Overstay, married, need some advice on application(merged)

[roxy8989 0]

Hello all! I'm new here but I've been reading for a while. A very helpful site for so many people.

I came here on an H4 dependent visa when i was 17, and it expired when I turned 21. Did not work. No criminal history.

Met my US citizen husband when I was 23 and married 2 years later. We're now about to start on the applications and have been doing some research.

So far this is what I've found that I need to do:

- I-130 completed by my husband, supplemented with copies of his birth cert, our marriage cert, passport photos, and evidences showing a bona fide marriage and spousal relationship

- I-485, with copy of my birth cert, copy of my passport, passport photos

- I-765, with a copy of my I94

- G-325A for husband and I

- I-864, with a copy of his birth cert, tax return, w2, pay stubs, employer letter

- I-693

- Check for $985+$85+$420

Are those all that I have to turn in?

Do I really need a lawyer for this? I'm afraid because of my overstay. I've read on the internet, and some say yes some say no.

Edited September 19, 2016 by roxy8989

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

⬆️

You can get alot of help by following them.

[roxy8989 0]

Yes I've read the guide pertaining to my situation and it's really helpful. I'm a little more confident that I have what I need to submit. My question is, is it okay for me not to hire a lawyer? I believe I'm pretty meticulous and organized when it comes to applications so there won't be any blank columns or whatever. Will I need a lawyer because of my overstaying?

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

No you dont need a lawyer. If spouse is a usc that overstay is forgiven

[roxy8989 0]

Thank you! I really don't have thousands of dollars for someone to fill up forms for me. Haha

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

~ Moved from AOS from Family Based Visas to AOS from Work, Student & Tourist Visas -not AOS from K visa ~

[Rangm021 11]

Some people prefer to hire a lawyer as it is nice to have someone that's done the paperwork before. That being said, you mentioned that you're meticulous and organized! Just make sure that you absolutely submit EVERYTHING that is needed! Submitting these forms is a delicate matter, as forgetting to sign a document, or missing required evidence will result in you getting a request for additional evidence, and that in turn could slow down the processing of your paperwork.

One thing that might help you is to go over every single form, and creating a checklist of what is needed. You'll notice that some things will be included repeatedly. You'll need more than one copy of the G325 form because multiple forms ask for it. You'll also need more than one passport photo. It can get really overwhelming so just make sure to go over the list of requirements many times!

Filling out the paperwork isn't super hard, but it does require that you be organized and meticulous!

Good look with filing!!!!!!

[roxy8989 0]

Thank you so much, rangm021!

I have already created a checklist, and read the guide that pertains to my situation. It makes me feel relieved that I do not need a lawyer because we really cant afford to spend an extra 2k-4k. All I was worried about was my overstay, if i would need a lawyer to defend my case or whatever. Because ive seen on some sites that say that it is best to hire a lawyer if you have an overstay problem.

One thing I did not know was that I have to include multiple stuff when the foms call for it! Thank you for telling me! I was about to only put one G-325a each for me and my husband. Oops! Thank you thank you thank you!

[Beth & Achraf 328]

You can do this without an attorney, and as others mentioned, your overstay will be forgiven since your married to a USC.

Pull together all you can on evidence, here is a Very useful link.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2

Best wishes, I see your in Houston also,,, going to be a wait, Houston is slower then molasses in the dead of winter.

[roxy8989 0]

Thank you for your reply Beth & Achraf!

And yes, i saw the processing times and houston has one of the slowest wait times! But im fine with that, as long as the EAD doesnt take too long, because i really want to start working already.

I'm so glad that this site exists. The site and the people are so helpful, makes me feel at ease

[Pitaya 2,576]

~Moved from Fam.-based AOS to WorkST-based AOS Forum~

~Adjusting from work visa~

[roxy8989 0]

Hey guys I need help again :/

On the form i485 part 3 question 8 asks if I have been placed in deportation or removal proceedings before.

I am not sure what to put.

A couple of months before my H4 expired, I applied for a US tourist visa to lengthen my stay a little and think of what I should do. That was denied because I didn't show any proof. I sent the appeal with the reason for staying, and it was denied. I lost the paper that said it was denied and I remember seeing the phrase "will be subjected to removal proceedings". I just looked online and people said that it usually has a Notice To Appear date. Mine did not have that.

So am I in removal proceedings? What do I answer on the question?

Thank you in advance guys. You all have been a great help.

[roxy8989 0]

Anyone? Please help. I have a second question that was posted before this post.

Anyone? Please help. I have a second question that was posted before this post.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

No one can know the answer because you lost the details. Answer to the best of your ability.

[EM_Vandaveer 2,368]

Call this number: 1-800-898-7180 and put in your A#. If it says there is no record, then you aren't in removal, yet.