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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Taiwan
Timeline
2 minutes ago, BlueTiger92 said:

Hello friends, in a few months I'll be close to 3 years since getting my GC. Is there a post that guides with the whole process to apply for N-400? Things to keep in mind, how to prep etc. Would really be grateful to this group for support

 

(and happy to answer any questions that I can help with)

 

"The US immigration process requires a great deal of knowledge, planning, time, patience, and a significant amount of money.  It is quite a journey!"

- Some old child of the 50's & 60's on his laptop 

 

Senior Master Sergeant, US Air Force- Retired (after 20+ years)- Missile Systems Maintenance & Titan 2 ICBM Launch Crew Duty (200+ Alert tours)

Registered Nurse- Retired- I practiced in the areas of Labor & Delivery, Home Health, Adolescent Psych, & Adult Psych.

IT Professional- Retired- Web Site Design, Hardware Maintenance, Compound Pharmacy Software Trainer, On-site go live support, Database Manager, App Designer.

______________________________________

In summary, it took 13 months for approval of the CR-1.  It took 44 months for approval of the I-751.  It took 4 months for approval of the N-400.   It took 172 days from N-400 application to Oath Ceremony.   It took 6 weeks for Passport, then 7 additional weeks for return of wife's Naturalization Certificate.. 
 

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1 hour ago, BlueTiger92 said:

Thank you!! Do you know if there is a VAWA-specific guide?

 

E.g., can VAWA GC holders apply online?

 

And do they have to include proof of citizenship for the abusive (former) spouse?

Yes VAWA GC holder can file online. No they do not have to include the citizenship of the former spouse. 

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline

In hopes of compelling more approvals and positive progress, as our jokes always do (that is, if correlation = causation), here is our Official Weekly VAWA-Thread Joke:

===========================================

CAN'T COME TO WORK TODAY

 

A guy phoned his boss and said, "Sorry, but I can't come to work today."

The boss asked him, "Why?  Are you sick?"

The guy said, "It's my eyes."

"Why?  What's wrong with your eyes?"

"I just can't see myself coming to work today."

:P 

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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11 minutes ago, aquila said:

Just finished my journey this past Friday. I took my oath as a citizen. I was holding back tears during swearing in and listening to the Star spangled banner being played. As I sat in the car and looked at the certificate of naturalization the totality of hit me and I broke down and cried. 
It’s not been easy an journey but perseverance and patience is key in this process. Our help is always in the Name of the Lord🙏🏽

 

 I applied using the new online portal and it’s so streamlined for VAWA applicants. Easily upload all the necessary documents, get all your notices even before they come in the mail and view everything in real time. 

Cogratulations!

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Hello all, I contacted my senator regarding my i485 which was denied because of I didn’t properly file i601 waiver, and filed I i290b motion to reconsider with a properly filed i601 waiver. And this is the response, what should I do?

        « Thank you for your inquiry, dated October 25, 2024 on behalf of your constituent, ****my name***, regarding their pending form I-485 Permanent Residence/Adjust Status (Family).

 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records indicate that ****my name****case is pending at this time. USCIS is committed to adjudicating immigration benefits in a timely, fair, and efficient manner while also ensuring public safety, national security, and compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies. While the processing steps for most applications or petitions are completed quickly, a small percentage of cases involve unresolved issues that may result in adjudication delays. For example, if our review reveals one or more questions that may impact an individual’s eligibility for a particular immigration benefit, further inquiry may be needed. The inquiry may include an additional interview, contact with another agency for updates or more comprehensive information, or some other action.

 

We are unable to determine at this time when the review process for the Form I-485 Permanent Residence/Adjust Status (Family) will be completed. USCIS will issue a decision on ****my name***** application once certain issues are resolved. We are striving to resolve these issues as soon as possible.  

 

We understand that ****my name******may be frustrated by the progress of their case. However, USCIS must balance individual inconvenience against broader issues of public safety and national security. Please remember case status may be monitored online at https://egov.uscis.gov/.

 

We respectfully request you allow at least 180 days from the date of this email before following up on the status of the case. If follow up is necessary, please send inquiries to us directly via our web portal at: https://www.uscis.gov/congress/congressional-web-portal/congressional-web-portal. Please make sure to select Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA) Office; Kansas City Field Office currently processing the case to avoid a delayed response.

 

We hope this information is helpful. If we may be of further assistance, please let us know.

 

Sincerely,

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9 hours ago, aquila said:

Just finished my journey this past Friday. I took my oath as a citizen. I was holding back tears during swearing in and listening to the Star spangled banner being played. As I sat in the car and looked at the certificate of naturalization the totality of hit me and I broke down and cried. 
It’s not been easy an journey but perseverance and patience is key in this process. Our help is always in the Name of the Lord🙏🏽

 

 I applied using the new online portal and it’s so streamlined for VAWA applicants. Easily upload all the necessary documents, get all your notices even before they come in the mail and view everything in real time. 

That's amazing, congratulations!! 🎉

 

I rem reading your posts from when my vawa was still in process a couple years back. And good to learn more about the online portal. Did you have to upload former spouse's proof of citizenship? How long did the whole process take?

 

I'll be eligible in a few months and might come to you w questions :)

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Filed: Other Timeline
48 minutes ago, BlueTiger92 said:

That's amazing, congratulations!! 🎉

 

I rem reading your posts from when my vawa was still in process a couple years back. And good to learn more about the online portal. Did you have to upload former spouse's proof of citizenship? How long did the whole process take?

 

I'll be eligible in a few months and might come to you w questions :)

No not at all the portal didn’t request all that info. My timeline is:

*April 02: Applied online based on 2 years 9 months time frame. Fingerprints reuse notice was issued immediately on the portal.

*September 08: Interview notice issued with interview scheduled for October 15.

*October 15: Interview at the field office via Microsoft Teams online. Civics and English Test passed-IO mentioned my case was recommended for approval.

*October 21: Notice for  Oath ceremony scheduled for November 15.

*Novmber 15: Oath Ceremony taken - US Citizen// cried about 2 hours then went to apply for passport.

 

Please message me anytime I’ll be available to assist you/anyone in the process to the best of my knowledge. You’ll be done sooner than you can imagine.

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline
3 hours ago, aquila said:

Oath Ceremony taken - US Citizen// cried about 2 hours then went to apply for passport

Yee-HAAAAA!   :dance: 

[Note to T-B.'s self:  Jokes worked again... jokes worked again...]  :P 

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline

It is Wednesday, and -- given how effective our jokes are -- here's our Semiofficial Semiweekly VAWA-Thread Joke:

===========================================

THE OLD SNAKE AND THE DOCTOR

 

A old snake visited his doctor and said, "I need something for my eyes…  I can't see very well these days."

 

The doctor fixed him up with a pair of glasses and told him to return in two weeks.

 

The snake came back in two weeks and told the doctor that he was very depressed.

 

"What's the problem?" asked the doctor.  "Didn't the glasses help you?"

 

"The glasses are fine, Doc," answered the snake dejectedly.  "But I just discovered that, for the past two years, I've been living with a garden hose."

:P 

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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On 11/17/2024 at 8:59 PM, BlueTiger92 said:

thank you! it's in the list of required docs if you're applying on the basis of "marriage"

does uscis provide a custom list for VAWA applicants?

VAWA naturalization fact sheet: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/fact-sheets/DO_FactSheet_NatzForVAWALawfulPermResidents_V3_508.pdf

N-400 instructions, page 13: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/n-400instr.pdf

image.png.606f8703ce908651a4357e803968b07c.png

Policy manual, Volume 12, Part 3, chapter 3, section F:

https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-3

 

So basically you have to submit all the general documents (the ones that they want from everyone), then for the VAWA part:

If you have an IB1 or IB6 green card that's proof in itself.

If it's IR1, IR6, or IF1 then you'd need to include a copy granting you an I-751 on basis of VAWA.

If it's B21, B26, BX1, BX6, then it gets a bit more complicated since in this case you'd likely need to prove that the abusive spouse naturalized (3 years would count from date of their naturalization). I wasn't really able to find much for having USCIS check their record by A number.

If it's Z14 then you'd need to prove that you were married (or believed you were married) (since COR can be obtained on basis of a mutual child being abused by a citizen or LPR, and in case of LPR you'd likely need to prove that they've naturalized).

Edited by Demise

Contradictions without citations only make you look dumb.

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On 11/18/2024 at 7:48 PM, God is a good God said:

Hello all, I contacted my senator regarding my i485 which was denied because of I didn’t properly file i601 waiver, and filed I i290b motion to reconsider with a properly filed i601 waiver. And this is the response, what should I do?

 

        « Thank you for your inquiry, dated October 25, 2024 on behalf of your constituent, ****my name***, regarding their pending form I-485 Permanent Residence/Adjust Status (Family).

 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records indicate that ****my name****case is pending at this time. USCIS is committed to adjudicating immigration benefits in a timely, fair, and efficient manner while also ensuring public safety, national security, and compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies. While the processing steps for most applications or petitions are completed quickly, a small percentage of cases involve unresolved issues that may result in adjudication delays. For example, if our review reveals one or more questions that may impact an individual’s eligibility for a particular immigration benefit, further inquiry may be needed. The inquiry may include an additional interview, contact with another agency for updates or more comprehensive information, or some other action.

 

We are unable to determine at this time when the review process for the Form I-485 Permanent Residence/Adjust Status (Family) will be completed. USCIS will issue a decision on ****my name***** application once certain issues are resolved. We are striving to resolve these issues as soon as possible.  

 

We understand that ****my name******may be frustrated by the progress of their case. However, USCIS must balance individual inconvenience against broader issues of public safety and national security. Please remember case status may be monitored online at https://egov.uscis.gov/.

 

We respectfully request you allow at least 180 days from the date of this email before following up on the status of the case. If follow up is necessary, please send inquiries to us directly via our web portal at: https://www.uscis.gov/congress/congressional-web-portal/congressional-web-portal. Please make sure to select Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA) Office; Kansas City Field Office currently processing the case to avoid a delayed response.

 

We hope this information is helpful. If we may be of further assistance, please let us know.

 

Sincerely,

Ask the senator to inquire on the I-601 instead. But do expect a "it'll be done when it's done" kind of answer.

 

I-290B and I-485 will just sit in the air until the I-601 gets a decision, then you know, if I-601 is denied then I-290B and I-485 are toast. If I-601 is approved that's when they can properly take a second crack at it.

Contradictions without citations only make you look dumb.

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