To AP or not to AP

[GabachaYucateca 0]

I've been going back and forth on this one, as I'm sure that many of you have.

If all goes smoothly, and he receives his GC on the typical timeline, we won't even have money for him to travel before receiving the card. But, of course, I'm worried about becoming one of those nightmare cases where people are stuck in AOS for years. I wouldn't want him to go without the ability to travel back home for that long if that's the case.

As far as plans to travel, the earliest we could even think about doing so would be next summer. This, of course, doesn't take into account the possibility that there might be a family emergency that he'd need to go back for.

Any thoughts? Advice?

[Nanusia & Lukaszek 0]

I was thinking the same thing you are, and since its before the USCIS fee increase, we mailed for AP along with AOS to be on the safe side.

I heard that if an emergency arrises, you can do an info-pass appointment to get the AP, just that you have to prove it's a real emergency to the immigration officer there (which we know are usually not that pleasant to deal with!)

[bora bora 1]

I've been going back and forth on this one, as I'm sure that many of you have.

If all goes smoothly, and he receives his GC on the typical timeline, we won't even have money for him to travel before receiving the card. But, of course, I'm worried about becoming one of those nightmare cases where people are stuck in AOS for years. I wouldn't want him to go without the ability to travel back home for that long if that's the case.

As far as plans to travel, the earliest we could even think about doing so would be next summer. This, of course, doesn't take into account the possibility that there might be a family emergency that he'd need to go back for.

Any thoughts? Advice?

I thought about this too - so I asked my husband. He says not to "waste money" because he doesn't need to go back to Brazil this year (although I'd love to go but am not ready to be separated from him again any time soon).

Like you said, with all of these expenses it would be even more expensive to fly abroad now.

So, we decided against it. If the GC takes a veryyyy long time and we don't think it'll arrive before we decide to leave the country - then we can always apply for it later (although the fee is increasing soon).

But that was our decision, or better yet, my husband's to NOT apply for AP. Had it been up to me (and it was $50) I'd go for it for him.

In addition, my husband has recently lost his mother and his grandmother so he doesn't have as much of a reason to return to Brazil now.

Edited July 11, 2007 by Bora Bora

[GabachaYucateca 0]

Makes sense...I'll see what he says. Although I don't think this conversation will happen tonight. He's got ESL class and then after that, Mexico is playing Argentina in the Copa America. So not much chatting tonight!

[bora bora 1]

Makes sense...I'll see what he says. Although I don't think this conversation will happen tonight. He's got ESL class and then after that, Mexico is playing Argentina in the Copa America. So not much chatting tonight!

Ooooh, my Brazilian students told me some GREAT Argentinian jokes :lol: :lol:

Brazil actually beat Uruguay last night - although it was ALL luck. What's going on??

[GabachaYucateca 0]

Homeboy was pretty T-ed off that he couldn't watch that game last night. I sent him off on a boat with a bunch of drunk guys to go fishing.

[Mononoke28 135]

Don't let him miss tonight's game then.

[~Nini~ 2]

Are you going to be filing before the price increase, then? If you don't anticipate needing the AP before you get the GC, then I wouldn't bother. I know some people file for AP in case of an emergency, but there's always the option of InfoPass if anything happens (knock on wood!).

Totally different story if it's after the price increase, since it's included with AOS fees.

[GabachaYucateca 0]

Good point, Nina & Bee. I will break down and weep if I don't get it in by July 30th. But if I can't, I will definitely be including the AP!

BTW, does it have to be IN Chicago that day or postmarked the 30th to qualify for the old fees. I've not seen much about this.

I'm also anticipating a longer wait than normal since I'm sure they haven't prepared for the rush of panicked p[eople filing before the 20th.

[~Nini~ 2]

Postmarked before the 31st. So don't forget to hit the post office before then!

[TracyTN 237]

No, it has to be postmarked BEFORE the 30th to beat the increase. So with post offices not being open on Sunday the 29th, you'll need to have it to a post office on Saturday the 28th.

If its postmarked on the 30th, then you'll have to pay the new fees. Read the memo:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/Fe...ate_07Jun29.pdf

(Incidentally, ours will be sent on either the 27th or 28th. )

Edited July 11, 2007 by TracyTN

[~Nini~ 2]

Oh boo, my bad. Thanks, TracyTN!

[GabachaYucateca 0]

Thanks, Tracy. Very helpful. And it gives me more time because I was going to try to get it out on the 20th just in case it had to BE there by the 30th.

This reminds me of submitting grants...the same question comes up all the time. And almost invariably, if it has to be stamped at 5pm on Friday, I'm driving to the foundation like a madwoman at 4:50.

[featherB 1]

(Incidentally, ours will be sent on either the 27th or 28th. )

YAY!!!

[TracyTN 237]

Yeah, it makes sense to go by the postmark - really the only way they can tell who is compliant.

I know we're cutting it close (getting married on the 27th!) but I plan to have everything done that day - will just need to get the marriage certificate certified (which they told me they can do after the judge signs it), put a copy of it in the packet, then head on over to the post office!

edit: cheers feather!!

Edited July 11, 2007 by TracyTN