biggish data

NOA1

congratulations me and my wife received our NOA1 on June 5th. Looks like our journey will be on the same path. hope everything goes smooth for you. If you are doing this by yourself I suggest reading the guides in this group and the USCIS web site.

good luck
Michael

TheSahlis

Male

Australia

2010-07-11 21:50:00

Are you fed up with USCIS yet?

QUOTE (rika60607 @ Sep 19 2007, 07:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In general, I agree with you, but...
- RFE does not re-start the clock. It only delays you by ~ 2 weeks if you responded promptly.
- Vermont filers probably see "average" processing times now, because the workload was re-distributed between USCIS offices. That is a good thing, in general.
- the complaint about work visas being through faster than family visas is just silly.
I am not sure that sending a bunch of letters will change anything, but if you intend to do so - good luck!

I would work on the wording of this letter a bit more tho.
Rika

Thanks.
BUMP!!!!!

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-19 11:28:00

Are you fed up with USCIS yet?

Everyone, please join us in the fight to bring our loved ones here NOW. These delays are unacceptable. READ BELOW-->Take action now. I, for one, am tired of crying about it.

If you do take action, please let us know here. Only a large collective voice will get the attention we DESERVE!!!! And, if you are against this, please do us a favor and keep that to yourself. This process is painful enough without the negatively I all too often see here at VJ.

Good luck and thanks for your support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OKAY, LET'S GET STARTED: Let's start dropping letters NOW and continue for the next seven days. Please spread the word. Only a LARGE number will make an impact.

[b]If you are waiting for approval of another type of petition, change the format, the issue is still the same, delay, delay, delay.[/b]
Here is the link for your Congressman and Representative: Mail, fax and e-mail the letter. http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

BELOW IS WHAT NEEDS TO BE SENT TO USCIS:
1- make sure you change the name from Gonzalez to Aguilar in the last few paragraphs
2- tailor the same letter to your congressman and representative
3- choose a media outlet and tailor the letter to their attention (I have the ear of a reporter at the Washington Post and I'm trying to get Haberman from NY Times). Send a letter to anyone who you think will listen.
4- don't forget to send it to the obmudman at DHS-->cisombudsman@dhs.gov
Mailing Address:
Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
ATTN: Recommendations
United States Department of Homeland Security
Mail Stop 1225
Washington, D.C. 20528-1225

5- For all you 'naysayers' if this doesn't work, we'll plans something more effective.

Mr. Alfonso Aguilar
Chief of the Office of Citizenship
8201 Peters Road, Suite 1000
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324 USA

Name
Street Address
Apt (if applicable)
City, State Zip
Phone

September , 2007

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Attn: Dr. Emilio T. Gonzalez, Director
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528

Dear Dr. Gonzalez:

I am one of many United States Citizens perplexed by the extensive delays
in the processing of K-1 and K-3 visas at USCIS all service centers.

When I began this process, I was pleased to find that our application would
be processed through the service centers quickly and efficiently. Since
April onward of this year, this has not been the case.

We are members of an on-line community who share information and
experiences related to the immigration of our loved ones. We have been closely
following the changes that USCIS has undergone, including a substantial
rate increase in the fees associated with processing of applications and
petitions. While we understand the need for fee increases and some
restructuring at USCIS (training, hiring additional staff, prioritizing the
processing of applications, etc.) to create a more efficient and customer
friendly organization/agency, there are several issues of concern shared by
many of us that we would like addressed as soon as possible. It is obvious
to us that especially since April 2007, things at USCIS appear to have
gotten worse instead of better. For example, at the Vermont Service Center,
the average time for our community members to get their K1 VISA NOA 2 has
gone from less than 30 days in May 2007 to over 100 days now.

Some of our concerns include:

1.) Significant delays in the processing of petitions. Many of us who filed
in May through the date of this letter are noticing that an extremely small
number of petitions have been processed/approved. Many of our community
members are close to the 120 day mark (At CSC, past the 6-month quoted
timeframe) in waiting for a decision on our petition. Some of us are
receiving RFE’s long after NOA 1, thereby re-starting the clock.
2.) Many of our members have not received a notice of receipt (NOA 1), even
though the On-line Case Status confirms the receipt of our applications.
3.) Information provided by your agency’s out-sourced call center employees
is often misleading, incorrect or incomplete.
4.) We feel it is entirely inappropriate to prioritize WORK visa
applications over Family-Based, Non-Immigrant Petitions.

Dr. Gonzalez, we understand that Immigration Benefits are a privilege and
not a right, but as a United States citizens, we deserve accurate
information AND the opportunity to have our concerns addressed by
knowledgeable officials who can give us FACTS (not in-accurate time
estimates and scripted misinformation designed to appease nervous and sad
callers). We also understand the need for security checks, as we are aware
of our national security issues, but we do not believe this is the source
of the most recent delays. Only the truth and some swift action on the part
of USCIS can alleviate some of the stress associated with this process. Our
lives, along with our loved ones abroad, are on hold and we have no idea
when this first part of the immigration process will conclude.

The wait for a petition to reach NVC, then the appropriate Embassy and,
finally, the attendance of the beneficiary at scheduled interview can add
an additional 3 – 12 months to an already excruciatingly slow process. The
USCIS needs to set a reasonable goal of 90 days and/or have expedited
processing available for K1/K3 VISA applicants.

The strain of this process (both financial and emotional) is taking a
serious toll on the health and well-being of many US law abiding citizen’s
who are trying to follow the laws to bring their loved ones to the US by
legal means. Our frustration level with USCIS' inability or unwillingness
to ease/improve this process is reaching a critical point.

We, as a collective, have some expectations which include:
1.) A formal response to our concerns,
2.) Improved processing time for petitions, we believe the USCIS goal
timeframe of 6 months to process a K1/3 VISA at the service centers is
inadequate for our needs. As with any company, if the 90-day standard
cannot be met with good management and talented professionals, then the
organization should increase staff or streamline processes,
3.) Accurate and detailed information from your customer service
representatives and,
4,) The immediate issue of NOA1 hardcopy receipts for all received
petitions.

We respectfully request your immediate involvement to drastically improve
this process.

Thank you very much for your time in reading our letter and we sincerely
hope you can initiate immediate and long lasting improvements in this
aspect of USCIS.

Very respectfully,

XXXXXX X. XXXXXX

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-18 18:33:00

I-130 approved

Congrats.
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-03-29 10:43:00

We're Approved!!!

congrats girl, congrats. I cannot image how you are feeling.
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-03-18 16:36:00

WE GOT AN INTERVIEW DATE!!!!!

COngrats.. I know you were waiting on this.

Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-16 13:59:00

Excellent News - I-130 Approved (VSC)

COngrats . I know you must be smiling /laughing and just cannot believe that your case has been approved. For the rest of us who are patiently waiting, let us pray that this week will be our week
Pecky.

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-14 16:02:00

October and November VSC timeline

[quote name='shrewdgal' date='Apr 18 2008, 01:24 PM' post='1767745']
Hey guys! I know there are timelines everywhere but I thought I would start one just for us..

Name--------------------------------------date filed-------------------NOA1-----------------------------------NOA2

Isma-----------------------------------------------10-6-07-------------------1-10-08

Arlington------------------------------------------10/10/07-------------------1/11/08

Pecky----------------------------------------------10/10/07-------------------1/10/08

hyd617--------------------------------------------10/12/07--------------------1/11/08

Kitty-----------------------------------------------10/17/07----------------------1/18/08

MsZ------------------------------------------------10/25/07----------------------1/17/08

Delicia--------------------------------------------10/26/07----------------------2/13/08

Shrewdgal----------------------------------------10/30/07------------------------1/17/08

Jason&Dani---------------------------------------11/19/07-----------------------1/24/08

thanks Shrewgal. Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-18 14:15:00

-october 2007 filer VERMONT

lets hope we are all approved at the same time. :star.What do we need for the next step?
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-21 11:58:00

-october 2007 filer VERMONT

[quote name='hyd617' date='Apr 21 2008, 08:38 AM' post='1773275']
thanks guys.. it means alot to me!

i am very happy.. and i know yall will be next.. for those who are waiting patinetly dont foget god is with those who are patient!

it truly is amazin

i cant concentrate at work!!!!!!!!! LOLLL

hey girl, I am soooooo excited for you, it brings tears to my eyes. Sooooo excited.. OK on to the 2nd part. For us still holding on .. let us be assured it is coming. Congrats again. WOW

Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-21 08:58:00

new USCIS timelines

[quote name='Jason&Dani' date='Apr 21 2008, 02:51 PM' post='1774688']
No the dates are the same on my end. Still on March 15th.
I checked twice today and VJ is march 15 same date. I was wondering when they would update. Let's keep checking
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-21 14:59:00

Need your prayers

[quote name='Todd-Leah' date='Apr 22 2008, 09:02 AM' post='1777065']
TQ for your kind words and offer of prayers, and Sarah for sharing your similar experience, it's good to hear that I am not the only one who has to go through this.

I was online for a while yesterday reading your responses, haven't have time to get online too much last two days, was tired emptying the digestive tract in preparation for the colonoscopy and gastroscopy today.

The scopes didn't find anything suspicious, though it's not 100%, it more or less rules out the possibility of colon/stomach cancer.

I am going to see the oncologist tomorrow to schedule a mammograph, please pray for a clear diagnosis: no malignancy!!

Leah

Leah, I am praying for you. I pray that God's healing touch will be on your body. I am glad that the scope ruled out cancer. I also know that the mammogram will be negative. Love and peace to you & your family at this time.
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-22 16:51:00

IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH VSC

Something is definately wrong with Vermont processing. I really do hope that they are sending the applications to California. I hope we can hear something real soon.
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-05-16 17:34:00

how do you make yourself...unsad???

Hi Shrewdgal
Why was I feeling down today myself. I try not to feel down, but it seems that my life is in limbo right now. I make promises to myself that I will not check the VJ website frequently, but then I do and that even gets me more depressed. I had a wonderful weekend with friends. I think the scrap book /photo idea is a good one. Lets continue to pray for each other and hope that the vermont center will be approving our petitions shortly. Thanks for the VJers who have given and will keep on giivvng us ideas on each step of the journey. Thanks to all for your comments and understanding.
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-05-19 13:26:00

000...and any other VA I130 people

SHREWGAL
JUST SAW THE EMAIL. I HAVE WRITTEN ON THE USCIS WEB SITE. LET ME KNOW WHAT ELSE
PECKY

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-05-22 16:02:00

I am an October filer too. Have not heard anything also
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-16 19:14:00

I thought I was the only one that every free moment I get I log on to VJ. I am getting so discouraged that I have tried to log into VJ once or twice per day. Now I see that a DEc filer got approved. I am wondering if they have misplaced the OCt applications. I do not understand. I want to call some one... but who do I call and ask at USCIS. I can only be patient and pray...It is soooooooo fraustrating.
Pecky

QUOTE (Jason&Dani @ Apr 16 2008, 10:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I dont understand USCIS at all, but on the other hand congrats to the Dec. filer, they only had to wait 4 months. I wish that was the case for all of us. And USCIS says backlog, well i fyou have so much backlog where did you get the Dec file from

. Atleast some people dont suffer as much as others. This process can be very detrimental to the people going through it. In fact it is one of the hardest things I have had to do and I have had some tough things to deal with before.

Well besides that how is everyone today? Anyone else have this strange attraction to their email, VJ.com, and USCIS and by attraction I mean addiction?

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-16 14:07:00

Marlita
Thanks for the prayers. Still have not heard any news.....Waiting patiently
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-08 14:25:00

hey guys pray for me too as I wait patiently also. I am an October filer and have not heard anything as yet. I am hoping to hear something this week.
THanks
Pecky

QUOTE (hyd617 @ Apr 1 2008, 07:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (kitty loves moudi @ Mar 31 2008, 11:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (shrewdgal @ Mar 31 2008, 08:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (hyd617 @ Mar 31 2008, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (kitty loves moudi @ Mar 31 2008, 03:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Hyd...

more approvalssss... u think we'll be next??? I hope sooooo

hey kity, i hope so.. im keepin my fingers crossed. i keep constantly checkin my case status and email...
i hope they do approve us also...

lets seee .. good luck to u too...

hyd and kitty
I am right there with you! We have to be soon...right???
looking at this now..when do you guys think our spouses will actually be in the US?
I was praying for Sept..but now I think November at the EARLIEST??
what do you guys guesstimate??

hey kity and shrewdgal.. my first gues is also september... lets make avg at NCV about 80 days and then off to embassy// that is if everything goes smoothly and we do get out approval in beg of march.. hopefully this week...
god help us.. even i want my husband here so bad, i realy miss him.. im becomin impatient now.. dealing withuscis is very sad and u gota have a lot of patience to do this...

lets see what hapens

Hi Shrewdgal... welcome to the club.. we must be next, I feel it in my bones

lets all pray together that VSC keeps them approvals coming. IF we are approved early april.. i see that NVC is taking about 10 wks give or take a week.. then off to the embassy.. another 6 wks for interview.. then the Visa

.. im with your first guesstimate of September which makes it about 10 months process from start to finish if everything goes smoothly.

What do you think Hyd? september or later?

Omg, I am praying september!! I miss my husband.
Anybody out there.. what's your guesstimate for us??

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-04-01 10:29:00

[quote name='Goldtrom' date='Jan 19 2008, 02:57 PM' post='1505957']
Just got my NOA1... Yippee!!
[/quote
I RECEIVED THE NOA 1-797C- THANK YOU JESUS
PECKY

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-01-21 11:50:00

I-130 approved

ALL I CAN SAY IS '''YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS"

YOU WAITED A LONG TIME. ALL THE BEST FOR THE CONTINUED JOURNEY
PECKY

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-07-03 15:18:00

I 130 petition sent on October 9

you are not the only one waiting patiently. My application went in on Oct 10, 2007. Still no word. Patiently waiting.
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-07-03 15:14:00

october Filers CR1

I sent my application to Vermont 10 Oct 2007. Received NOA1 1/10/08. Have not heard anything since. They have updated the processing time to Sept 3, 2007. I am praying and believing that an answer will come soon.
Pecky

pecky

Female

Jamaica

2008-07-18 05:49:00

Visitors Visa

Katita-

My wife was approved for a B2 while we waited for the I130. She is from England, and she did own a home, etc... We didn't think we had much of a chance but we figured all they can do is say no. All depends on what kind of person you get I think. Good luck.

boilermanmd

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-06-13 14:13:00

Finally, After 9 months of waiting and our I-I30 was sitting in Vermont that long and been transfered to CA 2 weeks ago. Now what????? :dance:

Application Type: I130 , IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On May 24, 2007, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status & Processing Dates.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

dezzy&dan

Not Telling

Singapore

2007-05-26 21:53:00

HUH! After 9 Months of waiting to our I-130 we got this STUPID EMAIL. What the heck our I-130 was sitting in VERMONT for 9 months now they transfered to CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER!!! What's NEXT?

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC0622XXX

Application Type: I130 , IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN

Current Status: This case has been sent to another office for processing because it has jurisdiction over the case.

On May 6, 2007, we transferred this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN to our CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER location for processing because they now have jurisdiction over the case. We sent you a notice of this transfer. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service. We process cases in the order we receive them. You can use our processing dates to estimate when this case will be done. This case has been sent to our CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER location. Follow the link below to check processing dates. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status & Processing Dates.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

dezzy&dan

Not Telling

Singapore

2007-05-07 19:37:00

Hello MARYLANDERS,
Glad I saw this thread. Gessshhh were not alone our last touched was Aug 10, 2006 until now NOTHING We're worried we just sent out our AOS without I-130 Approval but they cashed the checks already. What do you think will gonna happens?

I hope we get all our approval soon.

Good luck all...

Hi Dezzy&Dan. Please keep us all informed of your AOS application. This topic of submitting the AOS without an I-130 approval has generated some interest on Brtishexpats forum. The general feeling is that you can't do it, and you run the risk of USCIS cashing your check, deciding you don't qualify, sending the I-485 back and you lose the money. I called USCIS my self and asked and they told me I could not file for AOS without an approved 130. Another poster said that at his AOS interview the ajudicator told him he could have ajudicated the 130 at the same time he did the AOS interview. Conflicting stories, confusing info, welcome to USCIS. I've been holding back on applying for AOS until the 130 is approved, but if you don't have any trouble than maybe I'll submit mine as well (I'm not excited about the possibility of losing the money).
Tom

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE from my AOS without an approved I-130. Yesterday I received the noticed of interview in the mail :dance:

. MY INTERVIEW is on JUNE 21, 2007 at BALTIMORE. See my time line below.

Any update from MARYLANDERS?

Dezzy

dezzy&dan

Not Telling

Singapore

2007-05-01 13:02:00

Thanks for the update Dezz. Since your AOS seems like it will sit for a while as well I think I'll wait for a month and see what happens with VSC. If things start moving for you could you post again? Thanks in advance.

Tom

No probs TOM. I will keep you posted. I am always lurking around here :blink:

dezz

dezzy&dan

Not Telling

Singapore

2007-03-05 18:42:00

Hi Dezzy&Dan. Please keep us all informed of your AOS application. This topic of submitting the AOS without an I-130 approval has generated some interest on Brtishexpats forum. The general feeling is that you can't do it, and you run the risk of USCIS cashing your check, deciding you don't qualify, sending the I-485 back and you lose the money. I called USCIS my self and asked and they told me I could not file for AOS without an approved 130. Another poster said that at his AOS interview the ajudicator told him he could have ajudicated the 130 at the same time he did the AOS interview. Conflicting stories, confusing info, welcome to USCIS. I've been holding back on applying for AOS until the 130 is approved, but if you don't have any trouble than maybe I'll submit mine as well (I'm not excited about the possibility of losing the money).
Tom
[/quote]

Hey Tom,

As you can see my time line below I just had my biometrics done. When my husband called USCIS 2 weeks ago asking about our I-130, the girl whom he's talking to told him our case I-130 was still in pending so our AOS might be pending also. So we are just waiting to find out.

Dezz

dezzy&dan

Not Telling

Singapore

2007-03-04 18:17:00

Hello MARYLANDERS,
Glad I saw this thread. Gessshhh were not alone our last touched was Aug 10, 2006 until now NOTHING :help:

We're worried we just sent out our AOS without I-130 Approval but they cashed the checks already. What do you think will gonna happens? :unsure:

I hope we get all our approval soon.

Good luck all...

dezzy&dan

Not Telling

Singapore

2007-02-21 15:38:00

Timeline on I 130 Approvals

May you pls add us?

NOA1---- Aug. 3, 2006-----VSC------- Pending

Thanks,
dezzy&dan

dezzy&dan

Not Telling

Singapore

2007-02-22 11:35:00

Translation Attested

Hi All, Need help. We have interview this week and I just found out that my wife birth certificate is original but the English translation is photocopy I mean the attestation signature copy is copy not wet attested signed. Is that acceptable or we need to get that attested again. Please please please help.

I believe you have to have make two ORIGINAL copies of all of your documents. One for you and one for them. If I were in your situation, I would try to get originals wet attested and signed. If you can do it in the short time frame you have, I suggest you do. It's always better to be on the safe side. Don't give them any reason to reject your application or delay an already long process.

Good luck!

~ DelicateStorm8

DelicateStom8

Female

Guatemala

2010-07-10 15:02:00

What are the risks to "waiting it out"?/not going through the immigration process

Waiting it out could be another 20 years, if you know anything about American politics; but it's your choice.

YES this is what I'm thinking too. It could be 20 years, but 20 years we can be together without the immigration interview/documentation fests. It sounds good to wait 20 years for the law to change, especially if things continue to be good with no problems and issues. The tax ID actually solves a lot of my major concerns.

~ Delicate Storm 8

DelicateStom8

Female

Guatemala

2010-08-06 18:03:00

What are the risks to "waiting it out"?/not going through the immigration process

Ok, first was he here before 2000? Before 911 people that came without inspection are still able to adjust. If he came after 911 then you both have no choice but for him to go back to his country. You also have to remember that there is a 10 years ban for staying illegally in the US once he leaves the country.

Thanks for replying! Our lawyer asked us about that and he doesn't qualify for the adjustment. In terms of choice, there are two. 1 is "waiting it out" and hoping the laws will change for a pathway to citizenship. and 2 going back to his country. I know those two choices already, I'm trying to get feedback on exploring the pros and cons to each. I know about the 10 year band, that why we're considering "waiting it out".

~ Delicate Storm 8

DelicateStom8

Female

Guatemala

2010-08-06 18:00:00

What are the risks to "waiting it out"?/not going through the immigration process

As far as I know he cannot file for a green card without leaving the country since he entered without inspection.

As to "waiting" well he risk arrest, deportation, jail time, he can't work, he can't get a job. So if the thought of your husband being incarcerated and deported doesn't bother you take the risk.

Thanks for your feedback. He works for himself since he arrived and is doing pretty well so work isn't an issue. Arrest..yes, that doesn't sound too good. But so far, no problems. Most nondocumented folks don't get deported OR arrested so sometimes I think we hype up the risk when it may not be as significant as we think. Possible yes, but arrest and deportation, I'm thinking..is unlikely.

~ Delicate Storm8

DelicateStom8

Female

Guatemala

2010-08-06 17:57:00

What are the risks to "waiting it out"?/not going through the immigration process

You never HAVE to file the I-130, only if you want to petition for him to get his green card

The risks? Well, immigration reform has been pending for 8 years and still nothing. So you may be in for a long wait. In the mean time, you risk him being caught and deported, his workplace could be raided or someone could report him. Simply being married and having a realtionship does nothing to 'fight the deportation', he still will be deported. This drastically decreases your chances of having any sort of reform benefit you. Also, simple things like speeding tickets, no licence etc also reduces your risk

So yes, there is a risk. Just because he hasn't been caught yet doesn't mean he won't.

Good luck

Thanks for the info - I thought that after you get married you only have a window of time before you can't file the I130 anymore. Despite his status, he managed to get a license and a couple of tickets without any issue (interesting). Thanks again

~ Delicate Storm8

DelicateStom8

Female

Guatemala

2010-08-06 17:55:00

What are the risks to "waiting it out"?/not going through the immigration process

Hello everyone and thank you SO much for taking the time to read my question. My partner and I plan to get married. We met with an immigration lawyer about the long process of paperwork, interviews etc. We're second guessing our desire to go through that whole process and are considering waiting things out for immigration law to change and a "pathway to citizenship" where he can become a citizen without leaving the country. My partner entered the USA without inspection over 4 years ago.

My questions are:

1 - After we get married, how soon are we required to submit the I 130 form? Is there a deadline? If not, what happens if we let the deadline pass? Why is there a deadline if there is one?

2- I learned that with a Tax ID number, when we get married he can use it to pay taxes and put him on my health insurance and investments; which is great. SO with this is mind, what risks may we be taking by deciding to "wait it out" and not go through the process? The pros are we can stay together and will not have to go back to his country (yet or ever). But what are we really risking here? So many undocumented workers live in USA for their entire lives without a problem. The TAX ID will solve our issue of his health insurance and retirement benefits. What real risks are there? If deportation in a risk, if it happens, we'll have a longer history of relationship and evidence to fight deportation etc. Why shouldn't we wait it out?

Thank you so much for your help!

~ Delicate Storm8

DelicateStom8

Female

Guatemala

2010-08-06 11:02:00

James Shortcut v2 for DS-230

Thanks all for your inputs. I'll give it a shot.

dshah00

Male

India

2007-09-12 18:30:00

James Shortcut v2 for DS-230

Hello Everyone,

I'm thinking of using James Shortcut v2 for DS-230. Has anyone successfully used it before? I was a bit reluctant about using it (especially with v2) because it has more variable information than v1 that needed to be filled in like 2 barcodes of different size, petitioner name, address etc. I'm just concerned about them rejecting it (e.g. problem with the bar code size). Then I'll have to wait a few more weeks before my case can be processed. I'll appreciate your inputs on it.

Thanks,
DJ

dshah00

Male

India

2007-09-10 20:35:00