Green Card received in 3 months

[x633]

I thought some of the USA members that are in the same part of the process as me would like to know that it took 3  months to receive my wife's green card  (paperwork mailed April 2; card received July 3).  Also, I would again like to thank HiTech for furnishing me his cover letter.  And for those wondering, she has not yet bolted for the door with card in hand.

[GoodOlBoy]

If you don't mind me asking.....Which center did you file with?


GOB

[x633]

My understanding is that now everyone nationwide sends their paperwork to a lockbox in Chicago.   

[HiTech]

Your welcome on the cover sheet.

And yes all now go to Chicago for initial filling, then they are sent to other service centers.
Also depending on your service center you may or may not have an interview.

Most California k1-s do not have an interview for the 2 year conditional GC. In Texas all do have an interview.

Dale

[Simoni]

I thought some of the USA members that are in the same part of the process as me would like to know that it took 3  months to receive my wife's green card  (paperwork mailed April 2; card received July 3). 

That is amazing speed, X633.  It used to take 8 months to a year.   What date did you have your interview, and what was it like?

Also, have you determined what countries you can travel to now that you have a green card and will have no trouble getting back into the United States?

[x633]

We had no interview as HiTech said.  Our paperwork went from Chicago to Missouri to California.  I have not applied for any visa's yet for foreign travel.  She is happy now because I can buy domestic tickets in her married name and she will no longer have to show her passport.  On our domestic trips so far, about 50% of the TSA agents have had questions about the K1 visa in her passport. Explaining to them that it is a single entry visa with no relevance only brings quizzical looks.

We just got back from Tampa and we took the letter showing green card approval (The actual card came while we were gone). Happily it wasn't needed, as Tampa TSA didn't raise an eyebrow.

Yesterday, I was browsing to see which Schengen country might be the most liberal for her visa approval.  I saw one forum that suggested the Netherlands.  But I am still interested in any first hand experiences from this board.  Her passport is Ukrainian.

 

[Simoni]

Thanks for the info, x6333.

It's amazing that they no longer interview you!  Our interview was at the Tampa center, and it was a piece of cake.  So I suppose they approve such a high percentage that they have decided the interviews are a waste of time and money.

Yesterday, I was browsing to see which Schengen country might be the most liberal for her visa approval.  I saw one forum that suggested the Netherlands.  But I am still interested in any first hand experiences from this board.  Her passport is Ukrainian.
 

During our dating stage, my wife (also UA), got Schegen visas to France and Spain.  So I'd suggest those as good options.

[ECOCKS]

My wife had no difficulty obtaining Schengens into Poland, Romania, Bulgaria or the Czech Republic. All of these were done holding paid for airline tickets and hotel invoices, although one of the Polish visa processes made her run to the bank and return with 300 Euro in traveler's cheques.

Congrats and hope this helps!

[x633]

Although  I rarely read this forum anymore and never was much of a poster, I thought I would bump this thread with an update.  We applied for Removal of Conditions on March 23, 2011.  Approval letter was received on July 25th.  Card arrived the next day from our local Kansas City office.  We had no interview.  I followed the paperwork suggestions on Visa Journey.  Good luck to everyone.

 

[Simoni]

We applied for the extension--or 10 year green card back in April.  Here it is August--and its not here.


We did get a letter in May extending the current green card a year.  Also did the biometrics for them--but that was back in June.


We did provide very detailed confirmation that our relationship is real, but no cigar.


Slow go for us...

[x633]

Simoni,
Our biometrics appointment was in May (less than 60 days after we filed).  I was looking online for any change in case status every two or three days. I  stopped looking as it seemed to be stuck on "initial review".  I was on a business trip not really thinking about it, when my wife told me she had received the approval letter for her ten year card.  I am sure yours will come shortly. All the USCIS needs for proof of your relationship is your avatar.  Best wishes.

Mark   

[ML]

Regarding visa for FSU people to enter Schengen countries.

This is always in flux and the experience posted by those  from prior years or even prior months is not valid for today.

This has to do with deteriorating economies with increasing unemployment which gives the governments heightened worries about who will come and stay and be a burden.

My gal and I both know of several people who have gotten repeated Schengen visas over the years, and now are being turned down cold.

[Jumper]

We had no interview as HiTech said.  Our paperwork went from Chicago to Missouri to California.  I have not applied for any visa's yet for foreign travel.  She is happy now because I can buy domestic tickets in her married name and she will no longer have to show her passport.  On our domestic trips so far, about 50% of the TSA agents have had questions about the K1 visa in her passport. Explaining to them that it is a single entry visa with no relevance only brings quizzical looks.

We just got back from Tampa and we took the letter showing green card approval (The actual card came while we were gone). Happily it wasn't needed, as Tampa TSA didn't raise an eyebrow.

Yesterday, I was browsing to see which Schengen country might be the most liberal for her visa approval.  I saw one forum that suggested the Netherlands.  But I am still interested in any first hand experiences from this board.  Her passport is Ukrainian.

I know this is an older post,,
and as ML mentioned recent experiences may change things..
 
regardless
 Poland was fairly easy for my ukrianian fiancee.If entering there,Warsaw is a hub ,, so  you can then go on to other countries effortlessly..we went to austria and czech rep..
this was in april 2011, so fairly current
 

[Faux Pas]

Regarding visa for FSU people to enter Schengen countries.

This is always in flux and the experience posted by those  from prior years or even prior months is not valid for today.

This has to do with deteriorating economies with increasing unemployment which gives the governments heightened worries about who will come and stay and be a burden.

My gal and I both know of several people who have gotten repeated Schengen visas over the years, and now are being turned down cold.

My wife just got a shengen visa about a month ago to Italy. Wasn't much to it really other than she had to apply in person and it was a 6 hour drive one way from where we live. The consulate told us at least 3 weeks. The visa almost beat us home

[Sailor291]

  For what its worth, my wifes parents have UA passports, ,and green cards, we have taken them to resorts in Mexico and never any problem.  If they have a green card i believe they can stay up to 30 days with no visa.  If you contemplate going to a resort or other in Mexico.