Removal of Conditions (ROC)!

Well, it's that time again...time to remove the conditions of my temporary Green Card. It has been 1.5 years of bliss not having to think about this, and here we go again! One interesting thing is that when it is time for you to file, USCIS sends you a reminder! I'd say it's a waste of paper, but for others it might actually be a great reminder!

 Basically, there is a specific window of time for you to send in your application. The temporary Green Card has an expiry date. Subtract 90 days from that expiry date is the earliest date that USCIS can receive your application. Send any earlier than that and your application can be rejected. In a sense, your package needs to be postmarked at the 90 day mark at the earliest. Once USCIS receives the package, they would extend you a note that is good for a year, as they know that your green card will likely have expired during this ROC process.

My 90 day mark begins on the 19th, and I have everything all ready, from the check payment to the affidavits from family and friends. I believe I have everything well thought out and prepared, but you can never tell with the government. Before I send it, I'll look over everything and have hubby look over it, too.

I sure hope that I won't need to go for an interview this time around. My Adjustment of Status (AOS) was approved without interview, so hopefully, this would be the same. That would certainly be one less thing to worry about in 2012!

I will keep you all posted on what happens with the application!

Removing Conditions at end of year

It has been a little over 1 year since I got my 2-year green card. We will have to start applying for the 10 year green card at the end of this year. I am starting to get a bit antsy again just thinking about it. We'll start our major prep work in September/October so that we can send in the forms by December. You see, I can be someone who has OCD sometimes - I like preparing early because I anticipate that something could go wrong. Hopefully, things will go as smoothly as it did before. I have heard that if you did not have an interview for the initial Green Card process, you will likely not have an interview for the 10-year one. Let's hope so *fingers crossed*!

Anyway, I will update once I start the process....

Introduction to US immigration

For those who know me, my US immigration journey was not an easy one. Perhaps every naive Canadian has thought, "Well, I can easily cross the border for a 6 month visit. Therefore, the immigration process has got to be just as easy!" I was one of those people. Little did I know all the hoops that I had to jump through to get to where I am today.

There are also many decisions to make at the very beginning! If you have a significant other who is a U.S. citizen, deciding whether you are going to file for a Fiance Visa or Marriage Visa is a hard one. Of course, if you are already married, it is an easy decision. If you are still on the fence, however, each has its pros and cons.

K1-Visa (Fiance visa)
If you decide to file for the K1-Visa, then you will have to be apart (with visits between the two of you) while the visa process takes place. The wait period could range from 6 months to a year. Once you get the visa, you have 6 months to enter the U.S. and then legally marry within 90 days. You then need to file for a 2 year Green card and Employment Authorization card, which could take a couple of months. This isn't so bad because at least you will be waiting together.

CR-1 Visa (Marriage Visa)
As a married couple, you will have to be apart throughout the Visa process. This process could take from 1-2 years. The good news is that once you get the Visa and you enter the U.S., you get your Green Card and can work right away.

My husband and I chose the K1-Visa route. I am grateful to God that our wait period was minimal (both for receiving the Visa and Green Card). Still, having to go through this period was hard.

One site that really helped me get through was Visa Journey (www.visajourney.com). If you have time, you can browse the site, and has very interesting and up-to-date material.

Anyway, that's all for now. If I have any updates, I will blog it. Until then......