CR-1 visa approved DESPITE admittance of previous drug use. But now worried about something else...

[Hank_ 9,174]

6 minutes ago, GHGT said:

Hi all! Just wanted to update on my status.

 

I made it! 😁Flew to SFO and had no problems whatsoever. We arrived, I stood in line with the other US visitors/non-citizens. When I got to the immigration booth, I showed them the yellow packet (was asked a few basic questions then had my biometrics verified) and I was requested to stand-by. With about a dozen other new immigrants we were taken to a processing room. Here I had to submit my passport and wait for 20-30mins (the wait felt longer coz I was exhausted from the 12hr flight), then my name got called and an immigration officer returned my passport, with an I-551 stamp and explained how that worked as a "greencard", in case I wanted to travel while waiting for my real greencard to arrive. He also explained how my CR1 visa works and when I needed to apply for re-adjustment. And that was it! He welcomed me to the US and I was on my merry way. I was so happy! I felt absolute relief! I felt like I was holding my breath from the moment I boarded that plane until the officer told me I was free to get my baggage and leave. So I hope my happy story helps those who are still in the process. Just stay strong, trust the process and you will eventually be with your loved ones. 😉

Glad you are all smiles now        I am impressed that the agent told you - Welcome to the USA.   Most say nothing, just wave you on.

 

 

[GHGT 1]

3 minutes ago, Hank_ said:

Glad you are all smiles now        I am impressed that the agent told you - Welcome to the USA.   Most say nothing, just wave you on.

 

 

Yes, I was actually surprised too. During my last 2 visits to the US (prior my CR1 application), the immigrant officers weren't very nice. They weren't necessarily rude but they were VERY intimidating. But this was in LAX though, so I guess SFO had nicer people LOL! The officers on duty at that time were all pleasant, they were laughing with us and smiling.  

 

Additional info:

I chose "YES" on my DS-160 application when asked about getting an SSN. I got my SSN thru mail after a week of my arrival. I still don't have my greencard though (I've been here 1 month and 2 days). I made an account on https://my.uscis.gov/ and it's been helpful for tracking my application status. I hope I get it soon so I can renew my passport 😅

[John & Rose 7,239]

53 minutes ago, GHGT said:

Hi all! Just wanted to update on my status.

 

I made it! 😁Flew to SFO and had no problems whatsoever. We arrived, I stood in line with the other US visitors/non-citizens. When I got to the immigration booth, I showed them the yellow packet (was asked a few basic questions then had my biometrics verified) and I was requested to stand-by. With about a dozen other new immigrants we were taken to a processing room. Here I had to submit my passport and wait for 20-30mins (the wait felt longer coz I was exhausted from the 12hr flight), then my name got called and an immigration officer returned my passport, with an I-551 stamp and explained how that worked as a "greencard", in case I wanted to travel while waiting for my real greencard to arrive. He also explained how my CR1 visa works and when I needed to apply for re-adjustment. And that was it! He welcomed me to the US and I was on my merry way. I was so happy! I felt absolute relief! I felt like I was holding my breath from the moment I boarded that plane until the officer told me I was free to get my baggage and leave. So I hope my happy story helps those who are still in the process. Just stay strong, trust the process and you will eventually be with your loved ones. 😉

Thank you so much for sharing your story.  I am in the midst of the long wait for NOA2 with our CR-1.  I'm very positive that I (USC petitioner) am much more worried about the rest of the journey than my wife and step children.  They aced their part of the K-1 interview!  I screwed up so I am the one who is scared!  Your story brought a smile and a little respite to my stress.  Thank you and congratulations.

[Hank_ 9,174]

1 hour ago, GHGT said:

Yes, I was actually surprised too. During my last 2 visits to the US (prior my CR1 application), the immigrant officers weren't very nice. They weren't necessarily rude but they were VERY intimidating. But this was in LAX though, so I guess SFO had nicer people LOL! The officers on duty at that time were all pleasant, they were laughing with us and smiling.  

 

Additional info:

I chose "YES" on my DS-1 260 application when asked about getting an SSN. I got my SSN thru mail after a week of my arrival. I still don't have my greencard though (I've been here 1 month and 2 days). I made an account on https://my.uscis.gov/ and it's been helpful for tracking my application status. I hope I get it soon so I can renew my passport 😅

(for those wondering it was the DS-260 as this is an immigrant visa)

 

If you don't receive the green card quickly enough, do remember that you have an I-551 stamp (green card) in your passport which is good for one year, and I would hope that would be adequate to make the Philippine consulate happy

 

Now you can kick back and relax ..