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.
Sent Form I-131
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document is used to obtain advanced parole. For a temporary resident to travel outside the United State and return without abandoning his or her visa status, this is necessary. It’s required for Kristien to travel back to Belgium before she officially has her status adjusted.
This is one of those e-forms you may have seen on the USCIS web site. The I-131 has a $170 fee. This isn’t cheap but waiting for the I-485 to process to completion isn’t viable with our current plans.
Even though the form is e-filed, supporting documents are required. You’ll also have to send:
- Confirmation Receipt of E-filing form I-131
- 2 passport photos
- Copy of I-797, Notice of Action
- Copy of I-797, Notice of Action, ASC Appointment Notice
- Copy of driver’s license
- Copy of passport information page
It’s nice to have the driver’s license because it serves as another layer of identification for government forms. The burden for this document wasn’t bad. The online aspect expedites delivery but it also generates the actual I-131 as a PDF for your own records.
ASC Biometrics Appointment
I left work at 3PM and after 50 minutes of driving we arrived at the ASC Office. It’s a very clean office and appears new. There was a warning at the bottom of the original appointment notice about the lobby. Specifically, who can and can’t wait inside. Basically, if the applicant needs a person for transportation, then that person can wait in the lobby with the applicant. There were signs everywhere confirming it.
Kristien took a number, got a stamp on her appointment notice, and waited maybe 10 minutes. The biometrics didn’t take long and the staff seemed very helpful. I’m sure the rest of the I-485 processing can now proceed. So, again, more waiting.
Received Driver’s License
Kristien’s driver’s license came in the mail today–24 days after the driving test. This is a great step forward because it’s considered the standard photo ID for most purposes. She said the photo isn’t that good. Welcome to the DMV.
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.
Final Card from SSA
After the initial request, a name change, and slight delay in processing, Kristien finally received her new Social Security card. It’s a big step and we’re glad we can scratch it off the to-do list.
Driving Test
Kristien is now an official Florida state driver! The test was ridiculous. It was not stressful, which is good, but also unorthodox. I remember taking my exam on real roads. Kristien took hers on a backlot with no other cars or traffic lights. No parallel parking just straight-in parking, a three-point turn, and quick stop at 15 MPH.
There is one exception but it’s not a big one. Immigrants must wait 30 days for the license to be processed in Tallahassee. For the interim, she received a paper that says it’s valid as a temporary license. Hopefully, it will arrive in the mail soon.
Revisiting the SSA
After waiting over four weeks for the social security card to arrive, we decided to re-visit the Administration’s office. Calling is futile. Just schedule an appointment and get it done. It seems there was a delay and the card with Kristien’s new name was never sent. After 25 minutes of waiting and less than five with the clerk, all was cleared up. Time for more waiting.
Driver’s License Test
Kristien took her written test today and passed with only three mistakes. We found some online tests the previous evening and took them all. Thank you, California. Florida offers no such preparation for its test takers. Many of the questions asked on the test were the same as those found online.
After the eye exam and test came lots of paperwork. The paperwork took longer to complete than everything else. Of course, it was busy at the office but appointments are required for Saturday tests. Next comes the driving part of the exam.