FormelyCA

Just as well that they are not looking to move to Canada.

No category for siblings I believe.

So presumably lots more illegals.

Oh wow no category for siblings? I find that hard to believe.

Yup, I figured as much:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/sponsor/relatives-apply-who.asp

While I am SURE there are SOME illegals in Canada, we don't have even a minute percent of the problem that exists here.

Nab,

I know I have to read read read....I thought I was done with USCIS! I guess I was just trying to find a quick answer (tho I did spend a fair time reading) to give my husband's relatives so they can decide whether or not to proceed. 10 yrs versus 5 months is QUITE a difference.

Thanks!

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do

go to the bottom of that page, fill out the 3 steps. you can play with the various scenarios there.

yes, they have to file petitions but i believe they are dependents of the mother if they were minors and not 30+yo like in this case.

same with the sibling with a family... once they become eligible the wife and child/ren would be dependents.

Nab, That was a great resource! Thanks for the link.

Question: That is only the FIRST step right? It then goes to NVC where it takes years. Is this correct??

Thanks!

Ok I think I get it. The I-130 takes 5 months but then when it is sent to the NVC THAT is what takes so long??

You mentioned number priority date? WHat exactly is that??

To be honest, I am not surprised - when we looked into it before I DID see 2001 and was baffled at the idea of 5 months................we can all hope tho huh?

His siblings are adults - mid 30's.

JUst out of curiosity - IF his siblings decide to file - one of them has a Honduran wife and 3 children under the age of 15. What happens in that case? Does he have to come here first and THEN deal with USCIS again and file for them to get them over???

Man now I know why there are so many illegals in this country - who wants to go through this!? (FYI I am totally legally here from Canada

well it might not be 5 months (are you looking at only the I-130 USCIS time frame? add time for NVC, embassy interview) but the shorter time will apply for his mother. siblings i'm sorry to say is the several years time frame.

UNLESS, they are minors who would be coming over with his mother....

Thanks for the prompt reply!

Well I guess I mean 5 monthsISH.....assuming the other parts of the process do not take 8 yrs

Well his siblings are adults....so....I guess it is the 8 years then huh??? Parents are short(ish) and siblings are longer (8 yrs or so). But why on USCIS does it have (specifically stating siblings), 5 months??? Its a bit deceiving, no?

Hello all,

My husband is the US citizen and wants to bring his family (brothers, sister, mother) over from Honduras. I have beee on the USCIS site as well as the guides on this forum and the processing times say 5 months. Yet, when I read forums etc. I hear people have been waiting since 2001!??? Which leads me SUPER confused!! I know last year or so when I checked it was like 8 years...but then all of the sudden I checked a few months ago and it had changed to 5 months.

What is the straight answer??? 5 month wait or 8-10 yrs???

Thanks!

C

Just a heads up for those wanting credit cards.

I applied as a student since I am enrolled in college down here now. So, if you aren't a student I don't know if it is a loophole or illegal (lying on the application form to claim yourself a student). But the online form only asked which college I attended and no one has mentioned it since. Didn't ask for student number or anything. You do have to list the college tho, but whose to say when you applied for the card you were enrolled, and then you later dropped out????? I don't know.

Mine is Discover student card. I got it from www.studentcards.com but I'm sure if you go on the Discover site you can see it. No credit, no problem! Just put in SSN and you are GTG. It's a $500 limit but it's a start!

Anyway...just an FYI.

Just wanted to share good news to give hope that California IS SUUUUPER fast! Here is email I got from CRIS :D

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: XXXXXX

Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS

Current Status: Card production ordered.

On August 7, 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. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register.

So, looks like it takes 4-6 weeks after transferred to California. Good luck, it comes faster than you think!!!

Just letting u all know how fast they are working at California...

Today I got an email from CRIS - Green Card production ordered. WOOOHOO!

That is insanely fast. Less than 3 months from date sent to approval. Not bad!

I forgot to mention..... I made a carrot cake last night! I'd been having a craving. I'm eating a piece right now.

I love carrot cake, in fact I love all cake

Hahah Krikit, I felt that way about cheesecake. it actually took me YEARS to try it. What a fool I was!!!!

Mmmmmmm cheesecake.

DeadpoolX, I feel what you are saying.

If you are in a position to serve the public, you better make sure you as well can speak the same language that the majority are speaking. It's common sense really. It isn't about "CONFORM NOW FOREIGNER!!", it is about doing a job effectively. That's all.

I don't know why everyone took it so personal. I'm surprised someone didn't whine to have the thread locked

In all honesty, had someone else posted the same complaint, they wouldn't have gotten the same flack you did. It's mainly because you are American in Canada and have in the past posted negatively (a bit) about Canada, so people are on the defense when you post about Canada. My 2 cents anyway....

But, as someone who can think objectively, I agree with you 100%. Dealing with public in an English speaking country = speak the language.

So I know I don't post here much, but I think I just need a forum (literally I guess ) to kind of get something off my chest, and do it relatively anonymously. I was just watching a video of a man who temporarily lost his wedding ring in a toll booth and it got me thinking.....

10 days after our wedding in Honduras, we were held up at gunpoint at a church of all places, by 3 kids and a lot was taken from us. My digital SLR, $500 in cash, cell phones etc as well as our wedding bands Of course, at the time it bothered me, shook me up etc., and I was very angry. I tried to tell myself, "oh they are just 'things' and what is important is that none of us were hurt". Well, yes of course that is important, but damnit, don't take my s**t! And really, we contemplated even getting rings. I don't overly see the point in using a 'thing' to symbolize something, but I thought it would be nice for the ceremony. So, I choose one that matched my engagement ring (which I left at home thankfully), it was very expensive, but I have never bought any jewelry before and thought this was time to splurge. And really, the ONLY reason I choose to get it was so we could exchange them and always have the memory of doing so in front of family, saying our vows. Anyway.........

I think I'm more angry than I let on. Look, I know you are poor, but just because you flash a gun doesn't mean you get whatever you want. What angers me is thinking where the rings are now. Mine probably sold for $50, maybe $100 at most to someone. They have no idea the true value ($2000) let alone the sentimental value which doesn't matter to them. They sell these rings in selected pawn shops where really, you only go to if you are just as rough as the gang bangers. My Honduran family said they would try to find someone to go (they didn't want to go because they themselves were held up and it is so corrupt they didn't want to be seen there, and I can't blame them at all for not wanting to go) but had no luck. Who knows where my ring is. I hate thinking about it, and I think it makes me more angry than i let myself believe. I hate thinking it is probably on some gang bangers wife/girlfriend, who doesn't work for anything and feels if her BF is a bully with a gun, they can get whatever they want. Ugh. I hate bullies.

As much of a great country Honduras is, I wish the politics of it would change. Something needs to be done about the crime and corruption because it is out of control. The gangs really are taking over. EVERY SINGLE adult member of my Honduran family has been held up at gunpoint. EVERY SINGLE one of them, and now that i think about it, they have had it happen MULTIIPLE times. My SIL JUST got held up a month before our church incident. My one BIL had gangbangers enter his truck with him and told him to drive and they shot at him IN THE truck, kicked him and his GF out, and stole it. I mean, it is INSANE. I understand it is easy to say "well thankfully no one is hurt" but to live in such an environment is just not right. You have people there doing things the right way, and it either gets taken away from them, or they live in fear by these other people who say, "hey, gonna do things the easy way here", and simply flash a gun to get what they want. Well I guess now my anger is more political than sentimental now . Hopefully with new president things will change for the better. Anyway...leave it to me to end on a political note.

Sorry such a downer, maybe I should have posted in the vent thread. Like I said, I just needed to write it out, get it out and do it kind of anonymously.

This is probably a stupid question, but your I-94 number... is that the "departure number"? There is no other number on here...

I think that's what I used. I figured I was giving them the copy of it so if it was wrong, they could find it for themselves, haha. Hope that doesn't backfire on me!

I just send my AOS today. Took me a good week to put it all together and check it over a few times before sending. Hopefully I didn't miss anything. I hope it processes fast, although with summer vacation starting I'm not holding my breath! I just want to be able to work by October and go home for Thanksgiving.... here's hoping!!

Sapphire - If you just sent it, you will have the AP and EAD by August I bet. They are SUPER speedy on these! I was just issued my EAD so Im waiting for it in the mail, and the AP I got on Friday. So, I would be amazed if it took longer than September to have everything. The trick is, as soon as you get your biometrics appt letter, go get them done. You don't have to wait for the actual appt date and I think that is what sped me up.

Really, you didn't wait for your appointment date? There is a huge sign on the Biometrics place right by me that says "Only those with an appointment for the current date allowed to enter" or something along those lines. The place is like 2 blocks away from me, in fact I walk by to get to the grocery store!

Hmmm....well I guess it depends on the office. I risked it and went. What was the worst that could happen? They would just send me back and I'd wait. But, hmmm looks like you will have to wait. As you can see from Jenni and Bo..it still doesn't take too long!

I received another "card production ordered" e-mail today as well!

No news on AP or anything just yet

Congrats to everyone on interview letters & EAD cards!

I have received twice now as well. I checked mail and nothing yet. I am assuming everything is ok

This is probably a stupid question, but your I-94 number... is that the "departure number"? There is no other number on here...

I think that's what I used. I figured I was giving them the copy of it so if it was wrong, they could find it for themselves, haha. Hope that doesn't backfire on me!

I just send my AOS today. Took me a good week to put it all together and check it over a few times before sending. Hopefully I didn't miss anything. I hope it processes fast, although with summer vacation starting I'm not holding my breath! I just want to be able to work by October and go home for Thanksgiving.... here's hoping!!

Sapphire - If you just sent it, you will have the AP and EAD by August I bet. They are SUPER speedy on these! I was just issued my EAD so Im waiting for it in the mail, and the AP I got on Friday. So, I would be amazed if it took longer than September to have everything. The trick is, as soon as you get your biometrics appt letter, go get them done. You don't have to wait for the actual appt date and I think that is what sped me up.

I didn't have time to read through all 93 pages of conversation in this thread... read the first few and the last few. It seems to be the perfect place to have my questions answered.

This is my situation:

I'm getting really worried that my Packet 3 got lost in the mail. It was mailed March 4th, 2009 regular Lettermail via Canada Post. (I got yelled at by my fiance for mailing it without a tracking method.) Three and a half months later and I still haven't recieved my Packet 4. We tried calling the Consulate in Montreal and the automated message just told us that they cannot provide any info on pending cases. It seems that many people are recieving their Packet 4's within a month of sending in their Packet 3's I am comparing my Timeline to other similar timelines and others have long had their interviews and some have even gotten married. Should I just email the Consulate and ask them to resend Packet 3 so I can resend it back to them? How exactly would I go about doing that? Is there anyone else I can attempt to contact for any info on our case?

Apologies for asking any questions that have already been answered previously in this thread (93 pages is just too daunting) or anywhere else on VJ.

Thanks all,

-Jen

DEFINITELY email them. It doesn't hurt!! They can just verify that they have in fact received your case and it is being processed. You can also call NVC I believe or USICS but I don't have the number handy. Maybe do a google search. It is tricky to speak with an agent, you have to know the secret code haha....but......someone here may have the number. 603 area code I believe. Not sure how much help I have been! But....................do contact someone and just ask if it is in Montreal.

I submitted an I-130 but it hasn't been touched or anything. I'll keep you posted though if something happens!

I sent my I-130 along w/ the rest of the AOS packet and it hasn't been touched either since 5.27 [?]

I'm kinda curious how they process these app forms '_'. Anyone know?

Just wondering what should we be expecting at a certain time frame.

T.Fu

I was wondering the same thing. I DID notice that after my EAD was approved and card production ordered, that my AP touched. But I have no clue what that means.

Can anyone verify that CRIS emails you with an update when your AP is approved, just like they did with EAD?? or does it just show up with your EAD like I am kinda thinking??

On the USCIS website, there is a "case status online" link on the left hand side. You have to "create an account" and then in your account you have to manually ADD all the things you applied for. You will need your NOA numbers that you recently received, they begin with MSC I believe.

Good luck! It is fun to have something to check 38 times a day

June 15th - EAD Card Production ordered! Man, that was beyond fast!!!

I noticed they touched my AP today also, but no news on that. I hope I filled it out OK.

Ugh, as much as I wanted the EAD...now that means .....JOB HUNTING! Gross! We are never satisfied haha

Don't worry folks, it will come soon enough!!!

Ok here is a psycho question

So I checked my online status, and expected nothing. June 5th my 765 and 485 were touched, presumably because I had my biometrics done a few days ago. BUT today I notice that my I131 was touched. I have been looking at ppl's timelines and notice rarely does the I131 get touched.

Could this mean it is being approved soon, or an RFE.....or....well WHAT COULD IT MEAN?? There has been a lot of activity on my file lately! Hope it is good!

Yes, I know I am being psycho. I am unemployed, and have a lot of time on my hands....leave me alone! hahah

hey guys just a question: can I study at a college w/the EAD. I already have my SS#.

Also my interview is on the 14th of July

Ours is also July 14th at 8am.

I believe you cannot study with the EAD. But you should check with the particular college you want to study at for their particular requirements. I have the UNLV booklet here somewhere, and if I get a chance tonight I will look it up and see what it says.

Actually this is incorrect.

You CAN study at any time technically. You just may have to pay OUT OF STATE tuition (which is 3 times as much). I called my school and they said I can use my SPOUSES US residency!

So, call the school you are interested in, see if you can use your spouses residency to qualify for IN state tution (note: spouse has to be a state resident for at least a year I believe).

But, EAD has NOTHING to do with schooling.

I forgot the Shark Tour!! We did a shark tour and got in cages in the ocean with sharks swimming all around us. I was sea sick and puking off the side for most of it...but.....still one of the best things we did!!!

OHHH HAWAII!! JEALOUS!

Well, it depends on the type of gal/bride you are. If you plan on spending most of the time in your room, ocean view. But, Waikiki is very small, and everything is close. But, try priceline for an oceanview, you just never know! We rented a place from VRBO and got a city room for like $500 a week or something. The view was awful, but we were out literally form 7 am - late, so didn't even see the view. Just depends on if your an explorer or a relaxer

I know you just asked for rooms but I'll throw in my 2 cents of things to see

Without a doubt, the absolute best thing we did also was rent a car (a convertible too! Which in my opinion is what made it THE BEST!) and drove ALL around the island. It is so small that this is no big feat really.

The North shore is nice but I think the best place on the island is East Shore. Lanikai beach was BREATHTAKING. It is a bit tricky to find, you will have to ask the locals as the best spot is down some unmarked entrance. I'll attach a pic to entice you and get you excited

And Kaulua Ranch was DEFINITELY worth the day trip/cost. I think we paid about $100 each and that included 4 activities. We chose horseback riding, ATVing (kinda lame but the scenery was BREATHTAKING...it's located where Jurassic Park was filmed), a Boat ride and a trip to the top of the hill, or something. Totally worth it.

And Hanauma Bay of course! GREAT snorkeling, go EARLY.

Here are some pics:

Lanikai

Hanauma Bay

Kaulua Ranch - Boat Trip

You are going to have the time of your life! Have fun planning!!!

What bothers me so much about prop 8 and the like is why do we vote?? Who cares what OUR opinion is??? Rights are rights.

I use this example with my husband - it's like say there is a party in your neighborhood, and little Johnny wants to go. And me, not knowing Johnny and 10 of my friends (who aren't even going to the party) take a vote and say, "HEY we don't think Johnny should go". So then, Johnny can't go just because WE say he can't. It simply should not be UP to us.

And whatever happened to the separation of Church and State? ARRG I could go on and on about this.

Has anyone seen those

This is a great response to it...fast forward to 3:30 min. Youtube removed it!!

And this is the best debate...(if you can call it that) on the issue I have seen thus far.

It just makes no sense!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations SK&SP and Bellavita!!!

@Cartman: I wonder, too. Mine got touched the day of the biometrics and on Memorial Day (I don't know what that means). BUT people usually get there aproval notice pretty fast after that for the EAD. Mine just sits there and nothing happens....Does that mean I get an RFE?

@FormelyCA: I didn't figure it out for a long time either. You have to create an account on the USCIS website. And add your cases. Then you can see "Last update" dates and that means it was touched. https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/selectusertype.jsp

YAY!!!!!! I figured it out! Well, you told me I signed up for that ages ago but didn't know I had to ADD my cases, I just assumed it was already in

I added my stuff and woohoo....my biometrics stuff was "touched" yesterday. I guess that's cause I did it then but whatever, still exciting!

Thanks B&J...now I have something else to check 10 times a day

Wow congratz Bellavita and SP&SR!

FormerlyCA:

When you see a date change that's what we mean touch, so keep track of the dates posted in your case staus online when you sign in.

Good luck!

Ugh it never says anything

All it says is that on May 19th they received my case and it is all pending. They didn't update to say a biometrics letter was sent. Ah well, it will come either way i guess whether I stalk them or not