When is the best time to adjust status?

[DukeOfYork 28]

I've seen some people send their AOS paperwork within days of their wedding, while others wait a bit longer. Is there a recommended wait time to do this?

I have always planned on opening a joint account, adding her to my health insurance, group life insurance as a beneficiary, taking out a life insurance policy with her as a beneficiary, etc. My plan was to do this before I send off the AOS paperwork and include it as evidence. But then I read that doing this too soon can raise a red flag (specifically this link, page 3, 4th paragraph from the bottom). To me it's just what married couples are supposed to do.

So I guess the question is, how soon is too soon to adjust status? We don't want to wait forever so she can get her EAD.

[belinda63 3,055]

You can file as soon as you have the marriage certificate. The evidence is required for the interview stage. So begin establishing joint accounts, adding her to your insurance, lease, etc. as evidence for the interview.

[katie & sifa 25]

We didn't include any evidence other than our marriage certificate in the AOS paperwork. Previous poster is correct - keep gathering evidence for the interview, if you have one, and for removal of conditions if you don't. I recommend filing as soon as is feasible after the wedding...we waited a month only because it took a long time to get our marriage certificate back and Sifa had to get some additional shots and such for the I-693.

ETA: I think what the article is saying is that it was a red flag that, if it looks like you waited a long time after marrying to open an account together immediately preceeding the interview, then you only opened the account because you were going to the interview. Not a worry if you open accounts, put her as beneficiary, etc. Just file AOS when you can, and do everything else when you'd planned to do it I think a lot of people interviewed for that article did NOT come on a K-1, but were married here and applied for adjustment of status sometime later in their marriage.

Edited June 15, 2010 by katie & sifa

[besaangel 18]

beliinda is correct. Its best to start co-mingling funds, adding her to policies now... Since your fear is doing this so close to the interview, then its best to start doing so to avoid any red flags and have yourselve a smooth AOS ride.

[DukeOfYork 28]

Great answers from all of you, thanks!

I was under the impression I had to get all that evidence and put it in the packet before I sent it off. Sounds like it won't be as thick as I originally thought.