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Thank you all for your input. What I meant was that on her SSN it has the 'work authorized only by Homeland Security' (or there abouts). I just wanted to get that taken off. As for the 10 year, I really don't know. I will probably call them tonight. The lady I spoke with was surprised that we hadn't received her EAD by now....which we should have. Probably will think it over and come up with a plan for after the weekend. Bottom line is that she has a Green card, it is valid, and we can move forward now.....and I have the baby on the way....so that is really foremost on my mind right now. Really, thank you all for your help and hope you all have a great weekend. If I learn anything from USCIS I will post it.

jasman, thank you for your reply. Can anyone answer my questions? Thanks again. Stacy

Hope all of you are doing well. A lot has happened since June when we sent in our I-485. Most importantly, we are expecting a little one now in April! I am really kind of irritated right now with myself as we received my wife's green card today, and it has her maiden name on it. Called USCIS about it, and at first spoke with a very rude gentleman, called back and got a very nice and knowledgeable woman. She said that we could submit a I-90 along with the green card. If it wasn't my fault (which it appears it is) I would not have to pay anything. What is weird is that we filed the EAD in July, and have been receiving LOA from USCIS with her last name as mine on it. When I did the I-485, I followed the example (thought I did at least) and believed that her family name was suppose to be on the I-485. That is why you submit all of the evidence that you are married, etc., etc. Also very curious is the card: it is a Permanent resident card, and expires in 2017. Not complaining, but I thought it was only good for 2 years, and then you have to renew it??? Anyway, these are my concerns...

1. Does it matter if her maiden name is on the green card and not my last name? Our Marriage certificate list my last name, as does her temporary SSN, Military ID, Medical, Dental, etc., etc.

2. Will it matter when we apply for her new SSN number?

3. Will it matter when she applies for US Citizenship?

4. If she has to travel to the Philippines, will this cause a problem (of course her passport has her family name in it).

I just have this sinking feeling that I did something very, very wrong here and it is going to be an expensive nightmare to correct. Thanks for listening to me and any help / advice you give me is ALWAYS greatly appreciated. Take care, Stacy.

Just an update: Today my wife was allowed to take the Drivers written exam in Chantilly, VA. What they required was her SSN Card, Original Marriage Certificate, NOA-1 (AOS), Passport with current / or expired visa and I-94. Although she didn't pass, we are very happy now that we don't have to 'fight' the system any longer until her Green Card arrives. Thank you all for your help. Stacy

Hi Stacey,

I'm also in VA. And yes, the DMV here in VA is so frustrating, especially the one near Tysons Corner. I was in a similar situation and even took the biometrics paper that was signed by the officer during the biometrics appointment all that, but they wouldn't accept it, even talked to one of the managers because I was getting mixed information and had to go in a couple of times. Finally, fed up with that location, I went to a different DMV ( in Springfield) and got the most logical explanation. Basically they said that unless u have the paper that says that your AOS was approved, they can only give you a temporary license that will expire when your I-94 expires. And in my case, because I was swapping my Cdn driver's license with a temporary one, it wouldn't be worth it because one, they'll take my Cdn license away for good while getting a temporary VA one and two, because I'd have to pay again to renew the license and the lady said it wasn't worth it. So all in all, I haven't been able to do it and I've been here since April. I just got the card production emailed so once I get something by snail mail, I'll go again and try. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Ene, thank you for your response, and THANK ALL OF YOU for you help! I am going to go ahead and file the I-785 this Thursday, and hopefully it will not take that long. Ene, the Springfield mall DMV was the one we had all of the problems with....LOTS of problems and most of them all do to very bad attitudes, with is not uncommon for DMV's here. We are going to try the Chantilly Branch....will let you know what happens.

As for the I-785, our NOA2 for AOS is at the MSC location. But according to the quidelines here on this website, I should mail the EAS to the Vermont Service Center. Any thoughts on this? OK thank you all again for your help and guidance and we both wish all you happiness and good health. Take care, Stacy.

) Working: Was told by one store (Fashion Bug) that if they were to hire her, all they need is a SSN card and a military ID card (Valid ID). Do we need a I-765? I mean I about felt sick when I saw the price increase on the 30th of July! Can anyone help me with this? Wish I would have submitted it with her AOS package, but didn’t think we needed it because of her already having her SSN. This was one of the alternate documents that DMV asked for as well.

will need an EAD or green card to work. The Military dependant ID card is a valid document from list B on the I-9 form. however her SSN probably has " valid only with DHS authorization" so that would not satisfy the requirement from list C of the I-9 form.

Thank you! Once again, I failed to look closely at her SSN card and you are correct, "valid only with DHS authorization". Can't believe I missed that one. So once she gets her green card, will we submit for a new SSN card? I would think so. You know, I was so proud of all of theI-129F paperwork, the ease that she sailed through the embassey, etc., etc. This seems to be much more indepth and tricky compared to everything else. Thanks again.

Just a question... Did she change her name after marriage? If so, what names appear on her AOS NOA1 and her SSN? Maiden or married? She will need to show proof of name change if that is the case if she changed her name and her married name appears on the AOS NOA1 and her SSN. The biometrics notice won't suffice but the NOA1 for AOS might along with everything else (e.g. passport, K1, military ID, NOA1 for AOS, etc.).

This is the VA doc showing what constitutes primary and secondary ID as well as legal presence: http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/dmv141.pdf

Also if she didn't get an EAD stamp at the POE, she can't work until she has a GC or EAD (if you choose to apply for one).

Yes she did, she took my last name. Yeah, we noticed that when we got her NOA-1 and NOA-2 (literally 2 days apart). They put her maiden name on it, and did not put her SSN in either. So when we went to the Biometrics appointment, the lady there looked at our marriage certificate, and entered my last name on the form. Thank you for your help.

Hope everyone is doing well. We are doing well, but I am sooooo freak'n confused on some of the topic description processes. I and my wife were married in March (she arrived here from Manila, PI on Feb 28) and all has been just wonderful, just very confused with some of the processes. I filed her AOS paperwork (I-485) on June 21, MSC received it on the 27th, and we completed her Biometrics yesterday (7-21-07), which I was amazed it was so quick (and the office is only 4 miles from where we live)! She has her SSN card, Military ID CARD (I am a retired Marine), Military Medical Insurance (Tri-Care), Dental, etc. Anyway, we tried to………

1) Obtain for her a Drivers Learner Permit (Virginia DMV=NIGHTMARE), and we were denied because her I-94 was expired (by one day). Depending on which DMV you ask, we have received many different opinions on how to obtain her Drivers Learner Permit. Has anyone else had this problem? The online documentation states that ‘have in possession a valid Passport and I-94, or an expired I-94.’ Also, it states that they ‘Might allow the use of the NOA2 (appointment of Biometrics), but it is up to the DMV officer to make a decision on this’. Very confusing and very frustrating.

2) Working: Was told by one store (Fashion Bug) that if they were to hire her, all they need is a SSN card and a military ID card (Valid ID). Do we need a I-765? I mean I about felt sick when I saw the price increase on the 30th of July! Can anyone help me with this? Wish I would have submitted it with her AOS package, but didn’t think we needed it because of her already having her SSN. This was one of the alternate documents that DMV asked for as well.

3) Expired I-94. Wow, I COMPLETELY underestimated, and quite honestly, didn’t have any clue on how important this form is. Is there a way of getting this renewed without paying the $500 or so amount? Or do I need to even consider this form at this point?

OK, thank you for your time and ANY opinions AND/OR suggestions, etc. would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. I am still in shock at home much the prices for all of the different paperwork will go up on the 30th of July! Thank God we submitted ours when we did. Take care, Stacy.

Good morning/evening to you all. Yes, Virgie passed her interview today!!!!! I am sooooooooo relieved!!!! And I want to thank all of you for your help in solving the questions I posed here. Thank you all so much. I will go into a few details for now, and do a much more comprehensive review when we talk tonight, or sometime this weekend (Cell phone was cutting out really badly today). As for her medical, it was a breeze. She was there 2 weeks early, got there at 4:30 am, and finished around 11:00 (first day). The second day, she was there around 6:00 am, and finished at around 10:00 am. All went well. I don't have the details of the interview from the Embassey yet, but from what I could understand, the CO was very polite and everything went smoothly. She arrived there at 5:15 am, and was done around 12:00. Believe me, I had may doubts as we had some obstacles to over come, but in the end, I believe our sincerety in our relationship, and being completely truthful is what got us through it. Anyway, I wish you all of the best and just never stop trying. Our motto has been: No matter what, no matter what, no matter what! God bless you all and have a great weekend! Stacy

I hope everyone is doing well. My fiance's interview is this Friday, and needless to say, I am walking on pins and needles. But she is ready and prepared as much as she can be. I tried searching but couldn't find any information. I am preparing to purchase her ticket, but when I do, how do I get it to her? Didn't think about this until recently. Do I have it sent to me, then overnight it to her in Manila? Also, I found one for $669.00 through Orbitz. This seems to be a good price, especially considering what I have paid in the past. Anyone know of any good sites to purchase tickets other then what I have mentioned? I know that her name must be on the tickets, so I am guessing I will have to contact the airlines to do this. Thanks again for all of your help and I hope you all are doing well. Take care, Stacy.

Thank you all for your advice, it truly helps. I am a nervous wreck right now, especially with the weather conditions and I am flying at 7:45am in the morning to Manila. Thank you all again, and Merry Christmas!

First off, Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope all are doing well. I am sorry I haven't posted for a while, but sooooo much has been going on, new job, PAPERWORK, etc. Well, we finally have our interview appointment set up, medical on the 27 of Jan, and Interview on the 2nd of Feb. I am freak'n out....I guess that is to be expected. I have gathered all of my paperwork together, and I am leaving Friday to spend our first Christmas together! Had no idea her appointment would be so soon! But I am very happy for it. Anyway, I have a question for you all. Ghie worked in Japan for six months, and we have now recieved her NBI (police report....whatever it is called) for the Japanese Embassey. When she recieved it, they told her not to open it, because the Embassey would not take it if she did. Is this normal? I told her not to worry about it, it is probably a procedural thing...just as with college transcripts here in the states. Has anyone else experienced this? I would really appreciate any advice/experiences any of you can offer. Don't know it this is unique to the Philippines or not. Again, Happy Holidays and wishing you all well. Take care, Stacy.

BTW, I didn't update my time line because we only found out two days ago that she had her appointment set up. I got tired of checking it, and BAM! one morning I checked it and sure enough it was there!

Also, she still has not received her packet 4, should we be concerned? I have the documents dowloaded and filled out already, but I am concerned about her appointment letter to get ther medical done early. Thanks.

Wow, what a lucky find! Ghie was asking me just yesterday on the phone about this, and I told her to call the NBI office and ask them. Then I read these posts! Thanks alot everyone and God Bless! Stacy

Thanks fwaguy for that. I read that last night, but missed it as it was very late. Thank you again. I hope they can provide expedicited service. Thanks. Stacy

Hope everyone is doing very well. Me and Ghie have pretty much got everything ready, accept we over looked obtaining a police record for when she was in Japan for 6 months. Does anyone here know the most expedisous way of obtaining a police record (other then flying there) from Japan to Manila? My thoughts are to contact the Japanese Embassey in Manila and ask them. I am not too worried about it, as I don't think our interview will be until around January or first week of Feb., she on the other hand is worried we will not be able to obtain it. Anyone else experience this? Thanks and God Bless you all! Stacy

Congrats!!!!

Well, my Finacee called me this morning on my way out the door to work and she was crying and happy at the same time. I told her last night on the phone that she would probably recieve something from the Embassey in Manila shortly, either towards the end of this week or next week. Sure enough, she recieved the notice letter from Manila Embassey telling her about the waiting time for the interview, paperwork, etc! Wow, things are really, really moving along quite nicely. Finally got my ticket to spend Christmas with her (that was a nightmare.....USAirways) and now this good news! Just wanted to share with you all and hope that your cases are moving along as well......take care and God Bless. Stacy

Your mom works there, right?

No, but somebody's 'mom' is really doing a great job!!! Thanks for all of the support and well wishes!

I can't believe it! I thought I was being so impatient....I received my NOA2 on 26 September (hard copy) and thought it would be weeks before I heard from the NVC about her visa. So this morning before I went to work, I emailed them asking if they had received my I-129F from Vermont. So I go check my mail a few minutes ago and there is a letter from them......stating that in one week the Embassey in Manila will receive my package and that my case was approved!!!! The letter was dated 2 October! Wow that was fast! I just wish I knew if she would be here before Christmas or not, but more importantly if her interview will occur before Christmas, as I am just about ready to buy a plane ticket there to spend Christmas with her. Wow, wow, wow!!! I read this forum 2-3 times a day, and I just want to say that my heart goes out to all of you that are still waiting.....I know it will happen! Take care all and God Bless! Stacy

Quite surprised by the hostility here. Everyone has some experience that they can provide. Degrading someone for their appearance is childish and serves no purpose. There is no stupid question asked but the one that 'is not asked'! God speed you all and can't wait to be with my sweetie once again!

Second thoughts??? Are you thinking of NOT going to the philipines for Christmas?

You should count your blessing and make the trip. It only helps strengthening your relationship with him than not. The speed of approval in VT is known, they are pretty good! However, the big time waster is the Consulate's interview. I don't know how bad it is with marriage frauds in the Philipines, but in Vietnam it's pretty bad and that causes so much delay and denies for the vietnamese petitioners.

Good luck and I say: have a merry christmas in the tropical weather!

Thanks for the reply. Believe me, I would love to be with her then (and probably will). However, a new company has just taken over my contract, so I will have to go on vacation with unpaid leave. But that is OK. I just came back from there in June, and although we talk every other day, and Web Chat on the weekends, we miss each other greatly. However, we both agreed that if it looks like she might be here around Jan or Feb, then it would be better for us to save the money. I have been to the philippines more times then I can count (retired Marine) and I have found no other place that I feel more comfortable in (except Texas.. I love it there.....and am actually thinking about us retiring there in 3-5 years....(first things first though). Take care, Stacy.

Hi everyone. I have really, really enjoyed reading everything I can on this site. Thank you all for taking the time to post your experiences and time lines (I will post mine soon). My Fiancee lives in Makati (Philippines) and we had a wonderful visit together in May-June. All is going well, but I do have some questions. I have been reading soooo much on this site, that I feel like it is 'information overload', but that is a good thing! I sent my entire package (I-129F) into the Vermont Center on 9 Sept. and they received and signed for it on 11 Sept. I was expecting it to take a couple of months to either be approved or disapproved, but on 26 Sept, I received 4 emails from them saying it was approved! Wow! Is this the normal speed it take to get approval? Needless to say I was shocked, but estactic! When I started this process, I ordered a Fiancee Visa package off of the internet (PDF forms, instructions, binder with word for word examples, etc.) and it really has helped me a lot. However, it didn't mention anything about the NOA. Of course being new to this site, I was able to understand what 'touched' means, NOA1 and NOA2, etc. Today is the 28th of Sept. I was planning on visiting her for the Christmas holidays, but we are having second thoughts because of the speed of the first approval. I have come to believe that the two slowest points of this entire process will be the action at the NOA (forwarding to Manila Embassey) and how long it will take the Embassey to send her the packets (3 and 4), and to finally set up the interview. With all of that said, is it far fetched for me to think that it is possible for her to be here (here being Va with me) between a December-February timeframe? She has all of her paperwork with her allready (passport, NBI, birth certificates, etc., except for the medical requirements (I guess we will have to wait for what the Medical examiner will intstruct her for what she needs). My completed AOS and all other certified documents will be mailed to her express on the 15th of October (just got a new job, so need to get a pay stub, etc.). Again, I want to thank you all for your very detailed and thoughtful input on this site. I have had so many questions answered already. Thank you for reading my 'long' post. Take care, Stacy.