AOS - Evidence Clarification

[Tiz&Adam 0]

I need your help again.

I am filing for AOS and doing the whole:

I-485, Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act

G-325A, Biographic Information

I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

I-131, Application for Travel Document

Pretty much all forms' evidence is the same. Does this mean that I have to supply passport picture X 5 (actually 10 since they need two), passport photocopy X 5 and so on?

Also, do I get this right that everything can be sent together to:

Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

PO BOX 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

?

Sorry but reading, and re-reading, and again, it's doing my head in!

Many thanks for your patience!

Tiz

[amykathleen2005 441]

You should need 6 pictures. 2 for 485, 2 for 131 and 2 for 765

[K and L 27]

You really only need 2 photos, with the AOS, when you're filing concurrently.

[Tiz&Adam 0]

Oops, one more answer and I'll know more! 2 or 6? Please?????

[SpelaD 4]

6

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You need to treat each of the application forms you are filling out as separate applications, even though you are allowed to file them together in the same envelope. Upon arrival, the I-485 along with its supporting documents, will go to one location and the I-765 and the I-131 will be separated from the I-485 and sent to the appropriate offices for their processing. None of them stay together. That is why you need to attach separate photographs for each one and what appears to be duplicate evidence to each application. Prepare each of the applications separately making sure each one can stand alone by itself, then mail them all of together to show you are eligible to receive the EAD and the AP based on a jointly filed I-485.

Good luck.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

If you re-read the evidence required for each application, you will find that they are usually not that redundant. Yes, you need to treat each form separately, and yes, 6 pictures in total is required (which is seemingly somewhat redundant). However, do notice that not every form needs photographs, for instance, the I-864 does not require any passport photographs. Also, you will notice that not every form needs a photocopy of your passport, as you suggest. Good luck.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I sent three AOS packages for three different people, each including the I-485, I-765, and I-131. I only included 2 photographs with each package. All were approved for AP, EAD, and ultimately AOS without incident or RFE.

I honestly do not believe that 6 are required. The only reason they need more than one is in the unlikely event that the first one doesn't scan into the computer very well. Once they have the image scanned into the computer then they don't need those printed photos anymore. The only one of the three documents that will actually use the photo you send in is the AP. The EAD and green card use the photo taken at the biometrics appointment.

[K and L 27]

The worst that will happen if you send two and they really want six is that you'll get a two week delay from the RFE (one week to get to you, a day or two procure additional photos, and a week to finish processing), and you might get your green card before your EAD (and in fact, had we been RFEd for the EAD instead of the AOS, we would have gotten the green card before the EAD was approved).

At the end of the day, it's not really worth stressing out over. A RFE like that is not a big deal, especially if you are aware that it could be an issue later. Send two if you want. If you choose to send 2, realize you may need to send 2-4 more later on, and be prepared to have to spend an extra $30 for more photos & express mailing. Not a big deal. If you choose to send 6, that's great too - congrats, you've ensured that you shouldn't get a RFE for the photos. (Though, if the images don't meet the standard - hair covering ears, glasses, etc -- you may get a RFE for the photos even if you DO send 6.)

Edited December 28, 2010 by K and L

[Tiz&Adam 0]

hair covering ears

Thanks guys, I guess I won't take any chance and sent 6 pictures.

Now this has got me wondering now...Do you mean that the earlobes need showing? It reads nowhere in the picture specs that that is the case but when in France the photographer who took my picture knew about US Visas and asked me to show my lobes (for my embarrassment since my ears stick out )

[K and L 27]

The earlobes need to be showing as per K1 photo requirements. I believe the requirements are the same for all consulates, but this is the translation of Brazil's requirements:

Specifications

• Two (2) color photographs with white background on glossy and of good quality, are required for each applicant, regardless of age. Photos of poor quality or background in any color or pattern will not be accepted. The pictures may not have edges or date.

• For refugee visas will require eight (8) photographs of the front and two (2) profile pictures, right side.

• The size of the photos must be of 5x7cm or 5x5cm. Smiling pictures will not be allowed.

• They may not be accepted photos taken within the past six months, since the features shown in the picture remains the same when the request for endorsement. Any change in appearance such as beard, change in court hair or color it, for example, after the photo taking, will require submit a new photo.

• The photo should be frontal, head centered and have the full picture of the face of Applicant must be looking toward the camera. The request may not be looking down or to either side.

• The face must cover 50% of the photo area, measuring 3 cm from chin to top of the head and can not make cuts on top of head or chin.

• Both ears must be completely exposed, allowing full view of same, from top to bottom. Earrings should not be used tounless they are small, fixed and does not cover any points of the ears.

• Sunglasses or hats may not be used in the photographs. The use of any part covering the hair is not allowed. The only exception to the wearing of hats or cloths will be for religious reasons, and yet no part of the face applicant may be masked.

• Eyeglasses can be used provided that normally used by the requester and that is not reflected in the lenses. The reflex can be avoided by raising or lowering,a little head to take the picture.

When L had his AOS biometrics, they had him fuss with his hair to show his ears, as well, so I'm guessing they'd prefer the ears showing.

Edited December 29, 2010 by K and L

[Tiz&Adam 0]

Noooooooooooooooooooooo! I refuse to show the whole ear, this thing is going to stay with me for a long time, I refuse to have my Green Card cast shame on me

Can anybody else confirm please?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

The photos you send in won't be used for your Greencard anyway. They will take your picture at your biometrics appointment, and that goes on your GC. The photo on the card is black and white now, so it's kind of cute

[Tiz&Adam 0]

Thank god for that!

So do you confirm then that I need 6 pictures with showing ears?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I confirm 6 photos. I don't know about ears showing... The checklist in my link below for US passport photos doesn't say anything about ears, and the 485 asks for "passport-style" photos. I wouldn't over-think it. Send in your passport-style photos as per instructions. When you go to your biometrics, if they make you put your hair behind your ears, well... what can you do at that point? No one is really ever going to see it and you will get a new one in 2 years anyway when you file to remove conditions.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_874.html

Bonne chance.

Edited December 29, 2010 by Harpa Timsah