ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Lunamel and meauxna thanks for the links. will check them out.

Shahab


Hello all,
My post isn't related to US immigration ... but hoping that someone on this thread can help me out. Does anyone know of a site similar to VisaJourney for people who are immigrating to Australia? I need to get some information on the Australian process and wanted to know about actual experiences other people have had. Thank you in advance. You can reply to me directly as well.

Shahab Mushtaq
s_mushtaq@hotmail.com

Here you go, a good start anyway.

http://britishexpats...isplay.php?f=32

http://www.matesupover.com/


smushtaqMalePakistan2006-06-16 15:55:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hello all,
My post isn't related to US immigration ... but hoping that someone on this thread can help me out. Does anyone know of a site similar to VisaJourney for people who are immigrating to Australia? I need to get some information on the Australian process and wanted to know about actual experiences other people have had. Thank you in advance. You can reply to me directly as well.

Shahab Mushtaq
s_mushtaq@hotmail.com
smushtaqMalePakistan2006-06-15 13:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0
Well according to BrainTel's website they are available only in Lahore, I don't know how up to date it is. I'm looking for service in Islamabad. GrandCentral looks cool ...
shahab

QUOTE (scarlethawk @ Oct 15 2007, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (smushtaq @ Oct 15 2007, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone, wanted to post a non-immigration related question ... Anoybody on the forum have information on VoIP services in Pakistan, specifically Islamabad? I want to know if there are any companies offering residential VoIP service in Pakistan? If there are, how reliable are they and how is the quality? I'm currently using Packet 8 to give mother in law a US ph # so that she can stay in touch with my wife. however if I were to get a Pakistani ph #, then that allows us to stay in touch with a lot more people. Any information would be much appreciated ...


Shahab


Did you consider BrainTel?

http://braintel.net.pk/ipphones.htm

smushtaqMalePakistan2007-10-16 07:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0
Hello everyone, wanted to post a non-immigration related question ... Anoybody on the forum have information on VoIP services in Pakistan, specifically Islamabad? I want to know if there are any companies offering residential VoIP service in Pakistan? If there are, how reliable are they and how is the quality? I'm currently using Packet 8 to give mother in law a US ph # so that she can stay in touch with my wife. however if I were to get a Pakistani ph #, then that allows us to stay in touch with a lot more people. Any information would be much appreciated ...


Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-10-15 12:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0
Wanted to add my 2 cents worth for people on "Admin Processing" ... about 2 months back I attended a community meeting with the FBI setup by the Hartford, CT Pakistani community. During the Q&A session, the FBI agent specifially mentioned that often the USCIS will delay cases on "name check" by saying that they're waiting on the FBI. According to her, the FBI processes all requests within a couple of days and they aren't the reason for the holdup. Doesn't really help in finding out where the delay is, but you can eliminate one agency.

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-09-14 10:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0
Zaki, that's a pretty weird situation ... I don't know if banks have access to SS database. If I were you, I would try going to another bank .... or open a joint account with your spouse.


Shahab


QUOTE (zaki @ Sep 8 2007, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Dear VJ Members,

I enter in USA on 29th July and now i have my GC and Social security number. Today i went to a bank to open my account but a lady there told me that your social security number not yet listed in banking system. What is the meaning of not in banking system ?? She told me to come back after 2 weeks. I am now working receive my first check from my company so from where i can cash that check ???

Thanks and looking some help.



Zaki

smushtaqMalePakistan2007-09-11 08:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0
Wow!!! Reading these posts seems like going through a time machine. All the issues we faced last year are still around ... It's been a long time since I've posted ... just wanted to say hello to everyone. It's been 8 months since my wife came here. The whole immigration process seems so long ago ... For those of you just now going through it and waiting for your spouses, cheer up - there is light at the end of the tunnel :D It may not seem like it now, but once you're reunited with your spouse, all of this will fade away until AOS time anyways.


Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2006-04-10 09:24:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July 2010 Applicants
Hi I don't have the exact dates right now, but my wife had her citizenship interview on July 9th in Chicago. She passed the interview and was told that the next court date in her county was on Sept 24th. She hasn't received her interview letter yet, however we had some friends who had their interview on the same date, same place and they received their interview letter. just wondering if it's a good idea to show up at the courthouse on the off chance that the letter has been mailed but won't reach us on time? Called USCIS and the automated hotline says that the latest status is that the case has been transferred to the local USCIS office ...


Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2010-09-20 11:44:00
CanadaMarriage in Canada
A friend of mine faced a somewhat of a similar situation a few weeks back. He's applied for US GC via employment and his spouse has applied for Canadian GC. They got married in Canada. According to his lawyers once you get married, if your spouse is abroad - all visas are cancelled except for employment based ones. But your situation is slightly different with your spouse being a Canadian citizen .... she shouldn't need a visa to get into the US regardless .... right?

Shahab

QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ Sep 12 2007, 12:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everybody! smile.gif

I have a few questions regarding marriage in Canada and how U.S. Customs might handle this situation:

1. If an American citizen and a Canadian citizen were to get married in Canada and then wish to honeymoon somewhere within the United States (this goes beyond the continental 48 states, so it includes Hawaii and Alaska and all territories), would there be a problem or some sort of issue with U.S. Customs?

2. Would U.S. Customs think the Canadian spouse was an immigration risk and therefore deny that person entry?

3. How much and what kind of "proof of ties to Canada" would the Canadian spouse need to produce in order to potentially satisfy U.S. Customs?

4. Would the American/Canadian couple go up to the Customs officer together, one at a time, or at completely separate stations? Does it really matter?

If anyone could answer those questions, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks. star_smile.gif

smushtaqMalePakistan2007-09-12 08:54:00
CanadaCanada Resident marrying US Citizen
I'm not exactly sure what visa my brother's fiancess entered the US with, I think it's either a business visa or a student visa since she's currently in school. If she's already in the US, then does the case even go to the NVC or is it resolved at USCIS?

What visa is she in the US on? I would guess that it would be way easier for her to adjust status within the US, and avoid the NVC altogether.


smushtaqMalePakistan2011-03-22 10:54:00
CanadaCanada Resident marrying US Citizen
Hi everyone,
I'm not sure if this is the right thread, posting here since it's Canada specific. My brother(US citizen) is going to be marrying a Canadian resident, Pakistani national, who is currently living in the US. I was just wondering after the case gets done @ USCIS, will the NVC assign her case to the Pakistan dept or Canadian dept?

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2011-03-21 11:54:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionGoofed up - how to contact NSC
I mailed in my wife's I-751 along with the supporting documents on Thu. via USPS Express mail to the Nebraska Service Center. WE made sure that we had all the required supporting documentation but forgot to check for the most obvious of things - signature!!! My wife forgot to sign the form!! I just called the USCIS 800 # and they said I have to wait until the application is rejected or a letter sent asking to resubmit. Does anyone know if NSC has a fax #? Should I just go ahead and mail the signed form to USCIS along with a cover letter explaining the situation?

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-07-09 09:47:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionGoofed up - how to contact NSC?
I mailed in my wife's I-751 along with the supporting documents on Thu. via USPS Express mail to the Nebraska Service Center. WE made sure that we had all the required supporting documentation but forgot to check for the most obvious of things - signature!!! My wife forgot to sign the form!! I just called the USCIS 800 # and they said I have to wait until the application is rejected or a letter sent asking to resubmit. Does anyone know if NSC has a fax #? Should I just go ahead and mail the signed form to USCIS along with a cover letter explaining the situation?
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-07-09 09:50:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNOA & biometrics appointment letter
The NOA1 or I797C indicates that your application has been received along with the proper payment and they are extending the Green Card for a period of 1 year. This letter will have an initial Case/Receipt # but you can't use that to track your case on the USCIS website. After that if everything goes ok with your application, you will receive a letter with an appintment to have your fingerprints and photos taken (BioMetrics). Once that is done, you should recieve a notice that your new green card has been ordered.

Shahab

QUOTE (ForYou @ Aug 27 2007, 09:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi all,

i filed the i-751 on 7/23 and my check was cashed 8/1. i never received the NOA but now have received the biometrics appointment letter. i have seen NOA1 & NOA2 discussed here.

questions:
could someone tell me what each one generally indicates?
which one grants the one year extension?
is the first one only an acknowledgement that they received my package?
should i have received one or both prior to the bio letter?

thanks in advance for anyone's help!

smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-27 10:58:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTSC July 2007 Filers
My wife had her fingerprints and photos taken at the Naperville office on Fri. Whole process took about 15 min. Now just wait for the new card to arrive. The Application Support Center in Naperville is a small office located in the back of a strip mall. If I hadn't double checked the directions on the USCIS website, would have had a hard time finding it.
For anyone else going to Naperville, the ASC is located behind the Laz-Boy furniture store ... you have to turn on McCoy St and go to the back of the shopping plaza facing towards SAMS Club.

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-09-10 14:52:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTSC July 2007 Filers
We received our Biometrics letter today!!! Appointment is for September 7th in Naperville. Haven't tried to register case online yet. Things are moving along well smile.gif
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-25 18:50:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTSC July 2007 Filers
I've attached a scan of the last paragraph of my wife's I797. I'm unable to register the case on USCIS using the Receipt # beginning with WAC on our notice. If you've been able to do it Lynn, then I'm not sure what's going on. Maybe there is a problem with our case or they just haven't gotten around to updating their systems, I don't know ....



QUOTE (lynn5033 @ Aug 20 2007, 11:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"If you read the notice it states that you can track your case via the website once you receive the BioMetrics appointment " smushtaq, can you tell me where is the notice? Is it on I-797? I cant find it. I can track my number from online status. Is that mean they have already sent the BioMetrics appointment to me? I am still waiting. I can track it at the first day when I got the NOA1.

Attached Files

  • Attached File  797.jpg   65.23KB   16 downloads

smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-20 15:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTSC July 2007 Filers
I called up USCIS today, the receipt # on the I-797C notice can't be tracked via the automated system. If you read the notice it states that you can track your case via the website once you receive the BioMetrics appointment .... don't know why they can't start tracking from the beginning. And I especially don't understand what's going on with TSC and NSC that their cases are being transferred to CSC???? I can imagine the CSC being bogged down if they have to do the work of 2 other centers besides their own!!!!

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-20 10:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTSC July 2007 Filers
I've tried multiple times to register our case # on the USCIS website but it always comes back as an invalid case #. Called up the 1-800 # today and entered in the case #, it doesn't recognize it either. Not sure if I should be concerned .... Has anyone else, who has received their Application receipt #, tried to register on uscis.gov?

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-16 10:39:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravel with the extension letter
Me and my wife travelled to Canada over the Labord Day wknd. We crosed into Canada and back over the bridge at Niagara Falls 2x and both times just gave the GC. The officer didn't even bother checking the expiration date.

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-09-10 14:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAnyone travel to Canada by car recently?
Me and my wife travelled to Canada over the Labor Day wknd. We crossed over the border through the tunnel at Detroit to Windsor and on our way back crossed over the bridge from Niagara Falls into NY. Both times, my wife just showed her expired GC. Actually due to a dumb mistake on my part ... we actually crossed into the US from Niagara Falls then went back over and came right back into the US. Both times, my wife just showed her expired GC w/o the letter and the border agent didn't even look at the card. I wouldn't use this as a generalization ... make sure to have the extension letter with you just in case ...

shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-09-12 08:50:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
Well it's been 2 weeks since fingerprints, no updates from USCIS yet.

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-09-21 08:44:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
Haven't heard anything yet

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-09-14 10:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
My wife had her fingerprints and photos taken at the Naperville office on Fri. Whole process took about 15 min. Now just wait for the new card to arrive. The Application Support Center in Naperville is a small office located in the back of a strip mall. If I hadn't double checked the directions on the USCIS website, would have had a hard time finding it.
For anyone else going to Naperville, the ASC is located behind the Laz-Boy furniture store ... you have to turn on McCoy St and go to the back of the shopping plaza facing towards SAMS Club.

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-09-10 14:48:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
Wow!!! You guys have really gotten stuck in some quagmire!!! If you've had your BioMetrics done, I don't see why they're taking so long to produce the GreenCard? Have you talked to USCIS to ask what the holdup is?

Shahab

QUOTE (Ruairi @ Aug 29 2007, 01:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ron&nadine @ Aug 28 2007, 09:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
we applied in Jan. their date is 01/22/07 and all we have had to date is the bio app. back in Feb and nothing since........drumming fingers waiting. I noticed they seem to be working on dec. 07/ 06 files now. so hopefully we will hear soon. I have been more or less out of status since 03/28/07 and haven't wanted to go any where without a GC, I hope there is no emergency with regards to my family in Canada. It has been a really testing on more than one leave. good luck and let's get some MOJO going for those of us waiting for the GC.


I am very close to your timeline. They have receiving my application down as Jan 26th and my biometrics was the same day. I too want it to be over, just for peace of mind at least. Good luck and everyone else waiting for the word. smile.gif

smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-29 08:57:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
Cool!!! Which ASC are you having your Biometrics taken at? I hope that all the places have the digital fingerprint scanners now, I'd hate for them to take the fingerprints in ink and then come back and say that we didn't get proper prints and you have to come back.

Shahab

QUOTE (ILLEGAL ALIENS @ Aug 27 2007, 05:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
just got the biometrics letter for 9/5/2007 11:00 am coool!!!!

smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-28 09:33:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
We received our Biometrics letter today!!! Appointment is for September 7th in Naperville. Haven't tried to register case online yet. Things are moving along well -smile.gif
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-25 18:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
That gives me some peace of mind, that our case wasn't unusual. Well hope the Biometrics appt comes soon.

Shahab

QUOTE (mcutchin @ Aug 22 2007, 10:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (smushtaq @ Aug 22 2007, 10:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can you try registering your Receipt # on the USCIS website and see if it works?

Shahab


QUOTE (mcutchin @ Aug 21 2007, 07:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
FYI, yesterday we received the I-797C NOA from the CSC.




I tried to register the receipt # and it didn't work for me either.

smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-23 08:01:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
Can you try registering your Receipt # on the USCIS website and see if it works?

Shahab


QUOTE (mcutchin @ Aug 21 2007, 07:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
FYI, yesterday we received the I-797C NOA from the CSC.

smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-22 09:39:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
I just called up USCIS to make sure everything was on track with my wife's application. The initial customer service rep couldn't find the receipt # in the system so she transferred me to an "immigration specialist", who told me that the receipt # for the I-751 isn't something that can be tracked via the automated system. If you read the I-797C carefully, it states that you can track your case via the website once you receive your Biometrics appointment.
They probably had a large number of people file before the fees increased ... slowing them down.
On a separate note, I still don't understand why the Nebraska Service Center can't handle its caseload? 3 years have passed and they still haven't made any improvements allowing them to do their work on time???


Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-20 10:43:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
I've tried multiple times to register our case # on the USCIS website but it always comes back as an invalid case #. Called up the 1-800 # today and entered in the case #, it doesn't recognize it either. Not sure if I should be concerned .... Has anyone else, who has received their Application receipt #, tried to register on uscis.gov?

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-16 10:37:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
Just checked with MoneyGram, my money order was cashed on the 6th. hopefully will get some news by the end of the month.
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-13 09:13:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
The official policy of the USCIS is that if you mailed the form before July 30th, then you pay the old fees. If the postmark is after July 30th, then you have to pay the new fees. Also when the USCIS receives the letter, they stamp it and then it goes on to whatever dept it's supposed to.

Shahab


Well, according to the website and memos from USCIS the date they go by is the "date filed/postmark date" on the envelope. I am a little concerned too since we filed/mailed our package the Saturday before the increase took effect (July 28) but if they give us any problems I will fight it. Hopefully they prepared their people who receive the packages accordingly and there won't be an issue.



Sent in paperwork to VSC on 7/25. Received on 7/26. Have not received NOA and the check has not been cashed.

I am afraid that the packet will be rejected and I will be required to pay the new fee. Based on the USCIS 7/13/07 update letter, this should not happen, but I have a funny feeling it will.

Does anyone know if they date stamp the materials on the day they actually arrive or when they are actually opened for processing? I can show when UPS delivered it and who signed for it but what "counts"--actual delivered date or actual opened for processing date?

"USCIS would like to assure its customers that the delay in data entry and fee receipting will not affect Change of Status or Extension of Stay eligibility, assuming all other eligibility requirements are satisfied. USCIS wishes to assure all customers that the original received date (the date which the document is date stamped) will be honored and recorded on the receipt notice. This date will appear in the "Received Date" box on Form I-797, Notice of Action. The received date is different from the "Notice Date", which also appears on Form I-797. The Notice Date is the date the receipt notice was actually generated."


smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-13 09:01:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
Finally!!!! Got my Receipt # today. Looks like everything is in order ... just play the waiting now.
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-09 22:19:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
This is getting really confusing and annoying. I received a letter from the CSC dated 7/30/07 rejecting my wife's I-751 application bec. I didn't send the correct filing fee. They want me to pay $545 now, even though I filed before Jul 30th !!!! I called up USCIS and they were of no help, said that I have to go to the local office to get this resolved. Luckily I was able to get an appt at the USCIS office in Chicago for Mon morning 8/13. I'm going to have my wife go to the local congressman's office tomorrow and see if they can be of any help.


Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-08 17:18:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
Still waiting to hear from the CSC. It's been almost 2 weeks since I sent back the signed application packet, haven't received an acknowledgement from CSC.
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-08-06 10:40:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
so your case is being processed at nsc? wonder when they started shifting cases to csc? Just a note ... it took a full week for me to get my application packet back from CSC once they mailed it. USPS needs to speed it up!!!

Shahab

We filed at the end of May....see timeline below


smushtaqMalePakistan2007-07-27 11:52:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
Well our whole application packet was returned yesterday along with the second application that I sent. The original was marked as returned bec. it wasn't signed and the second was returned bec. it didn't include the payment!!! Sometimes, I really wonder who they hire in these processing centers.
Anyways it seems as if the NSC is backed up again, bec. my application was returned to me by the California Service Center. Seems to be the same case as 2 years ago when I first applied for my wife's GC.

Shahab


Our I-751 packet was delivered on July 6th and we have not heard a thing yet. The check has not been cashed either.


smushtaqMalePakistan2007-07-25 08:55:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly filers for NSC?
Anyone file their I-751 @ the NSC in July? If so, has anyone received a response yet? Just want to see what processing times are like ....

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-07-13 10:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTimelines for Nebraska
This is simlar to a thread that I started earlier. Finally got our status updated this week after almost a 2 month wait. timeline is below ...

Shahab
smushtaqMalePakistan2007-11-02 07:54:00