Shades8

@HoneyBadger26 did your husband receive his physical green card in the mail yet? The status on mine hasn’t changed since I paid the immigrant fee a month ago, I’m starting to think something is wrong with mine.  

46 minutes ago, Carebear31 said:

Thanks 🙂 USC spouse is in USA, myself and our 4 kids are waiting in Canada. 
 

Maybe that congressional inquiry will get things moving again.  Even though the expedite request was denied it might have triggered someone to look at your case and get it some attention.  Fingers crossed for you! 

10 hours ago, Carebear31 said:

Hi guys, we are pretty desperate for answers to our situation. Were any of you skipped over for an interview letter? We were DQ Sept 28, 2023 and so far nothing. According to the “first-in, first-out” scheduling policy at NVC, we should have received an interview letter in December. People with DQ’s in December have interviews scheduled already, so clearly they don’t go in strict order. Some people are getting their letters one month after DQ, we are at five!
Submitted a public inquiry early Jan, received the standard “you’re in queue and we will schedule an interview when a date is available.” Submitted congressional inquiry as well as an expedite request two weeks ago through congressman’s office, denied. Our attorney says we’re now at the mercy of the US immigration system, and not to contact NVC/consulate for a while as it may delay our case, especially after an expedite denial. He also said it’s 3-5 months between DQ and interview at Montreal and he doesn’t see a reason why our case should be different. We’re sitting at hopefully 7 months at the moment.  We are a very straightforward, no issues case. Children are US citizens. 

If we don’t get an interview letter this month I may lose my mind. We have 4 children and we are sitting in limbo.

Please, has anyone had this happen or heard of cases like this? We’ve been skipped twice. 

I don’t have any good advice for you, but I’m so sorry you’re going through this.  It’s awful not knowing what’s going on.  Is your whole family currently in Canada or is your spouse in the US and the rest of you are in Canada waiting? 

6 hours ago, mam521 said:

On one of your NOA's, there should be a code.  

 

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uscis.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fimages%2Ftopic-landing%2FUSCIS_File-Online_760%402x_0.jpg&tbnid=4f3k5UWWaD4psM&vet=12ahUKEwjW-LXO162EAxXAFt4AHU1vBgIQMygAegQIARBM..i&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uscis.gov%2Ffile-online%2Fhow-to-create-a-uscis-online-account&docid=s_mrEG7u8A2HCM&w=1520&h=920&q=NOA code to add a case to myuscis&ved=2ahUKEwjW-LXO162EAxXAFt4AHU1vBgIQMygAegQIARBM

We have an access code for the I 130 we filed but that status hasn’t changed since it was first sent to the NVC.  I got a second receipt number when I paid my immigrant fee and I never received any NOA document with that one and when I requested an online access code for it they told me it wasn’t a valid receipt number.  So I’m pretty confused about how to track the production of the green card.  

48 minutes ago, HoneyBadger26 said:

I thought so as well - the lady said not to worry about it, though.

We tried to do that - they would not start him working without the SSN. 

When he went back into SSA to request a new card and to have it sent to our PO box, the lady casually laid a piece of paper on the desk, told him "I'm not allowed to give you this, but I have to go get a piece of paper off the printer, so if you happen to see a number on this paper that I am absolutely not supposed to give you... so be it" and she walked away. He quickly jotted down his SSN, and when she came back she said "Yes, I definitely cannot give you this paper" and shredded it with a smile and a nod. I don't know this woman, but I would love to send her flowers lol

 

We were able to get hubby working starting Tuesday night, and we are just waiting now for the replacement card to come. The lady said 7-10 days, so I'm watching our Informed Delivery like a hawk. Checked with USCIS and the green card is being produced as of Jan 29.

Yay!!!

4 hours ago, mam521 said:

@HoneyBadger26 your husband can still begin work even without the SSN.  Read the I-9 form.  He can provide his passport with his endorsed I-551 which serves as a List A document demonstrating both identity and work authorization (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).  The SSN can be updated in the near future as you work out the details on where the card actually went to.  If his employer has questions, they can refer to the USCIS I-9 Central page.  The HR team should have received updated training on this.  

 

@Shades8 you are correct.  There are no I-94's for LPR's.  The information @HoneyBadger26's spouse is being presented is for individuals with work visas, not permanent residents of the US. 

 

As for the greencard, @Shades8, MyUSCIS should have the information.  Also, you can further track on Informed Delivery from USPS when it's mailed out.  

Thank you for the info! I am unable to add my case to my USCIS account.  I tried using the receipt number for when I paid the fee to get an access code and they told me it wasn’t a valid receipt number.  Then I tried again using the original I 130 receipt number and they denied me saying they couldn’t prove I was the applicant.  So I can only use the public USCIS case status thing.  I’m really confused about how to track the progress of getting the green card.  

2 hours ago, HoneyBadger26 said:

Question for anyone who can help.

 

Husband's SSN was "delivered and returned" - pretty sure our petty mail carrier (whom I reported for damage when he threw packages at my door - literally) had something to do with it. Husband is currently trying to fast-track a replacement down at SSA because he was offered a job today. But the SSA agent asked if we had received husband's I-94 after crossing - and we haven't received a single thing. We thought we were still waiting on his SSN card, and that was it. I know I can pull an I-94 of their website to show travel history, but is there something else I'm missing? His I-94 record still has his old passport number - for some reason, when he renewed his passport in Aug 2022, they issued a whole new passport number and it never got "attached" to anything. Now I'm worried that we've missed something somewhere. Does anyone know anything that might help inform me?

I forgot to add, since his SSN card was issued I think there is a way he can look it up online and get the number.  If he gives the employer his SSN number and his green card (or that temporary stamp in his passport) that should work for employment.   I’m pretty sure permanent residents don’t get I94s so he will never have one.  

2 hours ago, HoneyBadger26 said:

Question for anyone who can help.

 

Husband's SSN was "delivered and returned" - pretty sure our petty mail carrier (whom I reported for damage when he threw packages at my door - literally) had something to do with it. Husband is currently trying to fast-track a replacement down at SSA because he was offered a job today. But the SSA agent asked if we had received husband's I-94 after crossing - and we haven't received a single thing. We thought we were still waiting on his SSN card, and that was it. I know I can pull an I-94 of their website to show travel history, but is there something else I'm missing? His I-94 record still has his old passport number - for some reason, when he renewed his passport in Aug 2022, they issued a whole new passport number and it never got "attached" to anything. Now I'm worried that we've missed something somewhere. Does anyone know anything that might help inform me?

I thought when you enter as a permanent resident you no longer get an I94? I checked my I94 and it only shows the last entry I did as a tourist on a B2 ages ago. 

Has your husband received his physical green card yet? I don’t know how to track the status of mine, the last update I got is from the receipt number from when I paid the immigrant fee and it just says your fee has been paid and your card will be produced.  I don’t know if that status will change when it’s mailed or what.  It’s only been two weeks since I crossed so I’m not worried yet.  

This is exactly how mine looked and it was accepted.  

19 minutes ago, mam521 said:

Do you have a MyUSCIS account?  You can track from there.  Also, sign up for USPS Informed Delivery.  I could see the envelopes from USPS before I was notified by USCIS.  Otherwise, it will be the one you paid the fee with.  The I-130 is essentially the past - you've moved onto the DS-260 and now have the I-551.  

Ok thank you! I did sign up for account but it’s asking me to request an online access code to add my case. I will use the payment receipt to keep tracking we already have USPS informed delivery.  Thank you so much! 

Which receipt number do I use to track the status of getting the physical green card?   We have a receipt number from when we originally filed the I 130 and then I got a different receipt number from when I paid my immigrant fee.  Not sure which one to use. The I130 one just shows a status of case sent to NVC and the fee one just shows immigrant fee paid.  

7 hours ago, hawaiicostco said:

Update: Entered the US 4 days ago and went to the local social security office this morning. I showed them my passport and stamped immigrant visa. They gave my SSN on the spot.

That’s awesome! I tried to get my drivers license with just the stamp and they put me into a SAVE verification check. Ugh. 

1 minute ago, Crazy Cat said:

"D/s" means "For the duration of stay".  Yes, the dated stamp is the endorsement.  That visa is now a temporary Green card for a year or until the plastic one arrives. 

Ok phew! Thank you.  I guess the DMV just weren’t used to seeing it this way. 

1 minute ago, Crazy Cat said:

Do you see "upon endorsement serves as temporary i-551"? That dated stamp is the endorsement. 

Yup. That’s written on the counterfoil.  So the stamp is the endorsement and the date the D/S he wrote just means valid for that year I guess?

4 minutes ago, Boiler said:

I did not go that way, but I think the I 551 is all they need immigration wise, plus proof of identity and residency. Most States issue a list showing what is required.

Is the I 551 the counterfoil they put in the page at the consulate before they sent it back?  That full page sticker thing?

1 minute ago, Boiler said:

CR1 is 2 years so I think the first one was correct.

 

Do you have an ADIT stamp I 551. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-related-news/temporary-status-documentation-for-lawful-permanent-residents-lpr

Yes I have the counterfoil in there as well.  So I guess it’s fine that he messed up the date on the actual CR1 stamp?

So I crossed for the first time yesterday to activate my green card and I think the agent didn’t know what he was doing and he messed up my CR1 stamp.  He put a date then crossed it out then out another date then crossed that out and the just put D/S.  I tried to get my drivers license today and they were totally confused about the validity of my CR1.  So I’m worried now that’s it not valid until I receive my actual physical green card and I have to take an international trip soon.  Can I get this fixed? 

Did you get your passport back?  My interview was Jan 22, I got an email with the tracking number on Jan 23 and it arrived today on Jan 24. I paid for the premium delivery service.  

I got my passport back today - yay!
But I can’t pay the immigrant fee on the USCIS website.  I keep getting “unexpected error”, I’ve tried a different browser and triple checked that I am entering the right numbers, but no luck.  Is there an issue with their website right now?

Does anyone know which specific RCMP criminal record check they are accepting for citizenship applications?   There are several different fingerprint based types and I have asked them but they don’t specify which one they want.  

21 minutes ago, EmCash said:

My husband got a new passport in the time between registering the appointment and the appointment which is scheduled in February. Is it recommended to upload the new passport into the NVC?

This exact same thing just happened to me.  I did upload a copy of my new passport before the interview, and when I showed up they just wanted to see my old passport, but it was no issue at all.  Does he still have his old passport? 

9 hours ago, hawaiicostco said:

Could I bring my phone, smart watch and wallet with me into the Montreal consulate? I know for the Toronto consulate, they did not let me bring my phone and smart watch in, but I don't remember if they're ok with a wallet.

I brought all of that stuff and they had a little locker I could store it in while I was upstairs.   I brought my wallet upstairs, but no phone, watch, key fobs or earphones, they went in the locker. 

20 hours ago, HoneyBadger26 said:

Husband entered US 1/19 😁 We are now just waiting for the green card/etc.

 

We selected to have SSA issue a SSN card for him, and I'm curious how long that typically takes to arrive?

I've also seen some things saying that the immigrant visa in his passport is proof that he is able to work, until his green card arrives, but I don't know if that is accurate.

 

Can anyone shed any light on these two items?

Congrats! Not sure about SSN, but I was wondering how long did it take him at customs to activate the visa? I plan to fly and am not sure how much time I should plan for at customs.  Also, after his visa status changed to Issued did he get tracking number by email or did he have to keep checking the delivery service website? I had my interview yesterday and it was marked Issued a couple hours after, yay!!🎉 

16 hours ago, tonyrako said:

My wifes interview was Friday. She was approved but the computer system was down so they couldn't finalize the paperwork. Would you be able to post back here once yours is done and let us know if the system is back up and running today? Best of luck on your interview, my wife said it was quick and easy - other than the computer part! 

 

I had my interview this morning and as far as I could tell their IT systems must have been working again because he told me I was approved at the end of the interview.  And a couple hours later my case status changed to Issued.  I was surprised it all happened so quickly!  Did your wife get an update yet? 

this is probably a dumb question, but where on the CEAC website do you see the status of your case after you are done your interview? Mine is this Monday and I’m going to be obsessively checking it post interview.