I-94 expires in a couple of weeks - what should I do?

[Lana & Mauro 3]

Hello to everyone.

I have a question. I entered the US on May, 30 on a K1 visa. I married my wife on June, 14 and after a week I sent out the I485 package (together with the Employment and Travel Authorization).

They have already called me for the fingerprints but still no confirmation of approval of the permanent residency.

My I94 (Which right now is the only paper I have proving that Im here legally) expires on August, 27. If I don't receive any notification by then, am I still legal? Or should I ask for an extension of my I 94? Where?

Anyone who experienced the same situation?

Thank you so much for your help

[Thomas and Kristi 17]

Nope, sit back and relax. The I-94 was only a one time use. Once you send in that AOS, you move to a temporary legal status until approval. No worries friend, it's completely normal. Expect to wait about 8 months or so for final approval unless you get an interview (which actually has been faster recently).

[Lana & Mauro 3]

Nope, sit back and relax. The I-94 was only a one time use. Once you send in that AOS, you move to a temporary legal status until approval. No worries friend, it's completely normal. Expect to wait about 8 months or so for final approval unless you get an interview (which actually has been faster recently).

Danke schoen Thomas und Kristi! Ok, so I guess the only thing I can do is waiting (which is what we have been doing since we started the whole process LOL).

I was just worried because I would like to find a job (and still I haven't received my Employment Authorization and I guess right now no one can actually hire me) and furthermore I would like to get a new health insurance after this one expires (end of August) but I thought that since I don't have anything to prove I'm legal, no insurance company would cover me. What did you guys do as far as health insurance is concerned?

For example I also tried to get my driving licence here in California but since by the time I got my SSN there were less than 60 days left prior to my I94 expiration I was not allowed to apply. And I guess I can use my European licence only within the first three months Im here...

[Que Saudade 284]

Because you have filed for AOS, you are not accruing overstay. There is nothing to worry about. You are doing everything correctly and legally.

You can expect a couple of months before EAD and AP to be approved. Right now, AOS for K1 applicants is running a bit slow. Just hope you don't get transferred to CSC as they are REALLY running behind. (about 8-9 months now). As I mentioned, do not expect your I-485 approval for several months. Your EAD/AP should be about 2-3 months average after filing.

Have you checked your status with USCIS for I-765 and I-131?

Edited August 11, 2012 by Que Saudade

[Lana & Mauro 3]

Because you have filed for AOS, you are not accruing overstay. There is nothing to worry about. You are doing everything correctly and legally.

You can expect a couple of months before EAD and AP to be approved. Right now, AOS for K1 applicants is running a bit slow. Just hope you don't get transferred to CSC as they are REALLY running behind. (about 8-9 months now). As I mentioned, do not expect your I-485 approval for several months. Your EAD/AP should be about 2-3 months average after filing.

Have you checked your status with USCIS for I-765 and I-131?

Thank you for your reply!

How do I know if my case is transferred to CSC? And by the way what does CSC mean?

I did check with them (I mean I called them) and they told me that my I-765 should arrive within 90 days from the day they received my request. So I guess until September no news at all.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Thank you for your reply!

How do I know if my case is transferred to CSC? And by the way what does CSC mean?

I did check with them (I mean I called them) and they told me that my I-765 should arrive within 90 days from the day they received my request. So I guess until September no news at all.

California Service Center=CSC. Vermont Service Center=(VSC). Nation Visa Center=(NVC). They usualy tell you that your case has been transfered--let's hope it is still at the local USCIS office.

Now go have an adult beverage and relax while you wait for the outcome of your I-485. You are fine.

Good luck and may the waiting be over soon,

Dave

Edited August 11, 2012 by Dave&Roza

[Darnell 8,478]

all of the things you've listed are a non-issue.

Come back to VJ on a PC, a laptop, or a MAC, and research a bit, for the 'why'.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Insurance does not care if you are legal or not (you are legal though). They are a business and they want money, that's all.

[Lana & Mauro 3]

California Service Center=CSC. Vermont Service Center=(VSC). Nation Visa Center=(NVC). They usualy tell you that your case has been transfered--let's hope it is still at the local USCIS office.

Now go have an adult beverage and relax while you wait for the outcome of your I-485. You are fine.

Good luck and may the waiting be over soon,

Dave

Hi Dave, thank you. Got it. So far all the notifications I received where from the USCIS...so I guess my case is still with them.

Let's have faith and keep hoping that it will go by fast!

[Pitaya 2,577]

all of the things you've listed are a non-issue.

Come back to VJ on a PC, a laptop, or a MAC, and research a bit, for the 'why'.

Great advice.

We will likely be in the same boat as you.... and plan on just hanging on for the ride.....

Edited August 11, 2012 by A&B

[Que Saudade 284]

Insurance does not care if you are legal or not (you are legal though). They are a business and they want money, that's all.

No, they don't care, but to add spouse to your insurance, they will have to prove they are married. And in some cases, there are certain open-enrollment dates that you can make changes. The exception to this rule is a "life event". Marriage being one of the qualifications. In most cases, there is only a certain amount of time to add a new spouse outside of the open enrollment.

[Thomas and Kristi 17]

Danke schoen Thomas und Kristi! Ok, so I guess the only thing I can do is waiting (which is what we have been doing since we started the whole process LOL).

I was just worried because I would like to find a job (and still I haven't received my Employment Authorization and I guess right now no one can actually hire me) and furthermore I would like to get a new health insurance after this one expires (end of August) but I thought that since I don't have anything to prove I'm legal, no insurance company would cover me. What did you guys do as far as health insurance is concerned?

For example I also tried to get my driving licence here in California but since by the time I got my SSN there were less than 60 days left prior to my I94 expiration I was not allowed to apply. And I guess I can use my European licence only within the first three months Im here...

California is tricky and almost like it's own little country. They tend to have different approaches to many issues. From what I can find regarding California and licensing is that yes you can use it if you are not a resident. I'm not sure the "technical" status of a K-1 who is adjusting. I mean, for all practical purposes you are not a resident yet since you haven't received an approval of permanent residency. I guess if worse came to worse, that would be my argument. Therefore, based on that I would say you can use it as long as it is valid. Once you receive approval and become a permanent resident, you should then get your license from California.

For my husband (who is the immigrant), I was able to put him on my insurance policy. We may revisit that once he finds a job here, but that's always an option for you and your spouse. Like Que Saudade mentioned, it's a short window to adjust that with most policies so if you choose that option, do it now. You'll need proof such as a copy of your marriage certificate.

And lastly, yes...there is a lot of waiting in this game, but there is a popular saying, "Good things come to those who wait." In the meantime, visit the forum, ask questions, help out your peers who might need assistance and relax for a bit.

[djricky4 67]

just sit back and relax, the most important thing is that you got married before the 90 days. You can expect to get you EAD and AP documents soon. 2-3 months is the average wait

[Kita 2]

Waiting is key that's for sure.

Does anyone know what is supposed to happen to the I94 after AOS and whatnot? Do you just keep it for your records? Do you have to hand it in whenever you leave the country for the first time and re-enter on a GC?