Leasel7

Fortunately my husband was given a copy of all the paperwork from his K-1 medical examination, including the vaccination worksheet. If your husband did not get a copy of anything, then I recommend trying to contact the panel physician who did his medical examination to see if they can send (or fax) a copy of the vaccination record to you, if they still have it on file. If that doesn't work, then I've heard that doctors can test your blood to see which vaccinations you have had. So that would be another option -- have him get the blood test, get any vaccinations he is missing, then have a civil surgeon record everything on I-693A.

But all of this may be a bit premature -- your AOS was transferred to CSC, and so far you haven't received an RFE. It is entirely possible that they will approve you as is -- presumably they either have your husband's medical exam records that were turned over at the POE or have confirmed their existence. So for now maybe you should hang tight and see what happens. (But it wouldn't hurt to contact that panel physician and see if he/she still has copies of your husbands medical exam paperwork!)

If the DS-3025 shows that your vaccinations are complete, they will not require an I-693a. You can send a copy of the DS-3025 with your AOS package to be sure they know your vaccinations are complete, but they should have the package you turned over at the POE for the interview and the DS-3025 is also in there.

The I-693a is required if your vaccinations were not complete at the time of the medical and you had to complete them for the AOS.

Unfortunately I don't think there's any guarantee you'll escape an RFE even if your DS-3025 shows that you have had all required vaccinations. See the link below for a recent post from Debby, who was given an RFE at her AOS interview to submit I-693A. She had sent DS-3025 in with her AOS package, and it sounds like all her vaccinations were complete.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24729

But on the other hand, there are plenty of folks here who submitted DS-3025 in lieu of I-693A and got through AOS without any vaccination record related RFEs. So I suppose it depends on how risk averse you are. In my case, we went ahead and went to a civil surgeon to get the I-693A. Perhaps just as well, since my husband still needed three shots that weren't available in his country.

Leasel, I will be teaching in Wise, SW Virginia. UVA has a college here in the mountains! It's a great place.

Is Wise anywhere near Blacksburg? Sounds like y'all are trying to give Virginia Tech a run for their money! (Have you been in Virginia long enough to get into the rivalry between UVA & Tech? )

I hope you get approved soon...all those consecutive touches must be leading up to something!

I don't have any answers but just wanted to say I'm in the same boat. We applied for AOS and EAD (didn't bother with AP) and only included two passport photos in the submission. Almost as soon as I sent it to the Chicago Lockbox, I discovered the mistake, but it was too late. I was expecting an RFE on the EAD application, but so far it appears to be stalled; last touch was a month ago. AOS, on the other hand, is chugging along -- got transferred to CSC a few weeks ago, and lots of touches since then! So perhaps EAD will end up being overcome by events in my case.

Based on my experience, I doubt that they will process only the I-765 and put everything else on hold.

Also I just found this thread about obtaining a Virginia's driver's license showing how different DMV offices are interpreting the rules differently:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...ic=2576&hl=

You should not have to depend on the sympathy of office

Here is list of required documents for getting DL in Virginia:

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/dmv141.pdf

Since you did not disclose what you have, go through the list....

I've looked over that list many times, but it is my understanding from anecdotal evidence that not all DMV offices interpret it the same way.

7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate along with English translation. (If in any language other than English)

Am I missing something here? It's only asking for the intending immigrant's BC. Could someone show me the exact wording? I didn't send my BC(I am the USC) just that of my husband and of course my divorce documents. Sorry if I sound like a complete idiot, but I just didn't see it there.

You didn't see it because it's not there. I just took a look at the I-485 form; starting on page 2 we read the following:

Initial Evidence

You must file your application with the following evidence:

* Birth Certificate.

Submit a copy of your foreign born birth certificate or other record of your birth that meets the provisions of secondary evidence found in Title 8, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 103.2 (b)(2).

And it goes on to list the following:

- Copy of passport page with nonimmigrant visa

- Photos

- Biometric Services

- Police Clearances

- Medical Examination

- Form G-325A

- Evidence of Status

- Affidavit of Support

Not all of these items are required for a K Visa based AOS submission (e.g. police clearances or medical exam....and of course biometrics comes later), but the point is nowhere do they ask for the USC's birth certificate.

Apparently, there is no legal option to pursue them to renew my lisence and I only depend on the sympathy of the officer? I am currently in DC area - Virginia, but we are going to move to DC Maryland this fall. So I can try to reapply there when I got EAD.

Can you try another DMV office? I remember a prior poster from Virginia saying he had to try more than one DMV office but eventually found one that would give him a license with the NOA for AOS. And littlemo_nosleep just posted above that she was able to get a driver's license in Virginia with her NOA for AOS.

(This is of particular interest to me because I am in Virginia too, and my husband will soon be seeking to get his license while in "AOS pending" status.)

I came in on a K-1. Do I need a copy of the USC birth certificates and copies of termination of marriages to file for AOS?? Thanks!!

YES

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3aos

I don't believe the USC's birth certificate is required; at least, we did not include it in my husband's AOS petition. A copy of the immigrant's birth certificate is required, however.

Well, I was touched...I am still a bit worried as I still am not sure if the Police Letter I sent from my local sheriff was what they wanted in the RFE. Guess I'll find out soon!

Some good news - I was informed today that I got a job! I had the interview last week. It is a teaching fellow position at the University of Virginia!!

Just hope I get the green card now. it would be kind of ironic if I don't!

Kiki

Congratulations! Will you be teaching at the main campus in Charlottesville? I live in Virginia, and that is one of my favorite spots

I remember reading that they do not want people to use the ACCO fastaners for the AOS, even though it is recommened for the K1...

Found it " Please refrain from using “ACCO” style fasteners and/or staples (However, it is ok to staple the fee to the top of the primary application package.)"

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices....htm#FilingTips

I guess USCIS is a bit schizophrenic then. The link you provided is for the National Benefits Center FAQ, whereas elsewhere on the USCIS website we find the following guidance for processing at the National Service Centers, including the I-485:

Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated. http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices...nal/index.htm#H

I used an ACCO fastener on my AOS package...hmmm, maybe that's why I got transferred to the California Service Center!!!

Are ACCO fastners the Black ones with the metal tabs the you push together to open the thing? Or are they the ones you put through the holes? I thought that ACCO was a brand. I am so confused!

ACCO fasteners are silver and consist of two parts -- one with two long bendable prongs, and the other a bar with holes at either end and the two metal sliding tabs. ACCO is a brand, and you should be able to find them at an office supply store; I bought mine at Office Max.

How do you attach the photos in a bag to the piece of paper?

I stapled the back of a ziplock bag onto the piece of paper, then inserted the photos.

Should I put the two hole punch at the top even if I don't use it? And what is the spacing for the holes?

USCIS website states that they appreciate having the top of the material punched with a two hole punch. And if you are using ACCO fasteners, you will use the holes. The spacing for the holes is standard, so don't worry about it, just use a two hole punch. It will give you the right spacing for ACCO fasteners.

What kind of tabs should I use on the bottom of the packets? Label everything?

That's up to you. It seems that tabs are optional, but they can help you organize a complicated AOS package. I bought stick on index tabs and put them on the bottom of the divider pages to clearly mark the I-485, G-325A, copy of birth certificate, copy of passport, passport photos, I-765, etc.

Should I put it in a binder? If yes, what kind?

No, don't use a binder...USCIS specifically says they do not like them! (See the link I provided above to USCIS guidance on how to put a petition together.)

How do I attach the payment?

I think I put the checks in a ziplock bag and stapled the bag onto a piece of paper, but seems like I read somewhere that USCIS prefers that you just paperclip the check(s) onto the front of the AOS package.

Is a cover letter really necessary?

No, it is optional, and I'm sure there are plenty of people who don't bother with it. I did include one with my husband's AOS package.

Good luck, and don't worry too much about all of these little details, it will all come together. One lesson learned from me: if you are applying for EAD (and/or AP), read over those separate forms carefully and make sure you have included everything needed for that application. I put my husband in charge of filling out his EAD form, and neither of us read the instructions carefully enough, because we should have sent a separate set of passport photos for EAD. I think we also should have included a copy of his passport for EAD. I've been expecting an RFE, but thus far our EAD application seems stalled while AOS is chugging along over at CSC.

My point is -- there really is no need for stressing out over tabs and fasteners, IMHO.

Perhaps not, but USCIS does have guidance on how they prefer an application to be put together, and they do ask that you use a two-hole punch and ACCO fastener:

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices...nal/index.htm#H

Here's an excerpt:

In preparing your packet, please take note of the following:

Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.

Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.

The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.

Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.

Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required (Forms I-94, Labor certifications, etc). Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

THe thing is that I am sending The I-130 with the I-485, I-765, and I-864. SO I have a lot of stuff. Send it all at once was what the Office told me. That's what I'ma doing! Just gotta figure out how! And one more thing! How in the world am I supposed to mail it?! I read somthing about mailing it and it didn't make a bit of sense. I can just put the address and stamp and mail it right? Is there a specific type of envelope? So much to do, so little time to understand it all!

It doesn't matter what kind of envelope you use, but how you mail it is important. As recommended on this site's AOS Guide:

Be sure to mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3aos

That way you can get confirmation that the package arrived at the appropriate address.

Maybe I am wrong, but I thought you needed to include both a copy of the birth certificate (and translation if needed) and a copy of the passport (with the photo page, visa, and entry stamps) with your initial AOS submission. At least that was my understanding from reading the I-485 instructions.

Oops, my bad...you are absolutely right, a copy of the birth certificate is required. I think what threw me off is the fact that the embassy accidentally kept my husband's original birth certificate (and we are still trying to get it back), but fortunately we had a photo copy and did submit a copy of it with the AOS application.

The good news is that your birth certificate is not needed for the initial AOS submission; you can look over the form I-485 requirements, but we only used my husband's passport as identification.

I can no longer edit this post, so just thought I would retract this statement after being reminded by Craig2006 that a copy of the applicant's birth certificate (with translation if necessary) is required for the I-485. (And we did include a copy of his birth certificate in my husband's AOS application, I just got a bit confused because we still haven't retrieved my husband's original birth certificate from the embassy. Sigh.) My apology for any confusion I may have caused.

I just answered your question about the medical report on another thread, but the answer is yes...you are right to assume that you don't need it for AOS, other than a copy of your vaccination record.

Your birth certificate, on the other hand, is something you should have on hand for the AOS interview if I am not mistaken. It should have been returned to you at the time of your K-1 interview, but sometimes they forget, as was the case with my husband. So unless you actually saw it in the sealed package you turned over at POE, you may want to contact the embassy and see if they still have it. I don't believe it is customary to include the birth certificate in that sealed package.

The good news is that your birth certificate is not needed for the initial AOS submission; you can look over the form I-485 requirements, but we only used my husband's passport as identification.

I think I've got a similar problem...

Just typing up the forms now (we get married on Saturday at the Grand Canyon - can't wait!!! ) and I'm thinking about the vaccination record.

I had my medical in London, and they put all that stuff in the envelope... I saw it at the embassy... and again at the POE. But how do I get hold of the vaccination record again?! I took the doctor's recommendation and got my tetanus and MMR before I even got here (free, on the NHS!), so I'm up-to-date. I just need to prove it!

Can you contact the doctor's office and ask them to fax or mail a copy of the vaccination record to you? And I suppose you may have to contact NHS separately and ask them to send a copy of the records of the shots you had.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding; sounds like it will be lovely!

how will i get the medical report to submit when applying for the AOS, because i gave all of that informatiuon to the us embassy in jamai already so i assumed that they place it in that "secret" package i gave to DHS when i arrived

You don't need the medical report. Since you entered the country on a K-1 visa and had your medical examination within the past year (presumably), it is not required as part of your AOS submission. What you do need is a copy of your vaccination record from the medical examination, so hopefully the panel physician who did your medical examination supplied that. If you don't have a copy, you may want to contact the panel physican and see if he/she can fax or mail it to you.

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congratulations! Sounds like you were very well prepared.

Congratulations!!! The interview letters sound confusing, but once those green cards arrive in the mail, I guess it's a moot point. Probably a good idea to call the Atlanta office though.

I am one of the lucky ones who got transferred to CSC, but I have no idea why. Nobody really seems to know. The only thing I've read that sheds a little light on the selection process was that the intent of transferring certain AOS cases to CSC for streamlined processing is to relieve overloading at local offices that are processing I-485's more slowly. There is a separate thread with a lot of interesting discussion on this topic, so you might want to check it out:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...st&p=340579

From USCIS's own statements above, one would think that filing within the 90 days is a requirement for transfer to CSC. But based on your experience, turns out even that is just a theory.

It makes sense that the transfers are done to relieve case load, but why certain cases are chosen over others is seeming more and more random.

I think what it all comes down to is that no one has any idea what they're talking about, including USCIS!

Very true!

I have read that the case load at your local office plays into it, since the idea is to relieve the local offices by sending some cases over to CSC. But at present the processing dates for my local office (Norfolk) and CSC are only four days apart.

The processing dates at the CSC for I-485 applications are only for employment based adjustment, so I don't think you can compare. Your theory could still be correct about transfers being based on case load at local offices.

I did notice that the date provided was for "employment based adjustment", but that's all I had to go on. At any rate, from what I've read this new process for transferring AOS cases to CSC for streamlined processing started out being restricted to employment based cases and was only recently expanded to include some family based cases. Perhaps that is why CSC has yet to create a separate category for family based I-485 cases, or on the other hand maybe they just need to list dates for I-485 without specifying the basis now that they do both types. Certainly my local office makes no distinction between the type of I-485 cases they are handling when they list the processing date.

And it's not just a theory that USCIS wanted to relieve the case load at local offices -- I did find that information somewhere on the web. I think it was an immigration lawyer's website.

My husband entered the US on a K-1 visa in December 2005, and we didn't file for AOS until June 2006. So we missed the 90 day window by over two months, yet our AOS case was still transferred to CSC, which means we probably won't have an interview.

There is always the exception to the rule.......or: Who knows why USCIS is doing what they're doing

Congrats on your transfer

Thanks, it was a very pleasant surprise! (Of course I didn't know that when I got the email notification that my case had been transferred.) It would be nice if the methodology behind selecting which cases to transfer to CSC wasn't such a mystery, but I must confess I can't see much rhyme or reason to it.