Kristien is a Permanent Resident
Our journey through U.S. immigration has been full of waiting and wondering, but one that has finally ended in happiness. Kristien received her most uplifting I-797C Notice of Action on May 12, 2009. The decision was made on 5/6/2009 to make her a lawful permanent resident of the United States of America. To quote the notice:
Congratulations! Your request for the removal of the conditional basis of your permanent resident status has been approved. You are deemed to be a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States as of the date of your original admission or adjustment of status.
The paper goes on to say a new Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551 (green card) will be issued within 60 days. In fact, Kristien has already received it. The process has moved forward and concluded faster than we expected – less than one month after mailing our additional evidence. If you haven’t read the previous post enumerating the pile of evidence we sent, then I suggest you scan the list. I’ve encouraged preparedness as a means to completing those demanding government forms, but the payoff in this instance is huge; I get to keep my wife.
In previous posts I’ve mentioned the number of days since starting this process. Just to recap, the petition for Kristien’s immigration visa (I-129F) was sent to the government on February 7, 2005. It has been 1562 days or 4 years, 3 months, and 12 days, from that day to Monday, 5/18/2009, when she received the Permanent Resident Card. We asked each other if it actually felt that long and we both agreed it hasn’t. We’ve continued on with our lives, working, maintaining our home, going on vacations, and generally forgetting the process. Sure, we both thought about the outcome but we didn’t let it control our lives.
Whether Kristien becomes a citizen is her choice to make. It’s the next logical step but it’s not a forgone conclusion. Right now we’re ready to slow down and enjoy life without the paperwork.
I-797C, Conditional Form Received
The Government has received our petition to remove Kristien’s conditional resident status. The letter also states that we will receive another letter including a scheduled appointment time at the Application Service Center for yet another biometrics update. Thank you, but we already received that letter. It seems some departments work faster than others.
Kristien did a little research and the government is currently reviewing applications from two years ago. This doesn’t sound good. However, we’ve seen estimates online and usually the Government responds faster.
In other good news the form says Kristien’s conditional resident status is extended for one year.
I-797C, NOA for Interview
Kristien received her Notice of Action for the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. It’s great to see this notice arrive so quickly. The subject of the NOA is “request for applicant to appear for initial interview.” It’s quite clear (in bold print) that her husband is supposed to come with her to the interview. The interview is scheduled for July 31. It’s only been 20 days since the biometrics appointment.
The notice enumerates about 50 different papers, copies, proof, etc, that we need to bring. Many of the bulky items are things already submitted for previous forms. It says to bring them unless already submitted. They mostly want proof of our relationship: photos, joint accounts, marriage license, and other things.
I-797C, Notice of Action
The receipt for the I-131 travel document came in the mail today.
I-797C, Notice of Action
The ASC Appointment Notice specifies where and when the biometrics will be taken. It looks like a Friday afternoon, which is good. Very few people will want to be there and will probably try to reschedule. The other options are Wednesday or Saturday afternoon. As was specified on the previous Notice of Action, the appointment notice and a photo ID are required.
This looks serious: “If you fail to appear as scheduled, your application will be considered abandoned.” I think we’ll make extra time for commuting.
I-797C, Notice of Action
We received the Notice of Action for the I-485. This was a very fast response. The receipt shows Kristien’s new name and confirms the amount of the check. It indicates a notice will be sent for the scheduled biometrics appointment. It says, in capital letters, “USCIS will schedule your biometics appointment.” It says the appointment notice and a photo ID should be brought to the Application Service Center at the time scheduled. I guess we’ll wait and see.
I-797C, Notice of Action
Today I received the I-797C Notice of Action. The notice type says “Receipt Notice” which means they acknowledge the $165 money order. Received date: February 15, 2005. Notice date: February 24, 2005. A total of 21 days have passed since I mailed the petition packet.