AOS March 2016 filers/Part 2

[Linyahui 103]

11 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

Our EAD renewal number won't even show up in the system, SMH. I havent checked in about a week but last time, it wasn't computing....I heard that happens sometimes. Still irks me, though. 

 

Just because it is distance close, doesn't mean it is your service center. You have to google a list of which states which center is linked to. It is more of a regional thing. 

 

I don't think FOIA would slow down anything at all. It is a completely different animal than your case, and it isn't any type of inquiry that I know of. I would be sniffing for that paper confirmation if I were you, because I no longer believe spoken words concerning this. I need paper in my hands. However, I don't think they can or would lie to you either.

Our major service center is Nebraska. I didn't even know there was a major service center there! This begs the question: why was our K-1 petition sent to California? Ah, well. USCIS is a never-ending mystery. 

 

I'm with you on not believing anything verbal. Thinking about calling the USCIS hotline for an update (and request about that paper confirmation, if we really are on the list) next month. 

 

Your interview is next week, right? How are you doing? 

[sparkles_ 456]

30 minutes ago, Linyahui said:

Our major service center is Nebraska. I didn't even know there was a major service center there! This begs the question: why was our K-1 petition sent to California? Ah, well. USCIS is a never-ending mystery. 

 

I'm with you on not believing anything verbal. Thinking about calling the USCIS hotline for an update (and request about that paper confirmation, if we really are on the list) next month. 

 

Your interview is next week, right? How are you doing? 

I've become a level of almost Buddha-esque calm for the most part. im still trying to decide to have our lawyer go with or not. I made a thread about it, most say only do so if I feel I need the moral support. The verdict is still out on it. We go the 27th so this weekend is photo album time! Ready to sift through literally about 3,000 photos stored on various devices and pick the best 100, LOL. 

 

Not all service centers process all petition types. I learned that in my endless hours of googling. Is it possible that Nebraska doesn't do k1? I always hear people say cali and Vermont for k1, never the lesser known ones. 

 

Call and get a tier 2. Have them put in a request for a notice you never got in the mail once you confirm again you're on the list. 

 

Hows things on your end?  

Edited March 17, 2017 by sparkles_

[Linyahui 103]

2 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

I've become a level of almost Buddha-esque calm for the most part. im still trying to decide to have our lawyer go with or not. I made a thread about it, most say only do so if I feel I need the moral support. The verdict is still out on it. We go the 27th so this weekend is photo album time! Ready to sift through literally about 3,000 photos stored on various devices and pick the best 100, LOL. 

 

Not all service centers process all petition types. I learned that in my endless hours of googling. Is it possible that Nebraska doesn't do k1? I always hear people say cali and Vermont for k1, never the lesser known ones. 

 

Call and get a tier 2. Have them put in a request for a notice you never got in the mail once you confirm again you're on the list. 

 

Hows things on your end?  

Glad to hear that you're feeling calm about the interview! Last update I heard was that you were not quite at that stage yet.  If I were you, I'd bring my lawyer, just for moral support and that ever-present lingering thought of "what-if." I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but your case is a tad more complicated than some because of the removal proceedings prior to the AOS proceedings. It couldn't hurt to bring your lawyer, if nothing else than peace of mind having back-up if you need it. 

 

I'm starting to wonder if we should hire a lawyer ourselves. Hubby doesn't want me to make waves and is content to just wait it out, but I just have this nagging feeling that something isn't quite right. There's too much at stake to remain complacent. Then again, can a lawyer do anything about a long-pending background check? I think the FOIA may be a best next step at this point, especially because hubby hasn't been able to find full-time work and we're not exactly flush with cash (I work in education). 

 

Today's not the greatest day. I had a meltdown this morning after reading too many political updates. We're starting to talk about our options if this GC continues to drag on and on with no answers. 

Edited March 17, 2017 by Linyahui
Retract

[sparkles_ 456]

I don't think retaining a lawyer makes waves of any kind. If anything a lawyer usually knows people at local offices and has power to dig up real answers. I'm saying getting a free or low cost consultation couldn't hurt you guys at a minimum, ya know? They will either reassure you that yes this is the normal crappy wait while on the waiver list or not. I've found immigration lawyers don't scalp clients like many other types of lawyers do into making them falsely believe they need their services, so no worries there either. 

 

Last time I posted about the interview I was freaking out. I literally had a small mental breakdown a la tears and ugly, loud crying a few nights after and woke up the next day with this odd peace. Not complaining, just hate it happened how it did. 

 

I feel like once you get the paper notice of being on the waiver list, it will put you at ease a little more. Then there is hard proof as to why it is taking so long. If you think about it, ones with waivers probably do have to be checked more than interview couples. They are opting to not even see you together in person and just issue the GC. Doesn't make it any easier to swallow but it's also logical. 

Edited March 17, 2017 by sparkles_

[Linyahui 103]

Has anyone been invited to participate in the USCIS virtual focus group? It's taking place this Tuesday, March 21, and since I haven't received a phone call inviting me to participate, I'm guessing I won't be invited. They probably looked into my file and determined that I wouldn't provide anything remotely close to positive feedback, so put me in the 'pass' column.

 

Would've been so therapeutic. 

[sparkles_ 456]

1 minute ago, Linyahui said:

Has anyone been invited to participate in the USCIS virtual focus group? It's taking place this Tuesday, March 21, and since I haven't received a phone call inviting me to participate, I'm guessing I won't be invited. They probably looked into my file and determined that I wouldn't provide anything remotely close to positive feedback, so put me in the 'pass' column.

 

Would've been so therapeutic. 

I didn't get the official invite either. We have probably been flagged as potentially disgruntled due to the long waits and passed over  

[Linyahui 103]

On 3/17/2017 at 1:18 PM, sparkles_ said:

I don't think retaining a lawyer makes waves of any kind. If anything a lawyer usually knows people at local offices and has power to dig up real answers. I'm saying getting a free or low cost consultation couldn't hurt you guys at a minimum, ya know? They will either reassure you that yes this is the normal crappy wait while on the waiver list or not. I've found immigration lawyers don't scalp clients like many other types of lawyers do into making them falsely believe they need their services, so no worries there either. 

 

Last time I posted about the interview I was freaking out. I literally had a small mental breakdown a la tears and ugly, loud crying a few nights after and woke up the next day with this odd peace. Not complaining, just hate it happened how it did. 

 

I feel like once you get the paper notice of being on the waiver list, it will put you at ease a little more. Then there is hard proof as to why it is taking so long. If you think about it, ones with waivers probably do have to be checked more than interview couples. They are opting to not even see you together in person and just issue the GC. Doesn't make it any easier to swallow but it's also logical. 

I think you and I are the only ones still actively participating in this forum, Sparkles. Happy that most of the March 2016 filers have gotten their GCs and are moving on, but will miss the support group of those I've come to know over this forum. Will soon join the April 2016 filers group.

 

Thanks for the recommendation about the lawyer. I have a colleague who used to be a USCIS supervisor; I've already consulted with him about processing times (he said ours is extremely unusual, given hubby's country of origin), but may seek advice about what we can do for long-pending background check. I think he mentioned before there's nothing we can do, but I'll push it a little to see. Will also call USCIS sometime in the next month to ask about a paper copy of the interview waiver notice. I'm putting it off because I'm afraid we'll call and they'll be like "what are you talking about?" I don't want to lose this sliver of hope. 

 

Best of luck to you as you prepare for your interview (next week, right?)!! Keep that buddha-esque calm going and you guys will get through it with flying colors.

[Linyahui 103]

3 minutes ago, sparkles_ said:

I didn't get the official invite either. We have probably been flagged as potentially disgruntled due to the long waits and passed over  

Figures. 

[PaddyGirl13 75]

I haven't posted as I've nothing positive to add but I'm still here, checking everyday, praying for you both to have good news. I wish I could help! 

[sparkles_ 456]

2 minutes ago, Linyahui said:

I think you and I are the only ones still actively participating in this forum, Sparkles. Happy that most of the March 2016 filers have gotten their GCs and are moving on, but will miss the support group of those I've come to know over this forum. Will soon join the April 2016 filers group.

 

Thanks for the recommendation about the lawyer. I have a colleague who used to be a USCIS supervisor; I've already consulted with him about processing times (he said ours is extremely unusual, given hubby's country of origin), but may seek advice about what we can do for long-pending background check. I think he mentioned before there's nothing we can do, but I'll push it a little to see. Will also call USCIS sometime in the next month to ask about a paper copy of the interview waiver notice. I'm putting it off because I'm afraid we'll call and they'll be like "what are you talking about?" I don't want to lose this sliver of hope. 

 

Best of luck to you as you prepare for your interview (next week, right?)!! Keep that buddha-esque calm going and you guys will get through it with flying colors.

I've been creeping on the April and May groups, I may jump in there as well. If you go over there feel free to shoot me a PM and let me know. We do seem to be all by our lonesome nowadays! I agree about the support. I've started to feel like you March filers are extended family  

 

Im still holding the calm. Placed an order for 100 pics at the local Walgreens, today is album day. Will probably add about 50 more from my husband's phone before we go. Monday the 27 is the big day! 

[sparkles_ 456]

3 minutes ago, PaddyGirl13 said:

I haven't posted as I've nothing positive to add but I'm still here, checking everyday, praying for you both to have good news. I wish I could help! 

xoxo, good vibes and prayers are more than enough imo 

[Linyahui 103]

5 minutes ago, PaddyGirl13 said:

I haven't posted as I've nothing positive to add but I'm still here, checking everyday, praying for you both to have good news. I wish I could help! 

Thank you! I'm really touched. I'll post something in this forum if I move to April 2016 filers (probably after we hear the (positive) result of Sparkles' hubby's interview on March 27). 

[Linyahui 103]

3 minutes ago, sparkles_ said:

I've been creeping on the April and May groups, I may jump in there as well. If you go over there feel free to shoot me a PM and let me know. We do seem to be all by our lonesome nowadays! I agree about the support. I've started to feel like you March filers are extended family  

 

Im still holding the calm. Placed an order for 100 pics at the local Walgreens, today is album day. Will probably add about 50 more from my husband's phone before we go. Monday the 27 is the big day! 

I may start creeping, too, haha. I'll let you know if I make the move.

 

Keep that calm going! And have fun with the photos; that was my favorite part of assembling the binder. Ours is ready to go, for someday...

[sparkles_ 456]

Just now, Linyahui said:

Thank you! I'm really touched. I'll post something in this forum if I move to April 2016 filers (probably after we hear the (positive) result of Sparkles' hubby's interview on March 27). 

Let's hope it's positive! I think we are question prepping tonight as well. All those crazy things they can ask you....I've gotten a list of 100 from a website. Should be fun. 

[PaddyGirl13 75]

After our interview I took some of the pictures from the album we put together and put them in a big frame and put it on our family room wall. Those pictures are part of our journey (both hubby and I hate being in pictures and every trip we reluctantly took "for the green card" pics). Now they're my favorite photos and I smile when I see them proudly displayed in our home.