APRIL 2020 AOS FILERS

[Blakely 9]

Hi everyone! We had our interview at the Houston field office today and it was very helpful to hear other's experiences while I was preparing so I thought I might return the favor:

Our interview was scheduled for 8:30 am and they don't allow you to enter the building until 15 minutes before the interview, so we arrived around 8:00 am and went inside the building at 8:15. Once we were let inside the building, we went through security before standing in line at the check-in desk. They checked our interview appointment letter and wrote a number on the letter. Then, they directed us to sit in the chairs in front of the biometrics window and wait to be called up. They said that they would call our number over the loudspeaker when it was time to go back to the interview rooms. 

When we were called to the biometrics window, they took a photo of my husband and then fingerprints of his left and right index finger. Then, they directed us to sit and wait in the lobby until our number was called over the loudspeaker. We only had to wait about 5 minutes before they called us to the door and our interviewing officer met us and brought us back to a private office. Before sitting down, he instructed us to raise our right hands and take the oath affirming that we would tell the truth. 

Once we sat down, he asked both my husband and I for our IDs (driver's licenses) and the interview appointment letter. He then proceeded to ask us questions about how we met and when we got married. He asked if we had any evidence of a bonafide marriage and I handed him copies of our joint bank account statements, credit card statements, car insurance, medical benefits, and photos from our wedding and other trips. We had a lot more documents like joint tax returns, lease agreement, renter's insurance, etc. but he said he didn't need to see them. 

Then he asked my husband some of the yes/no questions from the I485 form (e.g. ever received military training, ever been affiliated with communist party, ever received public assistance from US government, etc.) After this, he asked if we had any questions and then started putting the documents in our file and typing on the computer all while just chatting with us more informally. Then, he said congratulations because our case was approved and we would receive the green card in a few weeks! He also explained that it would be a conditional green card since we haven't hit our two year wedding anniversary yet so it would expire in two years and we could apply for the new green card within 90 days of this green card expiring. He gave us a letter saying that the case had been approved then walked us out of the office. That was it! When I arrived home, I saw our case status had been updated to 'new card is being produced'. 

We were only there for about an hour and it wasn't too difficult! Happy to answer any questions  
 

[Duke & Marie 1,389]

Had the interview in March 2021… still no decision on our case… so frustrating 

[H18 25]

On 8/14/2021 at 10:05 AM, Ally&Axel said:

Hi,

so sorry to hear that.. did you mean that you filled i-130 for him? Or just i-131 to go and visit him abroad?

from what status are you adjusting your status that it’s taking so long?

honestly if something like this were to happen I would know what to do and I would probably turn to an immigration attorney. Maybe some people have been in that situation and fixed it themselves and I hope they can help you.

hello

I filled I-130 for him to come here to live with me in the US as he is my husband. I spoke to an attorney and they told me appeals take way longer than a year. but I feel like I have so much evidence to prove them wrong and that I am married to my husband. I feel like I have a chance. and I know USCIS does an initial review before sending it to the appeal offices and within that initial review they may make a favorable decision and approve the case within 60 days. I am just so conflicted on what to do now. I contacted a senator and a congresswomen all are willing to helpp me with appeal and I have all the evidence necessary. but the attorney is telling me it is not worth the wait , making a new petition would be much faster and has a higher chance of getting approved. please help!!!! I am so conflicted 

[Munachimso 38]

We had our interview today, New York. Immediately we got in, the consular told us our case is already approved. He said since we came via K1, he has already seen everything. I did not even sleep last night, i printed all documents, 2020 taxes and w2, did new medicals,  pictures etc. Its better prepared than sorry. I am happy i had my medicals redone because due to covid, i suspect there might be delay with the one i submitted at the airport during entry. So it was good i got a civil surgeon and got a new medicals done was issued a sealed envelope. so i gave it to the consular. I also gave him our pictures, 2020 tax and new job offer letter for my spouse. The questions asked were: 

 

• When did you get married
• Confirm your full name
• Confirm your date of birth
• Have you been involved with drug trafficking, felony, etc

 

Then he ran two background checks and told me congratulations, you can file for citizenship in 2years 9 months from today, just keep filing your taxes

And we left. Dude was super friendly, telling us how he worked in USCIS for over 20years and how he knows real from fake.

I am so happy, looking at the case i saw 'a new card is being produced'

I wish everyone luck on this journey

I was waiting for a new EAD because old one expired recently and i reapplied in March then got interview scheduled in july 20 for August 31, so now there will not be any need for it

Thanking GOD

Interview took 5 minutes

It can seemed like forever waiting for a case change but don't worry, your case will be resolved soon

I am so excited

Thanks everyone

Edited September 1, 2021 by Munachimso

[Viking 142]

hi everyone

 

Still awaiting to hear back from USCIS since Biometrics in August 2020 .....

case is at NBC awaiting to be screened for interview -

 

This is Despite expedite request and governors office involvement. 

 

the last expedite request was acknowledged received 97 days ago- but STILL no response after more than 90 Days... What does one have to do in order to accelerate this process.

 

Tried to call USCIS - but goot annoyed that the automated phone system even advise it will disconnect if you ask to speak with an agent - Can this really be true ?

I got through by requesting an expedite - without filing another one... wait time was ok merely 65 minutes... 

 

i am merely venting as well as pondering how many are left in the same or similar situation after filing for AOS in April 2020....almost 17 month in the makin.... how are you guys coping with the wait... 

 

It does please me to read positive reports on interviews going through and people getting through the process - at least there is light at the end of the long long tunnel...

 

 

[ShayrineC 43]

13 hours ago, Viking said:

hi everyone

 

Still awaiting to hear back from USCIS since Biometrics in August 2020 .....

case is at NBC awaiting to be screened for interview -

 

This is Despite expedite request and governors office involvement. 

 

the last expedite request was acknowledged received 97 days ago- but STILL no response after more than 90 Days... What does one have to do in order to accelerate this process.

 

Tried to call USCIS - but goot annoyed that the automated phone system even advise it will disconnect if you ask to speak with an agent - Can this really be true ?

I got through by requesting an expedite - without filing another one... wait time was ok merely 65 minutes... 

 

i am merely venting as well as pondering how many are left in the same or similar situation after filing for AOS in April 2020....almost 17 month in the makin.... how are you guys coping with the wait... 

 

It does please me to read positive reports on interviews going through and people getting through the process - at least there is light at the end of the long long tunnel...

 

 

Hey @Viking!

 

Also in the same situation here. Submitted AOS packet last day of April, NOA1 May 5th, Biometrics August 2020. No news despite 2 service requests via USCIS live chat.

 

It's been so long and I have even filed for EAD renewal in April! Same thing, no news after NOA1 on that. 

 

Mainly been keeping busy with work to distract myself - guess it worked cause I just got promoted in July. Being open with my husband about struggles helps too.

 

But there are some days when I'm simply internally screaming. Greatest fear is that this gets stuck in this stage forever and losing the job I love and the life I had built for myself in the last 20 months...

 

Trying to keep positive - but there are good days and bad days. Keeping busy definitely helps.

 

Hang in there!

[Viking 142]

15 hours ago, ShayrineC said:

Hey @Viking!

 

Also in the same situation here. Submitted AOS packet last day of April, NOA1 May 5th, Biometrics August 2020. No news despite 2 service requests via USCIS live chat.

 

It's been so long and I have even filed for EAD renewal in April! Same thing, no news after NOA1 on that. 

 

Mainly been keeping busy with work to distract myself - guess it worked cause I just got promoted in July. Being open with my husband about struggles helps too.

 

But there are some days when I'm simply internally screaming. Greatest fear is that this gets stuck in this stage forever and losing the job I love and the life I had built for myself in the last 20 months...

 

Trying to keep positive - but there are good days and bad days. Keeping busy definitely helps.

 

Hang in there!

Thanks for the encouragement  ShayrineC - much welcomed - congratulations on the promotion - - hopefully all the paperwork process will progress in a timely fashion allowing you and us all to continue the life we are building.

 

No news for me either regarding the work permit  renewal.

 

I try and stay calm about the process - However- I am ####### at sitting Idle not acting or doing anything- but there are NO action or activities whatsoever that I can think of that can speed up this process  - almost 18 Month so far  on the AOS timeline - my wife is supportive and strong in this regard she calls for patience and keeping faith…

 

If only….. 

 

hopefully that interview date is looming in the horizon..fingers crossed for all.

[PatSquared 57]

On 9/3/2021 at 8:04 AM, Viking said:

Thanks for the encouragement  ShayrineC - much welcomed - congratulations on the promotion - - hopefully all the paperwork process will progress in a timely fashion allowing you and us all to continue the life we are building.

 

No news for me either regarding the work permit  renewal.

 

I try and stay calm about the process - However- I am ####### at sitting Idle not acting or doing anything- but there are NO action or activities whatsoever that I can think of that can speed up this process  - almost 18 Month so far  on the AOS timeline - my wife is supportive and strong in this regard she calls for patience and keeping faith…

 

If only….. 

 

hopefully that interview date is looming in the horizon..fingers crossed for all.

Hi @Viking - we are also in the same boat as you. Our timeline is actually exactly the same as @ShayrineC’s - submitted AOS application on April 30, NOA1 May 6, Biometrics August 20, and then no update on our case since “fingerprints have been applied.” Our field office is Dallas, TX.

 

My husband went ahead and applied for his EAD/AP renewal back in May, but it’s been radio silent on that front as well - and his card expires two weeks from now! We’re just grateful that his employer is willing to take the NOA1 extension letter as proof that he can continue working, but we are a bit nervous about renewing his license at the DMV and are praying that the personnel he encounters don’t give him a hard time.

 

I agree - it’s certainly disheartening seeing other people with similar timelines progress in this process and already have their green cards on-hand. It makes me wonder if our application is just gathering dust somewhere! We tried contacting both our senator and congressman to see if that might help jumpstart the process, but their inquiries just resulted in generic “this application is still in process” responses from USCIS.

 

We are trying our best to stay positive. My husband has been very level-headed about the whole process and we can rest knowing that we’ve done our due diligence - everything else is out of our control now. Like Shayrine said - it helps to stay busy. 
 

We’re grateful for my husband’s job. We’ve also been involved with our local church. We’re basically continuing on and living our lives! I do hope that all of us see an end to this soon, but rest assured, you are not alone in your frustrations.

[Rambava 73]

On 9/7/2021 at 10:12 AM, PatSquared said:

Hi @Viking - we are also in the same boat as you. Our timeline is actually exactly the same as @ShayrineC’s - submitted AOS application on April 30, NOA1 May 6, Biometrics August 20, and then no update on our case since “fingerprints have been applied.” Our field office is Dallas, TX.

 

My husband went ahead and applied for his EAD/AP renewal back in May, but it’s been radio silent on that front as well - and his card expires two weeks from now! We’re just grateful that his employer is willing to take the NOA1 extension letter as proof that he can continue working, but we are a bit nervous about renewing his license at the DMV and are praying that the personnel he encounters don’t give him a hard time.

 

I agree - it’s certainly disheartening seeing other people with similar timelines progress in this process and already have their green cards on-hand. It makes me wonder if our application is just gathering dust somewhere! We tried contacting both our senator and congressman to see if that might help jumpstart the process, but their inquiries just resulted in generic “this application is still in process” responses from USCIS.

 

We are trying our best to stay positive. My husband has been very level-headed about the whole process and we can rest knowing that we’ve done our due diligence - everything else is out of our control now. Like Shayrine said - it helps to stay busy. 
 

We’re grateful for my husband’s job. We’ve also been involved with our local church. We’re basically continuing on and living our lives! I do hope that all of us see an end to this soon, but rest assured, you are not alone in your frustrations.

Its comforting to see that I am not the only one stuck in the same situation. I have tried many of the above and the latest I have gotten is that the reason it hasn't updated to 'Ready to be scheduled' because my file is stuck for background check. So I am very sure at this point if you have an update saying fingerprints were taken/applied to the case. I worry that's just an excuse at the front end to avoid the clarity of what's going on . I really believe its the just the timing that I applied. Right when COVID was picking up and things shutting down. My local friends applied in freaking Sep/Oct of 2020 and already have gotten theirs. I am in the same situation of DL expiring this month.

[PatSquared 57]

On 9/10/2021 at 8:36 AM, Rambava said:

Its comforting to see that I am not the only one stuck in the same situation. I have tried many of the above and the latest I have gotten is that the reason it hasn't updated to 'Ready to be scheduled' because my file is stuck for background check. So I am very sure at this point if you have an update saying fingerprints were taken/applied to the case. I worry that's just an excuse at the front end to avoid the clarity of what's going on . I really believe its the just the timing that I applied. Right when COVID was picking up and things shutting down. My local friends applied in freaking Sep/Oct of 2020 and already have gotten theirs. I am in the same situation of DL expiring this month.

That’s a good point - we sent our application when most things were still shut down, so that could have been a factor. Regardless, I do hope we get some clarity soon about exactly where we are with all of our cases.

 

My husband has his appointment to renew his license at the DMV tomorrow afternoon and still doesn’t have his new combo card in hand. He’ll just be coming in with the current one, his NOA1 extension letter, his I-485 NOA1, and every document I could find on the USCIS website that explains why he still has lawful presence. Here’s hoping he encounters a competent employee who doesn’t give him a hard time.

[Rambava 73]

1 hour ago, PatSquared said:

That’s a good point - we sent our application when most things were still shut down, so that could have been a factor. Regardless, I do hope we get some clarity soon about exactly where we are with all of our cases.

 

My husband has his appointment to renew his license at the DMV tomorrow afternoon and still doesn’t have his new combo card in hand. He’ll just be coming in with the current one, his NOA1 extension letter, his I-485 NOA1, and every document I could find on the USCIS website that explains why he still has lawful presence. Here’s hoping he encounters a competent employee who doesn’t give him a hard time.

I am heading to DMV today and trying to get the License renewed on my work VISA and letter from my employer explaining USCIS regulations of automatic extension of visa while the decision is pending for renewal. I have also applied for EAD/AP but I am treating that more as a backup at this point. I will let you know how it goes.

[PatSquared 57]

29 minutes ago, Rambava said:

I am heading to DMV today and trying to get the License renewed on my work VISA and letter from my employer explaining USCIS regulations of automatic extension of visa while the decision is pending for renewal. I have also applied for EAD/AP but I am treating that more as a backup at this point. I will let you know how it goes.

Best of luck to you! Hope the appointment goes smoothly. 🙏🏻

[Viking 142]

19 hours ago, Rambava said:

I am heading to DMV today and trying to get the License renewed on my work VISA and letter from my employer explaining USCIS regulations of automatic extension of visa while the decision is pending for renewal. I have also applied for EAD/AP but I am treating that more as a backup at this point. I will let you know how it goes.

Good luck also from here - we are in the same boat - how did you get on at the DMV.

 

[Viking 142]

On 9/7/2021 at 7:12 AM, PatSquared said:

Hi @Viking - we are also in the same boat as you. Our timeline is actually exactly the same as @ShayrineC’s - submitted AOS application on April 30, NOA1 May 6, Biometrics August 20, and then no update on our case since “fingerprints have been applied.” Our field office is Dallas, TX.

 

My husband went ahead and applied for his EAD/AP renewal back in May, but it’s been radio silent on that front as well - and his card expires two weeks from now! We’re just grateful that his employer is willing to take the NOA1 extension letter as proof that he can continue working, but we are a bit nervous about renewing his license at the DMV and are praying that the personnel he encounters don’t give him a hard time.

 

I agree - it’s certainly disheartening seeing other people with similar timelines progress in this process and already have their green cards on-hand. It makes me wonder if our application is just gathering dust somewhere! We tried contacting both our senator and congressman to see if that might help jumpstart the process, but their inquiries just resulted in generic “this application is still in process” responses from USCIS.

 

We are trying our best to stay positive. My husband has been very level-headed about the whole process and we can rest knowing that we’ve done our due diligence - everything else is out of our control now. Like Shayrine said - it helps to stay busy. 
 

We’re grateful for my husband’s job. We’ve also been involved with our local church. We’re basically continuing on and living our lives! I do hope that all of us see an end to this soon, but rest assured, you are not alone in your frustrations.

-Dear  patSquared

 

Thank you for the encouragement and your positive input- I too feel we have done ALL in our power with regard to due diligence, follow up and so on - wish I could be more patient- guess life still have a lesson or to for me to teach me - I consider myself level headed too just like your husband-  but the calmness is getting frazzled around the edges- 

 

my dad just out of the hospital last week  following heart surgery - luckily he is recovering well - but it is a stressful time not being able to visit.

 

my expedite request is STILL pending received by USCIS 110 days ago - and Still nothing.

 

my grandma was hospitalized last year 3 times and I still haven’t been able to visit.

 

My Grand dad passed away last year- and I was Unable to attend the Funeral.

 

I know i was the one who  decided to live and work abroad- actually I have done that for the majority of my life - This situation however is new ( or should i say getting really really Old) 

I hope we have a clarification soon.

 

i am Unable to travel abroad since my advance parole renewal is also pending 113 days since receipt by USCIS.

 

it is discouraging that USCIS is not answering any questions - the answer robot hangs up on you if you request personal assistance- 

when i got through last they could do nothing more than advise me that my cases were pending same as for the expedite request- 

 

don’t get me wrong- I am extremely happy about having the opportunity to settle and I am thankful for being able to live together with my wife- 

 

I still have my business-and thankfully my clients Despite being in a sector hard hit by COVID19.(aviation)

 

Tonight Insomnia is the winner- conference call in 4 hours - 

 

hopefully tomorrow will be better.

 

[eabrophy 25]

On 9/10/2021 at 7:36 AM, Rambava said:

Its comforting to see that I am not the only one stuck in the same situation. I have tried many of the above and the latest I have gotten is that the reason it hasn't updated to 'Ready to be scheduled' because my file is stuck for background check. So I am very sure at this point if you have an update saying fingerprints were taken/applied to the case. I worry that's just an excuse at the front end to avoid the clarity of what's going on . I really believe its the just the timing that I applied. Right when COVID was picking up and things shutting down. My local friends applied in freaking Sep/Oct of 2020 and already have gotten theirs. I am in the same situation of DL expiring this month.

We called USCIS again yesterday as we've filed two "case outside of normal processing times" requests since June and neither have been assigned to an officer. They put us in the queue for a Tier 2 call back. We also reached out to our congress person who said they will file an inquiry. Here's hoping we can get some movement, or at least some insight into what's going on!

 

Luckily my husband's drivers license is still valid but his work permit is expiring this week. We sent the receipt letter to his work and they didn't think that "counted." I sent them a link to the website explaining that it's valid for 6 additional months and hopefully we won't have any issues but it's still a pain and I know my husband is very worried about what happens if we get to the end of the extension and there's still been no movement on the case.