AOS from B2 after marriage

[BritInMA 15]

Hello all,

This is my first post but I've been looking around for a while!

My wife and I have been friends for near on 3 years, and together for just under 2 years; We recently found out we're expecting our first child together (yay!) and got married almost immediately (less than 2 weeks ago); Whilst marriage was always the ultimate goal, we did not intend to get married yet, and thought we'd be having "the big wedding" :-)

So most recent arrival was Aug 4 2014, and my stay has to end by Feb 3 2015; Tomorrow (Jan 9) I have my medical, and was told that, all things being good and equal, I can pick up my paperwork in just a few days, so I'm assuming I can send in my paperwork by Jan 15.

My wife and I have completed the following paperwork in full:

I-485

I-765

G-1145

I-130

G-325A (one for each of us)

I-864

And of course, by the time it all goes in the post, we'll have I-693.

I am pretty happy that we've filled out all the paperwork correctly, and have submitted all the required evidence as well as other evidence we think appropriate, for example, bank statements, photos, ultrasound scans, etc.

We used my income on the I-864 as I own several businesses back in England which support us well above the poverty line, and do not require my presence to continue. (And in any case, I've been in the USA since August 2013!! With the odd week here and there back in the UK... This I am told is very lucky, as I should not have been "allowed" to come back so many times with, at most, only 8 days away from the USA)

My questions are: (well, in fact, just clarification on a few points)

1, Should I put any cover letters in? One per form, or one in the front detailing everything we've included.

2, Should I use just one ACCO fastener for the entire lot, or again, each form with its' own ACCO

3, One check for everything?

4, Have I worked out the cost correctly? Total of $1490 (I-485 $1070, I-130 $420, then the associated I-765, G-1145, G325A & I-864 all "free" if filed together)

5, What do I need them to do before February 3 - I will get proof of postage from USPS - Am I waiting for a notification, and is that the start point?

6, At this time I believe I should not be leaving the USA on Feb 3 - is this right? I do not want to leave my 4 month pregnant wife!!!

7, Should I file I-131, as it is possible though VERY unlikely that one of my businesses might need my presence (and I understand that without an I-131 I would NOT leave the USA regardless, because this will deem the application abandoned)

8, Am I correct in my assumption that I am to send all of this to the Chicago lockbox facility?

9, Lastly, and the most likely unanswerable question - how long might this all take?

If I've left anything out, I'll gladly update; Also, any "extra" information is gladly accepted.

Thank you so much for reading :-)

Edited January 8, 2015 by BritInMA

[JohnR! 5,495]

You can find all the info you need in this link: http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2

Congrats and good luck!

[Transborderwife 4,666]

I may be wrong so if I am I aplogize but you cannot use your income from foreign business for your affidavit of support.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

I may be wrong so if I am I aplogize but you cannot use your income from foreign business for your affidavit of support.

His counts. Instructions to the I-864 page 6

b. If you included the income of the intending immigrant who is your spouse (he or she would be counted on Item Number 7. of Part 5.), evidence that his/her income will continue from the current source after obtaining lawful permanent resident status must be provided. He/she does not need to complete Form I-864A unless he/she has accompanying children.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Good to know thanks

[KDMG12 9]

Check USCIS processing times (local office, not the service center) for an idea of how long the process will take. Note: an IDEA. The times are updated every month.

It looks like your local office is processing cases at the same pace as mine. As of October 31st, both of our offices had last completed a case filed on June 2nd. That looks like a five-month turnaround, but it's by no means a guarantee. My NOA1 is from June 10th, yet I still haven't received an interview notice. And since you are adjusting from a B2, you won't be eligible for the interview waiver. This process will definitely test your patience. Hang in there!

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Use the link in reply #2 as your guide.

There are example forms filled out as well that are useful. See menu bar.

Read the instructions for each form. There are separate supporting documents for each that are not mentioned in the VJ guides. (I 765, I-131). Think of it as four separate applications riding together in the same envelope.

Cover letter is optional. They throw that away in the mail room when the contractors are organizing your file. One for the top of the pile if you want to.

Yes, do I-131. It's free. It's possible somebody could die. Unfortunate things happen that we least expect.

Read this link for tips on applications. It says do not use ACCO fasteners. http://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-and-fees/tips-filing-petitions-and-applications-national-benefits-centerMany other good tips too.

[BritInMA 15]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to this thread; It seems like I'm a pretty straightforward case, and yet I find myself stressing - not about the final result - but making sure I file accurately.

Had my medical yesterday, and will be collecting the results Monday afternoon; So by Monday evening, or Tuesday morning at the latest, my documents will be on their way to the chicago lockbox facility.