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Hello all! we sent our paperwork in last week, it arrived by UPS on the 20th of June, no news yet!
 
The start of a long wait! 
 
 
 

That's a perfect list and yes, the G-325A is no longer required as all the info that's in G-325A is asked in the I-485 form. Also, the petitioner need not submit their G-325A. 
 
Also when you make the money order make it as two money orders as the money order limit at post office, banks etc is $1000. So make it $1000 + $225 which totals to $1225. Also, behind all the 6 Passport sized photographs write down the Applicant's full name and Alien number. Good Luck.

Good Morning VJ
 
I am in the final steps of preparing my package and I read the G-325A form isn't no longer required for the applicant in the new version of the I-485. I know the USC spouse used to send an updated version of their G-325A form.  
Does this mean my husband will need to update his G-325A and include it? 
 
Also I have my final checklist, do u mind checking it and see if I am missing something?  
 
Contents include:
-Money Order of $1,225.00 (AOS fee $1,140.00 + Biometrics fee $85.00) payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
 
USCIS Forms/Biographic Information
-G-1145 E-Notification
-G-325A (Spouse)
-Form I-485 Signed by Applicant
-Copy of Birth Certificate of Applicant and Certified Translation
-2 U.S. Passport Style Photos of Applicant
-Passport Copies (Copies of Bio page, Stamps, and K1 Visa)
-I-94 Admission Record
 
I-129F Petition / K1 Evidence
-Notice of Action 1 from I-129F Copy
-Notice of Action 2 from I-129F Copy
-National Visa Center Approval Letter Copy
 
Medical Documentation
-DS-3025 K1 Medical Vaccination Worksheet
 
Marriage Documentation
-Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate  (Proof of Legal Name Change)
-Wedding Pictures
-Joint Bank Account
 
Form I-864 Affidavit of Support from U.S. Petitioner
-Cover Letter for Form I-864
-Form I-864 Signed by Sponsor
-Copy of Birth Certificate of Sponsor
-Letter of Employment of Sponsor
-Tax return and tax account transcripts for 3 most recent years (2016, 2015, 2014)
-Copies of W-2 forms for most recent tax year (2016)
-Copies of pay stubs for the most recent 6 pay periods
 
Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
-G-1145 E-Notification
-Form I-765 Signed by Applicant
-2 U.S. Passport Style Photos of Applicant
-Passport Copy (Bio page, Stamps, and K1 Visa)
-National Visa Center Approval Letter Copy
- Copy of Marriage Certificate (Proof of Legal Name Change)
-I-94 Admission Record
 
Form I-131 Application for Advance Parole
-G-1145 E-Notification
-Form I-131 Signed by Applicant
-2 U.S. Passport Style Photos of Applicant
-I-94 Admission Record
-Passport Copy (Bio page, Stamps, and K1 Visa)
-Form I-131 Supplement (Explanation of why you are applying for a Travel Document)
- Copy of Marriage Certificate (Proof of Legal Name Change)
 
 
Thanks for your feedback!
 

Return Address
 
 
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
 
Date
 
 
Nature of the submission:  I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
 
To Whom It May Concern:
 
Enclosed please find Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, Form I-864 Affidavit of Support, Form I-131 Application for Travel Document, Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization and all supporting documents. My eligibility is based on admission as the fiancé of a U.S. citizen and subsequent marriage to that citizen within 90 days of entry.
 
Contents include:
 
·         Form G-1145 e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
 
I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
·         Check: Payment in the amount of $XXXX (Biometrics fee included)
·         Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
·         Copy of my passport bio page
·         Copy of my passport page with K-1 visa and entry stamp
·         Copy of Form I-797 Notice of Action Approval Notice for I-129F
·         Copy of Electronic Form I-94
·         Copy of my foreign birth certificate
·         Copy of Certified Marriage Certificate
·         Marriage Evidences- bank statements, insurance verification, pension beneficiary verification, wedding pictures
·         Form G-325A Biographic Information Sheet
·         DS3025 Completed vaccination documentation
·         Two (2) Passport size photos
 
I-864 Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act
·         Form I-864 Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
·         Copy of federal income tax transcripts for 2013, 2014, 2015
·         Verification of Employment Letter
·         Copy of 5 most recent pay stubs
·         Copy of passport bio page
 
I-765 Application for Employment Document
·         Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
·         Copy of Passport with nonimmigrant visa
·         Two (2) Passport size photos
 
I-131 Application for Travel Document
·         Form I-131 Application for Travel Document
·         Form I-131 Supplement, Part 7
·         Copy of Passport with nonimmigrant visa
·         Two (2) Passport size photos
Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents and I understand that I may be required to submit original documents to an Immigration or Consular officer at a later date.
 
Sincerely,
 
Signature
 
 
 
 Here is sample of my cover letter.  I did not "attach" the  I-864 to the I-485.  I did four paper clipped sections.  I also sent in extra with it as 3 years tax returns/transcipts is optional.

You did not get all your vaccinations included on the official form DS-3025 at Knightsbridge so it won't do you any good for AOS. You need ALL your require vaccinations on one US government form which now will be the I-693 completed by a civil surgeon. 
 
You may take your DS-3025 and your new GP vaccinations to a civil surgeon and he will combine them to provide a complete report on one form.  USCIS will not accept noted shots from your GP, but a civil surgeon will.
Note: don't let the Civil Surgeon say you need the full medical again. Establish that they will only do your immunisations and ask the price before making the appointment. 
 
Knightsbridge advised you poorly. Better advice would have been: 
Go get your shots at your GP if you want to save money. We will hold your medical forms until your GP faxes us proof of the shots. Then we will complete your immunisation form and send your medical report to the embassy. We will email you a copy of your DS-3025 showing ALL shots which can be used for AOS.
 
Saving money on shots isn't worth it if the Civil Surgeon you call wants $250 to do the full medical and shot record or he won't help you. 

The final vaccinations sheet should look like this.......You will still have to find a local USCIS Civil Surgeon and make him fill the I-693. Take all the proofs of your vaccinations from other doctor as well as you medical exam done for K-1 interview which is the DS-3025 and all they will do is transfer details onto I-693. There are a lot of doctors who will take lot of money but you will find a USCIS who will take as low as $35 or $40 to prepare the I-693. Check the VJ forum where you can find a USCIS doctor for low price in the state you reside. Note: You DO NOT need another physical exam.
 
 

Hello all, happy to see so many getting married and my fingers and toes are crossed for all you still waiting. I am getting ready for the move to the USA and want to get some advice on money! What is the best way to transfer funds to the usa? Take cash or traveler's cheques or wire transfer?
 
Anyone looked into the best accounts to save money in if leaving funds in the uk which dont get taxed by usa?
 
Help!! so many things to do before I fly!!

Everyone currently in the US must purchase health insurance or pay a penalty in taxes. Under the new administration they are exploring bills with changes to this, but that's likely to take a while. For now focus on obtaining health insurance as soon as possible - so here are your options:
 
1) Buy insurance privately as soon as you can by anyone who offers insurance in the state you'll be living in. You can start using your plan pretty much as soon as the insurance cards arrive, at any doctor you want to go see. There is no pre-existing condition clause, and you won't be denied. Be proactive, within a few days of your arrival go apply for your SSN. It's not a requirement to get insurance with one, but you may find it will give you a lot less problems and confusion dealing with persons that are ignorant, stupid, and just plain wrong, and delay you (wrongly).
 
2) Get married immediately and have your spouse add them to their coverage that they have either their personal plan (changing it to a joint plan) or adding you to a plan through their job. Of course if they are young and still on their parents insurance this won't be an option, and in addition if they are on medical assistance such as medicare/Medicaid this will be off limits to you. But if you're saying that they have insurance you can be added on - then absolutely get your SSN and get married ASAP, and get the process started. Insurance websites will have lists of doctors you can use and if they participate.
 
3) Sign up to Obamacare via the federal/state exchange. Most of the plans offered there are the same you can buy privately. The exception here is you'll have to wait longer going through the process to prove your immigration status and paperwork. For example you'd most likely already have to married and filed for your AOS (documents you can use would be the NOA1, or with more ease an EAD, or the green card). Waiting for all that takes a lot of time. Open enrollment is over, but you will be under a special qualifier.
 
So what's the takeaway here?
A) If you want insurance and have the money to pay for it every month, then you won't be denied coverage.
B) That doesn't mean the insurance will pay for everything. There are copays, deductibles, and prior authorizaions in some cases to be considered.
C) Even if you don't have insurance and get sick you can go to a walk-in clinic and pay out of pocket. The price isn't too bad and usually less expensive than a monthly premium. But this will just be in situations where you have a sprain/strain, cold/flu, need antibiotics, UTI, etc.
D) You can also go to any doctor that's willing to take someone without insurance and pay out of pocket. But that would be very expensive considering surgery would be needed.
E) Waiting period is nominal but you need to explore options and ACT as soon as possible. There are many people that wait too long, which mean several of the options above become off-limits before they finally realize.
F) Temporary insurances, short term insurances, and insurances marketed towards travelers and immigrants don't count. They don't cover pre-existing, are considered subpar, and the penalty still applies.
G) Since you have a prior history I would consider bringing some of the medical documents related to the findings of your case so US doctor you choose can review them with ease.
H) Cost is high. The joint plan with my husband costs nearly $700+ a month with a high deductible. There is nothing affordable about insurance in America. If you have a plan through work, these are generally a little nicer and more affordable. The employee pays a portion and the employer picks up the rest.
I) Talk to your spouse. They should know more about this stuff and should advise you.
 
Lastly, I don't know the particulars of your case. You do know that once you have obtained your K1 visa in hand you have six months from the date of your medical to enter the US. That would give you time to get surgery and treatment in your home country, no? Unless this causes a delay to your wedding plans of course... but I would say your health is more important first?

My suggestion is to first soon after his arrival stateside to follow the SSA guide here and obtain him his SSN. You do not need it to obtain health insurance by law, however you'll find it a lot less hassle. Get married as soon as possible and obtain some marriage certificate copies.
 
He can obtain insurance from any insurer in your state offering insurance as soon as you marry. In general no proof of immigrant status would be needed if purchasing privately.
He can be added to your plan via CC which is your state exchange, based on marriage. See the individual sections on their website discussing immigrants. Immigrants are eligible to use the state and federal exchanges, but they may require proof of their status. File AOS as soon as possible - your soonest qualifiers will be marriage, AOS NOA1, EAD, or green card - in that order. Do not wait long, because since we are out of open enrollment, you need to take advantage of the special qualifiers which has a limited timeframe to act. If at the time your fiancé finds work with insurance offered they may switch off at any point.
 
Everyone must have insurance or pay a penalty in taxes, and immigrants are not exempt from that. Temporary insurances, short term insurances, travel insurances, and insurances marketed towards immigrants specifically are considered subpar by the government - and the penalty will still apply.

Carrying that much cash is just too risky. If he does, he has to declare it to US Customs. Then he has a pocketful of ££ that he will have fees to deposit and may pay bank rates. 
 
Try Transferwise https://transferwise.com/us/ for a safer option with less fees and better exchange rate.
Many UK people on here recommended it so I used it. Flawless and quick. 
 

I would recommend that you use transferwise.com to transfer money from your UK account to your US account. The site was created by the same people that developed paypal. I've used it countless times and had no problems at all. You will get the mid-market rate on transfers currently £1 = $1.69. The fee is £1 up to £200 transferred and then 0.5% for above £200. I'm a bit of a 'coupon code geek' and if you do a bit of googling you can also find codes for free transfers. I transferred a five figure £ sum last week and paid no fee at all and got a rate of $1.70. If you use topcashback.co.uk you can earn £10.50 for your first transfer.
As a first time user I'd recommend doing a test payment for the minimum amount of £11.00 to make sure the money hits your US account OK. Once that's done you can do repeat payments to the same account.

You can bring any amount of money you wish to the US. It doesn't matter if you paid UK tax on it or not. You could have earned it from a job, or grandma could have given it to you. You are not taxed on it. In the US, you are taxed on income. That isn't income you are earning. It is already your money, not something you are earning in 2014. If you invest it and it earns $5.00 interest in 2014, then the $5 is income. Anything over $10,000 is reported...that says reported, not taxed. There is a difference. It is not reported on an income tax form either. Nothing to do with the IRS. . If you transfer it with a financial institution, they take care of doing the report and you won't even know it. If you are foolish enough to bring $10k+ into the country in your pockets, then you fill out the report with the customs. You are not punished, or taxed, suspect for bringing/transferring money to the US.
Try xe.com for a good rate. Lots of UK people use them. My husband left his money in the UK bank so I don't have personal experience, but threads come up in the UK forum over and over on the topic and xe or HiFx seem well thought of.

Hello all, happy to see so many getting married and my fingers and toes are crossed for all you still waiting. I am getting ready for the move to the USA and want to get some advice on money! What is the best way to transfer funds to the usa? Take cash or traveler's cheques or wire transfer?
 
Anyone looked into the best accounts to save money in if leaving funds in the uk which dont get taxed by usa?
 
Help!! so many things to do before I fly!!

Yes, I managed to open a bank account before moving to the USA. Details below, with perhaps excruciating detail and grammar (and spelling mistakes; sorry!).
 
I managed to open a US bank account with HSBC USA whilst still in the UK. HSBC UK handled this all for me, though I had to phone up their International Bank Account Opening team then go into the branch to fill in a lot of paperwork. The telephone team were good, and guided the branch through everything - but they're (the telephone team) much more used to opening up individuals who already have their Green Card or who are moving over for employment purposes. It took quite a while to convince them to open the account on the phone, after I explained the situation (a couple of phone calls over a few days). I hit a lot of roadblocks on the way but my bank card was waiting for me in the USA when I landed! (HSBC UK did offer to have HSBC USA send the bank card to the UK so I could have them before I took off but I only finished opening the account a few days before flying out so I asked them to send the card to our house within the USA instead rather than risk them to the UK arriving after I had left). In order to use International Bank Account Opening service though, I had to open a HSBC UK bank account. I did this around 3 months prior to moving out to the USA. Depending on the account that you open, this process can be free or can be at a cost.
 
The main problem with HSBC USA though is that they don't have lots of branches everywhere - I have seen one in San Francisco and a few in the Washington DC/tri-state area. I haven't found this too problematic really as I don't deposit much physical cash into the account anyway (though they might offer an alternative service for depositing physical cash, e.g. like some UK bank accounts do with the post office - I don't know though as I've never had a reason to find out if there is such a feature). All the services I have ever needed on the account (e.g. check deposit) can be completed electronically using the mobile app. I'm sure this is quite problematic though for people who prefer face-to-face encounters. For many of the HSBC accounts, there is also a fee if you don't maintain a minimum balance or if you don't have a 'direct deposit' (basically any payment in: I've found Transferwise is considered to be a direct deposit - something like $200 works each month). There are also fewer HSBC ATM/cash machines around meaning that, depending on your account type, you might have to pay to get cash out of another bank's ATM (on some of the HSBC USA account, you can get these fees refunded each month without hassle) although getting cashback is at no cost (e.g. at a supermarket with your groceries).  All-in-all, I'd perhaps not advise others to spend their time with getting HSBC UK to set up a HSBC USA bank account because you can get an account set up after landing in the USA (my wife and I set up a joint account a few days after entering the USA on my K1 visa, for instance).
 
Saying that, the major benefit of the HSBC USA bank account - sometimes referred to as a checking account rather than a 'current account' terminology I was more familiar with - was that it allowed me to open a HSBC MasterCard credit card in the USA straight away, under my open name, and without having to pay a deposit/guarantee (admittedly, the card had a tiny limit though, $500, which makes sense given that they had limited credit history on me from my HSBC UK account as it had only been open for three months - I don't think they pull your wider UK credit history, but instead based it on your internal HSBC UK credit history). I also got AMEX UK to open up an AMEX USA credit card for me too - though they wouldn't do this until I landed in the USA and I had gotten my Social Security Number. I believe that AMEX USA used my AMEX UK credit history which took a couple of days for them to confirm - as I had an AMEX for years in the UK, my credit limit was higher than the $500 that HSBC USA gave me (not huge though, but they let you increase the limit by 2x or 3x your initial limit it after 6 months of the account being open - and then increase the limit by 2x or 3x every 6 months from therein I believe). As an aside, HSBC USA didn't require a Social Security Number from me to open a bank/credit card account but they did send me a form in the post within a few weeks asking for that number (which I had received by the time that I received it).
 
I'm sure that there are alternatives to my approach but it worked for me - and I wouldn't change much in how I approached this all.
 
I hope that helps - perhaps a little too much detail. Nonetheless, it might be useful for you! I think I've covered my entire experience so I don't know if I would have much else to add!

Thanks so much. Is it essential I get my SSN first? 
 
We were wanting to get married on 1st April, The day he proposed and my interview is 12th March so obviously if all goes well I'd be in country maybe a few days before the first leaving me.enough ime to apply for our marrige licence. But may not have enough time to get a SSN first as I'm not actually sure how long it takes to get one.
 
Obviously if I need to get a SSN first we will push our wedding back weve not booked anything and the woman who is going to conduct our elopment is flexible on dates so we don't have to plan anytging. 

An old friend of mine's fiancee just arrived from the Philippines (CONGRATS MY FRIEND!) He asked me what was next...well...This is what I came up with over the last couple of hours. I thought it might be helpful in general, so I left all names out (except for Joan!). I hope this helps. Please follow the links provided for more information. Copy and paste the links if they are not "live." Please excuse any/all typos!
 
Step One: RELAX and enjoy each other for a few days!
 
Step Two: Go online and download her Form I-94 (https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1694/~/i-94-automation---how-to-print-a-copy-of-your-i-94-form)
 
Step Three: Go to the Social Security Administration with the Form I-94 AFTER about 10-14 days from her date of entry (it takes a while for her to get into the system) and get her Social Security Number—-BUT DON’T wait until the end of her 90 day status…SSA needs at least a two week window before her I-94 expires. Deal with any name changes later…get the SSN NOW! Read this: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn
 
Step Four: Take her new SSN to the bank and set up a joint bank account (you will need this later, so start now!)
 
Step Five: Get Married within 90 days off her date of entry.
 
Step Six: File for Adjustment of Status (AOS)—Form I-485—as soon as you can after the wedding (find out how long it takes to get an official copy of your marriage certificate—not license—and plan accordingly). TECHNICALLY, there is no real deadline to file AOS, but she will be “Out of Status” until you file if you file after the 90 day window. The good news is that all accrued out of status days are “forgiven” when you file for AOS as married to a US Citizen and the odds of any real problem arising from her being out of status is slim, but why chance it? The other things are that she cannot work in the US without EITHER her Employment Authorization Document (EAD)—Form I-766—or her Green Card (EAD normally takes up to 90 days and the GC could take much longer) AND she cannot travel outside of the US without her Advanced Parole (AP) card—Form I-131—or Green Card. AP and EAD are usually issued as a combo card of you apply for them at the same time. The filing fees for the I-766 and I-131 are included if you file for them with your I-484 application. NOTE: This stage is for a TWO-YEAR CONDITIONAL GREEN CARD, NOT THE TEN-YEAR PERMANENT GREEN CARD! THE NOA1 (NOTICE OF ACTION 1) IS YOUR RECEIPT AND ESTABLISHES HER CONTINUED LEGAL PRESENCE IN THE US! DON’T LOSE IT!
 
Step Seven (actually this one needs to be ongoing from today on): Start creating/gathering evidence of a bonafide marriage (read: evidence of co-mingling of assets). You won’t need much for the AOS because the marriage is new, but you will need a LOT for the next stage, so start now. Here is an excellent place to start: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos. This is what we sent:
A—Form G-1145 B—AOS Cover Letter C—Form I-485 D—Copy of Joan’s Passport E—Copy of Joan’s Visa and entry stamp F—2 Passport style photos for I-485 G—G-325A (Joan and Steve) H—Copy of NOA2 I—I-94 (printed from online form) for I-485 J— Copy of Joan’s Birth Certificate K—Temporary Certificate of Marriage  L—Printout of Hawaii DOH website stating 60 to 120 day wait for “Official” Certificate of Marriage
M—DS-3025 N—Printout of USCIS instructions regarding K-1 I-693 exemption O—I-864 P—Copy of DOE Form 5 (evidence of employment) Q—Copies of pay stubs (April, May, June, July, August 2013 R—2012 ITR S—2012 W2 T—I-765 U—2 Passport style photos for I-765 V—I-94 for I-764 W—I-131 X—2 Passport style photos for I-131 Y—I-94 for I-131
We BROUGHT the following to our interview:
Life insurance policies with each other as beneficiary Health insurance documents showing Joan on my policy Joint bank account statements
The examiner commented that these were excellent for the ROC (next) step, so I knew that our AOS was approved!
REVIEW the requirements or the need to see a Civil Surgeon for a new medical or to get her immunizations transcribed! You NEED to review THIS: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/551080-immunizations-ds-3025-or-i-693/
 
Step Eight: Settled in for what could be a long wait. Get her involved in the community or in school to keep her from going stir-crazy at home! When her EAD card arrives then start the process of getting driver’s license, etc. You might be able to use the EAD to change her name at SSA, but you might need her Green Card…I forgot which we used because Joan’s GC came right after her EAD in our case. Follow the instructions on the biometrics appointment letter for fingerprinting, etc. (not a big deal).
 
Step Nine: The Interview (if you are called for an interview—50-50 shot)—You BOTH must appear, but don’t worry. It is normally very routine and a cake walk.
 
Step Ten: Conditional Green Card arrives! Congratulations….she is now a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) of the US! (Make note of the official date that she became an LPR—you will need that later!) RELAX! You are FREE for two years!
 
Step Eleven: Here we go again! Time to file for Removal of Conditions (ROC)—Form I-751. THIS is for her permanent green card (which needs to be renewed every ten years unless she is granted US Citizen status later). MAKE SURE YOU FILE BEFORE HER TWO-YEAR GREEN CARD EXPIRES—The window opens 90 days before her conditional card expires. This is the phase where you need evidence of a good faith marriage (again, read co-mingling of assets) and a LOT of it that spans the whole time of your marriage (so, like I said earlier, START NOW!). Do NOT take this phase lightly. It is very easy, but you need the evidence! Set-up wills and/or medical power of attorneys. They are great for ROC and for life. READ THIS for a good starting point: http://www.visajourney.com/content/751guide
This is what we sent and had no problems:
A—Front and Back of Joan’s 2-Year Green Card
B—Revised Condo Title Showing Stephen’s Marriage to Joan
C—Copies of Our Driver’s License/Learner’s Permit (showing same name and address) and American Express and Visa cards (Visa cards with the same number)
D—Stephen’s Last Will and Testament with Joan as main heir
E—Joan’s Life Insurance Policy with Stephen as beneficiary
F—Stephen’s Life Insurance Policy with Joan as beneficiary
G—Stephen’s annuity with Joan as beneficiary
H—2013 and 2014 Tax Transcripts showing Joint Married Filing; E-file signature page and copy of 2014 Federal Tax Return check in both names
I—Joint bank account statements spanning from September 2013 to present (samples—not every statement)
J—Joint investment statement (Started 2/2015)
K—Joint publishing contract with copy of our book cover
L—Insurance policy for Joan’s engagement ring in both our names
M—Copies of American Express bills (summary pages with both names)
N—Copies of cable bill with chat transcript with company explaining that Joan has been on the account since 2014, but her name appears on the bill only starting in February 2015
O—A few copies of the electric bill in both names (only starting in February 2015 for the same reason as the cable account)
P —Miscellaneous travel arrangements and /or boarding passes from 2013 to present
Q—Photos of us at home on O’ahu; traveling to different islands in Hawai;i; and two trips to New York to see mom
Interviews at this phase are rare, but don’t freak out if you are called for one.
 
Step Twelve: Settle in for a LONG wait, but don’t worry…the NOA1 receipt extends her conditional green card for one year, so she can work and travel as she did for the prior two years. There is one minor hiccup at this phase: Your biometrics appointment letter (again) will have a DIFFERENT receipt number than your NOA1 (Different NOA1 than you got for the AOS phase—confused yet!-nah, it really isn’t so bad!)
 
Step Thirteen: Celebrate the arrival of her Permanent Green Card and start thinking about citizenship! She is eligible to file for US Citizenship anytime AFTER 90 days BEFORE her third anniversary of becoming a Legal Permanent Resident while married to a US Citizen (5 years otherwise). I know that sounds confusing, but let’s say that the she becomes a LPR on September 1, 2017. She could file her Form N-400 (“Application for Naturalization”) in June of 2020 (whatever actual date is 90 days before September 1st). NOTE: She can STILL apply for US Citizenship in the same time frame even if her 10-year green card is delayed. This is rare, but int does happen. You will force the adjudication of the I-751 application by filing the N-400 in this unlikely event. She will be interviewed (alone this time) and they will go over routine questions about her application and then give her a simple English reading and writing test followed by a US History/Civics exam. She will be asked 10 questions (out of 100 possible questions) and she needs to answer 6 correctly to pass. They GIVE you the questions in advance! (We are at this phase—we are “in line” for Joan’s interview). Read THIS: http://www.visajourney.com/content/naturalization_guide and make sure to bring the required documents to the interview. WATCH the video here: http://blog.uscis.gov/2013/10/applying-for-citizenship-what-to-know.html. This is also REQUIRED reading, at least for the US spouse of the soon to be US citizen (the current applicant). It is fall off your chair funny! http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/382775-mrs-t-b-38-the-citizenship-test/
 
Step Fourteen: Participate in the Oath Ceremony (bring the required documents—http://www.visajourney.com/content/naturalization_process-- and officially become a US Citizen!
 
GOOD LUCK!
 
OH!! Don’t freak out if you get a dreaded RFE or RFIE (“Request For Evidence”)! It means someone touched your file! Respond to exact requests listed and your case will be adjudicated soon.

Good to know.  Just yesterday I was searching for SSN info and found this: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn  It says to wait 2 weeks after POE to apply.  My county says a SSN is a must but only if you have one, otherwise just visa, passport, drivers license, etc.  Crossing fingers because our plan is to get married the day after POE.   Keep us up-to-date on your progress...good luck!

So now Rose, AJ and Aira are pre-registered for medical, have taken their passport photos, have their interview confirmation and are just preparing the paperwork to carry with them.  It is so hard to believe that just 3 days ago NVC received our petition.  
 
Our interview is scheduled just 27 days after NVC received our petition.  It is just incredible after 9 months and 7 days waiting on USCIS.
 
Hang in there everyone.  This is going to happen and the speed will blow your mind once you get past USCIS.

Lets hope that we don’t need a 5th page. Now let’s get this done.  We can move over to the AOS thread and blow that one up!

Approved in just a five minute interview!!!!! O M Geeeeeeeee

Just a little crazy pic from me and the fiancé to say hi and say we’re thinking of you all during our time together but the facial expression is to show that some people who I will not name are just crazy and confusing.  
 
Friday’s interview is drawing closer, but you are all in our thoughts and hearts. 

Well..... I got there - needed to pee so got my cup right away (which is TINY)... Handed that back and was asked for my paperwork.  They took copies, and I was given more forms to fill out and then handed those back....

After about 5 mins, a nurse yelled my name (and I mean YELLED), and then she todl me with a huge smile on my face that I was rare because I already had my vaccinations and she wouldn't be seeing me, and that they'd give me a complete form before I left for AOS to say all my vaccinations are complete already.

Then another 5 mins or so and a guy called me, and took me to have the chest X-Ray done.  Pretty simple, although the position he made me stand in was PAINFUL.  But thats OK - I didn't mind.

Went back, sat down, this time about 10 mins or so, and the doctor called.  She chatted about my questionairre, asked about mental health (I have had PTSD so had provided a letter saying I never had harmed myself and was not any risk to myself or anyone else) - she simply asked what had happened and I told her with no problem.  Then the drug chat came, and she was just so adamant and rude about it but I refused to give in and say I'd even tried drugs.  That finally came to an end and then she weighed me... (165lbs), and did an eye test (read the letters on the wall).

After that she looked in my eyes, then my ears and throat, listened to my heart and lungs, did a physical (I only ever had to take off my top, so your mossy might be safe!)... she felt the tops of my feet to check I had pulses there....????

Then she took some blood (she BLOODY hurt, even after I told her I have a fear of needles), and that was it - it was over.

I had to sit back in the waiting room for another ten mins or so, and then they call you to pay and you're all done.
 
The one thing I will say is that she gave away NO information.  She wouldn't tell me if things would affect my visa status or not.  She wouldn't tell me if her findings were normal.  None of that.  She just said if the tests come back and I require treatment for Syphillis, Gonnorhea or Tuberculosis, then they will call me within 5 business days... otherwise if I dont hear from them, I can assume those tests were all negative.
 
It really was painless other than one doctor who was probably just in a Monday morning bad mood.
 
Be prepared for that, but it could have just been that single doctor having a bad day.

omg! Good luck tomorrow - please let us know what they do to you!  I am not looking forward to mine.

omg! Good luck tomorrow - please let us know what they do to you!  I am not looking forward to mine.

Nope! NVC will send the petitioner a letter in the mail about your case being forward to Embassy. You just need to send your fiance(e) the I-134 with supporting documents! The rest is up to the beneficiary.