When your get married, your wife can legally change her name. I live in San Francisco and the marriage license application has a section for desired new name. The marriage license application will be filled out matching name on passport but you can specify new name as described above. Go to SSN office and apply for SSN number using the marriage certificate (your wife has a new name now) and passport as passport is her only document showing her identity. Wait a few days until all systems are updated then go to DMV and apply for her ID card. Depending where you live, some DMV offices, won't issue the id unless you provide a 2 year green card. Fortunately we didn't have this issue. My wife only had 1 1/2 months left on her entry stamp but got an ID for a year. Take marriage certificate to VN consulate and have a annotation of your wife's new name on passport. Lot's of running around but well worth it. I hope this helps!
When we had the engagement party my parents didn't attend and didn't have any issues. I was asked to partake in interview and I just mentioned my parents are afraid to fly.
Just wan to share that my wife's GC has country of origin as North Vietnam on GC but this didn't cause any problems coming back to US.
They didn't even read GC just scanned it. I was initially worried about GC being incorrect but it's not a big deal. As we all know, Vietnam is one country and the North & South don't really exist any more.
I hope my post helps others with the same concern.
OP - You can have her pick up a copy at the consulate. You'll need it for the physical and entry to Consulate for interview. Packet 4 is primarily an appointment letter.
Best wishes!
Op - If you want to speed up process, get married as soon as your fiancee arrives then file for AOS/AP/EAD at the same time. AP/EAD are free if filed with AOS application.
AP/EAD are good for one year while your AOS application is being processed. The process takes about 60 days.
VJ has an AOS checklist that you can reference.
Hello everyone! I hope all is well this evening.
So my wife and I had the AOS appointment in San Francisco.
We got there at 2:50 for a 3:15 appointment.
An Asian lady came out and called my wife's name and I knew based on her attitude it might be trouble.
She didn't even look at us but told us to follow her.
We reached her office and sat down.
She started reviewing the paperwork that I send initially. Head down thus not making eye contact.
I made a comment that she looked like she had a tough day and she said that she did.
She started asking my wife about the information on the I-485. She asked her for mom and dad's names and where she was born.
She went through each of the questions on pages 3,4,5. She looked at my employment letter and asked me if I worked for xyz company and I replied yes.
She started looking at the I-864 very closely and the 2 months worth of pay stubs I provided.
Essentially she was looking for the completeness of paperwork. Then she took I-94 and stapled it to file.
Then she asked when and how we met, and when we got engaged. I replied and spaced on on month but then gave her the correct information.
After this, she asked us what evidence we had of financial co-mingling. I provided the following:
1. 2011 Tax transcripts since we filed together (yes they are available now, just received it this morning but had 1040s and W2 ready incase the transcripts didn't come in time). She said very good implying very important.
2. Health and life insurance from my company indicating my wife as dependent and beneficiary incase I die.
3. Checking account documents under both of our names
4 PG &E utility bill under both of our names
5. Renters insurance under both of our names
6. Apartment lease under both of our names
She stapled all documents to file.
Then she asked for any pictures and I pulled out album with 80 pictures but then she said, where are the wedding pictures.
We had a civil ceremony but hired a photographer to take pictures since my wife wore a white wedding dress and had her hair/make up done. She looked through album and asked if she could take some.
I replied and said "take what ever you need." This is important: I purposely had pictures with my fiance and my family and she took 7 pictures of the type.
Then she looked at her computer and made an entry then printed a letter checked with: further review of application. Needless to say, my wife and I were bummed. I asked her if she had everything she needed and she said yes.
I then asked her when a decision would be made and she said today. She added that she needed to review application a little more. Then she explained that the green card would be good for 2 years then we needed to apply to lift conditions.
This was odd but I saw it as a positive because if the application was denied, why would she mention this.
Then my wife and I left bummed.
When I got home I checked the status for the I485 and then was ecstatic to read that card was in production. My wife and I were really happy and hugged each other.
Summary -
The lady was neither mean or rude but not friendly
Another member posted something to the extent that some IOs don't have the seniority or authority to approve on the spot.
I believe this was the case for us. She probably had to consult with a superior.
Please read the VJ AOS checklist. You just don't want to give USCIS and excuse to prolong the approval of application.
I hope my post helps other members.
So far, my wife's journey has been very smooth. I have all of you to thank for this.
We have the AOS interview on Wednesday 2/8 and hope everything goes well.
if everything goes well, we won't have to worry about immigration stuff for 2 years.
Wish us luck!
OP - That's very harsh that your husband says marrying you has ruined his life. You deserve better than this. I would suggest some counseling but it you and your husband are not happy and things can't be reconciled, maybe is time to part ways. If he's not happy in the US then he should go back home.
OP - That's very harsh that your husband says marrying you has ruined his life. You deserve better than this. I would suggest some counseling but it you and your husband are not happy and things can't be reconciled, maybe is time to part ways. If he's not happy in the US then he should go back home.
Op - different folks will tell you differently at any government office. I would advice you go back and try to speak to another person. If that doen't work, ask to speak to supervisor. The k-1 holder is eligible for SSN.
OP -
As many have said, the CR1 is your only hope but the certificate is needed.
You might not like the points below but they are reality:
1. No visa is guaranteed whether k-1 or CR1. Don't fall into this trap. As I understand, India is a touch place to get visa so you have to be prepared.
2. The visa process is not fast so you have to mentally get ready to wait at least 10 months.
3. The whole process is emotionally draining and very frustrating
Best wishes!
OP -
As many have said, the CR1 is your only hope but the certificate is needed.
You might not like the points below but they are reality:
1. No visa is guaranteed whether k-1 or CR1. Don't fall into this trap. As I understand, India is a touch place to get visa so you have to be prepared.
2. The visa process is not fast so you have to mentally get ready to wait at least 10 months.
3. The whole process is emotionally draining and very frustrating
Best wishes!
I hope all of the VJ family is doing well!
My fiancée has been in the US for exactly 1 month and happy to report that things are going very well.
I was worried about Hanh being homesick but it has not been an issue.
She's adapting quite nicely. Just need to make sure the frig is stocked with lots of veggies, chicken, and beef for the stir fries.
She's really happy and what makes things easier is that she talks to her family via Skype web cam every other day.
Also, she' keeps up on the news in VN.
Heck - We haven't fought yet! :-)
I'm really happy and hope everything continues the same way.
Have a great weekend!
VJ Family -
My fiancee finally arrived on Friday 9/2 and my family and I were waiting for her with flowers and balloons at airport. I didn't travel with her.
During her POE, not a single questions was asked she explained. She was just asked for the brown/yellow envelopes since we front loaded application (there were 2). It took about 5 minutes. Harassment level was zero.
It's an awesome feeling to have my beautiful fiancee next to me. We live in San Francisco and she's been adjusting to the weather.
I bought her a North Face coat before she came and it came in handy. She definitely needed it. She seems really happy and already spoke to her parents via Skype a few times. Her parents miss her but happy.
As I mentioned before, being with my fiancee couldn't have been possible without your guidance.
For those still waiting, I'm sure when the time comes, it will be awesome for you as well.
VJ Family -
My fiancee finally arrived on Friday 9/2 and my family and I were waiting for her with flowers and balloons at airport. I didn't travel with her.
During her POE, not a single questions was asked she explained. She was just asked for the brown/yellow envelopes since we front loaded application (there were 2). It took about 5 minutes. Harassment level was zero.
It's an awesome feeling to have my beautiful fiancee next to me. We live in San Francisco and she's been adjusting to the weather.
I bought her a North Face coat before she came and it came in handy. She definitely needed it. She seems really happy and already spoke to her parents via Skype a few times. Her parents miss her but happy.
As I mentioned before, being with my fiancee couldn't have been possible without your guidance.
For those still waiting, I'm sure when the time comes, it will be awesome for you as well.
VJ Family -
My fiancee finally arrived on Friday 9/2 and my family and I were waiting for her with flowers and balloons at airport. I didn't travel with her.
During her POE, not a single questions was asked she explained. She was just asked for the brown/yellow envelopes since we front loaded application (there were 2). It took about 5 minutes. Harassment level was zero.
It's an awesome feeling to have my beautiful fiancee next to me. We live in San Francisco and she's been adjusting to the weather.
I bought her a North Face coat before she came and it came in handy. She definitely needed it. She seems really happy and already spoke to her parents via Skype a few times. Her parents miss her but happy.
As I mentioned before, being with my fiancee couldn't have been possible without your guidance.
For those still waiting, I'm sure when the time comes, it will be awesome for you as well.
OP - It's just ignorance but not in a bad way. Some people have pre-conceived notions thus automatically assume certain things. Rather than getting annoyed maybe take the time to educate.
Best wishes!
OP
I see your point but I'm an advocate of being prepared.
Having a long distance is not the same as seeing each other every day so couples can't know each other as well.
I do appreciate your perspective.
Magical -
You are not being supportive here. Per everyone's post, you are not forced to read something you don't want to. You are not extending folks the courtesy that perhaps was extended to you.
What you need to understand is that everyone's case is important to them.
Please chill out!
I'm sorry to hear this!
Soo much pent up emotion and he does this! As someone else wrote, the bright side is that you found out before you married him.
Hang in there!