March 2018 filers: let's share our experience!!

[lian]

hey Guys quick question,

I haven't initially applied for a AP, but I would like to now since my timeline is just getting longer and longer, how can I applied for it now that I am in the process already, also is it an extra cost?


thank you!

[gaps0214]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what does it mean to Front Load an application? I Googled the definition of Front Loading, which has several definitions- none of which seem to apply here.

No such thing as a dumb question :-)
Front-loading is just a phrase used in the forums I assume started by the more senior members to indicate that at first filing of AOS documents, you are able to provide all the necessary and recommended evidences of your AOS application, as indicated in the Instruction Sheet of all pertinent forms like I-485, I-130, I-765, I-131, I-864 which in my case are the forms needed to apply for AOS through marriage.
Hope this helps you understand the term front-loading.

Cheers,

Married to USC, on C9 AOS, same-sex marriage, Seattle, WA
PD: March 22, 2018
RD: April 6, 2018
Biometrics: April 27, 2018
RFE: June 11, 2018
RFE Resolved: June 21, 2018
Requested expedite through ROC: Negative outcome
July 9, 2018: I-485 Status Changed to Case is Ready to be Scheduled for Interview
August 15, 2018: EAD/AP Approval Notice Received by Email
August 22, 2018: SS Card in Hand
August 31, 2018: EAD/AP Combo Card in Hand
September 1, 2018: Used EAD/AP Combo Card to apply for Canadian Visitors Visa
September 3, 2018: Canadian TRV approved
October 24, 2018: Travelled outside of US for medical purpose
November 4, 2018: Crossed into US border from Canada using EAD/AP Combo Card, Parole Approved
February 22, 2019: Extension of EAD/AP Sent
March 15, 2019: Received 797 on AP Renewal

[NDkingdom]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what does it mean to Front Load an application? I Googled the definition of Front Loading, which has several definitions- none of which seem to apply here.

[gaps0214]

I'm in a same sex relationship. Recently married and I did not find this forum until after I filed. I did not front load my application Only send marriage certificate sigh. My documents were accepted and now I'm focusing on gathering more evidence. I'm just barely coming out so its going to be difficult to prove relationship Kept everything private because they are extremely homophobic in my home country. I hope uscis will take that into consideration.

Your worries are understandable.
But others in this thread can only help you with their opinions and experiences based on the information you share, and you need to put more detail into your situation.
Front-loading an AOS application is important but if you have received 797s on your filing that's a good sign, and if you get a biometrics appointment that's another good sign your application is moving forward.
In the meantime, embrace the process and learn as much as you can from these threads - they have been extremely helpful to me and my husband since we didnt hire a lawyer to help us out in the filing for AOS.

Cheers,

Married to USC, on C9 AOS, same-sex marriage, Seattle, WA
PD: March 22, 2018
RD: April 6, 2018
Biometrics: April 27, 2018
RFE: June 11, 2018
RFE Resolved: June 21, 2018
Requested expedite through ROC: Negative outcome
July 9, 2018: I-485 Status Changed to Case is Ready to be Scheduled for Interview
August 15, 2018: EAD/AP Approval Notice Received by Email
August 22, 2018: SS Card in Hand
August 31, 2018: EAD/AP Combo Card in Hand
September 1, 2018: Used EAD/AP Combo Card to apply for Canadian Visitors Visa
September 3, 2018: Canadian TRV approved
October 24, 2018: Travelled outside of US for medical purpose
November 4, 2018: Crossed into US border from Canada using EAD/AP Combo Card, Parole Approved
February 22, 2019: Extension of EAD/AP Sent
March 15, 2019: Received 797 on AP Renewal

[gaps0214]

Hey guys, we had our interview and were approved on the spot!
The officer was a nice lady. She had reviewed our file and I'm under the impression that she had made up her mind on the bona fide of our marriage before conducting the interview. All in all it was a pleasant experience.
We brought two binders of additional evidence. She kept some bank and credit card statements, utilities bills, joint health insurance, our taxes for 2018, boarding passes, landlord letter, a resizing receipt for my engagement ring with our address on it and some photos.
Questions asked to my husband (petitioner): date of birth, occupation, date of marriage, when did we move in together.
Questions asked to me (applicant): date of birth, occupation, if I was studying, how did we meet, when did we have our first date and where did we go, and when did he propose.
She asked us if our families approved of our marriage and if things are going well.
She explained us how to file to remove conditions and said I should expect the green card in 30 days but that I may get it sooner.

Our timeline:
March 12, 2018: PD Newark NJ
January, 2019: original interview date. We rescheduled due to a planned trip overseas.
March 19, 2019: Interview.
March 19, 1019: Card is being produced.

Big congratulations! Can you share what she explained on how to file to remove conditions? Obviously its still 1 step away from where some of us who are waiting for an interview, but I don't see anyone who have done the interview successfully share that information as may be obtained from the interviewing immigration officer on the next steps after GC is approved.

Again congratulations and will appreciate it when you find time to write back on the removal of conditions.

Cheers,

Married to USC, on C9 AOS, same-sex marriage, Seattle, WA
PD: March 22, 2018
RD: April 6, 2018
Biometrics: April 27, 2018
RFE: June 11, 2018
RFE Resolved: June 21, 2018
Requested expedite through ROC: Negative outcome
July 9, 2018: I-485 Status Changed to Case is Ready to be Scheduled for Interview
August 15, 2018: EAD/AP Approval Notice Received by Email
August 22, 2018: SS Card in Hand
August 31, 2018: EAD/AP Combo Card in Hand
September 1, 2018: Used EAD/AP Combo Card to apply for Canadian Visitors Visa
September 3, 2018: Canadian TRV approved
October 24, 2018: Travelled outside of US for medical purpose
November 4, 2018: Crossed into US border from Canada using EAD/AP Combo Card, Parole Approved
February 22, 2019: Extension of EAD/AP Sent
March 15, 2019: Received 797 on AP Renewal

[belu31]

Hey guys, we had our interview and were approved on the spot!
The officer was a nice lady. She had reviewed our file and I'm under the impression that she had made up her mind on the bona fide of our marriage before conducting the interview. All in all it was a pleasant experience.
We brought two binders of additional evidence. She kept some bank and credit card statements, utilities bills, joint health insurance, our taxes for 2018, boarding passes, landlord letter, a resizing receipt for my engagement ring with our address on it and some photos.
Questions asked to my husband (petitioner): date of birth, occupation, date of marriage, when did we move in together.
Questions asked to me (applicant): date of birth, occupation, if I was studying, how did we meet, when did we have our first date and where did we go, and when did he propose.
She asked us if our families approved of our marriage and if things are going well.
She explained us how to file to remove conditions and said I should expect the green card in 30 days but that I may get it sooner.

Our timeline:
March 12, 2018: PD Newark NJ
January, 2019: original interview date. We rescheduled due to a planned trip overseas.
March 19, 2019: Interview.
March 19, 1019: Card is being produced.

[swabywhite]

I'm in a same sex relationship. Recently married and I did not find this forum until after I filed. I did not front load my application Only send marriage certificate sigh. My documents were accepted and now I'm focusing on gathering more evidence. I'm just barely coming out so its going to be difficult to prove relationship Kept everything private because they are extremely homophobic in my home country. I hope uscis will take that into consideration.

[gaps0214]

EAD/AP Renewal Application Status?

Posting an update on my EAD/AP renewal.
So I sent out my renewal for both EAD/AP together at 180 days to expiry date of my EAD/AP combo card.
I-797 for AP Renewal received 3 weeks after, somehow the EAD Renewal is still finding its way through the system.
I am secretly hoping that with the I-797 for EAD Renewal will lead to an Interview Notice shortly after as well.
Happy St. Patrick's weekend to all.

Cheers,

Married to USC, on C9 AOS, same-sex marriage, Seattle, WA
PD: March 22, 2018
RD: April 6, 2018
Biometrics: April 27, 2018
RFE: June 11, 2018
RFE Resolved: June 21, 2018
Requested expedite through ROC: Negative outcome
July 9, 2018: I-485 Status Changed to Case is Ready to be Scheduled for Interview
August 15, 2018: EAD/AP Approval Notice Received by Email
August 22, 2018: SS Card in Hand
August 31, 2018: EAD/AP Combo Card in Hand
September 1, 2018: Used EAD/AP Combo Card to apply for Canadian Visitors Visa
September 3, 2018: Canadian TRV approved
October 24, 2018: Travelled outside of US for medical purpose
November 4, 2018: Crossed into US border from Canada using EAD/AP Combo Card, Parole Approved
February 22, 2019: Extension of EAD/AP Sent
March 15, 2019: Received 797 on AP Renewal

[BayAreaCaliAOS]

Hi, did you send your renewal by regular or certified mail? I sent mine by regular mail and this is the 3rd week since and I haven't received any Notice of Action nor my online case status has changed.
Please post an update when you receive your renewal 767 as I will also when I receive mine.
Cheers,

Married to USC, on C9 AOS, same-sex marriage, Seattle, WA
PD: March 22, 2018
RD: April 6, 2018
Biometrics: April 27, 2018
RFE: June 11, 2018
RFE Resolved: June 21, 2018
Requested expedite through ROC: Negative outcome
July 9, 2018: I-485 Status Changed to Case is Ready to be Scheduled for Interview
August 15, 2018: EAD/AP Approval Notice Received by Email
August 22, 2018: SS Card in Hand
August 31, 2018: EAD/AP Combo Card in Hand
September 1, 2018: Used EAD/AP Combo Card to apply for Canadian Visitors Visa
September 3, 2018: Canadian TRV approved
October 24, 2018: Travelled outside of US for medical purpose
November 4, 2018: Crossed into US border from Canada using EAD/AP Combo Card, Parole Approved
February 22, 2019: Extension of EAD/AP Sent

We did priority mail. I?ll let you know how it goes.
I?m sure it takes time for them to process just like how we send our first package.

[gaps0214]

I just want to share my timeline below.
Yesterday I filed for renewal of my combo card.
Now I gota wait for response.

Hi, did you send your renewal by regular or certified mail? I sent mine by regular mail and this is the 3rd week since and I haven't received any Notice of Action nor my online case status has changed.
Please post an update when you receive your renewal 767 as I will also when I receive mine.
Cheers,

Married to USC, on C9 AOS, same-sex marriage, Seattle, WA
PD: March 22, 2018
RD: April 6, 2018
Biometrics: April 27, 2018
RFE: June 11, 2018
RFE Resolved: June 21, 2018
Requested expedite through ROC: Negative outcome
July 9, 2018: I-485 Status Changed to Case is Ready to be Scheduled for Interview
August 15, 2018: EAD/AP Approval Notice Received by Email
August 22, 2018: SS Card in Hand
August 31, 2018: EAD/AP Combo Card in Hand
September 1, 2018: Used EAD/AP Combo Card to apply for Canadian Visitors Visa
September 3, 2018: Canadian TRV approved
October 24, 2018: Travelled outside of US for medical purpose
November 4, 2018: Crossed into US border from Canada using EAD/AP Combo Card, Parole Approved
February 22, 2019: Extension of EAD/AP Sent

[BayAreaCaliAOS]

I just want to share my timeline below.
Yesterday I filed for renewal of my combo card.
Now I gota wait for response.

[tx2018]

AOS for Parents

I filed concurrent I130 and I 485, I130, Advanced AP AOS for my mother.
We From Texas

Enter B2 on March 03/2018
Package sent March 25. Chicago Lockbox
PD: 03/28/2018
P/F: 04/28/2018
RFE: 05/01/18 Missing Affidavit of Support of Sponsor . We have 2nd sponsors in file but not the original Sponsor.
RFE Received: 05/15/18 and Resume
05/25/18 Case ready for schedule.
08/01/18 Contact US SENATOR ask for help with AP and EAD. 7 days later we got combo card.
10/2018 Received Approval letter for GC. 10/15/18 GC in hand. No interview.

We send in tons of certified documents, every thing translation in English and Birth Certificate older one is better, newest BC can be **** now a day. , photos. Hope this information will help y'all's in here. Best with luck.

[Cendyb07]

It's been almost a year since we began our application, and yesterday our interview has finally been scheduled. Now I'm just waiting for the appointment notice to arrive in the mail. Our appointment will be at the Santa Ana, CA office. The UCSIC website shows that the current processing time for an I-485 application at the Santa Ana office is 14 to 25 months. I'm glad it wasn't closer to 25 months. Now I'm preparing all of my documents, photos and evidence for the interview. Hope everything goes well!



3/28/18: Priority Date
4/9/18: Application Fee checks are cashed
4/13/18: Notice of Receipt for I-130 and I-485
4/20/18: Received appointment notice for biometrics appointment
4/26/18: Received request for initial evidence (English translation of Brazilian birth certificate)
5/2/18: Biometrics appointment completed
5/8/18: Initial evidence was received by USCIS- case was resumed
5/21/18: Online update: Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview
3/6/19: Online update: Interview has been scheduled

Am excited for u my PD is April 23rd I hope to get my interview scheduled soon

[Cendyb07]

April 23rd filer

PD April 23rd 2018
Buena Park CA
National benefit center
May 22nd: Biometrics
June 25th: Bios completed
Septiembre 14th: Courtesy letter (I-693 was not received)
September 26th: Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview
October 1st: RFE for I-765
October 22nd: USCIS received RFE I-765
November 5th: new card is being produce I-765
November 8th: card was mailed I-765
November 14th: EAD on hand

[NDkingdom]

Congratulations! And best of luck, there is a boat load of resources in these threads about preparing well for the interview, do keep us posted on your interview experience.

Cheers,

Married to USC, on C9 AOS, same-sex marriage, Seattle, WA
PD: March 22, 2018
RD: April 6, 2018
Biometrics: April 27, 2018
RFE: June 11, 2018
RFE Resolved: June 21, 2018
Requested expedite through ROC: Negative outcome
July 9, 2018: I-485 Status Changed to Case is Ready to be Scheduled for Interview
August 15, 2018: EAD/AP Approval Notice Received by Email
August 22, 2018: SS Card in Hand
August 31, 2018: EAD/AP Combo Card in Hand
September 1, 2018: Used EAD/AP Combo Card to apply for Canadian Visitors Visa
September 3, 2018: Canadian TRV approved
October 24, 2018: Travelled outside of US for medical purpose
November 4, 2018: Crossed into US border from Canada using EAD/AP Combo Card, Parole Approved
March 22, 2019: Sent renewal for EAD/AP

Thank you so much! I just called UCSIC and talked to a Tier 2 officer to find out our appointment date- its April 12th. After all the anticipation and a year of waiting I can't believe we're at the finish line. I have a lot of preparation to do, but I'm optimistic that the interview will go well. After the interview I will definitely post a report here of what happened.