MAY 2010

[hoppla 1]

Called back, left another message that I wanted them to scan it for me. But it was close to 5. I'm going to call again in the morning. So frustrated (not necessarily with them, just at the situation).

Let's hope that tomorrow is our day then We're expecting the official transcripts tomorrow and IRS said the verification of non-filing letters would be available then too, so crossing my fingers for both of us.

[Leigh Ann 8]

Ya, no, that wouldn't be good

What they should be able to do is just let you know in the case update what the RFE is

Afterall, the RFE letter has a barcode..

So why can't it be scanned before it gets mailed so that the evidence being requested appears in the email update.

Would be a whole lot more efficient than waiting for it in the mail

Geeez!!

Amen to that!!

Let's hope that tomorrow is our day then We're expecting the official transcripts tomorrow and IRS said the verification of non-filing letters would be available then too, so crossing my fingers for both of us.

YES! Let's hope the 15th is good for both of us! *crossing fingers* At least then if we have the same issues, then I know I can go to the IRS and get verification of non-filing as well!

[Leigh Ann 8]

Hoppla - what center did your RFE come from?

I called USCIS and it was the epitome of useless. They said, "We can't tell you what's on the RFE, only the center that sent it out can do that. We don't know the center that sent it out. Oh, and make sure you send it in by the deadline because they won't extend it--but we can't tell you when the deadline is either. And this is all for your privacy!"

Privacy, schmivacy, I should be able to know what's on the form. Also, no way to get it sent it to me - automatically goes to lawyer, no way to get it to the person involved.

[Leigh Ann 8]

Called USCIS again. Now they're sending me a copy (why do they tell us such different things?!), but it could take up to 45 days...and the deadline could be before then. Urgh.

[hoppla 1]

Hoppla - what center did your RFE come from?

I called USCIS and it was the epitome of useless. They said, "We can't tell you what's on the RFE, only the center that sent it out can do that. We don't know the center that sent it out. Oh, and make sure you send it in by the deadline because they won't extend it--but we can't tell you when the deadline is either. And this is all for your privacy!"

Privacy, schmivacy, I should be able to know what's on the form. Also, no way to get it sent it to me - automatically goes to lawyer, no way to get it to the person involved.

Yeah I know. We cannot give you any specific information as for what you need to submit is what they told me. It is a guessing game. Mine came from US Dep of Homeland Security in Lees Summit, MO and that is where I have to send my response to as well. My deadline is 87 (??) days but it doesn't say if that is from the date on the RFE or when I received it (guessing RFE). I didn't get the original as well, but I want to send the response in myself so I wonder if I can send my printed copy of the RFE letter with the response?

Called USCIS again. Now they're sending me a copy (why do they tell us such different things?!), but it could take up to 45 days...and the deadline could be before then. Urgh.

Like I said my deadline is 87 days and the RFE I got for my H1B earlier was 90 days, so it shouldn't be less I would think. But 45 days to send a letter? Come on, they know we're frustrated already....

[Leigh Ann 8]

Yeah I know. We cannot give you any specific information as for what you need to submit is what they told me. It is a guessing game. Mine came from US Dep of Homeland Security in Lees Summit, MO and that is where I have to send my response to as well. My deadline is 87 (??) days but it doesn't say if that is from the date on the RFE or when I received it (guessing RFE). I didn't get the original as well, but I want to send the response in myself so I wonder if I can send my printed copy of the RFE letter with the response?

Like I said my deadline is 87 days and the RFE I got for my H1B earlier was 90 days, so it shouldn't be less I would think. But 45 days to send a letter? Come on, they know we're frustrated already....

Bizarre - I really don't understand what they're doing. Why would they say I have to talk to the service center that sent it when the center that sent it is the one I'm talking to?

Could you go to your lawyer's office to get the original?

Still trying to get in touch w/ someone at the lawyer's office that knows what's going on. I'm so frustrated, and my husband even more so than me.

And seriously, 45 days?! I almost fainted, then I thought - this is so typical of USCIS.

[hoppla 1]

Bizarre - I really don't understand what they're doing. Why would they say I have to talk to the service center that sent it when the center that sent it is the one I'm talking to?

Could you go to your lawyer's office to get the original?

Still trying to get in touch w/ someone at the lawyer's office that knows what's going on. I'm so frustrated, and my husband even more so than me.

And seriously, 45 days?! I almost fainted, then I thought - this is so typical of USCIS.

Yeah, it is 1 hr 20 min drive but i could go there. I don't want them to send the response though, I don't trust them. Want to make sure everything is done right. And yes, so typical!

[Leigh Ann 8]

Yeah, it is 1 hr 20 min drive but i could go there. I don't want them to send the response though, I don't trust them. Want to make sure everything is done right. And yes, so typical!

I understand that!

Okay, got a scanned copy of the RFE - finally!

They want:

-my tax return from last year

-proof of my (upcoming) employment

-proof of joint sponsors' citizenship/lpr status

-medical exam (UGH! we sent this in!!!)

Urgh.

[engineer21 51]

I understand that!

Okay, got a scanned copy of the RFE - finally!

They want:

-my tax return from last year

-proof of my (upcoming) employment

-proof of joint sponsors' citizenship/lpr status

-medical exam (UGH! we sent this in!!!)

Urgh.

Oh, Finally! Good to hear you got it

Yeah..I've heard of ppl on here that have to send things twice, including i-693!

Quick! you still have normal office hours to call up your CS and ask for a redo

I hope they can just fill out the form for you and not have to do-over the whole exam??

That would be crazy!

Good luck!

[Leigh Ann 8]

Oh, Finally! Good to hear you got it

Yeah..I've heard of ppl on here that have to send things twice, including i-693!

Quick! you still have normal office hours to call up your CS and ask for a redo

I hope they can just fill out the form for you and not have to do-over the whole exam??

That would be crazy!

Good luck!

Yep, we called already. They're in Boston and we're in Atlanta now so there are some issues, but we're working on it. Talked to USCIS - they said they'd accept the copy of it that we had along with a note explaining that we already sent it - but now we can't find it (moved, and in the process, seems like we misplaced some stuff...). So, still looking, but think things will be okay.

Hoppla, did you get the transcripts/verification of non-filing?

Edited June 15, 2010 by Leigh Ann

[hoppla 1]

Yep, we called already. They're in Boston and we're in Atlanta now so there are some issues, but we're working on it. Talked to USCIS - they said they'd accept the copy of it that we had along with a note explaining that we already sent it - but now we can't find it (moved, and in the process, seems like we misplaced some stuff...). So, still looking, but think things will be okay.

Hoppla, did you get the transcripts/verification of non-filing?

Not yet. He couldn't go to IRS today because UPS (who are as slow as USCIS) are supposed to deliver a packet...or they were supposed to deliver it on Friday and they lost it. So now he has to wait for them. He will hopefully get the transcripts tonight when he goes to school though and we'll go to the IRS tomorrow. What no. do you call when you call the USCIS? It seems as you always get a person and when I call it is really hard to get a live person to talk to. maybe you have a secret number? Like the Batman-phone. Please share

[hoppla 1]

I understand that!

Okay, got a scanned copy of the RFE - finally!

They want:

-my tax return from last year

-proof of my (upcoming) employment

-proof of joint sponsors' citizenship/lpr status

-medical exam (UGH! we sent this in!!!)

Urgh.

Did you file taxes for 2009? I double checked with IRS and the verification form for non-filing is available from today. If you need it, the quickest way would be to go to your local IRS office with two forms of ID and they can print it out for you.

For the joint sponsor we just sent in a copy of the back and front of the LPR card.

Good luck!!

[Leigh Ann 8]

Not yet. He couldn't go to IRS today because UPS (who are as slow as USCIS) are supposed to deliver a packet...or they were supposed to deliver it on Friday and they lost it. So now he has to wait for them. He will hopefully get the transcripts tonight when he goes to school though and we'll go to the IRS tomorrow. What no. do you call when you call the USCIS? It seems as you always get a person and when I call it is really hard to get a live person to talk to. maybe you have a secret number? Like the Batman-phone. Please share

Haha, I just call the main customer service number, and press 1 (get a form) and 2(not sure which form), and then when they say, You're looking for a form, correct? I say not exactly...and explain the situation. It's worked every time thus far! Not a long wait either. That's my secret.

Hope you get everything tomorrow!

I'm planning on going to IRS tomorrow I think. I've asked my parents for their birth certificates and Social security cards.

The dr is sending a copy of the form and a receipt saying that they saw him, and hopefully that will be sufficient to prove that I already sent it in first. We'll see - won't be entirely surprised if they say it's insufficient, but I'm going to write a letter explaining that when I called, the guy said this was fine to prove that I've already sent it in.

[engineer21 51]

good to know, in case I need to call that # ever again (hopefully not)

I just finally changed my license + car registration into my married name today

And the lady didn't even want to see my marriage cert

It was so easy that for a few seconds after she said I was all set, I was still waiting for the other shoe to drop

Guess I've gotten used to complicated paperwork that this came as a shock

Anyway.. one step closer to feeling like a normal married human being..

[Leigh Ann 8]

good to know, in case I need to call that # ever again (hopefully not)

I just finally changed my license + car registration into my married name today

And the lady didn't even want to see my marriage cert

It was so easy that for a few seconds after she said I was all set, I was still waiting for the other shoe to drop

Guess I've gotten used to complicated paperwork that this came as a shock

Anyway.. one step closer to feeling like a normal married human being..

Hah, I can't wait for the day when that actually comes!

When my husband went to get his fingerprints, he said that it was so quick he sat back down thinking surely he had to do something else....and when they told him he was done, he couldn't believe it. Immigration is getting to us all, I think.