November filers

[FortLaudy 10]

Hey Marie, so sorry to hear!! well I'm not sure where you live, but is it far away from a major city? I live in ft. lauderdale and there are tons of service centres right around me, but I've already found one that someone had the luck of walking in to... so that will be my first try... are you ever assigned a specific office that you Have to go to??

I guess you would've been luckier if you had a lot of different offices to choose from, but the one you have to go to is probably real busy? that totally sucks, I was hoping you would get it all done asap, the waiting is The worst part, especially if it's for nothing, like a silly date to come up!

[marie09 5]

Hey Marie, so sorry to hear!! well I'm not sure where you live, but is it far away from a major city? I live in ft. lauderdale and there are tons of service centres right around me, but I've already found one that someone had the luck of walking in to... so that will be my first try... are you ever assigned a specific office that you Have to go to??

I guess you would've been luckier if you had a lot of different offices to choose from, but the one you have to go to is probably real busy? that totally sucks, I was hoping you would get it all done asap, the waiting is The worst part, especially if it's for nothing, like a silly date to come up!

Thank you! I'm so gutted! I believe you're stuck with whatever ASC they assign you to. You might want to post a thread though to see if you can go to any? Especially in your case - that's wonderful that you have one nearby that will likely take walk ins...

In our case we live in Lake Tahoe, our ASC assigned is Reno, NV about 45 minutes away. I don't think it was that busy looked like around 10 people waiting. Our next nearest is Sacramento where we'll have our actual interview (as Reno only does biometrics.) But that's about an hour and a half to 2 hours away depending on traffic. The closest to me where I heard of people doing walk ins in the CA San Francisco bay area but that's 3 hours away. so basically I just have to wait patiently for my apt - 2 weeks and counting! I'm going to have to get patient at waiting... .

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone...

[Mestis 1]

Hey Marie, so sorry to hear!! well I'm not sure where you live, but is it far away from a major city? I live in ft. lauderdale and there are tons of service centres right around me, but I've already found one that someone had the luck of walking in to... so that will be my first try... are you ever assigned a specific office that you Have to go to??

I guess you would've been luckier if you had a lot of different offices to choose from, but the one you have to go to is probably real busy? that totally sucks, I was hoping you would get it all done asap, the waiting is The worst part, especially if it's for nothing, like a silly date to come up!

Thank you! I'm so gutted! I believe you're stuck with whatever ASC they assign you to. You might want to post a thread though to see if you can go to any? Especially in your case - that's wonderful that you have one nearby that will likely take walk ins...

In our case we live in Lake Tahoe, our ASC assigned is Reno, NV about 45 minutes away. I don't think it was that busy looked like around 10 people waiting. Our next nearest is Sacramento where we'll have our actual interview (as Reno only does biometrics.) But that's about an hour and a half to 2 hours away depending on traffic. The closest to me where I heard of people doing walk ins in the CA San Francisco bay area but that's 3 hours away. so basically I just have to wait patiently for my apt - 2 weeks and counting! I'm going to have to get patient at waiting... .

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone...

I'm lucky... My Biometrics apointment is about at 15 min from where we live. But I work 40 miles away.. and my interview will be in Chicago (We're about 30-45 min from downtown).

As the change of name, I am lucky that I am on status. I was able to do the DMV and SSN in the same afternoon. Did SSN first, then went for the DMW with my SSN receit with my new name, my old driver licence. The SSN lady was nice. She left my old SSN card so I could get the driver license, and told me to burn it afterwords. I wanted everything to match... Still will need to do passport after all that jazz

Edited November 25, 2009 by Mestis

[marie09 5]

I'm lucky... My Biometrics apointment is about at 15 min from where we live. But I work 40 miles away.. and my interview will be in Chicago (We're about 30-45 min from downtown).

As the change of name, I am lucky that I am on status. I was able to do the DMV and SSN in the same afternoon. Did SSN first, then went for the DMW with my SSN receit with my new name, my old driver licence. The SSN lady was nice. She left my old SSN card so I could get the driver license, and told me to burn it afterwords. I wanted everything to match... Still will need to do passport after all that jazz

Hey Mestis, That's awesome you got everything taken care with id wise. My work visa ran out a few days ago. Someone on VJ kindly has found me the exact legal SS verbage and apparently i could have got them to change my name in the system, they couldn't have ordered a card though... But that would have been all I needed for my DMV - as they don't need a card they just verify the name with the social security number in a system. The SS lady said something to me about I can get you a print out but that's all - I assumed she meant of my old name and number. I could go back now I have the exact SS legal section thing which I could print out... But i'm just going to wait till I get my EAD now - will be easier...

Plus more practice at patiently waiting!

Hope you all have wonderful Thanksgivings! I'm off for Pre-Thanksgiving drinks tonight with friends, then spending Thanksgiving tomorrow with my hubby and the in laws... Have a good one everyone

[dirtyweebesom 8]

@ Shani682 - congratualtations on your cheques being cashed!

@ Mestis - sorry to hear that you can't do walk-ins but, well, at least you know, and don't have to have a wasted journey like Marie did.

@ Marie - Oh my God, I'm so sorry to hear that you had a totally wasted trip. I was so sure you'd be able to do a walk-in. It just doesn't seem fair that I was able to and that you can't. Bureaucracy is such nonsense, eh? As regards changing your name on your licence, well, I just have a state ID (never learned to drive here, but will soon) and I was *not* allowed to even change my name on that although I brought my marriage licence and also my new Social Security card with my married name! At the time I was still in status, as my OPT EAD hadn't yet run out, but thanks to George Bush, you have to have more than six months left on your visa to be able to change your name. Ridiculous.

Well, I hope that you all have a lovely Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I won't be able to eat much tomorrow, as I had my wisdom teeth removed today. You were right, though, Marie, it really isn't all that bad!

[marie09 5]

@ Marie - Oh my God, I'm so sorry to hear that you had a totally wasted trip. I was so sure you'd be able to do a walk-in. It just doesn't seem fair that I was able to and that you can't. Bureaucracy is such nonsense, eh? As regards changing your name on your licence, well, I just have a state ID (never learned to drive here, but will soon) and I was *not* allowed to even change my name on that although I brought my marriage licence and also my new Social Security card with my married name! At the time I was still in status, as my OPT EAD hadn't yet run out, but thanks to George Bush, you have to have more than six months left on your visa to be able to change your name. Ridiculous.

Well, I hope that you all have a lovely Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I won't be able to eat much tomorrow, as I had my wisdom teeth removed today. You were right, though, Marie, it really isn't all that bad!

Hey Dirtyweebesom, I'm so glad your wisdom tooth surgery went well, terrible timing with thanksgiving, but glad it's over for you and hope you had a good recovery...

As for the walk in biometrics awwww what can you do? I'm over it now - was bummed for a few hours, but it's out of my control. I was looking at jobs online yesterday and there's not much out there in my city right now, so maybe a couple of weeks delay isn't a bad thing - maybe more jobs will open up in the new year?

I know it's all going to be worth it in the end. Just have to learn to enjoy being a (broke) lady of leisure! And try and enjoy the wait... I'm so happy for you and everyone else that has or gets to do a walk in and speed things up a bit. really hope everyone else that tries a walk in has better luck...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving you guys... Oh yes and Shani hope your NOA's arrive on Friday...

[dirtyweebesom 8]

As for the walk in biometrics awwww what can you do? I'm over it now - was bummed for a few hours, but it's out of my control. I was looking at jobs online yesterday and there's not much out there in my city right now, so maybe a couple of weeks delay isn't a bad thing - maybe more jobs will open up in the new year?

Yup, maybe in a way it's a blessing in disguise that you can't do a walk-in, as otherwise you might sit around looking for a job, feeling frustrated that there's nothing out there. At least this way, you will perhaps be able to enjoy the Christmas period without feeling pressured to be looking for a job all the time. I had to drop out of my teacher training program in August because I hadn't been able to save up enough money to send off my AOS (and hence get a work permit, and a job), but I don't even know if I would have found a job, anyway. There was nothing out there! All of those teachers who are dying to get out of teaching, and would normally have left their positions, were too scared to in this economy! :-(

And, oh, if it's any consolation, doing a walk-in doesn't really make the wait any easier or make me less impatient! I checked my case status online earlier, and my forms were touched yesterday and today, and yet no EAD card production has been ordered. OK, OK, I know I'm being too hopeful, but I've seen people whose EAD's got ordered the same day of their biometrics, so now I'm like "Come on, already!".

I just hope my card turns up before mid-December, as I've applied to several other teaching programs, and if I get an interview, the first one would be on December 12th, and I'll need to provide proof that I'm allowed to work in the US.

[dirtyweebesom 8]

As for the walk in biometrics awwww what can you do? I'm over it now - was bummed for a few hours, but it's out of my control. I was looking at jobs online yesterday and there's not much out there in my city right now, so maybe a couple of weeks delay isn't a bad thing - maybe more jobs will open up in the new year?

Yup, maybe in a way it's a blessing in disguise that you can't do a walk-in, as otherwise you might sit around looking for a job, feeling frustrated that there's nothing out there. At least this way, you will perhaps be able to enjoy the Christmas period without feeling pressured to be looking for a job all the time. I had to drop out of my teacher training program in August because I hadn't been able to save up enough money to send off my AOS (and hence get a work permit, and a job), but I don't even know if I would have found a job, anyway. There was nothing out there! All of those teachers who are dying to get out of teaching, and would normally have left their positions, were too scared to in this economy! :-(

And, oh, if it's any consolation, doing a walk-in doesn't really make the wait any easier or make me less impatient! I checked my case status online earlier, and my forms were touched yesterday and today, and yet no EAD card production has been ordered. OK, OK, I know I'm being too hopeful, but I've seen people whose EAD's got ordered the same day of their biometrics, so now I'm like "Come on, already!".

I just hope my card turns up before mid-December, as I've applied to several other teaching programs, and if I get an interview, the first one would be on December 12th, and I'll need to provide proof that I'm allowed to work in the US.

[marie09 5]

As for the walk in biometrics awwww what can you do? I'm over it now - was bummed for a few hours, but it's out of my control. I was looking at jobs online yesterday and there's not much out there in my city right now, so maybe a couple of weeks delay isn't a bad thing - maybe more jobs will open up in the new year?

Yup, maybe in a way it's a blessing in disguise that you can't do a walk-in, as otherwise you might sit around looking for a job, feeling frustrated that there's nothing out there. At least this way, you will perhaps be able to enjoy the Christmas period without feeling pressured to be looking for a job all the time. I had to drop out of my teacher training program in August because I hadn't been able to save up enough money to send off my AOS (and hence get a work permit, and a job), but I don't even know if I would have found a job, anyway. There was nothing out there! All of those teachers who are dying to get out of teaching, and would normally have left their positions, were too scared to in this economy! :-(

And, oh, if it's any consolation, doing a walk-in doesn't really make the wait any easier or make me less impatient! I checked my case status online earlier, and my forms were touched yesterday and today, and yet no EAD card production has been ordered. OK, OK, I know I'm being too hopeful, but I've seen people whose EAD's got ordered the same day of their biometrics, so now I'm like "Come on, already!".

I just hope my card turns up before mid-December, as I've applied to several other teaching programs, and if I get an interview, the first one would be on December 12th, and I'll need to provide proof that I'm allowed to work in the US.

Thanks Dirtyweebesom,

I think you're right... I'm just going to try and enjoy the holiday season and i'm sure everything will fall in to place in the new year. My in laws have offered to pay for my hubby and I to spend Christmas with them in Tucson, AZ. At least this way I don't have to ask for time off from a new job!

It's great you're getting touches, hopefully they'll approve and mail you the EAD within the next week, in time for your interviews.

Btw at the biometrics did you have any problems with your photo id being in a different name? I'm hoping I can just show my marriage certificate and then passport or DL with the old name... But it occured to me that I hope after all this wait they don't tell me they need a photo id with the name that matches the immigration paperwork... As I would be screwed!

[dirtyweebesom 8]

Btw at the biometrics did you have any problems with your photo id being in a different name? I'm hoping I can just show my marriage certificate and then passport or DL with the old name... But it occured to me that I hope after all this wait they don't tell me they need a photo id with the name that matches the immigration paperwork... As I would be screwed!

No, I had absolutely no problem whatsoever with my ID (UK passport) being in my maiden name. However, you absolutely must bring your marriage certificate with you in this case. Before going, I had emailed a German woman who'd had her biometrics done in Austin, and she warned me to bring my marriage licence. They told her that they constantly turn people away for not having it with them - which is pretty messed up considering that the biometrics appointment letter doesn't mention bringing your marriage licence at all! Sometimes I wonder if they actually want people to become permanent residents, as they certainly don't make things easy for us, eh?!

[marie09 5]

No, I had absolutely no problem whatsoever with my ID (UK passport) being in my maiden name. However, you absolutely must bring your marriage certificate with you in this case. Before going, I had emailed a German woman who'd had her biometrics done in Austin, and she warned me to bring my marriage licence. They told her that they constantly turn people away for not having it with them - which is pretty messed up considering that the biometrics appointment letter doesn't mention bringing your marriage licence at all! Sometimes I wonder if they actually want people to become permanent residents, as they certainly don't make things easy for us, eh?!

Perfect thank you! I have my marriage cert ready in a folder with the biometrics letter and my passport...

Agreed it's definitely not easy... I was thinking though when I had trouble changing my name the other day hopefully next year once I have my green card things are going to be so much easier, i won't have to deal with sorry you have the wrong document again, or sorry this job is residents/citizens only... I think it's all going to be worth it... eventually!

[dirtyweebesom 8]

I think it's all going to be worth it... eventually!

Yes, everything will work out in the end. It sounds like you are going to have a lovely Christmas with your in-laws in Tucson, so now all you need to do is sit back, relax, eat lots of lovely food and drinks lots of alcohol....and, before you know it, your green card will be there! :-)

Besides, there's no guarantee that a walk-in would have speeded up the process for you. I'm hoping it will for me but, well, you never know. I've seen timelines where a walk-in didn't seem to make things go all that much faster.

[marie09 5]

I think it's all going to be worth it... eventually!

Yes, everything will work out in the end. It sounds like you are going to have a lovely Christmas with your in-laws in Tucson, so now all you need to do is sit back, relax, eat lots of lovely food and drinks lots of alcohol....and, before you know it, your green card will be there! :-)

Besides, there's no guarantee that a walk-in would have speeded up the process for you. I'm hoping it will for me but, well, you never know. I've seen timelines where a walk-in didn't seem to make things go all that much faster.

So true! My hubby keeps telling me to enjoy the journey and christmas is going to keep me busy!

Yeah I haven't figured out the EAD approvals thing either - seems kindof random in the approval times after biometrics - not as consistent as the NOA's/biometrics letters. I think your touches are a good sign though and i'm sure you should get news on it very soon. Fingers crossed you get some ead e-mail alerts this coming week.

I've noticed a few K1 AOS' who have already done walk ins who filed a week or so after us... Will be interesting to see how everyone's timelines go... I feel really greatful though that everything's arrived in the mail so far, I think there's one or two filers from last month still waiting for biometrics letters

[IstanBulls 1]

Hi to all November Filers,

i have compiled a spreadsheet for the november filers as attached. Names i have are the ones from AOS from family. I also wanna include this group into the spreadsheet as well. Please let me know your updates so I can include in the spreadsheet.

have a good weekend

AOS Filers November 2009 Spreadsheet

[dirtyweebesom 8]

Thanks for compiling that, IstanBulls. I'm impressed by your organizational streak.

I'm feeling terribly neglected, though, because you left me out! :-(