February I-129 Filers #2

[Lovemycroatianman 278]

Well guys it was rocky....but my baby is gonna be here Monday evening at 6:45pm he lands in LAX....His interview was pretty long...she asked a lot of questions about my kids and family but of course he knew what to say and she approved him on the spot. I can't wait....so happy this is finally over and I can breathe now.

[janet3 1,170]

19 minutes ago, Lovemycroatianman said:

Well guys it was rocky....but my baby is gonna be here Monday evening at 6:45pm he lands in LAX....His interview was pretty long...she asked a lot of questions about my kids and family but of course he knew what to say and she approved him on the spot. I can't wait....so happy this is finally over and I can breathe now.

Congratulations!

[Lovemycroatianman 278]

9 minutes ago, janet3 said:

Congratulations!

Thank u so much! I felt this day would never come.....I feel I've aged 10 years during this process...sleepless nights, arguments and stress over timing and paperwork....but I know once I am in his arms....all will dissipate. Only a few more days now. I can't wait....

[swalker 137]

I just love this...and in time for Valentine’s Day, too! Congrats to you both and have fun planning the wedding!!!

[Lovemycroatianman 278]

12 hours ago, swalker said:

I just love this...and in time for Valentine’s Day, too! Congrats to you both and have fun planning the wedding!!!

Thank you very much, I still have to "see" if he can adjust to being here...so there's that but either way. Can someone tell me , when you apply for the aos, are the fees for the aed and travel card included in the $1140 ? According to the info here it is....can someone verify whos done it...I just want to plan ahead. Thanks

Edited February 7, 2018 by Lovemycroatianman

[RaptureSongbird 533]

11 hours ago, Lovemycroatianman said:

Thank you very much, I still have to "see" if he can adjust to being here...so there's that but either way. Can someone tell me , when you apply for the aos, are the fees for the aed and travel card included in the $1140 ? According to the info here it is....can someone verify whos done it...I just want to plan ahead. Thanks

So happy to hear that everything worked out for you!  It's going to be an adjustment for everyone, not just for him but also for you having him here all the time.  

 

For us, things are going well.  Yesterday we finally finished everything for the AOS process.  So, to answer your question, yes, the $1140 covers the cost of the EAD and Travel card if you submit at the same time.  I think you can also submit those applications afterward at no cost as long as you show that you are in the process of the I-485 AOS when you submit those applications but we just sent it all in the same packet.  Also, don't forget to include the $85 for the Biometrics fee.

 

We had a bit of a scare where it looked like my partner was going to need to leave the states before completing AOS due to some family issues back in Europe.  I was more than a little freaked out about thinking about going through the Spouse Visa process and having that take 12-14 months.  Luckily we were able to get some things resolved from here, at least enough so we can wait for him to get his green card, and then he'll leave for a few months to wrap things up and then come back to the states.  It will be hard to not have him here for a few months but better only a few months than a year+ going through the Spousal Visa process.

 

Also, a bit of advice for anyone who finds this thread, if your partner is missing any vaccinations, have them done either before the K1 medical exam or at the medical exam itself.  We had thought it would be simple enough for my partner to get his vaccinations and an updated I-693 completed once here but it turned into a whole ordeal.  Unfortunately the documentation for an updated vaccination report can only be completed by a Civil Surgeon and it seems like the Civil Surgeons aren't properly informed or are trying to make a buck/commit fraud.  When I called the Civil Surgeon in my city to say we needed the updated vaccination report, they told me that my partner needed a full physical at a cost of $500.  I tried to explain to them how it works for a K1, even pointing out the pages on the form and instructions that talked about K1 applicants, and they flat out refused without a full physical and $500.  I then called the next closest Civil Surgeon, about 40 minutes away, and they tried to pull the same thing.  The next Civil Surgeon I called, who was listed on USCIS's website, stated that they don't do the I-693 anymore.  Finally, the fourth one I called, whose office is about 2 hours away, stated they could do it, understood the process, and it would only be $95.

 

So, yesterday, we made the trek, got to the doctor's office, and then the doctor started to freak out.  He was asking where our letter from USICS was stating he needed updated vaccination records, where the full copy of the previously completed medical was, etc. etc.  I tried to calmly explain the process to him and he finally said "Okay, I'll do this the way that you want but I am going to write a letter that explains your request so they don't think I'm stupid for leaving all these pages blank.  Also, if this gets returned, know that it's your fault".  So, he reviewed the vaccination reports, the ones my partner previously had and the new ones that he got here, and then he insisted that he needed another vaccination.  He then sent us to another office about 10 minutes away to get that done, had to wait on them since we just showed up, and then had to go back to finish up the paperwork.  So, an appointment that should have been about 15 minutes turned into an hour and a half after which we had another 2 hour drive back home.  Luckily we made it back in time for a quick final double check of everything and a run to FedEx.  Our AOS package should be delivered to Chicago today and now we begin the next round of waiting.  I'm not sure about everyone else but my AOS package was only slightly smaller than our K1 package but I think that's because I provided extra items to avoid missing anything/RFEs.  Just not looking forward to that $1225 check clearing and the next waiting game :-) 

 

 

[janet3 1,170]

On 2/6/2018 at 11:34 AM, Lovemycroatianman said:

Thank u so much! I felt this day would never come.....I feel I've aged 10 years during this process...sleepless nights, arguments and stress over timing and paperwork....but I know once I am in his arms....all will dissipate. Only a few more days now. I can't wait....

In just a few days he will be here! I am so very happy for you! 

[eastcoastgroove 329]

On 2018-02-06 at 11:02 AM, Lovemycroatianman said:

Well guys it was rocky....but my baby is gonna be here Monday evening at 6:45pm he lands in LAX....His interview was pretty long...she asked a lot of questions about my kids and family but of course he knew what to say and she approved him on the spot. I can't wait....so happy this is finally over and I can breathe now.

Congrats!! Happy he is finally getting here!!

[eastcoastgroove 329]

On 2018-02-07 at 12:25 PM, RaptureSongbird said:

So happy to hear that everything worked out for you!  It's going to be an adjustment for everyone, not just for him but also for you having him here all the time.  

 

For us, things are going well.  Yesterday we finally finished everything for the AOS process.  So, to answer your question, yes, the $1140 covers the cost of the EAD and Travel card if you submit at the same time.  I think you can also submit those applications afterward at no cost as long as you show that you are in the process of the I-485 AOS when you submit those applications but we just sent it all in the same packet.  Also, don't forget to include the $85 for the Biometrics fee.

 

We had a bit of a scare where it looked like my partner was going to need to leave the states before completing AOS due to some family issues back in Europe.  I was more than a little freaked out about thinking about going through the Spouse Visa process and having that take 12-14 months.  Luckily we were able to get some things resolved from here, at least enough so we can wait for him to get his green card, and then he'll leave for a few months to wrap things up and then come back to the states.  It will be hard to not have him here for a few months but better only a few months than a year+ going through the Spousal Visa process.

 

Also, a bit of advice for anyone who finds this thread, if your partner is missing any vaccinations, have them done either before the K1 medical exam or at the medical exam itself.  We had thought it would be simple enough for my partner to get his vaccinations and an updated I-693 completed once here but it turned into a whole ordeal.  Unfortunately the documentation for an updated vaccination report can only be completed by a Civil Surgeon and it seems like the Civil Surgeons aren't properly informed or are trying to make a buck/commit fraud.  When I called the Civil Surgeon in my city to say we needed the updated vaccination report, they told me that my partner needed a full physical at a cost of $500.  I tried to explain to them how it works for a K1, even pointing out the pages on the form and instructions that talked about K1 applicants, and they flat out refused without a full physical and $500.  I then called the next closest Civil Surgeon, about 40 minutes away, and they tried to pull the same thing.  The next Civil Surgeon I called, who was listed on USCIS's website, stated that they don't do the I-693 anymore.  Finally, the fourth one I called, whose office is about 2 hours away, stated they could do it, understood the process, and it would only be $95.

 

So, yesterday, we made the trek, got to the doctor's office, and then the doctor started to freak out.  He was asking where our letter from USICS was stating he needed updated vaccination records, where the full copy of the previously completed medical was, etc. etc.  I tried to calmly explain the process to him and he finally said "Okay, I'll do this the way that you want but I am going to write a letter that explains your request so they don't think I'm stupid for leaving all these pages blank.  Also, if this gets returned, know that it's your fault".  So, he reviewed the vaccination reports, the ones my partner previously had and the new ones that he got here, and then he insisted that he needed another vaccination.  He then sent us to another office about 10 minutes away to get that done, had to wait on them since we just showed up, and then had to go back to finish up the paperwork.  So, an appointment that should have been about 15 minutes turned into an hour and a half after which we had another 2 hour drive back home.  Luckily we made it back in time for a quick final double check of everything and a run to FedEx.  Our AOS package should be delivered to Chicago today and now we begin the next round of waiting.  I'm not sure about everyone else but my AOS package was only slightly smaller than our K1 package but I think that's because I provided extra items to avoid missing anything/RFEs.  Just not looking forward to that $1225 check clearing and the next waiting game :-) 

 

 

That sounds like quite the ordeal!! I sent my AOS in September but because I am going through a busy office (Dallas), I don't think I'll be getting my green card interview anytime soon and I'm kind of expecting I will have to get another physical done.

[Lovemycroatianman 278]

Its so soon now...basically tomorrow at 10pm ...7am Monday his time, his plane departs...I can't believe it's finally here and soon he will be too! Just so much emotions....

[O.C 160]

On 2/10/2018 at 1:53 PM, Lovemycroatianman said:

Its so soon now...basically tomorrow at 10pm ...7am Monday his time, his plane departs...I can't believe it's finally here and soon he will be too! Just so much emotions....

Happy to hear everything has worked out for you finally! 

[Lovemycroatianman 278]

Sorry I didnt post guys...its been a whirlwind of emotions for both of us and a lot of adjusting....hes here and we are getting used to this IDEA that is now real...we will see what happens...the 90 days is up May 12...so we have to make a decision by end of April....were trying to just enjoy each other and go with the flow.

[janet3 1,170]

1 hour ago, Lovemycroatianman said:

Sorry I didnt post guys...its been a whirlwind of emotions for both of us and a lot of adjusting....hes here and we are getting used to this IDEA that is now real...we will see what happens...the 90 days is up May 12...so we have to make a decision by end of April....were trying to just enjoy each other and go with the flow.

I am happy he arrived safely! Wishing the best for you guys!

[swalker 137]

Here I am again, reviving our old thread! 

How are the Feb 2017 filers doing? I was thinking about you all yesterday when I was exclaiming to my wife that this is the first spring/summer she’ll see in the USA (when she visited, it was always winter -her summer in Argentina). Hiking! Swimming! Wild flowers! She’s a city girl who longed for nature, so I’m excited she’ll get to have this. 

We’re still waiting for the EAD and AP, had biometrics around a week ago for her greencard, etc. I keep reading the more recent I129 threads and think we all were so lucky to be able to file before the process got really slow. 

Anyways, just checking in. Have a beautiful weekend and let us know how things are going, if you can!

[janet3 1,170]

On 4/28/2018 at 8:42 AM, swalker said:

Here I am again, reviving our old thread! 

How are the Feb 2017 filers doing? I was thinking about you all yesterday when I was exclaiming to my wife that this is the first spring/summer she’ll see in the USA (when she visited, it was always winter -her summer in Argentina). Hiking! Swimming! Wild flowers! She’s a city girl who longed for nature, so I’m excited she’ll get to have this. 

We’re still waiting for the EAD and AP, had biometrics around a week ago for her greencard, etc. I keep reading the more recent I129 threads and think we all were so lucky to be able to file before the process got really slow. 

Anyways, just checking in. Have a beautiful weekend and let us know how things are going, if you can!

Still here...alive and kickin.....filed for AOS in January (he's getting a little bored.....Apparently, I drive like a maniac and he misses driving so much he wants to use the mower to mow the yard (he calls the mower "my porche")

And everyone else? How y'all doin?