My timeline :-) Greencard through Marriage

[abc679]

While I was in the process of applying for my green card, the research and resources available at this website helped me out a lot. I had a complicated case because I moved to another state when I got married. I have to say that I would highly recommend getting a lawyer if your case is even a little complicated. I had the support of my wonderful, loving husband and I am so glad that it all went well. So, I thought I would post my story and maybe it would help someone as well. Good luck!

My Timeline
03-21-2011: Got Married :-)
04-15-2011: I-130 sent to USCIS
04-18-2011: I-130 received by USCIS
04-20-2011: We received the receipt + Money Order Cashed
09-25-2011: Filed I-485 with judge and I-765 with USCIS
09-27-2011: I-765 application received by USCIS
09-29-2011: We received the receipt for I-765
11-05-2011: Received I-130 interview notice [6.5 months]
11-14-2911: USCIS case tracking says I-765 is approved and letter to be mailed
11-16-2011: I-130 Interview at 9:30am Interview was about 25 minutes long and was direct. The officer asked many questions about our marriage and relationship. Our lawyer was very helpful. [7 months]
11-16-2011: Received I-765 approval letter in the mail and EAD card in the mail [1.5 months]
11-19-2011: Received I-130 RFE letter
12-07-2011: Sent I-130 RFE to USCIS officer
01-12-2012: Received I-130 approval notice online
01-14-2012: Received I-130 approval notice in the mail [9 months] Hallelujah!!
03-30-2012: Court date with judge**
02-06-2012: Judge terminates removal proceedings**
02-09/11-2012: Civil Surgeon Appointment and Concealed report
02-14-2012: Prepared I-485 packet that included I-864 (financial support), health report,
02-17-2012: Sent I-485 package to USCIS
05-14-2012: InfoPass appointment to determine status (Case File has not been transferred from old state yet)
07-19-2012: InfoPass appointment to determine status (Case File has been transferred, but needs to get an appointment time slot)
08-03-2012: Received I-485 interview notice [15.5 months]
08-06-2012: Application for EAD renewal sent
08-10-2012: Got New state license
08-29-2012: I-485 interview at 8:30AM; The interview was 15 minutes long and went pretty well. Officer asked question directly form I-485 to both of us and then asked if we had additional documents (we brought renewed lease, bills, etc). Then she said everything seems in place so you should receive your card within one month). Lawyer was very helpful. [16.25 months]
09-04-2012: AOS approved! Received greencard!! Thank you lord!!!

[mst4]

Hi

Hi , I have the same situation of you ,Removal Process through marriage. Can you please give me your personal email id .So we can discused.
Thanks for your Help .

[TimU2]

My Timeline

05/06/15 Documents mailed to USCIS
05/08/15 Documents delivered USCIS
05/14/15 Check payment processed
05/18/15 Application receipt notice received by mail
05/22/15 Biometrics appointment notice received
06/03/15 Biometrics taken
07/27/15 Interview Notice received by mail. Scheduled on 9/1 at 11:15am
07/30/15 I-797 Approval Notice Received by mail
09/01/15 Interview took place at USCIS office. Green Card Approved.
09/04/15 Approval notice arrived by mail
09/18/15 New card being ordered/Produced
09/23/15 Green Card was mailed
09/26/15 Green Card received

[Shedairyproduct]

My timeline for GC!

Hello
I just applied for my GC earlier this year and I wanted to share my timeline with this thread for others. This was a huge help in understanding roughly how the timeline works so I thought I would add mine.

1/12/2016 All Documents mailed to USCIS
1/14/2016 Documents delivered to USCIS
1/22/2016 Text and email notification of USCIS acceptance confirmation
1/25/2016 Check payment processed
1/28/2016 Application receipt by mail
2/06/2016 Biometrics appointment notice received
2/18/2016 Biometrics scheduled and taken
5/06/2016 Interview Notice received by mail
6/10/2016 Interview scheduled at USCIS office.
7/05/2016 Acceptance letter from USCIS
7/07/2016 Received Green Card in the mail


I hope it helps! If anyone has any questions about my process, please feel free to message me.

[immihelp]

Thank you for posting this timeline. It will be useful to other members.

[Godgivengift Saywer]

Appointment

How long after u recd your EAC b4 u get an appt date

[ccmonicayz]

Thanks for sharing but which area this is in?
We have applied green card based on marriage

1. July 2015 Submit all application
2. Feb 2016 Interview in CT hartford office
3. NO UPDATE at all after interview (It has been 6 months)

Hello
I just applied for my GC earlier this year and I wanted to share my timeline with this thread for others. This was a huge help in understanding roughly how the timeline works so I thought I would add mine.

1/12/2016 All Documents mailed to USCIS
1/14/2016 Documents delivered to USCIS
1/22/2016 Text and email notification of USCIS acceptance confirmation
1/25/2016 Check payment processed
1/28/2016 Application receipt by mail
2/06/2016 Biometrics appointment notice received
2/18/2016 Biometrics scheduled and taken
5/06/2016 Interview Notice received by mail
6/10/2016 Interview scheduled at USCIS office.
7/05/2016 Acceptance letter from USCIS
7/07/2016 Received Green Card in the mail


I hope it helps! If anyone has any questions about my process, please feel free to message me.

[AmericanDream1110]

Green card experience August 2016

Here is a summary of my experience getting a Green Card. I got married in March 2016 to my wife who is a U.S.Citizen. With her help I applied for my Green Card. It was a lot of paperwork to pull together

My wife and I filled out the I130 form together. Both of us signed it.

I also filled out the I485, I131, and I765. My wife signed as the sponsor for the I485 and provided copies of her W2s, Income tax returns, etc. It was recommended that we filed these 4 forms together at the same time with supporting documents. We didn’t use a lawyer. All the information needed is on the USCIS’s website. The instructions for individual forms available on USCIS’s website was pretty clear.

I’ve provided below a list of supporting documents we supplied. It took me 2 weeks to compile all this together. Please note that they ask for a birth certificate with the I485(adjustment of status). If the certificate doesn’t have your name you’ll have to provide additional documentation. This surprised me. I have lived in the United States since 2001 and have filed numerous forms for work permits, H1B appilcations etc. and never once have I been asked for the birth certificate.

The I485 also required my wife to fill out a sponsorship form and attest that we had enough funds and income to support me financially. We had to provided copies of both our tax returns as proof. I also had to get a health certificate from a certified physician as part of the I485. It was easy to go to the local urgent care clinic as the physicians there fill these certificates often and know what they are doing(USCIS’s website has a list of providers who are qualified to fill this form out). I had to give a blood sample for a lab test and also had to get a skin test for Tuberculosis. I returned two days later and the Medical assistants had all the information filled out in a sealed envelope ready to go. With that last piece my application was ready to be mailed out.

We included a check for $420 for the I130 and another check for $1070 for the I485(Adjustment fee: $985 + Biometric fee: $85)with our application package. We didn't have to pay a fee for for I-765 and I-131 since they were filed together with I-485.

Here is the timeline of processing.

1. Application sent to Chicago lockbox through priority mail on May 27th, 2016.
2. Application delivered on May 30th
3. Priority date assigned for all 4 applications for May 31st.
4. USCIS Chicago debited payment from our checking accounts on June 9th.
5. Notice of Biometric Testing sent - June 18th 2016
6. Gave Biometrics in Portland, OR on July 7th
7. Request to appear for interview arrived in mail on July 31st(Interview date Aug 31st)
8. EAD and Parole approval notice arrived August 17th
9. EAD and Parole card(all-in-one-card) arrived through priority mailAugust 20th
10. Attended interview on August 31st. The officer who interviewed us was very kind. He had a dry sense of humor. After our interview he mentioned our application was approved and the permanent resident card should arrive in the mail in two weeks.

List of supporting documents I provided

I130

1. A certified copy of our marriage certificate.
2. A copy of my wife’s Passport as proof of her citizenship.
3. A copy of our apartment lease
4. Bank statements from our joint bank account
5. A copy of our health insurance card that showed both our names on the same card.
6. A copy of my life insurance policy that had her listed as a beneficiary.
7. A passport size photograph of my wife and a photograph of mine.
8. Proof of current immigration status(I797s from my H1b, Prior EADs, copies of I20s from college)



I-131(Application for parole)

1. Two photographs
2. Copy of photo Identity document.
a. Driver’s license
b. Passport
3. Proof of current immigration status(I provided copies of I-797s from my H1B, Previous I-20s from college, EADs and work permits)

I-485(Application for adjustment of status)

1. Copy of birth certificate
a. Copy of Date of birth from school records(Matriculation and Higher secondary certificates since my birth certificate didn’t have my name on it)
2. Copy of passport page with Non-immigrant visa
3. Photos – 2 passport size with white background
4. Medical Exam report on Form I-693(should be sealed and provided by physician)
5. Form G-325A Biographic statement(filed by both myself and my spouse)
6. Affidavit of support from my wife(Form I-864)
a. Form I-864A filled by me
b. W2s and Income tax returns for myself and my wife as proof of income to support I-864
7. Filing fee of $985. Biometric Fee of $85(Make check to U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

I-765(Application for travel authorization)

1. A copy of most current I-94
2. A copy of passport
3. A copy of prior EADs
4. Two identical passport photographs on white background

There are no filing fees for I-765 and I-131 if filed together with I-485.

[Rossy]

My Green Card Application based on Marriage Timeline

Hello all, I want to share my green card application experience since Immihelp really provided me a lot of help! Thanks for all your effort!
My background:
I used to be F-1 Student, then transferred to H1B status. Currently I am still under H1B status and applying for green card through marriage.

We prepared complete application forms and supporting documents so there's no RFE later. I really suggest to do so then it will save both side's time. I did apply for EAD I -765 but not apply I-131 for travel re-enrty. Here is the timeline as follows:
05/14/16 Marriage registration
05/25/16 Medical Immigration Exam
05/15-06/09/16 Set up joint account and collect supportive documents
05/27/16 Test result for medical immigration exam, do shot and get result
(no X-ray necessary in my test, or may take extra appointment to get result and the sealed envelop for application)
06/10/16 Mail out application package
06/21/16 Receive text and email info will mail out notice in 7-10 days, showing 06/13/16 USCIS received case, 3 case numbers in sequence
06/23/16 Receive paper letter mailing for notice
06/29/16 Receive notice for 07/15/16 scheduled fingerprint recording (you may argue to reschedule if not want this default scheduled date)
07/15/16 Record biometric finger print in local office, spent around 1 hour including waiting period
08/12/16 Check USCIS status update today, Interview notice mailed out, schedule on 09/14/16
08/15/16 Receive interview notice scheduled on 09/14/16 at 11AM
08/25/16 Check USCIS status update, "EAD Card is being processed"Suppose it would be mailed out within 1-2 weeks
08/26/16 Check USCIS status update, “I-765 Case was approved, will mail you approval notice......”checked online, many people already receive EAD card before receiving the approval notice
08/30/16 Received I-797 Notice of Action (Approval notice)
09/01/16 Received EAD Card (on 8th days, yes receive within 1-2 weeks after status updated)
09/14/16 Green card interview at 11AM
09/14/16 Check online status at night, I-485 and I-130 cases were both approved, we suppose it will still take a couple of weeks to receive the green card, at least around mid-October it should arrive

Honestly, we had a really harsh time for seperate interview, which means it's treated as fraud at first, it last about 25 min for my portion (applicant), and last about 15 min for my spouse (Sponsor), he behaved so nervous and could not tell some timing questions correctly. I believe it was because the interviewer made people under a big pressure and nervous, though we are truly in love with each other and built a real marriage. We were asked some private questions including birth control, having baby plan and intimate activity. I did bring additional suffcient documents to prove our marriage is real, including an album that we made in advance to record our daily sweet time together (And I found the interviewer started to relax and play jokes when browsing the album). The interviewer kept all additional supportive documents that I provided including joint bank accounts, utility bills and pay stubs for most recent three months as we have accumulated after mailing out the original application. After my husband came out from interview office, the interviewer did not say anything but mention we would receive a notice within 30 days. He did not keep my passport or give me any paper as I assume there should be. The notice could be an approval, denial or pending for review...... To sum up, it was really a FRUSTRATING Interview, we were so nervous the whole day for the final result and start thinking the "what if" situation already, though the relationship is totally true 'cause I was aware online some cases based on real marriage were denied per judgement. It was a suffering day for both of us. Then at night, I checked online status changed to "Case was approved" for both I-485 and I-130, I can't help crying.

As far as I can see from my application experience, I just can't believe the whole process is so smooth and efficient, (though it terrified me whole day on interview) it takes 3 months in total for processing, well maybe more since still need consider the time of receiving green card, maybe in 2-3 weeks plus, so within four months, so impressive on the USCIS working efficiency!

I hope this could help and wish you all succeed:-)

[Chloe12]

DACA recipient married to US Citizen

I want to share my case with you guys in hopes that it will give more insight to others as I was unable to find any cases similar to my own.

I received DACA originally in 2013 (filed in 2012 and received it approximately 1 year later)
I married my husband who is a United States Citizen in 2014
I renewed my DACA in 2015

We filed form I-130 with I-485 and all other forms (EXCEPT form I-765 because I already have an EAD through DACA) on December 1, 2016

This is the beginning of my process and I will post updates as we progress.

The thing about our case which I hope does not cause any delays is that WE LIVE IN DIFFERENT STATES. I live in New York and he lives in Florida and it has been this way since we began dating in 2008. We go back and forth regularly of course and we know each others families, etc. We lived together for one year from 2013 to 2014 in NY. I am finishing up school in NY and do plan on moving to FL to live with him. Another factor is that we don't have many things with both our names on it like insurance, lease, bills, etc. All we have is a joint account together, which doesn't see that much activity. We both work and live with our parents so besides car and cell phone (and tuition for me) we don't have that many bills or things that might require both our names on it. It is not hard to prove our relationship is legitimate but I am worried that these two factors will complicate the process. I will definitely provide updates as I receive them. I hope this will be helpful to couples out there in a situation similar to ours.

[NathanC]

Thanks for sharing but which area this is in?
We have applied green card based on marriage

1. July 2015 Submit all application
2. Feb 2016 Interview in CT hartford office
3. NO UPDATE at all after interview (It has been 6 months)

I have the same question.
For most cases I see online, interview notice comes within 2~3 months after fingerprint completed.
It has been about 4 months since my fingerprint got done.

1. 07/18/2016, Concurrent filing received by USCIS Chicago
2. 07/22/2016, receipt numbers received via text message and email. Come in mail after a week.
3. 08/05/2016, notice for fingerprint schedule received.
4. 08/17/2016, fingerprint done in New york city.
5. 09/06/2016, I-485 status changed to ready to schedule for interview.
6. 09/27/2016, received I-797 for approval of AP and EAD. Comes in mail in about 2 weeks.
Moved to Texas and nothing happened since....

[GCamericandream]

Should wife use last name of husband or maiden name when filing for husband?

Here is a summary of my experience getting a Green Card. I got married in March 2016 to my wife who is a U.S.Citizen. With her help I applied for my Green Card. It was a lot of paperwork to pull together

My wife and I filled out the I130 form together. Both of us signed it.

I also filled out the I485, I131, and I765. My wife signed as the sponsor for the I485 and provided copies of her W2s, Income tax returns, etc. It was recommended that we filed these 4 forms together at the same time with supporting documents. We didn’t use a lawyer. All the information needed is on the USCIS’s website. The instructions for individual forms available on USCIS’s website was pretty clear.

I’ve provided below a list of supporting documents we supplied. It took me 2 weeks to compile all this together. Please note that they ask for a birth certificate with the I485(adjustment of status). If the certificate doesn’t have your name you’ll have to provide additional documentation. This surprised me. I have lived in the United States since 2001 and have filed numerous forms for work permits, H1B appilcations etc. and never once have I been asked for the birth certificate.

The I485 also required my wife to fill out a sponsorship form and attest that we had enough funds and income to support me financially. We had to provided copies of both our tax returns as proof. I also had to get a health certificate from a certified physician as part of the I485. It was easy to go to the local urgent care clinic as the physicians there fill these certificates often and know what they are doing(USCIS’s website has a list of providers who are qualified to fill this form out). I had to give a blood sample for a lab test and also had to get a skin test for Tuberculosis. I returned two days later and the Medical assistants had all the information filled out in a sealed envelope ready to go. With that last piece my application was ready to be mailed out.

We included a check for $420 for the I130 and another check for $1070 for the I485(Adjustment fee: $985 + Biometric fee: $85)with our application package. We didn't have to pay a fee for for I-765 and I-131 since they were filed together with I-485.

Here is the timeline of processing.

1. Application sent to Chicago lockbox through priority mail on May 27th, 2016.
2. Application delivered on May 30th
3. Priority date assigned for all 4 applications for May 31st.
4. USCIS Chicago debited payment from our checking accounts on June 9th.
5. Notice of Biometric Testing sent - June 18th 2016
6. Gave Biometrics in Portland, OR on July 7th
7. Request to appear for interview arrived in mail on July 31st(Interview date Aug 31st)
8. EAD and Parole approval notice arrived August 17th
9. EAD and Parole card(all-in-one-card) arrived through priority mailAugust 20th
10. Attended interview on August 31st. The officer who interviewed us was very kind. He had a dry sense of humor. After our interview he mentioned our application was approved and the permanent resident card should arrive in the mail in two weeks.

List of supporting documents I provided

I130

1. A certified copy of our marriage certificate.
2. A copy of my wife’s Passport as proof of her citizenship.
3. A copy of our apartment lease
4. Bank statements from our joint bank account
5. A copy of our health insurance card that showed both our names on the same card.
6. A copy of my life insurance policy that had her listed as a beneficiary.
7. A passport size photograph of my wife and a photograph of mine.
8. Proof of current immigration status(I797s from my H1b, Prior EADs, copies of I20s from college)



I-131(Application for parole)

1. Two photographs
2. Copy of photo Identity document.
a. Driver’s license
b. Passport
3. Proof of current immigration status(I provided copies of I-797s from my H1B, Previous I-20s from college, EADs and work permits)

I-485(Application for adjustment of status)

1. Copy of birth certificate
a. Copy of Date of birth from school records(Matriculation and Higher secondary certificates since my birth certificate didn’t have my name on it)
2. Copy of passport page with Non-immigrant visa
3. Photos – 2 passport size with white background
4. Medical Exam report on Form I-693(should be sealed and provided by physician)
5. Form G-325A Biographic statement(filed by both myself and my spouse)
6. Affidavit of support from my wife(Form I-864)
a. Form I-864A filled by me
b. W2s and Income tax returns for myself and my wife as proof of income to support I-864
7. Filing fee of $985. Biometric Fee of $85(Make check to U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

I-765(Application for travel authorization)

1. A copy of most current I-94
2. A copy of passport
3. A copy of prior EADs
4. Two identical passport photographs on white background

There are no filing fees for I-765 and I-131 if filed together with I-485.

Hi there
This is very similar to my case. Please did your wife use your last name or her maiden name when filling her part in all the forms?
Thank you in advance

[Adeleke Muideen Ololade]

Hello
I just applied for my GC earlier this year and I wanted to share my timeline with this thread for others. This was a huge help in understanding roughly how the timeline works so I thought I would add mine.

1/12/2016 All Documents mailed to USCIS
1/14/2016 Documents delivered to USCIS
1/22/2016 Text and email notification of USCIS acceptance confirmation
1/25/2016 Check payment processed
1/28/2016 Application receipt by mail
2/06/2016 Biometrics appointment notice received
2/18/2016 Biometrics scheduled and taken
5/06/2016 Interview Notice received by mail
6/10/2016 Interview scheduled at USCIS office.
7/05/2016 Acceptance letter from USCIS
7/07/2016 Received Green Card in the mail


I hope it helps! If anyone has any questions about my process, please feel free to message me.

You make sense!

[Ashwini Singh]

I-130

My husband is an American and I am an Indian. We got married in the United States. We have filed my I-130 in Delhi. After submission, we were only given a receipt for the Fees we paid. No case number was given to us. Is this normal or should we go back to them and ask for a Case number to tracek the I-130 petition.

Any help will be helpful.......USCIS never answers their calls. This is panic for us

[mwong]

Texas move

I have the same question.
For most cases I see online, interview notice comes within 2~3 months after fingerprint completed.
It has been about 4 months since my fingerprint got done.

1. 07/18/2016, Concurrent filing received by USCIS Chicago
2. 07/22/2016, receipt numbers received via text message and email. Come in mail after a week.
3. 08/05/2016, notice for fingerprint schedule received.
4. 08/17/2016, fingerprint done in New york city.

5. 09/06/2016, I-485 status changed to ready to schedule for interview.
6. 09/27/2016, received I-797 for approval of AP and EAD. Comes in mail in about 2 weeks.
Moved to Texas and nothing happened since....

Hey Nathan,

I had a very similar experience, I moved from LA to Dallas,Texas ! it took soo long to receive a marriage interview in Texas.

1. 6/29/16 I did an address change via their website with my address in Texas
2. 8/19/2016 I received mail in Texas with a marriage interview for Santa Ana,CA (interview was set for September 28)
3. 8/19/2016 I called USCIS. They sent a couple of emails to transfer the case to Dallas. Apparently their systems are not all connected for change of addresses etc.
4. 9/27/2016 still no news, I call again USCIS, there's no news, ask me to wait in the mail as all the transfer is in process
5. 10/29/2016 still no news, Called USCIS once again, they said Dallas is the busiest office in the nation. Still waiting
6. 11/17/2016 I received my interview letter, finally! Scheduled for Dec 19,2016
7. 12/19/2016 Went to Dallas Office, got interviewed, and officer approved right away.

So, in summary, it takes FOREVER!!!!! Make sure you did your change of addresses and phone calls to follow up.