November 2018 AOS Filers

[NikkiFromCanada 233]

47 minutes ago, Gand2018 said:

Thanks for your response. I didn’t exactly “wait till I got here”. I had no plans of immigrating here when I came on B1/B2 so I couldn’t have planned for my credit score beforehand. The decision came way later. Anyway from what you’ve described it’s doable. I don’t see it as hard at all. I think when you’ve taken on this entire AOS process and conquered it you become fearless and extra patient. 

I didn't mean any insult to you. I meant when people know they're moving here, but either don't think of it in advance, or don't have the means to set things up before they come...it's not easy to build credit in a new country. I guess I shouldn't have said it's "hard" I should have said it takes a long time. 

[JMCKNG 156]

5 hours ago, NikkiFromCanada said:

It is soooo hard if you wait until you're here! The only thing you can really do is get a secured card, and use it for 6 months. Only use it for what you can afford to pay in full. Pay it in full every month, and don't pay any interest. Once they change it to a regular card, apply for one more card and don't use it. Continue to use one card only, and pay in full and in 6 more months, your credit score will be great! 

Also, what I've done with my husband is added him to my Credit Cards as an authorized user, I know it's not much but at least he can get some exposure to cards with a bill that is being paid on time. He's on the cable/internet bill but I know that doesn't do much.

 

I'll probably end up getting him a secured card

[tombs07 78]

I just got my Green Card today. I just wanna thank you all for being my guide and support. May the process be seamless for those people who is still waiting and I am hoping for the best for ya'll. 

[NikkiFromCanada 233]

14 hours ago, JMCKNG said:

Also, what I've done with my husband is added him to my Credit Cards as an authorized user, I know it's not much but at least he can get some exposure to cards with a bill that is being paid on time. He's on the cable/internet bill but I know that doesn't do much.

 

I'll probably end up getting him a secured card

I’ve been on my husband’s cards for 4 years (while I was living in Canada) Unfortunately, it doesn’t do anything to help your husband’s credit. But yes, good for him to learn the system. 

[NikkiFromCanada 233]

32 days since our Green Card interview in Baltimore and not a word since. So frustrating!! 

[NewCitizen23 313]

Hi!

Did any of you filed expedite only for the AP? I haven't file the I-131 form with my package because I thought I won't need it but last night I got a very bad news from home and it seems like I have to get back as soon as I can. I'm filling out the form right now but I don't know should I send the expedite evidences with it or just send it and call Tier2 after I get the NOA for the I-131?

Edited June 8, 2019 by Gigi2017

[Pitaya 2,577]

1 hour ago, Gigi2017 said:

Hi!

Did any of you filed expedite only for the AP? I haven't file the I-131 form with my package because I thought I won't need it but last night I got a very bad news from home and it seems like I have to get back as soon as I can. I'm filling out the form right now but I don't know should I send the expedite evidences with it or just send it and call Tier2 after I get the NOA for the I-131?

Sorry to hear of your receipt of bad news from back home. Let's see what we can do to get you on your way....

 

However, this is why everybody always preaches to concurrently file for I-131 and I-765 with your I-485. Though to be honest, processing times for AP/EAD have become rather protracted. 

https://www.visajourney.com/content/times/

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/708136-psa-nbc-ead-i-765-processing-times-updated-to-65-85-months/

 

It is hard to tell whether concurrent filing would have been of use to you, since a review of your timeline is vacant,  It really helps everyone that uses the forum. Additionally, that data adds relevance to the VJ stats. 

 

Here is the procedure from the VJ K1/K3 AOS Guide about Emergency AP requests:

Quote

As a note, in an emergency where travel outside of the United States is needed (while a beneficiary's I-485 in still being processed) an Advance Parole can be obtained quickly by scheduling an Info-Pass appointment at your local USCIS office. You must show proof (doctors note, etc) that the travel is a true emergency (such as to see a critically ill relative or other true emergency) and file an I-131 (AP) in person. If approved the AP is likely be issued the same day. Do not attempt to leave the country without an AP as this can result in the beneficiary's I-485 being considered "abandoned" and will require a new Visa to enter the US (and refiling of the I-485). 

REF:https://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos/

 

For assistance in filling out the Form I-131, go to the VJ Example Forms: https://www.visajourney.com/examples/INS-Form-I-131.pdf . Bear in mind the bolded instructions near the bottom of  Page 2 of the Form I-131.

 

I would add that you should include email address and fax numbers for quick communications. Additionally, to avoid having to pay the separate I-131 fee of $575 and a biometrics fee of $85. You should likely get the fee(s) waived if you send in a copy of the Form I-797, Notice of Action, Receipt for I-485 (AOS) Fee Payment receipt, and the Biometrics fee also waived (if biometrics have already been given, or if payment is shown on the Form I-797 above). Please keep in mind the underlined (emphasis added) portion of the VJ instructions.

 

HTH.

Edited June 8, 2019 by Pitaya (火龙果)
typo correction

[Aleksandr_021 3]

4 hours ago, NikkiFromCanada said:

32 days since our Green Card interview in Baltimore and not a word since. So frustrating!! 

You’re not alone. I’m on my 23rd day of waiting for a decision to be made.  I honestly don't understand why are they being so slow there in Baltimore while other states approve everyone on the spot right after the interview. Maybe they just love seeing people suffer. Lol. Too many question and no logic explanation for the Baltimore office’s actions. 

[rrobin0609 387]

Matt and I officially cancelled our trip to the UK at the end of the month. We're postponing it to October (no reason he shouldn't be able to travel by then). I looked at what tickets would be a week or so ago and for two people its $1700 so thats excellent compared to what we had in mind.

 

Matt booked me a massage for my birthday (which is Sunday). The masseuse asked me where I worked (to which she replyed "I'm sorry") and asked me what my husband does. Explained to her that he can't because he's an immigrant but we've been waiting since November for him to be able to. And she said "Oh I'm so sorry about that. Too bad you weren't booked for another day. My other receptionist works at the DHS in Lee's Summit where they do all that processing. You could have yelled at her. I know they are all working 10 hour days and there mandatory overtime on Saturdays which is why she isn't here now." 

[NewCitizen23 313]

3 hours ago, Pitaya (火龙果) said:

Sorry to hear of your receipt of bad news from back home. Let's see what we can do to get you on your way....

 

However, this is why everybody always preaches to concurrently file for I-131 and I-765 with your I-485. Though to be honest, processing times for AP/EAD have become rather protracted. 

https://www.visajourney.com/content/times/

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/708136-psa-nbc-ead-i-765-processing-times-updated-to-65-85-months/

 

It is hard to tell whether concurrent filing would have been of use to you, since a review of your timeline is vacant,  It really helps everyone that uses the forum. Additionally, that data adds relevance to the VJ stats. 

 

Here is the procedure from the VJ K1/K3 AOS Guide about Emergency AP requests:

REF:https://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos/

 

For assistance in filling out the Form I-131, go to the VJ Example Forms: https://www.visajourney.com/examples/INS-Form-I-131.pdf . Bear in mind the bolded instructions near the bottom of  Page 2 of the Form I-131.

 

I would add that you should include email address and fax numbers for quick communications. Additionally, to avoid having to pay the separate I-131 fee of $575 and a biometrics fee of $85. You should likely get the fee(s) waived if you send in a copy of the Form I-797, Notice of Action, Receipt for I-485 (AOS) Fee Payment receipt, and the Biometrics fee also waived (if biometrics have already been given, or if payment is shown on the Form I-797 above). Please keep in mind the underlined (emphasis added) portion of the VJ instructions.

 

HTH.

Thanks for the information. I'm adjusting from ESTA and my husband is a citizen. Unfortunately, the Santa Ana office doesn't do inforpass, so I'll have to send the form and all the proofs to them via FedEx.

Edited June 8, 2019 by Gigi2017

[Icamarn 91]

8 hours ago, NikkiFromCanada said:

32 days since our Green Card interview in Baltimore and not a word since. So frustrating!! 

 

3 hours ago, Aleksandr_021 said:

You’re not alone. I’m on my 23rd day of waiting for a decision to be made.  I honestly don't understand why are they being so slow there in Baltimore while other states approve everyone on the spot right after the interview. Maybe they just love seeing people suffer. Lol. Too many question and no logic explanation for the Baltimore office’s actions. 

I called USCIS 7 days after my interview because my status didn’t even change to your case is being reviewed and later that day I got updates and case approved. I don’t know if my call helped but if I were you I would try to give them a call and tell them you don’t have any updates online if it’s something wrong with it... 🤷🏽‍♀️ 

[vaksurik 106]

EAD combo card was received today and we were only just approved on the 4th!  Something actually happened sooner than expected!! WOWOWOW. 

 

Hoping for all Nov approvals to be over and done with soon! 

[calliope8 72]

So depressing to see everyone's timelines. And still so annoyed that they registered our EAD as Nov 23 when it was sent in with everything else that has a Nov 5 date. Our AP status has changed to 'document has been produced' .... whatever that means.  Too late for hubby's grandfather's funeral and not the EAD we really need. 

[NikkiFromCanada 233]

On 6/8/2019 at 11:23 AM, Aleksandr_021 said:

You’re not alone. I’m on my 23rd day of waiting for a decision to be made.  I honestly don't understand why are they being so slow there in Baltimore while other states approve everyone on the spot right after the interview. Maybe they just love seeing people suffer. Lol. Too many question and no logic explanation for the Baltimore office’s actions. 

And the part that is even more baffling...it's not everyone that has to wait so long! I know 3 other people on this forum who had their Green Card interview after me, at the Baltimore office, and they only waited 2-3 weeks for their approval and they have their Green Card already. It makes NO sense!! I'm going to reach out to my Congressman again to see if he can make an inquiry. I just want to be done with this process for awhile. I thought once the interview was scheduled, that would be the beginning of the end...but NOPE! 

[NikkiFromCanada 233]

On 6/8/2019 at 2:52 PM, Icamarn said:

 

I called USCIS 7 days after my interview because my status didn’t even change to your case is being reviewed and later that day I got updates and case approved. I don’t know if my call helped but if I were you I would try to give them a call and tell them you don’t have any updates online if it’s something wrong with it... 🤷🏽‍♀️ 

I've called 3 times since my interview (before I had my EAD approval) and that didn't speed anything up with my Green Card. I would say it's a coincidence that you got your update the same day lol. I will try calling them tomorrow to see what they say though. It certainly cannot hurt!