AOS June 2009

[winifredbee 1]

Well we had another "when it rains it pours" mail day - we got all 3 NOAs (issued the 17th - last Weds) AND the Biometrics appt (issued the 19th - last Fri). Our Biometrics is going to be in Durham NC @ the Raleigh ASC, not in DC like we thought. Turns out it will be closer - we mapquested it already and it's only 2.5 hours from here. And on a Wednesday at 1pm! Not going to risk going early, just going to wait it out. Feel better that we at least have our receipts and all

Richy & Rosy, I like Lauren Sophia and Josue said he likes Gianna Marie. Would you say Gianna pronounced Spanish (Hee-anna) or more like Italian (Yanna)???

Congrats DavChels!! I knew it would happen soon.

Richy& Rosy I like Arianna Marie but they are all nice. As a teacher I know that there are a lot of Laurens and Natalies out there but that could change for this next generation. Your creating the next generation...that is so exciting!!

[winifredbee 1]

I have seen the first one a lot, but I don't know if it is a guarantee. If it's just for K-1ers I have no idea. You may want to look in some previous months filers forums like Feb or March and see the statistics.

We gave the same advice. Great minds think alike.

[winifredbee 1]

I have seen the first one a lot, but I don't know if it is a guarantee. If it's just for K-1ers I have no idea. You may want to look in some previous months filers forums like Feb or March and see the statistics.

Edit: Haha Winifred I see we were on the same wavelength. Good to know RFEs come after EAD, that's the main thing we're waiting on lol! How's Balvino coming with his English? Are you spoiling him at home w/ Spanish like I do with Josue?

Jinx! Now you owe me a coke. Yes we still talk in Spanish a lot but we have really put a push on trying to talk in English more. He is doing really well. There is a language program available through our library called mangolanguages.com/ You should see if any local libraries have it, all you need is a library card number to access the lessons. Balvino likes this as well as the ESL class once a week. Now that we will be in the Berkshires he will miss the classes. I good friend of mine suggested another program that Diplomats use when they travel but I forget the name. I will get back to you on that one.

[Cacerez 19]

I have seen the first one a lot, but I don't know if it is a guarantee. If it's just for K-1ers I have no idea. You may want to look in some previous months filers forums like Feb or March and see the statistics.

Edit: Haha Winifred I see we were on the same wavelength. Good to know RFEs come after EAD, that's the main thing we're waiting on lol! How's Balvino coming with his English? Are you spoiling him at home w/ Spanish like I do with Josue?

Jinx! Now you owe me a coke. Yes we still talk in Spanish a lot but we have really put a push on trying to talk in English more. He is doing really well. There is a language program available through our library called mangolanguages.com/ You should see if any local libraries have it, all you need is a library card number to access the lessons. Balvino likes this as well as the ESL class once a week. Now that we will be in the Berkshires he will miss the classes. I good friend of mine suggested another program that Diplomats use when they travel but I forget the name. I will get back to you on that one.

Haha, I taught Josue the whole "Jinx" thing and whenever we say the same thing at the same time we always say it. We've even gotten to Jinx again again from saying Jinx and Jinx again at the same time lol...just something silly we do!

Did you find that Balvino needed a base in English before doing ESL classes? I'm concerned Josue doesn't know enough yet since most likely the ESL teacher doesn't speak Spanish - here there are a lot of Asians in the ESL classes at the library. Opinions?

[winifredbee 1]

The first class Balvino was in was a nice mix of people. The current class has only one other person and she is Korean. He seems to like the class but I sometimes think he likes to go just to have something to do. When I was studying Spanish I took many classes where the instructor only spoke Spanish. It was very frustrating at times but it all came together eventually. I still have so much to learn but I am glad I stuck with it. The fear of speaking is the biggest barrier.

[Cacerez 19]

Hmmm, all 3 got touched today. When we got the numbers and made an online account the last date changed was 6/18, now it's 6/22. No change though. Has everybody else been looking for touches?

[winifredbee 1]

Hmmm, all 3 got touched today. When we got the numbers and made an online account the last date changed was 6/18, now it's 6/22. No change though. Has everybody else been looking for touches?

Oh yes an old habit from the K-1 days. Nothing yet...maybe I will check now. If you remember I had no touches and then suddenly one Monday morning that infamous email. Yet, if I remember correctly they really 'copped a feel' on your K-1 petition.

[~Leo-Feng~ 0]

Hmmm, all 3 got touched today. When we got the numbers and made an online account the last date changed was 6/18, now it's 6/22. No change though. Has everybody else been looking for touches?

I've been looking for touches like crazy but neither set of applications have shown an last updated date past the day after the NOAs were mailed out. Mine show 6/11 and 6/16.

At least they're touching yours. seems like you went from nothing to everything all in one day. You must be excited!

[Bill y Bella 0]

Received NOA's in the mail today. All 9 of them.

They show that the applications were received on 6/14 & NOA dates are 6/19. That seems consistent with recent processing times.

So far so good. At least I made the check out properly.

[winifredbee 1]

Received NOA's in the mail today. All 9 of them.

They show that the applications were received on 6/14 & NOA dates are 6/19. That seems consistent with recent processing times.

So far so good. At least I made the check out properly.

Wow! You have 9 NOAs is right. Congrats!

We just got back from the Biometrics office, ASC. It was super easy. At first the guy said come back in 30 minutes so I can see how many people show up for scheduled appointments. So we had some coffee and came back 15 minutes later. He took our papers told me next time come on the given date and handed us a form to fill out and a number. We barely had time to fill out the form and double check the information before they called Balvino's number. It was super fast. I am glad that we don't have to come back to Boston on the 10th.

I hope things went well for you Leo Feng.

[Cacerez 19]

Received NOA's in the mail today. All 9 of them.

They show that the applications were received on 6/14 & NOA dates are 6/19. That seems consistent with recent processing times.

So far so good. At least I made the check out properly.

Wow! You have 9 NOAs is right. Congrats!

We just got back from the Biometrics office, ASC. It was super easy. At first the guy said come back in 30 minutes so I can see how many people show up for scheduled appointments. So we had some coffee and came back 15 minutes later. He took our papers told me next time come on the given date and handed us a form to fill out and a number. We barely had time to fill out the form and double check the information before they called Balvino's number. It was super fast. I am glad that we don't have to come back to Boston on the 10th.

I hope things went well for you Leo Feng.

Wow! That's great! Ours is set for the 15th but its 2.5 hours away. We'd love to do it early but I'm scared to take the risk. What do you think?

[SurfingPumpkin 1]

Mine were touched too - the I-485 yesterday and the other 3 (I-130, I-765 and I-131) today. Woo-hoo!

[~Leo-Feng~ 0]

HIGH FIVE Surfing & winifredbee!

I just got back from the ASC office and they took care of me a whole 16 days ahead of the original appt. date!

I'm SO HAPPY! I stopped by originally around 8am and there were LOTS of people so I decided not to ask, drove home and came back at lunch time. There was only ONE person in the lobby -- I walked right in and ask the receptionist (since I'm already here and paid for gas & parking and have to wait till 5pm for my wife to get off work) could I pleeeeease have BIO done early? She asked for my infopass receipt from the morning (the officer took it) so I gave her the little post it the IO gave me. She got up and talked to the boss and said everything I said and both said ok since there's only one customer ahead of you.

Filled the worksheet and I was out and done in 30 minutes!

As for the infopass appt... the officer created a 'referral' letter that she will send to NBC explaining what happened and to consolidate the applications. She apologized for having me come since the rep. on the phone should have been able to do this. She also recommended I write a letter and send it to the NBC P.O. BOX explaining that my lawyer is no longer representing me.

So far, a great day. Minus paying for parking twice but... it was worth it.

I wish everybody was able to go ahead of time. I'm sure it speeds up the process in the end.

[SurfingPumpkin 1]

Good work, Leo-Feng!

For all I know, the touches simply mean they've added my fingerprints & mug shot to the application file.

Does anyone know what happens to the application file after it is received at the Chicago Lockbox? I know we're supposed to have the interview at our local Field Office in San Diego, but what happens in between? I've seen some mentions of the National Benefits Center (NBC) as well as the Service Centers (e.g., CSC, VSC). Do the AOS applications go through all those? Is that what is meant by the category "Transfer" that I've seen on the AOS filers spreadsheet?

[winifredbee 1]

Received NOA's in the mail today. All 9 of them.

They show that the applications were received on 6/14 & NOA dates are 6/19. That seems consistent with recent processing times.

So far so good. At least I made the check out properly.

Wow! You have 9 NOAs is right. Congrats!

We just got back from the Biometrics office, ASC. It was super easy. At first the guy said come back in 30 minutes so I can see how many people show up for scheduled appointments. So we had some coffee and came back 15 minutes later. He took our papers told me next time come on the given date and handed us a form to fill out and a number. We barely had time to fill out the form and double check the information before they called Balvino's number. It was super fast. I am glad that we don't have to come back to Boston on the 10th.

I hope things went well for you Leo Feng.

Wow! That's great! Ours is set for the 15th but its 2.5 hours away. We'd love to do it early but I'm scared to take the risk. What do you think?

That is a tough decision when you factor in the drive. I would have been content to wait till the 10th but that weekend is super crazy. I am glad to have it done but the waiting is nothing after the K-1 process. So I guess I would play it safe unless you have a reason to head that way anyway or feel like a day trip.

Does getting your Biometrics done earlier make things happen any faster? The Spread sheet looks great and filling up nicely. Well done DavChels, Josue is a lucky guy.