Hello everyone,
I am totally new here, I would like to find out more about timing because getting that EAD is so important for us, being without our abusive's financial support. I read @maggiol's post and @Pinkrlion's reply (above), there are some similarities.
It is great news from @Pinkrlion's reply that I can take time to file VAWA closer to the interview because I will not let my abusive know where I am right now so he will definitely not attend the interview with me.
My priority date is 7 March 2022,
I got an RFE 22 March,
my i-485 & i765 under review as of 26 April,
and I did my biometrics 26 April 2022.
My F-1 visa expired in mid-Jan 2022 during my uscis application because the first set of i-485 and other forms were submitted in Nov 2021.
I have left my husband and stepchildren 3 weeks ago, he has no idea where i am nor have any way to reach me other than love-bomb texting my home country phone number all day everyday (because my country's phone network does not allow number-blocking). I know for sure he won't be filing for divorce soon so I am using his residency to apply for nursing school and my city's free training (for nursing).
Here's where i need advice -
1)The RFE I received on 22 March is asking for a joint sponsor because even though his income is above the 125% poverty guideline for our household, his income is solely from SSI benefits. (these SSI benefits are for the legal guardian of my stepchildren, awarded for the stepchildren's expenses). Is this why USCIS wants a joint sponsor, because they dont accept SSI income? I wrote a MyUscis message to ask if it could be a) incomplete documents b) he didn't sign the form or c) i need a joint sponsor because the way the letter was written was vague, but there is no reply for some time.
2) I have not asked anyone to be my joint sponsor. i dont potentially have anyone i am close enough to, who would like to be my joint sponsor. but before i ask, I would like to know if going ahead with my current application (and quickly submitting a joint sponsor) would get me my EAD sooner or submitting VAWA at this point would get me an EAD sooner. do you guys have any idea who i can ask?
3) I read many online sites that stated other people's experience being that if i were to work right now, although illegal, will not be a problem once my GC is approved. May I know if it is the same if I submit my VAWA at this point? (my husband forced me to enter clinical trials to help him with his car loan and bills and i left him before i received the payment and i know have a few thousand dollars sitting in a debit card because i am afraid to use the money) Can i use this money?
4) I hope that if i were to submit VAWA, my husband won't be investigated by CPS in anyway. I cannot risk my stepchildren being sent to their late mother's parents because they are really horrible people and he is a good father. so far 2 people advised me VAWA is totally confidential, one person said we have no control if USCIS officers decides to report.
Thank you all for your attention (and advice in advance). Have an awesome weekend.
PS: I have read some really heartbreaking experiences of the brave people here and I would like to express my empathy and sympathy. I hope everyone realises their dreams and goals as soon as possible.