US Immigration from Vietnam

Hi, I am currently assembling my I-485 packet and was wondering what the best evidences were:

Marriage Certificate
NOA2 Letter
Photos of City Hall/Courthouse Wedding

Evidence of Cohabituation (Both of our names on credit card statements, bank statements, phone bills, medical/dental/vision insurance policies)

Her name as beneficiary to my retirement/IRA accounts
Photos of us together in the U.S.
Birth Ceritificate

CA DMV ID Card
Passport Biographical Page

Passport K1 Visa Page
Copy of I-94 Arrival
U.S. Admission Stamp on Passport

Affidavit of Support

Vaccinations/Medical Reports

Should I include anything from my K-1 packet (Vietnam) such as our engagement party/banquet/how we met/relationship timeline, etc.?

Hello folks!

We were married on Valentine's Day within our K1 VISA deadline, but we are struggling with paperwork formalities. It took 18 months to resolve the K1 process, but we did it! I did not realize you could get a Social Security card before marriage, so we went to apply after marriage. The Social Security office would not even enter her info, as they pointed out that her name on the marriage certificate does not match the I-94. The I-94 lists her First (Given) Name as MIDDLE, FIRST, which matches her K1 VISA and Vietnamese passport, but the marriage certificate lists FIRST, MIDDLE. Apparently, this is a relatively common problem, due to the Vietnamese name convention of listing the middle name first on legal documents. Evidently, it was not an issue upon entry into the country, as everything matched. The Social Security office also seemed concerned that the marriage certificate had her given last name, not mine. We intended to honor her Vietname last name and append mine at the end, but we decided to get that name changed later to avoid any potential paperwork issues (ironically). Getting the last name on the I-94 changed makes no sense to me whatsoever, and I assume that we received misguided feedback from the Social Security representative. Correct?

The Social Security office directed me to the local Homeland Security office, but they indicated they could not help change the document. After a quick online research, I followed the instructions to make the change request on the CBP website. I carefully entered all the data, document scans, a clear explanation of the situation, and a request for a new I-94 with the name order switch. Google indicated that the process should take about 5 working days. However, two days later we received a generic response email (see attached sans sensitive data) that listed the steps to take for generic problems that did not apply to our situation and a closing statement that if we were "not in a hurry", we could submit all of the data I had already sent them as a reply and the issue would be looked into - with a current response timeline of over 30 days! The other option offered was to visit a CBP center, but the nearest one is a six-hour drive (one way). My wife is concerned, as the I-94 has an Admit Until Date of 2/20/25 (tomorrow) and the K1 VISA is dated through to the same date. I am confident that these dates are irrelevant since we married before the deadline, but reassurance is welcomed!

We still need to get her an ID from the DMV and the social security card. We started the I-485, but I have not checked yet to see if either is required to file. Should we scramble to get the ID (which in itself could present a naming convention issue), but wait 30+ days for the I-94 change to proceed with the SSN request? Can we file the I-485 in the interim? Finally, what proof do we need to keep on us for her not to be detained for deportation? We have followed the rule of law in every way, but with the twitch of a pen from you know who, I fear she could become a target for deportation.

I apologize for the lengthy explanation of our situation, but I wanted to cover our situation and our concerns in detail, with the hopes that others have similar experiences to share that might be of help.

Best to all of you in your journey!

CBP Response Email.txt

Hi everyone,

My mom is filing I130 to sponsor for my sister (divorced 30 yo) and her son (5 yo).

My understand is that her son can be included on her petition. Since I see the fee is only $695 (if I recall it right) How can I make sure that her son is also being petitioned along with her before my mom submits the application.
thanks for the help

I, a USC, got my step son (under 18 years old) to the US on an IR2 visa. Currently attending HS and living in the US. His visa expires in two months. What are the next steps to get him extended? Are there forms to file?

Thanks in advance

Hello everyone,

My wife is applying for citizenship.

My first question is related to estimated taxes. We pay estimated taxes every quarter, but I made one of those payments late. It didn't affect our taxes because we didn't owe anything on our income taxes and received a refund for that year. Will this be considered paying taxes late? Our taxes were up to date, but we did make one payment late.

The second question concerns our income related to subsidies for Healthcare marketplace. We estimate our income every year and have insurance through the marketplace. Our CPA says that if we fall short of the minimum required income when we file our taxes, it is ok as long as we had a valid reason. Is there anything to worry about related to falling short of the minimum required annual income?

I wanted to make sure that these two issues are not something that will affect her application for citizenship.

Thank you,

John