amor

Just got back from my biometrics in Boston! My appointment was at 10 AM but I left my house super early so there was no chance I'd be late and got there at 9:15 AM. I got in line and just let them know I was really early (girl in front of my was late but they didn't care at all) and he said I could go ahead anyway. Everyone was super, super friendly and helpful. I gave him my biometrics notice and told him I had the other forms but he said all he needed was the biometrics notice (thanks for posting about that! I brought them just in case). It wasn't very full at all, probably about 7 or 8 people. I filled out the top half of the form they ask you to do (weight, height, eye and hair color, etc.) and as soon as I was done, they took me in for fingerprints and photo. Then the lady said, "You're done! Good luck!" and I went around asking everyone on my way out if I was really done lol Was back outside of the building at 9:33 AM. 18 minutes from arrival to departure. So easy and no one there gave me a hard time... if anything, everyone was really nice. None of that uptight government official vibe.

I'm not sure why it went so fast but I did use a lawyer. He sifted through the billion pieces of evidence I brought him and chose only the strongest and what was required. He told me that USCIS is going to be going through hundreds of thousands of applications and the easier and more straightforward it is, the faster the process will go. I just got back from my biometrics appointment this morning actually!! It's so incredibly fast and easy, I'm relieved. When did you send your application in? And where? I'm in Boston and I'm sure the west coast is a lot busier than the east coast.

No one but my family, boyfriend and 2 friends. It took a lot to tell my 2 friends. Although I've maintained my Spanish and customs at home, I grew up here completely so everyone thinks I was either born here or a citizen. I grew up in NH as the only Latina in my school so I was extremely ashamed, depressed and guilty about my situation. Obviously, I grew up and I now know better because I've been lucky enough to surround myself with amazing people but I still feel the sting of that shame I grew up with now and then.

Lol I know! This will be me in the colder months... http://content9.flixster.com/question/29/16/90/2916903_std.jpg I'm planning on storing it from Nov-March and Zip car-ing it when I need to!

Oh ok! But even then... I don't understand how only 29 applicants have been approved out of 80,000?

Holy crap. How exciting... thank you!

I thought approximately 40,000 people applied for DACA?

A SCOOTER!! No, seriously though... I am getting the Palazzo 150 Scooter. I am so not ready to take on car and insurance payments. I work 1 mile away from my house and driving into downtown is easy peasy. So excited! Plus I'm a huge Sons of Anarchy fan so... I'm living vicariously through my scooter. http://www.bmsmotor.com/scooter/product_83_Palazzo_150.html

Thanks HarikaTuzun! It's great to have an idea of what to expect. MillieP, I'm sorry! Thank stinks. Good luck getting your passport ASAP! Apparently consulate IDs are completely useless. My lawyer didn't even send it in with my application. Passports and Mass IDs, if you were able to have one for some reason, only.

The lawyer I used said not to include any fake ANYTHING, no matter what. It counts as fraud and will automatically get you denied and no one knows if they're actually going out to charge you or detain you. You are providing them with every shred of information about yourself so I personally wouldn't. If it means you can't use your pay stubs to prove your residency, so be it. Keep digging and find other things! Of course, if you feel like you're stuck, talk to an attorney, free or paid. It's worth it.

No idea! I had a lawyer fill it out and send it for me but I did see every single thing that went in there. He said that they want quick, straight to the point and efficient packets considering they have a ton to go through. I haven't received my actual I-797 C Notice of Action though. I got a text and an e-mail. I think they're moving faster than they can send things out because of the lower number of expected applicants. Have you sent yours out Nuvi?

I would be nervous about USCIS not canceling the appointment they gave me and then marking me down as having missed it. I see the appeal of going early but I would rather avoid any confusion on my case. It's only 2-3 weeks... If the appointment was 6 months down the road, it would be worth it but it's not that long of a wait. We've waited so many years... just a matter of time now! Do it right!

Mine was sent to Vermont as well. It all depends on where you live and what's closest to you. My lockbox will be in Chicago though. I've heard that Vermont has a fast response time.

My lawyer didn't ask me for any, but I know they have a bunch of extras I had brought it last year for another process. I'm curious to know if they sent any with my application. I agree, though... I can't imagine it would be a breaking issue to not have sent passport pictures since they will be doing them at the biometrics appointment anyway.

I think the most important thing to look out for is a good track record. Try your hardest to find a lawyer someone you know has used. Don't be shy to ask for references or see their success rate. I had been going through my immigration process before DACA came out so my current lawyer filled everything out for me and put together my evidence and I paid him $1,000. They can give you payment plans (I pay $250 a month) and personally, it's worth every penny to know that it's going to be done correctly since my situation is a bit more complicated. Good luck!