you may prepare for vawa if the other person decide to not continue the process and notify uscis get a lawyer and be prepare

@Elvie Mendoza Look at my story. I went through the same and got approved.

@Erika Corado This is poor advice. Vawa isn’t applicable here especially being an I-751.

@Rocco Forté OMG! thank you so much for your response. I’ve been looking for the same case as mine to know more about how things would work. Did you have to use a lawyer to process everything?

@El Mendoza No I did not. I did everything myself. Don’t be afraid, your case is very approvable.

@Rocco Forté I really appreciate your time responding and your encouraging words! Thank you so much! I read your story and I noticed you only notify the USCIS regarding changing your case when you receive the divorce decree, did I understand that correctly? Shouldn’t I inform the USCIS that the divorce has been filed, but rather once I have the divorce decree?

@El Mendoza So I will say this, if your case is on the verge of getting adjudicated then you should notify them immediately you file for divorce. However, if there are still like a lot of time before you gets adjudicated then you can get you divorce finalized, get your decree and then inform them.

@Rocco Forté That’s the thing I’m unsure of because my ROC has been in process for 11 months now, and the extension they gave me is for 48 months. So I’m thinking it will take more time for my case to be adjudicated.

@El Mendoza If you tell me the service center where your case is, I will be able to tell you which month they are processing. Also your date of filing

@Rocco Forté absolutely! i’m at California service center. My date of filing was 8/4/2022. Thank you so much!

@El Mendoza ok they are working on cases between December 2021 and January of 2022 so there is still a lot of time before you hear something. How long does it take to start and finalize a divorce in your state?

@Rocco Forté Wow! Thank you so much! I actually have no idea on the timeline of the divorce in California but I will check.

@El Mendoza Yea the key is to get that divorce done before your case is approved. If you can fast track it, please do

@Rocco Forté based on the California.gov website, it takes at least 6 months. 🥺

@El Mendoza Ok are you separated already?

Physically separated, yes, but not legally since 12/2022.

@El Mendoza I don’t think you need a legal separation agreement in California so you can file for divorce now and get it finalized within a month if your spouse cooperates

@Rocco Forté thank you so much for your insights!

@El Mendoza Dont forget to use a good divorce lawyer to get it wrapped up quickly then contact me for how to put together your amendment request.

@Rocco Forté Thank you very much. I will definitely get back to you. I hope all things work out.

@Rocco Forté Did you use a divorce lawyer too?

@Rocco Forté every case is different we don’t know if the other person will acuses of fraud and she can’t get the GC there is plants of question better advice is get a lawyer

@El Mendoza Everything will be fine. Yes I used a divorce lawyer who fast tracked everything,

@Erika Corado You advice was wrong in this regard.

@El Mendoza I forgot to ask, did you update your address with USCIS after you moved out?

@Rocco Forté I did not. I haven’t updated any of my identifications’ addresses.

@El Mendoza Ok that is a problem. You are required by law to update your address within 10 days of moving as a resident. Please file an AR-11 immediately, if not they will say you were tryna play smart by pretending you still live with your spouse

@Rocco Forté that’s actually one of my problems. I haven’t officially moved out. 😔

@El Mendoza Ok what does that mean? You live two places?

@Rocco Forté It’s very complicated. I stay at my friends’ house for couple of days a week and go back to my real place every now and then. Like I never packed my things yet. I still pay rent and all the bills with my ex. Very complex.

@El Mendoza Alright I understand. However from an immigration standpoint, you will need to be very decisive because anything can happen. You always wanna be seen by USCIS as being straightforward and not sneaky.