I-131 success?

[Wismer 5]

Hi. Given that I am now setting my expectations for a min of 6 months (post filing the AOS doc set) to even be considered to work in the USA (to contribute to household expenses), and also to travel outside the USA and be able to return back home in the USA,  has anyone had any success with filing the I-131? It was probably an error to go the K1 route, and then look to petitioning my boys if I was allowed a K1 visa - and then - if I get approved for the I-485 and I-765 (I.e. given that I cannot travel). Thanks.

[geowrian 22,338]

As long as a complete & proper I-485 and I-131 is filed, the I-131 is regularly approved.

Children can utilize follow-to-join (FTJ) to obtain a K-2 visa for up to 1 year from when the original K-1 visa was issued.

[Wismer 5]

Thank you so much. I was having a disheartening day, with the gov shutdown imminent,  and the unknown ability to help my wife with bills, and keeping 'some' degree of interaction with my boys, until the day comes when they too can travel  - and ideally- stay.

[USS_Voyager 1,972]

The government shutdown won't affect USCIS. It's a fee-for-services organization and not funded by the US Government.

 

As mentioned, your boys can obtain the K-2 visa to join you in the US. Maybe that's where you should focus on the next few months.

[lummo 61]

1 hour ago, Wismer said:

keeping 'some' degree of interaction with my boys, until the day comes when they too can travel - and ideally- stay.

If you either have custody of them or written permission from the mother then they are eligible for K-2 visas now: https://www.visatutor.com/k2-visa-follow-join/ You just contact the embassy or NVC for info. FYI, K-2s are not eligible for SSNs (this differs to K-1) until they are either issued EADs or are granted LPR status; so at 2018 tax time (in early 2019) they might not have SSNs yet, but ITINs are an alternative: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number