Walt and Shannon

That's great news. I'll keep an eye on the mailbox. I guess that means I have to go to the DMV and renew my license as it is set to expire after my two-year anniversary as a conditional resident

I believe that your NOA1 gives you the year extension.

Thank you! That is reassuring.

We just filed my I-751, within 90 days of my permanent residency card expiring. The processing times say that they are currently processing February 2011 applications! If my green card expires at the end of November how will I be able to work (or drive, or travel out of country)? I was told to file a I-551 but to extend the expiry, but the USCIS website says if I've filed a I-751, not to file the I-551? Thank you in advance.

Thank you so much! That is a huge relief! I thought it would take four months or more since I sent it but Chicago transfered everything to California so maybe that sped up production?

I just checked my EA application status online and it said:

Document production or Oath Ceremony

On November 6, 2009, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you receive the card, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

This step applies to applications that result in an applicant receiving a card (such as a green card) or other document (such as a naturalization certificate, refugee travel documents or advance parole). Applications will be in this step from the time the order to produce the card/document is given until the card/document is produced and mailed to the applicant. You can expect to receive your card/document within 30 days of the approval of your application.

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I came on a K-1 visa and this is my first application for employment authorization. What does this mean?

Thanks in advance!

Thanks for responding. The process I was looking at is this:

http://www.vbgov.com/vgn.aspx?vgnextoid=49...nextfmt=default

I called the circuit court and they gave me the run-around, saying I needed to file some sort of petition and get an order from a judge. But they couldn't tell me what to do specifically because they said they were court clerks and "weren't allowed to give legal advice".

Everyone else is telling me to bring my marriage certificate to the social security admin to have it changed.

Thank you!

You're right, it has expired - will it still be okay to file? I'm planning on getting this out right away.

Thanks for the advice, especially re: the marriage certificate. I know these guys can be finicky and just don't want to take any chances.

Hi, all

We got married the middle of August. I held off getting a SSN and USA driver's license because I didn't want to have to go back and change it after we got married.

I'm in the process of changing my name but it hasn't been legally changed yet. Should I use what will be my married name in my AOS package, or should I keep using my maiden name?

My I-94 is about to expire, and the AOS said they needed copies of a valid I-94. Do I need to have an I-94 while my AOS is getting processed, and I don't intend to travel? If so, how long do you need to have an I-94 and how long are they valid for? My first and only one was valid 3 months.

Thanks for your help!

Thanks! I'll get my parents to send everything down.

I've entered the USA on a K-1 on June 1, 2009. We got married August 14, 2009. I'm now prepareing my Adjustment of Status, form I-485. It states that among other documentation we need to include a copy of the NOA2 approval notice letter.

I'm almost positive my husband doesn't have it, and mine is back in Canada stored at my parent's place. I called USCIS and they said we needed to file a form I-824 to get a copy.

It would be nice if we knew this would be so important in the future. I asked the agent why they need a copy if we've already been given the visa and she said, "Because they need proof." I asked again and same response! The I-824 costs $340 and has about a 6 month processing time!

Has anyone had experience with this? What are my options?

If I can get my parents to find and send my copy will this be sufficient or does it have to be the NOA 2 sent to my fiance?

I printed off the online approval notice from the USCIS website. Is this acceptable?

Thanks for your help!

Sorry - here is the page I was reading:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=k1flow

Thanks again. I called Norfolk and the officer told me because I entered on a K-1 I am not allowed to work until after I get married anyway, so I don't need the I-94. After marriage I apply for AOS and use that for my work permit.

I am very confused and frustrated and should probably just go see a good immigration lawyer here in the city and have her spell it out for me. I was of the understanding I could work before I got married with a temporary permit but I guess not. The K-1 process flow chart #15 even indicates a fiance may be able to work before they're married, can apply for an SIN, etc.

I've just heard so many conflicting things.

Thank you so much, but one more question - I entered the USA in Minniapolis, then traveled to Virginia. Is nearest POE meaning the Norfolk Int'l airport here in Virginia, or should I call the Minniapolis airport?

I entered the USA June 1, 2009. Here I thought I had all my bases covered. I gave them my package and my visa, they fingerprinted me, stamped the visa and opened my package. I did not receive a I-94 and from what I've been reading, I need it for a SIN and EA.

The customs agent appeared inexperienced and said he "wasn't prepared for this". He sent me through after receiving all this stuff and I thought I was okay.

What can I do aside from applying for a replacement, which will cost $320!

I will be in the US before the visa expires. I'm coming in June and it expires in July. The website I read said passports cannot be renewed if residing outside of Canada, unless I'm reading it wrong.

I was issued a fiance visa in January 2009. I am coming to the USA in June 2009. My concern is that my Canadian passport is about to expire (July 2009). I can't renew it because my visa is stamped into it. I would like to visit Canada before my two years of conditional residency are up and understand I can do this by applying for something called an "advanced parole"? However, how can I visit if my passport expires and you cannot apply for a Canadian passport while living in the USA? I thought I would just be able to mail it in and renew it while in the USA but it doesn't sound like I can do that. Anyone experience something similar?

Thanks! You guys are awesome and very helpful!

I apologize if this has been covered and/or if I'm posting in the wrong spot. I have my K-1 visa and was of the understanding that once I enter the USA and get married, I may apply for a travel permit so I can visit Canada before my adjustment of status (2 years). I contacted the Montreal consulate and they said there is no such permit, and that I won't be allowed to travel back to Canada for 2 years!!! Am I missing something? I was hoping to move to the States this summer and at least be able to visit my folks at Christmas. Thank you in advance.

Congratulations and have a wonderful move to the U.S.

Did they offer to let you have your visa on the same day?

Thank you all!

They didn't offer me the visa in the same day, he just said he would get it out to me ASAP. I received it two days later

I'm pleased to say the only frustration and set backs I faced on my trip to Montreal for the interview was my delayed baggage at the airport!

I arrived at the Consulate a little after 7 am. I was the first one there and it was still dark inside (thank you to all who advised coming early...my interview was scheduled at 8:30 and by 8 am there were droves of people). 7:30 they opened the doors and we went through security, then down into the basement to wait. They gave us numbers and a list of documents to prepare in order for our interview. 7:45 a security guard took some of us up.

I was the first to go and got a really nice older lady at my window. She was a lot more laid back than the one next to me, who spoke poor english and barked out the documents she needed to the woman she was processing. I gave my lady all the documents. She wanted a photocopy of my birth certificate which I had at least two extra copies. She sent me to pay the cashier $131 and then back to her with the receipt. They took fingerprints and then I was sent back to wait.

Not long after that, I was called to my "booth" which looks a bit like an interrogation room. The interviewer was super nice and friendly and made me feel right at home. He ran quickly through the questions, asking where we met, how long we've known each other, and asked a handful of the same questions that were on my I-129F. He flipped through photos and asked where they were taken. I told him I had even more if he wanted but he didn't touch my evidence of relationship. He said he had more than enough to prove we were a couple.

It couldn't have lasted more than 10 minutes and he asked when the wedding is. I told him, "Hopefully before I turn 30" (May). He said, "Then we should probably get this out to you right away." I was in shock, not because I didn't think I'd get approved but because it happened so fast! All of the building up to it, the forms, gathering documents was done (for now). It still hasn't really sunk in.

I didn't have tax returns as my fiance is self-employed and hasn't got his 2007 return yet. This was a concern to me but his bank statements and proof of ownership of the buisness were "More than sufficient" as the interviewer said. No medical issues, no financial issues, no criminal issues. Boom, boom, boom. He gave me instructions on what happens next (6 months to use the visa, have to get married within 90 days, etc.) I told him I wish I could give him a big hug but he put his hand on the glass and said, "Gimme one of these, instead" so I high-fived him over the glass

My experience was very positive. Viva la Montreal! Good luck to the rest of you...I have been there and know what a long haul it is. But it's over before you know it!!!

Thanks for all your responses. My fiance called me about 11 pm and I started crying, saying I hadn't got my bags yet. He suggested I go to the airport. It would be a $80 fair for both ways but I did it, completely forgetting my baggage tags. I went there not knowing the heck what I was doing, and still a little under the influence of a couple glasses of wine from dinner. Anyway, United and Air Canada were NO help - they said they were busy and couldn't retreive my bags. So I pleaded my case to a customs officer and he was suprisingly human and easy going. He said without my claim number he couldn't give me my luggage but I begged him to take me back. He said I had 5 minutes to spot my luggage which I did in 2 minutes. We cleared it up with the airline and he sent me on my way. Needless to say I was ecstatic. He told me he could tell I was about to lose it and that's why he let me back

It's just like me to squeak out of an emergency at the 11th hour. Yes, it was an important lesson to me. I can't understand why the airline associates wouldn't have just suggested I go to the airport to reclaim my luggage instead of assuring me they put it on 'priority' and would contact me as soon as possible? There were several others doing the same?

Thank God! I never thought it would feel so good to have these beat up black bags back at my side. I'll keep you posted on the interview.

I only wish it was just the x-ray. Everything is in there. I'm screwed if it doesn't show up. I'm here until Tuesday.

I spent a week with my fiance in the States and then flew in to Montreal last night. I did a really stupid thing and checked all my documents. I took for granted the fact that I have never lost any baggage. I also didn't want to carry the huge x-ray envelope around with me in the airport and on the plane.

Now my baggage is 'delayed'. They assured me last night that my baggage would be here today. The website is useless - it keeps telling me that they are processing my request. Fortunately I got a person on the phone who was able to find out exactly where my stuff is. The one suitcase (NOT containing the documents) supposedly is in Montreal right now and they are checking on the other one. I have been a mess all last night/this morning. Of all the times for this to happen. I feel really stupid and wish I would have just carried around all my stuff with me.

I've called the baggage claim several times and they tell me the same thing - they "think" it should be here today but cannot guarantee it.

In the event my luggage doesn't show up in time (interview is tomorrow @ 8:30 am) how do I go about rescheduling the interview? I found a number 514-398-9695. I am just sick about it. Anyone else had to cancel and reschedule?

Thank you for the rundown - it was very helpful. My interview is tomorrow.

I spent a week with my fiance in the States and then flew in to Montreal last night. I did a really stupid thing and checked all my documents. I took for granted the fact that I have never lost any baggage. I also didn't want to carry the huge x-ray envelope around with me in the airport and on the plane.

Now my baggage is 'delayed'. They assured me last night that my baggage would be here today. The website is useless - it keeps telling me that they are processing my request. Fortunately I got a person on the phone who was able to find out exactly where my stuff is. The one suitcase (NOT containing the documents) supposedly is in Montreal right now and they are checking on the other one. I have been a mess all last night/this morning. Of all the times for this to happen. I feel really stupid and wish I would have just carried around all my stuff with me.

I went over all my documents with a fine toothed comb all week only to screw up like this?