorry if this is not relevant or just repeating what you are already saying). 

Yes, I was approved for both I-485 on March 11th and then two days later the I-130 on March 13th (should be the other way around but I'm not complaining) without any interview.

Just to confirm that this is not a consulate interview, I'm already in the US.

I'm really pleased with this!

I do wonder why they are doing this though.

Maybe just for the straight-forward cases from countries without high immigration/marriage fraud?

15 hours ago, Becki Louise said:

Thank you. Don't suppose you also have experience in trying to visit a US partner for temporary long visits?

If it's OK, I'd love to chime in about my experience. Recently got approved for the green card after more than a year (to be fair I did get 2 RFEs that delayed the process lol.)

My husband and I have been together for 7 years, I'm Singaporean, he's American.

Figuring out how to be together weirdly hasn't been a big factor because we spent a lot of our relationship in different countries where I was allowed to stay for 3 months, go back home, and come back again for another 3 months.

He's a teacher who teaches English in different countries, and money wasn't too much of an issue for me (lots of savings from 6-figure job.)

However the pandemic changed many things, we were apart for 16 months and truly done with not being together.

What I did in 2021 was come to the USA on ESTA, stayed for about 2 months, and then we spent 3 months in Costa Rica while he was interviewing for a job. He got a good job while we were there, and then I came back to the US.

During my first time coming to the US after more than 1 year, I got withheld and taken to the secondary inspection room (they didn't let me use my phone but I managed to sneak a text to inform my then-boyfriend about it) and questioned. I had to show them my bank account, which is a very big deal, as everyone knows, because they want to know you have the means to not leech off them.

The reason why I was questioned was because in 2019, I had extended my stay in the US to almost 3 months instead of my intended 2.5 mths. Even though the ESTA allows that, immigration doesn't like that.

So when I came back from Costa Rica, I very well knew I might not get back in, and I warned my then-fiancé and soon-to-be-in-laws. I had the flight out of the US printed out + my job ties to my home country. However, the officer refused to look at those, he didn't care, he just questioned me again about my intentions on staying. He let me in after.

My point is, if I were you, I'd prioritize time and finances, even if you're financially OK now. There can be a lot of unexpected costs and I would prioritize stability over anything else.

As in, I'd go and stay about 2.5-2.8 months in the US, get married on paper and start the process of sending in the I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This is not an easy process because it's all your financial documents, proof of relationship, affidavits.... man.... it took 2 months for me to gather all of that and I had a lawyer.

Then you have to make sure you fill in the form EXACTLY or they will send a RFE to resubmit.

Then, go to UK/Italy like you planned, and start consular processing for the green card. I believe this is still how it works, anyone feel free to correct me.

Then he can visit, or come over for Christmas like you planned. He can then visit you again in UK/France March 2024... and then you'll both settle in Australia for a bit. By then things should have proceeded smoothly with the green card (as in, from what I know.)

If you're talking about engagement now, there's not much difference between getting married on paper now vs next year except time, so I'd go ahead and do that and plan the wedding ceremony for later.

For us, it was both a personal and practical choice, it just killed two birds with one stone. COVID already delayed us 2 years... for us long-distance folks, proper planning will help a lot because later you have to deal with things like social security, taxes, insurance, etc.

Also, there were unexpected health problems with us and with family... you just want to be able to handle all of that.

I'm very grateful to my past self that I've managed to avoid unnecessary hold ups and relationship problems due to financial stress. USCIS waived the interview, and I'm very grateful for that.

Right now, we're living in a very nice apartment complex in Las Vegas, with great neighbors, and I can properly be on my husband's medical insurance. My father-in-law recently had a series of strokes and we can go deal with that instead of worrying about the green card.

And yes, I would say that you being from the UK helps, it's more like Filippino passports that the USCIS pays more attention to.

35 minutes ago, milimelo said:

I did that in Chicago though I lived in IN. They tried to schedule me for a place 3 hrs away and I just did a walk-in to Chicago ASC - no issues. Granted, this was years ago but one would hope common sense is still there. 

Good to know, thank you! Yes, it's just ridiculous to go so far and pay so much for a short appointment. I think with COVID things have changed, it seems very much like at the discretion of each office. Bad news for us.

7 hours ago, arken said:

A good idea.

 

Rescheduling doesn't mean new location, they could reschedule for the same location but push it back by months.

 

Why not,  if the don't allow you, you can go to your designated center.  Remember biometrics are generally done in ASC offices not uscis field offices.

7 hours ago, arken said:

A good idea.

 

Rescheduling doesn't mean new location, they could reschedule for the same location but push it back by months.

 

Why not,  if the don't allow you, you can go to your designated center.  Remember biometrics are generally done in ASC offices not uscis field offices.

Thank you very much!

We'll see if we can go to the one in Idaho! Looks like we'll just pay up and get it done in the same state. 

Hi,

We have a unique problem regarding the biometrics appointment. We live in a very isolated area and we're actually closer to another state (Idaho) and 2 hours to the nearest Idaho USCIS office. When I called to reschedule my appointment, the officer who was on the line put in a note to reschedule to Idaho BUT the officer who called me to actually reschedule the appointment said that the system can only schedule to the state we're living in. Because of that, the nearest USCIS office is now 6 hours away and it's better for me to take a flight there... except the whole thing and accommodation will cost $400+.

I feel that it's just such a waste of so much time and money when the Idaho office is just there and much more convenient. To the point where I feel like changing my address to my friend's in Idaho just to get the Idaho office (I won't, of course.)

I've heard that people have done walk-ins at an earlier date, in another USCIS office. But of course, I don't have the most updated info.

Should I:

1) Just pay the $400+ and get my biometrics done

2) Call USCIS to reschedule again

3) Just do a walk-in this weekend in Idaho?

Any insight, advice appreciated, thank you!

10 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

I have seen only one denial during the interview.  That was due to the spouse misrepresenting herself during specific questioning when she entered the US.   There are are hundreds, if not thousands here on VJ who have adjusted from a visitor visa.

No misrepresentation on my part during immigration, I was fully intending to leave and have evidence that I told people about it. The immigration officer refused to look at my departing flights anyway. Also, the COVID situation of my country got a bit worse during my stay, more strict regulations were enforced so that plays a part.

Thank you! Very good to know, I don't think I will have too much of an issue, I'm planning to be an asset to the economy, not a liability.