Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Still Life with Waiver Requests


Our USCIS paperwork is off and in the hands of the US Postal Service. Nice to have the tracking numbers to make sure that everything makes it to where it needs to be.

Believe it or not, pulling together the documents for the I-171-H Renewal was virtually painless...once I got past the crippling anxiety, self sabatoging avoidance and useless anger that it generated that is. Yes, the anniversary of our paperwork expiring (18 months) was one that I was dreading with every fiber of my being - but the dread is behind me and the check is finally in the f'ing mail.

If there is a bright side to this - it is the waiver. Oh happy day - the WAIVER! (Cue angelic voices harmonizing)

It would have really, truly sucked to have had to pay the additional $750 for this update. Thankfully we were spared that crappy little doosie.

Lemme tell you, though, I sure as hell hope that we do not have to reapply a THIRD time - that would be around saaaay MARCH 2009. There may be some serious "ledge talking" should that come to pass.

Not simple. Not easy. Nope, not in this realm of experience.

Believe it or not, putting the postage on those envelopes and handing them over to the postlady put a wee lift in my step. That is a very good thing. I needed that. A lift is a very good thing about now. Unless I forgot some bizarre thing in the envelope, there is no reason why there will be issues with our paperwork or our getting renewed.

So, until further notice, it is back to the wait.

30 comments:

Mamacita said...

I like that phrase....virtually painless. That's a good one.

Donna said...

Love the waiver! Now I just have to get my fingerprint appt rescheduled. It took them two months to schedule my appt last time. This time one week and I'm on vacation that day! Arrggh. Nope, not easy!

"M" said...

Got all my steps done a few weeks ago and now I wait for my new I171H. Felt good to "DO" something, but now back to just waiting. I agree, if we have to do it a third time.......

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on getting the renewal out! Just imagine mailing it in, with a big check, and then having them announce a few weeks later that renewals are now free. Yeah, that was me ; ) ~lmc

Joannah said...

I was dreading that paperwork renewal, too. I'm glad to know that it went well for you, and I certainly hope with all my heart that you will not have to repeat that again. Come on Chin@!!!

4D said...

Frustrating but I guess it is something that is to be done in the long and stagnant waiting game.

Keep smilin!

Project Ni Hao said...

Allreadythen. You've inspired me to shake off the avoidance and anger and denial and get my paperwork together. I'm in the same boat you were in. Who knew that a silly little form would require so much energy.

IF it comes down to a third time, hopefully you find a big ledge, because I'll be joining you.

Go you for taking that step!

kitchu said...

Glad you flew over that hurdle painlessly, minus the internal head games we play with ourselves. I so dread this day for me too. And sadly, I think I'll renew a 3rd time too. Ugh.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, we sent in our renewal like two weeks before we found out about the waiver (and not even a month before received the referral). We totally got screwed! Oh well, I do have a cute little one at home to make up for it!
Stephanie
forksandchopsticks.wordpress.com

Middle-Aged Moi said...

Paperwork all over again? Ugh. I'm glad you're done with it!

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Waiver-ho!

walternatives said...

As one who did indeed have to pay the additional $750 for this update, I can attest - it truly did suck. Add to it the three different "updates" the USCIS requested for our update, and it was a nightmare, through and through. Glad you're through it, but with a happier wallet.

C's Mom said...

Woohoo for you getting that behind you.

I'm glad you made the waiver. By a ten day miss I had to take it up the shim-sham again and write the $*(#&$( check!

I keep saying, at least my next one will be free but I better never find out ;0)

Anne Marie said...

Yay!! I believe it about putting a lift in your step -- it always helps to have something in your court that makes you feel like you're moving forward. And thank god for the waiver!!!

Katie J said...

I'm glad you found a little lift in the midst of the paperwork craziness. Speedy delivery!

Joelle and Chandler said...

We are (1) set of fingerprints away from turning in our renewal. And, can I just tell you that when we went for our local required prints, the lady at the police station was shocked we had to get them again. She had not heard of this before.

Anonymous said...

Yay,You!Hoping I will join you in the springy step club by Friday. Knowing I will join you on the freakin' ledge if I have to do this crap again.

Irena said...

You've inspired me.

Kelli said...

Ooh the lovely waiver!! Oh you lucky lucky girl!!! Please do let us have to renew a third time...(especially since I did NOT get the waiver!!!)

"M2" said...

ugggg
just got notified it's time for me to redo
ugg uggg uggggggg

Cavatica said...

Pretty still life. Sad what it represents - a wait, still a life.

Beth and Shayna said...

I am so sorry you had to go through the refile, but the waiver is a nice bonus! That is one more thing to check off that to do list.

Tamara said...

I know it's a huge relief to have that dreaded task done.

rubyiscoming said...

yeeeeeaaaahhhh, they announced the money waiver 2 weeks after we submitted payment, et al. Of course, we get no refund. I didn't even tell my hubby to avoid steam coming out of his ears.

We are home from India!!

tundrachica said...

sounds like a good thing to get through and behind you. In this case we would NOT want to say "3rd time's a charm", correct????

Headmeister said...

Holy crap, I have the same anxiety, etc, that you mentioned. Ours aren't due to expire yet, but I'm already dreading having to renew.... I'm glad it was a breeze and that you got that spring in your step back from it... if that's what you're into :)

Pink Velvet Mommy said...

we will start working on this in a few months, and I have been dreading it almost since we got the first one!!!
Prints will be in a few weeks I suppose, and I am feeling certain that those will get done one more time!!

Glad you are all finished, and anxious to hear how fast you get your new one!!

Anonymous said...

wonderful news!

Carolyn said...

Hope the paperwork sails through smoothly. And LOVE the purse!!

JMCS said...

YAY for you, you are on your way and a step closer to your Buttercup. Now c'mon China!!!

Hugs,
Jonni