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Green Card Approved

Orlando has been my new home since January of this year. There were major changes in my life, not only did I leave my life as a single woman behind, but I also left my family, country, and my job. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, because I never felt that I gave up a wonderful life. I felt even happier that I married a great person with the support of my family and friends with the hopes of visiting the Philippines again soon and getting a job in this new place.

I have been a bum since I got here. It was great at first, but when you are used to working and earning your own money, sometimes - just sometimes, you would feel sorry for yourself because you can't buy the things you want. My needs are provided for, but I don't want to ask my wants from my husband even if he provides it too, because I know that there are things we need to spend money on which is the priority like bills and stuff. I have been working since I graduated from college and I sometimes feel bad for myself when I tend to become financially dependent. I can't start working until I get my green card. Going through the adjustment of status stage wasn't easy - financially and mentally. I read a lot of forums, talked to a friend who has gone through the same route and triple checked the paperwork to make sure I didn't miss anything. I was praying that I won't get an RFE or request for evidence 'coz it slows down the whole process. Week after week we would get letters from the USCIS regarding the status of our case. I was amazed at how everything went smoothly. The last letter I got was a notice that my case was transferred to California for faster processing. Then the waiting continued...

Then on June 14, 2010 we got a letter in the mail that says my Green Card application was approved!! It was approved on June 7th and I would need to wait 3 weeks or so to get my card in the mail. Boy, I was overjoyed! I was expecting to get it in 4 months and get my work permit first, but I got the real deal ahead of the work permit and I was overjoyed! All the hard work really paid off.

I thank my husband for being very supportive of me and for making me his number 1 priority, mom and my brother for being there to support me, my friends who are always there to cheer when I bring good news from my end, and my Heavenly Father for answering all my prayers.


My whole K1 journey:
06.15.09: package with waiver delivered at uscis
06.19.09: check cashed
06.24.09: received NOA 1
07.20.09: official withdrawal of husband's previous petition
09.21.09: Received NOA 2
10.12.09: received letter(NOA2) by mail
11.9-10.09: Medical exam
11.24.09: Interview---- PASSED! :)
11.28.09: visa on hand
01.20.10: Arrived in the US. POE-Chicago, Illinois
03.17.10: Wedding day
03.19.10: Appointment with Civil Surgeon and got remaining shots. Got the sealed envelope with the I-693 in it.
03.25.10: Applied for SSN
04.02.10: received SSN
04.06.10: Mailed AOS package to Chicago lockbox
04.16.10: Check cashed
04.20.10: Received receipts in the mail, with notice date: April 14,2010.
05.14.10: Biometrics appointment at 9am
06.07.10: 2-year Green card approved!

It took one great year to complete the journey! Next step: Find a job that would help support our family. It's not going to be easy, but I know I will be able to earn independently again soon.

Yes, I AM VERY HAPPY!

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Comments

J said…
Yay!!! Congrats, Dee! I am happy for you!
June 16, 2010 at 9:59 PM
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