Daphne .

So today I made the mistake of calling USCIS to see if there is an update because I was supposed to call them if I hadn’t heard back after 120 days after my last interaction with them. Well, that didn’t go as I had hoped.. Timeline of what happened when: August 2021: Filed I-751 *crickets* December 2022: Biometrics *crickets* June 2023: Received RFE for evidence of continued marital life, etc (because, and I quote, “your case was submitted in August 2021 so we need updated info”) June 2023: Submitted requested info, received confirmation from UPS with date and time of receipt by USCIS. I had to send the RFE response info to the California Field Office in Fresno, which I think was odd.. Was told in RFE letter that they would respond within 60 days September 2023: Contacted USCIS because I received no update or answer. They couldn’t find my RFE response info. They submitted a request and I received an email stating that my case was sent to the California Field Office at the end of 2022 (why is it there??) and that I should call back if I haven’t heard back after 120 days Today: I called them and they say they still see no record of receiving the RFE response packet I sent, even though I know it was delivered. Rep told me to “send it again because otherwise they might close my case”. While she is on the phone with me, she all of a sudden asks for my phone number and email, and during the call I receive an email asking me to complete the survey on how satisfied I am about USCIS Customer Service (WTH???). I get it, mistakes happen and sometimes files get lost etc. but the thing that just makes me SO mad is the fact that they make it so hard to get in touch with them, they give crazy timelines (and don’t you dare call us at day 58 if we told you to wait 60 days), and no helpful info at all! I could have resent the RFE response 4 months ago if they would have just told me that they don’t have it. So frustrated right now…

I don't remember that being one of the questions asked when applying for an Esta?

If her tourist visa was denied for suspected immigrant intent (which seems to be the reason why they denied her) she will be fine for the K1. Also, stop listening to and taking advice from sources who tell you to not mention facts to increase chances of an approval, because if you need to leave out crucial information to increase your chances, you know you are walking on thin ice.

This was exactly what I did, I started applying for jobs after I knew on which date I would be in the US. Since all my past experience was in the NL of course, I added “authorized to work in the US” and a little note that I would permanently move to the US on xx date. Otherwise they wouldn’t even consider looking at my resume. I had a job interview 3 days after arriving in the US and started my job 2 or 3 weeks later.

That is perfectly fine and exactly how I did it.

My experience is that my Dutch education and work experience accounted for nothing when I moved. I basically had to start my career from scratch again. But if your degree (and work experience?) is in Web Design, I don't think you'd have the same issue. Are you living in the US already?

This is what I did every time I visited my now husband. It went from “visiting boyfriend to, visiting fiancé to, visiting husband” as our relationship progressed.

Yes, a way better option (preferably not smoke it, but use the oil) than socially acceptable morphine or other horrible prescribed medications for example! I assume you are not aware that it can be used for that purpose? OP: how did he manage the pain when he was visiting you in the US? The reason I am asking is because they can try to challenge him on that, they might wonder why he didn't 'need' it in the US. I hope this all works out for you!

I check online occasionally and keep an eye on Informed Delivery to see if I have mail coming. I almost missed my biometrics last year because I did not receive an online notification, but I had a letter in the mail (that took forever to get to me. I received it 2 days before I had to get in for the biometrics appointment).

So in that case the K1 would be the option, that should work then 👍🏻 We have the immigration guides here, so you can get familiar with the process. Good luck and hope it will be smooth sailing!

Well, come on… You’re just going to ‘surprise’ her with this? Filing the adjustment of status means that she won’t be able to work or leave the US without authorization, that’s not a very nice surprise.. Don’t you think that this life changing thing should be discussed with her? You mention that the goal is to live together in the US, I assume that you both talked about this?

Your plan to have her use her Esta to enter with the intent to adjust status is a big no-no. Maybe this was also why her F1 got denied, they suspected that she would use this non-immigrant visa with the intent to adjust status? If she gets an Esta, she can visit you (at the discretion of CBP of course) and you might even get married, but have her leave the US after her visit and apply for the CR1. Or you can of course do the K1 if that’s what you prefer. No easy shortcuts in Immigration, you will want to do this the right way.

I would talk to her about the 'not wanting to work in the US' part, what will she do if this marriage doesn't work out? How will she provide for herself (assuming she will still want to stay in the US) without any work experience in the US? Also, working is about more than just money or a career, it is also a great way to meet new people and integrate into US society. A way for her to build her own life in the US and make some friends for example.

Once the AOS is filed, they are fine and will be fine until this wraps up. File as soon as you have the marriage certificate!

What status did you adjust from? It is kind of strange that the US citizen would go through all this effort of filing for the AOS and pay for all the fees etc. for a ‘babysitter’, especially since you mention that you work all day. How and when did you and your wife start your relationship and marriage?

Filing them together would be needed if somebody adjusts status from a tourist visa for example. If you came on a K1 and got married within the 90 days you don’t need to file the I-30.

Just go to the interview, the fact that they won’t have the medical results yet won’t be a dealbreaker, it will only postpone the decision a little more.

Which address is at the bottom of your receipt notice? Please note that they might still have sent it to another service center in the meantime. Mine started at the NBC but it looks like it was sent to California somewhere during the process.

Welcome to the forum! Lots of knowledge here, so you are in good hands. Why do you think you need to file a waiver of inadmissibility? Not sure what brings you to that topic. Hoping for a smooth process for you!

WTH?! Why were you denied? I haven’t followed your journey, but from the comments here it looks like it has been a challenging journey.

Check the boxes “yes” and she will reveive her card in about 2 weeks after the enters the US on her approved spousal visa. She is eligible to work immediately upon entering the US on her approved visa. I am not sure what you mean by amending the taxes. We filed married filing separately after we got married and I was still living in the NL, I didn’t have an SSN yet.

Make what faster? The process takes this long, there are no shortcuts.

A B visa is not an immigrant visa so should never be used with the intent to immigrate.

You’ve got this! I know from first hand experience how hard it is leaving a partner behind after each visit, and at the same time I also know from first hand experience how important it is to set yourself up for success if you decide to move to the US in the future. Wishing you all the best!

Quality over quantity, you’ve got this! 👍🏻