This is a serious question.....to all waiting

[MichelleandCraig 1]

As per the topic title, I don't wish to upset anyone....but I do have a genuine question, as I really can't understand the point of everyone getting all upset and impatient at the removing of conditions taking so long.

I mean...we are TOGETHER at this point....and all we are really doing is waiting. Most of us have the receipt already, so the GC has been extended, so the PR can do whatever he/she could before with no interruption....what's the big issue?

When we were all waiting for approvals to be *reunited* THAT I could understand...but I just don't see why people get all riled because it's taken so long (even a year, etc) to get a new GC.

To those who might say...I don't want to be in limbo or I want to just move on with my life and not worry about immigration...you're not in any sort of "limbo" and once you have that receipt, there's nothing you DO have to worry about. Get the bio letter, go do it, and then wait some more! Wait, wait, wait...the USCIS theme.

Anyway, I do realize, with the paragraph above, no one actually even said that I was just trying to "preanswer," I guess, responses I thought might be forthcoming.

Again, no offense intended....just honest bewilderment! Comments?? Michelle

Edited December 20, 2007 by MichelleandCraig

[thea 1]

Quite honestly? I'm once again at that point today where I would like to just throw everything at USCIS. Give me my new Greencard!!!!! I've waited for half a year - yes, I realize that the processing times for Vermont are still shown as March 2007. So I have a long way to go still.

I am writing this from Frankfurt airport and I am getting sick and tired of the hoops they make you jump through just to get back home to the US. United clearly doesn't understand the extension letter. And I already know that on the other end I will not be greeted with a friendly "welcome home" - no, it will be back to secondary inspection where I will have to wait for an hour or longer just to have someone call their supervisor again because the immigration officer too doesn't understand the extension letter and what to do with it. I've made this experience a couple of times over the last 2 months.

There is nothing I can do to move the process along - but I can get upset to at least vent my frustration a little bit

[MichelleandCraig 1]

and my question wasn't meant to be a "don't vent" or "don't be frustrated" thing either....I am just, honestly, wondering.

Like, in your example, using the extension letter is causing you problems. (sorry about that!!!!) but for most people...using the letter seems to be no problem/no big deal....in and out as if they had the green card.

So...for those people...who haven't had trouble with, say, the extension letter....

For YOU...what is the big deal about the wait? Again, *simply curious* M.

Edited December 20, 2007 by MichelleandCraig

[spi9959 1]

As per the topic title, I don't wish to upset anyone....but I do have a genuine question, as I really can't understand the point of everyone getting all upset and impatient at the removing of conditions taking so long.

I mean...we are TOGETHER at this point....and all we are really doing is waiting. Most of us have the receipt already, so the GC has been extended, so the PR can do whatever he/she could before with no interruption....what's the big issue?

When we were all waiting for approvals to be *reunited* THAT I could understand...but I just don't see why people get all riled because it's taken so long (even a year, etc) to get a new GC.

To those who might say...I don't want to be in limbo or I want to just move on with my life and not worry about immigration...you're not in any sort of "limbo" and once you have that receipt, there's nothing you DO have to worry about. Get the bio letter, go do it, and then wait some more! Wait, wait, wait...the USCIS theme.

Anyway, I do realize, with the paragraph above, no one actually even said that I was just trying to "preanswer," I guess, responses I thought might be forthcoming.

Again, no offense intended....just honest bewilderment! Comments?? Michelle

I suspect one of the reasons is that the process is not completed despite the issuance of the extension of the receipt --- receipt of the green card is closure. Also, there is the possibility of further snags and problems until the process is completed by the receipt of the green card. Additionally, let me ask you this. Why do you think the issuance of the receipt is not the end of the process from the government's perspective?

[MichelleandCraig 1]

What do you mean why do I think the receipt isn't the end of it? To me, that's obvious...becasue they still haven't checked over your evidence yet. Yes, I see the reason for your answer...possible future snags, etc...and that is a very good point.

I guess I just don't worry much about that. We have a legit marriage (as most everyone here) and we have plenty of evidence...perhaps more than some, I'm sure much less than others. I guess I'm just not worried because they have no reason to not allow Craig to stay so I don't fret about it.

I do understand your point, however. Thanks for the answer...everyone is different with worry levels, etc. M.

Edited December 20, 2007 by MichelleandCraig

[Nearly Done 8]

I did not realise until I was approved just how relieved I would be. To be able to forget about immigration for the next 10 years is great!! I will be applying for citizenship, but that is my choice, otherwise I could just sit back and not worry about what I have to do next,  for a while.

When I went to England recently, it would of been easier to have the 10 year card instead of the extension letter, cos not everyone at the airports understand what it meant! and a few times they had to call someone in the know! I think it feels like a sense of freedom, things you would normally just take for granted.

Ofcourse there was always the worry of a RFE and the messing about of maybe having to get yet another extension letter!

Yes John and I have stayed together throughout this, not like the K1 but it is still at the back of your mind.The other thing is I can actually have my driving license extened instead of having to keep renewing it

[tweety 1]

For TSC it seems that they officially lie with their published processing times, in their replies to senator inquiries, in their replies to service requests.... Every single information request produced a different processing time projection. This IS what is making me mad about waiting and waiting, getting lied at and not knowing if and when my case, which I paid good money for a long time ago, receives any service at all. BTW, my case has been out of official processing times for a good 3 months now...

And while in theory it is correct that you shouldn't have any problems with the NOA1 alone, there is numerous reports where it has caused problems in the past - e.g. DLs not granted on the grounds of NOA1. It also causes problems when applying for new jobs (and not all employers know all the details about removing conditions - and I am yet to encounter that brave person to lecture their prospective employer on immigration law).

[spi9959 1]

I guess I just don't worry much about that. We have a legit marriage (as most everyone here) and we have plenty of evidence...perhaps more than some, I'm sure much less than others. I guess I'm just not worried because they have no reason to not allow Craig to stay so I don't fret about it.

I do understand your point, however. Thanks for the answer...everyone is different with worry levels, etc. M.

I'm guessing that most people applying for green cards believe that they have a legitimate marriage and that they have sufficient evidence to prove it. However, the criteria for the awarding of the green card is not based upon the submitters' beliefs in regard to the sufficiency and/or quality of evidence, but on the governmental reviewers' evaluations and determinations. I have read of people submitting a multitude of evidence receiving RFEs, for example, for not including tax transcipts although they submitted 1040s. For many of us, the process is worrisome and the worry doesn't cease until we have the green card firmly in hand.

[chri'stina 190]

What annoys me is the biometrics game we have had to play with USCIS. We haven't even been able to move on from that point yet. We waited awhile to get a biometrics notice, then he went and got it done, then got another biometrics letter because his fingerprints didn't work...went again, and then got an RFE because they didn't work again. Now we had to send in a police report. So we aren't able to just sit back and wait yet, due to the fingerprint problem. So we are constantly dealing with USCIS so far, no just waiting around for it to happen. It seems every couple weeks we are getting a letter asking for something else and it's getting old!

If that part gets resolved, we are fine waiting for the approval. It just can get irritating because it reminds you how inconsistent USCIS service centers are. People who sent in their apps months after us, got their bio appt really fast and already got approved, while we are waiting in biometrics limbo. LOL SO it's hard not to get annoyed about it sometimes. And then there are those of us lucky to get transferred to CSC while many at TSC and others are waiting much much longer. It's the inconsistency of it all that's aggrevating.

Also Suj feels a little uncomfortable visiting India with only the receipt and stamp in his passport(which he'd have to get at our local office) and would much rather have the actual card before he visits India again so they don't question his status over in India.

Edited December 20, 2007 by stina&suj

[Cassie 8]

For TSC it seems that they officially lie with their published processing times, in their replies to senator inquiries, in their replies to service requests.... Every single information request produced a different processing time projection. This IS what is making me mad about waiting and waiting, getting lied at and not knowing if and when my case, which I paid good money for a long time ago, receives any service at all. BTW, my case has been out of official processing times for a good 3 months now...

And while in theory it is correct that you shouldn't have any problems with the NOA1 alone, there is numerous reports where it has caused problems in the past - e.g. DLs not granted on the grounds of NOA1. It also causes problems when applying for new jobs (and not all employers know all the details about removing conditions - and I am yet to encounter that brave person to lecture their prospective employer on immigration law).

That is what makes me mad too. I don't mind waiting, I really don't, but I have a big problem with the outright lies TSC has been giving us, and that because we applied before June 30, we sit and wait and watch others get transferred and get their cards with little to no difficulty. I have a problem with the fact that I will probably have to apply for citizenship to get my I-751 moved along, and will have to waste time and energy to go get the extension stamp to extend the extension letter.

[MichelleandCraig 1]

I guess I just don't worry much about that. We have a legit marriage (as most everyone here) and we have plenty of evidence...perhaps more than some, I'm sure much less than others. I guess I'm just not worried because they have no reason to not allow Craig to stay so I don't fret about it.

I do understand your point, however. Thanks for the answer...everyone is different with worry levels, etc. M.

I'm guessing that most people applying for green cards believe that they have a legitimate marriage and that they have sufficient evidence to prove it. However, the criteria for the awarding of the green card is not based upon the submitters' beliefs in regard to the sufficiency and/or quality of evidence, but on the governmental reviewers' evaluations and determinations. I have read of people submitting a multitude of evidence receiving RFEs, for example, for not including tax transcipts although they submitted 1040s. For many of us, the process is worrisome and the worry doesn't cease until we have the green card firmly in hand.

Yes, I am fully aware that the decision is with the adjudicator and not me. and yes, I am *very* certain we have sufficient evidence to prove that we have a legit relationship. I may yet have to submit more of that proof to prove it....but I am confident we will be fine in the end.

I have already stated agreement with your last sentence....different people have different worry levels. I fully get that and was not insinuating people are wrong for being worried until the GC is in hand.....I just wanted to understand it better. Through the responses, I am...so thanks! M.

[burs 0]

Let me put it to you this way:

1. My wife can't apply for a new job because HR people are not familiar with the concept of extension letter and would rather err on the side of safety and hire someone with an unexpired greencard. That's forgone career advancement and salary.

2. When travelling to Europe, my wife is only able to receive week-long visa's instead of long-term Schengen visa because the European Embassies are not convinced that my wife will receive a 10-year card after the review of her case. Hence, she may stay in Europe as an illegal (that's what they think). That's extra expenditures on visas that we have to put up with.

3. USCIS and us had an agreement - I pay you money, you devote a few minutes to reviewing my application (not approve, but just review) within the amount of time that you specify officially. The amount of time specified by TSC - 7 months (April 7th). It's been 9 months for us and even more for others on this forum. That's misinformation (intentional or not) that leads to missed investment opportunities. I could've parked this money elsewhere at a possible profit or just personal utility.

This is a picknick that I paid for, but wasn't invited to. So pardon me if I am a little irritated.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

One other concern . . . while you are still 'waiting' for the process, there is still an opportunity for something to go wrong. You have spent all of this time and money and frustration - and you know it could still all disappear into a tangle of immigration legalities if something happens - something simple like not receiving an RFE and your file gets denied, etc. The 'safety' of your happiness together is still in someone else's hands and you are at their beck and call. You know there is no compassion or sympathy for human errors or circumstances, so until you KNOW that everything is complete and you have that 10 year green card in your hands, you know you are and your happiness are at risk. That is why I get impatient - out of fear of what could go wrong still.

[MichelleandCraig 1]

burs....you really don't have to do the "so pardon me if" thing...

I have stated or insinuated numerous times that it is anyone's right to feel however they feel...I just wondered what the deal was. I've gotten some good answers...so thank you!

[Germerican 42]

and I am yet to encounter that brave person to lecture their prospective employer on immigration law).

I did! Well, it was my current employer but still, I had to basically do the dirty work for them and find out what my options were. They had no clue about USCIS or the I-9.

I was told I'd have to resign my position as soon as my conditional GC expired, if I could not provide a copy of my new GC.

After doing all the necessary research (this was pre VJ times, otherwise I would have known right away) I sent them an email, asking if certain rules applied to me, so I could keep my job.

If I hadn't looked into it, I would have lost my job.

This is the email I sent to HR:

Peggy,

In your email of 9/21 you said I could contact you if I had any questions. I do have some questions regarding the I-9 Form. For your convenience I attached a copy of this form to this email.

Due to an increase in processing fees on July 30th, 2007, the USCIS has received a tremendous number of applications and thus, is currently behind schedule with the initial processing of these applications, which would include my own application as well. Having said that, the likelihood that I will receive the necessary Notice of Action, which would extend my current Permanent Resident Card for an additional year, before the expiration of my current card, is very slim. For clarification purposes I would like to state that the expiration of my current Permanent Resident Card does not change my status as a Permanent Legal Resident as well as my authorization to work.

In order to avoid having to resign my employment I wanted to inquire if there were any other possibilities for me to prove my legal authorization to work?

According to Form I-9, Section 2 - Employer :

... "Employers must complete Section 2 by examining evidence of identity and employment eligibility withing three (3) business days, they must present a receipt for the application of the date employment begins. If employees are authorized to work, but are unable to present the required document(s) within three business days, they must present a receipt for the application of the document(s) within three business days and the actual document(s) within ninety (90) days. " ...

Would this apply to my situation? I have already provided a copy of my application, together with the mailing receipt. Once the return receipt arrives, I would also be able to provide that as proof of application.

Furthermore, according to Form I-9, Section 3 - Updating and Reverification:

..."Employers must reverify employment eligibility of their employees on or before the expiration date recorded in Section 1. Employers CANNOT specify which document(s) they will accept from an employee."... "if a current employee's work authorization is about to expire (reverification), complete Block B and:" ... "examine any document that reflects that the employee is authorized to work in the U.S. (see List A or C)."

Under List C of the "Lists of Acceptable Documents" (Page 3, Form I-9), Item 1. states a "U.S. social security card issued by the Social Security Administration (other than a card stating it is not valid for employment)" to be an acceptable document that establishes employment eligibility.

As a Permanent Legal Resident I can request a Social Security Card without the annotation "Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization". If I can provide said Social Security Card, would this be an acceptable form of proof of employment eligibility?

I hope there is a possibility for me to avoid having to resign my employment, should I not receive the needed document, which would establish my authorization to work, in time.

Should you have any questions for me in the meantime, please feel free to contact me as well.

Thank you,

Andreas