mojothedestroyer

I have an appointment scheduled on Jan 22nd for biometrics for my green card renewal and it's just now occurred to me that the office might be closed. I've tried searching for info but haven't been able to find anything.

Has anyone encountered any issue with a renewal due to the shut down?

If you choose to immigrate to a country and that countries immigration policy is that you need to have a vaccination done then you have a choice, you either have the vaccination and get the immigration status that you want or you dont get the vaccination done and you dont get the immigration benifit.

Every country of the world is free to impose its own immigration laws and requirements. The US are not making this a requirment of Citizenship, They are making it a requirment to immigrate to the US. If you are already here in the US and have your Greencard then you do not need to have this vaccination done to become a citizen. If you are just applying for a visa then you will need to have this vaccination done if you are in the age group before they will approve your visa.

That's really not what I meant when I started this thread. I know that if the US decides that you must be able to juggle 8 hockey pucks with one hand tied behind your back to be able to gain entry, then they can decide that and that's the end of it.

My reason for opening this topic is to discuss the concern I have for the US to make this specific vaccination a mandatory thing. This is a relatively new vaccine, testing is as yet inconclusive as to long term effects and there are risks of death and illness attached to this vaccine that don't happen with other ones. The CDC doesn't agree with this course of action, stating that the illness that this vaccine protects females against is not a communicable disease.

My question is, why did they choose this particular vaccine. Why not something a little more important like the chicken pox or pneumonia vaccinations? Why did they choose something so controversial. THAT is my question.

I think it is terrible that they are requiring a vaccine that has limited effectiveness - whether or not it is fatal to those to get the vaccination.

Giving the excuse "no one is forcing you to be a citizen" is idiotic. No one is forcing people to commit crimes and some people would like to torture those who do. And yet we have laws saying that is unconstitutional. Even though no one is forcing you to be a citizen, there should not be unnecesary and perhaps fatal consequences.

THANK YOU!!!!!

If you were within the 16-26 age range window... Since citizenship is not mandatory, you certainly can manage the "window"....

I understand what you're saying and for my own personal situation, I'm outside of the range but if I had a daughter who was within that range, or if I myself were within the range and wanted to obtain my citizenship, I would be outraged at the fact that this vaccine that even the CDC has deemed potentially life threatning is mandatory to obtain citizenship.

Gardisil is an age appropriate vaccination... something like up to 26 yrs of age.... If you are outside the age appropriate window you are not required to receive

True, but that would mean any female children would be required to have it.

In a press release from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Agency, it was noted that as of July 1, 2008, any immigrant wishing to become a legal US citizen will be required to take the controversial Gardasil as part of their inoculations.

Gardasil, a vaccine for the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) has been under fire due to the fact that it has caused illness and even death in some people. Additionally, the CDC opposed the mandatory use of Gardasil because HPV is not a contagious disease. An immigration lawyer has questioned the governments decision regarding these requirements stating "If the government is trying to take care of everyone, they should be doing it also with the citizens."

Thoughts?

Personally, if I was going for my Citizenship, this would make me think SERIOUS second thoughts.

Get Pregnant! Seriously!

Bwahahahahah! Might be tough, as my interview is tomorrow but thanks for the advice.

(even though, I have to say I agree with Maya, it is kind of a bad idea to get preggers JUST for the AOS ... )

All documentation establishing your eligibility for Lawful Permanent Resident status ...

What does that mean? What kinds of things should I be bringing with me?

Thanks in advance!

~ Shannon

So I got the magical email today:

Application Type: I765 , APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

Current Status:

On June 6, 2006, after approving your application, we ordered you a new card. Your card will be mailed to you as soon as it is ready.

I was wondering, how long does it normally take to receive the card after approval? I'm DYING to start work!!!

I arranged my flights so that I ended up with my POE as JFK but it wasn't easy.

I called airports to find out if they had an american customs office there and was able to only find one airport in all of Canada and that was in Halifax. So, I booked tickets on 2 different airlines - one from Ottawa to Halifax, and another from Halifax to JFK so that I was able to get the EAD stamp on my passport.

Good luck!

So could someone please explain this to me ...

Before I left Canada, I had to pay $250 for a medical exam, including x-days and bloodwork, vaccinations and all of that. All of the papers were sealed in an envelope that I was not allowed to open. When I had my interview in Montreal, the envelope was opened, the papers were taken, and I did not receive any copies.

Now that I'm here in the U.S., I applied for AOS/EAD/AP more than 90 days ago, and last week I received a notification that I have to send in my I-693 form. I call the doctors' offices and they all tell me that in order for them to give me that form, I have to have ANOTHER full physical and it sill cost me $200.

WHAT IS THE POINT!?!?!

I have a form from my doctor saying that I had all of my vaccinations/tests/etc. and that there is nothing wrong with me. Why will they not accept that as proof?

I called my doctor and she said that for a nominal fee of $50, they will make copies of all of the forms I sent in to the consulate and that those should be good enough to send in.

Why the hell not? I'm sure I will be told that they're not good enough and that I have to go pay the $200 for yet another physical from yet another doctor.... it's only money, after all.

Isn't that the form that was given to me in a sealed envelope by my doctor in Canada, I was told NOT to open it, and then when I had my interview in Montreal, they took it away from me?

I'm very confused.

When I sent in my AOS, I sent a copy of my vaccination sheet that the doctor gave me, because that's all that I had!

Do you think it's possible for me to call my doctor in Canada and ask her to fax me a copy of the form?

Gah.... so frustrating!

I thought I would share my experience with you because it's slightly different than other people's.

I went in to the Hartford Office this morning with no infopass and very low hopes of getting the AP.

I got there 20 minutes before the office opened, and there was a small line. About 5 minutes later, I started to panic because I realized that I had forgotten my passport at home and the only piece of ID I had with me was my long form birth certificate and my Canadian drivers' license. I figured I had a snowballs' chance of getting the AP, but I figured that since I had come all the way, I might as well find out.

We were finally allowed in, and I was second in the 'walk-ins' line. I got to the front and the guy asked me why I was there. I said I wanted to apply for an emergency AP, he asked me what my reason was and I told him that my grandfather was very ill and I wanted to go and see him. He said that he would have to check with someone, and dissapeared. He came back with a very nice looking older lady who said that I should have an infopass appt, but it was ok. She gave me a number, signed it and told me to sit down, I was #301.

There was a guy with an infopass appointment in front of me, so I waited 15 minutes or so before I was called up. The woman asked for my passport and I said that I had forgotten it at home, I fully expected her to say that I needed to have my passport to get the form but, she then asked for my completed form, and luckily I had a few copies of the original one I filed. She took it and said that I had to pay $170 fee and that it was only good for one crossing. She asked if I had passport pictures, and I gave her the ones I had taken yesterday. I had to run to my car at this point because I had my chequebook there. I paid her when I got back, she made me sign a few things, and was just about to hand me the form when she looked at me and asked if I had proof that I needed to go back home. I said that I didn't but I had airplane tickets. She said that I was very lucky today, and handed me the AP.

So, I had to pay $170 again, the AP is only good for 1 crossing, I was not ever asked for ID or my NOA for the AP and I didn't have any proof with me.

I have a feeling that I was VERY lucky today to get the form so don't take my word as to what will happen if you go in. I'm thanking my lucky stars and my guardian angel that I got it and can go back to Canada on Thursday!

I'm going to the Hartford office tomorrow with papers in hand to see if I can get an emergency AP.

I've been trying to get an info pass appointment for the past month but nothing has been available and now, the only ones available are at the end of the month. My flight is scheduled for Thursday.

Has anyone gone in without an infopass appointment? I'm prepared to wait as long as I have to, I'm just curious if they'll even let me through the door.

Should I save myself the hour long drive, or should I take a chance?

Thoughts are appreciated.

~ Shannon

No, I didnt get it the same day, but that was perhaps because it was a Friday and close to closing time. They have to get the manager to approve it first and then get someone from the biometrics department to prepare it. Perhaps if you went in early one morning then you'd get it the same day, I dont know. It really depends how your local office works. btw check the opening hours, we had a 1.30pm appointment, but the office closed at 2pm.

Yes, that's the next problem ... my local office has no infopass appointments until the end of April, so I'm taking a shot by just getting there first thing in the morning (office opens at 7:30am, I plan on getting there for 6:30 - 7:00am) and just waiting.

Someone also mentioned calling customs at the airport where I'm going to be flying in/out of and explaining the circumstances, they might allow me to leave and come back without any issues.

I've tried calling the national service center and no one was able to help me.

I'm trying to check the processing dates for my AP ... if I check the district office it says that the I-131 processing date is March 1st, but if I check the National Benefits Center, it says January 25th.

I sent my package in to the Chicago address, but my closest district office is Hartford and I would have applied there, but I was told that I had to send everything to Chicago.

.... wha? I'm confused. Why is there a date for processing of i-131 forms at Hartford, if they don't accept them in the first place?

I got an Emergency AP at my local office, it was approved that day (Friday) and I collected it Tuesday.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say 'where' the alien # is. You should have your alien # on the NOAs. All you need to take to the office is a newly completed I-131, your NOA for the I-131 you sent it to show it has been filed and paid for, 2 passport pics so they can make the document up for you and obviously the evidence of the emergency. I would go sooner rather than later. ie. This Week in case there are any problems.

So you didn't receive the AP the same day that you got it approved? I'm hoping not to have to go back because the closest office is 50 miles away.

So I have to travel home for Easter as my grandfather is very ill. I applied for my AP in mid-February and haven't received it as yet and my flight home is scheduled for the 13th of April.

If I don't have my AP in time, I'm fully prepared to go and apply for the emergency one, but I read on the uscis website that it could take some time, depending on where my A# is listed?

Has anyone had to get the emerg AP, and if so, how long did it take? I don't want to leave this til the last minute if it's going to take a couple of days.

Thanks!

~ Shannon

I got my biometrics letter today and it's scheduled for Saturday, March 18th? I didn't realize that they had appointments on Saturdays ...

Also, I just got word that my grandfather is very ill and may be dying and I may need to go home on short notice How do I go about getting an emergency AP, should the need arise? I sent in my papers for all of that about 3 weeks ago.

Thanks in advance,

~ Shannon

You will need two photos for each....total six. As for as the copy of your certified marriage certificate, I attached ours to the I-485 application. Don't think the I-131 or I-765 calls for a copy of the marriage certificate. Hope this helps....and good luck!

Gary

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Didn't like the friends I made (bc i made them on my own and they weren't his friends initially).

Yeah, he's very nervous about me making friends on my own, but he doesn't have that many friends here as it is because he recently moved back home to CT after many years away in Iowa. I'm a very social person, I love getting together with people, having parties, etc. A lot of his friends seem very childish and always insist on leaving for home way early. He and I talked about it and we know that while I do want to make some friends on my own, we need to make 'couple' friends together.

I'm really sorry that you're feeling this way. Other posters are right, this is a hard time. I've had some similar experience with my USC husband. He did not help at all with the immigration forms and I just couldn't understand why he wasn't helping me get them filed on time. I really was starting to think that he didnt really want me here. Turns out that it wasn't that at all. He just couldn't get his head around it all, what needed to be done and why. His response to that was to sulk and put it off. Mine was the opposite.....to educate myself about it, and finding this site really helped (though it would have helped more if I had found it before I turned all the forms in). There were many times though that I had a good cry over the phone to my Mum and with some friends I made here. In the end I bore most of the responsibility for the paperwork and collecting evidence that was needed. Everything is much better now the paperwork is all turned in, like a weight off for both of us. The immigration process is very stressful and people respond in different ways to stress. Hey, my hubby has lost 20lbs and I've gained 20lbs since we started all this!! How is that fair?!

I would talk to him about you going out alone though. When I first came here a year ago I was the one reluctant to go anywhere alone, concerned about driving on the other side of the road, not knowing anyone or how to get anywhere. Now I go out by myself whenever I want. Just grab the keys and say "I'm running up to the store, you want anything." Hubby thinks this is great, he doesnt have to come groccery shopping anymore!! I found getting out the house, particularly by myself and starting to get to know people to be a real blessing. If you're always at home, just the two of you it can be rather intense. You probably both need a break.

Being homesick is awful, I still get very homesick at times, moving to another country where you dont know anyone could be the hardest thing you'll ever have to do. Christmas was especially for me hard, but my parents were able to fly into Chicago for a few days afterwards so I got to see them, which also helped. It takes some people longer than others to adjust I guess. My godmother (who is also English) moved to America some 30 years ago and married a USC. We all met up in Chicago after Christmas and she told me that it took her years to get over the homesickness. It does get better though, give some time yet.

Hang in there and take care of yourself.

Kate

P.S. My husband is appalling at housework too, some of that is just a guy thing. Like he seems oblivious to the fact that the bedsheets need changed fairly regularly. "We just did that" he says. Men...honestly!!!! We have found compromises though. I do the cooking, so he has to wash up. Also he does the laundry because the washer and dryer are in the basement and I find it creepy down there!!

You totally hit the nail on the head with everything you said. He had a really hard time wrapping his head around all of the paperwork and it kind of just .... stunned him and he didn't even know where to start. The weight thing, too!!!

He's been a LOT better about me going out alone. What prompted me to post about that in the first place was because I was frustrated with him and he told me that I wasn't allowed to drive the car while upset. He had a valid point, he was worried about me getting in to an accident and being sent back to Canada as a result. Now, he just doesn't like it when he asks if I want to come with him and I say I'd rather stay in. He likes my company, is all!

My aunt (and godmother as well!) was an expat to Japan and now in Boston. She's been a big help to me with homesickness and the like. She still misses home and family, even after 15 years away from Canada.

Men and housework .... GAH!

Oh and one last comment to the person who said that he was being abusive and controlling ... FAR FROM IT!!!! I was in an abusive and controlling marriage 5 years ago so I know the signs. The post was just made out of frustration and PMS and I over-exagerated a little bit. Thank you for the concern, though. Chris and I have had good conversations and we're both on the same page now. We still have the occasional disagreement, but what married couple doesn't?

So I have the forms filled out, signed, notarized and all of that.

Do I need to attach 6 passport pics? I-131, I-485 and I-765 ask for 2 pics each. Does that mean I send in 6 total, or will just 2 suffice?

Also, I know I have to attach my marriage certificate somewhere, as stated in the guide but which form do I attach it to?

Thanks in advance,

Shannon.

He's supposed to be happy and loving that I'm here, and that we're married.

Instead, he forbids me from going anywhere without him because he's too worried about me.

I have to nag him to help with chores or anything else.

He doesn't really care about the paperwork because I'm the one who's supposed to be taking care of it, even though I need his taxes to finish it up. This part, anyway.

He's paranoid about me doing one thing wrong, like sneezing.

Everything is a huge, negative deal. He flips out over the smallest thing and everything is always bad.

He has to ask his father's opinion for everything.

My parents are here this weekend and I'm about 5 seconds away from asking them to take me home with them.