Sunshine25

Woah.. really? You live in Louisiana and you had to go to Georgia for the interview? I had no idea. There are reviews for AOS interviews at the NOLA office but not since 2012. Hmmm. Well now I really hope I DON'T get an interview anytime soon, since my husband is in his 4th year of Medical School, working 100 hours a week on-call, and a few days in Atlanta is just not an option! In fact it's impossible. Now I just hope that the theory UK AOS peeps wait longer but dont get an interview proves to be true!

I'm thinking (and hoping) that this theory seems to be true, everyone but UK K1's are getting interview's. I've heard nothing and I filed at the end of October.

Oh well, back to waiting

Thanks, I will try to get it altered. I was just seeing if I could be lazy and ignore it but correcting it will cause less worry at best and less time at worst. Time to brush up on my french!

Better to get it altered now, then to have problems at your interview. The day is nerve wrecking as it is without having to worry about that!

You'll also have to get the certificate translated.

You normally have to wait 2-3 weeks after you get into America, for your paperwork (from immigration at the airport) to be processed into the system.

I did it before I was married and it took about 5 days for the card to come in the mail. I then applied for AOS for me and my son.

I then went back a few weeks later to change my name and the woman said I could only do this when my new name was in the system, she also said she could not do a SSN for my son, until his work card (EAD) came.

So I went back again in January with my sons work card (he's 5 years old!), got his SSN number and handed my paperwork in to change my name (I'm still waiting for my new card)

Alot of banks charge you to have a current account, I went with a local one, that didn't charge, but later found out they don't do international transfers. So check before joining a bank.

Hope this helps.

I had the same problem with my spanish police certificate. They spelt my midde name Elizabethy, instead of Elizabeth.

I asked on here if anyone could translate a brief letter into spanish so I could send it back and have it corrected. A kind person helped, I sent it back, highlighting the mistake along with the letter. It took about 2 weeks to get the new one and I didn't have to pay again.

I only noticed there mistake when I had the certificate translated, the translator said he could only change the name when the certificate came back ammended.

It's a small problem to fix.

I would definitely wait until the rate is better or until you really need it. You get a much better interest rate in the U.K. My savings account in England gives me 2.25% interest, in the U.S I get 0.14%

I received an email on the monday, saying my appt was on the thursday. I didn't think the letter would show up in time, but it arrived wednesday morning. However if you don't have the letter, don't worry, as Nich-Nick said your name will be on a list.

Yes, I heard of it numerous times but don't really remember how it was resolved. I don't recall it being so serious that they didn't get their greencard because of it.

Thanks Nich-Nick...., I'm not overly worried about it, it's just a pain in the neck to drive 1hr 45 minutes there and back again. And ofcourse it's delayed my application aswell. Ohwell, at least I'm in America with the hubby

I had my biometrics appt and the woman scanning my fingerprints said I had a lot of lines in my fingerprints and the FBI might not be able to read them. If this was the case I would have to come back and have them done again. She said not to worry as there are a lot of jobs out there that can wear your fingerprints down etc.

Sure enough 3 days later a letter came through, saying they couldn't read them and told me to come for a second appt, Dec 28th.

Has this happened to anyone else? and what happens if they can't read them a second time?

Have you been to British Aisles in Nashua NH? It is a big warehouse that sells British goods. They are geared up to sell in bulk but they let you wander round and buy whatever quantity you want. It doesn't have any prices displayed tho. We picked a lot of stuff and took it back to the office and when they told us the prices we put a lot of it back.

I had heard of this place a couple of years ago, there are some English food I miss, but I won't pay ridiculas prices for them! The only things I was really missing was heinz baked beans and chocolate. The beans I found and I'm slowly weening myself off the chocolate

Thanks for telling me about this place, if I'm ever that way I'll stop in and take a look!

World Market does. I'm looking at the Maltesers on their site now But I know they sell cadbury too and it's from the UK (or they did in 2010 when I lived in Houston).

http://www.worldmarket.com/search.do?query=cadbury

I'll take a look at there website. I don't think I have a krogers near to me. Shame, sounds like they stock a lot of English foods.

I don't think this will help anyone, but.. I have a shop called Mr G's discount warehouse nearby (NH). They buy pallets of food that has been 'dropped' and some items are damaged. Occasionally they have Heinz baked beans, the last time they had 20 cans, priced 39 cents each. I bought the lot. Pretty sure they cost more than that to buy in England.

We have a large Shaws in town, that has a foods of the world section. They have an English section and would you believe Irish too! However everything was overpriced, 2.79 for a can of Heinz baked beans.

Does anyone know a store that sells English chocolate? I've been getting by on twix which just about tastes the same or swiss chocolate. There is a small sweet(candy) shop in my town that sells a few bars of English chocolate, but it's $2 a bar for a twirl or dairy milk.

You do not need the confirmation. The biometrics letter has both case numbers on it so you can be sure they received it and are processing it. The receipt notice was for your records and is not required for anything else. Just take note of your case numbers by making a copy of your biometrics letter to keep in your own files.

Thanks Dave and Jay-kay.

Does your biometrics letter have 2 case numbers on it? They usually do the biometrics for the I-485 and I-765 at the same time. AP does not require biometrics.

Thanks A&B and Jay-Kay for your replies.

My biometrics letter does have the two case numbers on it, I485 and I765. Does this mean they are processing my EAD aswell? What should I do if the EAD confirmation doesn't come in the mail?

Hi Everyone,

I filled for the AOS, EAD AND AP for myself and my son.

We got 6 text messages and emails (3 each) and received confirmation in the post, BUT only for the AOS and AP. We also received our appointments for biometrics for the 6th Dec.

The notification for AOS and AP has a priority date of the 30th October, Notice date of 10th Novemeber and was posted on Nov 13th (I think we received it on the 19th Nov)

I'm getting a bit worried that we haven't received written confirmation of the EAD. It's now been another 7 working days.

Is there a back-log?

Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks.

No, but you will with the N-400 application if you choose to become a US citizen.

Thanks Nich Nick, the end goal is to become a US citizen!

1) Not sure, it doesn't seem to be in the list of needed documents. I'm sure other members will answer that one.

2) Yes, it's stated on page 3 of the I-485 instructions: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485instr.pdf

Thanks, must have missed that bit in the instructions

I guess it won't hurt if I include the divorce decree.

Hi everyone,

Just 2 quick questions before I send my package off.

One of the questions asks to list previous marriages and when the divorce was, do I need to include a copy of my divorce decree in the AOS package?

On the back of mine and my sons passport photos, do I need to put our names and Alien# on the back?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Good question!

Here is a similar-themed thread that I found through the use of the forum's Google custom search. Google can be your friend.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/183514-signing-forms-for-minors/

HTH.

Thanks again

This isn't a very interesting topic, but thought I would post so that others searching for civil surgeon + new orleans would come across it. I went to see Dr Horace Baltz at 3439 Prytania today to transcribe my vaccination record and he was happy to do so for FREE (although I paid $30 for this season's flu shot as an aside). Initially his nurse/receptionist (it's a two-man show at Dr Baltz's office) tried to get me to strip for a whole physical, but when I explained very clearly that i just needed him to complete the vaccination sheet with my updated records (i had the 2nd MMR at my own GP in London after the visa medical), he was willing to do so despite finding it "most unorthodox".

I don't think any of us really knew what we were doing to start with, but by reading the i-693 clearly and insisting that I did not need a full medical, we got there! I did not need the flu shot for the record, as I did already have one this year in the UK, but I know that the strains are different and although I may meet immigration requirements, I wouldn't actually have any extra protection against flu season, so I paid $30 cash for that, and they sealed up the forms, gave me a copy for my records, and I cycled home (not before grabbing a sandwich from Milk Bar round the corner from Dr Baltz's office!).

So, to clarify, I would recommend Dr Baltz to people in the metro New Orleans area looking for a civil surgeon for AOS- whether you need the whole medical done, or just vaccionation records transcribed. He may not have done it before, but hopefully he'll do it again after today!

P.S topic may need to be moved - wasn't sure where to put it!

Hi Kate,

You know you didn't have to have it transcribed? Nick-Nich said that aslong and it was ticked 'applicant may be eligible for a blanket waiver' then it would be fine for the AOS.

It's great it didn't cost you anything and a good tip for other moving to your area though

How is you AOS package going?

I agree with Jim.

The I-765 is up to you. Your 4 y.o. son likely won't need a SSN before getting the GC. The situation was bit different for my 19 y.o. stepson. He wants to get a part time job, while going to college.

However, I did write one check for the two AOS packets that we submitted. My thinking, as mentioned, was that they would accept both petition packets or none. Since the K-2 AOS approval is dependent on the K-1AOS approval. Additionally, when preparing the various petitions, mine were basically mirror images of each other, except for the specific demographics. So if one was incorrect, the other one would also been incorrect.

YMMV

Good luck on your immigration journey.

I've been asked my his doctors office and his school for his SSN, it's not desperate, but I thought I'd do it now with the rest of the paperwork.

I have another question though...

On the forms I-485, I-131 and I-765, do I sign where my son should sign and put (mother) afterwards or do I sign in the place where it says 'signature of person preparing this form'? and put my details in?

Thanks for any help

1. No, you need to submit an I-485 for your son, as well. Listing him on your I-485 does nothing for him in terms of immigration status. The fee is lower for him if you submit his I-485 with yours.

2. An EAD is optional. It's something you apply for if you intend to work while waiting for your green card. There's no point in getting an EAD for a four year old child unless you need to get a Social Security number for him right away. In that case, (C)(9) would also be the correct category for your son.

3. Normally, I recommend people write two checks, one for each application. That way, if one is returned for failing to sign a form or include a required document then the other one can still be accepted and processed. However, in this case, I recommend one check for both. This necessarily means that if one application ends up being returned for any reason then the other application must also be returned - they can't partially cash a check, and they don't issue partial refunds. You would actually WANT both returned if there's anything wrong with either of them. He can't adjust status if you don't, and he can't get the discounted fee unless his I-485 is accepted at the same time as yours. You want them to accept both or neither.

Thats what I thought! I had already filled his own I-485 out for him, but then I read something different on here.

Yes, I'd like a social security number for him, so I'll list it as c 9.

Thanks for the good advice on the checks. I'd also read on here about writing one check for both, but wanted to see what other people had done.

Thanks for your answers and I hope my checklist will help other people doing the K-2 AOS.

I know it's such a gamble, i'm torn between taking the risk or playing it safe. But to be honest i always try and stay out the country 3 months before i return this trip was just out of the blue because my boyfriend's sisters had a lot of bad news about her baby and it's affecting him and i just want to be there for him ..

But you had so many long trips and they still allowed you? I only had 3 one week trips and then one 3 month one which was the most recent.. and when i go next it will have been about a month and a half since being there ...

I will have a job to go back to so i can show that but .. also im only just going to have turned 19 so surely they might think 'she's too young' which i am to be planning on leaving home yet, but i suppose it doesnt matter to them, just saying it may help though.

and RE the american passport thing, my dad tried to get me one through the i130 but because he's lived in the UK for so long and i was already 18 apparantly although the initial forms were approved, he couldnt continue with it because he realised he had to reside there and , he doesnt so. Yeah.

So do you think it's worth me taking the risk?

I wasn't denied entry the first time I was quized, because although I was visiting my boyfriend, I was still married (but going through divorce) I was able to show I wasn't planning on getting married and staying, as it wasn't possible. The second time I was quized I was able to show I had to be back in England for a custody hearing and I think as I was travelling with my 3 year old son the officer wasn't going to deny me entry and send me straight back. She did tell me to get some sort of visa before my next visit and she would be making a note on my file so if I did try to enter on the VWP again, the next officer would see I'd been warned.

It sounds like you really want to go, so you're going to do whatever you decide to do in the end, no matter how much advice we all give.

My personal opinion is that you should wait a little longer. I think they will probably give you a warning if they have a problem with your trips and not deny you entry. BUT thats my guess! and all we can do is guess!

Good Luck

Hi Everyone,

I've just about finished preparing my own AOS, and I'm now working on my sons.

I wanted to make sure everything I have is correct.

AOS

G-1145

I-485

Copy of my I-864 Affidavit of Support

Copy of I-797 (my NOA2)

Copy of my marriage certificate

Copy of passport biographical page

Copy of Visa page

Copy of I-94 (front and back)

Copy of birth certificate

Copy of translation of birth certificate (my son was born in Spain)

Copy of DS-3025. Medical from London.

2 passport photos

Cheque for $635 fee.

I-765

Copy of passport biographical page

Copy of Visa

Copy of I-94 (front and back)

2 passport photos

I-131

Copy of passport biographical page

Copy of visa

Copy of I-94 (front and back)

2 passport photos

My questions are,

1) I've read on here that I don't fill out an I-485 for my son, but photocopy my own and put that in as he is listed in part 3b. Is that right or do I fill out his own form?

2) For the I-765 work authorization form, what do I put in question 16? I put c 9 for my form, is it the same for my son? (He's 4 years old)

3) Do I write the cheque out separately, i.e mine for $1070 and his for $635 or together?

Thanks for any help!

Hey, you are most welcome.

That is how this forum works for everyone. Looks like our time lines are similar.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

Thanks

You're the only person I know who has done the K-2 AOS too, If I have more questions is it ok to message you? I might want to double check I have everything right in my sons package.

Good Luck with your Journey too!

Hi,

I visited my boyfriend for 12 days in April 2010. Then went back for 3 months with my son, from July-Sept'10. I then went back again from Nov'10-Jan'11. This time I was questioned for a long time in a seperate room and then the officer took all of my belongings into a separate room and searched through them. I was then allowed entry.

My next 3 month stay was April'11-July'11 and I was asked 2 questions and let through.

My next trip was for 7 weeks from Oct-Nov'11. This time me and my son were taken to a separate room and asked a lot of questions again. The officer was firm, but ok. I had paperwork to show her I had to be in court at the end of November (custody hearing) and she let me through. However she said I had, had too many trips on the VWP, and next time I come over I should have some sort of visa. She said she would hate for me and my son to get turned straight back to the uk after a 7 hour flight.

I told my boyfriend who then proposed and we filled for the K-1 visa. I had to spend 9 months in the U.K waiting for all the paperwork to get processed and my fiance came over twice to visit. It was tough, but we got through it and now I'm living in America, happily married

My advice is wait until after christmas, I know it's hard being away from your loved one, but be patient.

I heard from someone, you are only suppose to have one, three month stay a year and then they won't let you in, although there's nothing that says that in the VWP. Well, I pushed it and being questioned was horrible.

If you do decide to go, you will need to show really strong ties to the U.K. Proof of your job, rent agreement/mortgage etc and even then then could deny entry. On the other hand it could be like my third trip, where I was asked 2 questions, 'how long are you staying for' and 'who are you staying with' I answered 11 weeks and my boyfriend and was let through?!

Like Celeste says, if your father is American, couldn't you get an American passport?