JD2

It means keep waiting.

No, only N-400. I-751 got approved already.

My wife had biometrics. Shortly after, she got an email "We have taken an action on your case" and when she logged into myUSCIS, she saw the status changed to "Case Is Still Being Processed By USCIS." Then, an hour and 15 minutes later, she got another email saying "We have taken an action on your case" but this time, no change on myUSCIS. Does everyone get two "We have taken an action on your case" emails?

With that being said, I would still advise you to wait until full 3 years of marital union unless you have a compelling reason to apply early. It's only 3 months.

I saw on YouTube that Attorney Jim Hacking recommends filing early despite the instructions (see timestamped video link below). I did a consult with a local attorney and he also said the same but then didn't respond to email follow up when I quoted the instructions to him. I wonder if that means it is still enforced very rarely because if an attorney's clients were frequently getting denied due to marital union, they'd have to change their recommendations, right? https://www.youtube.com/live/VP6WLmnuB4Q?si=Dz24fWNTlevgX3ZC&t=1619

No, but if you apply by paper, you can go to the last page and put an explanation. No, only travel history since arriving in the USA Portrait The policy memo states "USCIS will place greater emphasis on an alien’s positive attributes and contributions in GMC determinations. These positive factors include, but are not limited to: • Sustained community involvement and contributions in the United States. • Family caregiving, responsibility, and ties in the United States. • Educational attainment. • Stable and lawful employment history and achievements. • Length of lawful residence in the United States. • Compliance with tax obligations and financial responsibility in the United States." My wife got an affidavit from her priest but I have not heard of anyone getting denied due to not having GMC letter. Can't hurt. https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-alerts/08.15.2025-Restoring_a_Good_Moral_Character_Evaluation_Standard_for_Aliens_Applying_for_Naturalization-Policy_Memorandum_FINAL.pdf

As others have noted, you can contact your Senators or Representative (low/medium chance of helping but free) or file a writ of mandamus (very high chance of helping but expensive). Now this is a bit controversial, you can also file an I-129F for a K-3 visa. It also has a low chance of helping but it's also free. So it depends on your finances and if you want to spend money.

Yes, take a new I-864 and bring the new supporting documents as well.

Yes OP would have to get a copy of NOA1 from the attorney, or find the SMS if OP filed a G-1145

USCIS online account. a petitioner can add a paper filed case after making the online account.

I would keep the attorney on until the NVC stage to get the money's worth. the OP should still get notices in the mail as well as the attorney but if not OP can see them on myUSCIS

Your lawyer screwed up. Most immigration lawyers will charge the fees to you then submit the payment to USCIS drawn on their account so you don't have to worry about this. And, shipping it to the wrong address is inexcusable. Normally, attorneys also have set fees per stage (USCIS then NVC/Consulate). You should double check your retainer to see how yours is laid out.

You don't need a huge additional packet for the interview. Look at the I-751 instructions. There's a list of evidence. Just bring a few more things from that list to the interview.

the visa is good for a maximum of 6 months

Self employed

Yes I put my company's name. Did you not have a company that you owned? if not, put self employed. Yes, write "financial consultant"

I'm sorry you are going through this. The ban won't be around forever. Trump won't be President forever. And, if the Democrats win in November, they may be able to extract concessions out of him even sooner (but who knows if they'll spend their political capital on the ban). Try to visit each other as much as possible. Prepare for the eventual move to the US. For example, my spouse started working with an architect on our house before even moving here. If you want to have kids, both of you get your fertility checked out, so if you have an issue you can start treatment now. Speaking from experience, you don't want to spend all this time apart, then when you are finally together and ready to build a family, you discover fertility issues. Just a few ideas.

Weird. Our receipt notice is not online nor did we get it by mail. I guess we don't really need it though.

I bank at a small local bank but they do these types of letters for me all the time for various non-immigration reasons. You might want to try to do another appointment and don't mention it's for immigration just describe what you need it to say.

Who did you request this from? Was it a relationship banker at a branch or a teller or did you call the 1-800 phone number? This should be a very simple letter they can write up for you on their letterhead. Relationship bankers do it all the time.

Same here. Our I-130 too. But who knows.

Only for spouse of petitioner. Does not apply to IR-5 cases. Per the I-130 instructions, you only need name change documents "If either you or the person you are filing for is using a name that is not the same name shown on the relevant documents" so no it does not affect things. BUT, at NVC stage, I believe your mom will have to submit her marriage certificate and divorce decree. I use Rush Translate. But, if you want to save money, anyone fluent in both English and the document language can do the translation provided they include a certification like this: I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________. Signature_________________________________ Date Typed Name Address

Looking at the timelines here and reddit and Facebook, there seems to be a small subset of people who get interviews freakishly fast like under 4 months some even under 3 months.

Did you ever get your receipt notice on myUSCIS or by mail? We filed by paper too and only got a biometrics notice.

You are misunderstanding. What I'm saying is the fee reduction is very easy, you are not gaining much by not doing it, so it's equivalent to burning cash or donating it to charity. You said you wanted to pay full price "to avoid headaches." The "headache" is miniscule IMHO. I also said: Again, good luck to you.