snowcat

I'm currently doing AOS from K1 and have just done my biometrics appointment today. My I-94 expired last May 28. When should I take care of name changes (to my new married name) for my SSN and passport? Should I do it now, or should I wait until I get my EAD/AP or GC? 

Not sure if important to note, but I got my SSN back when I was studying (and worked for a year after under OPT) in the US in 2012.

I'm currently undergoing AOS (just finished my biometrics appointment) from K1 visa. When should I change my passport to reflect my new married name? Can I do it anytime (i.e. now), or should I wait until I get my EAD/AP or Green Card?

Also, I got my SSN when I was studying here in 2012. I'm not sure if there's anything I'd need to do regarding my SSN - like do I have to change my name on their records? OR will that happen automatically with my I-485 application?

Decided to do a walk-in for my biometrics here in San Francisco today (I got the letter yesterday, and my appointment is supposed to be on June 17 - 10 days from now - still). Just wanted to report that walk-ins at USCIS San Francisco are super fast and easy, and I highly recommend that everyone just do it. I went over at around 9:30AM and was done before 10. Not a lot of people waiting either. Everything went smoothly, and I wasn't even questioned about my being early.

Tip: You are only supposed to bring your appointment letter and a government issued ID (like your passport), but if your passport isn't in your new married name (if you're doing AOS from K1 like me), bring your marriage certificate too! Good thing I had all my documents with me.   

23 hours ago, Kennycat said:

wow...congrat to u... am just a bit nervous bcos i need to work and support my wife and also my I--94 expired 4 days ago 

No worries. My I-94 expired 4 days ago as well. As millbrit has said, we just need to be married by the time it expires. It's good that you have processed your papers already, though. You should have no problems.

Just now, Kennycat said:

Yes Exactly to that address....

OK then you should be fine. Just be patient and wait a bit more. You should receive something soon.

Also got hard copies of NOA1s (3 separate ones for I-485, EAD, and Travel) via mail last May 27 (4 days after I received the text).

3 minutes ago, Kennycat said:

Hey snowcat.....I sent my packet too May 11th Thuursday never get any text or email notification am just wortried now...

I think it just varies per person... Did you send it via USPS to this address? 

USCIS
PO Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120

Hi, just an update... Got a notification from USCIS via text on May 23 at 9:50PM that they have received my packet. I sent the packet May 11 (Thursday), and was delivered successfully to the Chicago Lockbox (I checked via USPS tracking) on May 13. So it took a total of 12 days (including weekends) since I sent the packet for me to receive a notification. Haven't received NOA1 in mailbox yet though.

Hehe I also was starting to worry about my NOA1. Sent it last May 10th, tracking via USPS said it was delivered successfully May 13th. It's now May 22nd and I still haven't heard anything from USCIS, via text or email... I should just relax, too, right? Haha.

Alright, I stand corrected! Just trying to defend those who missed the 2 passport photos each requirement, as I feel like I would have missed it too (what with the number of things you have to submit!), had I not been more paranoid and asked many things on VJ forums~ People make mistakes all the time, it's alright, we're all going to be ok in the end, with RFEs or not haha~~  PEACE

On 5/10/2017 at 11:51 AM, cyanmavi said:

Include a Copy of I-797 - Notice of Action, a copy of the I-94, and a copy of your passport's biographical page with the I-485 as well. As someone mentioned before, it is better to make sure each document package can stand on its own.

 

For the I-864, you should also include a copy of sponsor's passport biographical page (and/or birth certificate), employment letter, W-2, and a couple of the recent pay stubs.

 

You mentioned an old EAD for OPT. They ask for a copy of the old EAD card for the I-765, but it is not a big deal if you don't have it.

 

For the I-131, you will need the same supporting documents as the I-765, plus another copy of the I-797 for the I-129F. Also include two passport photos for this form as well. You do not need a supplement for part 7, and you can leave empty and/or leave empty where it asks for the travel dates.

 

Good luck!

 

Very helpful, thank you!

6 hours ago, Beefheart said:

Guidelines state the pictures have to have been taken within the last six months.

 

Why anyone would go directly against USCIS instructions specifying 2 photos per application is madness. Expect an RFE, sadly.

To be fair to those who failed to put 6 photos, it's not really blatantly stated unless you go through all the forms' instructions (which is time consuming and tedious), so it's totally understandable that they didn't get to do so... Plus the instructions on visajourney.com's AOS guidelines page only state 2 passport photos - and this page is what most applicants look to when putting together their packages. Honestly I probably would not have put 6 photos myself if I hadn't seen a post about it here! Again, thank God for VisaJourney!

37 minutes ago, Mollie09 said:

The worst part is that they use the picture you take at biometrics.

Ugh.

25 minutes ago, Becci391 said:

Then why do you have to submit 6 pictures??? That doesn't make sense

OMG that really doesn't make any sense!!!

2 minutes ago, Allie D said:

You can get one without a EAD/GC as long as you have a government-issued ID and proof of legal residence in the USA. A friend from Singapore got his DL by providing his passport, SSN, F-1 visa, and proof of residency in the state.

Hmm. I doubt a K-1 visa is proof of residency, since I only become a "resident" once I adjust my status? I always assumed I currently am in a gray area while waiting for my status to be adjusted, and therefore can't get drivers license and other things. I already have SSN because I studied here in 2012 and worked for a year post-graduation (OPT), but other than that I don't think I have anything else to prove legal residency in the state... unless a passport and SSN is enough.

I can wait until I get my EAD, to make sure I get it without trouble, but it would be nice to have a license already...

31 minutes ago, Allie D said:

This is correct. My bad for not clarifying in my earlier post that a marriage certificate only provides you the documentation to complete the legal name change. As @A'n'L stated, to complete the legal name change (e.g. update your social security record and get an updated US driver's license), you will often first need to provide a certified marriage certificate, a government issued ID (e.g. passport, EAD), and proof of age (e.g. certified/original birth certificate -- the passport will often not do, even if it contains all the information in your birth certificate). 

Ok cool! 

I actually don't have a DL yet, I didn't know I'm able to get one without an EAD/GC?

3 hours ago, Sagot said:

 

According to the instructions for the I-485 you only need to include a copy of your DS-3025.  Trouble is.. many adjudicators don't know their job.

 

The instructions state you only need to submit the vaccination supplement... not a medical report.

 

I always suggest to print out a copy of Page 4 of the instructions, highlighting section 7c  and attaching it to the copy of the DS-3025.  PLUS if you are interviewed later on to bring the instructions page to the interview.   This has saved a lot of hassles for others that have done this.

 

https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-485instr.pdf

 

I have also emailed USCIS on this topic and have an email from them confirming this is correct.  I-693 is not needed except in special medical situations.

Great advice as always, Sagot! Thank you.

2 minutes ago, A'n'L said:

Well, the marriage license allows you to change your name. You haven't strictly "legally" changed your name until you have an official photo ID in your new name. But, the marriage license allows you to file for a GC + EAD/AP cards in the new name, and once you have those you will be all set. That's why certain states don't allow you to change your name on your SSN and/or DL until you have GC or EAD (some do, but not all).

Ok got it, thanks! So I'm right in filling out all my AOS forms in my new name (I put my maiden name in "other names" used, too)? And I can take care of SSN/DL name change after I get my EAD?

2 minutes ago, Ebunoluwa said:

This is not the time to try and save a few dollars, send 6 so you won't get a RFE or risk a RFE and get delayed all over a few bucks.
 

I know, I know.  It's just the cheap Asian in me that finds it hard to pay that price coming from a country where everything is significantly cheaper hahaha. I will have new pictures taken, I promise!

Thanks for all the advice, everyone!!! <3 I seriously won't be able to do any of this (without suffering major anxiety attacks lol) without this community!!! 

2 minutes ago, Ben&Zian said:

 

Thats a good price really. 

 

And no, they are used to seeing different dates. Our forms each were dated like 1-2 days apart, then sent 2-3 days later, so all spaced about 8-10 days. That won't matter too much. Definately though for your own relaxation, go get new photos done and get it sent off.

Ok WHEW! I kinda had a feeling it won't matter haha. I'm always just super paranoid with small details when it comes to USCIS forms  Thank you!

1 minute ago, Scandi said:

4 passport photos cost $5 at Costco, probably the same at Walmart. I got 8 photos at Costco, in and out in 10 minutes.

Yup, just found out via a quick Google search! Glad I knew this before heading off to Walgreens where they extort people heavily!!!! Thank you for confirming this info though! Will go to Costco with my husband tomorrow.  

1 minute ago, Ben&Zian said:

Trust me I know... we went and had new photos taken and it cost more than I thought it would, seems like price went up recently.

 

While people say submit 6, 2 per petition, we only submitted 3 total for entire file, not RFE yet... so naturally 6 is safest bet, we may still get asked for more. 

 

While technically there isn't a time limit I don't believe, it may look odd if you're submitting same passport photo as on the K-1 visa. That's why we redid ours.

Ackkkkk okay  I guess I'll just have new ones taken just in case. Just found out Costco does 4 passport pics for $5 so at least that is more reasonable!

Slightly off topic but would you guys know if it matters too much if the dates on the forms (when we signed) are days off from the date you actually send the package? Cause I had already printed everything but now have to take passport pics, so won't be able to send everything until Thursday D: I mean it's only like 2-3 days off haha I think I'm just being paranoid but just making sure~~~

So I know I should submit 6 passport photos (2 each for i-485, EAD, and AP), but is there any rule on how recent the pics have to be? I still have 5 passport pics left from my K1 interview which I did last January (of this same year) and I was going to use at least 4 of them for 2 forms and take 2 new ones for one of the forms. I think I read somewhere that they have to be taken within the past 30 days, but are they really strict about that? I def look the same from January 2017... But also, it's the same passport pic used on my K1 visa, so they would know it's the same pic??

It costs an exorbitant $12-14 for 2 passport pics here in the US which is just ridiculous to me coming from the Philippines where we get 4-6 passport photos for less than $5!!  

2 minutes ago, Allie D said:

Yes, if you have legally changed your name.

It's changed on my Marriage License, but nowhere else yet. That's what "legally changed" means, yes?

22 minutes ago, Allie D said:

Include two passport pics for *each* form. Treat each form as a standalone application, even though you will most likely get a combined EAD/AP card.

17 minutes ago, Allie D said:

Here's information from a law firm website

 

Ok perfect thanks

Last question - I fill out every form with my new post-marriage name right?  Just want to make sure

3 hours ago, Grzesiek said:

Am I going to receive this document from my sealed envelope at the airport? btw does the officer take something from my pernamently? Or is he going to give me back everything from my envelope?  

You are supposed to receive it from the doctor/medical center from which you did your medical exam for K1. The DS-3025 is not included in your sealed envelope. The officer takes the entire contents of your sealed envelope. He won't take your DS-3025.

Do I need 2 passport pics EACH for i-485, EAD and AP? Cause I only have 5 passport pics left and was hoping that I wouldn't have to go get pics taken again