I'm getting a little anxious with the wait.... K1 AOS

[J/G 85]

Dear All --

 

I am a K1 holder and have filed for AOS along with AP and EAD on 9 August 2017. I've received 3 physical NOAs for each application on 21 August 2017 and then performed my Biometric on 7 September 2017. Since then I haven't heard anything since.... 

 

I know it's only been approx 3 weeks since my biometric and I know I suppose to expect to hear back within 2-3 months since my NOA but, I'm just anxious....

 

My USCIS portal stated the following (since about 2 weeks ago):

- I485 status: "Fingerprints fee received"

- I131 status: "Case was received"

- I765 status: "Case was received"

 

My husband and I did all we can to help me not to think about it all the time, we joined some social club, I joined a local chorus, we joined a gym, I go for a long run, we build stuff, we redecorate, we painted, we drive around. I've made friends, had dinners, I learned how to bake, I (finally after 5 years of not doing it) watched TV again.... well Netflix but still TV, I do groceries, I cook, I clean, I do the laundry, I did everything I can. The cashiers in Trader Joe's greet me by my first name!!! Either I was friendly or they recognize checked my ID too often for buying 2 buck chug ever other days (all joking aside I do not have a drinking problem). But the point is every time I'm home all I can think about is, where's that damn card!!!! URGH!!!

 

I know I'm venting here but you guys are the only people who know EXACTLY how do I / we feel... 

 

At the moment I'm also applying for California teaching credentials, which means I'm filling in, even more, forms and writing more letters... How fun!!! 

 

and then I'm also applying for AB-60 driver's license with my local DMV.... I'm a little nervous about passing the writing test, where I'm from driver's license is bought not awarded... blah... I've driven all over Asia and Australia but still, I can't help feeling a little nervous. I've called several driving schools and seems like getting a clearer picture of what to expect. I hopefully also be allowed to apply for my California ID while doing my AB-60. 

 

I'm looking into volunteering at a local hospital / animal clinic / local library, but not sure if this is a legal / viable option for me I do not want to jeopardize my legal status here and ended up with unnecessary stress. 

 

Is there anything I should do / can do regarding my application???

 

Any advice on what I should also prepare while waiting???

 

Any words of encouragement??? 

 

anything will be appreciated...

 

THANK YOU!!!

J/G
 

 

 

 

[Delirium 114]

Hey there!

 

With the AOS process, the normal wait is about a year give or take. With the AP/EAD, I believe it's 90 days (it took 100 days for us!). There's not much one can do besides wait  We filed in early January and just had our interview last Monday (8 month wait...and that's fast!). 

 

Your case will get processed and you will get everything you need to start your new life in the U.S! In the meantime, enjoy the company of your husband...I certainly miss spending all the time that I had with my husband before he started working  

 

In regards to preparation; the interview notice will ask you for proof of income (if not previously submitted), vaccination records (if not previously submitted), proof of your relationship (leases, photo's, tax returns, utility bills etc.) , your birth certificate, your husband's certificate, marriage certificate, I-94's, your passport and all NOA's issued to you (so make sure to keep them!).

 

The only thing our officer asked to see was our photo's and lease agreement, but you do need to bring everything they ask just in case they ask you for it. 

 

You're cards will be here before you know it!  Good luck!

[Mr Geminian 691]

1 hour ago, J/G said:

Dear All --

 

I am a K1 holder and have filed for AOS along with AP and EAD on 9 August 2017. I've received 3 physical NOAs for each application on 21 August 2017 and then performed my Biometric on 7 September 2017. Since then I haven't heard anything since.... 

 

I know it's only been approx 3 weeks since my biometric and I know I suppose to expect to hear back within 2-3 months since my NOA but, I'm just anxious....

 

My USCIS portal stated the following (since about 2 weeks ago):

- I485 status: "Fingerprints fee received"

- I131 status: "Case was received"

- I765 status: "Case was received"

 

My husband and I did all we can to help me not to think about it all the time, we joined some social club, I joined a local chorus, we joined a gym, I go for a long run, we build stuff, we redecorate, we painted, we drive around. I've made friends, had dinners, I learned how to bake, I (finally after 5 years of not doing it) watched TV again.... well Netflix but still TV, I do groceries, I cook, I clean, I do the laundry, I did everything I can. The cashiers in Trader Joe's greet me by my first name!!! Either I was friendly or they recognize checked my ID too often for buying 2 buck chug ever other days (all joking aside I do not have a drinking problem). But the point is every time I'm home all I can think about is, where's that damn card!!!! URGH!!!

 

I know I'm venting here but you guys are the only people who know EXACTLY how do I / we feel... 

 

At the moment I'm also applying for California teaching credentials, which means I'm filling in, even more, forms and writing more letters... How fun!!! 

 

and then I'm also applying for AB-60 driver's license with my local DMV.... I'm a little nervous about passing the writing test, where I'm from driver's license is bought not awarded... blah... I've driven all over Asia and Australia but still, I can't help feeling a little nervous. I've called several driving schools and seems like getting a clearer picture of what to expect. I hopefully also be allowed to apply for my California ID while doing my AB-60. 

 

I'm looking into volunteering at a local hospital / animal clinic / local library, but not sure if this is a legal / viable option for me I do not want to jeopardize my legal status here and ended up with unnecessary stress. 

 

Is there anything I should do / can do regarding my application???

 

Any advice on what I should also prepare while waiting???

 

Any words of encouragement??? 

 

anything will be appreciated...

 

THANK YOU!!!

J/G
 

 

 

 

Hey...our timeline is very much closer. I sent in my AOS application on August 5th and reached on August 7th and received my e-notifications on August 10th. Biometrics done on September 9th and my status for the 3 forms are same as yours:

- I485 status: "Fingerprints fee received"

- I131 status: "Case was received"

- I765 status: "Case was received"

All we have to do is wait and i know how difficult it is since we both and hundreds of them are going through the same...right now am observing that May 2017 I-765 are processed and people are receiving their EAD/AP cards ! and according to the processing times NBC has started with June applications so I guess we still have no wait for another 2 months. My timeline estimates that I should be receiving my card around 3rd week of November. 

 

I am killing my time reading, watching tv, going out for a walk, cooking and also preparing for a SAP certification. Well...all we got to do is waitttttt  

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Current EAD/AP approvals run about 4- almost 5 months.
You can try to expedite based on financial hardship with a written job offer which may take 3 -4 weeks if approved.

[J/G 85]

3 hours ago, Delirium said:

Hey there!

 

With the AOS process, the normal wait is about a year give or take. With the AP/EAD, I believe it's 90 days (it took 100 days for us!). There's not much one can do besides wait  We filed in early January and just had our interview last Monday (8 month wait...and that's fast!). 

 

Your case will get processed and you will get everything you need to start your new life in the U.S! In the meantime, enjoy the company of your husband...I certainly miss spending all the time that I had with my husband before he started working  

 

In regards to preparation; the interview notice will ask you for proof of income (if not previously submitted), vaccination records (if not previously submitted), proof of your relationship (leases, photo's, tax returns, utility bills etc.) , your birth certificate, your husband's certificate, marriage certificate, I-94's, your passport and all NOA's issued to you (so make sure to keep them!).

 

The only thing our officer asked to see was our photo's and lease agreement, but you do need to bring everything they ask just in case they ask you for it. 

 

You're cards will be here before you know it!  Good luck!

Thank you Delirium. I hope the day is soon to arrive!!! And thank you for the heads-up, I have all the documentation ready and filed. 

Thanks,

J/G.

 

 

1 hour ago, Aviinashh M said:

Hey...our timeline is very much closer. I sent in my AOS application on August 5th and reached on August 7th and received my e-notifications on August 10th. Biometrics done on September 9th and my status for the 3 forms are same as yours:

- I485 status: "Fingerprints fee received"

- I131 status: "Case was received"

- I765 status: "Case was received"

All we have to do is wait and i know how difficult it is since we both and hundreds of them are going through the same...right now am observing that May 2017 I-765 are processed and people are receiving their EAD/AP cards ! and according to the processing times NBC has started with June applications so I guess we still have no wait for another 2 months. My timeline estimates that I should be receiving my card around 3rd week of November. 

 

I am killing my time reading, watching tv, going out for a walk, cooking and also preparing for a SAP

 

certification. Well...all we got to do is waitttttt  

 

 

Thank you Aviinashh M. 

Yeah, all I can do at this stage are studying and reading and entertaining myself

Thanks.

 

 

13 minutes ago, Ebunoluwa said:

Current EAD/AP approvals run about 4- almost 5 months.
You can try to expedite based on financial hardship with a written job offer which may take 3 -4 weeks if approved.

 

IF I were able to get a job offer, how do I go on about expediting this process? Do you have any advice?

[ShanghaiSurfer 135]

Ours is similar:

 

Filed July 31st. Receive date of August 2. Bio was September 1st.

 

However our I-485 changed to "Case is ready to be scheduled for interview" on September 12th.

 

We got excited at first thinking there might be movement in our case for nterview. But when we did research on the VJ forum it said it just means it went from Missouri to our home office in Los Angeles. The wait can still be months. 

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

14 hours ago, J/G said:

Thank you Delirium. I hope the day is soon to arrive!!! And thank you for the heads-up, I have all the documentation ready and filed. 

Thanks,

J/G.

 

 

 

Thank you Aviinashh M. 

Yeah, all I can do at this stage are studying and reading and entertaining myself

Thanks.

 

 

IF I were able to get a job offer, how do I go on about expediting this process? Do you have any advice?

You call in an EAD expedite for a job offer based on financial hardship (if you have any).
They will send you a letter with a fax number to fax in your financial hardship and job offer evidence.
You fax it to that number and wait, it will either be accepted or not.

 

[J/G 85]

14 hours ago, ShanghaiSurfer said:

Ours is similar:

 

Filed July 31st. Receive date of August 2. Bio was September 1st.

 

However our I-485 changed to "Case is ready to be scheduled for interview" on September 12th.

 

We got excited at first thinking there might be movement in our case for nterview. But when we did research on the VJ forum it said it just means it went from

Missouri to our home office in Los Angeles. The wait can still be months. 

2

Hello -- Thank you for the message. One question, when they changed the status of your application in your USCIS Portal, did you get a notice in your email or you have to check it every day? THANK YOU!!

 

 

1 hour ago, Ebunoluwa said:

You call in an EAD expedite for a job offer based on financial hardship (if you have any).
They will send you a letter with a fax number to fax in your financial hardship and job offer evidence.
You fax it to that number and wait, it will either be accepted or not.

 

OK. Thanks for the tips. I'll look more into this, and see whether it's necessary for me to do so. THANK YOU. 

[Gro 8]

The AOS wait was the best thing. I got to spend so much time with my spouse it was amazing, I would do that over and over again. Once the EAD arrived and I started working we didn't have so much time anymore and it sucked. Still sucks. I wish I was back waiting for my EAD/AOS again.

[caliliving 606]

I love 2 buck chuck:) 

 

In california you dont need your EAD to do a driving test, you can go now.  I would suggest doing some lessons and going. also, the DMV website has sample tests and those are the real questions they use on the test. you can also do the test like 5x in one day so its not hard to pass the written lol i would suggest going for that asap!

 

start applying for jobs and see what is out there. work on your resume. u would be surprised, but without a native english tongue, it is very VERY VERY hard to get a job in america, and espeically california. so many people here cant even find jobs. so i would suggest you start applying now. 

[J/G 85]

8 hours ago, Gro said:

The AOS wait was the best thing. I got to spend so much time with my spouse it was amazing, I would do that over and over again. Once the EAD arrived and I started working we didn't have so much time anymore and it sucked. Still sucks. I wish I was back waiting for my EAD/AOS again.

2

Hey Gro. my husband and I were together for 6 years we lived, worked, traveled together prior to getting married, so I'm not worried about spending time together with him. I just dislike uncertainty and having to wait for a long period of time. thanks for the input though. J/G

 

 

7 hours ago, caliliving said:

I love 2 buck chuck:) 

 

In california you dont need your EAD to do a driving test, you can go now.  I would suggest doing some lessons and going. also, the DMV website has sample tests and those are the real questions they use on the test. you can also do the test like 5x in one day so its not hard to pass the written lol i would suggest going for that asap!

 

start applying for jobs and see what is out there. work on your resume. u would be surprised, but without a native english tongue, it is very VERY VERY hard to get a job in america, and espeically california. so many people here cant even find jobs. so i would suggest you start applying now. 

CaliLiving -- Have you tried the Rosé it's actually not bad at all!!!! Re: driving tets, yeah I'm not at all concern about EAD. I'm worried about not passing the test. I've been preparing and doing different test prep online. I hope it'd help me on the test day. 

 

I spoke to two different teachers today that advised me not to bother with credentials UNLESS I'm specifically aiming to work with a unified school district. so beginning tomorrow I'm polishing my cv and will soon be sending applications. THANK YOU for your advice!!! Appreciate it a lot. Best. J/G. 

[ShanghaiSurfer 135]

On 9/29/2017 at 12:23 PM, J/G said:

Hello -- Thank you for the message. One question, when they changed the status of your application in your USCIS Portal, did you get a notice in your email or you have to check it every day? THANK YOU!!

 

 

OK. Thanks for the tips. I'll look more into this, and see whether it's necessary for me to do so. THANK YOU. 

Unfortunately we only found out by checking the USCIS app on a regular basis. We didn't receive any update by email or text like we did when we received NOA1. 

[caliliving 606]

17 hours ago, J/G said:

Hey Gro. my husband and I were together for 6 years we lived, worked, traveled together prior to getting married, so I'm not worried about spending time together with him. I just dislike uncertainty and having to wait for a long period of time. thanks for the input though. J/G

 

 

CaliLiving -- Have you tried the Rosé it's actually not bad at all!!!! Re: driving tets, yeah I'm not at all concern about EAD. I'm worried about not passing the test. I've been preparing and doing different test prep online. I hope it'd help me on the test day. 

 

I spoke to two different teachers today that advised me not to bother with credentials UNLESS I'm specifically aiming to work with a unified school district. so beginning tomorrow I'm polishing my cv and will soon be sending applications. THANK YOU for your advice!!! Appreciate it a lot. Best. J/G. 

yeah girl! i will give that rose a shot next time:)

go do the written! you need to do that before the driving test and you have a year after to do the driving! its annoying, but not hard! i didnt even study, i just read the guide while i was waiting in line (they take alot of the questions from the test book)

and yes, start shooting out resumes you can even go for some interviews! just let them know that you will be getting your EAD any moment now!  thats what i would do!  get some nice interview outfits ready!!!

[J/G 85]

On 9/30/2017 at 1:31 PM, ShanghaiSurfer said:

Unfortunately we only found out by checking the USCIS app on a regular basis. We didn't receive any update by email or text like we did when we received NOA1. 

Ah, noted. THANK YOU. J/G

 

 

On 9/30/2017 at 5:39 PM, caliliving said:

yeah girl! i will give that rose a shot next time:)

go do the written! you need to do that before the driving test and you have a year after to do the driving! its annoying, but not hard! i didnt even study, i just read the guide while i was waiting in line (they take alot of the questions from the test book)

and yes, start shooting out resumes you can even go for some interviews! just let them know that you will be getting your EAD any moment now!  thats what i would do!  get some nice interview outfits ready!!!

Although I'm not a 'girl', by any definition. But I'll take that as a compliment!!  I hope you enjoy the rosé. J/G.

[Rose_3001 23]

On 9/28/2017 at 7:50 PM, J/G said:

I am a K1 holder and have filed for AOS along with AP and EAD on 9 August 2017. I've received 3 physical NOAs for each application on 21 August 2017 and then performed my Biometric on 7 September 2017. Since then I haven't heard anything since.... 

 

I know it's only been approx 3 weeks since my biometric and I know I suppose to expect to hear back within 2-3 months since my NOA but, I'm just anxious....

 

My USCIS portal stated the following (since about 2 weeks ago):

- I485 status: "Fingerprints fee received"

- I131 status: "Case was received"

- I765 status: "Case was received"

 

My husband and I did all we can to help me not to think about it all the time, we joined some social club, I joined a local chorus, we joined a gym, I go for a long run, we build stuff, we redecorate, we painted, we drive around. I've made friends, had dinners, I learned how to bake, I (finally after 5 years of not doing it) watched TV again.... well Netflix but still TV, I do groceries, I cook, I clean, I do the laundry, I did everything I can. The cashiers in Trader Joe's greet me by my first name!!! Either I was friendly or they recognize checked my ID too often for buying 2 buck chug ever other days (all joking aside I do not have a drinking problem). But the point is every time I'm home all I can think about is, where's that damn card!!!! URGH!!!

 

Hi J/G,

 

I'm also a K1 holder and my timeline is almost identical to yours - I got the NOAs for AOS/AP/EAD on August 18th and had the biometrics done the middle of September. As of today it has been 80 days waiting since the NOA1. I'm feeling anxious - I know that they seem to be taking at least 90 days at the moment, but I'm preparing to submit a service request and contact my congressman once the 90 day point has been reached. Have you heard anything further yet? Are you managing to keep your spirits up!? I'm keeping busy too but like you said can't help thinking (worrying) about the situation.

 

- Rose