ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCSC vs VSC
They're probably working on employment based applications while letting the family based ones fall by the wayside. After all, family applications aren't eligible to pay the $1000 extra for expedited processing.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-25 19:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionweird... CRIS updated AP status over 2 years later...
My 485 application was 'touched' 8 months after my green card was received as well. I just assumed they were 'filing' it.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-25 14:15:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionupdate on interview letter
That sucks, Collie - and like you,I also think that doesn't sound like it rings true. I wonder if he was just talking about 2nd interviews in general rather than in specific. 2nd interviews are often called 'Stokes Interviews" where they do separate you, but that is usually when they have suspicions that there is something 'not right'. It sounds like you are just scheduled for a 'first interview' - whenever that happens to be, not a 2nd interview. I think the agent you spoke to got confused or didn't understand what you were asking. I think it is more likely your file was randomly selected rather than there is anything there to create suspicions and the interview will be pretty straight-forward when it comes. I hope you get the appointment letter soon - at least if you're getting interviewed you should get some benefit like being processed faster!

Edited by Kathryn41, 26 August 2008 - 02:09 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-26 14:09:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPossible problem?
This is normal. You will have two numbers assigned to your file. The first one is recorded on the NOA and usually on the back of your cheque. This number is only useful for USCIS staff and does not link you to any information about your file. The second number is the one that is on your Biometrics appointment letter. You can use that number to check your information on-line. As well, you will notice that the type of application number is changed from an I-751 to a CR189. That is also an internal process and nothing to worry about - it is just confusing when you don't know to expect it.

You can call the automated line and get a live person. There is a sequence of numbers you have to go through to select to get to a person. I don't recall what they are but hopefully someone else will post them. The first person you talk to will only be a Call Center employee - he/she is not a USCIS immigration officer and they only have access to the same case information that you do online. If you badger them enough, or if you present them with information that is outside of their 'script' they can escalate you to a real immigration officer, but sometimes they are very resistant to doing so.

As you filed in April to CSC you will probably be hearing a decision fairly soon. If your only concern was the difference between the two numbers there isn't a reason to contact USCIS - it is perfectly normal and you have no problem. You are well within the processing times as well so there is no need to worry.

Edited by Kathryn41, 26 August 2008 - 06:14 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-26 18:13:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNo Bimetrics Appointment after 7 months
What service center did you apply at? If your file is in California, you are definitely out of processing time. If your file is in Vermont, especially if it is a transfer from Texas, it was around that time that they were having a lot of problems and there are a few who still haven't received bio appointments yet -nor NOAs. If it were me I would keep calling and trying to get them to schedule a bio appointment. Keep trying to escalate the call to an immigration officer and not just the Call Center person when you call. Good luck.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-26 14:13:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhat happens after bio?
There are no online updates changing the information after you get the biometrics done. What often - but not always - happens is that the date of the case status update changes. This is called a 'touch' and it just means that your file was handled in one way or another and the information logged into the computer. Unfortunately, files can be handled and the information not logged into the computer so there is no date update, meaning that getting touched is really more 'reassuring' than significant.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-06-23 22:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAnother problem??
QUOTE (poetrywriter @ Aug 27 2008, 03:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Lappa @ Aug 27 2008, 12:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just try to have a walk in tomorrow at lunch time from or Saturday morning. If it did not work out, tell his boss about immigration procedure and the important of fingerprints.



I've got good and bad news. The good news is his boss let his off but the bad news is there is a major hurricane brewing out in the Gulf Of Mexico and we live on the coast.



You can track TS Gustav here - http://www.crownweat...com/gustav.html

it is one of the best sources of combined information I have found. So far, long range forecasts put Gustav striking New Orleans area with a fairly narrow outward wind field. Where are you on the coast? If you are towards Houston area you should be fine. If you are near New Orleans landfall is anticipated for Monday so yes, it would cause problems. Try to do the walk in Saturday and hope they accept you and get the processing taken care of quickly. Good luck.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-27 15:55:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionUSCIS Revises Filing Instructions for Petitions to Remove Conditions on Residence
Actually - I did that. I took the percentage of populations for each of the states adjudicated by CSC and totaled them - California handles 44.05% of the population based on States and territories - which means that VSC handles 55.95% of the workload. That works if it is based on population. CSC handles caseload from 4 of the top 10 most populated states (California, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan) which provides 25.2 % of the population; VSC handles caseloads from 6 of the most populated states (Texas, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina) which equals 30.35% of the population including some of the most industrialized areas which would provide heavy employment based application workloads. I still say that the division of labour is unequal and that is part of why VSC is so swamped with work they can't process it in a reasonable time. I will admit that there is also a good degree of inefficiency involved as well.

Source of population figures: http://en.wikipedia....s_by_population
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-26 11:37:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionUSCIS Revises Filing Instructions for Petitions to Remove Conditions on Residence
So there you have the reason why CSC is faster than VSC in processing I-751s - volume! CSC receives the applications from 26 States and territories - including the least populated states in the country, while VSC receives the applications from 29 states and territories including virtually all of the most densely populated states. I really am curious to know how they came up with that division.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-26 10:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751: NOA1 extension letter confusion...
Since you use the letter in conjunction with your green card, it is one year from the date on your green card.

No, you don't need to notify Social Security until you have a change in your status - receive the 10 year card. (I checked myself and that is what the Social Security office told me).
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-27 22:18:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravelled to canada on expired green card with Extension
Shonenknife asked:
QUOTE
So, how about getting back into the states? If you can get into canada, will they let you back into the states with a green card and the extension letter? My wife's japanese, has an expired green card and an extention letter, as well as her Japanese passport that's still valid. Will she have any problems?


She should not have any problems. She is legally authorized by the US to live in the US and proof of that is her expired greencard PLUS the extension letter. When you return to the border and they ask for identification she should hand over her passport along with her greencard and her extension letter. You should hand over your proof of US citizenship (passport or birth certificate). They will ask you how long you were gone, where you were and if you are bringing back anything. US border authorities are very familiar with the extension letter. There may be a short delay as they punch in her A number into the computer for back up verification, which will show she is legally entitled to live in the country. They may not even do that and just welcome you back. Enjoy your visit to Canada.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-28 20:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravelled to canada on expired green card with Extension
Very good. While we know how things are supposed to work, it is always reassuring when we learn that they do work they way they are supposed to. Thanks for the update.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-07-24 06:18:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravelled to canada on expired green card with Extension
Here is the specific information that states what is required:

http://www.cic.gc.ca...visit/visas.asp

taken from the above site: (bottom of the page)

Visitor Visa Exemptions:

Many people do not require a visa to visit Canada. These include: persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who are in possession of their alien registration card (Green card) or can provide other evidence of permanent residence;"

The NOA Extension letter falls under the bolded section.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-07-08 19:54:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravelled to canada on expired green card with Extension
You should have no problems. You have received the official word from the Consulate. The Caveat is included because it is always the ultimate decision of the border guards EVERY time a non-Canadian crosses the border - not just in your situation. The border guard can deny you entry with a visa or without a visa, with a US passport or any other passport, with a green card or with the letter. The likelihood of them doing so, however, is small unless there is something that you do at the border to annoy them or make them suspicious. Bring a copy of the response from the Consulate with you along with the NOA, the expired greencard and the current passport and you really should have no problems even if you are pulled into a secondary inspection. You should not need the I-551 stamp going to/from Canada.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-07-08 19:05:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussioni-751 to texas!!!
They will either forward it to VSC or if it arrives after their deadline they will return it to you in which case you will then re-send it to VSC. There's not much you can do right now except wait and see what arrives - the NOA1 or the return of your package. Did you use some sort of tracking method when you sent it? If so you can track and will see if it is returned or not.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-29 06:55:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionExpired Green Card and I-797
Hi, I responded to your post on the other thread about entering Canada. You shouldn't have any problems travelling with the expired green card and extension letter. Just present those along with her Japanese passport when returning to the US and she will be admitted.

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=137789

Your I-751 was filed at VSC. VSC is notoriously slow at processing Removal of Condition applications. They are currently working on applications submitted last September and October so no, you haven't fallen through the cracks - you are still in line. Unfortunately, for VSC, that is normal.

Edited by Kathryn41, 28 August 2008 - 08:31 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-28 20:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionThis Receipt Number cannot be found at this time in this automated system.
hmm, I wonder if it is because they are currently updating your file? With your submission date I would say you are coming due for an approval. If you still cannot access your number by tomorrow I would call the info line, and if that is unsatisfactory, then make an infopass.

You are checking the number that is on your biometrics letter and not the NOA? Yes?

Edited by Kathryn41, 27 August 2008 - 05:56 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-27 17:55:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPetition submission I-751
Absolutely it is ok - in fact, it is the method preferred by USCIS. Good luck.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-01 09:28:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionLifting of Conditions FORM Name ?
QUOTE (Milva @ Sep 2 2008, 03:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello Everyone:

I am trying to change my address on-line via the USCIS website and it is asking me for the form name in order to change the address on the pending case.

My husband's GC expired in August and he came into the country as a K-1/Fiance Visa.

We have received the extension for the one year and I have the application # however the form (under the case on line search) it states form .... CR189 however that form is not on the listing.

What is the correct FORM name for the lifting of conditions?

Please help me.... I only have 2 days to complete the change.

Thanks


CR-189 is an internal form that is used by USCIS for those who have filed an I-751. I don't know why the difference, but CR-189 is not available for the general public. Your receipt is correct, so no need to worry -you would not have the CR-189 showing up on the receipt unless you had filed the correct form for lifting conditions - the I-751. You can list the CR-189 and receipt number on the AR-11 form to change your address if it is required.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-02 15:57:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionwhat else do I need to send in? please help!!!
also send copies of the envelopes addressed to him at your home together, as well as envelopes addressed to you - personal correspondence from friends sent to him is better than junk mail, but junk mail works too. Do you have a pension at work? Have you listed him as your emergency contact with your employer and if so, can you get a copy of that? Actually, do send in the paperwork about the overdraft problem on the account - it might not be nice to have but it definitely shows a co-mingling of finances as well as an explanation of why you don't have a joint account now.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-05-20 09:06:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 - Missed Deadline by 2 months now!
So your green card expired on June 30th? You could try submitting the application along with a very good reason to explain why you missed the filing deadline. It is up to the discretion of USCIS whether they will accept the application or not. You may also wish to obtain the services of a good immigration lawyer since missing the deadline means that your husband's green card is now expired, he is illegally in the US, and USCIS can start deportation proceedings against him.

If you are going to submit the application do it ASAP. Explain that you were expecting to be notified of the filing time and realized too late that this was not so. You have no time to waste because they may initiate deportation actions against your husband once they realize he has not filed to remove conditions and his green card is expired. Good luck.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-31 09:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCan't believe its time already!
Good luck! Lots of photos aren't necessary, especially as you have the other documentary evidence of sharing your financial, personal and public lives together.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-08 10:56:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751: Cheque/Check Cashed
Just a regular personal cheque is the best - it is what we used - and has the advantage that you can then check your online banking account and see exactly when it is cashed - and check the reverse to find out where it was cashed. The number that is on the back of the cashed cheque, however, is an internal number and can't be used to check the status of your account. It will be the NOA number, but you would need to wait for the ASC/biometrics number to check your online status. Still, a personal cheque is the best.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-08 10:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751: Cheque/Check Cashed
QUOTE
Hopefully, I'll hear something back from them soon. After all, when someone takes money, they should expect some sort of service in return, right? Oh the irony, indeed!


Oh, you optimistic fool, you! hehehehe, the service you get is that they cash your cheque!

Actually, you should receive the NOA fairly soon followed shortly afterwards by your ASC Biometrics appointment letter.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-26 20:29:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751: Cheque/Check Cashed
Yeah, it is a great feeling isn't it, the relief that comes from knowing that at least USCIS has accepted your application because they've taken the money even though it leaves you broke! You should receive your NOA soon.

Edited by Kathryn41, 26 August 2008 - 10:08 AM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-08-26 10:07:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWaiver for removing conditions because my husband died. What is a waiver?
QUOTE (akdiver @ Sep 8 2008, 02:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you just wait until you have been an LPR for 5 years, then you do not need any kind of waiver - you can just file for citizenship.


As a conditional green card holder she absolutely has to file to remove conditions. She can't 'wait' until she has been a green card holder for 5 years because her green card would be cancelled when her 2 year card expired if she didn't file to remove the conditions.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-08 11:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWaiver for removing conditions because my husband died. What is a waiver?
You would file the I-751 only. Right on the form itself at the bottom there is a section where you check off the appropriate box. One of those boxes says you are filing for a waiver from the joint filing condition because you are a widow. You can file the I-751 at any time after you received your green card if your spouse dies - you don't have to wait for the 2 years to pass. No, you don't file I-360. You just file I-751. Print off the form and read it through - you will see it has everything you need to know on the form itself and its instructions.

I am very sorry for your loss.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-08 11:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI751 almost ayear and want to travel, what to do??
You may also wish to take any sort of evidence you have of your travel plans in December. Your expired card, the expiring NOA and the unexpired passport should be sufficient, but it wouldn't hurt to show you have an imminent need for status proof as well.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-10 07:55:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionReceipt and Online Status
This is one of the most common questions asked about the I-751. First, you are ok - the number on the NOA never works - it isn't supposed to as it is just an internal number used by USCIS. You won't be able to check your status on line until you receive your ASC Biometrics appointment letter. It will have a different case number on top and that is the number you can use to check your online status. There is no need for an infopass, you just have to be patient until you receive the next letter. It usually comes within the month.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-10 15:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionProbably obvious questions...
If, by some chance, you did not get an NOA letter (the first receipt letter that extends your status for 1 year), you can make an InfoPass appointment at your local USCIS office online at http://www.uscis.gov (go to the right hand column -select "Schedule an Appointment"). Bring your unexpired passport and your expired - or soon to expire - greencard. They will look up your information via your A# and verify you filed the I-751, then stamp your passport with the I-551 stamp which extends your legal status as a PR for one year.

Your file was transferred from Texas to Vermont as Vermont is processing all applications formerly sent to Texas. It is the slowest office - 3 times slower than California- so you have a long wait ahead of you. Welcome to the club.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-09 18:36:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionApproval time for 10year renewal
Yes, the NOA extension letter along with the expired green card are proof of your extended status for work and for travel while you wait approval of the I-751. Unfortunately, 11 months is a valid time frame for the current processing time for VSC. They are working on applications filed in October/November 2007 right now. There are still some outstanding applications from Spring 2007 as well. If you get close to the end of your extension letter validity and you still haven't received a decision, you can go to your local USCIS office and get an I-551 stamp placed in your passport. That will provide proof of your further extended status until you receive your 10 year green card. The stamp is usually good for an additional year, although some USCIS offices have given it with only 6 months validity. Hopefully you won't need to do that and will have your approval by then.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-14 22:25:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionProcessing time for removing of conditions about 1 year!
PrinceandPrincess wrote:

QUOTE
Thanks Kathryn,

We hope you'll get your 10 yr GC soon.


Thanks! Good luck to you as well on getting yours processed quickly!
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-15 11:12:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionProcessing time for removing of conditions about 1 year!
Thanks Goldie - actually we have 5 of them. All of them immigrated to the US with me (VBG)!


QUOTE (PrinceandPrincess @ Sep 14 2008, 06:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Sep 9 2008, 10:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When the I-751 is submitted, the Service Center sends back a receipt - NOA1 - that extends the validity of the green card for one year. You carry this letter with your green card and it allows you to work and to travel. If you don't get an NOA or if the processing takes longer than a year, then you bring an unexpired passport and your expired greencard/NOA to a local USCIS office. They stamp your passport with the I-551 stamp extending your PR status, generally for a year.

I sent my I-751 off in February, didn't receive an NOA, so just before my green card expired in May I went and got the passport stamp. I exxpect to have my application adjudicated between December and February. It is a waiting game.


Hi Kathryn41,

Where did you sent your I-751 application? Ours to VSC.

Thanks!


We submitted our I-751 originally to Texas as that was the correct office at the time. It was transferred to VSC in March. TSC didn't issue NOAs from about early February to mid May so there are quite a number of us with no NOAs and passport stamps. The notice of the official transfers came shortly after TSC fixed the problem.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-14 22:29:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionProcessing time for removing of conditions about 1 year!
When the I-751 is submitted, the Service Center sends back a receipt - NOA1 - that extends the validity of the green card for one year. You carry this letter with your green card and it allows you to work and to travel. If you don't get an NOA or if the processing takes longer than a year, then you bring an unexpired passport and your expired greencard/NOA to a local USCIS office. They stamp your passport with the I-551 stamp extending your PR status, generally for a year.

I sent my I-751 off in February, didn't receive an NOA, so just before my green card expired in May I went and got the passport stamp. I exxpect to have my application adjudicated between December and February. It is a waiting game.

Edited by Kathryn41, 09 September 2008 - 10:09 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-09 22:08:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionInfo pass appointment?
Yes, make the infopass appointment and get the I-551 stamp in your passport. Bring your greencard and your unexpired passport. You can also bring the biometrics letter if you wish but it shouldn't matter. They will use the A# from your green card to access your file. You could bring proof that you need to travel regularly as well. You can explain to them that you have never received an NOA receipt/extension letter and need proof of your status to be able to travel. I doubt you will have a problem. Since your file is at VSC you definitely will need proof of the year's extension. I found the Atlanta office very easy to deal with when I got my stamp. Good luck.

Edited by Kathryn41, 15 September 2008 - 09:16 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-15 21:15:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionProof of Joint Residency
We did not include the mortgage or deed to our house either. My husband owned this house before we got married, has a really good mortgage rate and doesn't want to re-finance in order to add me (I agree), and since Georgia is a joint property state already paying money to add my name to the deed isn't necessary. I included this information in a cover letter with our I-751. I also indicated on some of the joint bank statements that I included where the mortgage payment for the house came from our joint account. There are other documents you can use that prove your joint residency. Although mortgage/deeds are good evidence they aren't necessary if you have other good examples as well.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-17 18:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionBlank Period of Evidence
If you are really concerned you can make a statement in a cover letter that USCIS already has the original documentary evidence from date of marriage to XXX date 9 months later that you provided for the AOS. Good luck.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-16 22:07:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionworried about traveling soon
If you are able to provide a valid reason for why you need the I-551 stamp prior to getting the receipt - ie - your imminent travel plans right after your card expires - AND the I-751 package has been received and accepted you should be able to get the stamp. You will probably be 'talked to' about cutting things so close with your travel plans, and there is a possibility if they show that the NOA has been mailed/issued already that they won't give the stamp but require you to wait for its arrival - that will be a discretionary decision by the agent you talk to. If that happens, hopefully you will receive your NOA before you travel. If you don't have the NOA and don't get the stamp, don't travel. (I know, not what you want to hear, but necessary to repeat). Good luck - I hope everything works out the way you want.

Edited by Kathryn41, 17 September 2008 - 09:37 AM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-17 09:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionworried about traveling soon
Make an Infopass appointment now for the week before you travel and if you don't have your NOA letter by then, go to the appointment. Bring copies of your travel documentation, your unexpired passport, your soon to be expired green card and your postal proof of its delivery to USCIS. Ask them for the I-551 stamp to be placed in your passport. If your application has been received and accepted they should be able to put the I-551 stamp in your passport. If it hasn't, they won't. If you do get the NOA, cancel the appointment.

You do need to have valid proof of your right to live in the US in order to return to the US. Without that proof, the airlines may not allow you to board the flight (they bear the costs of you being returned back to the originating destination if you are denied entry) or you may run into a hard time at immigration. With an expired green card you no longer have status in the US and would be unlikely to be allowed back in. If you can't get the I-551 stamp and your NOA doesn't arrive in time, you need to consider changing your travel plans if you wish to remain living in the US.

You're cutting it very close. Good luck.

Edited by Kathryn41, 16 September 2008 - 10:20 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-16 22:19:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPhotos for I-751
I just printed them out at home, several to a page, then actually cut them into individual photos and attached them in the package where they fit for example - travel tickets to visit Joe's family and put photos with his family there; travel tickets to visit my family and put photos with my family there; etc. I wrote on the back where each one was, who each person was, and the date it was taken.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2008-09-08 10:55:00