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HeatDeath · April 7, 2012

Some people told me that the USCIS will always send applicants a letter asking for more evidences before they decide to either interview the applicants or just send them the cards. Is this true? Because I haven't gotten that letter yet. From the time that I went to take my biometrics back in 11/29/11 until now, I haven't heard anything from them. Is this normal?

Aside from the 4 of us who have been approved, EVERYONE is in the same position as you. It's perfectly normal not to hear anything for months and months. Basically there's a backlog of applications at both offices (though Vermont's backlog is far worse).

Believe me, if anyone had received an RFE (a letter requesting further information), they'd have posted all the details on here. And RFE's are certainly not sent out to every applicant.

Some people will get an RFE, some people will get an interview, but most will just get their approval. There's no rhyme, or reason, to the time it takes - and sadly it's certainly not first come, first served. Hopefully you'll have some good news soon.

April 5, 2012

Just a reminder that there is an annual fee for MJ. So if you are still using it after 12 months, you'll need to pay another $30 (or so), or it will stop working.

Small price to pay though.

April 1, 2012

What did they actually request on the RFE?

April 1, 2012

Aside from a Centennial, CO address (instead of the Salt Lake City office), that's identical to mine.

Even down to the folding, and the BD initials on the back!!

I seem to have thrown the envelope away, but I THINK it was postmarked Omaha, NE rather than Denver, CO or Laguna Niguel, CA.

March 31, 2012

Highlighting is fine.

I highlighted my salary and Annette's salary both being paid into the same joint account, and the mortgage, bills etc being paid from that same account.

March 29, 2012

Congrats to Heatdeath and EvilMonkee!!

March 29, 2012

Thanks all for the replies.

the reason i am pending AOS process cos we still need to collect some money for that, and about 2 years, it just if and i never thinking we will have to wait until 2 years of marriage and process it, i hope it will be soon

yes i know everything if i dont have GC so i can't go back here anymore and not having a job either.

one more question, is that right for my husband tax if i dont have any GC yet? i mean for the status married on his tax form? is it legally for tax report if we are married but i dont have any ID except my passport?

I undertstand you have a cash flow problem, but surely you realise that by waiting 2 years to file for AOS, you will be missing out on up to 2 years worth of wages? Even a few hours a week at minimum wage would pull in thousands over that 2 year period. Can you not borrow the fee from anyone?

March 29, 2012

Or the vacancy could have suddenly disappeared. That happens a lot, especially in the current climate. All of a sudden the funding is pulled, and that vacancy dies.

Like the others have said, at least they didn't waste her time with an interview.

Matt & Bing · March 29, 2012

I think you have misunderstood or you want to understand in a wrong day. I did not say "You have to file on exactly on this day i.e. May, 28 2012", I mean the earliest day (1st day) which filing 90-day window opens.

I did say the earliest day is May 28 !....

For example me, same date expiration but a year before which is August, 26 2011. I DID FILE ON AUGUST 12, 2011 which makes it about 2 weeks before. I don't think I am wrong and also I did not throw this day from my stomach, I have taken it from USCIS web site. Here is the web site, maybe you can use it too in the future http://www.uscis.gov...Calculator.html

CINO - I wasn't replying to you. I was replying to Markiweiss49. He used the word "should".

Why not? Unless you have some sort of event going on in your life like planned international travel that prohibits you from filing 90 days before, I see no advantage to waiting. You rarely read a post on VJ saying "I wish I had to wait even longer to get everything approved by USCIS."

I wasn't saying people shouldn't apply as early as possible, just that they don't have to. You say there's no advantage to waiting - but equally there's absolutely no advantage to filing early in the window. The NOA1 provides a 1 year extension to your GC, so you are still able to work, still able to travel.

There's a widespread misconception on this site that you must file 90 days in advance - and I'm just trying to remind everyone that it's not true. Indeed there could be a big disadvantage if people are rushing to meet a non-existent deadline, and in doing so provide an incomplete/ badly prepared package. That's the quickest way to an RFE, or even an interview.

There's a 90 day window in which people can apply, so apply at the point when you are ready and not before. Just make sure your application reaches USCIS before your GC expires.

Matt & Bing · March 28, 2012

may 26, 2012 and not early than that. should file 90 days before your greencard expires.

Not quite - as CINO says, 90 days prior to August 26 is May 28.

And you can file ANY TIME within 90 days of your greencard expiring. Just make sure your application is received before the expiration date.

I don't quite understand why so many people think they should file 90 days before the expiration date on their GC.

March 27, 2012

ESTA is only necessary for getting you to the US border. It does not have to be valid for your entire stay.

As long as it is still valid on the day you turn up at the POE, you don't need to reapply.

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/visaservices/?p=2377

March 25, 2012

When you file for ROC, you'll automatically receive the NOA1 from USCIS. It confirms receipt of the application, and extends all the benefits of permanent residency for one year. With this letter and the expired Green Card, an LPR can still work in the U.S. and travel.

If you want to get back in to the U.S. after June 16, 2012, you'll need the NOA1 and your expired GC to get back in.

The NOA1 is also referred to as:

I-797, Notice of Action, or

I-751 Receipt Notice

Either way, it's all the same document.

Applicants normally receive the NOA1 about a week after their ROC application is filed.

So, make sure you file far enough in advance, that you'll receive the NOA1 before you leave for Australia.

In addition - be aware that you'll need to attend a biometrics appointment as part of the ROC procedure. This appointment SHOULD be between 4 and 8 weeks after filing, but it depends on your local office. If the appointment is scheduled for after you've left for Australia, you can try and do an early walk in - but they won't let you do that until you at least have your appointment letter in hand. Your appointment letter should arrive anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks after you file for ROC.

March 24, 2012

Annette (USC) paid for the K1 petition.

I paid for the medical fee, K1 visa fee, and flight.

After our marriage, everything immediately became intermingled, (one joint checking account, one joint savings account etc) but just like V&T say above, I wasn't working straight away. So although the AOS fee was paid from our joint account - it was still effectively Annette paying. Ditto the 6 months of food we ate, mortgage payments we made, healthcare costs etc.

I learnt to live VERY simply in those 6 months. Greatest extravagance was paying $4 to watch a high school football game over the street. It just didn't seem right to be spending money when I was effectively unemployed. And it has put us in great stead since - after living a very spendy London lifestyle, I have a completely different life here. No debt (mortgage aside), and I'm no longer living paycheck to paycheck.

March 24, 2012

When I last left the U.S., I had to swipe my Green Card at Delta's computerized check in machine.

Not sure if that's standard, but that's what happened flying Delta out of Denver.

March 24, 2012

Don't worry Mimayu.

I didn't get a single touch (even after the Bio) between receipt and approval. I hear my experience is quite common too.

March 24, 2012

Card received today. Totally different style these days - front is very green and has various pictures, including the Statue of Liberty.

Full of fancy new security details too.

On Wednesday I received the hard copy of my approval letter. Shows the date of approval was 3/16/12 - not 3/19/12 as the e-mail indicated.

Hopefully all November filers will have their fancy new cards very, very soon!

California Service Center (19 applicants)

VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics.......Approved....

HEATDEATH.............11/01/11........11/03/11.......11/30/11........--/--/--....

RFITZ.................11/04/11........11/07/11.......12/13/11........--/--/--....

MARIE09...............11/07/11........11/08/11.......12/01/11........--/--/--....

EVILMONKEE............11/07/11........11/09/11.......12/14/11........--/--/--....(Early Bio 11/22)

FAERY.................11/08/11........11/14/11.......12/29/11........--/--/--....

MIKE&SACHIE...........11/09/11........11/14/11.......12/23/11........--/--/--....

AMBEROCTOBER..........11/11/11........11/16/11.......12/16/11........--/--/--....(Early Bio 12/15)

KM24..................11/11/11........11/14/11.......12/14/11........--/--/--....

GERMANIMMIGRANT.......11/12/11........11/14/11.......12/15/11........--/--/--....

MESTIS................11/12/11........11/14/11.......12/19/11........--/--/--....

WIFETOBE..............11/12/11........11/16/11.......12/23/11........--/--/--....

ELLSINLOVE............11/15/11........11/17/11.......12/19/11........--/--/--....

MADDYCRUISE...........11/21/11........11/22/11.......01/04/12........--/--/--....

CUTEDOLPHINN..........11/21/11........11/23/11.......02/13/12........--/--/--....

N M...................11/21/11........11/22/11.......12/28/11........03/16/12....(Card received 3/23/12)

LISA AND IAN..........11/22/11........11/25/11.......01/03/12........--/--/--....

SNOWYMN...............11/24/11........11/28/11.......01/30/12........--/--/--....

SYRGUY................11/25/11........11/28/11.......02/13/12........--/--/--....

MIKEINWYOMING.........11/26/11........11/29/11.......12/22/11........--/--/--....

Vermont Service Center (27 applicants)

VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics.......Approved....

M_RU..................11/01/11........11/04/11.......12/12/11........--/--/--....

BABYLONFARI_K1........11/01/11........11/03/11.......11/30/11........--/--/--....

ALEX&CLAUDIA..........11/01/11........11/07/11.......12/12/11........--/--/--....

MAGICFN1..............11/02/11........11/07/11.......01/24/12........--/--/--....

SHACH.................11/03/11........11/07/11.......12/05/11........--/--/--....

MOKSHA................11/04/11........11/09/11.......11/24/11........--/--/--....

KEN_JAR...............11/04/11........11/07/11.......01/09/12........--/--/--....

JNORIEGA..............11/04/11........11/08/11.......01/09/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 12/15)

MIKEANDTHANH..........11/04/11........11/08/11.......01/31/12........--/--/--....

VISAQUEEN.............11/05/11........11/15/11.......12/16/11........--/--/--....

VERNE BLAISE..........11/05/11........11/07/11.......11/30/11........--/--/--....

RBAL_TN...............11/07/11........11/09/11.......01/09/12........--/--/--....

KEVIN&LEILEI..........11/07/11........11/10/11.......12/30/11........--/--/--....

NIKKI-1980............11/07/11........11/10/11.......12/07/11........--/--/--....

BEANS.................11/07/11........11/10/11.......11/30/11........--/--/--....

LKSOON................11/07/11........11/09/11.......12/07/11........--/--/--....

JEFFANDDONA...........11/09/11........11/14/11.......12/15/11........--/--/--....

JAY & KEN.............11/14/11........11/17/11.......12/20/11........--/--/--....

ANYANCHARLES..........11/15/11........11/16/11.......12/22/11........--/--/--....

DASALEPH..............11/17/11........11/21/11.......02/07/12........--/--/--....

DAVID'SGIRL...........11/17/11........11/28/11.......01/04/12........--/--/--....

SKY*..................11/18/11........11/22/11.......01/20/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 1/11)

WHTMYID...............11/19/11........11/21/11.......02/10/12........--/--/--....

LGG...................11/26/11........12/02/11.......01/09/12........--/--/--....

POPTHECORK............11/28/11........12/02/11.......01/05/12........--/--/--....

JOANNAV...............11/28/11........12/05/11.......01/30/12........--/--/--....

INGODSHANDS...........11/28/11........11/29/11.......--/--/--........--/--/--....

IMPORTANT!

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NOA Date = The Receipt Date on your original NOA letter

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March 22, 2012

If you will be a Vermont filer, it is likely that you won't have your new GC by January 2013 - even if you file in June 2012.

This link should show you the progress of June 2011 filers....

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/312637-i-751-june-2011-filers/page__st__975

Basically, Vermont seems to be sitting on a massive backlog of applications.

Bear in mind, that if you are called for an interview after January 2013 (interviews are unlikely - but do happen to some), you will need to fly back from Brazil to attend.

March 22, 2012

No "touches" for me between the NOA1 and receiving confirmation of my approval.

VanessaTony · March 22, 2012

The only requirement is that USCIS receives the application package WITHIN 90 days of your 2 year GC anniversary. You do not have to file exactly 90 days before the expiration date.

If your GC expires on 9/2/2012, you can mail the application at ANY TIME within the 90 days preceeding 9/2/2012. Just make absolutely sure it will be RECEIVED by USCIS before 9/2/2012.

So why not wait until you return from Brazil in July? If your husband was to mail it on your behalf in early June, you COULD receive a biometrics appointment for a date in early July. If you are still in Brazil for the scheduled date, you'd have to reschedule. That should be straightforward - but don't always count on that with USCIS!

Waiting to file until you return to the U.S. in July would be much simpler.

March 22, 2012

This is good to know! I guess this fits with the general rule that at least half of the information on the internet is completely made up.

:lol:

I know how you feel, but this is a good example of how the internet stores information for ever and ever - even when it's totally out of date.

The original version of FICO 08 did stop piggybacking - and that story was widely reported.

What wasn't so widely reported, was the U-Turn in July 2008 - which allowed piggybacking again. Whether this was intentionally brushed under the carpet I have no idea. But the cynic in me thinks it may have been.

March 22, 2012

A source for the above (from August 8, 2008 - detailing Fair Isaac's u-turn on FICO 08):

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20080812-authorized-users-a1.asp

March 22, 2012

Discontinuing the practice of 'piggybacking or using trade lines from another person's credit was tossed around back in 2006 & 2007 by Fair Isaac's. However, Fair Isaac got quite a bit of push-back then changed their tune. The practice is still alive.

^^^^^ This ^^^^^

That proposed ban on piggybacking was actually thrown out by the courts, who ruled that it would discriminate against stay at home spouses (mainly women).

PIGGYBACKING IS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE.

But..... these days you can only piggyback through an immediate relative (spouse, child, parent). You can no longer piggyback off a BFF, colleague, or even a stranger. Yep, as mad as it sounds, some enterprising indivduals used to rent out authorised user spots on their accounts to complete strangers. One example (cited by FICO a few years back) was a card with over 200 authorized users!

March 20, 2012

Congrats!!!

What comes first - mail from USCIS or status update on their website?

The e-mail arrived and the website status was updated on the same day (yesterday). I'm guessing I'll receive the hard copy letter by USPS either today or tomorrow.

March 20, 2012

Thanks, guys.

Hopefully there will soon be good news for everyone.

March 19, 2012