F2A 2018 AOS Filers

[Tenreyro 174]

3 hours ago, QAF2A said:

I thought so too. Hope they are not making a mistake. 

 

@Tenreyro have you seen interview in F2A been scheduled before chart A date is available?

 

I hope this case is as we thought before, if interview goes well, we still need to wait for chart A to be current to actually get the card.

 

I saw once one F2A case interviewed and approved before the PD was current. I guess that's based on the fact that, Visa Bulletin shouldn't have an effect on AOS, since allowing to use Chart B is due to their estimation that there are more visas availables than applicants. At the time I didn't think a lot about it, as I was searching if a F2A spouse could apply for AOS with a pending I-130. But I will definitely look again for the case and will share it with you if I find it.

 

I am really excited for you, I hope everything goes smoothly! 

 

Btw, what is your field office?

 

20 minutes ago, markx said:

Yeah Indeed. Congrats you all!

 

I just receive notification from uscis and change the 485 case status to "Case is Ready to Be Scheduled for An Interview"
 

@QAF2A do you have your I693 prepared for interview? 

 

@Tenreyro Do you think it is good time to make an appointment for I693? 

 

BTW my I-130 is still pending. PD is Jan 9th 2017.. Don't know when they are going to process that case.

 

 

Markx, I think it depends on each case, and the average processing time for your local field office, mine is Long Island, NY, which has kind of a high waiting time, so I will wait a little while before doing my medical, but not every case is the same.

 

2 hours ago, Bfree3 said:

so many victories in our group 

Very true!!!! 

[QAF2A 27]

1 hour ago, Tenreyro said:

I saw once one F2A case interviewed and approved before the PD was current. I guess that's based on the fact that, Visa Bulletin shouldn't have an effect on AOS, since allowing to use Chart B is due to their estimation that there are more visas availables than applicants. At the time I didn't think a lot about it, as I was searching if a F2A spouse could apply for AOS with a pending I-130. But I will definitely look again for the case and will share it with you if I find it.

 

I am really excited for you, I hope everything goes smoothly! 

 

Btw, what is your field office?

 

Markx, I think it depends on each case, and the average processing time for your local field office, mine is Long Island, NY, which has kind of a high waiting time, so I will wait a little while before doing my medical, but not every case is the same.

 

Very true!!!! 

Wow! Thank you for the reply! I hope we can look at that case!

 

I’m here near Chicago, IL, where the online processing time estimates 11-31 months for a family based AOS. And it does not reflect my case at all! I hope I will bring some good news for us all! 

 

And also I agree that there’s probably no rush for the medical for the other friends in our group, since the interview should be scheduled at least 30 days after your knowledge of it, so there’s some time to do it. 

 

[Tenreyro 174]

59 minutes ago, QAF2A said:

Wow! Thank you for the reply! I hope we can look at that case!

 

I’m here near Chicago, IL, where the online processing time estimates 11-31 months for a family based AOS. And it does not reflect my case at all! I hope I will bring some good news for us all! 

 

And also I agree that there’s probably no rush for the medical for the other friends in our group, since the interview should be scheduled at least 30 days after your knowledge of it, so there’s some time to do it. 

 

Sorry, I haven't been able to find the case. I'll let you know if I find it.

 

However, I would suggest for you to read this thread on a similar situation, this person had to file to reopen the case (and I surely hope it's notthe case for you) but to know sometimes mistakes happen, and for you to know your options.

 

Trust me, I am the last person who would like to cast a shadow on this amazing stream of good news we are living, but it is always better to be informed of people that experienced the same.

 

 

Edited May 16, 2018 by Tenreyro

[QAF2A 27]

1 hour ago, Tenreyro said:

Sorry, I haven't been able to find the case. I'll let you know if I find it.

 

However, I would suggest for you to read this thread on a similar situation, this person had to file to reopen the case (and I surely hope it's notthe case for you) but to know sometimes mistakes happen, and for you to know your options.

 

Trust me, I am the last person who would like to cast a shadow on this amazing stream of good news we are living, but it is always better to be informed of people that experienced the same.

 

 

Hi @Tenreyro, thank you for your time and your research. I firmly believe that we should be prepared for all types of situations, including the worst.

 

Seems like the filer is from October 2015, when USCIS first brought out chart B, then came up with retrogression later. I would assume that this might be one of the reasons why their case did not go well.

Being inspired by your research, I also read some cases from VisaJourney, but have yet to find any F2A AOS filers with F2A interview scheduled before their PD becomes current in Chart A.

 

Based on the research, I will:

1. Not be surprised if the interview would be somehow cancelled after it is scheduled; and might still go to the interview even if it's cancelled(Since sometimes it was a mistake being cancelled?).

2. Print the March 2018 Visa Bulletin forms and USCIS policy manuals to bring to the interview to prove that I was eligible to file AOS that March we filed;

3. Be truthful to them, meaning not leaving anything out, assuming that they are not familiar with our case: Get ready to kindly let the IO know that my category is F2A(da....), then the Visa Bulletin chart A is not yet current. Learning from the case that you provided, I realize that even if they were about to approve your case base on their mistake, you need to provide them with all the fact. And after the interview, we might kindly ask for a written statement like "We schedule and conducted this interview being fully aware of the applicant's priority date, and the current visa bulletin movement."(is that wise or too intruding?)

 

Let me know if you find any other cases and we can add tips to these interview preparation tips.

[QAF2A 27]

On 11/19/2013 at 7:49 PM, bhesas01 said:

I-130

2 jan 2013 - file posted Chicago, IL
4 jan 2013 - file delivered chicago, IL
7 jan 2013 - e notification received case sent to VSC
12 jan 2013- NOA-1 receiver form I-797C (PD: 7 Jan 2013)

16 Aug 2013- Case transfered to Nebraska service center

19 Aug 2013- NOA for transfer

23 Aug 2013- NSC started working on case

2 Oct 2013- Alien reg # changed notification

3 Oct 2013- Approved E-notification NOA-2

 

I-485 ( with I-131 & I-765)

14 Aug 2013- Package sent to Chicago, IL

16 Aug 2013- Delivered Chicago, IL

21 Aug 2013- e-notification received for all 3 cases

25 Aug 2013- NOA-1 dated 21 Aug 2013 for I-485 (19 Aug for I-131 & I-765)

26 Aug 2013- Finger print notice Dated 18 Sep 2013

18 Sep 2013- Biometrics complete

24 Sep 2013- Case Status change: Testing and Interview

16 Oct 2013- Notification for interview 19th November 2013 

24 oct 2013- EAD and AP approved and combo card in production

2 Nov 2013- EAD and AP combo card arrived

19 Nov 2013- Interview completed. File held for further review.

20 Nov 2013- Status changed- ordered card production  Finally 11 month long visa journey with happy ending

 

 

I found something from your previous research. This F2A filer filed AOS in 2013 when her I-130 was pending, and her case was later approved(Well, on her interview date chart A was current for her PD).  This does not help with my current situation, but it does prove that our filings of the AOS was right, that you can file AOS while I130 is pending.

Edited May 16, 2018 by QAF2A

[Bfree3 132]

@QAF2A don’t feel that you need to jump the gun, the io will be aware of your situation. I would not volunteer information unless asked. At the end of your interview, if you prepare a list of questions and comments and they allow it, then I would say ask.

[Bfree3 132]

I’m having some second thoughts about not filing for ap. Do you think I can still do that concurrently ? 

[thepanda 87]

8 minutes ago, Bfree3 said:

I’m having some second thoughts about not filing for ap. Do you think I can still do that concurrently ? 

Yes, I have seen one person submitting her I-765 later because her lawyer forgot to file it. You need to add you i-797 of the i-485 in order to have the filing fee waived.

Edited May 16, 2018 by thepanda

[QAF2A 27]

9 minutes ago, Bfree3 said:

I’m having some second thoughts about not filing for ap. Do you think I can still do that concurrently ? 

Thanks for your comments! I agree with waiting till the end to ask if allowed. Now For June even the chart B is used for filing so I think you can still file for AP.

Edited May 16, 2018 by QAF2A

[thepanda 87]

9 hours ago, QAF2A said:

Hi @Tenreyro, thank you for your time and your research. I firmly believe that we should be prepared for all types of situations, including the worst.

 

Seems like the filer is from October 2015, when USCIS first brought out chart B, then came up with retrogression later. I would assume that this might be one of the reasons why their case did not go well.

Being inspired by your research, I also read some cases from VisaJourney, but have yet to find any F2A AOS filers with F2A interview scheduled before their PD becomes current in Chart A.

 

Based on the research, I will:

1. Not be surprised if the interview would be somehow cancelled after it is scheduled; and might still go to the interview even if it's cancelled(Since sometimes it was a mistake being cancelled?).

2. Print the March 2018 Visa Bulletin forms and USCIS policy manuals to bring to the interview to prove that I was eligible to file AOS that March we filed;

3. Be truthful to them, meaning not leaving anything out, assuming that they are not familiar with our case: Get ready to kindly let the IO know that my category is F2A(da....), then the Visa Bulletin chart A is not yet current. Learning from the case that you provided, I realize that even if they were about to approve your case base on their mistake, you need to provide them with all the fact. And after the interview, we might kindly ask for a written statement like "We schedule and conducted this interview being fully aware of the applicant's priority date, and the current visa bulletin movement."(is that wise or too intruding?)

 

Let me know if you find any other cases and we can add tips to these interview preparation tips.

1. I would not go to the interview if it was cancelled. Do you have an example of someone who got cancelled by mistake and showed up anyways and got approved

2. Yeah I would do that too

3. I also wouldn't ask them to give you something in writing. If everyone started asking to give something in writing, I don't think they would be very happy as they already more than enough to do. Even if we pay for something we are not a customer in common sense where we can ask for whatever we want.

If you want to mention the PD issue I would mention it right at the interview and clarify it there. Obviously the IO would never give you a written statement like that if he thought that the PD is not current.

[Tenreyro 174]

10 hours ago, QAF2A said:

Seems like the filer is from October 2015, when USCIS first brought out chart B, then came up with retrogression later. I would assume that this might be one of the reasons why their case did not go well.

Yes, but in some cases I read it was because the interview was at a time that her Final Action Date was not current, so they could not issue a visa under F2A for that person. 

 

In your case check that your interview notice says F2A, and call to report the mistake if it is not, as well as any other information to be correct.

10 hours ago, QAF2A said:

This F2A filer filed AOS in 2013 when her I-130 was pending, and her case was later approved

YES! That's why I selected her case to share it with you, I saw a few other F2A Adjustment Interviews with the same result, but different scenario. Not also Pending I-130, but also early interview. In any case, if the IO is knowledgeable enough, he/she could even recommend you for approval, and you could be pending until the PD becomes current, and then basically approved. That would actually be really awesome for you.

 

I even read of a case that the person was told that was going to be denied because of the PD, with an IO that didn't appear to know that much, but ultimately, in the next few weeks the status updated to approved, I guess it was a supervisor that set them straight.

[Tenreyro 174]

51 minutes ago, Bfree3 said:

I’m having some second thoughts about not filing for ap. Do you think I can still do that concurrently ? 

Absolutely you can! Even if the Chart B had rolled back, because you already have a pending AOS application. You have to attach a copy of your NOA1 for your I-485 since is not with the original package, and it is likely you will receive the paper-based document for AP, instead of a Combo Card, but you sure can! Read the instructions and remember to send everything they ask you (I think is just Passport copy and 2 photos).

 

You are even likely to get it approved really fast, since it is not attached to a EAD, which is the one causing the Combo Card delay.

 

I guess your lawyer could have meant more like: "AP is not that advisable to use because it does not guarantee for you to be admitted back into the U.S. if you travel abroad".

Edited May 16, 2018 by Tenreyro

[Bhumi 14]

Congratulations to all Of you for good news..

 

[thepanda 87]

Hi Guys,

I just found this:

 

On ‎1‎/‎8‎/‎2016 at 10:59 PM, pretzelchoc23 said:

Hello guys! I received an email this morning letting me know that my card is in production which means I was approved! It was a very quick turn around time seeing as I just had the interview yesterday and in NYC! Thanks a lot for all your support, it means so much!

I have a question about my I-130, it was never approved is that because I filed the I-485 together with it? I read somewhere you don't get a notification for the I-130 if you filed concurrently. Can someone please shed some light?

 

On ‎1‎/‎9‎/‎2016 at 5:25 AM, Starkilla09 said:

Congrats, your I-130 will now get approved since your I-485 just did. It normally stays like that when filed concurrently. Petitioner should get an approval notice shortly together with a welcome letter.

Do you guys this only applies for applicants with US Citizen spouses or also for us F2A candidates? I am just curious. I think my i-130 will be approved before I have an interview.

Edited May 16, 2018 by thepanda

[Tenreyro 174]

20 minutes ago, thepanda said:

Hi Guys,

I just found this:

 

 

Do you guys this only applies for applicants with US Citizen spouses or also for us F2A candidates? I am just curious. I think my i-130 will be approved before I have an interview.

I think that applied for USC spouses, for F2A, the most likely case is that your I-130 will be approved before that. I have seen that for some AOS for spouses of USC, they sometime ask them questions from the I-130 if it is not approved yet, meaning they have the forms in front of them and then approve them, I don't think ours would be moved from California to field offices, does not seem very USCIS. But, I guess that when field offices or NBC start requesting for the I-130's, that could potentially push us forward, maybe. I mean, I am still impressed that there are still some Nov cases and they have aproved the I-130, being our PD an advanced date on December. So, don't take that too seriously, it's just an hypothesis.

 

About the quoted case seems like some kind of mistake happened, maybe her I-130 was not updated as fast as the I-485 on the online system, or got left behind in the desk of someone that interacted with the form.