NEW! USCIS Self-Service Biometrics Appointment Rescheduling Tool

Finally! There is a way to reschedule your biometrics appointment without any hassle! Check out this new tool USCIS has launched:

USCIS Self-Service Biometrics Appointment Rescheduling Tool

Now you don't need to call USCIS contact center to reschedule most biometrics appointments. USCIS has launched a new self-service biometrics appointment rescheduling tool to streamline their immigration services. This is available to be used for both paper=filed and online-filed benefit requests. 

How do I use USCIS Self-Service Biometrics Appointment Rescheduling Tool?

Simply follow these steps:

• Create a USCIS online account if you don't have one yet here: https://myaccount.uscis.gov/
• Make sure your biometrics appointment date has not passed - you can't use this tool to reschedule the appointment that you missed already. 
• Make sure you have acceptable reasons for rescheduling. Here are a few examples:
• Medical reasons - illness, medical appointment, hospitalization
• Previously planned travel
• Significant life events - wedding, funeral, graduation
• Inability to obtain transportation to the appointment
• Inability to obtain leave from employment or caregiver responsibilities
• late delivered or undelivered biometric services appointment notice. 
• Select Biometrics Rescheduling Option and follow the prompts to fill out everything
• Print the new appointment notice and bring it to your appointment.

What if I missed my appointment already? 

There are some special circumstances where you still need to call USCIS Contact Center such as your request is within 12 hours of scheduled appointment, you have rescheduled the same appointment twice already, or if you have missed the appointment already. 

Learn more details on USCIS's website here>>

Keep Reading:

• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated July 2023)

• How to Assemble My I-485 Adjustment of Status Package

Watch Out: USCIS Flexibility Periods for RFE Extended to Jan. 24, 2023!

Remember that during COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS extended certain flexibilities to assist applicants? No these flexibility periods have come to an end!

What was the flexibility timeframe set by USCIS?

March 1, 2020 to July 25, 2022.

1/3/2023 Updated: USCIS continues to extend certain COVID-19 related flexibilities through Jan. 24, 2023!

How does it affect my application?

Currently, USCIS will still accept responses received within 60 calendar days after the due date set in the following requests or notices (only if the date listed on the notice is between March 1, 2020 and July 25, 2022 Jan. 24, 2023) So be sure to check your date on the notice! This applies to the following notices:

• RFE Requests for Evidence
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14)
• Notices of Intent to Deny
• Notices of Intent to Revoke
• Notices of Intent to Rescind
• Notices of Intent to Terminate Regional Centers
• Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 C.F.R. 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant

Read more new posts:

• *NEW* 3 Things You Need to Know About USCIS Citizenship Ambassador Initiative
• How I prepared for N-400 Interview by myself with Ease
• I-751 and N-400 Combined Interviews with Real Questions!

I-751 and N-400 Combined Interviews with Real Questions!

Great news! We just passed our combined interviews for Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence and the N-400 Citizenship Application. We want to share our experience with you while our memories are still fresh! So let's get to it:

I received my interview notices back in June 2022. The two interviews were scheduled for the same day so I know they are going to be combined or be back to back. We applied for both all by ourselves. 

For those who want to know the process of applying for I-751 or N-400, click here: 

DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE! (Timeline Updated again!)

I-751 and N-400 Combined Interviews

My interviews were scheduled for 2:30pm and on the notice, it mentioned that we won't be able to check in until 15 minutes before our interview time, therefore, we planned to get there around 2:15pm. 

Once we entered the door, we showed our IDs (driver's license) and went through the X-ray security. After that we checked in at the desk where my fingerprints and photo were taken. We then waited in the waiting room for another 10 minutes or so before the immigration officer came out to get us. 

We are very lucky to have a super nice officer to conduct the interviews!

I-751 Interview Questions

My husband was asked to come in with me. He asked just a few questions to confirm our date of birth, home address, etc. All basic background information. After that he asked us to go back to the waiting room for 5 minutes until his computer updates and removes the condition on my Green Card. 

N-400 Interview Questions

A few minutes later, the officer came out again and he asked me to go in alone. 

First he conducted the reading test: Abraham Lincoln was a president

Then the writing test. The officer said the sentence a couple times and asked me to write down on a tablet with a pen. My test question was: Lincoln was the president during the civil war

Now we moved on to our civic questions. Once I answered 6 questions correctly he stopped.

1. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
2. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves? 
3. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? 
4. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?  
5. Name two national U.S. holidays.
6. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?  

See the full list of the 100 questions here to prepare for your civic test. 

In a separate post, I will talk in more details about how to prepare well for your N-400 interview. Stay tuned!

After I passed the reading, writing, and civic tests, he moved on to my application details. He first confirmed a few questions on my application. This part is also just about my background information. Some questions such as:

• What's your full name?
• What are your children's names?
• What's your email and phone number?
• What's your home address/mailing address?
• Do you want to change your legal name?
• The YES/NO questions
• Other chatting....not very important I believe

In the end, the officer showed me a screen of all my information and asked me to go through and make sure they are all correct. I then was asked to sign.

He then showed me the oath allegiance and asked me to sign again. 

Congelation's! That's the end of the interview. I was given a letter notice which includes my oath ceremony date and time.  

I hope this post helps! I will do another update for the oath ceremony, so come back to learn more. See you!

Don't forget to read more about other related topics:

• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE! (Timeline Updated again!)
• How to be well-prepared for the N-400 Citizenship Interview by yourself

USCIS Waives Interviews for Low-Risk I-751 Petitioners

Great News! Are you in the process of removing your conditions on residence? If your Green Card is marriage-based and you are considered "low-risk", then there's a good chance that your immigration interview can be waived! Let's hear more about it:

USCIS Waives Interviews for Low-Risk I-751 Petitioners 

Previously, all conditional permanent residents are required to undergo an interview if they obtained their Green Card via consular processing, however, USCIS announced recently that they are going to adopt a risk-based approach when waiving interviews for conditional permanent residents (CPR) who have filed to remove conditions on residence. 

When will this go into effect?

This new update is effective immediately! This new update is one of the actions the agency takes to increase efficiencies and improve processing times. This is expected to allow for a better use of staffing resources.

Who is considered "low-risk"?

An agency offer will determine:

• There is sufficient evidence about the bona fides of the marriage. 
• There's no indication of fraud or misrepresentation in supporting documents
• No complex facts or issues to resolve
• No criminal history that render the CPR removable
• Joint-filing requirement is also eligible for a waiver if applicable. 

You may be interested in these posts too:

• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE!
• New USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool - No Accounts Required!

DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE! (Timeline Updated again!)

I can not believe that it’s been almost two years since I received my Green Card! It’s time to renew my Green Card. This time is a fairly easy process compared to what we have gone through when applying for the original Green Card. 

Many of my readers are asking if I would share my experience on renewing the conditional Green Card, aka Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. So here I am! Before we get into details, be sure to check your eligibility first!

Your current Conditional Green Card is only valid for 2 years and it can not be renewed. What we need to do is to apply for a NEW Green Card. Once your I-751 application is approved, you will receive a 10-year Green Card. Click here to learn more. 

When can you apply for US citizenship? Click here to find out.

Click here to learn about the Form I-751 processing time.

How to Renew My Conditional Green Card without RFE

Step 1: Download the latest version of forms

Step 2: Download the cover letter sample

Step 3: Collect Bona Fide marriage evidence

Step 4: Make a copy of your Green Card 

Step 5: Prepare Fees 

Step 6: Put your package together 

Step 7: Find a shipping carrier 

Step 8: Do a final review! 

Step 9: The Interview 

Step 10: Wait for the notifications!

Step 1: Download the latest version of forms 

What Form do I need to include to remove my conditional Green Card? 

1) Form I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence 

I can’t stress enough that you should download the latest version of forms directly from USCIS’s official website! You don’t want to be rejected by submitting an outdated version of forms. So let’s head over to this webpage to download form I-751 

2)  Form G-1145 e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance 

If you’d like to be notified by email or text, remember to also download Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance. I highly recommend including this! It’s so hard to keep waiting for the notification letters to show up in your mailbox…. Just sign this up and you will be the first to get notified when they receive your package! 

3) G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions (Optional) 

This form is only needed when you choose to pay by Credit Card or Debit Card. 

These are really the only forms you needed!

Step 2: Download the cover letter sample(with a final review checklist!)

Having a cover letter makes your application organized and it also helps you review what is missing! If you need an example, definitely take advantage of my cover letter template:) I appreciate your support! 

I am asking for $8 for this document so I can continue to update you all with the latest information. Plus, you will also receive a final review checklist to help you make sure everything is all set. 

No one wants to make easy mistakes that can ruin or delay the application process!

Step 3: Collect Bona Fide marriage evidence

For renewing a conditional Green Card, your bona fide marriage evidence is the biggest part of the application. So what do you need to provide? Short answer - anything that can prove the relationship between you and your US citizen spouse. 

One thing that’s worth mentioning is that you should include evidence since the date of your marriage. Many people made mistakes by providing only evidence from the date they received their Green Card (that’s not enough!) 

What evidence should I include for a bona fide marriage? 

You may have submitted some of these already when you applied for your original Green Card, but it doesn’t hurt to include them again. Here are some example: 

• Marriage Certificate 
• Birth Certificates of your child(ren) 
• Family Health Insurance Daily life photos 
• Download my cover letter sample to see the full list! 

Click here to learn more about preparing for Bona Fide Marriage Evidence.

Step 4: Make a copy of your Green Card

Check your Green Card again to make sure it’s not expired first and then make a photocopy of it. Remember to do both front and back! Black and white is totally fine.

Step 5: Prepare Fees

How much do I have to pay to remove conditions on residence?

Well, there are two key payments: 

•  The Biometric Service Fee: $85 
•  The Form I-751 fee: $595 

I separate the payment into two because I think it’s more clear what each fee is for. It’s totally fine to combine them if you wish though! 

What payment methods are accepted? 

Several options are available for you: 

• Credit Card/Debit Card - remember to fill out the authorization form.
• Personal Check 
• Money Order 
• More options

Check out this blog post to see how to write a money order and a personal check correctly to USCIS.

Do I need to include biometric service?

This is an interesting question. It’s quite confusing on the instructions actually. It did mention below: 

1. Conditional Resident. Each conditional resident and conditional resident dependent included in the principal petitioner’s Form I-751 is required to submit a biometric services fee with this petition, in addition to the required filing fee. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.) 
2. U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Spouse. If you are the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, you do not need to include a biometric services fee at the time this petition is submitted. If USCIS later notifies you that you must submit your biometrics, you will receive a biometric services appointment notice with instructions on how to submit the additional fee. 

 I wasn’t sure which category I am supposed to be in so I just included the biometric service fee anyways. I figured if it’s not needed, they can just ignore it. Another good reason to keep each payment separate. 

Update: It turns out that they do require a biometric service fee! They cashed out my bio payment at the same time and I got my bio appointment again even though they already took the bio last time.

Step 6: Put your package together

As usual, all payments have to be on top so the agent can see them right away. Without correct payments, they will reject directly without further review. After that you need to include your Green Card copy, and other evidence together. I used a paper clip to hold all documents together and labeled them nicely. Here's my order:

Form I-751 Checklist

• 2 Payments on top
• The Cover letter
• Form I-751
• A copy of  your current Green Card
• Bona Fide marriage evidence
• Other supporting documents
• Download the cover letter sample to learn more

Step 7: Find a shipping carrier

There are really only two main addresses depending on which carrier you are using: (This is just an example) 

If you use U.S. Postal Service (USPS): 

USCIS 

Attn: I-751 

 P.O. Box 21200 

 Phoenix, AZ 85036-1200 

If you use FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: 

 USCIS 

 Attn: I-751 (Box 21200) 

1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S 

Suite 100 

 Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850 

Be careful - Remember to triple check the correct address on USCIS’s website before you mail as they change them from time to time!

I shipped mine with UPS this time because we all heard about the long wait time and delays on USPS packages. The fee is slightly higher than USPS but it’s worth it for me. At least I don’t have to worry about losing track of the package or the package being delivered late, etc.

Step 8: Do a final review!

It’s always good to do a final review on a few things before you wrap up everything! 

Here are a few tips: 

• Use black ink for handwriting parts 
• Write “Original Submission” on the package if this is the first time you apply 
• Make sure all forms are current and not expired 
• Learn More! 

Download my cover letter sample and you will also receive a complete checklist!

Step 9: The Interview

While an interview for Form I-751 application is generally required, some applicants did report that they did not need to do an interview. Maybe when USCIS determines that your application is perfect then you might be able to skip the interview process (if you are lucky!) 

My personal application is still in the process, so I will come back and update you all on this part!

Step 10: Wait for the notifications!

How long does it take to receive notifications/updates? 

It was about 2-3 weeks after I mailed my application before I received a text message notifying me that they had received my application. After a couple of days, I received an official I-797 notice in the mail. Check out my real timeline below! My application is still ongoing so stay tuned! 

• 4/9 Mailed out the I-751 application package 
• 4/12 Package tracking showed that it’s arrived 
• 5/1 Received a confirmation text message from USCIS 
• 5/3 Received the I-797 notice in the mail 
• 8/24 Received a mail notice for biometrics appointment 
• 9/8 Completed the bio appointment 
• 4/10 Submitted N-400 Application online
• 4/14 I-751 Case Transferred to another USCIS office
• 6/18 Received I-751 Interview notice
• 6/19 Received N-400 Interview notice (same day as I-751 interview)
• 7/20 Combined interviews conducted. Oath ceremony scheduled for 8/30!
• My application is going, so check back for more updates!

How is your application going? What do you want to know more about? Share with me in the comment!

Learn more:

• How long does it take to receive Form I-751 Approval?

• When can I File Form I-751 to Remove Conditions on Residence?

How long does it take to receive Form I-751 Approval?

How long does it take to receive Form I-751 Approval?

With COVID-19, there’s no certain answer unfortunately. Before COVID-19 affected everything, most people reported around 12-18 months wait time. I just checked USCIS’s official processing time, it’s 22-36.5 months of wait time.

What happens when my green card expires with a pending I-751?

Don’t worry! Once you timely filed your Form I-751, the I-797C notice will extend your conditional residence for an additional 24 months (originally 18 months). Keep your I-797C in a safe place until this is over:) 

 The good news is, you don’t have to wait for I-751 approval to apply for your US citizenship. As soon as you are qualified, you can go ahead and move along with your citizenship application. Learn more about US citizenship qualification here.

Keep reading....

• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE!
• When can I File Form I-751 to Remove Conditions on Residence?
• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated Nov 2021)

When can I File Form I-751 to Remove Conditions on Residence?

When can I File Form I-751 to Remove Conditions? 

The conditional permanent resident status (Conditional Green Card) is only valid for 2 years and it can not be renewed. What we need to do is to apply for a NEW Green Card. 

Most of you here received the original Green Card through marriage to a US citizen. The earliest date you can file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence to remove the conditions is 90 days before your Green Card expires. 

Note that if you file too early, USCIS will reject your application so be sure to get your date right! 

For example, if your Green Card is expired on August 4, 2021 then the earliest date you can file is on 5/6/2021 

You can use USCIS’s filing calculator here to find the accurate date easily.

How long is the next Green Card valid for? 

Once your I-751 application is approved, you will receive a 10-year Green Card. Once you are eligible to apply for US citizenship, you can do so within these 10 years.

Check here to learn more about:

• When can I apply for my US citizenship
• How I applied for my I-485 Green Card with No RFE!
• DIY How to Apply for Form I-751 Green Card Renewal by Yourself with No RFE!

[Q&A] Do I Need to Apply for Form I-131 and I-765?

Many of our readers are in the process of applying for their Green Card and this question comes up very frequently! Do I need to apply for Form I-131 and I-765? Let’s look at it closer:

Are Form I-131 and Form I-765 Required?

Download Form I-485 Cover Letter Samples Here

Form I-131 is an application for Travel Document and Form I-765 is an application for Employment Authorization. Both of these documents are only needed for the transition time while your Green Card application is pending. The purpose of these two forms is to allow you to travel and work with a pending Green Card I-485 application.

In other words, once your Green Card is approved, you will no longer need these two documents for work and travel.

By the way - USCIS is issuing combo cards that combine travel and work permits on one single card now if you haven’t heard of.

So do you need to apply for them? It’s really up to you! I would recommend applying for the combo card along with your I-485 application whether you think you would need it or not! Why?

A couple of reasons:

• It’s free of charge with your I-485 application! (It may change later on, but it currently requires no additional fees if you apply together) 
• You never know if you will need to travel or work before your Green Card shows up! Especially during COVID-19, everything is slow, so why not?

Click here to see how to apply for these two and how I applied for my Green Card I-485 with No RFE here!

Ebook and cover letter samples are also available if you haven’t checked them out!

*Solved* The USCIS Forms are Expired? What should I do?

Just when you are about to submit your application, you realize that the forms you filled have an expired date on them. What should we do? 

Don’t picnic - First check on USCIS’s official website to see if that is the latest version of forms. If it is, you are good to go. If there’s a newer version available, you HAVE TO use the up-to-date forms. 

The USCIS Form on the Website is Expired - What do I do?

What if the latest form is expired? Not a problem. You can use that latest form available on USCIS’s website. As long as that is the newest on the official website, even if it’s expired, it’s still valid! The agents are just too busy and not being able to update these forms in time. 

 That’s it! Easy right? Check out more filing tips and tricks here:

• DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated November 2021)

• Do I Need to Update My SSN After Getting My Green Card?

• I-485 Adjustment of Status Cover Letter Samples

How to Interpret Your USCIS Receipt Number Correctly: WAC, EAC, LIN, What do they mean?

Did you know that your USCIS case number can be more than just random letters and numbers? Many of my readers are curious about how to interpret their 13-character case/receipt number so here we go --

How to Interpret Your USCIS Receipt Number

The receipt/case number can be found on your I-797C notice on the upper left. The beginning letters on your case number actually tell you where your case is being processed.

Why does this matter? Oh well, each center/office is different and has a different processing time. USCIS’s website provides a tool for you to estimate the processing time and you need to know where your case is being processed so you can get a more accurate estimate.

So get your case number out and check out this list to find out where your application is being reviewed:

• CSC: California Service Center 
• EAC: Eastern Adjudication Center (Vermont Service Center) 
• WAC: Western Adjudication Center (California Service Center) 
• LIN: Lincoln Service Center (Nebraska Service Center) 
• SRC: Southern Regional Center (Texas Service Center) 
• NBC: National Benefits Center 
• MSC: Missouri Service Center (National Benefits Center) 
• IOE: USCIS Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) 
• NSC: Nebraska Service Center 
• TSC: Texas Service Center 
• VSC: Vermont Service Center

Learn more about applying for your Green Card by yourself here:

• How I applied for my Green Card with No RFE! (November Updated)
• Cover Letter Samples