July 2020 Fillers join here

[Dsouza]

I cannot add a lot info on my signature because it extends 500chars but here is my journey so far.



07/07/2020 Application sent to USCIS
23/07/2020 Checks have been cleared
28/07/2020 Received 4 NOA receipts in the mail
06/08/2020 RFIE arrived at the mail (photocopy of Birth Certificate was required with original stamps)
25/08/2020 USCIS received RFIE and started to process again the application.
11/20/2020 Received BIO notice (APP for 12/11/2020)
2/11/2020 Completed bio app
12/11/2020 1-765 and I-485 status updated to show fingerprints were taken.
12/11/2020 Created expedite request for (I-765)
12/14/2020 I-765 status updated and now it shows (Expedite Request received)
12/17/2020 Received email about my expedite request. I need to send my JOB offer as evidence.
12/17/2020 Send evidence for expedited request.
12/18/2020 I-485 status updated. (Case ready to be scheduled for an interview)
12/18/2020 Expedited request approved.

Did you call them and ask for an Expedite request?
Apart from the job offer letter what else did you have to send?
Did u fax it or mail it?

[pearl_]

Hello all, completed interview 02/09. Both of us were asked to attend.
Unlucky us, our interviewer was in a foul mood even before we started talking, right from the moment we were ushered into their office. They were not out of line but definitely not even a tad bit courteous, and sometimes even would be mad if you asked to repeat a question. We felt like we were walking on egg shells with every reply and felt like something was up.
However, standard Y/N questions were asked, we were asked about how we met, my partner was asked about personal info and my info (what my DOB is, where i was born), where they work etc. Since I am adjusting from H1B, they asked where I work and I told them I am not working for last six months and they made a note.
They then asked if I have health insurance, asked my partner what their income was, about my previous income, about my graduate degree.
We were not asked for updated proof or new photos etc. None of the huge folders had to be opened to furnish any proof or even get our originals verified.
We were still hoping for the best, since our case is genuine, our attorney said she sees no red flags and we had furnished plenty of evidence and affidavits when we filed. The status change on the day of the interview (see below) scared me, but again my attorney believes this can happen at times and that most likely it will be approved, but in worst case scenario we may be sent an RFE.

The online status now says that we are approved! We never received an EAD or AP btw. I do not mean to scare anyone with my interview experience. Just want to highlight that if your interviewer is not courteous, do not read too much into it and focus on the questions. I took the officer's attitude to heart and was left confused. But later was able to process it all better and grateful that the 'uncertainty' wait was not long this time. Ofcourse we got to wait for the card now, but we atleast know the fate of the case. Good luck everyone!
------------------

- 07/14/20: Priority Date
-11/10/2020: E-requested USCIS regarding biometrics appointment not yet scheduled
-12/04/2020: USCIS confirms biometrics appointment has been scheduled and letter with details is in the mail already.
-12/18/2020: Biometrics done for i-765 and i-485. The appointment letter did not mention i-131
-12/19/2020: Biometrics applied to cases.
-12/29/2020: (i485)Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview.
- 01/08/2021: (i485) Interview was scheduled for 02/09
- 02/09/2021: Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed
- 02/10/2021: I-485, I-130 case was approved. For I-765 and I-131 no change in status

[Dsouza]

Hello all, completed interview 02/09. Both of us were asked to attend.
Unlucky us, our interviewer was in a foul mood even before we started talking, right from the moment we were ushered into their office. They were not out of line but definitely not even a tad bit courteous, and sometimes even would be mad if you asked to repeat a question. We felt like we were walking on egg shells with every reply and felt like something was up.
However, standard Y/N questions were asked, we were asked about how we met, my partner was asked about personal info and my info (what my DOB is, where i was born), where they work etc. Since I am adjusting from H1B, they asked where I work and I told them I am not working for last six months and they made a note.
They then asked if I have health insurance, asked my partner what their income was, about my previous income, about my graduate degree.
We were not asked for updated proof or new photos etc. None of the huge folders had to be opened to furnish any proof or even get our originals verified.
We were still hoping for the best, since our case is genuine, our attorney said she sees no red flags and we had furnished plenty of evidence and affidavits when we filed. The status change on the day of the interview (see below) scared me, but again my attorney believes this can happen at times and that most likely it will be approved, but in worst case scenario we may be sent an RFE.

The online status now says that we are approved! We never received an EAD or AP btw. I do not mean to scare anyone with my interview experience. Just want to highlight that if your interviewer is not courteous, do not read too much into it and focus on the questions. I took the officer's attitude to heart and was left confused. But later was able to process it all better and grateful that the 'uncertainty' wait was not long this time. Ofcourse we got to wait for the card now, but we atleast know the fate of the case. Good luck everyone!
------------------

- 07/14/20: Priority Date
-11/10/2020: E-requested USCIS regarding biometrics appointment not yet scheduled
-12/04/2020: USCIS confirms biometrics appointment has been scheduled and letter with details is in the mail already.
-12/18/2020: Biometrics done for i-765 and i-485. The appointment letter did not mention i-131
-12/19/2020: Biometrics applied to cases.
-12/29/2020: (i485)Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview.
- 01/08/2021: (i485) Interview was scheduled for 02/09
- 02/09/2021: Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed
- 02/10/2021: I-485, I-130 case was approved. For I-765 and I-131 no change in status

Thank you for sharing your experience. It helps us all to be prepared. This journey is scary and stressful and knowing any information helps make things better. Congrats again and wishing you the very best!

[Dsouza]

Has anyone tried getting driver's license based on i797C for employment authorization or GC based on marriage?

[brucebaas]

I can already tell you that a I-797C receipt is not sufficient for a drivers license. I have gotten mine due to my visa (E-2). What you need is a Social Security number, evidence of residence and your I-94. So, unfortunately, it isn't an option. You should be able to find out what the conditions in your state are on the local DMV website though.

[BipBop]

Hello all, completed interview 02/09. Both of us were asked to attend.
Unlucky us, our interviewer was in a foul mood even before we started talking, right from the moment we were ushered into their office. They were not out of line but definitely not even a tad bit courteous, and sometimes even would be mad if you asked to repeat a question. We felt like we were walking on egg shells with every reply and felt like something was up.
However, standard Y/N questions were asked, we were asked about how we met, my partner was asked about personal info and my info (what my DOB is, where i was born), where they work etc. Since I am adjusting from H1B, they asked where I work and I told them I am not working for last six months and they made a note.
They then asked if I have health insurance, asked my partner what their income was, about my previous income, about my graduate degree.
We were not asked for updated proof or new photos etc. None of the huge folders had to be opened to furnish any proof or even get our originals verified.
We were still hoping for the best, since our case is genuine, our attorney said she sees no red flags and we had furnished plenty of evidence and affidavits when we filed. The status change on the day of the interview (see below) scared me, but again my attorney believes this can happen at times and that most likely it will be approved, but in worst case scenario we may be sent an RFE.

The online status now says that we are approved! We never received an EAD or AP btw. I do not mean to scare anyone with my interview experience. Just want to highlight that if your interviewer is not courteous, do not read too much into it and focus on the questions. I took the officer's attitude to heart and was left confused. But later was able to process it all better and grateful that the 'uncertainty' wait was not long this time. Ofcourse we got to wait for the card now, but we atleast know the fate of the case. Good luck everyone!
------------------

- 07/14/20: Priority Date
-11/10/2020: E-requested USCIS regarding biometrics appointment not yet scheduled
-12/04/2020: USCIS confirms biometrics appointment has been scheduled and letter with details is in the mail already.
-12/18/2020: Biometrics done for i-765 and i-485. The appointment letter did not mention i-131
-12/19/2020: Biometrics applied to cases.
-12/29/2020: (i485)Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview.
- 01/08/2021: (i485) Interview was scheduled for 02/09
- 02/09/2021: Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed
- 02/10/2021: I-485, I-130 case was approved. For I-765 and I-131 no change in status

Congratulations! And thank you for sharing. I can imagine that must be terrifying experience but I am glad it worked out and hopefully you don't have to wait too long for GC to get to you.

[kippenpox]

Got letter with interview date: March 18.

[iris@@]

I filed i485 back in July 2020, but didn’t file i765 and i131, because I didn’t expect it would take this long to get a green card.




Now my case is “ready to be scheduled for an interview”, but I have no idea when I can get scheduled.




Do you recommend me to apply for the combo card now? Will it be faster because I already had my fingerprints taken?




Or should I just wait for my interview for the green card. Thanks!

[ZiggyNZ]

I can already tell you that a I-797C receipt is not sufficient for a drivers license. I have gotten mine due to my visa (E-2). What you need is a Social Security number, evidence of residence and your I-94. So, unfortunately, it isn't an option. You should be able to find out what the conditions in your state are on the local DMV website though.

What brucebass said - DL requirements vary by state but an I-797C is as good as a Starbucks receipt. Most, if not all, DMVs will run a check on status against DHS so you'll need to be have legal status that qualifies for a DL prior.

[BipBop]

Got letter with interview date: March 18.

Amazing! Good luck on the interview! Ugh I can't wait to get my interview scheduled So tired of the looong wait.

[kippenpox]

Thanks! We seem to have similar dates so fingers crossed that your interview will also be scheduled soon

[Johnny6751]

This is seriously so upsetting. NBC and the Chicago field office are the worse. I have seen on other forums like Visa Journey people from August and September getting EADs already, wtf. I submitted a SR back on February 1st, and I chatted with an agent two days ago and they said that the field office hasn't even responded to the SR. I'm upset!


My timeline so far:

PD 06/30/2020

-01/27/20: Same sex couple, married to USC.
-06/29/20: Package I-130, I-130A, I-131, I-485, I-693, I-765, I-864, I-864 joint sponsor and I-944 sent via certified mail USPS.
-06/30/20: Delivered by USPS and signed by Chicago lockbox T Thomas.
-07/25/20: Checks cashed.
-07/30/20: Text messages received with case confirmation numbers.
-07/31/20: Received NOA's in the mail.
-08/05/20: Received RFIE notification from USCIS for I-485, letter to follow via mail.
-08/10/20: Received RFIE in the mail asking for my partner's pay stubs for the last 6 months and letter of employment.
-09/18/20: Mailed out RFIE to Lee-Summit's office.
-09/21/20: USCIS confirms they've received RFIE.
-10/27/2020: Called USCIS regarding biometrics appointment not yet scheduled. USCIS send E-Request to Chicago FO.
-11/10/2020: Immigration officer reaches out to me via phone call to explain the reason I haven't received a biometrics appointment, appointment will come eventually.
-11/23/2020: USCIS files another E-Request for biometrics.
-12/04/2020: USCIS confirms biometrics appointment has been scheduled and letter with details is in the mail already.
-12/05/2020: Biometrics appointment scheduled for December 21st 2020.
-12/21/2020: Biometrics taken.
-12/22/2020: Biometrics applied to cases.
-12/29/2020: Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview.

[h_saria]

Looking for some suggestions here. I am a US Citizen and we filed (i-130/i-485) for my wife who was here on F1 visa. We still haven't received appointment for Bio-metrics. We filed in July and we received NOA in August. There has been no changes in our case status since. We were hoping to at least get the EAD so she can work and get her DL renewed.

Anyhow, we called USCIS two weeks back inquiring about Biometrics. The lady said we should have received Bio-metrics appointment by now. She mentioned to wait. We then filed an online request to check upon the case and it is past the time frame they mentioned, that we would receive a reply. As per USCIS it says that we should look at processing time for our field office (viz. is Tampa in our case). However, I think the case should have moved forward and we should have at least received the appointment for Biometrics.

We were wondering, what would be the best thing to do. Shall we just wait or try to contact USCIS again. Shall we get a lawyer? Thanks everyone.

[kippenpox]

Sorry to hear that. I would file a Service Request.

[BipBop]

Looking for some suggestions here. I am a US Citizen and we filed (i-130/i-485) for my wife who was here on F1 visa. We still haven't received appointment for Bio-metrics. We filed in July and we received NOA in August. There has been no changes in our case status since. We were hoping to at least get the EAD so she can work and get her DL renewed.

Anyhow, we called USCIS two weeks back inquiring about Biometrics. The lady said we should have received Bio-metrics appointment by now. She mentioned to wait. We then filed an online request to check upon the case and it is past the time frame they mentioned, that we would receive a reply. As per USCIS it says that we should look at processing time for our field office (viz. is Tampa in our case). However, I think the case should have moved forward and we should have at least received the appointment for Biometrics.

We were wondering, what would be the best thing to do. Shall we just wait or try to contact USCIS again. Shall we get a lawyer? Thanks everyone.

Thats really unfortunate. I think you can ask USCIS again but might get the same answer to "wait".
You can try asking in a different forum and see if other people know more like on reddit maybe.
I recommend using the app "Lawfully" they have a bigger community where you can ask questions, people there might have a similar situation to yours.
Good luck!