Dan R

Congratulations on a job well done. Thank you for sharing the letter with us for future reference. How did this invitation letter differ from the previous attempt? Was the initial attempt without an invitation letter?

Interesting ... it seems this process is really more random and non-uniform everyday. When I filled out the SSN application for my wife and some other documents when we first entered the country I always put "None" for the "A number" since I didn't think she had one. But then I read on here or some other board that it was the number from her NOA2, so I used that one when I filled out the forms for AOS. When we got the receipt and appointment notices for EAD and AOS they all list the A number I supplied, but added a "0" after the "A" and before the string, so basically the same number. So, I don't know what to make of this .... it seems you're ok using None and ok using the same A number ... 189184[/snapback] Right since the number on the NOA2 did not have the required number of digits I didn't use it. Seems it makes no difference.

Yes completely different and this time she says she has a lucky number

It is always good to get a look through the eyes of those with much practical experience. As applicants most of us only have one chance at the experience. The value here at CFL is that new applicants can see the variety of experiences. Those who do this professionally compile a larger range of experience and understanding.

There was no A number on her I-94 so we put none. The receipt notice had a new A number assigned. We did fill in the SS#.

I was wholsaling them to a Chinese market some years ago. 8-9 $$$$$!!!!! . Roger I would suggest you get some silkie chicks and raise your own in the yard. They should be about $1.60/# like any of the exotic small birds raised commercially. I guess if it is medicinal they can charge extra. Where you live there must be a chicken farm not far away. Ask them to start raising some. You could load up a cooler full when you go to Chicago and pay for the trip In Oregon Columbia Farms was selling them. The biggest expense was bringing them in. Refrigerated freight is expensive for small shipments. http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/6624/ http://www.othalaacres.com/silkies/ http://www.featheracres.com/myweb/Availabl...0and%20Eggs.htm http://www.backyardchickens.com/breeds/bantams_silkies.html http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Park/3826/ http://hometown.aol.com/benttreepoultry/ForSell.html So keep your flock for the monthly pot of Black Silkie Soup that many Chinese women rely on.

Wow 10 years with minimal contact with the government. Sounds like a dream from my vantage point. Congratulations!

Steve I am not surprised that she got 3 months and Amy got 5 years. We have friends that got driver's licenses without any problem at the same stage.

Richard is that class still open for enrollment? Let me know how to register. Wow what a professor.

Ok True there is the matter of the posters accuracy, intent and own experience that shades answers. This can cause great discrepancy. However your question was "can there really be that much discrepancy in this procedure?" It appears to me that you may not have had much direct dealings with our government's way of handling things in the bureaucratic, ambling, lack of continuity that it is best at. My job requires dealing daily witht a government agency and its inspectors. The company I work for relies on me to know that department's regulations better than the inspectors in order to operate smoothly without interruption. The advantage I have is that this department must supply the company all regulations, internal notices and directives that are issued to the registered companies. (They actually hope we can understand and follow them in order to apply) The immigration process is not as transparent. This leaves not only many unknowns for us but also great room for error, job avoidance, agency territorial abuse, employee power trip, etc. This is also an agency that is facing the current political winds of debate to protect our country from terrorism. So to answer, yes it can be a very different experience for each person depending where paper work goes, who reads it and how their day is going. The best you can do is be knowledgable with many peoples experience and play it out. That is why this website is so important. There never is only one answer when government is involved. But here at CFL you will be well prepared for the occassional unexpected snaffu. Best of luck on your journey

Nothing, I repeat nothing can prepare for the boredom combined with homesickness (the two are a vicious circle reinforcing each other) of the lack of social activity normal in America compared to Asia. All you can do is keep her busy training you! This means you will be the focus of all her frustration, aggretion and affection. I suggest you go back and study all posts dealing with training. Good luck.

Once again our tax dollars at work Viva la revolucion!

Americans are controlling and regimented with little free will. If this visa process lasts much longer I will totally believe this assessment by my wife. Just an alternative way to express the original statement.

As you said we are just stuck. At least now I have two cases in process and USCIS says the EAD is currently 4 months faster than AOS. Since we already have 2 months on the AOS that is still a chance for 2 months saved.

California does not accept notice of receipt. Nor any in process paper work as giving an individual legal status. For this reason USCIS advised applying for the EAD which might arrive before the AOS so she has a chance of getting a valid picture ID faster. Currently her CA ID is expired and her visa is expired giving her no legal status in the liberal state of California.

You said it

I did the EAD app on line. Boy is that the easiest thing I ever did with the government.

Ok I will probably get in trouble when I go home. It turns out that by not filing for EAD we must wait until the AOS is processed and approved before she qualifies for an ID or anything giving her legal status. I just got off the phone with USCIS and was given the bad news. Ouchy!!!! The EAD would allow her to have an approval recognized and take her out of limbo.

When the I-94 90 days expired so did the California ID which should be able to be renewed once AOS is applied for. At least that is what I thought as a partially sane and rational individual. Not at all! The computer says her legality must be verified first. We brought our marriage certificate and the receipt notice for AOS. No good they say. The only document DMV will accept is a green card or the NOA notice of approval. Now it is my understanding that USCIS does not send this notice any longer. CA DMV says she can not renew her ID without it. This leaves her without any valid IDs since the passport only shows her visa is expired. This is driving both of us crazy because she can't board a plane or drive to San Diego for the weekend without risking big hassles. Has anyone else had this experience? God I hope not but then misery does love company.

WOW! What a long hard road this has been. Congratulations to both of you. So when do you plan to visit China

Ok Lee when I posted the characters changed. Can you explain that?

Cool Lee it does let me type in Š¿Žš

There are other threads related Civil Surgeon and the Medical Supplement. Yes this is needed but you only need get the appointment. The Civil Surgeon prepares the form which they put in a sealed envelope (you never see it). This is sent with your packet for the app. This is for the K-1 AOS.

Yes, behind the wheel Mandarin has brought me from my wife saying give up we can use English to her helping me with pronounciation. I wish they had a book with it to study at home but I do learn a lot in the car. Check Amazon.com, I bought mine there.

The confusion might be that this time around your wife is the applicant not you. You are only providing the affidavit of support.