lisers76

So, I am thinking about applying for citizenship. Just trying to get my head around all of this. From what I have read on here it looks like because I filed on a K1 Visa I have to again prove that we are indeed a couple. Why wouldn't the things I submitted for my Green Card be enough? Does this mean I can't file online because I need to submit all that paperwork again?

Also, I came from Canada and travel about 2-3 times a year to see family. I never wrote down the exact dates. Do we need to write exact dates? What if we don't know?

We could, but we were hoping to hold the mail as we don't know how long we will be gone. But if need be, we will do that. I was just wondering if there was any other solution.

So I am a May 2015 filer. My NOA1 receipt says May 14th. I still have not received my biometrics appoint. We are adopting a baby from Florida (we are in Mn) and the expectant mom is in the hospital with high blood pressure and could deliver sooner than her June 21st due date. My concern is if we have to fly down at a moments notice I could miss the letter to even know I have an appointment. Because of state regulations

I will be required to stay in Florida for at least 2-3 weeks for paperwork for the adoption after the baby is born, So, what do

I do? Is there a way to check online that I have an appointment scheduled so I can reschedule it until I am back. Help!

I got a letter in the mail that I have been approved. No interview, no other warning.

Well...there is NO guarantee when it comes to AP. sorry if I gave you that impression. All of those things are things you can try but you can be rejected at any o all of those stages which is a good possibility. But, the good news is there are things you can do to try. I never thought in a million years they would approve me but they did. However, there have been people who have had immediate family on their deathbed and they have been denied. But if you don't try you will never know.

Thank you so much! It is great to know exactly what to do. I feel way better now knowing there is a way to be there if there is a need.

Hi! Sorry to hear about your best friend. Here is my advice. Try to do a walk in biometrics appointment ASAP. Once you have done that, make an infopass appointment and see if they will give you emergency parole. Come with evidence. Have your friends doctor write a note saying that she is like family to you and what her condition is. It is doubtful that they will grant AP, but you may get a caring Infopass worker who will call the service center and ask them to expedite it. If they don't do that, you can try on your own by calling the 1-800 number and asking for an expedite. I was in a similar situation. My nephew/Godson was making his Confirmation and I was his sponsor. I got a letter from the priest and went to infopass. While they couldn't grant me emergency parole the officer called the service center and asked them to expedite it. I went in on Monday and she called me on Wednesday to say they granted my request and I had my AP on Saturday of that week. I hope it works, but try to get biometrics sooner if you can. Many places will allow you. I went early and just said I was not from there but was in the area and though I would try to get in. They let me do it. It was about 2 weeks before my scheduled appointment. Good luck! I hope you can get home.

Hello. My best friend was diagnosed with a brain tumor today. There is a 5% chance she might need an urgent surgery. I sent out my papers for AOS, EAD and AP on November, 10th. I have a biometric appointment on December, 21st. My question is, is there any chance for me to get an emergency AP in case of her needing to have surgery? I know we are not blood relatives, but she is more than a family member to me. She is the one whom took care of my mom after I moved to U.S. She helped me to recover after a serious sickness and literally was helping me to learn how to walk again. I have no idea if that would mean anything to USCIS officers. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

I got my advance parole in the mail today. It was only the 2 page document of the advance parole, not the combo card. I applied on the 26th at Infopass, it was approved (based on the form) on the 27th and I got a call telling me so on the 28th and I received it today December 1st.

Well our original 131 was also sent Oct 4 so we are also around the 2 month mark.

I do understand what youre saying though, that you were told it was 'approved' and forwarded to the 'expediting team' for processing. Im just letting you know from what I was told that 'team' takes around a month to process rather then 2-3. Thats why I suggested you call up and see where the 'team' is on processing your application.

Its my understanding that the infopass locations send their expedite requests with supervisor approvals to a different 'team', which you say you didnt qualify for, so its doubtful that persistent or not, the infopass lady broke protocol and submitted your application with out her supervisors approval to that team. Which brings me back to paragraph above. Your application was most definitely submitted to the standard expediting team and you should be able to obtain info over the phone about the status if you choose to, or go back in person.

So again I was told the 'standard expediting team' takes around 1 month to process, and if you get approval through infopass supervisors its 7-10 days plus mail time (however I did that and still do not have it)

Well, I filed on October 1st, so I am really already at the two month mark for processing. I doubt it will take another month. The infopass lady spoke directly with the person working on my case at the MSC service center. They specifically told her they had approved it. I have read on here that people who have had a similar thing happen, had their papers in 5 days or so. I think our cases differ because I did not deal with the 1-800 number at all. I was lucky enough to have a caring lady at infopass who went above and beyond for me. I was persistent. She told me on Monday she would call me by the end of the day with news, and when I didn't hear by the middle of the day on Tuesday I was able to make another appointment (since they don't have a number I can call). I spoke with the same lady and she told me she would inquire again, but he has a lot of cases he is reviewing. She called me early Wednesday morning on my cell to let me know that he had called her back and approved my case and was sending it to the expediting team. I really can't see how it could take another month.

Hmm thats very interesting.

I would appreciate it very much if you would keep me updated by posting back any news/information about the status.

I can tell you however I called today regarding our case and how it may effect how you applied-

I called today and spoke to a tier 2 rep because we have not received anything in the mail yet ( we called on monday and opened a service request and were told we would receive something by the end of the week) He pulled up the case and told me the following- They wanted additional documentation and he gave me a number to fax it in.

I questioned him on why I needed additional documentation when I provided everything at the infopass appt and was given a 'tentative approval' by the infopass location and he explained the following: Theres different procedures for getting it expedited through infopass vs getting it expedited over the phone/directly through the service center/via fax/through a service request.

He (the phone rep) could not see anything the infopass center did and had no knowledge of what the status of their expedite request was- if I needed help with that I have to return to the infopass location.

As for the 'service request' I opened on monday, they were asking for additional information for the expedite to be sent via fax. So I asked him, once I send it by fax what happens, is it the same 7-10 waiting period? He said no. I could expect around 5 days or so for them to 'review' to documents I submitted. Great, I replied. So then once they review it, they will send the documents? He laughed and said no, the processing time will be around ONE MONTH for expedited, where as normally it takes 2-3 months, the advantage is youre able to call up and track it rather then returning to the infopass location for information...

So I faxed in the documents and will be returning to the infopass on Monday to see what they say the status is on the request they sent on the 5th.

You may want to call the 800 number and see if they have any info on the status/where they are in processing it. I suspect the infopass employee simply faxed your documents to MSC on your behalf, which was very nice of her, but from what i was told on the phone its not going to get your papers in 7-10 days, more like a month.

We filed for AP through an infopass apt on Nov 6 and were 'approved' - told the same thing (7-10 days) and STILL do not have any paper work- (20 days later)

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/398476-obtaining-ap-through-infopass-appt/

Personally I would be really cautious about being told over the phone by a rep that your expedite request was 'approved' because they dont have the power to approve anything. Nor does the staff at the infopass location. The only place that can approve it is MSC.

If you read my thread, youll see all they do is 'tentatively approve it' and forward it to MSC who ultimately makes the decision.

So if you went to infopass and they said no, Im not sure what you said on the phone that got them to say yes, but from what you say, whatever it was it worked. So now your fate is in their hands. (if the phone rep truly did forward your expedite request- {did they send you a letter confirming they did?} because Im not even sure phone reps have the power to do that since you need to provide proof of your hardship and I dont know how you would do that over the phone) they say the processing time is 7-10 business days to process and 2-3 business days to mail it- so overall its more like 13 business days. But as with all immigration processes its not carved in stone. Its an estimated processing time.

Well, I didn't call to expedite it over the phone. I went to my info pass, they asked their supervisor for emergency parole and they said no, but the agent at info pass was awesome and called MSC to inquire and ask if they would expedite it. I have evidence that she took a copy of and she took my phone number to call me when she heard back. the person reviewing my case at MSC got back to her and told her he approved it and they were sending it to the expedite team and I should have it in 7-10 days. So i never had to deal with the 1-800 number. Fingers crossed that it comes in time.

So I went for my Infopass appointment and the nice lady couldn't grant me emergency parole based on my situation but called the service center handling my case to request an expedite. Anyway, she told me today it was approved and that it would arrive in 7-10 days. I need it to be here in 9 days. So my question is, has anyone had their case expedited? If so, how quickly did you get your advance parole in the mail?

I made an infopass appointment yesterday because I was going to give it a shot to see if I could get my advance parole expedited. My nephew is being Confirmed and I am his sponsor. I had a letter from the priest. I spoke with a nice lady at the desk to see what could be done. She told me she was going to ask her supervisor if I could get emergency advance parole. The supervisor unfortunately told her no. She said that she would however call the service center and see where my case was at, and if anything could be done on their end. Well, she called, but she said that they were not going to be able to get back to her until the end of the day, but she would call me. She made copies of my evidence and took my home and cell number. She said if they can do it I would get it in time for next weekend (which is when the Confirmation is). So, I waited all day but she never called. I tried the 1-800 number but they were pointless and said I would have to go back. Do you think I should make another appointment for tomorrow? Or just see what the day brings today? Ugh, this is so frustrating.

I wouldn't risk it. I had my medical done in Toronto and everyone told me I was going really early doing it two months before my interview. But I am so glad I did. You see, I had a fuzzy spot on my chest x-ray and wanted me to come back. I had to go back not once, but twice before I was medically cleared. The first time I had to go back a week later, but the next time they told me I had to wait 2 weeks. I realize this is not the norm, but things like this DO happen and you may not get approved until you have a clear medical. By the way, the thing that was wrong with me was that I had a chest infection I didn't even know about. I know another girl who had to get a sputuum test and wait another 6 weeks on top of that!

I was thinking of doing either two things once I get to the interview stage. Since my interview has to be in Montreal, I thought I could just book a medical there and stay in Montreal for a week. Would that be enough time? Its either that or book my medical in Surrey, travel to see my mom in Kelowna, BC and both of us go to Surrey. Would I have to stay the night there to pick up the documents the next day? I'm not sure which would be the better option. Also do you have to pay for the medical in cash or do they take debit and credit cards?

I'm a planner so I'm trying to make sure I get everything done before it's needed. The hard part is convincing my husband of the same! LOL

Did they fail him? Or make him return? If not, you are fine. I had to go for 3 chest X-rays before I passed. I had an infection that I was unaware of. It was scary because they didn't tell me what it was...just that they saw something. After three trips to Toronto (4 hour drive each time). Was finally approved. I wouldn't worry if hey said no sign of tb.

My fiance had his medical exam on Monday. We got the results yesterday and it says that the Chest X-Ray was abnormal, but there were no signs of TB. He has a pacemaker and told the doctor and x-ray tech this. It doesn't say what the abnormality was.

Do you think this will cause a denial at the interview? He doesn't have TB or AIDS or anything like that. Just a pacemaker. So obviously the x-ray will not be normal.

I'm just freaking out here. Please help!

As of a couple years ago, (at least at the Ambassador bridge) you need Tito travel by land as well. Unless you have an enhanced drivers license or nexus card.

With regard to your second question- yes you can re-enter Canada without a passport IF you travel by road in a personal vehicle, and if you carry proof citizenship such as a citizenship card or Nexus card or expired passport. These things will not be enough if traveling by air, train or bus.

Thanks! This helps. I am going to attempt an Infopass appointment after Thanksgiving, knowing I will likely be unsuccesful. I will bring a letter from the priest saying that as my nephews sponsor I am required to be there. I doubt this will help, but I may get someone in a good mood on a good day, who knows. Also,if that doesn't work, I will ask about if the AP is approved before the date can I come back and get a paper copy before it arrives.

Anyway, thanks! This helps a lot!

Hi Lisers, I had a similar question last month... my AP and EAD were approved on October 19th and I was scheduled to start work in the US November 5th. I had a brand new niece in Canada and wanted to be sure I could visit before starting work. I made an Infopass appointment for Monday the 22nd, and was told they didn't have the machines necessary to print off an emergency card. I ended up having to wait for the card to come in the mail before leaving for Canada and was only able to spend a few days there. The card arrived Saturday morning the 27th (8 days after text notice that it had been approved).

However, there are a few things I can suggest:

First, when I attended the Infopass appt, I was asking for an AP/EAD emergency card. Thinking of it now, I think I may have had more luck had I not mentioned the EAD and requested only the AP. I know from other posts that emergency AP is an option, I'm just not sure if my case (or yours) would be considered 'emergencies'. I would suggest bringing some form of letter stating that it is imperative that you be at the confirmation just in case.

Second, if you're not successful with an Infopass appointment, you can call USCIS (800-375-5283) and request the USPS tracking number for your card... at least that way you will know prior to the day it arrives if you will be able to make it or not.

Finally, I was told by people both on here and at the Infopass appointment that since I was approved, I could leave without abandoning status. I simply had to be sure I had the card before re-entering the US (i.e. have it couriered to me in Canada). However, the risk for this is that apparently, there are frequently mistakes on the card which would need to be fixed before you could return to the US. If you need to be back in the US by a certain time, you'll have to weigh out the risks and benefits of potentially being stranded in Canada for longer than expected.

Hopefully you will have the card in hand by the time you need to leave, but if not, maybe one of these options can help you. Good luck!

Here is the USCIS link on emergency AP:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5436f0cb861c5210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=4c790a5659083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

Good luck on your immigration journey.

I have been to that link. I am just saying that technically if I am approved but have not yet received the card that is not an emergency advance parole. That is just asking for the form I have already applied for band been successfully approved. Does that make a difference? Would hey be able to do that? Does anyone know anyone who has done it?

As I may have mentioned before my nephew is being confirmed on December 9th and I am his sponsor. I have a bad feeling that I will be approved by then, but not have AP in hand. Anyone know if I could plead my case at my local office to print one out on the spot or would I be out of luck and have to tell a very disappointed 13 year old I can't be there...only to probably have my form a day or two later.

Exactly. I got my drivers license in the mail yesterday it is good until 2016, but says status check 12-14-12 on the bottom. I filed for aos on oct.1st so I am hoping I have ead by then.

I'm in MN just outside Minneapolis, had to wait till I has EAD before they would give me the license and never bothered before as I'd heard about it expiring when i94 did, also had to do a road test the same day but not really difficult. Could be worth trying the 797 but they were pretty strict at Chaska. I asked the DNV about driving on my UK license and they said as I couldn't prove residence, i.e couldn't be a legal resident without EAD the 60 day rule could not be forced check out the copy of the email I posted on here. Took about 60 days for my EAD card to come through but I guess your problem is the insurance too.

Oh they accepted the 797! That is good news. I applied for AOS on October 1st so there is a chance by December 14th I could have my EAD but if they will take the 797 I would like that better! Where in MN are you? I am in the Twin Cities.

I'm an Aussie living in MN as well, and going through the AOS status. They were going to cancel my license too, but they accepted my 797 and gave me a 6 month extension. They didn't ask to look at my I-94, probably because they knew about applying for AOS.

I am an October filer. We filed October 1st, recieved NOA's October 9. Recieved biometrics appointment notice scheduled for November 8th, but managed an early walk-in on October 24th. Hoping to have in hand for my nephews Confirmation on December 9th...tight schedule, but fingers crossed.....

Add your info alphbetically

City - Date - Reason - Successful?

CALIFORNIA

Buena Park CA - No reason, just gave security guard my appt letter. YES

Gardena- 5/24/12

Los Angeles - (USCIS Fairfax on W. Pico). Successful with no questions asked.

Los Angeles (downtown) July 2012. NO

GEORGIA

Atlanta - No reason Officer had us wait outside until the earliest appts went in (about 15 minutes). Yes.

Atlanta - Our appt was for 6/13 went in 5/25 and we were successful with no questions. The office just wrote on our form Walk-in.

INDIANA

Michigan City - January 2012 - No reason needed - Yes to successful walk-in(asked about it, I was there the same day as appointment)

IOWA

Des Moines - April 2010 - Husbands erratic work schedule meant rescheduling wouldn't help because there was still no guarantee the new date would work - Successful

Des Moines - March 2011 - To get it over with - Successful (advised they were being more strict but letting them proceed due to no-one else being there)

MARYLAND

Wheaton - told Security guard I was not going to be in State on the day. Yes

Wheaton - July 2012, asked why could not make appointment, said attending wedding. Successful(out in 10 minutes).

MINNESOTA

St Paul - No reason asked or given. Successful

Minneapolis-May 2012- NO because one of the computers was down

St. Paul- Yes, was successful. Gave reason and let me do it after guard asked someone in charge.

NEW YORK

Holtsville, NY (Long Island) 5/22/12 No reason asked. YES

PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia - Drummond Road -Successful. No questions asked. YES

TEXAS

Austin - We were in the area that day (we live an hour away) - Yes

Dallas (Whitehurst) - Yes, had to give a reason, come early and they will take you

Houston (Hwy 290 office) -Jan 2012 - gave no reason, only appt letter. Yes (3 times-AOS, ROC, Citizenship)

Houston SW (Sugarland) No questions. YES

VIRGINIA

Alexandria - Yes

The thing that sucks is the letter I got says I have to take the testing again and a re-in statement fee! The thing that irks me the most is that they told me it was good until a year after my wedding date. If they would have told me it was only good until December, I would have waited and driven on my Ontario license.

I went to the DMV a few weeks ago and took the written test and was issued the application for a drivers license. I paid the money, they took my picture and told me I would get my license in a few weeks. I thought that was that. So, today in the mail I received a letter saying that as of Dec. 14th my license is cancelled. I looked and noticed that my 1-94 expires on that day. I am confused though. When we were there they said my license would be valid from one year of my wedding d

I applied immediately after my wedding for AOS, but have yet to recieve my EAD and will be lucky if I can get even that by then. If I have it, will they accept that or do I have to wait until I get my greencard? Also, if it is suspended would I be able to drive on my Ontario license? And, how about my car insurance. When I got it, they said I had 60 days to get a MN license.

This sucks!!!!! So potentially I could have no license, no insurance and just have to sit in the house until my husband gets home. UGH! I am not looking forward to this AT ALL!!! Any guidance anyone can give me would be really helpful. I think these things vary from state to state so for the record I live in Minnesota. THANKS!

It is not possible to do it any earlier. We were one of those 'bad' people who planned the wedding before we got approved for the visa. Everything is bought and paid for. And we are devout Catholics who cannot imagine getting married 'civilly' before our actual wedding. I guess I will just hope for a speedy advance parole and try not to disappoint my nephew or try for emergency parole and hope I have a sympathetic ear at the local office.

Not true. Maybe a long LONG time ago but I applied for both back when they were separate in 2010. they were approved at the same time.

no it takes the same amount of time. 60-90 days. You can apply for emergency AP but without a good reason (and I'm sorry but I doubt a confirmation is a "good reason") it won't be approved.

Doubt you'll get it by then. I suggest you get to the US asap to get married and file AOS asap OR wait until AFTER the confirmation to use the K1.

I will not be filing until October 1st, (I am getting married Sept. 29th and the 1st is the first day I can get my marriage certificate certified) and I would hope to be at my nephews Confirmation which is Dec. 9th.

I suggest you look here:

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/aplist.php?op5=3,6,9,10

Search manually for people who applied only for AP... It's going to be though as people usually apply for EAD and AP at the same time. I wonder what does the AP card would look like as normally, the AP is just a note on the EAD card.

I suspect it's going to take 2-3 months anyway. When would you need to use the AP?