the.ronin

We finally got our advance parole documents, and my wife can finally go back to visit her family. Living just 100 miles from her country is a blessing and a curse - it's so close but without AP or the green card itself, it can be brutal for a K1 holder.

But now my wife is very nervous about having troubles crossing back. Just wanted to get some feedback from you folks who have used AP ... and if you have used it at the San Ysidro border in California, please please respond.

1) The I-512L document has her married last name and maiden middle name (example - Maria Ruiz Jones). The only official ID she has is Mexican with her old name (example - Maria Ruiz Gonzalez). Will this be an issue? Should we bring the marriage certificate as proof?

2) What does this language mean (in bold)?

This authorization is valid for multiple applications for parole into the United States during the validity period noted above. Each parole period shall not exceed one year from the date of parole at the point of-entry.

I think it means that we can't have been out of the country for more than a year?

3) At the bottom where her photo is, above it has the name Robert M. Cowan and I presume his signature and an embossed USHS seal - is that normal?

4) At the bottom opposite her photo, is a box named above it, "National Benefits Center Parole Stamp" ... there is no stamp or anything in the box.

5) Lastly, aside from the document and her Mexican passport, are there any other documents we should bring with us? NOAs? Marriage certificate as mentioned?

[edit] 6) Sorry, I forgot one last question - so we got 2 identical documents. We can keep re-using just 1 of these, right? Perhaps they included another in case 1 got lost?

Thanks for bearing with some questions that might seem really dumb ... now that I think about all this, *I* am becoming a nervous wreck too!!

As far as I have read all over VJ, employment authorization is granted at only certain points of entry. If I recall, people were reporting that JFK airport (New York) is one of these few POEs.

When we crossed the boarder overland (by car - not walking) at the San Ysidro border in California, I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask the border agent processing our entry if my then fiance could be granted her EAD. The border agent looked at me like I was an idiot and told me that employment authorization was automatic with the K1 visa. Then he asked me if I would feel any better if he stamped the back of the I-94 (is that what it was called?) to which I nodded with a resounding yes please haha.

[edit] Note that as far as I know, this "automatic EAD" with the K1 visa is only good for the life of the K1 - 90 days upon entry. I'm fairly certain that beyond this period, you need to have I-765 Employment Authorization processed.

nana_356 ... thank you! For what it's worth, we haven't had our 485 touched since our biometrics.

David-Rhoise ... congrats!!!

Top of the Saturday mornin' to ya, fellow March filers happy campers!

Early in the week, case status online updated to indicate our EAD card production was ordered.

And just yesterday, we received my wife's AP documents!!!!

And today I'm off to buy myself a new surfboard ... it's like Christmas at the ronin.house I tell you.

Thanks for the responses, all.

I was a bit put off that my wife was put through that as well. But I think we were both just relieved that our process was finally moving - it had been a month since we sent in the AOS application before our check even cashed. I will contact USCIS and inform them of the situation.

Evidently it is hit or miss since our MSC numbers were recognized online as soon as I received the NOAs. The AOS and EAD MSCs also updated immediately (that same afternoon) after the biometrics.

But in a way, the online case status can seem to be more trouble than it's worth. I find myself checking it frantically. And this is after seeing our K1 status finally update to "approved" long after we got married.

Last week during my wife's biometrics appointment, one of the agents who happened to be Spanish practically scolded my wife for inappropriately adopting my last name. So for the sake of discussion, let's say her full name is (just making this up):

Julia Maria Sanchez Cruz

... and that my name is ...

John Andreas

So upon marriage, she took on the name Julia Maria Andreas. That is the name we've used on her ITIN, AOS, and everything else.

But the biometrics lady insisted that it should be ...

Julia Maria de Andreas

... and practically forced my wife to change her name. I am concerned that even this minor change will cause some hiccups or delays in the process. My friends had just gone through the exact same process we have and they said they were allowed to change the name during the GC interview (there was a mistake in the paperwork).

Any advice or observations greatly appreciated.

We had our biometrics appointment this morning ... for what it might be worth to others, I was not allowed inside. Additionally, the guard made a point to say that it was a very good thing we brought our marriage certificate.

I also noticed that both our AOS and EAD applications were touched today as indicated online. I presume that's because of the biometrics. Although i was surprised that it was reflected online so quickly.

...

On May 07, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I485 APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

... it seem like I got approved w/o an interview!!

Oh snap that is crazy!! Congratulations!!!

Thank you, PfcsBaby ... I suspected that was the case but as with most things with this process, it always helps to get confirmation.

Thanks again!

My wife has her biometrics appointment tomorrow and after doing some research I keep seeing people saying to remember your SSN since that is asked for in the forms.

My wife does not have an SSN. In addition for AOS, the biometrics itself is for EAD so she can get an SSN. She does have an ITIN.

I wouldn't think this would be an issue but wanted to make sure. Thanks.

Hi all, we got our Biometrics appointment letter last Monday - we are very happy that we're seeing activity quite suddenly after the otherwise long delay of about a month after we initially submitted our application.

WE FINALLY GOT THE 3 NOAs!!!!!!!!

Here's a new one ... the check posted on 4/21 after the date on the NOAs which was 4/18.

Thanks for the support guys and gals.

Ok so 6 some weeks after USPS provided confirmation that the Chicago lockbox received our package ... still no check cashed!!

I just got off the phone with USCIS (800-375-5283) and was basically just told to hang tight. They keep referring to the deluge of applications just prior to the fee increase clogging up their system. The officer advised me to contact them back in 2 weeks. I would otherwise be extremely angry but what can you do? In addition, both the initial representative and the "next level of support" (since it was more than 4 weeks since applying) officer were very cordial and quick to get on the phone.

So the waiting continues I guess ...

[edit]

One notable quotable from the call when asked about the shelf life of a personal check ...

Oh don't worry about that sir. We're the government. We can cash anything.

Ok guys, it has officially been a month since the Chicago lockbox has received our application ... check still has not been cashed!!!!

Is it worth my trying to get in contact with the USCIS or perhaps even go to a regional office? Are we the only ones in this position?

It's been 21 days since USPS said that the Chicago lockbox received our application ... check still not cashed!!

Mailed AOS on the 12th checked the tracking number todays says they received it on the 16th.... No cashed check yet or mail yet...

We're with you ... ours was received on the 9th and still nothing ...

Still no check cashed for us either ... 10 days and counting.

Please check into this ... if it is a foreign birth certificate, you should include a copy of a certified translation. Again, please check into this.

Is everyone including so much info on their affidavit of support? I just included the absolute minimum required - tax return & W2s for the most recent tax year.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience!! If all goes well, we'll also have our interview in L.A. as well.

I gave up on that website ... I got an email from them telling me my K1 petition was approved ... a week ago.

Don't scare me like that you guys!!

To clarify, I believe the employer letter is optional as "... evidence supporting your claim about your expected income ..."

- Send 3 checks (I-485, I-131, I-765)=1010$, biometrics and I-130.I used personal checks its easier to track.

Didnt file i-131 dont have much idea about it.

3 checks??????

If you didn't file it, how would they know you are in a financial position to support the beneficiary?

It's pretty quick and painless - you skip half the sections if you meet the poverty guidelines.