PatNa

Hey all! I posted yesterday that we received the "welcome" notice which stated we should receive the card in 3 weeks....well it arrived today! we are so happy!!! champagne time!!!! (its been chilling for months)

We also got the welcome letter saying the 10 yr card will be here in 3 weeks.

Happy this journey is over.

Hubby got an email from CRIS yesterday and his case was approved July 30! Card production has been ordered and he will receive his card in 30 days! Woot! Way past our anniversary so it will be a 10 year card.

List of upcoming interviews

8/7/2009 - Diazy (had 2 RFE)

No transfer/no interview date

Josh.Fitzmaurice

Unknown decision

Anonymous NY (had inteview on 3/24/2009)

AOSfiler13 (had interview on 6/24/2009)

Congratulations Diazy!! That is great news! May the interview go smoothly and may you be approved the same day.

We received the forms (7/13?) that they needed hubby to fill in and sign and we returned them. Now we continue to wait for the GC. Shouldn't be much longer... but who knows.

Congrats again!

Yesterday I got my Advance Parole!!! EAD are the next!

Congrats Diazy!! I hope the rest of the process speeds up for you.

We had our interview in the AM on 6/22/2009. Interview took 30 minutes. She asked me how we met and how husband proposed. Then she asked us what we dislike about each other. We first laughed before we answered. She had hubby fill out extra forms because he had a dipolmatic visa so he had to waive his dipolmatic immunity etc... She said she would approve the application for that day (and said we are within the two year range so she would give hubby a conditional greencard even though our 2 yr anniversary was two days away!!) but would have a supervisor look over it to finalize application. In the evening on Monday she called hubby's celly to apologize and say she forgot to have him complete and sign one additional form. So she said she would mail the form and send it to us and then we will send it back to her. Hopefully this delay means we will be able to get the 10yr card instead. We will see what happens.

Thanks all for your support!

Kind regards.

Natasha.

Went to the mail box today and found hubby's interview letter for June 22nd. Two days before our second anniversary! These people want every dime that they can get their hands on (removing conditions). They are not playing. We are excited though. Diazy... you are next! Watch out now.

Good luck.

Natasha.

Hi all!

I have noticed that alot of people getting EAD and AP approval recently have said that there have been no "touches" on their cases online, but the cards just show up one day......I am hoping this is the case for me.....but am a little worried, as we sent further evidence (from RFE) back to MSC over a month ago, and have had no notice that its has even been received! my mind is working over time, and telling me that our package got lost somewhere along the way, and we wont know till its too late.......(hubby was tired and accidentally sent it 3 day mail USPS, so no tracking number)

hoping lady luck is gonna throw some luck my way soon......its depressing being at the mercy of the gov.......

hope any other dec filers who are still waiting get lucky this month too!!!

Hey We-met-in-Japan,

I wouldn't worry at this point. We were asked to submit a RFE on 1/22 (email notification and website update that did not have specific details on what USCIS needed) which is the same day hubby had a biometrics appointment. The notice arrived a few days after on 1/28. I mailed the info requested that very day and did not hear back. Some have said that the website is updated to say that the "case has resumed" after USCIS received requested info. That did not happen for us. And then on Wednesday 3/4 hubby received his EAD with out any touches or notices.

By the way, the RFE can not be couriered. You have to use regular USPS mail because the address to send it back to at MSC is a P. O. Box. Trust me I read the paperwork over and over because I was thinking surely that must be a mistake. But that's the way they have it set up. So I am pretty sure they have yours and are getting ready to send your EAD.

Good luck and I hope this helps a little.

Kind regards,

PatNa.

I just got home from work and checked the mail. Hubby has received his EAD. He is going to be dancing around the house like this little dude when he gets home later. Today is a sweet day!!

We have more good news! I met Dennis, my mom, and one of my brothers for lunch right after work (I get off work at 1pm). I walked up to the table and Dennis said "I tried to text you a picture, but it didn't work...so I'll just show you in real life!" Then he handed me his EAD card! Woo-hoo!! Now he can find a job instead of sitting around the apartment being bored.

And everyone who is still waiting...we have no on-line updates to either EAD or AP. The AP shows last updated 12/12, the EAD is 12/31...so keep your hopes up, there is definitely something wrong with CRIS updates. The EAD and AP could be on their way to you right now! :flower:

Congrats!!! Joy joy.. lots of folks got it so that is good Moving along nicely.....

Once you are approved you can get a stamp in your passport immediately and can use that to work. If they need additional info (like tax returns or something they asked you for during interview and you did not have it at the interview) then you have to provide that info before they approve you and send your GC. As soon as you are approved you can get a stamp as proof. Hope that helps.

That definitely helps, thanks!

So you think the stamp would also work for traveling abroad?

I got the GC stamp in my passport in 2003. Stamp says, "Processed for I-1551. Temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence. Valid until _____. Employment authorized." Then they write the date the stamp is put in passport. Stamp is valid for 1 year so I am guessing if you absolutely have to travel you could use it. But usually when you get stamp your Green card is literally a week or two away. It's not usually far behind.

Hello! Congratulations on all the progresses!

Sorry if this is an obvious question, but if you have to hand back you EAD and AP at your interview, does that mean you can't work nor travel for a couple more weeks until you receive the GC?

What if you haven't received those documents yet at the time of the interview?

Thanks for your point of view!

Once you are approved you can get a stamp in your passport immediately and can use that to work. If they need additional info (like tax returns or something they asked you for during interview and you did not have it at the interview) then you have to provide that info before they approve you and send your GC. As soon as you are approved you can get a stamp as proof. Hope that helps.

Congrats monagoz!

Got my EAD as well! Which probably is going to be taken at our interview this Tuesday.

Congrats Soancika+Brian & Jb and Jam ! It's good to see that things are moving along even though there are no updates online

Hi VJ December 2008 Filers,

After 77 days of agonizing (LOL), I finally received my EAD card in the mailbox There it was!. I know that I've been very vocal in this forum, but believe me that I have read each one of you comments.... I thank each of you for your support and for those ones that still waiting, be patient and keep a POSITIVE mind all the time. I know it's hard 'cause I am walking in your shoes, WE ARE ALL TOGETHER IN THIS PROCESS

By the way, I have been following my case online and still the same. The information hasn't been updated since December 30, 2008. I didn't even received a letter saying that my EAD application was approve.....I just got the card, so YOU might be NEXT. Once again, thank you for posting your information and for your advice.

Good Luck to Everyone and Keep Your Head Up!

Now time to look for a job.....(I will be lucky if I find one )

Question: What's the next step? getting a SS card and State Issue ID. Any information would be VERY helpful!

-Ed

Congrats TazEdwin!!! You are on the right track regarding your next steps. Good luck and congrats again!

Hey everybody happy.gif

Hows everybody doing?!hope just fine...

I had a question...I see a lot of December filers have their interview letter in march and thats sooooo close...

But whats going to be with those transferred to CSC like me,When do you think we will be approved?

Same in march or april but without interview?or it wil take a while cos we dont have an interview at CSC?

thx...

Olesea

Olesea,

How do you know that your application has been trasnfered to CSC? Is there an update when you log in to see your application status and do you get an email from CRIS if you are signed up to receive email updates?

Thanks.

PatNa.

PatNa, java script:add_smilie("","smid_13")

We did the same search=)

Brilliant!

I just saw that as well.

Great minds....

Hey Everyone,

It's great to see people getting their EADs and Interview notices, gives the rest of us hope (and anxiety) that we will be getting ours soon too...

My question is of a little different nature... As I have been employed, prior to getting laid off with the rest of the factory of 2700, on H1B status, I'm trying to set up my unemployment benefits and other benefits (TRA) to get some income coming in while I'm looking for another job (hopefully EAD will be there by then, or rather hopefully I'll have some sort of a job opportunity by the time I get my EAD). I know they require that you are able to work, but I figured my EAD should be getting in soon, so I wanted to get started early since I already have all the paperwork from them about the amount I will receive etc... One of the requirements though is to be registered with the state's employment web-site. On there they ask for your citizenship status. And when I put Alien, they ask for my A number (which I now have from the NOA notices).

But the question I have is they also ask for the ALIEN REGISTRATION EXPIRATION DATE... What date would that be? And even after I get my EAD card, will that date be on there? How do I find this out?

Appreciate your thoughts. I know a few of you are in the same boat as far as H1Bs and being laid off...

You can not apply for unemployment benefits. If you get one, your sponsor will pay for it.

Why is that Diazy? I was under impression that once I got my EAD, I can apply for unemployment insurance... I would qualify under all of their requirements that were listed in the paperwork they sent to me. The conditions listed were:

a) Monetary qualification (which I qualify and already have the "Monetary Determination" letter from the state)

B) Separation Qualification (which I also qualify for that, since the lay-off was through no fault of my own)

c) Weekly eligibility requirements which are:

- be able to work and be available to work (which I will be once I receive my EAD card).

- be willing to accept suitable work if offered and apply for suitable work when referred to by the state.

So I'm pretty sure I can apply once I have my EAD. My company and I have paid into the unemployment insurance pot all the years that I have been working...

AOSfiler13,

Do not apply for unemployment benefits!! One is not eligible as a Permanent Resident because in order to become a PR you have to complete the I-864, Affidavit of Support. By submitting this form with your I-485 application your sponsor is stating that you (the immigrant) will not become a ward of the State. Sponsor is essentially signing a contract with the U.S. Gov saying they will take care of your needs and that way the Fed, State or local government does not have to spend any public funds on you. Read the wording below. I pretty much cut and paste from the application so you should look at the application and instructions to really make sure you are eligible.

I-864, Affidavit of Support

Under Section 213A of the Act

Employment-based preference immigrants in cases onlywhen a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative filed the immigrant visa petition or such relative has asignificant ownership interest (five percent or more) in the entity that filed the petition.

How Is This Form Used?

This form is a contract between a sponsor and the U.S.Government. Completing and signing this form makes you the sponsor. You must show on this form that you have enough income and/or assets to maintain the intending immigrant(s) and the rest of your household at 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. By signing Form I-864, you are agreeing to use your resources to support the intending immigrant(s) named in this form, if it becomes necessary.

Any intending immigrant who has earned or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters (credits) of work in the UnitedStates. In addition to their own work, intending immigrants may be able to secure credit for work performed by aspouse during marriage and by their parent(s) while the immigrants were under 18 years of age. The Social SecurityAdministration (SSA) can provide information on how tocount quarters of work earned or credited and how toprovide evidence of such. See the SSA website atwww.ssa.gov/mystatement/credits for more information;

The submission of this form may make the sponsored immigrant ineligible for certain Federal, State, or local means-tested public benefits, because an agency that provides means-tested public benefits will consider your resources and assets as available to the sponsored immigrant in determining his or her eligibility for the program.

If the immigrant sponsored in this affidavit does receive one of the designated Federal, State or local means-tested public benefits, the agency providing the benefit may request that you repay the cost of those benefits. That agency can sue you if the cost of the benefits provided is not repaid.

Not all benefits are considered to be means-tested public benefits. See Form I-864P, Poverty Guidelines, for more information on which benefits may be covered by this definition, or the contract on Page 6 of this form for a list of benefits explicitly not considered means-tested public benefits.

Hey folks

In four months we will be celebrating our 2nd anniversary. If the interview is a month or two before our anniversary will hubby still get conditional green card?

Thanks.

Thank you so much Abranch...anyways, why is it better to go there about 10 am or 2 pm? Goodluck to your husband's job interview!!!

First thing in the morning is always very busy, line out the door and into the parking lot. When we went last week it was 15 mins before they opened, and the line was horrible, over 1 hour wait. And I have gone at 2pm and was in an out in 10 mins

Hey abranch.

I am a Dec filer but I was reading your comment and I thought I would say I totally understand. My husband is also out of status and we are anxious to get word of his EAD We had a RFE which seems likely to have prolonged the process some. Anyone had an RFE and did it add quite a bit to the time?

Good luck with the interview tomorrow. May it go well. Be relaxed.

Last question... for this interview do you have to go with your husband? Is that required for the interview?

Thank you PatNa. Yes, you are required to go with your spouse to the interview if you are filing with a spouse as the petitioner.

I don't think we knew that! Thanks for letting me know.

Good luck to you too abranch!

Thank you!!!!

Good luck to you too abranch!

I would like to say good luck to you abranch...don't worry very easy!!!!

Anyways, I just received my EAD card in the mail this afternoon without a 2nd and 3rd notification emails from USCIS. I went to SSA office this afternoon but it was closed already! I'm going back there tomorrow morning to apply for SSN so that we can file our tax return soon!!!

Abranch, the lady asked me if we have a lease but I told her that we got a letter from our leasing consultant that we live together since they took over the apartment and it was ok!

Thank you Jhun. I am glad you got your EAD. Be careful of Tucson SSA offices first thing in the morning. I have found it better to go about 10am or 2pm.

Congrats on your job as well, I hope it is a good place My husband has had a couple of job interviews this week as well. I am hoping he gets something soon, will be a nice change

He has left me at home alone tonight to go play with the boys...so all I can think about how exciting this will be after tomorrow. He has been out of status for a long time...it will be nice to have a freedom again (long divorce prolonged the situation). I can't wait to go to Canada soon too!

Sorry, I am just rambling...bored...anxious...excited...happy

Hey abranch.

I am a Dec filer but I was reading your comment and I thought I would say I totally understand. My husband is also out of status and we are anxious to get word of his EAD We had a RFE which seems likely to have prolonged the process some. Anyone had an RFE and did it add quite a bit to the time?

Good luck with the interview tomorrow. May it go well. Be relaxed.

Last question... for this interview do you have to go with your husband? Is that required for the interview?

We received email RFE saying app was put on hold on 1/22. We got in mail RFE on 1/28 and mailed it back same day. The letter that requested the RFE said that after they receive the evidence then we need to allow up to 87 days to hear back from them. Gosh I hope they do not take all that time.

And I hope that those of you who are waiting for the biometrics letter get it in the next few days.. Waiting sucks!! but let's hang in there

Oh Lord,

when I thought I was free from any RFE's....... just got an email from CRIS stating that they sent today a letter requesting for evidence on case I-485

I'm really sad, I believe that even the EAD will be on hold until they get whatever they want from me about that RFE...

Patience,oh Lord,I am off limits...

Whatif:

USCIS will put everything (EAD and 485) on hold until you send the info that they need. AND the address we were told to mail the evidence to was a P. O. Box!! I was irritated but what to do??

I received and mailed the RFE today. We forgot to include a copy of our marriage certificate and I noticed our mistake the next day so I have been waiting for the RFE. Here is our timeline since fingerprints.

01.10.09: Biometrics Ltr Rcvd

01.22.09: Biometrics appt

01.22.09: RFE Date

01.28.09: RFE Received

01.28.09: RFE Sent

Keep watching that mail and act quickly.

Good luck.

PatNa.

We received the biometrics letter on 1/10 and the apt is for 1/22/09. Hubby is going to try the earlier walk in tomorrow and see what happens.

Let us know if it works. Maybe I'll have my wife just do a walk in.

Hubby went today for biometrics because they do the walk in on specific days. Our local center allows walk ins on Saturday and Wednesday but they were closed for holiday etc so it did not work for hubby. But you can totally make it work if you wanted to

Hi, can anyone provide a cover letter sample which was sent to the USCIS office for AOS package.

Very much appreciated.

Thanks

I do not have a sample cover letter but I will tell you to keep it simple. You want to clearly mention how you are eligible for the status that you are applying for. You also want to indicate all the attachments that you have sent along in the application. This will include for example, I-485, two photographs, EAD application, check for $$$, medical info etc.

Good luck.

So... I'm actually really embarassed to post this but I thought I could use some help. We mailed off my AoS today, and I thought everything was ok (I did check the forms and papers over and over again), until later tonight I realized we forgot a small detail: we never put the check in the envelope that was mailed off. I'm going to call USCIS tomorrow morning and see if I need to just re-do everything or if I can just send a check by itself and see what they say. But right now I'm really mad at myself for making such mistake, and kinda freaking out too (I hope I dont have to re-do it all or that it doesnt delay us too much), so I thought I'd ask if someone else here has done the same thing, or if someone knows what I should do and what USCIS might say.

Thanks!

The whole packet will be returned to you and you will be able to add the check to it and resend it. Do NOT send the check on its own it will never make it to your application.

Just wait for the packet to come back or if you have copies of everything you could just mail a new one and include the check with that.

You are not the first or the last to have done this, so dont be embarrassed.

Kez/JWolf is right. It will be sent back and then you can correct that. It's amazing but you will be surprised what one can forget as they carefully try to put these apps together.

Good luck.