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Fe.Ta's US Immigration Timeline

  Petitioner's Name: T
Beneficiary's Name: F
VJ Member: Fe.Ta
Country: Argentina

Last Updated: 2023-03-20
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Immigration Checklist for T & F:

USCIS I-129F Petition:      
Dept of State K1 Visa:    
USCIS I-485 Petition:  
USCIS I-765 Petition:      
USCIS I-131 Petition:      
USCIS I-751 Petition:  
USCIS N-400 Petition:  


K1 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Transferred? No
Consulate : Argentina
I-129F Sent : 2018-11-09
I-129F NOA1 : 2018-11-16
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2019-03-26
NVC Received :
Date Case #, IIN, and BIN assigned : 2019-04-30
NVC Left : 2019-04-30
Consulate Received : 2019-05-03
Packet 3 Received : 2019-05-10
Packet 3 Sent : 2019-05-24
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date : 2019-06-06
Interview Result : Approved
Second Interview
(If Required):
Second Interview Result:
Visa Received : 2019-06-12
US Entry : 2019-06-26
Marriage : 2019-08-07
Comments : We entered through the Miami airport. Because our original flight got delayed by 15 minutes, we were handed off some orange sleeves that would have expedited the process through regular immigration and security. HOWEVER, because we had a visa, these "express sleeves" were useless to us. When we arrived at the immigration window, they did the normal process and then instructed us to go to the immigration room where we waited for the packet to be reviewed. We were not interviewed or questioned for too long. They only asked us where we were going to live, how we met, and finally when we were going to get married so they could let us know it was OK and it fell within the allowed window of staying within the visa. We still missed our next flight, which we knew we would, but it wasn't because of immigration taking as long as in other cases. It was because the allotted window (1 hour or so) was not enough to go through a normal U.S. entry when you are coming internationally (even of a U.S. citizen) AND go through the immigration that checks a visa plus grabbing the luggage to recheck prior to boarding. We hope that helps!
Processing
Estimates/Stats :
Your I-129f was approved in 130 days from your NOA1 date.

Your interview took 202 days from your I-129F NOA1 date.


Port of Entry Review
Event Date
Port of Entry : Miami
POE Date : 2019-06-26
Got EAD Stamp : No
Biometrics Taken : No
Harassment Level : 5
Comments : See comments below. Intimidation tactics but nothing major.


Adjustment of Status
Event Date
CIS Office : Orlando FL
Date Filed : 2019-09-16
NOA Date : 2019-09-24
RFE(s) : 2020-01-03
Bio. Appt. : 2019-10-17
AOS Transfer** :
Interview Date : 2020-12-09
Approval / Denial Date : 2020-12-09
Approved : Yes
Got I551 Stamp :
Greencard Received:
Comments : Received RFE on 01/03/2020 regarding birth certificate. The letter said it was insufficient but it could also mean they just lost it. Argentina does not have any other birth entry, they are all about the same, so just re-submitted the exact same paperwork included in the original AOS with a cover letter. Mailed on 01/17/2020, received on 01/22/2020, and USCIS notification of receipt of RFE response on 01/23/2020. Waiting on approval or denial of the RFE response and case.

Update # 1: On February 20, 2020, we received e-mail, text, and app update that our AOS (Green Card) case was updated to "Case is Ready to be Scheduled for An Interview", so our RFE was accepted and we are moving forward. Now, waiting to see how long it takes (as of today it has been 14 days) to schedule interview.

Update # 2: It is October 10, 2020 and there is no end in sight for getting an interview. Just mailed our renewal for EAD/AP. We are hoping this generates movement on GC.

Update # 3: On November 12, 2020 we got an e-mail and the app updated the case to "Interview Scheduled" - waiting on letter for the interview date.

We had our interview on 12/09/2020 and got approved at the end of it. The status changed to “card is being produced” by 5:30pm.


Employment Authorization Document
Event Date
CIS Office : Chicago National Office
Filing Method : Mail
Filing Instance : First
Date Filed : 2019-09-16
NOA Date : 2019-09-24
RFE(s) :
Bio. Appt. : 2019-10-17
Approved Date : 2020-02-25
Date Card Received : 2020-03-02
Comments : EAD got notification of card being produced on 02/24/2020 and official approval on 02/25/2020 through text, app, and e-mail.

Update: On 02/27/2020, we got text, app, and e-mail notification that the card was mailed to us.

Update # 2: We received official USCIS letter in the mail on 02/29/2020.

Update # 3: Received combo card in the mail 03/02/2020.

Update # 4: Our EAD/AP expires February 2021, so we have mailed today (10/10/2020) the renewal for these without any sight of a potential GC interview.

Update # 5: EAD/AP was delivered on 10/14/2020.

Updated # 6 and # 7: Receipt notice for EAD renewal via text 11/04/2020 and letter 11/07/2020. We got three letters, (1) USCIS and (2) NBC with receipt number acknowledging receipt of EAD renewal, then USCIS (3) confirming we do not need a new biometrics appointment because they will use the one from October 2019. No receipt for AP.

Update # 8: USCIS application changed status to “card being produced” on 11/23/2020. We don’t know if it will generate a combo card or not, since we never got NOA1 on AP.

Update # 9 and update # 10: USICS app showed “card produced” 11/25/2020 and, on 11/27/2020, it changed to “card was picked up by the USPS” with a tracking number - expected delivery 11/30/2020.

Update # 11: Card was delivered on 11/28/2020 and USCIS app also showed updated status to "delivered".

Updated # 12: We got the USCIS NOA2 approval letter for the EAD renewal on 11/30/2020, after the card had arrived.
Processing
Estimates/Stats :
Your EAD was approved in 162 days.


Advance Parole
Event Date
CIS Office : Chicago National Office
Filing Method :  
Filing Instance : First
Date Filed : 2019-09-16
NOA Date : 2019-09-24
RFE(s) :
Date Received : 2020-03-02
Comments : Got official approval on 02/25/2020 through text, app, and e-mail.

Update: We received official USCIS letter in the mail on 02/29/2020.

Update # 2: Received combo card in the mail 03/02/2020.

Update # 3: After receiving the actual combo card in the mail, it randomly changed the status of AP on 03/03/2020 to "Case Was Updated to Show Fingerprints Were Taken".

Update # 4: Our EAD/AP expires February 2021, so we have mailed today (10/10/2020) the renewal for these without any sight of a potential GC interview.

Update # 5: EAD/AP was delivered on 10/14/2020.

Updated # 6 and # 7: Receipt notice for EAD renewal via text 11/04/2020 and letter 11/07/2020. We got three letters, (1) USCIS and (2) NBC with receipt number acknowledging receipt of EAD renewal, then USCIS (3) confirming we do not need a new biometrics appointment because they will use the one from October 2019. No receipt for AP.

Update # 8: As of 12/01/2020, we have received the EAD renewed card AND NOA2 approval notice without AP or AP renewal communication. We are planning to ask at our GC interview about this, just to make sure we are not asked during the ROC time.
Processing
Estimates/Stats :
Your AP was approved in 162 days.


Lifting Conditions
Event Date
CIS Office : Potomac Service Center
Date Filed : 2022-09-21
NOA Date : 2022-09-23
RFE(s) :
Bio. Appt. :
Interview Date :
Approval / Denial Date :
Approved :
Got I551 Stamp :
Green Card Received :
Comments : Mailed: 09/19/22
Delivered: 09/21/22
NOA: 09/21/2022
Text: 09/26/2022
NOA Letter Date: 09/23/22
NOA Received: 10/04/22
NOA #2 (48-months extension) Date: 03/15/23
NOA #2 (48-months extension) Received: 03/18/23


Member Reviews:

Consulate Review: Argentina
Review Topic: K1 Visa
Event Description
Review Date : June 8, 2019
Embassy Review : U.S. Embassy in Argentina Review

Everyone was extremely cordial. While some were more serious than others, everything was very organized, well directed, and everyone was cordial and very courteous while we were there fore my fiance's K1 visa interview.

In case you do not know, when you go for the interview, make sure you approach an officer or worker that is handling the line outside. You tell the officer that you are there for a non-immigrant K1 visa interview and he/she will make you skip the line and direct you to one of the windows in the front. The person in the window will give you a green binder with a sticky note that says you got to windows 4 and 5 so everyone is aware. They will take you through security. You SHOULD NOT take any mobile phones or electronics and avoid any weapons (pepper spray, etc.). For guys, my fiance avoided wearing a belt. For ladies, I took a small purse with the basics and avoided too much jewelry. You then go to the window #4 and the person in charge will also take you through the side of the line so your fingerprints (beneficiary's) can be taken. Once that is done, you walk over the window #5 and you must approach the police officer there. You need to explain (once again) that you are there for a K1 interview so he/she can take you into the reception without making the line outside. The lady in the reception area knew my fiance's name because they were expecting us, so she directed us over the chair area in the left-hand side where we waited to be called. We then started gathering the documents on the list in front of the green binder, mainly originals. Then, my fiance was called to one of the windows (more like a room) where he took the binder and was asked for anything that could be missing. He then came back and waited to be called a second time for the actual interview. We were there from 10:05 (our interview was at 10:30) until about 12:30ish. The actual interview was short (not even 10 minutes). The officer was cordial and direct. Overall, we felt very comfortable and very well treated. Even though my fiance felt a bit intimidated, he agreed that everyone was super helpful and nice to him and that helped him with his nerves.

WE hope some of this details help in giving peace of mind to those that follow.
Rating : Very Good


Local US CIS Office Review: Orlando FL
Review Topic: cis_topic
Event Description
Review Date : December 12, 2020
Embassy Review : We had our interview on 12/09/2020 at 9:40AM. Because of COVID, we had to arrive no earlier than 9:25AM, which we did. We did the check-in with the interview letter and our Florida IDs, then proceeded to go through security. There is another area where you do the final check-in and they take a picture and the fingerprints of the beneficiary (applicant). After that, you proceed to go to a general waiting area where they will call you. Everything was clean and everyone was firm/professional but OK cordially.

We were called by 9:45AM or so and went into the office with the officer. The officer was professional/strict and seemed intimidating at first. But, the officer was very professional and cordial as things progressed. We got approved and our interview lasted almost an hour., we were out by 10:40AM.

Some pointers:

-Bring everything you have submitted to USCIS, especially anything for AOS/EAD/AP.
-The letter will tell you what other things you could bring that are new or add-ons to the existing application, bring as much as you are able.
-Do a wedding/picture album. It doesn't need to be professional, just one that would show that especial day and the progression (chronological order) of the relationship after marriage.
-Dress professionally - first impression counts!
-Bring lawyer or interpreter in person if you have/need it - DO NOT have them on-call by phone, even during COVID times.
-Leave your phones in the car if possible.
-If the officer seems strict/rude at first, just continue to be polite and explain things as needed (i.e. "kill them with kindness"). Do not get defensive, they are just doing their jobs and some of them may use this tactic as a test to check you are legit (remember: the more defensive you get, the more it seems like you have something to hide). As a frequent international flyer, this seems to be true throughout the whole immigration system (and I am a USC - it has happened to me while traveling).
Harassment Level : Very Good


Timeline Comments: 6

Fe.Ta on 2019-10-18 said:
We had biometrics appointment done on 10/17/2019 at 1PM at the Orlando office (S Semoran). Process was extremely smooth and people were serious, professional but cordial. In and out in 15 minutes or so. They did not ask us for anything else except my husband's passport (identification) and the biometrics notice from the USCIS. However, we were ready with a certified copy of our marriage certificate, all USCIS NOAs for EAD, AP, and AOS, and both of our passports. Just FYI.
Fe.Ta on 2020-11-13 said:
We are sharing this here so you have more details on our case and tips - in case this can be helpful. Since we had not received AP renewal NOA1, and it had been over a week that we received renewal EAD NOA1, we tried messing with the case numbers to find out if a notice was on its way for AP. After several attempts of adding or removing a number from the EAD receipt number and trying to use the same access code, we failed in finding any AP case that was ours. Thus, we decided to contact USCIS. We sent several messages through the new inbox feature on the USCIS website. Also, we submitted a case inquiry for the AOS and the EAD/AP situation on 11/11/2020 and 11/12/2020. Whether it was the renewals, the several messages, or the inquiries, we got the interview notification on 11/12/2020 for AOS. We had been on "ready for interview" since February 2020. Orlando field office is between 10 and 27.5 months as of today (11/13/2020) and our case was at 14 months since submission. So, all that to say, if it has been more than 90 days without a movement on your case, especially AOS, even if the processing times in your office are long, submit a case inquiry to see if it will generate something.
WaterLeaf on 2023-06-04 said:
Congrats on your journey! Hopefully the rest have smooth sail. I notice your timeline looks kind of close to mine. :)
Fe.Ta on 2023-06-04 said:
Thank you! We hope so too. Sadly, it will be unlikely to go smoother because we are at Potomac, so our 751 will take longer than most. :(
WaterLeaf on 2023-08-11 said:
Aw yeah I feel ya. Any plan to file for N-400?
Fe.Ta on 2023-08-20 said:
No, not yet. Unlikely to do so before 2024.
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*Notice about estimates: The estimates are based off averages of other members recent experiences
(documented in their timelines) for the same benefit/petition/application at the same filing location.
Individual results may vary as every case is not always 'average'. Past performance does not necessarily
predict future results. The 'as early as date' may change over time based on current reported processing
times from members. There have historically been cases where a benefit/petition/application processing
briefly slows down or stops and this can not be predicted. Use these dates as reference only and do not
rely on them for planning. As always you should check the USCIS processing times to see if your application
is past due.

** Not all cases are transfered

vjTimeline ver 5.0




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