April 2012 AOS Filers

[ALuciansWifey 0]

Got an RFE yesterday For ID that was in the original package numerous times including with the I-131. Pulled the copies out of the safe just to make sure it wasnt missed. Was going to argue or cancel the application but decided to just resend it tomorrow. Frustrating but already working so better us than one of you waiting to start jobs. Just can't wait to not be worried about losing income due to layoff!

We've been praying that I make it through layoffs. My job (a hospital) is getting ready to do their annual layoffs & cutting hours, and I'm hoping to still be here for at least another year or so. I hope everything goes well!

On another note: I was able to get my RFE response package in the mail this morning. I was an hour late to work, but hey, at least its done! The postal service says that it should arrive by Monday.

[ThatAnneGirl 4]

INTERVIEW NOTIFCATION RECEIVED!!! JUNE 25TH...also the closing date of my house! LOL !

ITS GAME TIME FOLKS--ITS HAPPENING FOR US! YAY!

Wow!!! Already!!! That is amazing! Praying that you have a favourable outcome!!!

[ThatAnneGirl 4]

For some reason I can not get anything through the website. I finally managed to get into my account, and when I tried to add my receipt number, it said that it didn't exist! Crazy!!!

Also, I didn't put in a AP or EAD application with my AOS, because I saw that I would have to pull all my old files from 15 years ago in order to do that (for the EAD), and I didn't have time find the old paperwork. Initially I had not plans to work, because I'm a SAHM. I figured I didn't need the AP because we had no plans to travel in this next year, before the AOS was finalized. But now I've found out my father is quite sick, AND my ASC has a huge backlog of AOS apps, so I'd like to have the freedom to travel if necessary.

So, now I'm thinking of putting those apps in... any advice or input would be appreciated. My big question is this: if I submit the AP or EAD forms, would an RFE for those slow down my AOS?? And once I'm a Resident, do I still need an AP to travel anyway??

Gosh, I barely understand myself with all those acronyms!!!!

[Camo 5]

Thank you girl Its all happening for us all now!

Thanks! It's so true...how exciting is it that we (or our spouses) will be green card holders by summer time? Its a nice thought!

Such a nice thought and good feeling. Let's keep the positive thoughts up and prayer going for everyone.

[Hypnos 6,576]

From the I-131 notes:

"Note:

A single employment authorization and Advance Parole card is now available for certain applicants who have filed or will file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The card is obtained by filing Forms I-131 and I-765 together. Applicants who have already filed a Form I-485 that is pending should use Form I-765 filing location instructions when filing both forms. Applicants should use Form I-485 filing location instructions when filing Forms I-131, I-765, and Form I-485 at the same time."

I would think it would be a good idea to file the I-131 and I-765 simultaneously, and as the notes above indicate you should follow the I-765 filing instructions to do so. You will need to attach a copy of your I-485 NOA to indicate your AoS application and should not need to pay any additional fees. As long as you follow the directions precisely you should not get RFE'd for either of those, unless you make a mistake such as not attaching a copy of your I-485 NOA.

Only apply for AP if you do not have any overstay issues which will trigger the 3 or 10-year bars. These bars are not overcome by AP, and if you leave while subject to a bar you will cause a lot of problems, most notably will be not being able to re-enter the US (I can't use an AP for precisely that reason).

Once your green card is approved you will not require AP to travel, you will simply be able to do so on your green card or an I-551 stamp in your passport which serves as a temporary equivalent of a green card. Even if your green card is approved on the interview day they usually do not give you a passport stamp these days from what I have read, but you need to make an Infopass appointment where they will give you one. Alternatively you can just wait for your green card to arrive in the mail and travel on that. I have read stories of people travelling on AP even after their green card was approved, but I'm not sure that is a tremendous idea.

Edited May 19, 2012 by Hypnos

[SOflaherty 40]

For some reason I can not get anything through the website. I finally managed to get into my account, and when I tried to add my receipt number, it said that it didn't exist! Crazy!!!

Also, I didn't put in a AP or EAD application with my AOS, because I saw that I would have to pull all my old files from 15 years ago in order to do that (for the EAD), and I didn't have time find the old paperwork. Initially I had not plans to work, because I'm a SAHM. I figured I didn't need the AP because we had no plans to travel in this next year, before the AOS was finalized. But now I've found out my father is quite sick, AND my ASC has a huge backlog of AOS apps, so I'd like to have the freedom to travel if necessary.

So, now I'm thinking of putting those apps in... any advice or input would be appreciated. My big question is this: if I submit the AP or EAD forms, would an RFE for those slow down my AOS?? And once I'm a Resident, do I still need an AP to travel anyway??

Gosh, I barely understand myself with all those acronyms!!!!

Honestly you are so close I wouldn't even worry about it. Based on your timeline you should be getting your interview letter in the next 2-3 weeks, and once you have the green card your AP and work permit are not needed.

[SOflaherty 40]

INTERVIEW NOTIFCATION RECEIVED!!! JUNE 25TH...also the closing date of my house! LOL !

ITS GAME TIME FOLKS--ITS HAPPENING FOR US! YAY!

So excited for you!!!

Is it bad I'm also a bit excited for me now? We were really hoping out interview will be in late June or early July, because our 2 year anniversary is the 19th. Looks like it will be based on your interview date, so we'll be going straight to the 2 year and not having to deal with the ROC!

[Hypnos 6,576]

Really keeping my fingers crossed for a "card production" email / text on my EAD next week. That would be a nice little ending to May.

[saudiwife 7]

My husband is having his biometrics done on Friday in South Carolina. Usually how long is it before he gets his EAD. We had an RFE come to the house, all they wanted was a tax returns for 2011. We mailed that to them and they said 'Your Case Status: Request for Evidence Response Review

On May 17, 2012, we received your response to our request for evidence. This case is being processed at our NATIONAL BENEFITS CENTER location. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283. We will notify you by mail when we make a decision or if we need something from you. You should expect to receive a written decision or written update within 60 days of the date we received your response unless fingerprint processing or an interview are standard parts of case processing and have not yet been completed, in which case you can use the processing time information on our website to estimate when this case will be done.'

So is this the average time- 60 days?

~Saudiwife

[SOflaherty 40]

...

So is this the average time- 60 days?

~Saudiwife

Yes, based on what we are seeing on other threads, average EAD time is about 8 weeks from filing, and typically interview letter is coming right at the same time as the EAD.

I suspect a lot of people are going to start getting their interview letters right at the end of the month/first week of June.

[chimcham 18]

Wow!!! Already!!! That is amazing! Praying that you have a favourable outcome!!!

Thank you!! We will all do well!

[chimcham 18]

So excited for you!!!

Is it bad I'm also a bit excited for me now? We were really hoping out interview will be in late June or early July, because our 2 year anniversary is the 19th. Looks like it will be based on your interview date, so we'll be going straight to the 2 year and not having to deal with the ROC!

Thank you-and its not bad at all! I am excited for you too because you are definitely coming up. Your bio appointment was only a week behind me so I am sure you will hear something in the next couple of weeks. It's so exciting knowing everyone (April wise) will be getting interview notices/EAD cards in the next few weeks!

[Purple Viper 0]

Congratulations chimcham! I'm real happy for you

[chimcham 18]

Congratulations chimcham! I'm real happy for you

Thank you! Any new word on your biometrics??

[Purple Viper 0]

Thank you! Any new word on your biometrics??

You're welcome and nope. We will be calling Wednesday afternoon if still nothing by then.