AOS March 2016 filers/Part 2

[Linyahui 103]

4 minutes ago, sparkles_ said:

In the world of USCIS that is seen as a delay not related to the case, sadly. I know, it seems really really stupid. But the background is like its own animal, and that is the FBI holding things up not USCIS nor your actual case documents. See their stupid thought process on that. *side eye*

 

I dont think you should play dumb. If anything, show them you are informed but not in a know it all way. That way you don't beat around the bush, tell them what you know and what should be done.....why are you guys not being done this way as well. Again, also remember to ask for a floor supervisor. I really think the first people you speak to aren't real IOs who do anything besides look up customer info (which we see just like they do) and ring the NBC magic line as needed to get only yes or no answers. 

 

It is worth asking, does your husband have a common Taiwanese name?? I've heard things like "John Smith" or "Muhammed Ali" take a lot longer on backgrounds because there are about a million of them out there.

 

Oh, man! Seriously?! Well, if that's the case, it would certainly explain why we are still twiddling our thumbs and other couples in MN are getting their GCs, which is kind of a relief, in a way. 

 

After thinking about it, I now agree that I shouldn't play dumb about this new info. I'm the type to stroll up to the window and then give them my entire life story so will practice a concise version tonight with hubby so we can quickly get to the crux of the issue. 

 

Do you (or anyone) know whether the IO at an InfoPass appointment can find out exactly which part of the background is being held up (i.e. fingerprints vs name check)? I don't really know what questions to ask now, because it sounds like we know it's physically still located at the NBC, stuck in background checks, and the last action taken was submitting his name to the FBI for the security check. 

 

I just cannot figure out why he'd be stuck in a background check for eleven months when he has no criminal record. Is it because he's previously lived/worked in the U.S. under different visa categories (though never overstayed any of them)? 

 

Sorry, Sparkles, and everyone. I'm freaking out because you guys are all moving forward and now I'm really worried that something is wrong for us. 

[sparkles_ 456]

2 hours ago, Linyahui said:

Oh, man! Seriously?! Well, if that's the case, it would certainly explain why we are still twiddling our thumbs and other couples in MN are getting their GCs, which is kind of a relief, in a way. 

 

After thinking about it, I now agree that I shouldn't play dumb about this new info. I'm the type to stroll up to the window and then give them my entire life story so will practice a concise version tonight with hubby so we can quickly get to the crux of the issue. 

 

Do you (or anyone) know whether the IO at an InfoPass appointment can find out exactly which part of the background is being held up (i.e. fingerprints vs name check)? I don't really know what questions to ask now, because it sounds like we know it's physically still located at the NBC, stuck in background checks, and the last action taken was submitting his name to the FBI for the security check. 

 

I just cannot figure out why he'd be stuck in a background check for eleven months when he has no criminal record. Is it because he's previously lived/worked in the U.S. under different visa categories (though never overstayed any of them)? 

 

Sorry, Sparkles, and everyone. I'm freaking out because you guys are all moving forward and now I'm really worried that something is wrong for us. 

I didn't specifically ask what part of the background was held up, but I think you could ask. I heard on VJ that the name check is supposed to be the killer, not the print portion. Does he happen to have a common Taiwanese name?? I know the more common you are, the more 'other' people they have to sift through in order to get the real person. 

Edited February 22, 2017 by sparkles_

[Linyahui 103]

17 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

I didn't specifically ask what part of the background was held up, but I think you could ask. I heard on VJ that the name check is supposed to be the killer, not the print portion. Does he happen to have a common Taiwanese name?? I know the more common you are, the more 'other' people they have to sift through in order to get the real person. 

 

Yeah, our last name is pretty common. Plus, his first name can be written as two separate syllables (words), one word with a hyphen, or one without, so that may be causing delays in the name check. I read somewhere on VJ or the Interwebs that some FBI background checks are still conducted manually--as in, sifting through boxes of paper that must be shuttled back and forth between service centers in an armored truck...

[Linyahui 103]

 

We had our InfoPass appointment this morning and, since it was the first one we'd attended, we really didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be a really nice experience!

 

Since we don't own a car, we used our car-sharing program to drive to the USCIS St. Paul service center for the appointment. Man! Each time we use our HourCar, I am reminded of how convenient it is to own a car. I digress. Anyway, traffic was pretty light for rush hour and we arrived at the building about twenty minutes before our appointment. We went through security and the two security guards couldn't have been any nicer! It was clear they really wanted to help us and others arriving with us, which made the appointment start off on the right foot.

 

There were only a couple of others waiting when we arrived and we were called to the counter right away, even before our appointment time. Our IO was originally from the Dominican Republic, which was comforting, because she had personal experience with the AOS process herself. We explained that we'd submitted his AOS documents last March and, apart from the receipt notices, hadn't received any additional communication, like an RFE or interview notice. She said she had to check into some records in the back and asked us to take a seat and wait.

 

About ten minutes later, we were called back to the counter. She told us that (as we expected, based on the response we received yesterday from our congresswoman's office) he's still undergoing the background check. However, she went on to say that the application looked really good and, actually, we have been placed on the "interview waiver" list. She said there didn't appear to be any questions about the content of our application or any missing documents, so once the background check is completed, the GC will likely be sent to us directly. 

 

She did provide a small word of caution that the application would be looked at again by a supervisor after the background checks were complete, but that from what she could tell, everything looked really, really good. (!!!!!!!) 

 

So, we wait with bated breath...

[PaddyGirl13 75]

That sounds really promising and I hope gives you relief from the stress! 

 

Also nice to hear you had a good experience. 

[newyorkaos 15]

27 minutes ago, Linyahui said:

 

We had our InfoPass appointment this morning and, since it was the first one we'd attended, we really didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be a really nice experience!

 

Since we don't own a car, we used our car-sharing program to drive to the USCIS St. Paul service center for the appointment. Man! Each time we use our HourCar, I am reminded of how convenient it is to own a car. I digress. Anyway, traffic was pretty light for rush hour and we arrived at the building about twenty minutes before our appointment. We went through security and the two security guards couldn't have been any nicer! It was clear they really wanted to help us and others arriving with us, which made the appointment start off on the right foot.

 

There were only a couple of others waiting when we arrived and we were called to the counter right away, even before our appointment time. Our IO was originally from the Dominican Republic, which was comforting, because she had personal experience with the AOS process herself. We explained that we'd submitted his AOS documents last March and, apart from the receipt notices, hadn't received any additional communication, like an RFE or interview notice. She said she had to check into some records in the back and asked us to take a seat and wait.

 

About ten minutes later, we were called back to the counter. She told us that (as we expected, based on the response we received yesterday from our congresswoman's office) he's still undergoing the background check. However, she went on to say that the application looked really good and, actually, we have been placed on the "interview waiver" list. She said there didn't appear to be any questions about the content of our application or any missing documents, so once the background check is completed, the GC will likely be sent to us directly. 

 

She did provide a small word of caution that the application would be looked at again by a supervisor after the background checks were complete, but that from what she could tell, everything looked really, really good. (!!!!!!!) 

 

So, we wait with bated breath...

That's great to hear! That is promising and  should give you a sigh of relief, Im glad she gave you that piece of info that you are on the waiver list. :))) wouldnt have expected that from an info pass myself. 

[sparkles_ 456]

4 hours ago, Linyahui said:

 

We had our InfoPass appointment this morning and, since it was the first one we'd attended, we really didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be a really nice experience!

 

Since we don't own a car, we used our car-sharing program to drive to the USCIS St. Paul service center for the appointment. Man! Each time we use our HourCar, I am reminded of how convenient it is to own a car. I digress. Anyway, traffic was pretty light for rush hour and we arrived at the building about twenty minutes before our appointment. We went through security and the two security guards couldn't have been any nicer! It was clear they really wanted to help us and others arriving with us, which made the appointment start off on the right foot.

 

There were only a couple of others waiting when we arrived and we were called to the counter right away, even before our appointment time. Our IO was originally from the Dominican Republic, which was comforting, because she had personal experience with the AOS process herself. We explained that we'd submitted his AOS documents last March and, apart from the receipt notices, hadn't received any additional communication, like an RFE or interview notice. She said she had to check into some records in the back and asked us to take a seat and wait.

 

About ten minutes later, we were called back to the counter. She told us that (as we expected, based on the response we received yesterday from our congresswoman's office) he's still undergoing the background check. However, she went on to say that the application looked really good and, actually, we have been placed on the "interview waiver" list. She said there didn't appear to be any questions about the content of our application or any missing documents, so once the background check is completed, the GC will likely be sent to us directly. 

 

She did provide a small word of caution that the application would be looked at again by a supervisor after the background checks were complete, but that from what she could tell, everything looked really, really good. (!!!!!!!) 

 

So, we wait with bated breath...

I was wondering if they would tell you that you guys got on the interview waiver list. If so, IMO, it is worth the extra 2-3mo wait to avoid being questioned and just have the GC show up one day

[daveyjoe! 5]

TODAY IS THE DAY! 

I didn't sleep AT ALL last night. Of course, I felt like I should beef up my binder of supporting documents / I suddenly realized just how much I didn't have yet. 

Before our interview  @2:15PM here in NYC, I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone in this forum. I don't think I'll ever get to meet the vast majority of you, but having you all as a resource kept me from truly having a breakdown while waiting. 

 

Equally as important, I wanted to say an extra, extra thanks to everyone here for being such an amazing & phenomenal resource. To be frank - my lawyer freaking SUCKS - I always left more confused and scared after talking to him. However, it was everyone in this forum who TRULY offered clarity, explanation, comfort, and insight in ways the lawyer NEVER did or could. In fact, you were all so wonderful I fully regret paying the asshat and would have GLADLY put that money in all your pockets instead. ...< O the things I wish I had known 1.5 years ago >...

DEFINITELY terrified about my finances qualifying for sponsorship levels, definitely terrified I did my taxes wrong last year (don't fail me now TurboTax), definitely terrified they'll question the timeline of our coming back into the country while claiming at customs no intent of staying permanently... but then getting married literally 4 days later... 

I'll be filling you all in later with how it all turns out.  Give me them positive vibes y'all! 

[sparkles_ 456]

31 minutes ago, daveyjoe! said:

TODAY IS THE DAY! 

I didn't sleep AT ALL last night. Of course, I felt like I should beef up my binder of supporting documents / I suddenly realized just how much I didn't have yet. 

Before our interview  @2:15PM here in NYC, I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone in this forum. I don't think I'll ever get to meet the vast majority of you, but having you all as a resource kept me from truly having a breakdown while waiting. 

 

Equally as important, I wanted to say an extra, extra thanks to everyone here for being such an amazing & phenomenal resource. To be frank - my lawyer freaking SUCKS - I always left more confused and scared after talking to him. However, it was everyone in this forum who TRULY offered clarity, explanation, comfort, and insight in ways the lawyer NEVER did or could. In fact, you were all so wonderful I fully regret paying the asshat and would have GLADLY put that money in all your pockets instead. ...< O the things I wish I had known 1.5 years ago >...

DEFINITELY terrified about my finances qualifying for sponsorship levels, definitely terrified I did my taxes wrong last year (don't fail me now TurboTax), definitely terrified they'll question the timeline of our coming back into the country while claiming at customs no intent of staying permanently... but then getting married literally 4 days later... 

I'll be filling you all in later with how it all turns out.  Give me them positive vibes y'all! 

A million positive vibes your way! FYI, you can't be RFE'd for taxes unless your income level is low and needing a co sponsor......they aren't the IRS to comb over your returns or even to care if you happened to owe the IRS for example. Remember, volunteer nothing major about the financials, just basic yes/no answers unless pressed. Don't take it too seriously, or be overly nervous. The IOs are trained to watch body language as much as whatever we bring in our information binders. 

 

I'm no lawyer but I know for a fact you aren't the only ones who have married right after coming in on any non immigrant visa who adjusted just fine. People do spur of the moment marriages all the time, and they do realize this, so just tell that like it is. You're good  If you're someone whom statistics make you feel better, something like 80-85% of all cases are approved on the spot which are darn good odds in your favor (I saw this on an article which stated that it makes more work for an IO to deny than approve, so yea, makes sense)

Edited February 23, 2017 by sparkles_

[PaddyGirl13 75]

1 hour ago, daveyjoe! said:

TODAY IS THE DAY! 

I didn't sleep AT ALL last night. Of course, I felt like I should beef up my binder of supporting documents / I suddenly realized just how much I didn't have yet. 

Before our interview  @2:15PM here in NYC, I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone in this forum. I don't think I'll ever get to meet the vast majority of you, but having you all as a resource kept me from truly having a breakdown while waiting. 

 

Equally as important, I wanted to say an extra, extra thanks to everyone here for being such an amazing & phenomenal resource. To be frank - my lawyer freaking SUCKS - I always left more confused and scared after talking to him. However, it was everyone in this forum who TRULY offered clarity, explanation, comfort, and insight in ways the lawyer NEVER did or could. In fact, you were all so wonderful I fully regret paying the asshat and would have GLADLY put that money in all your pockets instead. ...< O the things I wish I had known 1.5 years ago >...

DEFINITELY terrified about my finances qualifying for sponsorship levels, definitely terrified I did my taxes wrong last year (don't fail me now TurboTax), definitely terrified they'll question the timeline of our coming back into the country while claiming at customs no intent of staying permanently... but then getting married literally 4 days later... 

I'll be filling you all in later with how it all turns out.  Give me them positive vibes y'all! 

Best of luck!! 

Today is our day too, I'll be sending positive vibes your way, we're at 12 (me) and 1 (my 14yr old son) in Minneapolis. 

Like you I didn't sleep last night obsessed with the file, ha! 

 

Please God we'll both have something to celebrate this afternoon. We're planning on hitting an Irish pub for a late lunch, hopefully to celebrate not drown our sorrows

[Linyahui 103]

2 hours ago, daveyjoe! said:

TODAY IS THE DAY! 

I didn't sleep AT ALL last night. Of course, I felt like I should beef up my binder of supporting documents / I suddenly realized just how much I didn't have yet. 

Before our interview  @2:15PM here in NYC, I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone in this forum. I don't think I'll ever get to meet the vast majority of you, but having you all as a resource kept me from truly having a breakdown while waiting. 

 

Equally as important, I wanted to say an extra, extra thanks to everyone here for being such an amazing & phenomenal resource. To be frank - my lawyer freaking SUCKS - I always left more confused and scared after talking to him. However, it was everyone in this forum who TRULY offered clarity, explanation, comfort, and insight in ways the lawyer NEVER did or could. In fact, you were all so wonderful I fully regret paying the asshat and would have GLADLY put that money in all your pockets instead. ...< O the things I wish I had known 1.5 years ago >...

DEFINITELY terrified about my finances qualifying for sponsorship levels, definitely terrified I did my taxes wrong last year (don't fail me now TurboTax), definitely terrified they'll question the timeline of our coming back into the country while claiming at customs no intent of staying permanently... but then getting married literally 4 days later... 

I'll be filling you all in later with how it all turns out.  Give me them positive vibes y'all! 

 

BEST OF LUCK to you guys today!! That being said, I don't think you'll need luck; I believe that everything will be totally copacetic for you guys. 

 

I really loved reading your words about the support found in this forum...I couldn't have said it better myself, especially on those days (you know which days) when we are FREAKING OUT. Sorry to hear that your lawyer is an asshat, but glad that we could provide resources and support in lieu of him.

 

I'll be in NYC for a few days for work in early May, so if it works at all to meet up (maybe loop Newyorkaos in as well), that could be fun! I'll be shepherding around 46 Global Executive MBA students from 21 different countries so may have my hands full, BUT it would be cool to meet you guys if there's a spare moment. 

 

Sending positive vibes your way!! Will be thinking of you at 1:15 pm CST.  

[Linyahui 103]

1 hour ago, PaddyGirl13 said:

Best of luck!! 

Today is our day too, I'll be sending positive vibes your way, we're at 12 (me) and 1 (my 14yr old son) in Minneapolis. 

Like you I didn't sleep last night obsessed with the file, ha! 

 

Please God we'll both have something to celebrate this afternoon. We're planning on hitting an Irish pub for a late lunch, hopefully to celebrate not drown our sorrows

 

Sending positive vibes your way as well, PaddyGirl13!!! I'll be thinking of you and your son at 12 and 1 today. Hubby and I visited the USCIS office yesterday and everyone was SO NICE; I don't think you need to be nervous at all. They truly seemed like they wanted to help and support us along our journeys. 

 

Let us know how it goes (in excruciating detail!!).

[Linyahui 103]

16 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

I was wondering if they would tell you that you guys got on the interview waiver list. If so, IMO, it is worth the extra 2-3mo wait to avoid being questioned and just have the GC show up one day

I never thought about it that way...great point. Thank you, Sparkles!!

[PaddyGirl13 75]

I'm loving how the March tread is finally seeing us all get sorted, is there anyone left we need to be sending positive vibes for? 

[SanneW 30]

Goodluck you all with the interviews today!!! Don't be nervous! As long as your marriage is legit I am sure theres nothing to be worried about! Just be yourself. Don't tell anything that's not asked for and show them the love!

 

And I hope you will clear the background checks soon linyahui! And that the waiver stays giving you a nice surprise in the mailbox soon-> the GC ^^

 

And I MIGHT be able to come to New York as well but really depends on my training... I should be graduating early may if all is fine. But even then its not sure if the other training is straight after or if i get to go home for 1-2 weeks (my home is in Rhode Island... not too far from NYC ^^)