Signature during i485 Biometrics

[bs1000 0]

Recently, I had a code 3 biometrics for i485. Had the FP and photos but during the signature, the person who took the FP asked me to type my first and last name in the little electronic/computer signing pad...

I am now concerned if this'd appear in the gc because my usual signature is my garbled initials (as it appears in AOS docs, passport and license etc) and not the full name as I typed during the biometrics.....

Havent received the card yet..If the gc arrives with my full name in the signature portion, it'll look different when compared to other docs. I'd like the signature in gc to be consistent with passport and other docs...

What should I do? Wish I was assisted better at the time of signing...Any advice please? Thanks.

Edited September 14, 2014 by bs1000

[Ian H. 207]

Your signature doesn't have to be consistent across all of your docs. There is no requirement regarding this. I have my passport signed with my full name. Other docs I use or don't use my middle initial. The only signatures that I know have to be consistent are like for checks or if you're a notary public. This will not cause any issues.

[bs1000 0]

Thanks Ian for sharing your thoughts...

But you see that my std signature is very short- garbled initials only, compared to first and last names that I was asked to write in the pad...this discrepancy is what bothers me a lot...is there a way to fix it?

[CdnRN 40]

Well, you will do biometrics again when you remove conditions, so it will be only 2 years where they don't match. Besides, those who need your signature will look at your drivers license mostly.

[bs1000 0]

Actually, this is not a conditional gc..it is emp based. It will be valid for 10y.

I wonder how difficult it is to change?

[Ian H. 207]

It's $450 worth of difficult.

[bs1000 0]

So, an i90 could fix this?

[Ian H. 207]

Technically, yes, but I was being sarcastic. I didn't think you would actually consider paying $450 to replace your GC only because of your signature.

Also, wanting to change the signature on the card doesn't qualify as a reason for replacement. It's about the same as if you wanted to replace the card because you didn't like your picture.

I assure you that this is not an issue and there is no need to worry about it, let alone file a $450 application without a valid reason for doing so.

[Ian H. 207]

Well, I'll be damned. The instructions do say that you can select box "2J" to replace your card for a reason not otherwise specified. This does sound like anyone could replace their GC just because they didn't like their picture or their signature or just because. However, I'm not sure if anyone has done this successfully because most people wouldn't be willing to cough up $450 to change something like this.

[bs1000 0]

Thanks Ian. This is very useful...Going forward, i'll see how the signature is printed in the gc..if it turns out different, sec 2j in i90 seems the way to go..

Q1: if we apply for i90, would the perm resident status still hold good? in other words, if a replacement gc is issued, the resident start date would still be the same..correct?

Q2: Also, what would be the proof of gc while an i90 is pending?

[Ian H. 207]

1. Your status as an LPR is in no way affected by applying for a replacement card. Your resident since date would remain the same. I'm not sure about the expiration date, but it would most likely change.

2. The proof would be your GC, you aren't required to send it in if you use reason "2J".

[Ian H. 207]

Also keep in mind that if you will be doing this just to change your signature, I'm not sure if the USCIS would accept it or not, according to the instructions it looks like the may.

And since you will be doing this because of your signature, you will have to make sure that you are allowed to sign your name exactly how you want this time, otherwise this will be for naught.

[Hypnos 6,576]

I also got hosed on my signature. I'm left-handed, and the signing pad was against a wall to the right, so I basically had to sign in an extremely awkward way, meaning it came out like the signature of a spider bouncing on a trampoline while he did it. I've also lost a lot of weight, and so I (briefly) considered spending the $450 for a replacement card, but then figured since I had shown my existing card to only two people then I could probably live with looking like a bloated lardarse on the picture and with an unintelligible scribble as my signature.

[bs1000 0]

Thanks Ian...Appreciate your thoughts...

So, you are saying that typing the name in place of the signature on the computer pad (that happened inadvertently) should be fine..correct? or is it a requirement to fix it if a discrepancy is identified? If latter, is it worth trying i90 using section 2j?

Also, you are right abt getting the signature right during the second biometrics..will wait for the card and see how it looks like..after all, it is going to my name anyway...

any thoughts?

[bs1000 0]

Thanks hypnos fir sharing your experience...what are you planning to do?