TonyMacaroni

On 4/5/2024 at 10:28 PM, TUC said:

My package arrived at the Phoenix lockbox on Friday March 29th, and today on April 5, exactly 1 week later the charge hit my credit card

 

Still no NOA1 yet, but I’m glad all 3 charges went through on my credit card.  Thank god none of them got marked as fraud. I was a bit worried using form G-1450 because I was submitting 3 separate AOS packages for my k1, and two k2’s. 

what do you mean “all 3 charges”? They charged you the new fees even though you filed before April 1?

oh, never mind. You filed 3 AOS packages.

Filed on the 29th through USPS, certified with return receipt, "Your item has been delivered and is available at a PO Box on April 1, 2024 in DALLAS, TX 75265."

Not sure if "Delivered" should turn to "Received/picked up". If that's the final status, then there's no way of knowing if USCIS has actually received the delivery notice in the PO box and picked up the envelope at the post office. That's until I receive the return receipt, if ever.

G-1145 has been filed along with the rest. The check hasn't been cashed.

No further updates as of now.

16 hours ago, OldUser said:

1. Was DS-3025 marked completed? Did you have all vaccinations etc?

2. Should have sent a copy of entire DS-3025. I think one page may trigger RFE

 

They only gave me the 1st page after the exam and I didn't pay attention back then  I explained that in the cover letter I sent to USCIS.

The doc said that I only lacked the TD vaccine which he administered. So I probably have all of them. There are blanket waivers "Not available in-country" though, not sure if that'll satisfy USCIS. You can take a look at the form. It's different from what I've seen on this board, it doesn't have the "completed" section at all.

I didn't file I-693, was I supposed to even though I had my exam outside the US a month ago? All I sent was the 1st page of the DS-3025

20 hours ago, J.M. said:

In Texas at 25 years old, you can take the written test and driving test immediately.  That is probably not practical if you have never had a license, so getting a permit/restricted license is probably the way to go.  To get the permit, you have to pass the written exam.  You can do that at the DPS office, or you can enroll in one of the many driver education courses and take the test online (for a fee of course).

 

Here are the steps you will need to take to obtain a Texas learners permit if you are 25 years of age or older:

1. Gather required documents: You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency and proof of insurance. Acceptable forms of identification include a passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card.
2. Study for the written test: You will need to pass a written driving test that covers Texas traffic laws and regulations, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can use free study materials and practice tests available right here at NextDoorDriving.com.
3. Make your learner’s permit appointment with the DPS.
4. Pass the vision test: You will need to pass a vision test to ensure that you have the minimum visual acuity required to drive safely.
5. Pass the written test: Once you feel comfortable with the material, you can take the written test at your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.
6. Obtain a learners permit: After passing the written test and vision test, you will be issued a Texas learners permit.

Awesome, thank you!

I'm very confused. I've never had a DL anywhere. It seems like I need to apply for some kind of a "restricted license" to be able to legally practice driving in Texas and then pass a road test. What are the steps of getting that? I tried the DPS scheduler and the closest appointment for the DL is 4 months away pretty much in all offices near me. Can I just walk in somewhere and get a "learner's permit" if I'm over 25 years old?

On 3/27/2024 at 8:30 PM, wildbug100420 said:

The post mark is the day you hand it off to the clerk at the window at post office. Obviously send certified mail return receipt. Retain slip showing post mark. 

So I mailed the package today with the return receipt service. But how is the return receipt part going to work with USCIS since the mail goes to their P.O. box? As I understand, they'll simply receive a notice in their box that certified mail is waiting for them at the post office. Will they even bother to go to the post office to receive the mail and sign the delivery confirmation? I'm afraid they'll simply ignore this kind of mail. 

On 3/28/2024 at 2:19 PM, powerpuff said:

At the very least you need 2 passport photos for I-765 as well

Thanks for this. Included 2 extra photos at the last moment.

3 minutes ago, OldUser said:

 

If you were never married you can't provide anything. If your spouse was married and divorced before, they need to provide copies of divorce decrees. I'm sure forms ask about prior marriages and divorces. Providing evidence to back it up is not bloating package, it's avoiding RFE.

The only form of those that touches on that is I-485. But it asks about my previous marriages and not the USC's.

1 minute ago, wildbug100420 said:

Better file and have shipment postmarked before April 1st or you will have to pay higher fees. Also effective April 1st separate payments are required for 485, 765, 131.

Precisely what I'm trying to do! The fee difference is significant. By the way, do you know if USPS "postmarks" the package the moment it receives it from the customer? So if I come in and send it on the 29th, will it be postmarked with the same date?

6 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Yes you should to prove you were free to marry your current spouse.

I can't. I'd never been married before my current spouse and none of the countries I'm resident/citizen of would issue me a document that would state so. For the visa interview I just typed up an affidavit of single status and they were okay with it. So I can't provide anything on my part. My wife, however, were married twice before me and she has the divorce decrees. I just don't want to bloat the package if those are not necessary.

I'm on a K1 visa. Am I missing anything? Do I need to include USC's divorce decrees and marriage licenses from the previous marriages? This is my first marriage.

So far in the package are:

• Form I-485
• Proof of relationship compilation file (pictures, remittances, chat and call logs, etc.)
• Form I-864
• Last year's tax return
• Last year's tax transcript
• Last year's W2s
• This year's pay stubs
• Employment verification letter
• USC's birth certificate photocopy
• USC's passport bio page photocopy
• Form I-765
• Form G-1145
• Copy of the vaccination worksheet from the exam overseas
• Copy of my passport's bio page
• Copy of the stamps in my passport
• AOS + biometrics fee payment
• Cover letter
• Copy of the I-129F NOA 2 (approval)
• Copy of the I-94
• Copy of my birth certificate with translation
• Certified copy of our marriage license
• 2 passport-style photos

4 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Was that before or after you brought their attention to the envelope?

After. I wouldn’t even let them start the inspection before they understood that the envelope was not to be tampered with.

4 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

It did, didn't it? 

I’m not sure. Maybe. But it didn’t seem to aggravate them. I guess for people who are not as paranoid as me it will be better to not do that indeed

1 minute ago, Boiler said:

It would make me VERY suspicious.

 

As it has never been reported as happening, well not something I would be worried about.

 

I had to go into the localish Courthouse, now I needed to go to the Clerks office but still had to go through very impressive security for reasons that escape me, not TSA fully armed Sheriff Deputies who looked ex Green Beret, they had no interest in the paperwork, why would they?

 

Now I have heard of Cocaine soaked paper products but how much does this envelope weigh?

Haha. They probed the envelope with a little piece of sticky tape. I wondered why. Now I think I know

3 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

I would not suggest anyone else doing this

Why is that? You think that’ll make the security overly suspicious? But that envelope is fragile. And what if they just open it before you even have the time to say anything?

Okay, here’s my report. Nobody demanded a return ticket. Everything went smooth. Thanks everybody!

Okay, so first of all, I’m in the States with my fiancé! I handed over the envelope fully intact and got the K1 stamp. No questions asked except for “Is this your first time here on this visa?”. The officer just gave me the passport back and said that I have 90 days to get married.

There was a situation at the Istanbul airport which got me anxious. Other than going through the standard X-ray conveyor belt, they had this 3-step security check at the gate. The first 2 steps was they checked my visa. Yep, twice. The third was them opening our bags and going through our stuff. So before I even let them open my backpack I asked the guy if he spoke English and he just gave me a blank stare. I tried to explain to him that I have a fragile envelope that can’t be opened anyway. Then came his supervisor that spoke the language and I reiterated that to him. In the end he said it’s okay, we don’t need to open it and they let me go. Other than that, it went pretty smooth. Thanks to everybody for the replies!

17 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

If asked "Do you plan to marry in the US", do not say something like "Maybe, maybe not".  That answer caused a K-1 holder to be denied entry.

Thanks for the heads up. Not that I’m uncertain but it’s good to keep in mind.

4 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

You’d just tell the truth. You seem to be really overthinking everything! Just relax, enjoy the flight, and then enjoy the anti-climax of your envelope being opened and your visa being stamped by a surly immi officer that probably does it 10 times a day and will take 2 minutes to process you. 

The problem is that you can tell the truth in many different ways, word it differently, with the facts staying the same. Should an airline employee want to give me a hard time, in case I just say “indefinitely”, they can say “Well, your visa grants you the permission to be there for only 90 days”. My guess it’s best to say something like “I’m getting married within 90 days and then staying in the US with my wife indefinitely”. As for the overthinking part, it’s a lot of pressure to bear when a single mistake can potentially cost you and your partner future. At least, the version of it that we so desire. But yeah, I agree, it’s a little extreme.

7 minutes ago, Siberia said:

Yeah i had one way ticket. Only strange question was How long are you going to stay in US? 

How are we even supposed to answer that so they’re happy? What did you answer?

11 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

Are u worried about checking in ?

Well, now I’m worried significantly less thanks to replies like yours!

11 hours ago, Benny1337 said:

there are multiple ways to check if whatever is inside poses any risk beside opening it

Yeah, I guess they could use dogs, x-ray, metal detectors. It’s just that some people when granted authority get really high off of it and can go overboard.

11 hours ago, Benny1337 said:

I hope this helps put your mind at ease.

Thank you for your input, it has definitely helped my paranoia.

10 hours ago, Siberia said:

i had the envelope too. My flight was through Turkey. I put it in small suitcase for hand luggage. In Turkey they check manually hand luggage but nobody asked me to open it

That’s good to know! An unrelated question: did you have a one-way ticket and if so, did they give you a hard time about that? As in, demanded that you buy a return ticket from them?

57 minutes ago, Loren Y said:

Are you sure you are carrying an envelope

If we’re to assume that my sanity is still intact, I’m pretty sure I’m looking at it right now, haha.

59 minutes ago, Loren Y said:

envelope was never looked at and we transited thru 3 or 4 countries over a 3-4 day period on the way back to the US. I don't think you will have an issue.

Thank you, that’s reassuring.

1 minute ago, JeanneAdil said:

they xray for countraband /it shows up as orange 

yours is paper 

if they were suspect it was money,  a dog that sniffs for money (and yes,  they  have them) would be bought in

 

did u actually get an envelope? most embassys are sending computer info?

 

Yes, I have the envelope with me. Unfortunately, it’s a physical envelope with papers.

27 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Yes, I have....but people arriving with open envelopes is extremely rare.   Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it.  I would expect most all airports have had new US immigrants transiting through.

Well, that’s reaffirming. Thank you

12 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

See the thread I linked above. They eventually admitted the fiancé as K1.

 

I assume that if they weren’t admitted as K1 (let’s say that they couldn’t find the paperwork to satisfy cbp), they could probably adjust by filing I-130 with I-485. That would give them the basis to adjust (immediate relative of a USC), instead of the I-129f.

 

Again, these are my educated guesses. I’m not an attorney. I’m curious to see if someone knows to confirm or refute my assumptions 

Will read through that, thank you

15 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

I don’t know if CBP will outright deny you entry.

 

They can defer inspection and parole you in. There have been cases here like that where the envelope was lost/stolen on the way to the US. 
 

Just curious about the “parole” thing, does it mean that the K1 process gets aborted and one will be in some weird semi-legal status in the US subject to court hearings and deportation? 

9 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

They aren't going to send you home for an opened envelope.  At most, plan to spend some extra time in secondary. 

Why do you think that? Have you heard of them letting people in with fully opened envelopes? I’ve read through this message board and only found about someone being paroled in because someone stole their bag with the envelope. But that of course ruined their K1 process. Also a lot of people with small tears have been let in, according to the posts here.