Community Stories

Here are some experiences with regards to my entire track from NIW I-140 petition to I-485 approval. I had somewhat of an unique case, so if anyone here is in the same boat, this may be of help to you. I have done the entire process by myself, without an attorney, and long hours of research in the law library on U.S.C. Section 8.

Arrived to US in 1991 on J-1, not subject to section 212e, changed to F-1 on arrival. Became an H-1 in 2001 and filed for NIW in March of 2002, case was backlogged due to 9-11.

* filed for EAD 3rd Renewal with RD June 28th at TSC but no response till today.

* went to San Jose USCIS office on Sep 27th for IEAD as I stay in Bay Area.

* Though had an appointment, it is about Hour and half before i was called to the window.

*Approved EAD for 8 months with no questions asked by just looking at EAD recipt notice & passport and taking a pre-filled EAD Application, copy of I-140 approval notice and I-485 notice.

Applied for INFOPASS appointment on completion of 90 days.

Went Federal plaza @12pm for a 1pm appointment, promptly admitted.

Directed to third floor no one on line, given a number and I765 to fill up and asked to go to 9th floor.

When I got off the elevator, and entered the room my number was called ( that fast, fortunately I took an I 765 form all filled up, or else I wouldn't have time to even complete it!!!)

1.30 hours wait for processing and photos/finger print etc.

Based on the advice of some of the members at immigrationportal and being an eternal optimist, I went to Vermont Service center on Aug 23rd taking a dayoff. The lady in the counter told me that my file is in queue for FP scheduling. I told her that I got the same reply even two months back when I made senatorial enquiry.

Here is my recent H1B stamping experience (early August, 2003) in U.S. consulate in Calgary, AB.

It tooks around 827 days.
Filed in TX and later moved to Ohio.
letter for interview was issued to me and my wife, but duing interview they asked kids to be present, So please make sure kids are with you. Asked for six fmily photos with kids and some school reports( Grades and mark or award) for the file - Please consider this to be with you, during interview.
Thanks...

I contacted the USCIS regularly from Jan ‘ 04 (I applied in Aug) and was told my security check is pending. I contacted the FBI directly who told me that they received no request for a name check from the FBI. I did this on 2 separate occasions. I had no idea if my name check was submitted or not.

Based on many posts by users of these boards, I’ve decided to write-up a fairly comprehensive posting regarding ability to pay issues and how to overcome RFE’s, Denials and appeals.

Background:

Law governing ability to pay – 8 CFR 204.5(g)(2)

I contacted the USCIS regularly from Jan ‘ 04 (I applied in Aug) and was told my security check is pending. I contacted the FBI directly who told me that they received no request for a name check from the FBI. I did this on 2 separate occasions. I had no idea if my name check was submitted or not.

I had a 11 AM appointment (ND-4/6/2004 at VSC) via infopass but showed up at 10 AM just in case.

1. The guard at the building entrance asked me to enter at the beginning of the Q since I had an infopass appointment.
2. In room 310, I stood in the line just like everyone else. Got a ticket at 10:30 and headed to room 900 on the 9th floor.
3. My number was called at 11 AM and I handed my infopass appointment sheet and filled out 765 form. The person at the counter asked me to wait for the number to be called again.