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danielenglish

The right form to file the AOS (I-864 or I-864EZ ?)

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Filed: F-2A Visa Country: Italy
Timeline

Hi guys,

My wife's PD is april 09 2014 and therefore I am getting ready with all the documents I need to send as soon as I will have paid the fees (AOS and IV fee) and filled the forms (DS-261 and DS-260).

As you probably know, on the official web-site of the Government (where the "Immigrant Visa Process" is broken down step by step) I have found multiple forms in order to file the AOS.

In particular, I am not sure between the form I-864 and I-864EZ.

And in fact, on the VJ forum I have read in many occasions that the most common one is the I-864 whereas the second one is easier BUT you need to qualify for it.

Now, as far as I can see, the three requirement are pretty wide; 1) I am filing for my relative (my wife); 2) there is only one applicant on the form I-130; 3) I am using only my salary to qualify (and it is shown on the forms I will attach as a support documents).

Is that all?

If so, do you confirm that filing the I-864EZ is better?

Thanks a lot in advance for your advice!

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I used the 864EZ, and my situation was the same as yours...filing for spouse, only one applicant, only used my salary.

By the way you can send in your AOS/IV packet in as soon as you pay the AOS fee. (Maybe even as soon as you get your welcome letter checklist, but no one seems to know if this is okay to do.) Send everything in one packet and get that clock going.

Edited by Moustafa/Crystal
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@Daniel - I read somewhere on VJ that the 864EZ form is easier but gets more checklist.

based on that, I am still deciding if I should go ahead and just do the 864.....I cant afford a checklist...

Priority Date - December 2, 2013

USCIS -

12/02/13 : NOA1 (Priority Date)

03/24/15 : Case Transferred from VSC to CSC

03/28/15 : Hard copy of transfer received in mail

04/14/15 : NOA2 ( I-130 Approved) - finally! (informed via text on 4/16/2015)

NVC -

04/29/15 : NVC received the case (informed during phone call to NVC on 5/01/2015

05/08/15 : Case number assigned and IIN (received via phone call on 5/14/2015)

05/12/15 : NVC Welcome letter mailed

05/19/15 : NVC Welcome received in mail

05/29/15 : DS-261 Finally Available on CEAC and completed

05/29/15 : AOS bill Available on CEAC and paid (status: IN PROCESS)

06/02/15 : AOS bill status: PAID

06/15/15 : IV invoice generated (notified by email) but unable to pay on CEAC...waiting...

07/05/15 : IV bill Finally Available on CEAC and paid (status: IN PROCESS)

07/08/15 : IV bill status: PAID

07/08/15 : DS-260 Available

07/12/15 : DS-260 completed and submitted

07/13/15 : AOS and IV package mailed to NVC

07/14/15 : AOS and IV package received by NVC

07/16/15 : Scan Date

07/28/15 : CASE COMPLETE - NO checklist! :dancing::dancing::dancing:London...here we come...!!

08/04/15 : CC Email received...waiting for Interview Letter....

08/11/15 : Interview letter (IL/P4) received ...interview date 9/11/2015! :dancing: :dancing::dancing:

EMBASSY -

08/11/15 : Case Shipped to embassy

08/12/15 : Case Arrived in UK (tracked on DHL website)

08/12/15 : Medical completed

08/14/15 : CEAC showing IN TRANSIT

08/18/15 : CEAC showing READY

09/11/15 : Interview date (initial)

09/08/15 : Interview date (rescheduled on 8/18/2015) - APPROVED :)

xx/xx/15 : Visa in hand
xx/xx/15 : POE....Dulles airport!

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Filed: F-2A Visa Country: Italy
Timeline

Thanks for the replies!

Wow, do you know why the 864EZ gets more checklist?

I mean, provided that you fulfil the requirement, it should be fine.

Probably, that happens (likelihood to get checklist) because in the 864EZ there are less information to entry and therefore if it is not "perfect", it may result in missing information (and consequent checklist).

What do you guys think?

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Filed: F-2A Visa Country: Belarus
Timeline

I-864ez gets more checklists because it has some flaws: some check boxes you mark on the computer turn out to be unchecked when the form is printed out. Just make sure you go through it after printing it out and ckeck all the check boxes, which are to be checked, with a pen. Use this form if you qualify, it's shorter and easier than the basic form.

10/06/2007 - Met

07/14/2010 - Tiger left for the US

04/27/2012 - Tiger came visiting

10/13/2012 - Visited Tiger in Chicago

09/19/2013 - My second visit to Chicago

10/04/2013 - Got married in Mt.Pleasant, IA

05/18/2014 - Tiger came visiting again (YAY!!!)

USCIS Stage

10/24/2013 - I-130 sent

10/28/2013 - PD

10/29/2013 - NOA-1 received in email

10/30/2013 - Check cashed

10/31/2013 - NOA-1 hard copy received

12/04/2013 - NOA-2 approved (in email)

12/09/2013 - NOA-2 received in snail mail

NVC Stage

12/16/2013 - NVC received the case

01/09/2014 - Got my case and invoice ID numbers

02/12/2015 - NVC started generating forms and invoices for our case (according to a nice NVC rep)

02/13/2015 - DS-261 available and filled out

02/13/2015 - Got an email with NVC Welcome letter and AOS Invoice

02/13/2015 - Paid AOS Fee

02/18/2015 - AOS shows PAID on ceac

02/22/2015 - AOS and civil documents sent off
02/23/2015 - DS-261 reviewed and IV Fee invoice received

02/24/2015 - IV Fee paid

02/25/2015 - Documents delivered to the NVC (scan date)

02/25/2015 - DS-260 submitted

03/30/2015 - Case Complete by phone

04/06/2015 - Case Complete email received

06/03/2015 - Got my interview scheduled for July, 6

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@vlad - thank you for that insight. very helpful!

Priority Date - December 2, 2013

USCIS -

12/02/13 : NOA1 (Priority Date)

03/24/15 : Case Transferred from VSC to CSC

03/28/15 : Hard copy of transfer received in mail

04/14/15 : NOA2 ( I-130 Approved) - finally! (informed via text on 4/16/2015)

NVC -

04/29/15 : NVC received the case (informed during phone call to NVC on 5/01/2015

05/08/15 : Case number assigned and IIN (received via phone call on 5/14/2015)

05/12/15 : NVC Welcome letter mailed

05/19/15 : NVC Welcome received in mail

05/29/15 : DS-261 Finally Available on CEAC and completed

05/29/15 : AOS bill Available on CEAC and paid (status: IN PROCESS)

06/02/15 : AOS bill status: PAID

06/15/15 : IV invoice generated (notified by email) but unable to pay on CEAC...waiting...

07/05/15 : IV bill Finally Available on CEAC and paid (status: IN PROCESS)

07/08/15 : IV bill status: PAID

07/08/15 : DS-260 Available

07/12/15 : DS-260 completed and submitted

07/13/15 : AOS and IV package mailed to NVC

07/14/15 : AOS and IV package received by NVC

07/16/15 : Scan Date

07/28/15 : CASE COMPLETE - NO checklist! :dancing::dancing::dancing:London...here we come...!!

08/04/15 : CC Email received...waiting for Interview Letter....

08/11/15 : Interview letter (IL/P4) received ...interview date 9/11/2015! :dancing: :dancing::dancing:

EMBASSY -

08/11/15 : Case Shipped to embassy

08/12/15 : Case Arrived in UK (tracked on DHL website)

08/12/15 : Medical completed

08/14/15 : CEAC showing IN TRANSIT

08/18/15 : CEAC showing READY

09/11/15 : Interview date (initial)

09/08/15 : Interview date (rescheduled on 8/18/2015) - APPROVED :)

xx/xx/15 : Visa in hand
xx/xx/15 : POE....Dulles airport!

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Filed: F-2A Visa Country: Nepal
Timeline

Hi guys,

My wife's PD is april 09 2014 and therefore I am getting ready with all the documents I need to send as soon as I will have paid the fees (AOS and IV fee) and filled the forms (DS-261 and DS-260).

As you probably know, on the official web-site of the Government (where the "Immigrant Visa Process" is broken down step by step) I have found multiple forms in order to file the AOS.

In particular, I am not sure between the form I-864 and I-864EZ.

And in fact, on the VJ forum I have read in many occasions that the most common one is the I-864 whereas the second one is easier BUT you need to qualify for it.

Now, as far as I can see, the three requirement are pretty wide; 1) I am filing for my relative (my wife); 2) there is only one applicant on the form I-130; 3) I am using only my salary to qualify (and it is shown on the forms I will attach as a support documents).

Is that all?

If so, do you confirm that filing the I-864EZ is better?

Thanks a lot in advance for your advice!

Hello Daniel,

We are in the same scenario; as my wife is sponsoring only me and her annual income for past 3 years is below respectively.

2012- USD 27,456.00

2013- USD 27,805.00

2014 - USD 21,039.00

Hope this is sufficient to go with I-864EZ.

Marriage: 10/10/2013.

I-130 Sent: 11/22/2013

I-130 NOA 1: 25/11/2013

NOA-T (Electronic Transfer notice to California Service Center): 24/03/2015

NOA-T (Hard Copy of Transfer notice received in mail): 31/03/2015

I-130 NOA2: 01.04.2015 (Approved)

NVC Received: 16 April 2015

Received DS-261 / AOS Bill: 27 April 2015

Pay AOS Bill: 30 April 2015

Send AOS / IV Package: 13 May 2015

Pay IV Bill: 08 May 2015

Scan Date: 18 May 2015

Checklist: 19 June 2015 [ Non-submission of DS260]

Submitted DS260: 08 July 2015

Case Completed at NVC: 08 Sep 2015

Interview Date: 05 Nov 2015

Interview Result: passed :dancing: :dancing:

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Filed: F-2A Visa Country: India
Timeline

Hello Daniel,

We are in the same scenario; as my wife is sponsoring only me and her annual income for past 3 years is below respectively.

2012- USD 27,456.00

2013- USD 27,805.00

2014 - USD 21,039.00

Hope this is sufficient to go with I-864EZ.

You should be ok because you need 19900 for family of 2. Sometimes people make mistake counting household members. They look at tax return for house hold members. If she has parents or sibling on tax return, then they need to be counted as household members annd that increase limit for poverty guideline. If she has parents as dependent, then her household count is 4 because immigrant is also added.

11/27/2013 - Priority Date

04/01/2015 - I-130 Approved

04/21/2015 - NVC received Case

04/29/2015 - DS261 filled

05/02/2015 - Case under CSPA review

06/04/2015 - Supervisor review Initiated-Wait 42 days

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We filed I-864EZ, we got checklist for one mistake, but it WAS our mistake as we wrote down the wrong numbers to the wrong line. So it was our mistake, nobody else to blame for. The form itself is easy indeed and I think we just got relaxed too much while completing it. If you hesitate or not sure about particular spots - ASK the question here or call NVC. We were very sure we were right, but we weren't :)

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You can use the I -864ez form. It is a easier form to use.I use it

just make sure you use the right income.

Some people confuse the 864ez with the 1040ez and put the wrong income in

if you file 1040 or 1040a you will use gross total income no matter whag 864 form you use.

If you file 1040ez you will use adjusted gross income no natter wbich 864 form is use

after you print check the form to make sure all the anwers are complete

ROC
Service Center : Nebraska Service Center
Consulate : Manila, Philippines
Marriage (if applicable): 2014-05-20
I-130 Sent : 2014-10-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2014-10-09
I-130 RFE for NSO copy of marriage certificate: 2014-11-03
I-130 RFE Sent : 2014-11-18
I-130 Approved : 2014-12-07
NVC Received : 2014-12-23
NVC case number: 2015-02-04
Received DS-261 / AOS Bill : 2015-02-04
Pay AOS Bill : 2015-02-05
Submit DS-261 : 2015-02-05
Sent AOS Package : 2015-02-09
Sent IV Package : 2015-02-09
Scan date : 2015-02-10
Receive IV Bill : 2015-03-03
Pay IV Bill : 2015-03-06
Submit DS-260: 2015-3-12
Case Completed at NVC : 2015-03-20
Receive Instruction and Interview appointment letter: 2015-3-27
Medical complete: 2015-04-08
Interview Date : 2015-05-08
Interview Result : Approved
Visa Received : 2015-05-13

Date of US Entry : 2015-06-09
 

Date of Social Security card receive : 06-2015

Date of Green Card received 07-2015

Date of ROC FILE 05-19-2017

 I-751 NOA Date 05-26-2017

   

http://jerryjja.wix.com/filipinasaswa?_ga=1.194674661.91538870.1441656248

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@ J&Ana - so for 1040A married, filing jointly, you would use TOTAL income - Line 22 tax form, correct?

Priority Date - December 2, 2013

USCIS -

12/02/13 : NOA1 (Priority Date)

03/24/15 : Case Transferred from VSC to CSC

03/28/15 : Hard copy of transfer received in mail

04/14/15 : NOA2 ( I-130 Approved) - finally! (informed via text on 4/16/2015)

NVC -

04/29/15 : NVC received the case (informed during phone call to NVC on 5/01/2015

05/08/15 : Case number assigned and IIN (received via phone call on 5/14/2015)

05/12/15 : NVC Welcome letter mailed

05/19/15 : NVC Welcome received in mail

05/29/15 : DS-261 Finally Available on CEAC and completed

05/29/15 : AOS bill Available on CEAC and paid (status: IN PROCESS)

06/02/15 : AOS bill status: PAID

06/15/15 : IV invoice generated (notified by email) but unable to pay on CEAC...waiting...

07/05/15 : IV bill Finally Available on CEAC and paid (status: IN PROCESS)

07/08/15 : IV bill status: PAID

07/08/15 : DS-260 Available

07/12/15 : DS-260 completed and submitted

07/13/15 : AOS and IV package mailed to NVC

07/14/15 : AOS and IV package received by NVC

07/16/15 : Scan Date

07/28/15 : CASE COMPLETE - NO checklist! :dancing::dancing::dancing:London...here we come...!!

08/04/15 : CC Email received...waiting for Interview Letter....

08/11/15 : Interview letter (IL/P4) received ...interview date 9/11/2015! :dancing: :dancing::dancing:

EMBASSY -

08/11/15 : Case Shipped to embassy

08/12/15 : Case Arrived in UK (tracked on DHL website)

08/12/15 : Medical completed

08/14/15 : CEAC showing IN TRANSIT

08/18/15 : CEAC showing READY

09/11/15 : Interview date (initial)

09/08/15 : Interview date (rescheduled on 8/18/2015) - APPROVED :)

xx/xx/15 : Visa in hand
xx/xx/15 : POE....Dulles airport!

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yes that is correct

Edited by j&ana

ROC
Service Center : Nebraska Service Center
Consulate : Manila, Philippines
Marriage (if applicable): 2014-05-20
I-130 Sent : 2014-10-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2014-10-09
I-130 RFE for NSO copy of marriage certificate: 2014-11-03
I-130 RFE Sent : 2014-11-18
I-130 Approved : 2014-12-07
NVC Received : 2014-12-23
NVC case number: 2015-02-04
Received DS-261 / AOS Bill : 2015-02-04
Pay AOS Bill : 2015-02-05
Submit DS-261 : 2015-02-05
Sent AOS Package : 2015-02-09
Sent IV Package : 2015-02-09
Scan date : 2015-02-10
Receive IV Bill : 2015-03-03
Pay IV Bill : 2015-03-06
Submit DS-260: 2015-3-12
Case Completed at NVC : 2015-03-20
Receive Instruction and Interview appointment letter: 2015-3-27
Medical complete: 2015-04-08
Interview Date : 2015-05-08
Interview Result : Approved
Visa Received : 2015-05-13

Date of US Entry : 2015-06-09
 

Date of Social Security card receive : 06-2015

Date of Green Card received 07-2015

Date of ROC FILE 05-19-2017

 I-751 NOA Date 05-26-2017

   

http://jerryjja.wix.com/filipinasaswa?_ga=1.194674661.91538870.1441656248

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correction it is line 22 total income for 1040. I think it is line 15 for 1040a total income

ROC
Service Center : Nebraska Service Center
Consulate : Manila, Philippines
Marriage (if applicable): 2014-05-20
I-130 Sent : 2014-10-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2014-10-09
I-130 RFE for NSO copy of marriage certificate: 2014-11-03
I-130 RFE Sent : 2014-11-18
I-130 Approved : 2014-12-07
NVC Received : 2014-12-23
NVC case number: 2015-02-04
Received DS-261 / AOS Bill : 2015-02-04
Pay AOS Bill : 2015-02-05
Submit DS-261 : 2015-02-05
Sent AOS Package : 2015-02-09
Sent IV Package : 2015-02-09
Scan date : 2015-02-10
Receive IV Bill : 2015-03-03
Pay IV Bill : 2015-03-06
Submit DS-260: 2015-3-12
Case Completed at NVC : 2015-03-20
Receive Instruction and Interview appointment letter: 2015-3-27
Medical complete: 2015-04-08
Interview Date : 2015-05-08
Interview Result : Approved
Visa Received : 2015-05-13

Date of US Entry : 2015-06-09
 

Date of Social Security card receive : 06-2015

Date of Green Card received 07-2015

Date of ROC FILE 05-19-2017

 I-751 NOA Date 05-26-2017

   

http://jerryjja.wix.com/filipinasaswa?_ga=1.194674661.91538870.1441656248

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Filed: F-2A Visa Country: Italy
Timeline

Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for contributing in the conversation.

I am prety sure I qualify (as explained above); the only thing - that maybe some of you remember - is that I am new in the US and started working in october 2014 with the consequence that I do not have tax return for the last three most recent years.

I only have one (for the 2014).

However, when I went to USCIS and asked about that they told me not to worry because they will understand I am new and will accept the only tax return I filed.

Other than that, I feel pretty comfortable I can use the I-864EZ.

J&ana, what do you exactly mean by "the right income"?

Is that the annual gross income or something different?

Thanks!!

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Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for contributing in the conversation.

I am prety sure I qualify (as explained above); the only thing - that maybe some of you remember - is that I am new in the US and started working in october 2014 with the consequence that I do not have tax return for the last three most recent years.

I only have one (for the 2014).

However, when I went to USCIS and asked about that they told me not to worry because they will understand I am new and will accept the only tax return I filed.

Other than that, I feel pretty comfortable I can use the I-864EZ.

J&ana, what do you exactly mean by "the right income"?

Is that the annual gross income or something different?

Thanks!!

yes that what I meant I seen some people use I-864ez form and get checklist because they use adjusted gross income instead of total gross income when they file a 1040 tax form

adjusted gross income is only use if you file a 1040ez tax form

Edited by j&ana

ROC
Service Center : Nebraska Service Center
Consulate : Manila, Philippines
Marriage (if applicable): 2014-05-20
I-130 Sent : 2014-10-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2014-10-09
I-130 RFE for NSO copy of marriage certificate: 2014-11-03
I-130 RFE Sent : 2014-11-18
I-130 Approved : 2014-12-07
NVC Received : 2014-12-23
NVC case number: 2015-02-04
Received DS-261 / AOS Bill : 2015-02-04
Pay AOS Bill : 2015-02-05
Submit DS-261 : 2015-02-05
Sent AOS Package : 2015-02-09
Sent IV Package : 2015-02-09
Scan date : 2015-02-10
Receive IV Bill : 2015-03-03
Pay IV Bill : 2015-03-06
Submit DS-260: 2015-3-12
Case Completed at NVC : 2015-03-20
Receive Instruction and Interview appointment letter: 2015-3-27
Medical complete: 2015-04-08
Interview Date : 2015-05-08
Interview Result : Approved
Visa Received : 2015-05-13

Date of US Entry : 2015-06-09
 

Date of Social Security card receive : 06-2015

Date of Green Card received 07-2015

Date of ROC FILE 05-19-2017

 I-751 NOA Date 05-26-2017

   

http://jerryjja.wix.com/filipinasaswa?_ga=1.194674661.91538870.1441656248

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