Cover letter example and all appropriate documents needed

[dset 0]

Hey there, I was wondering if anyone had an example cover letter for the Adjustment of Status for a k1 visa? I can't seem to find one relatively up to date from a search and there isnt' one on the example forms link on this site.

Also, I know this may have been asked once before, or many haha but could someone just look over and make sure I have all the appropriate documents for the AOS of a K1 visa?

Payment

Cover page/letter(dont have yet)
I-485

Copy of passport (immigrant) (is it just biographics and entry or more? previous visas? should i copy it all?)

Copy of passport k1 visa

Copy of NAO2 (I129F approval) letter

Copy of electronic I-94

Birth Certificate/English Translation
Marriage Certificate
G-325A
Two passport style photos with A# on back in bag on paper. (do i need more for employment/travel document?)
I-693 (medical document from k1 visa vaccination appointment)
Affidavit of Support

Co-sponsor Affidavit of Support (plus additional info)

Employment Authorization(do i need the photos for this since i already included some?)
Application for Travel Document (same question as above, photos?

Am i missing anything at all? Thank you so much.

[Ash.1101 1,755]

This is an EXACT copy of what our cover sheet looked like, I just omitted names and such. Everything listed in the cover sheet was what was in the packet.


As for the question of photo's for EAD and AP. Yes, it's technically a requirement to provide 2 passport type photos for EACH application. Even though the applications are being sent together, you need to provide everything each application requires, even if that means you'll have 3 copies of your K-1 visa or 3 copies of your I-94. Treat them all as separate applications, all put together. The only thing different when applying for them all at once is the fee waiver for the EAD and such.

-----------------------

Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status Application


<Name of Non-US spouse>
SSN: <Non-US spouse SSN>
A-Number: <A#>
<Address line 1>
<Address line 2>
<City> <State> <Zip>

United States Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120

<Date>

Nature of the submission: I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, ORIGINAL SUBMISSION
To Whom It May Concern:
Enclosed please find my Form I-485, Petition to Adjust Status for myself, <Non-USC spouse>, and supporting documents.

1. Form G-1145, signed and dated
2. Form I-485, signed and dated
3. Form G-325A, signed and dated
4. Copy of I-797, Notice of Approval for I-129F Petition
5. Certified copy of marriage certificate
6. Copy of birth certificate
7. Copy of Vaccination Documentation Worksheet, Form DS-3025 <or I-693 if you don't have the DS-3205 completed>
8. Copy of biographic page of passport
9. Copy of K1 Visa page

10. Copy of electronic form I-94
11. Payment in the amount of $1070.00 (Filing fee + Biometrics fee: personal check made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
11. 2 passport size photos with name and A# written at the back
12. Form I-864, Affidavit of Support – signed and dated by petitioner (US citizen spouse <USC Spouse Name>), along with:
- Four most recent pay stubs
- 2015 Tax Return
- 2015 W2
- Copy of birth certificate of the petitioner

13. Form I-864, Affidavit of Support – signed and dated by joint sponsor (US citizen <USC or LPR Cosponsor name>) along with:
- One months worth of most recent paystubs
- 2015 Tax Return
-2015 W2
-Copy of Joint Sponsors birth certificate
14. Copy of Joint Car insurance with <USC Spouse name>
15. Copy of Joint Bank Statement with <USC Spouse name>
16. Relationship evidence

Form I-765 packet and supporting documents:

1. Form G-1145, signed and dated
2. Form I-765, signed and dated
3. Copy of biographic page of passport
4. Copy of K1 Visa page and Form I-94
5. Certified copy of marriage certificate
6. 2 passport size photos with name and A# written at the back


Form I-131 packet and supporting documents:

1. Form G-1145, signed and dated
2. Form I-131, signed and dated + additional sheet
3. Copy of biographic page of passport
4. Copy of K1 Visa page and Form I-94 in passport
5. Certified copy of marriage certificate
6. 2 passport size photos with name and A# written at the back


Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents and I understand that I may be requested to submit original documents to an Immigration Officer if requested.


Yours truly,

<Signature>
<Date>

Edited July 5, 2016 by Ash.1101

[hispany 23]

You don't need G-1145 for each application, just one for the whole package.

[Ash.1101 1,755]

Pretty sure all adding one to each app does is alert you that each app has been accepted. If you do one for just the I-485, you'll get one alert that the I-485 was accepted. The reason that most people get 3 Texts from USCIS is because they do one for each.

It's 100% optional though. I sent three and probably would again if I ever had too.

[hispany 23]

Nope.

A single G1145 in a package with multiple applications will generate text and email alerts for each of the applications in the package.

Also you do not need certified copies of marriage certificate, regular copies are fine.

[Ash.1101 1,755]

Ah I didn't realize that, all the prior packets I had looked up prior to making mine all submitted 3. I had also seen people get RFE's for their regular photocopies not looking "legit" enough or another case where USCIS specifically asked them for certified copies.

I'm a fan of avoiding RFE's to the point of paranoia, so I generally provide more than enough and/or too much with both the K-1 process, this AOS we just completed, and future RoC.

[hispany 23]

Oh I agree with you, RFEs are the worst.

In any event, your application was spotless -as proven by the results you got- so your guidance is appreciated.

Perhaps we should also clarify that you need two G-325A's, one for the petitioner and one for the beneficiary.

[Ash.1101 1,755]

Oh I agree with you, RFEs are the worst.

In any event, your application was spotless -as proven by the results you got- so your guidance is appreciated.

Perhaps we should also clarify that you need two G-325A's, one for the petitioner and one for the beneficiary.

We only sent in one G-325A for AOS, just for my husband since he was the one adjusting status, making him the petitioner. For K-1 we did do two though, one for myself, the USC (petitioner) and one for my husband (at the time fiance (beneficiary)).

I don't think it'd hurt to sent one for the USC spouse, but I don't believe it's required for AOS.

[stfiii 33]

Pretty sure all adding one to each app does is alert you that each app has been accepted. If you do one for just the I-485, you'll get one alert that the I-485 was accepted. The reason that most people get 3 Texts from USCIS is because they do one for each.

It's 100% optional though. I sent three and probably would again if I ever had too.

This would explain why I got 18 text messages instead of 9.

[FherJess 15]

We only sent in one G-325A for AOS, just for my husband since he was the one adjusting status, making him the petitioner. For K-1 we did do two though, one for myself, the USC (petitioner) and one for my husband (at the time fiance (beneficiary)).

I don't think it'd hurt to sent one for the USC spouse, but I don't believe it's required for AOS.

I agree. We only sent one G-325A for my husband since he was the one adjusting. I (the US citizen) was not required to send one.

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

Ah I didn't realize that, all the prior packets I had looked up prior to making mine all submitted 3. I had also seen people get RFE's for their regular photocopies not looking "legit" enough or another case where USCIS specifically asked them for certified copies.

I'm a fan of avoiding RFE's to the point of paranoia, so I generally provide more than enough and/or too much with both the K-1 process, this AOS we just completed, and future RoC.

You have links to any of these people that received an RFE for sending a photocopy of the correct certified marriage certificate that is required? Only a copy is required, and states so in the I-485 instructions.

[Ash.1101 1,755]

You have links to any of these people that received an RFE for sending a photocopy of the correct certified marriage certificate that is required? Only a copy is required, and states so in the I-485 instructions.

There was one for them getting it because it didn't look legit enough, the cert was full of artwork and generally would be more for framing. They got an RFE for a marriage certificate, which they sent, but then people in the thread figured because it looked more showy that USCIS wanted something more legitimate.

Ours is also very showy, so I was worried that the authenticity may be questioned as it's covered with Texan art. Our customer copy is the same thing as the certified copy, since all they do here is scan it into the system. The only way for the certification stamp is through a copy they gave us, since they put the certifying stamp over the seal on the photocopy. This one isn't ours but it's exactly what ours looks like http://media2.fdncms.com/sacurrent/imager/u/original/2449338/bexar_county_marriage_license.jpg

I'll have to get on my other comp to find the link from my history to find the thread that started my worries months ago. LOL

That and I think I had seen this thread at some point prior to doing AOS where everyone was talking about certified marriage certificate. I assumed they meant certified copies I guess. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/561955-rfe-on-aos/

Note for the OP: I try too hard, so don't take my word as law please. I just used the guide at the top, then combined other peoples cover letters from postings less than a month prior to my husbands AOS. The guide shows everything you need at the end of the day, just make sure you check out the supporting documents for EAD and AP.

Edited July 7, 2016 by Ash.1101

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

Perhaps we should also clarify that you need two G-325A's, one for the petitioner and one for the beneficiary.

No. You are posting in the forum geared towards those adjusting from a K-1 family based visa. They are only required to send one G-325A from the AOS applicant, as required by the I-485. Someone that is adjusting from another type of visa(your profile says F-1) would need one from each for the I-130, and one for the AOS applicant for the I-485. The I-130 is not required for a K-1 adjustment applicant.

There was one for them getting it because it didn't look legit enough, the cert was full of artwork and generally would be more for framing. They got an RFE for a marriage certificate, which they sent, but then people in the thread figured because it looked more showy that USCIS wanted something more legitimate.

Ours is also very showy, so I was worried that the authenticity may be questioned as it's covered with Texan art. Our customer copy is the same thing as the certified copy, since all they do here is scan it into the system. The only way for the certification stamp is through a copy they gave us, since they put the certifying stamp over the seal on the photocopy. This one isn't ours but it's exactly what ours looks like http://media2.fdncms.com/sacurrent/imager/u/original/2449338/bexar_county_marriage_license.jpg

I'll have to get on my other comp to find the link from my history to find the thread that started my worries months ago. LOL

That and I think I had seen this thread at some point prior to doing AOS where everyone was talking about certified marriage certificate. I assumed they meant certified copies I guess. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/561955-rfe-on-aos/

Yes, people get RFEs for not sending the proper copy of the certified marriage certificate they get back from the court. Some people include the souvenir copy they get when they marry. That is not what is needed. The one needed is the one you get back from the court after the marriage has been registered. You will never get the original. That remains with the court. You will get a certified copy of the original from them. The stamp/seal and signature of the clerk is what makes it certified. You make a copy of that and send it with the I-485. If that one on the paper with the artwork in the background is what you receive from the court once it is registered, then it should be fine. It needs to have the registration file number info on it that shows the marriage was recorded.

Here in FL the marriage certificate is a copy of the license. The court registration file numbers and info are at the top. They stamp and sign them at the bottom. That is what you get back from the court and what constitutes a certified marriage certificate.

I do not see people get RFEs for following the instructions and sending a copy of the correct marriage certificate they need to.

[Georgia16 2,858]

No. You are posting in the forum geared towards those adjusting from a K-1 family based visa. They are only required to send one G-325A from the AOS applicant, as required by the I-485. Someone that is adjusting from another type of visa(your profile says F-1) would need one from each for the I-130, and one for the AOS applicant for the I-485. The I-130 is not required for a K-1 adjustment applicant.

Yes, people get RFEs for not sending the proper copy of the certified marriage certificate they get back from the court. Some people include the souvenir copy they get when they marry. That is not what is needed. The one needed is the one you get back from the court after the marriage has been registered. You will never get the original. That remains with the court. You will get a certified copy of the original from them. The stamp/seal and signature of the clerk is what makes it certified. You make a copy of that and send it with the I-485. If that one on the paper with the artwork in the background is what you receive from the court once it is registered, then it should be fine. It needs to have the registration file number info on it that shows the marriage was recorded.

Here in FL the marriage certificate is a copy of the license. The court registration file numbers and info are at the top. They stamp and sign them at the bottom. That is what you get back from the court and what constitutes a certified marriage certificate.

I do not see people get RFEs for following the instructions and sending a copy of the correct marriage certificate they need to.

Do you have to send in 3 copies of the marriage license? AOS, EAD, AP? ... Do you know if it also needs to be send in the K-2's AOS package files at the same time as mother? Sorry for the ton of questions!

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

Do you have to send in 3 copies of the marriage license? AOS, EAD, AP? ... Do you know if it also needs to be send in the K-2's AOS package files at the same time as mother? Sorry for the ton of questions!

Not required for the EAD and AP forms. However, I have seen just a few RFEs asking for proof of name change for the EAD. The applications will be separated and not processed together, so some adjudicators have asked for proof of name change for those changing their names through marriage. Perhaps they were new. It is not something I see often, but have definitely seen at least a handful of times. So, it is up to you whether to add them with the EAD and AP too. Most people are approved without them.

Yes, put a copy of it with the K-2's I-485 as well.

From the instructions>

12. Based on derivative status as the spouse or child of

another adjustment applicant or person granted

permanent residence based on issuance of an

immigrant visa

File your application with the application of the other

applicant, or with evidence that the application is pending

with USCIS or was approved, or with evidence that your

spouse or parent was granted permanent residence based

on an immigrant visa, and:

If you are applying as the spouse of that person, also

attach a copy of your marriage certificate and copies of

documents showing the legal termination of all other

marriages by you and your spouse;

If you are applying as the child of that person, attach also

a copy of your birth certificate and, if the other person is

not your parent, submit copies of evidence (such as a

marriage certificate and documents showing the legal

termination of all other marriages and an adoption decree)

to demonstrate that you qualify as his or her child.