Otto

** It is indeed.
Thread locked for TOS violation.

** Thread closed for review (for now).
Everyone should keep in mind that VJ is a multi-national, multi-cultural site when posting remarks (or facts).

Here's the VJ-Wiki on it.

You would perhaps best benefit from making an infopass appointment to speak with someone in person. Your situation doesn't sound 'normal' in the least.
http://infopass.uscis.gov/

I suppose if you (once married) wait almost 2 years to file your AOS - if it is then granted, you may (if by that time you've been married 2 years or more) be granted a 10-year PR/Green Card. In the mean time - you'll have no privileges a Permanent Resident would otherwise enjoy (work, travel, study, etc).

Congratulations again.
**Moving thread from Working/Traveling to AOS Discussion Forum; seems it may be more appropriate there.

In my opinion, it would be best to use these types of resources for the following reasons:

The case is outside of posted processing times, or
They have a compelling reason to request someone intervene on their behalf.
I think folks are often under the assumption that calling a Senator's office will somehow speed up the process, it's simply not true in most cases.

If USCIS receives your case 1 day before that 90-day mark, your case will be rejected and sent back to you to do it again. There is no reason to try to beat the clock and send it on the first day possible. If it were me (and I were you), I'd mark my calendar on Jan 02, 2012 as the date to send in the I-751.

Yes - in your case, anytime between Jan 01, 2012 and March 31, 2012. (Don't come early and don't be late.)

The name you use on the AOS (and related) forms is the name they will issue the PR/Green Card in. If you guys want to use the married name, that's fine - use it.
Once the PR/Green Card is issued - you guys can return to the SSA to obtain a new card in the new name (and without the annotation "Not Valid for Work Without DHS Authorization").

Kind of irrelevant - they'd simply need to follow the spousal process (outlined in the guides for couples who are both in the US). They do not need to leave the country and start a CR-1; in fact, they should NOT leave.

The process isn't just different - it is a whole new process. Its good you guys worked things out - follow the guide (below) for best results.
This would be the Guide you'd need to follow now. HERE

US VI are really close to the British VI's. You have to be careful not to 'accidentally' cross over.

There is no correlation between getting a receipt notice (NOA1) and any sort of background check(s). Once accepted - the system is supposed to automatically generate the notice (sometimes it does right away - other times it can take a while).
From what we've all seen over the years - other than the initial check (signatures, basic completion, correct fee etc), no other processing happens until your case comes up for adjudication. This can take several months depending on service center.
Hope this helps.

I thought so too...

I thought so too...

It's his PR/Green Card - nothing she can do about it, nor should she be able to (IMO).
Whats done is done, end the marriage and move on is my advice. Thats what she would (I assume) do if he weren't a PR/Green Card holder (just Joe America from next door) - to assume he's going to now quite his jobs and go on welfare just to 'show her' are pretty ridiculous (again, IMO).

SS Card doesn't make a person a resident of any particular state - each institution has their own requirements for in-state/out-of-state eligibility. You would need to contact them directly (but I seriously doubt the SS card will pull much weight).

They don't - nothing really to do until your petition is approved.
Once approved, you'll be able to get your (new) NVC case number - with this number, you can contact Frankfurt with your new address (so they'll know where to send things to). That's what we did at least.

If you do not know your A# (Alien Registration number) write "Unknown." If you never had one - write "NONE." If you think you may have had one but do not know what it is, write "Unknown."

Just a visual to help - it sounds like you've gotten your answer.

2 Passport style photos for the I-485. (Some folks will also submit an I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (AP) which will need two p/port photos each, for a total of 6 - this may be what others are referring to).

Bobby Boy, if Otto tells us to submit 6 fotos for AOS, then we better start worrying, if we submitted only 2. Take a powder!

You guys will very likely want to file what is called DCF (Direct Consular Filing) directly with the US Consulate in Frankfurt.
A brief overview can be found HERE. This lets you guys file while you're both in Germany.

There may be the possibility of her visa being reaffirmed/revalidated by the Embassy/Consulate. It is at their discretion of course but is possible (documentation of the emergency would be pretty important I would think).
** Topic may be better suited in "US Embassy/Consulate Discussion" (rather than K-1); moving thread there.