May 2024 - AOS Filers

[M and Mike 22]

(Welcome Message copied from January 2024 group with minor changes)
Hello May 2024 AOS filers! Another month, another round of AOS submissions.  Please be aware that this checklist is NOT all-inclusive and you must consult the USCIS website to crosscheck this checklist against/with. The AOS process has been confusing since the pandemic hit, not to mention the added politics. So please I want to stress that you only use this check sheet as a starting point and guide if you will. The USCIS site will be the final guide. Please ensure that you check your forms for the correct versions and editions because if you use the wrong forms USCIS will reject your application and send it back to you. This is easily checked on the USCIS website prior to downloading your forms. You should also ONLY download your forms from the USCIS website.  The current and correct fees can also be ascertained from the USCIS website.

 

Just a side note before we get started. USCIS may decouple Forms I-765 and Form I-131 if filed jointly with Form I-485. Here is the quoted text taken directly from the USCIS website. "To improve efficiency and reduce Form I-765 processing times for Form I-485 applicants, USCIS may decouple Form I-765 from Form I-131 filed at the same time. Effective Feb. 1, 2022, when possible, we will adjudicate an applicant's Form I-765 first. If we approve it, we will issue an Employment Authorization Document without any notation about advanced parole. We will adjudicate Form I-131 separately and if we approve it, we will issue an advance parole document". I know this is old news, but I thought it would be good to include it here for your knowledge.

 

What this means is some people elect to include three (3) copies of their marriage license/certificates one attached to each form (I-485, I-765 and I-131 respectively). I do not know of anyone receiving an RFE for a marriage license/certificate missing on the I-765 or the I-131 since USCIS has started doing this new way of adjudicating the AOS (the marriage license/certificate with form I-485 is required though). This is an age-old concern that has been in play before this new way USCIS started adjudicating these forms. Some filers including me when I filed the AOS back in 2019 sent in three (3) copies of their marriage licenses/certificates. I did it then because of peace of mind and there were some RFEs given out for missing licenses/certificates (back then).  USCIS also used to issue Combo Cards, Employment Authorization Document, and Advance Parole (EAD and AP combined in the same card). I've seen now where they have issued an EAD without the AP.  Whether you include three (3) copies of your marriage license/certificate is going to be your individual call when you file your AOS.  Having said that let's get into the checklist: 

 

 

AOS Checklist

• Cover Letter listing Table of Contents
• Check Payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security - $1,440 (this includes the Bio-metrics fee, from April 1st 2024 so please double-check before you send your packet off!) 

 

Form I-485 (completed and signed by non-US Citizen/beneficiary)

• Form G-1145  
• Copy of beneficiary's Passport with biographical page 
• Copy of beneficiary's K1 Visa from Passport and entry stamps
• Copy of NOA2 Approval letter (from K1 process) 
• I-94 
• Copy of beneficiary's Birth Certificate 
• Translation of birth certificate (if needed)
• Certified copy of Marriage License or Certificate
• Passport Photos (2) name written on the back 
• Copy of DS-3025   

 

Form I-864 (completed and signed by USC) (goes with form I-485)

• Proof of USC's citizenship (copy of birth certificate, copy of passport bio page, or other)
• Current tax year 2023 and (optional 2022, 2021) Tax Return (with W-2) or Transcripts (transcripts are better if you can get them)
• Employment Verification Letter (updated one - not the one used during the K1 process) 
• Pay stubs (last 3 months)   

 

Form I-765 (completed and signed by non-US Citizen/beneficiary)

• fees from April 1 2024 $260 if you are appling with I-486 
• Copy of beneficiary's Passport with biographical page 
• Copy of beneficiary's K1 Visa from Passport and entry stamp 
• I-94 
• Passport Photos (2) name written on the back 
• Copy of NOA2 (from K1 process)
• Be sure to use the correct filing code of (c)(9) if this code applies to you. The I-765 instructions explain all the codes in detail. If you are filing under a different code (other than (c)(9) the fee for your AOS will not be correct and USCIS will reject your entire packet.

 

Form I-131 (completed and signed by non-US Citizen/beneficiary)

• Copy of beneficiary's Passport with biographical page 
• Copy of beneficiary's K1 Visa from Passport and entry stamp 
• I-94 
• Passport Photos (2) name written on the back 
• Copy of NOA2 (from K1 process)

 

Be sure to double-check for the current fees as fees do sometimes increase and they can change on a dime so please check. Additionally, check the forms as listed above i.e., current version and or edition date, there have been many changes to various forms. Consider sending tax transcripts instead of the 1040, and W2s. Also, consider preparing a cover letter for each form in addition to the main cover letter. 

Make sure you send long-form birth certificates and not the short form.  Hope this helps in your preparation of your AOS. When in doubt ask questions.

[Play 64]

What is the address it has to be sent for AOS in New york 

[M and Mike 22]

6 minutes ago, Play said:

What is the address it has to be sent for AOS in New york 

Check here you will find it. 

USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart for Certain Family-Based Forms | USCIS

[Play 64]

Is there a way to know if they have processed the application without getting the NOA1

[M and Mike 22]

16 minutes ago, Play said:

Is there a way to know if they have processed the application without getting the NOA1

Nope, you have to first received NOA1 and money has been taken from your account.

[Play 64]

2 minutes ago, M and Mike said:

Nope, you have to first received NOA1 and money has been taken from your account.

We sent money orders and called to Western Union money order and they have not been cashed, The package was received on the 26 of may confirmed by the USPS postal service. So what do you think is happening in this case, they received the package but havce not cashed the money orders

[M and Mike 22]

4 minutes ago, Play said:

We sent money orders and called to Western Union money order and they have not been cashed, The package was received on the 26 of may confirmed by the USPS postal service. So what do you think is happening in this case, they received the package but havce not cashed the money orders

You might have not do the right the about Western Union. Not sure about thank as they have ways to the payments to be made. Could you please help to update your profile with the application that you have submitted. This link will have more information about payment. Filing Fees | USCIS

[Play 64]

36 minutes ago, M and Mike said:

You might have not do the right the about Western Union. Not sure about thank as they have ways to the payments to be made. Could you please help to update your profile with the application that you have submitted. This link will have more information about payment. Filing Fees | USCIS

What do you mean to update the profile we have submitted?

[M and Mike 22]

12 minutes ago, Play said:

What do you mean to update the profile we have submitted?

Update your application profile.

 

[Kplaza007 2]

Good morning everyone ! Please I need help with this question. Does anyone know if you can use your house equity to supplement your income. For example when filling AOS for your kids and you don’t meet the income requirement guidelines, can you use your house equity to supplement the income?
         Has anyone being in this situation before ? I am filling form I-864 ( affiliate of support) my income is not enough and I can’t find a joint sponsor. 
   If I hire a licensed appraiser to estimate my net value of my property and the net value is three times the income guidelines of 125 percent poverty level. As a USC will my application be granted? Does anyone know anything about this please?

[M and Mike 22]

On 6/8/2024 at 5:12 PM, Play said:

What do you mean to update the profile we have submitted?

Have you heard anything form USCIS?

[Play 64]

On 6/25/2024 at 11:13 AM, M and Mike said:

Have you heard anything form USCIS?

No yet, no receipt yet

[M and Mike 22]

13 minutes ago, Play said:

No yet, no receipt yet

Have you contacted USCIS?? Which postal service did you use. I use USPS. Still waiting as you are. 😪 

[Gary Rich 220]

On 7/1/2024 at 12:59 PM, M and Mike said:

Have you contacted USCIS?? Which postal service did you use. I use USPS. Still waiting as you are. 😪 

I'm waiting myself.. something seems not right.. i should have use my credit card..

[M and Mike 22]

2 minutes ago, Gary Rich said:

I'm waiting myself.. something seems not right.. i should have use my credit card..

Which postal service did you use? It crazy!!!