Beach Bum

I would not call it racism, however he does realize he is a minority and too some people HE is too dark to aesthetically pleasing, right?ask him how he feels about that, if he considers it racism, then tell him he is racist.I just can't stand minorities feeling that way about each other .

But the thing is, you think that the USCIS officials care about the emotional side of a relationship. They don't, and they have no reason to.
Their right to judge everything is just that - they judge your marriage at face value, at first glance, and it does not extend beyond that.
For you to say that what they say is not fair nor true is you appealing to the emotional side of things and assuming that they care about what you think of your marriage.
They don't care about what you think your marriage is. They only care about what THEY think your marriage is.
They never ask you how you feel about your husband/wife. For a reason. They don't care.

I don't mean to be hyper-critical, but this statement is a bit naive. They have every right to make any sort of judgement they want to. In fact, it's their job to make judgements. Adjustment of status is a discretionary benefit, and it's their job to root out fraud. They can ask any question they want. They can make any accusations they want. They can be as rude as they want. They can do practically anything short of taking you into a dark room and beating you with a rubber hose. As distasteful as these tactics are, the fact is that they have been found to be effective. People will often give up information they've been hiding when they feel intimidated, and when you're the subject of a fraud investigation then they want you to feel intimidated.
They came to your house because they suspected your relationship was a sham. The fact that your husband was not living with you confirmed their suspicions. A follow up interview is a possibility, but at this point I doubt if it's needed. They have enough information now to deny your application. If you're lucky then the denial letter will come by mail, and include a notice that you've been placed in removal proceedings for material misrepresentation. If you're not so lucky then the denial letter will be delivered by an ICE officer who will take you into custody.
Your case has taken a serious nosedive, and you need professional legal help now. This isn't like your friend's case where neither of them were home and a roommate said something stupid. They came to your house and you confirmed that your husband wasn't living there. Of all of the things they could have found that would have been proof of a sham marriage, the only thing they could have found that would have been more compelling would have been a signed confession. You'll have a very narrow window to file a motion to reopen after the denial is issued. A lawyer should be working on that motion now.

There is a world of difference between not finding dark skin attractive versus being disgusted by it. I don't think it is racist that he has his personal preference, however it is quite disturbing that he feels compelled to vocalize it the way he did. It is debatable if it is racist or not, but FWIW it is very immature.
I know that you keep saying that you are happy for the most part, however things will change once you start living together and are in each other's face 100% of the time. Throw in some adjustment, money, culture, and family issues, and it is a powder keg waiting to blow up. Like most women you seem to cling on to the hope that he might change once he gets here. But from VJ's track record over the years, I think it is highly unlikely.

If I am not mistaken, saying you are black and proud is good, but white and proud is racist? Scholarships for blacks are ok, but for white only they are racist?

Hi All
I have started this thread in this specific sub-forum because I will be using Australian colloquialisms (sayings) and spelling. I don't know whether being from Australia will make any difference,.. whether it be my documents don't need to be translated, or if our people fill in stuff differently (like the medical - explained below).
I started the thread itself though, because can't find any one central page that has ALL the documents for AOS, EAD and AP listed. This list relates to me and my case, but it is also the BASIC list because my case is simple, i.e. I don't have any kids or anything else remotely difficult to worry about. I didn't get any RFE's while doing K1 (here's my K1 thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=206016 ), and I'm aiming for the same this time around too. I have read and re-read the instructions several times. I read every line, and not just stuff related to me, just in case it's got a little note (this actually happened on one form) that might affect me. This list is IN NO WAY a substitute for you also reading through the forms, but I hope that it helps you get an idea of when you should start sourcing things (like paperwork for the affidavit of support) and making sure you have everything you need before you get to your applying "deadline".
On that note, there is no "deadline" for applying for AOS, as long as you marry within 90 days of arriving on your K1 visa. However it is recommended that you apply before your I-94 expires as some people have experienced issues with ICE (not deportation, just hassles and on 2 occasions I've read about, being locked up until a judge tells the ICE person they were wrong and being forced to pay fees as well as immediate AOS), but just as many (if not more) have had no issues and applied for AOS years after their I-94 expires. My main reasons for applying ASAP is because I want to work and I personally don't like not being "sure" of my status. Also, if there is a period of 180 days between your I-94 and the date your AOS is processed, you MAY encounter a ban on trying to re-enter the US if you leave and try and use the AP document. For that reason, try and apply for AOS well before 180 days after your I-94 expires... just to be safe.
Also, there is currently only one fee payable, being $1,070.00 for the AOS, EAD & AP (updated 23 Nov 2010: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD ). In July 2007 the fee for AOS changed and the rules altered so that if you send the EAD and AP at the same time as AOS (or while it's pending) the fee for EAD and AP are waived. Whether you apply for EAD and AP at the same time as AOS the fee remains the same and whether you think you need them or not, as the fee is waived, it's always better to have than not have, "just in case".
So here we go
Definition of terms:
I-94# - Is the admission/departure number on the I-94 card (full image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...mmigration1.jpg )
A# number - Alien number - can sometimes be found on your visa under "annotation" starting with A0 then 8 digits. Also found on your NOA2 above the beneficiaries name (image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...F-NOAs/NOA2.jpg )
AOS - Adjustment of Status - Applied for after entering the US on a K1 visa and marrying within 90 days. Changes status to "conditional permanent resident" and you will be sent a green card. This process takes around 90 days however it can take MUCH longer.
AP - Advanced Parole - Allows you to re-enter the USA while your AOS is pending. You are allowed to leave whenever you want, but doing so without the AP document (or green card) means you will not be able to re-enter. Leaving without it also results in your case being considered "abandoned".
CO - Consular Officer - In this thread related to the person actually processing my documents
EAD - Employment Authorisation Document - Allows you to work whilst the AOS is being processed, as long as you have a SSN of course. Once you received your GC your EAD is no longer needed
GC - Green card - short-form for green card so I don't have to keep typing it
IO - Interviewing Officer - The person who will interview me (if needed). Apparently not every case requires an interview. Lets see if I can be one of the few who don't need one
Non-Immigrant Visa Number - This is the RED number found on your visa (image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...after_entry.jpg )
RFE - Request for further information - Received if something you mailed in is incomplete or missing. It doesn't cancel your case, just slows things down a fair bit, so doing everything to prevent getting one is your aim
First things first. VJ does have guides:
VJ AOS Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3aos
VJ EAD Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3ead
And also example forms:
Example forms: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=examples
The guides suggest doing a cover letter. Personally I'm doing a cover letter for each separate case (AOS, EAD and AP). I have read that the CO's don't tend to read the cover letters so really why bother, BUT I'm not doing it for them so much as for me. Filing so many documents means a lot of stuff to remember and I also think it looks neater and prettier. Also, while reading through the instructions I go through and fill in the cover letter with the attachments needed so I don't forget anything.
The USCIS has actually put together their OWN page of tips for putting together a package for mailing: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD I haven't decided if I'm going to hole punch yet or just bulldog clip as it seems that while it's appreciated it doesn't change anything so if I have a hole-punch available... maybe.
I ALWAYS go to the USCIS website to obtain forms: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD as this way you always make sure you have the most up-to-date form. Also, remember to check the filing location as it may have changed since the form was made. To do this, always make sure you go to the main form page (not the pdf, the place that links you the .pdf) such as this for AOS: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD and line four says "Where to file". In this case it tells you it depends on the category you are applying under, on other forms it might say "check the form" or "check the instructions".
As stated on each form, originals are only required when it specifically says "original" (like the forms with official signatures) otherwise copies are sufficient.
--AOS--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance **See Note 1**
- Payment in the amount of $1,010.00 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, signed & dated #####
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of K1 visa in passport
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Copy DS-3025 – Vaccination record (completed), dated ##### **See Note 2**
- G-325A - Biographic Information, including residence and employment attachments (1 copy as of July 2009)
- I-864 - Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, completed by #####
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for most recent tax year (or IRS tax transcript which I prefer)
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for second most recent tax year (optional)**See Note 3**
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for third most recent tax year (optional)**See Note 3**
o Letter from #####’s employer (optional)
o Pay stub(s) from the most recent six months for ##### (optional)
- Copy of I-797 - Notice of Action, Approval of K1 petition, dated ##### (front & back)
- Copy of Marriage certificate, dated ##### (front & back)
- Copy of I-94 – Arrival/Departure record (front & back)
The two items listed below are on the VJ AOS Guide, however NOWHERE on the forms, or their instructions is it mentioned that these items are required. These items only serve as additional information. You are required to bring your passport to the interview (if you have an interview) so perhaps by mailing this information you might not need to have one. Ultimately more info is better than less info (within reason of course) so it can't hurt. Personally I'll be including them in my parcel (in my attempt to avoid an interview ) but it makes sense that they're not needed as your Alien number is your identifier now (where with the K1 your passport number and then case number were).
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page
- Photocopy of USA entry stamp dated #####
Note 1: This form is now available that requests that you receive and email and text letting you know your application has been received http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD
Note 2: There is a huge point of contention on VJ regarding whether or not to send DS-3025 or if you will require form I-693 (immunisations only). The reason for this is, the paperwork clearly states that if you COMPLETED your immunisations PRIOR to your K1 interview in your home country (and thus your medical information is complete in the paperwork you handed in at POE (and subsequently forwarded on)) then only the copy of the DS-3025 is required. HOWEVER some people who assumed their info was complete and sent in the DS-3025 received an RFE requesting they submit a form I-693. Further information is mentioned on this VJ thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=101202 So whether you go to the trouble of obtaining one so you don't risk and RFE and thus a slow-down is up to you. Personally I am in the process of calling Civil Surgeons (CS's) in my area to find our their fee. If the fee is reasonable we might do it just so we don't risk the RFE but at the same time i honestly think my form is fine and I have all immunisations filled in, either with dates or "not age appropriate". I'll let you know what I decide and then what the outcome is. Remember though every case is different, no matter how similar they might be.
Note 3: Tax information is only REQUIRED for the most recent tax year. Question 25 on the I-864 still requires that you indicate your earnings for the most recent tax years, whether you provide evidence of this income or not. There are two tick boxes in that question, where you can indicate whether you are only including the most recent tax year, or the three most recent. I personally prefer to send in IRS transcripts so that you are sure that you have not excluded any tax information and I also prefer to send in all three years of tax information just to "be safe". Information for obtaining the transcripts is located here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/page__view__findpost__p__3614293 .
Here is a the Civil Surgeon "phone book" from the USCIS website: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...office_type=CIV
Here is a VJ thread that lists good CS's and their prices: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...231026&st=0
--EAD--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- I-765 - Application for Employment Authorisation **See Note 1**
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page **See Note 2**
As we're applying together with the AOS then the following isn't REQUIRED, however if you choose to include it, it's up to you, like i said before, more info is better than less info
- Copy of I-94 – Arrival/Departure record (front & back)
- Copy of Marriage certificate (to show name change) **See Note 3**
Note 1: Being adjustment applicant's, we're under category c9. You will see there's also a category for K1 and K3 visas (a6) but this is for when you're not applying at the same time as the AOS.
Note 2: It actually says "If no prior EAD has been issued, you must submit a copy of a Federal Government-issued identity document such as a passport..." as well as some other examples but personally I think the passport is the easiest one.
Note 3: The next issue for me (being female, married and changing my name) is my passport is still in my maiden name. For that reason it seems to make sense to include a copy of my marriage licence. Although these things are included with the AOS application, they can always shred multiple copies
--AP--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- I-131 - Application for Travel Document (Advanced Parole)
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Copy of K1 visa (to show present status)
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page **See Note 1**
As with the EAD, this isn't REQUIRED but I will probably include it because the AP form doesn't actually have a space for "prior name":
- Copy of Marriage certificate (to show name change)
Note 1: It actually says "copy of an official photo identification document showing your name, photo, and date of birth". Like with the EAD example, passport is easiest I think
General
An important thing to remember is if you change your address at ANY stage while you are an LPR (or their sponsor) you are required to change your address within 30 days of moving. There are penalties for not doing so. The USCIS has an online change of address service but you STILL need to actually post a form to them. Here's the site: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa . The reason for the paper form is so it's changed on the masterbase.
The current postal details for these forms (as of 3 Dec 09 ) is:
File at:
USCIS
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
For courier/express delivery:
USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
I, like most, will be submitting my forms by express mail so I'll use the bottom address
PAYMENT
It's important when writing the cheque that you write:
"One Thousand Ten and 00/100" or it might be returned.
Here is the USCIS link outlining the cheque writing requirements: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD because if you're like me, it doesn't make sense to write it that way and I wouldn't have written it like that but their wish is our command
Hope some of you find this useful If I've forgotten something, or stuff doesn't make sense, please let me know
**Edited to add further definitions - 27 Feb 2010
**Address for filing changed and fixed on here - 10 March 2010
**Edited to add Biometrics review link here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/page__view__findpost__p__3909156
**Edited to add - AOS approved 7 July 2010. Without RFE, Without interview. I simply followed the above guide and make sure my documents were completed properly.
**Edited to add - new AOS fees as of 23 Nov 2010: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

Who can tell?there are thousands of people on this website who are young and jobless and have made it through.

I honestly think you're insane. Yeah yeah yeah, you wanna work and go see your family and all that, and as much as I understand, I don't understand what is so hard about waiting for AOS. I dk what type of visa you entered the states on, but if it was a family based, then it most likely took almost a year fir it to go through. It's been only three months. Hat are whining about?

The Cycle
1. Darren writes something preposterous that presents himself a hero while showing the world how helpless, naive and clueless Gretchen is.
2. Posters flock to belabor him and invalidate his supposed fine points of wisdom on dealing with a Filipina promdi or not, growing the thread to at least three pages.
3. The hero becomes overwhelmed, runs out of ammo and stops replying while his thread continues to expand.
4. He takes a few days off then opens another topic of the same theme and the cycle begins askew anew.
Sometimes I wish that Darren would stop making himself the center of ridicule and disdain and for other posters to just ignore him instead of feeding his buffoonery. Yet, considering how he disrespects Gretchen endlessly, a fellow Pinay, and his very own WIFE, I'd rather sit back and watch the whole charade come full circle.

I truly hope if Gretchen does actually need help, she receives it. I can't imagine what it would be like to not be able to talk to my husband about something so serious.

And ?what is her being there going to do? He is in a hospital where he has the best assistance and physical therapy he can get. I have personally met people who needed the expedite because of far more serious problems like cancer or other life threatening diseases.I'm not saying all this because I have something against OP or because I'm jealous or anything of that sort, I say it because there are people who honestly make a big deal out of everything. You can't go through the process of citizenship without thick skin. This is an open and public website, people can say whatever they please.

I agree, it sounds much more that Darren's wife IS suffering from depression, and this isn't a communication error. But he wants to wear blinders and pretent, oh this is just because she's a simple girl who doesn't understand anything that is going on, and needs me to do everything for her.
Or maybe your wife needs help because she is suffering from depression! Nothing wrong with that at all too.

To the OP:
Darren, I don't want you to send a private message for my opinion as I want other American husbands and Filipina wife here in visajourney to know that your case is based on you and your wife and is nothing to do with for being an American and a Filipina.
Based on your previous post information, your wife is 19 years old when you got marry, and before she be able to adjust here in US, she got pregnant and now you have baby. Before meeting you, she lived all of her life in the province, she have little experience of what life is outside her comfort zone. At her age and living in the province, she wasn't even starting to explore the real life, and you brought her in a whole new environment. She's still naive and doesn't know so much outside her comfort zone, which explains why she always rely on you when she caught in something she couldn't comprehend.
Your wife lived in a rural area of the Philippines and no way to learn the things you consider in the Philippines. By some of your post, you seemed pissed off that your wife doesn't know so much about life and you always need to guide her, that's the price of marrying young women with little experience of how complicated life is. I am grown up woman with degree and career and very dependent, and yet I still consider myself lacking of lot knowledge on living here in US. I still rely on my husband to help me understand various issues here in US, and step-up when I can't comprehend.
So, whatever is your wife ordeals, it's your responsibility to help her overcome it. Don't think it's a cultural thing. Since, you're far older and obviously have more experience in life, you should be more proactive on what she might need because she might not know that she needs it. It's nothing unusual to talk to someone you trusted most first. Your wife rely on you as you're the only close family she have here in US, but it doesn't mean she trusted you enough to understand her, she's young and you basically still starting to live together, it will take time for her to have confidence to tell you what she really feels and ready to accept the consequences if you don't understand her.
When me and why husband first learn that I am pregnant, he worried that I might get depression but I didn't as my life is pretty busy to feel sad on anything. He makes sure that he is aware of my needs and consider a lot of adjustments as every pregnant women is different. We both read books about pregnancy and asked friends and family on what should we expect. Even with all the learning we did, we still feel that we're not ready of any situations that may arise due to having a baby. And it has nothing to do with different culture but going to be a new parent.
So what you are experiencing right now is something to do with your individuality as being couple, your own perspective on how to deal with issues and your personal assessment. It has nothing to do with difference in culture, or the practices between US and Philippines.

If you file for a K1 and then get married you will have to cancel the petition and file for a CR1. You will lose the filing fee for the I-129F and will have to pay to file the I-130. Doesn't make very good sense to me.

Darren - is huge difference between:
1. someone telling you about 'the situation' and
2. someone asking you to 'do something' about the situation.
If you've not been asked to DO something, and you've NO INTENT TO DO SOMETHING,
why are you making a 2nd topic about this? You made a similar topic earlier, and iirc, you got trounced all over the place.
What's up? Why to make 2nd topic with the same stuff?

I see no choice but to involve yourself, and in a big way. Fly there immediately. You're going to want to involve both the Philippine National Army and the MILF on this one. The U.S. has some ships being sent to menace the Chinese in the Spratleys but those can be diverted. Start with heavy artillery off those ships to clear the beach for an amphibious landing while the MILF operatives are taking out power lines and bridges. Then bring the Philippine Army in with a massive infantry assault, real WWI human wave blood and guts drama on this one.

Darren from reading your multi post, you have given others to believe that you don't understand how or what your marriage should consist of. Not quite sure if consist is the right work right now. But, you would benefit from some individual marriage counseling. You don't understand the expectations or what you should give or receive from within a marriage. Remember this is your 2nd marriage and you are asking about everyday situations that most would expect young couples to be having issues with in their marriage.
Cooking, a shared responsibility.
Throwing away of food, make the statement that this is unaccepatable.
Wife pregnancy, this is her first time, she has no idea what to expect.
Speaking in a forgein language when you are present, explain it is not acceptable in your home and present. You can't control other peoples home.
Reading to your kids, note those are your kids reading is YOUR quality time with them. If she wants to be present then that will need to be a decision wife will have to make on her own. Wife is learning many new things at one time, you must learn to be patient. gees
If you teach, she will learn, if you expect and demand of things she has no knowlege how can you complain.
Darren seek professional marriage counseling, or you will continue to make everyone un-happy.