K1 Visa to AOS a little worried

[Initpass2 0]

I filed an Adjustment of Status I-485 in Jan 2013, and received a letter in Feb 2013 requesting paystubs for affidavit of support. I sent everything they received it in Mar 2013. Its now February 2014 and I haven't heard anything from USCIS. I'm confused I thought this process takes approximately six months its over a year now and the work authorization is expiring Mar 2014.

I also booked a ticket to Puerto Rico for 3 days since its a state and I've travelled to Florida before with no problems on my state ID. The travel agent is telling me that I might have an issue coming back. I don't know what to do I need advise. oh and my state ID has Visitor Temp and it expired Nov 2013.

Does anyone have any advise on what to do?

Does anyone know the appropriate # to call to get an answer regarding this issue?

I'm just a little worried

Pls advise

[Cathi 5,748]

Puerto Rico is not one of the 50 US states, it's a territory.

[ManCharsey 254]

March 2013 is a long time to not have received even a single response, you might want to call USCIS and check whether you missed any of their mails or anything. Certainly do a follow up to know the status of your case.

Also try to sort this out before you travel to Puerto Rico. I don't know if they classify it as a state and therefore will only check for IDs like other states or they will treat it like you're going to a new country. Maybe some people who have traveled there can give you a good insight into how things are done there.

[TBoneTX 45,299]

I'd have to search for it, but I seem to remember a reliable member's having said that he was treated like a criminal when he was an LPR and tried to return to the U.S. from Puerto Rico. Whether my memory is accurate or not, it's highly prudent to sort this out before you go.

[Pinkrlion 2,720]

Reapply for your EAD/AP NOW, it is still free, just make sure you have the updated application. Include copy of NOA1, and the letter that came with your EAD, and the passport pictures with both applications.

You cannot travel without the EAD/AP card being current as you will have issues in returning through immigration. Traveling within the 48 states is different than leaving the states. Think about it like this...Anytime you fly over an ocean, you need AP or GC to return.

There is no guarantee that you will get GC in 6 months. I am still waiting also.

Call USCIS, and put in a service request, so you can see the status of your AOS. The latest excuse is background checks are not back yet.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Puerto Rico is a US territory, and just like going to the US Virgin Islands, it is a domestic flight and you do not need AP or a green card to re-enter the states. https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/980/kw/puerto%20rico/sno/1

However, some people have found the CBP to be difficult to deal with at times when coming from PR. So, if you get an agent that has no clue about the actual, technical travel requirements for immigration purposes, then you might be in for a hard time if you do not even have AP. I would not try and go there using an expired state ID. Expired means it is no longer valid.

Those being approved without interview can have to wait 8+ months for approval. Some have even had to wait over a year and apply for EAD/AP renewal while waiting. File for renewals. The fees are still waived, just send a copy of the I-485 receipt notice with your I-765 and I-131 forms when renewing. Did you not file for EAD/AP when you filed the I-485? You really should have. Your state ID could have been renewed using the EAD expiration date, so it would have been valid for a year and you could have renewed it with a renewed EAD or green card, when you get it.

Call the USCIS and ask to speak to a tier 2 immigration officer. Ask them about your case status and let them know how long you have been waiting. Don't bother to ask the person that answers the phone. They have no access to your actual case info. Make sure to escalate your call to a tier 2 IO.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Jay-Kay

[BeanCamp 28]

Traveling to PR is considered domestic and you would only need an ID. However, since your ID is expired you will need to have EAP/AP on hand. You don't go through immigration, but TSA. A TSA officer will see expired on ID and this is where the trouble may begin. I would say apply for EAP/AP asap! It can take a little over two months to get them both.

[aussie_jason 195]

If you aren't a USC then you will need your passport - https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/980