January 2018 AOS Filers

[txkangaroo 91]

3 minutes ago, CaroLeh said:

Not sure of 115 days from filing is that fast haha. It will still not get here on time for 5/31 but at least I know it's coming. 

Compared to others that waited full 5 months and the norm is 120-180 days, I think anything within 120 days is fast lol. You might not agree but there were lots of October filers still have nothing..

[CaroLeh 15]

43 minutes ago, txkangaroo said:

Compared to others that waited full 5 months and the norm is 120-180 days, I think anything within 120 days is fast lol. You might not agree but there were lots of October filers still have nothing..

Oh I 100% agree with you. My comment was in regarding the 75-90 days that "it should take" but we all know that USCIS is well over that. I did raise multiple SRs, contacted congress and the Ombudsman. I don't know if any of that helped at all since I never received an answer to my expedite request. 

[txkangaroo 91]

30 minutes ago, CaroLeh said:

Oh I 100% agree with you. My comment was in regarding the 75-90 days that "it should take" but we all know that USCIS is well over that. I did raise multiple SRs, contacted congress and the Ombudsman. I don't know if any of that helped at all since I never received an answer to my expedite request. 

I see. However 75-90 days is no longer relevant and the new processing time per USCIS website is 2.5 to 5 months. Tier 2 officer explained to me that they will not process any SR for outside processing time unless the PD has exceeds the date they put on the website, which is 5 months from today. So I don't think anyone will respond to my SR put in months ago. 

 

Also, my congressman did respond to my request. But they simply add the screenshot of a current processing time and told me to come back later when it exceeds five months. There's nothing left I could do for now. Just stuck in current job.

[CaroLeh 15]

23 minutes ago, txkangaroo said:

I see. However 75-90 days is no longer relevant and the new processing time per USCIS website is 2.5 to 5 months. Tier 2 officer explained to me that they will not process any SR for outside processing time unless the PD has exceeds the date they put on the website, which is 5 months from today. So I don't think anyone will respond to my SR put in months ago. 

 

Also, my congressman did respond to my request. But they simply add the screenshot of a current processing time and told me to come back later when it exceeds five months. There's nothing left I could do for now. Just stuck in current job.

Do you currently have an EAD? I saw that you're adjusting from H1B to LPR (what does that stand for?). I am honestly clueless how they are going through these cases, it looks extremely random to me. I was at day 87 when I raised a SR online. When I talked to someone from USCIS (day 92 from filing) and requested my expedite request, that guy never mentioned anything regarding normal (or not normal) processing times. 

 

Maybe I just got more lucky. My congressman was very helpful but in the end, I don't know what caused the card to be produced. The staff member I have been in touch with hasn't heard anything and I was the first one to tell her the good news. 

[txkangaroo 91]

34 minutes ago, CaroLeh said:

Do you currently have an EAD? I saw that you're adjusting from H1B to LPR (what does that stand for?). I am honestly clueless how they are going through these cases, it looks extremely random to me. I was at day 87 when I raised a SR online. When I talked to someone from USCIS (day 92 from filing) and requested my expedite request, that guy never mentioned anything regarding normal (or not normal) processing times. 

 

Maybe I just got more lucky. My congressman was very helpful but in the end, I don't know what caused the card to be produced. The staff member I have been in touch with hasn't heard anything and I was the first one to tell her the good news. 

Oh wow! That's great. I live in Texas and as you may imagine the Congressman was against immigration.

 

I am in H1b status and it expires in another two years, so maybe it was not regarded as "urgent processing line" for them. (BTW LPR means Legal Permanent Resident) When I called to ask why my SR never got any response, the officer simply told me I should refer to their website processing time and my PD was still within five months. They weren't very patient and hanged up on me. Today marks the fourth months and hopefully something will come up during the fifth! 

[Chicken7585 36]

47 minutes ago, txkangaroo said:

Oh wow! That's great. I live in Texas and as you may imagine the Congressman was against immigration.

 

I am in H1b status and it expires in another two years, so maybe it was not regarded as "urgent processing line" for them. (BTW LPR means Legal Permanent Resident) When I called to ask why my SR never got any response, the officer simply told me I should refer to their website processing time and my PD was still within five months. They weren't very patient and hanged up on me. Today marks the fourth months and hopefully something will come up during the fifth! 

I have posited this theory that if possible USCIS are trying to not let your I-94 status expire.  I have read that when you are adjusting your status and your underlying status has expired, you are really not in any status at all but in a period of “authorized stay”. Lots of people have posted experiences here that indicate that they received a positive change before I-94 expiry date.

 

This is not in your control so perhaps best not to worry about it. 

[Nouchigang 200]

Hello guys, 

Thank God I received my EAD and letter for interview today.

I got the approval letter for the EAD on Friday.

Interview is scheduled for June 26th in Baltimore.

Now time to find a job and get prepared for the interview.

I pray for good news and EADs for all January filers this week.

[CaroLeh 15]

13 hours ago, Chicken7585 said:

I have posited this theory that if possible USCIS are trying to not let your I-94 status expire.  I have read that when you are adjusting your status and your underlying status has expired, you are really not in any status at all but in a period of “authorized stay”. Lots of people have posted experiences here that indicate that they received a positive change before I-94 expiry date.

 

This is not in your control so perhaps best not to worry about it. 

Ugh I feel your pain then but at least you can still work for the next 2 years. Sucks for all those who are waiting for their EADs for months and months while NOT being able to work at all. 

 

 

11 hours ago, Nouchigang said:

Hello guys, 

Thank God I received my EAD and letter for interview today.

I got the approval letter for the EAD on Friday.

Interview is scheduled for June 26th in Baltimore.

Now time to find a job and get prepared for the interview.

I pray for good news and EADs for all January filers this week.

Yay Congrats!!! 

[AussieGuy12 23]

On 5/28/2018 at 7:46 AM, AussieGuy12 said:

I am also in a precarious position and not sure what to do.

I am in NC -but move to Seattle very soon - Officially move there June 25. 

I know I have to let USCIS know (I think within 30 days?), but WOULD this delay my, already behind i-765/131 combo card? I know the people moving into our residence, so they could forward it on to me.

*If I was to get an interview* I would ask to re-schedule it in Seattle.

What would you do if you were in my position?

So an update now.

Of course, the Interview is being scheduled as of today, but its within 30 days, but we move within 30 days (June 27th). Oh wow the cookie crumbles.

I called USCIS -  they said, "wait until you get the date, and if you change your address it will transfer your application, which may delay your application"

Also they said, if we can not make the interview, it must be a valid reason, or my application may be denied. - or is it easy to reschedule?

Any advice from VJ would be great.

 

EAD - not approved yet

485 Interview Scheduled within 30 days (From May 30)

Moving June 27th

Interview Date TBD.

 

Edited May 30, 2018 by AussieGuy12

[CaroLeh 15]

32 minutes ago, AussieGuy12 said:

So an update now.

Of course, the Interview is being scheduled as of today, but its within 30 days, but we move within 30 days (June 27th). Oh wow the cookie crumbles.

I called USCIS -  they said, "wait until you get the date, and if you change your address it will transfer your application, which may delay your application"

Also they said, if we can not make the interview, it must be a valid reason, or my application may be denied. - or is it easy to reschedule?

Any advice from VJ would be great.

 

EAD - not approved yet

485 Interview Scheduled within 30 days (From May 30)

Moving June 27th

Interview Date TBD.

 

Congrats and Oh no! That timing is terrible! I am feeling for you. Is there anyway you could just show up? I think your best bet might be to call your local field office / or just show up to it and talk to the person at the front desk to get it rescheduled (before your moving day). 

[AussieGuy12 23]

14 minutes ago, CaroLeh said:

Congrats and Oh no! That timing is terrible! I am feeling for you. Is there anyway you could just show up? I think your best bet might be to call your local field office / or just show up to it and talk to the person at the front desk to get it rescheduled (before your moving day). 

Do you know how I can access the Charlotte Office number? or would I need to make an info pass appt? only problem is, that Charlotte is 2 hours away, so it is hard to just drop down to the office.

I guess the only positive side is, I wont have to wait for an EAD as most likely I will have my GC by the end of June.

 

[CaroLeh 15]

47 minutes ago, AussieGuy12 said:

Do you know how I can access the Charlotte Office number? or would I need to make an info pass appt? only problem is, that Charlotte is 2 hours away, so it is hard to just drop down to the office.

I guess the only positive side is, I wont have to wait for an EAD as most likely I will have my GC by the end of June.

 

If you can find a number, then do that and call them. If not, make an infopass just in case! I've read that for interviews, field offices are the way to go. Calling USCIS in general won't be of much help. 

[Nouchigang 200]

1 hour ago, AussieGuy12 said:

Do you know how I can access the Charlotte Office number? or would I need to make an info pass appt? only problem is, that Charlotte is 2 hours away, so it is hard to just drop down to the office.

I guess the only positive side is, I wont have to wait for an EAD as most likely I will have my GC by the end of June.

 

Oh snap and Congrats! The only way is to schedule an Infopass at your local field office to talk with somebody and see what they can do, but if I were you I would not reschedule the interview and just show up on that scheduled day. Maybe book a hotel for a few days, or stay at friends and then during the interview change your address or else you would be really delayed.

FYI Infopass are easier to book around midnight-1AM and you can schedule it for 2 weeks later if you dont find anyhtng during the day.

And also it is not always exactly 30 days, in my case I got the email on May 22nd that my interview was scheduled, and the actual date is June 26th. It takes about a week to get the letter.

 

[Chicken7585 36]

Today we had our Adjustment of Status interview at the Atlanta USCIS office and were approved for a conditional GC! From filing of the documents to approval today, it has been approximately 140 days (nearly 5 months). We used a lawyer to file our paperwork, but we did not need her to join us at the interview today as we felt we were confident enough to prove our marriage was bona fide.

 

Our experience was as follows:

 

We got to the Atlanta USCIS office about 90 minutes before the time on the interview notice. I'd rather wait in the waiting room than wait in traffic or risk an accident delaying us. This was too important!

 

On entering the building, you have to pass through airport-style security detectors and belts, jackets and everything in your pockets needs to be put in a bin and X-rayed. I know some posts state that you cannot take cellphones inside, but we were allowed to take them in as long as you don't make phone calls or take pictures. Your USCIS field office may be different. We had an accordion style folder and a separate photo album with our pictures in a bag. We checked in at the reception on the main floor and were told to go up to the 3rd floor where adjudications happen.  We checked in once again on the third floor and you have to show your appointment letter and ID (both of you). You are only allowed to get your "appointment" ticket (think DMV token") 30 minutes before your scheduled time. We got our ticket - but for almost an hour and a half it did not show up on the screen. When we went back to check with the receptionist and she told us that our assigned officer was dealing with a case that was taking well above the normal time. It was frustrating watching so many other people who had come later than us getting called and then leaving.

 

Finally, our officer came out and got us. Before she will even let you follow her, you have to show her the interview letter and IDs. Then she led us through a locked door and to her office. She asked us to remain standing and take the oath. Since we had a lawyer, but didn't bring her along, we also had to sign a waiver. Then she took my biometrics (fingerprints) to make sure I was the same person. Then she took a picture with a webcam that will be on my GC (I guess?). After that, she asked us to hand over ALL identity documents, entry documents and documents showing that we had a bona fide marriage. I was expecting to hand this to her one by one as we went through the interview but she wanted it all right away. The accordion folder made this super easy and I had tabbed each of my documents with little Post-It file tabs and written on the small colored area what the document was. If the copy was already in the application then she just needed to see the original. If it was a new item, she wanted a copy. Luckily, I had all these ready.

 

Handed her :

• Joint account statements
• Beneficiary statements for 401k (both ways)
• Life insurance statements
• US Spouse tax returns for 2017 (most recent tax year) + W-2s
• Employment verification letters for US Spouse (X works here since Y and is paid Z hourly etc)
• Paystubs for US Spouse for last two months (typically 4 paystubs)
• Joint bills with both our names, bills with only one name but same address
• Photocopies of health insurance cards with me as dependent
• Copies of both driver's licenses on one page both showing the same address
• Birth certificates (original and copy)
• Marriage certificate (original and copy)
• I-94 and travel history
• Sealed medical results 

It was a lot of paper! She went through some of these, but mostly set them aside after glancing at them to put in our file. But she looked at EVERYTHING. As you can imagine, there's a lot of silence while she looks at papers we've supplied.

 

Then she started working on the I-130 document which is the initial petition to sponsor a spouse. She went through and checked all information with US spouse. Then she turned to me and checked all the information - parent's names, where they were born etc etc. Since I had a new job since the petition was filed, she made modifications to the file to account for the new employer. To be helpful, I recreated the pages of the petition with the updated information. She seemed to appreciate this. Then she made me sign the revised form since there was an update. After reviewing the entire I-130, she began to ask us how we met, our dates, have we met our in-laws, the ceremony etc. She would intersperse questions from the form with questions about our relationship. She was joking and laughing with us through the process, but I think this was to some extent to throw someone off guard or judge the body language of someone who was lying on the application. Pretty clever!

 

Then she began to ask me almost all of the Yes/No questions on the I-485 - this takes a while. You have to listen very carefully to what she is saying and make sure she has finished speaking before you respond verbally. After she was done with that, she started working on the computer again and began to approve the application. Finally she handed us a letter saying we had been approved (yay!) and explained how the conditional green card works. She also handed us a list of evidence that is needed to be gathered to get ready for the I-751 filing in one year and 9 months (90 days before the two year anniversary). Basically, she recommended just having a folder that you regularly put in everything on this list so that when you are ready to file your I-751 (removal of conditions) you are good to go! Smart idea!

 

Right before we left, I told her my driver's license was about to expire and could she please give me the I-551 stamp in my passport so I could get my license? Based on everything I had read here on VJ, I expected her to say no, but because we had developed a rapport through the meeting and she was apologetic for the delay, she tapped away some more on her computer and triggered some additional approvals and then wrote something cryptic on the approval sheet and asked us to take it downstairs and show it to the clerk. I went downstairs after thanking her and fifteen minutes later had the I-551 stamp in my passport that's valid for a year. 

 

By the time I got downstairs, my USCIS case tracker had already updated to say Card in Production which is what I think she did to get the I-551 stamp in the system. 

 

Happy to answer any questions you might have and wishing you all the best for a speedy and successful conclusion to your cases!

Edited May 31, 2018 by Chicken7585

[AussieGuy12 23]

Did you receive your EAD before this 485 interview?