simbafuzz

And a nice present this morning from USCIS by Priority Mail - - My NEW GC is here!!! yay!!!

Quick question to you all, any idea when we qualify to apply for citizenship??

Have a great weekend y'all... VSC is up and running like a well oiled machine!!

And one more good news - - from me!!! Got my "Congratulations!" letter today and decision date is 7/2 However my letter says, my new card will arrive in 60 days unlike as I see DJnk whose letter says 30 days... but seriously, does that matter?! I am just soooo glad....

Hold on Oct filers... hope is near!! :)

Hi Simbafuzz,

FYI, my wife just returned from overseas (with her expired GC and extension letter, no I-551 stamp). Upon returning at LAX, she gave the immigration officer her passport and GC. He scanned the GC, took her fingerprints, ask her how long she was gone and welcomed her home. Didn't ask to see the extension letter. I'm assuming that when they scan the GC, it must show on their system that it is under a one year extension. Still good to have the extension letter as backup, but she didn't need it this time.

Enjoy your travels and see you back here when you return!

Thanks Greg for the affirmation! Actually, the immigration officer was/is my last concern - I am more worried about the airlines in my departing airport, they may just not understand the concept of an extension letter! And just in the worse case, to avoid that last minute stress, I wanted to do this! But you know, never say never - so for all I know, they will still harass me and I will end up trying to convince them, lol! I will let you all know once I return!

Dismissed. No fine, no points, nada.

Yoohoo!!! Glad you are out of the woods... See, USCIS is still there to protect our rights!!

Alrighty people, here is a post by a paranoid obsessive person! I am traveling overseas this weekend, and this whole extension letter, and expired GC has been playing havoc with my thoughts! And finally, I gave in yesterday, decided I really didn't have much to lose - made an infopass appointment for today. The USCIS lady was extremely helpful, and when I stated my case, and said, I was worried about the departure airports - she herself offered to stamp my passport with the i-551 stamp! Phew, it was worth the long drive, and some additional peace of mind.

So, if you have excessive time on hand, and are obsessive as I am - it might be worth a try! HOWEVER, I have heard only a few offices are this nice and provide these stamps - I was at the Raleigh-Durham field office which had just one free infopass appointment for today! But I do intend to keep my expired GC, and extension letter close to me while traveling!

Hope this helps anyone out here ... Thanks!

I actually have the same question! My guess was, from how it was worded in the NOA1, that it's extended from the conditional GC expiration date. Either way I'm hoping we're not still waiting in either October or January!

I think you are right, sounds like the GC date is moved by a year! ... I know...hoping none of us have to worry about this, and we all hear approvals before that!!

Thanks you so much for your help...I truly Appreciated.

I think a few people have suggested good alternatives. I would probably seek the help of an experienced attorney in this case - but I was wondering, if your trip outside of the US is very important - then, once you file either a new AOS or 751.. maybe you can see if you can get a temporary stamp of evidence of residency. (They usually do it, once your papers are all filed & your GC crosses the one year extension, your new GC is not yet here - but only for emergency conditions!) Just a thought as this stamp may give you some time to travel, and get back! Hope this helps! Good luck - please let us all know what you ended up doing... so we know for the future.

Phil never got a touch after the biometrics and still hasn't since our NOA was issued in October...

Yup neither did I! I am tired of seeing the only update on my case status, as Initial Process since the NOA I do have a silly question (but someone wise once said, there's nothing like a silly question, so I will go ahead.. ) ....

Our 1 year extension is that as per our GC expiry date, or NOA date?

I believe you only get the stamp if your case is still processing even after your NOA1 letter expires...or if you have to travel after your GC approval but before receiving it in hand. I could be wrong but that's what I've gathered from the forums thus far!

Thank you! That's the best sounding explanation I have heard so far! Though knowing USCIS ... you can never be sure Yes, I do remember you too, I think we are riding together as far as our paperwork is concerned!

An example of what happens without the letter:

Here

Thank you Corinthians... but this is even more perplexing - of course I would be traveling with the original letter, and expired GC. But can anyone confirm - don't you receive the i-551 stamp only after your ROC application has approved???? I think that's my main question. And, how can I get an i-551 when my case is till under processing??... as they say only emergency situations get this stamp..

Edit - just happened to read this post about travel which calms me! I am worried more about the airline refusing to allow me to board than the immigration officer, is that crazy?!

Thank you SunshineFL. I have a quick question, and have been researching for a while about traveling with a expired GC and NOA1 letter. But I just read this post in the July filers, and got a little worried - July filers #737

Do I need I-551 stamp for travel now? Or is it after approval before new GC arrives? Any clarifications will be super helpful as I am planning to travel in a couple of weeks!!! Sorry if it is a millionth time rehashed question around here!!!

Hi guys!!

I haven't been on VJ for a while now, used to very regular during the AOS and EAD days, I know... bad bad! I wanted to check in and see where my fellow Oct filers are, and here you all are! I just updated my signature, and wanted to get my name in the running list of updates! I don't want to mess up the good work you have done here, and in my preview something looks askew .. SunshineFL or any other user, could you please add me to the list? Much appreciated!!

My details as below: Vermont Service center.

SIMBAFUZZ.................09/- -/11........10/11/11.......10/21/11........- -/- -/- -....

(Horrible memory, can't remember the date when I sent in my ROC papers!)

Update!

My first email for card production ordered didn't come until 12/21.....but my Resident date on my PR card says 12/14? I guess the adjudicators pick the date? lol!

LOL, i think all of us have that discrepancy, our dates on the GC is behind the date our card production date... hehe ** USCIS as usual playing with our emotions!!!

Oh, I have almost fallen off the wagon once I got my approval. Sorry!!

Good luck to everyone, for interviews to approvals to everything! And people like me trying to find decent employment

hello people, looks like everyone's moving forward!! yay .... others, if you have some questions or issues... please post them here or of course, you can send a personal message to any one of us

My green (rather white ) card is here!! yay!!! merry christmas to me

I have a question about getting a driver's license...

my Canadian license is going to expire in about a month. I was just going to get one here in VA.

I read over the DMV site... so if I take in my passport, with my I94 in it, and my marriage certificate, my SSN... etc etc will they let me get a VA license? Or will i have to wait for my GC?

Thank you!

I think you can give it a try!! Having a GC is not pre-requisite to get a license, just you need to know to drive .. Jokes apart, you should be able to take all your docs, even some utility bills proving the residence etc - they might need a photo proof and address proof. Also, you can call them and ask them, check up your local dmv number online... sometimes they are really helpful ...

Congrats Nikki!

first thing I got was a Card Production Ordered email, followed by another Card Production Ordered email the next day (dated the same as the first one tho), then about 4-5 days later an Approval Notice Mailed email.

Then the Welcome Notice showed up.

Then the card showed up.

Oh thanks, I received the Card production update yesterday and also the Notice mailed welcoming the new permanent resident update! (I must receive that soon by mail I hope!) No other approval notice, that's ok.. right?

Thank you people! ...

Quick question, is the first process of approval in 485 the card production? I never received the 'approval' update? all you oldtimers, what do you think? And what is the process -.. before you receive the GC? pretty please

Ok Greg - you know what?!?

I was so fired up & depressed when I read your post yesterday about other people getting their approvals before us that I stormed down to CSC and threatened to beat them senseless with my pillow if they didn't friggin approve my damn petition.

hehehe mr. X.... me too!!!

Guess what - I GOT THE APPROVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dear simbafuzz,

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

Current Status: Card production ordered.

On December 9, 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.

.....

.....

Sincerely,

Congrats everyone!!

Xaenyth, Anya n Charles, Jenn and Nick, simbafuzz: how did you let Inky and BabylonFari slip in line ahead of you? You guys should get your approvals by the end of the week.

I know Greg, what is happening!!??? I am kinda losing my patience, do you think, it is late because of an RFE or something? There has been no touch and I am tired of looking for updates. My update is dead, not one since 3rd Nov.... It's 2 months, i.e 60 days since NOA

I am so worried, any ideas?

Congrats Karen!! Ho ho ho.... Happy Holidays!!

Dear Eve, I can understand your frustration. It is hard to make ends meet, my husband has a good job, and I was dying to get this damn EAD to start work, even if it means doing some odd jobs. In this day, it is hard to get any kind of job, and I totally understand the pain. I am sorry, yes, we all can say, it will work out, don't worry.. but being in the spot is very difficult. I also understand Mike's position, especially with the winter drawing in, it is hard to keep the spirits up. Please do not give up or let your spirits down, please share your thoughts here. We are here for you, we all are going thro' this together - some days are good and some deplorable! I have my AP and EAD. and now I am stressed about job and the GC... once we get the GC and a job, I will be worried about that 2 year mark ... it seems like a never ending cycle... all we can do is be positive and take each day as it comes!

I guess, being an immigrant, is always hard... more so when the economy is down, and each day is filled with uncertainty.. am worried what if my husband loses his job or something, and me being a tug on.. we won't be even able to afford food, let alone the student loans and debt we both have! Everything is scary, but that doesn't mean, we will always be here... hopefully not! .. We all are here together, and as hard as it is, I am happy for those whose stuff is moving along and for those whose isn't .. I feel bad! I hope you feel a little better... Hoping times change and good things come to you and your husband, even for Mike. We should be able to make it! .. And to everyone in that spot, HANG IN THERE! We will row out of it together!!

Rebecca THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Your kind words really do make me feel better. I should know that I am not alone... and that things could definitely be worse- I remember how hard it was waiting to see if he would even get his K-1 (Guyana is a high-fraud i.e. high denial country). We were both so scared that he wouldn't even be able to get here. So... I am thankful for that! Just, thanks again Rebecca and the whole VJ (October Filers) community. You guys are amazing!

Eve

hehehe, BabylonFari, did you mean Thank you Simbafuzz??!! - - - as long as it helps

Still no word of my GC approval, and still no job

You know- THIS REALLY SUCKS!!!! I am really happy for all of you GC, EAD, and AP approvals but we filed before a bunch of you guys and we still can't even access EAD/ AP online and haven't had any touch on AOS in about a month. I really hate how they don't seem to work in order. Just ranting now but every post I see that says "don't worry you'll get yours soon" or "it looks like you'll get yours this weekend" really bothers me because we are almost at two months since NOA1 and over a month since we got BIO done.

All I can say is we are in the same fix. My wife did not file for the AP or EAD. The only thing we filed for was the GC. Our check cleared the bank on October 16th. We had the Biometric but (1) nothing since, (2) our MSC number is not listed online and so we have no clue if the I-485 has been touched. We wait on the US Mail and since October 23rd we have gotten nothing in the mail. There has been NO RFE. Since we were never transferred to the CSC I assume we need to go to an interview, but we have no clue when yet. Since Beth can't even get a learner's permit to drive until she get's her CG in Wyoming, (which is as rural as you can get,) she is completely dependent on me for everything outside the house. I can't even service my customers as to do that takes me away from home for days. We are a little stressed out.

Thank you Mike! I was feeling quite frustrated and alone. I am a part-time teacher and its getting harder and harder to pay the bills without my husband being able to work and he is getting really stressed out as this is the first time in his adult life when he can't work and its winter here in Buffalo so its too cold to really even do anything outside. So, thank you for sharing your struggle.

In solidarity,

Eve

Dear Eve, I can understand your frustration. It is hard to make ends meet, my husband has a good job, and I was dying to get this damn EAD to start work, even if it means doing some odd jobs. In this day, it is hard to get any kind of job, and I totally understand the pain. I am sorry, yes, we all can say, it will work out, don't worry.. but being in the spot is very difficult. I also understand Mike's position, especially with the winter drawing in, it is hard to keep the spirits up. Please do not give up or let your spirits down, please share your thoughts here. We are here for you, we all are going thro' this together - some days are good and some deplorable! I have my AP and EAD. and now I am stressed about job and the GC... once we get the GC and a job, I will be worried about that 2 year mark ... it seems like a never ending cycle... all we can do is be positive and take each day as it comes!

I guess, being an immigrant, is always hard... more so when the economy is down, and each day is filled with uncertainty.. am worried what if my husband loses his job or something, and me being a tug on.. we won't be even able to afford food, let alone the student loans and debt we both have! Everything is scary, but that doesn't mean, we will always be here... hopefully not! .. We all are here together, and as hard as it is, I am happy for those whose stuff is moving along and for those whose isn't .. I feel bad! I hope you feel a little better... Hoping times change and good things come to you and your husband, even for Mike. We should be able to make it! .. And to everyone in that spot, HANG IN THERE! We will row out of it together!!

Yes. Permanent Residents are expected to reside in the US, well, permanently. The precise guidelines are in the faqs but it's something along the lines of you cannot leave the US for more than one year continuous [without a re-entry permit, filed for in advance along the same lines as advance parole], and must reside in the US for at least 50% of the time, in aggregate, otherwise you forfeit your permanent resident status.

Once you're a citizen, otoh, you can do whatever you want, but while you're a PR, you're expected to spend a substantial majority of your time in the US.

Thanks HeatDeath!! And yooohooo, Congratulations

thanks for answering the question - with the current economy, jobs are no more secure, and I was thinking, maybe moving back to Europe or even maybe Canada wt my hubby, as here no job means no medical insurance... It sucks.. after all the stuff we went thro' to be together. But hopefully, times will change and we get some good employment options here in the US! Praying and hoping for a better tomorrow~

Abhijit, don't congratulate me - my GC is not done! That was my victory dance for Mrs. M ... Greg, time to update HD's status on the excel...

Another question (which has kept me awake at nights!) to the pros here - as this is the only place I know!!

The GC we get now is conditional, right? I read somewhere that it is conditional for 2 years and then you renew it! What is the condition based on - marriage and location? I ask this question because of the scarcity of jobs in the US now... do we have to maintain US as a primary residence during these 2 years?

Some one please enlighten me...

Thank you

No wonder we have so many pages!! We get so happy when someone gets approved!! hehe

Congrats Jokalu!!!!!!