JaredShadkin

Mail - my response was extensive at over 300 pages, so it was easier for us to print and send instead of scanning everything with the annotations and sticky notes. Would've preferred to upload of course, only if there was less paperwork.

Received (and already responded) to the same RFE you received. Sent over exact same documents, just with added clarifications and specific notes for officer to look at specific numbers in the documents I provided which may not be standard procedure. RFE 2/14 - Responded 2/26

In the Madrid Embassy there is one big waiting room with various windows on the sides (#1 to #15). Although we went up together to the window, the officer asked me to sit down so that he could ask a few quick questions to my then-fiancé. All concluded in two minutes.

That is a generic email with information related to Immigrant Visas. As K-1 is technically a Non-Immigrant Visa, the requirements are slightly different. Please see Page 7/7, K-1 Specific Information. Keep in mind this information could be outdated - although all was the same for me. https://ca.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/03/Packet4-MTL.pdf

You should provide the income you received on your last tax return, which should be 2022 (unless you pre-filed for 2023). If the income on your tax return shows $100,000, then Income Contribution to the Beneficiary Annually should be $100,000.

Gracias por su mensaje! We sent all the documents we could (via our lawyer), to meet the requirements. We included both the IRS and Hacienda Tax Returns for the Joint Sponsor, as well as brokerage/investments accounts (TD Ameritrade) for both the joint sponsor and I (with assets that well supersede the requirements USCIS is looking for) and bank account statements back-dated 12 months. Still, we got an RFE, which indicated that both the Primary and Joint Sponsor do not meet the requirements)... 😂 So something tells me the agent didn't look at anything, saw Hacienda/Puerto Rico, and thought it was a different country. Not surprising: Some TSA Agents think that PR is not a US state/territory and refuse to accept my ID until I ask for the Managing Officer. @omgslay

Quite the opposite of a red flag: my now-husband and I lived together during the filing process and all worked out well. Shows commitment and therefore, less of a worry for USCIS and the officer who will interview you.

You can expect between 1 and 2 weeks on average for the receipt notice to arrive by text, and shortly after that by mail. There have been some instances where individuals have been notified after a month, but the vast majority are 1-2 weeks. Personally unsure about the barcodes so cannot assist there.

You will have to connect to a Live Agent in order to ask for the online access code, from 7am to 7pm EST. I tried various times last week, and finally was able to get my online codes from a nice agent this morning - only for a letter to arrive in the evening with the code haha You can either try via the chat, but likely a letter will arrive shortly with your online access. Once you have the code, you can choose to see if there is an earlier biometrics appointment available.

There is no "blanket waiver" or specific set of criteria they look for. Providing as much joint-evidence possible does go a long way - I provided a joint bank account statement, two credit cards with both names on them, etc. I am sure USCIS uses historical data to know which countries are at a greater risk for marriage fraud and could require interviews from applicants. Additionally, first time K-1 applicants would most likely have an interview waived - but a second or third time filer would not for obvious reasons. But nothing is set in stone - every case is treated differently.

Certainly possible, especially if your interview is waived. Seems as though the Chicago Service Center is one of the fastest according to VJ Member Timelines - so it also highly depends upon the Service Center where your case will be adjudicated. But it's always better to plan for 6-9 months versus banking on 3 months, both for personal sanity and logistical reasons.

In Puerto Rico you file two types of tax returns - one for the mainland and one from the islands tax agency, Hacienda. We sent both as a precaution, but likely the agent looking at the case didn't do enough due diligence and sent an RFE without taking a look at all the documents.

Filed: February 7, 2024 Delivered: February 8, 2024 Case Received (Confirmation via Text): February 13, 2024 NOA-1: February 12, 2024 - Arrived by mail on February 17, 2024. Online Access Codes received via Emma: February 20, 2024. Biometrics Scheduled for March 6, 2024 - Changed online to February 21, 2024 Got the dreaded RFE for financials - lawyer indicated happens frequently for Puerto Rico based cases. 🙄

I believe that when you download the Tax Transcripts from IRS.gov, the SSN will be redacted. I choose not to redact the SSN or other information, as the documents were delivered in person and felt there was limited to no risk of that information being compromised. You can search "Redacted SSN" on VJ to see what other members have done.

While some AMEX card members have been able to add AU’s without SSN’s in the past, this practice was halted late last year - I personally tried once. As per their Terms and Conditions and FAQ section: “You also need to provide their Social Security Number, but you have up to 60 days from the date the Card is issued to provide this. If you do not provide their and Social Security Number within 60 days, the Additional Card Member’s Card will be canceled.” Both Citi and Chase have no posted requirement and don’t ask for an SSN on the application section, which is why I specifically recommend those providers for AU cards and not AMEX.

If the immigrant does not have a Social Security Number at this juncture, he/she will not be able to obtain their own credit card. All credit card providers are required by law to solicit an SSN in order to open an account. Once the Adjustment of Status is completed, the Social Security Administration will send the immigrant their new Social Security Number (if you selected this option on the I-485). If you did not select this option, you may request a SSN from the SSA once you have the Green Card. Therefor, until the AOS is completed, the only viable option is for the immigrant to become an Authorized User on your cards.

Visa and Mastercard allow you to add Authorized Users without their social security numbers. American Express, on the other hand, requires a SSN number. So currently, they can have their own card (but tied to yours). If the immigrant did not receive a SSN prior to filing AOS by requesting one at a social security office, you’ll have to wait until the immigrant receives one for them to apply for their own cards.

I've tried multiple times this week to get the online access codes and biometrics date from the Live Agents via the chat, but each one has a different story as to when I can request it if the letter doesnt arrive within X-period. What did you ask Emma/the agent to request the biometrics appointment date?

Timelines vary from person to person and depending on the Lockbox. Applications for Employment Authorization (I-765) have taken as short as 30 days when processed at the Chicago Lockbox (verified by timelines on VJ and my lawyer). Similarly, Adjustment of Status (I-485) have taken as short as 60-90 days when processed at the Chicago Lockbox (verified by timelines on VJ and my lawyer). We're seeing that in general, Adjustment of Status is processed faster than Advanced Parole (I-131). However, in general, the timeline is 3-9 months, with some cases taking shorter and some taking longer. Luck of the draw, but also depends whether your interview is waved and no RFE's are conducted.

Please see New Schedule Fee Table. https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-uscis-fee-rule

Upon arriving, you’ll need to get married within 90 days and file Adjustment of Status. It is also a great idea to get a social security number after arriving but prior to getting married - will simplify your life later. Prior to April 1, 2024, the filing fee includes the Green Card Application (AOS), Employment Authorization, and Advanced Parole (Travel Document). After April 1, each type of application will have its own fee, and combined, will double in price. In terms of timelines, looking at 3-9 months for AOS on average.

I am unable to answer your 1st question. As for #2, most K1 applicants and their finances normally live in a different countries and as a result, only the beneficiary attends the interview. In my case, since we lived together, I emailed the embassy in Madrid and inquired if I could attend - to which they responded “Yes.” Although I attended, I wasn’t asked any questions and was asked to sit down while my fiance was being briefly interviewed. If you’d like to attend, email the embassy and ask first.

Filed: February 7, 2024 Delivered: February 8, 2024 Case Received (Confirmation via Text): February 13, 2024

With regards to #4, it is Embassy specific. In my case, I emailed the U.S Embassy in Madrid and was allowed to go to the interview with my fiancé, although they only interviewed him and did not ask me any questions. When you get to that stage, can find out by emailing the embassy.

If you live in Texas, you file via the Texas Lockbox. You did so correctly. Notification of receipt takes a few days to a few weeks - varies widely.