May 2014 Filers

[wavj 26]

APPROVED!! Thanks everyone!!

So we just got back home, interview was so easy and fun and lasted about 10min. We were lucky to have super friendly and competent IO.

Swore us in, checked our birth certs and passports and asked a few I-485 questions (like if you belong to organization). He then looked at a few photos. Basically seemed to be going through the formalities. Everything was relaxed and smooth.

Then said we'd been approved and should get notice and GC shortly

Congratulations!!!!

[FlyingFish 3]

APPROVED!! Thanks everyone!!

So we just got back home, interview was so easy and fun and lasted about 10min. We were lucky to have super friendly and competent IO.

Swore us in, checked our birth certs and passports and asked a few I-485 questions (like if you belong to organization). He then looked at a few photos. Basically seemed to be going through the formalities. Everything was relaxed and smooth.

Then said we'd been approved and should get notice and GC shortly

Yay!! Congrats!! I'm nervous about mine on Tuesday

[GurkenSalat 48]

APPROVED!! Thanks everyone!!

So we just got back home, interview was so easy and fun and lasted about 10min. We were lucky to have super friendly and competent IO.

Swore us in, checked our birth certs and passports and asked a few I-485 questions (like if you belong to organization). He then looked at a few photos. Basically seemed to be going through the formalities. Everything was relaxed and smooth.

Then said we'd been approved and should get notice and GC shortly

Congratulations! Glad to see you had a good experience!

[supergirl20141 6]

Well folks, I just got back from a 2 day trip to Canada to renew my passport. Crossing the border was fine. They processed me in with advance parole - so I went into secondary, which only took a short time. They took my old I-94 from my tn status and replaced it with a new one. I asked if I'd need it for my greencard interview, the officer said "no they have record of it, you just need the new one".

I was nervous about leaving - returning concerned me - but they were pleasant and helpful, the CBP officer who first inspected me (by car) and I were even jokingly comparing notes about shift work. Hopefully I won't have to cross again until I have my green card!

But I have a new 10 year Canadian passport and I'm not worried too much about the interview timing. I'll still ask what's up at my info pass appointment.

welcome back.i wish i could renew mine...

[kettlefish 10]

Yay!! Congrats!! I'm nervous about mine on Tuesday

Congratulations! Glad to see you had a good experience!

Congratulations!!!!

thanks guys! this is a bit odd. so 2 hours after the interview I got a status update : Your Case Status: Card/ Document Production

Yay!!

But then a few hours later it changed back to "Decision". Weird huh

Also the IO did not stamp my passport, is that normal? I thought a stamp was needed.

Edited September 19, 2014 by kettlefish

[CdnRN 40]

welcome back.i wish i could renew mine...

Renewal by mail or at an embassy doesn't exist?

thanks guys! this is a bit odd. so 2 hours after the interview I got a status update : Your Case Status: Card/ Document Production

Yay!!

But then a few hours later it changed back to "Decision". Weird huh

Also the IO did not stamp my passport, is that normal? I thought a stamp was needed.

I've heard that the online switching happens and that they don't always stamp.

[kettlefish 10]

I've heard that the online switching happens and that they don't always stamp.

Thanks cdnRN, you're right. Read some other threads that also say switching status is normal. Should go back to production shortly.

btw seems you overdue for a notice. Hope you get the interview date soon!

[supergirl20141 6]

Renewal by mail or at an embassy doesn't exist?

No.i have to have a GN to be able to exchange my passport.

[wavj 26]

thanks guys! this is a bit odd. so 2 hours after the interview I got a status update : Your Case Status: Card/ Document Production

Yay!!

But then a few hours later it changed back to "Decision". Weird huh

Also the IO did not stamp my passport, is that normal? I thought a stamp was needed.

Same thing happened to me if you read my signature; I got 3 diff emails few hours after the interview. The first was to about "card in production" and that is what the online status showed, then another about I-30 approval and the the last one was about being registered as a permanent resident. After that last email the status changed to post decision activity. They don't always stamp your passport. I've read other post about one has to request it after being approved in some cases and they may or not get it stamped anyways.

[kettlefish 10]

They don't always stamp your passport. I've read other post about one has to request it after being approved in some cases and they may or not get it stamped anyways.

So if you don't have the stamp can you still travel with GC at home, or do you have to carry it with you?

[GurkenSalat 48]

So if you don't have the stamp can you still travel with GC at home, or do you have to carry it with you?

If you cross the border, you ABSOLUTELY have to carry it with you. They recommend you have it on you at all times. I put mine in my wallet... in that sleeve thing they also provide.

[kettlefish 10]

If you cross the border, you ABSOLUTELY have to carry it with you. They recommend you have it on you at all times. I put mine in my wallet... in that sleeve thing they also provide.

that's good to know

Edited September 20, 2014 by kettlefish

[kettlefish 10]

If you cross the border, you ABSOLUTELY have to carry it with you. They recommend you have it on you at all times. I put mine in my wallet... in that sleeve thing they also provide.

Hmm on second thoughts.. after reading this here

My wallet was stolen some months ago, and in it was my Green Card as I naturally had it on me at all times since that's what the law says you have to do. It's a pain to apply for a replacement card - it costs $450, you have to get biometrics redone and you have to send in all the papers from your AOS again. I filed the replacement application about two months ago and it's still in initial review. I was told at biometrics that it can take as little as two weeks to get it after the Biometrics appointment, or it can take months.

If you lose you GC, go to your Service Center with the receipt from your I-90 application (replacement GC) and they will put a stamp on your passport which should serve as a temporary proof of status while you wait. However, if you are looking for a job it would be up to the person hiring whether they would want to accept that stamp as evidence of your status to be legally authorized to work. Same with traveling abroad: you SHOULD be fine coming back to the US, but it's best to prepare with a ton of additional evidence.

When I get my replacement GC back, I will not carry it with me but will make a copy and keep that in my wallet instead.

Some more reading

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/422724-do-you-always-bring-your-green-card-with-you/page-2

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/318876-carrying-greencard-everywhere/

While it's ultimately a personal decision personally I reckon I'm going to keep it the GC in the safe, and carry a copy in the wallet.

Edited September 20, 2014 by kettlefish

[wavj 26]

Hmm on second thoughts.. after reading this here

Some more reading

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/422724-do-you-always-bring-your-green-card-with-you/page-2

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/318876-carrying-greencard-everywhere/

While it's ultimately a personal decision personally I reckon I'm going to keep it the GC in the safe, and carry a copy in the wallet.

If you carefully read the back of the letter where you GC came attached to, it clearly states that you should carry your GC with you at all times. It comes with the little envelope to protect it. I carry mine with me at all times.

As far as traveling, if I decide to cross the border, I MUST have the GC with me along with the Mexican passport.

Reading the first link you posted, post #30 mentions that by an attorney advice: "According to an immigration attorney whom I consulted "back when," there can also be penalties for falsifying a Federal document by copying it." (TBoneTX, vj 2013)

So just be mindful of the possible consequences either or.

Edited September 20, 2014 by wavj

[supergirl20141 6]

Do i have to have passport along with GN if ill go to puerto rico or GN and state id is going to be enough?

Edited September 20, 2014 by supergirl20141