MerryMentor

1 minute ago, samdog said:

1. Thanks!

2. Sure, I can grab some of these and print them - I have envelopes and letters/cards but she likely doesn't.

3. Co-mingled finances - well I do share expenses at home and this can be seen in monthly transfer from my account into hers. Do you think this won't be enough? Cars and the house are both in hers name.

4. Will do.

5. You mean just the front and back of passport? Current passport or both current and expired passports?

6. Can't I just send them in separate ziplock bags like (1) within I-130 packet TWO copies; (2) within I-485 packet SIX copies

7. Thanks, will do.

8. Birth certificate is included right now, and yes I included ALL pages of all passports for both of us. It's not that much more than the ones with visas and stamps.

 

Thank you!! I'll need it! 

1) There is no right answer for how much proof is enough for commingled finances, but having a joint account is important, and filing taxes together. If you recently got married you can do those things now and have them ready in case they issue an RFE or at the time of interview. Yours don’t seem to be much proof, but again if you got married recently they understand that and you can start doing those things now. 
5) the part with your name, photo, address etc.

i would include expired passport as well in case it has any visas or travel stamps.

6) no put them into 4 ziplocks and organize with each form. I765, and 131 are processed separately than 485.

2 minutes ago, samdog said:

Yes, beneficiary's high school diploma and undergraduate degree are from a foreign country. They are both in English, though. What should I do about the equivalency do you recommend?

You can send as is for now, but I944 requires equivalency. You can find one of the acceptable ones online. I excluded my high school from the education portion, since I have Teo masters degrees from here and then included ECE evaluations for my bachelors that o had done a few years ago.

i suggest you take That with you for the interview or if they issue an RFE.

25 minutes ago, samdog said:

Can someone chime in if we're missing some forms/supporting evidence in our packet? Planning to ship tomorrow: (used this guide https://www.visajourney.com/guides/i130-spouse-inside-usa/ to prepare)

 

Question: How do we send these? It totals to about 250 pages (rough guess based on ~3 inches thickness) and there's no way it fits in any of the envelopes we have. Planning to use paper clips to link relevant documents together (individual I-20s, all forms, individual passports etc.) and then using a bulldog clip to create a packet for I-130 and then for I-485.

 

Should I put I-130 packet in a separate envelope after using bulldog clip, and ditto with I-485 packet?

And then these packets can go into a larger "overall" packet?

 

A) Overall packet

1. Cover letter
2. G-1145 --> Do we need to submit two copies of these for each individual packet, or just one copy outside the individual packets?

 

B) I-130 packet

1. G-1450 for $535
2. Cover letter
3. I-130
4. I-130A
5. Copy of all pages of US passport of petitioner
6. Copy of all pages of foreign passport (current + expired) of beneficiary
7. Certified copy of marriage license
8. Two passport style photos of petitioner
9. Two passport style photos of beneficiary
10. Evidence of bonafide marriage:
    1. Proof of joint residency
       1. Driver's licenses
       2. Certificate of occupancy from our local city
       3. Joint utility bills - internet, water, electric, auto insurance
    2. Photos over the years since we first started dating, visited family or friends during Christmas or Thanksgiving or weddings, engagement day, wedding day --> 20 total photos
       1. Also a document explaining which photo was from which occasion (the document is printed in black & white with captions below each photo along with the dates and descriptions of people who are with us)
    3. Travel documents - either joint travel, or travel to meet each other while we were living in separate cities for ~6 months
    4. Should we include photos of cards/letters that we sent to each other while we were long distance for ~6 months? We have been living together for 2+ years now.
    5. Is it mandatory to show proof that we are listed as each other's beneficiaries on our retirement accounts, and health/life insurance accounts?

 

C) I-485 packet

1. G-1450 for $1225
2. Cover letter
3. I-485, along with supporting evidence:
   1. Copy of all pages of foreign passport (current + expired) of beneficiary
   2. Copy of birth certificate of beneficiary --> Should we include this in addition to the copy of the passport? Asking because it's in pretty bad shape and they might likely ask us to get a new copy which who knows will take how long.
   3. Certified copy of marriage license
   4. Latest i94 of beneficiary
   5. Copy of ALL the I-20s of beneficiary --> total 20 I-20 documents
   6. Six passport style photos of beneficiary
   7. Court documents and additional information about the incident that beneficiary had
4. I-765
5. I-131
6. I-864EZ, along with supporting evidence:
   1. Copy of all pages of US passport of petitioner
   2. IRS transcripts of petitioner: 2017, 2018, 2019
   3. Pay stubs of petitioner from last 12 months
7. I-944, along with supporting evidence:
   1. Checking and savings account statements of both petitioner and beneficiary
   2. Retirement account statements of both petitioner and beneficiary
   3. Property assessment and mortgage statement
   4. Credit report of beneficiary
   5. Credit score document of beneficiary
   6. Current health insurance proof of beneficiary
   7. IRS transcript of beneficiary: 2019
8. I-693 is NOT included here because doctor's signature expired 10+ days ago and it'll likely be 15-20 days by the time USCIS receives our package. We will get it done in a couple weeks and send it over to USCIS after speaking to them on the phone.

Also do you have any foreign degrees? Then you’ll need to include equivalency of those degrees.

16 minutes ago, samdog said:

Can someone chime in if we're missing some forms/supporting evidence in our packet? Planning to ship tomorrow: (used this guide https://www.visajourney.com/guides/i130-spouse-inside-usa/ to prepare)

 

Question: How do we send these? It totals to about 250 pages (rough guess based on ~3 inches thickness) and there's no way it fits in any of the envelopes we have. Planning to use paper clips to link relevant documents together (individual I-20s, all forms, individual passports etc.) and then using a bulldog clip to create a packet for I-130 and then for I-485.

 

Should I put I-130 packet in a separate envelope after using bulldog clip, and ditto with I-485 packet?

And then these packets can go into a larger "overall" packet?

 

A) Overall packet

1. Cover letter
2. G-1145 --> Do we need to submit two copies of these for each individual packet, or just one copy outside the individual packets?

 

B) I-130 packet

1. G-1450 for $535
2. Cover letter
3. I-130
4. I-130A
5. Copy of all pages of US passport of petitioner
6. Copy of all pages of foreign passport (current + expired) of beneficiary
7. Certified copy of marriage license
8. Two passport style photos of petitioner
9. Two passport style photos of beneficiary
10. Evidence of bonafide marriage:
    1. Proof of joint residency
       1. Driver's licenses
       2. Certificate of occupancy from our local city
       3. Joint utility bills - internet, water, electric, auto insurance
    2. Photos over the years since we first started dating, visited family or friends during Christmas or Thanksgiving or weddings, engagement day, wedding day --> 20 total photos
       1. Also a document explaining which photo was from which occasion (the document is printed in black & white with captions below each photo along with the dates and descriptions of people who are with us)
    3. Travel documents - either joint travel, or travel to meet each other while we were living in separate cities for ~6 months
    4. Should we include photos of cards/letters that we sent to each other while we were long distance for ~6 months? We have been living together for 2+ years now.
    5. Is it mandatory to show proof that we are listed as each other's beneficiaries on our retirement accounts, and health/life insurance accounts?

 

C) I-485 packet

1. G-1450 for $1225
2. Cover letter
3. I-485, along with supporting evidence:
   1. Copy of all pages of foreign passport (current + expired) of beneficiary
   2. Copy of birth certificate of beneficiary --> Should we include this in addition to the copy of the passport? Asking because it's in pretty bad shape and they might likely ask us to get a new copy which who knows will take how long.
   3. Certified copy of marriage license
   4. Latest i94 of beneficiary
   5. Copy of ALL the I-20s of beneficiary --> total 20 I-20 documents
   6. Six passport style photos of beneficiary
   7. Court documents and additional information about the incident that beneficiary had
4. I-765
5. I-131
6. I-864EZ, along with supporting evidence:
   1. Copy of all pages of US passport of petitioner
   2. IRS transcripts of petitioner: 2017, 2018, 2019
   3. Pay stubs of petitioner from last 12 months
7. I-944, along with supporting evidence:
   1. Checking and savings account statements of both petitioner and beneficiary
   2. Retirement account statements of both petitioner and beneficiary
   3. Property assessment and mortgage statement
   4. Credit report of beneficiary
   5. Credit score document of beneficiary
   6. Current health insurance proof of beneficiary
   7. IRS transcript of beneficiary: 2019
8. I-693 is NOT included here because doctor's signature expired 10+ days ago and it'll likely be 15-20 days by the time USCIS receives our package. We will get it done in a couple weeks and send it over to USCIS after speaking to them on the phone.

1) You can buy two different sized envelopes (12 inch for each packet and 14 or 15 inch to put everything in) from Walmart. The I485 I put together barely fit in and then I placed both envelopes into the larger envelope.

2) you should include picture of letters and stuff, it doesn’t hurt.

3) you’re missing proof of commingled finances, join bank account, joint credit card, beneficiary on each other’s retirement account, car or any other property together. I also included the receipt for the wedding band and engagement ring.

4) make sure you include I-94 history with 485.

5) Passport iD page with both 131 and 765.

6) you want to include 2 copies of photos with each form 130, 485, 131, and 765.

7) you can reduce paystubs of your spouse from 12 to 6 months.

😎 Definitely include birth certificate. Also when you say all pages of passport that should just be the ones with travel stamps and visas and not empty pages.

if you have any other questions let me know.

good luck!

1 hour ago, gramercygreen said:

I didn’t see this in the guide, BUT DON’T FORGET THE I-944!!

Absolutely.

13 minutes ago, samdog said:

That's crazy! I am assuming it'll take 5-8 months for EAD/AP, if not longer due to biometrics being backed up for months.

@MerryMentor Sorry to bother you again, but is there any specific reason you recommended UPS over USPS?

This is just a guess, but if your application is well organized and without complications and errors things go along faster.

I have had USPS delay delivery multiple times and some people have similar experiences based on the information I found on forums here.

7 minutes ago, samdog said:

Thanks! So I'm assuming that NBC will handle the EAD/AP card and then the other parts will be handled by my local office? Either way, not like it's in my control; just wanted to get an idea of what the wait time for EAD/AP will be assuming we send the forms this week and there are no RFEs (or if there are, that we can answer them quickly and correctly).

 

I will make sure to use UPS!

NBC handles all the documents, until your case is ready for interview and then your file goes to your field office.

It’s highly variable, a friend got his in 85 days and some people who files in October last year haven’t gotten it yet. You can download lawfully app it gives you a rough timeframe of when your the things will be processed. Also, With current situation in mind it’s hard to tell, especially if they can’t get the biometrics done; however, if you’ve a job offer or if you will lose your job (if you’re using opt ead) you can ask for expedited processing. 

31 minutes ago, samdog said:

Also, does anyone know which office will process my case after the Chicago Lockbox? Or is it just random?

Most likely National Benefits center before it gets transferred to your local field office, but it can be some other office as well. I would also suggest using UPS instead of the USPS to submit your application.

12 minutes ago, samdog said:

@MerryMentor thanks. That's incredibly detailed!

 

Another question:

Our I-693 will have doctor's signature that is ~75 days old by the time USCIS received our forms. Guidelines say 60 days but our wedding was postponed (twice) due to lockdowns. Should we still send this form right now and explain in cover letter why?

 

Also seems like we have to re-fill I-485 because the version we have has expiration in 2021 which doesn't match the latest online form.

I would just send the I-693, if they want a new one they’ll send and RFE or you can take a new one to your interview. Considering the pandemic they might accept it or not, nothing to lose at this point by sending it.

Yeah make sure all forms are the proper version, I’ve seen a lot of people get rejected because of outdated forms.

4 minutes ago, samdog said:

Soo.... super basic question that I need to make sure I understand correctly. (F1 AOS here too, sending our forms in a day or two fingers crossed)

 

This guide says that there are two packets that we need to send - the I130 one and the I485 one. Did you guys have 2 separate envelopes within a master envelope that you sent to the Chicago lockbox? Or, should we just use a paperclip to create "packets" in that the forms and evidence for 130 and 485 are separate but joined together? Thanks.

 

I used Two envelopes and put them in a big master envelope. Within the envelopes I used a big clip to hold everything together and smaller clips to hold similar things together. I also made sure different form types and the required evidence for each was clipped together. So I had 130 and 130A separated and held by a big Clip, same with 485, 864, 944, 131, and 765. Good luck!

31 minutes ago, Ally&Axel said:

Good Idea MerryMentor, I'm adjusting from F1 as well and so far my timeline is:

 

 

Forms mailed: May 2nd, 2020

Delivered at Chicago Lockbox: May 4th 2020

Texts received: May 12 2020

NOA1 in mail: Pending

Biometrics: Pending 

I131 and I765 NOA2: Pending

I130 and I485 NOA2: Pending

Great, will keep updating here as things progress. Congratulations and good luck!

7 minutes ago, YvetteS said:

I tried finding this app on android, but I couldn't. Do you mind sharing with me the app icon? 

😊

This is what the batch lookup looks like on the android app I suggested.

36 minutes ago, portorusa said:

Excuse my ignorance, but those folks using Case Tracker app, how do I know my case number if I mailed my AOS package and did not receive NOAs yet?

I guess Case Tracker is only useful if you have your NOA already...

Yes, you would need your case number from the texts or the NOA. 

5 minutes ago, YvetteS said:

I tried finding this app on android, but I couldn't. Do you mind sharing with me the app icon? 

😊

I couldn’t find the exact same one on android but this one might be the closest. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xiaohui.usciscasechecker&hl=en_US

please make sure it’s legit.

1 hour ago, brainless69 said:

wow, i'm curious what all the RFE's are for... but guess you have to see the positives and they are working on your case and something is happening....

USCIS has a list of things they will send RFEs for, there maybe more but here is the link https://www.uscis.gov/i-485Checklist

30 minutes ago, malajoe said:

U have it on an iphone or droid. It really seems they are handing out RFEs like candy

iPhone.

46 minutes ago, malajoe said:

What is the exact name of this app? Technology is so amazing.

Case tracker.

38 minutes ago, Viking said:

FINALLY

 

payment charge pending for the AOS application and biometrics fee on my account- 🙂

seldom have a charge made me SO happy and relieved.

 

lets see whats in the mail in the next coming days..

Congratulations 🍾 

6 minutes ago, Indie2020 said:

What app is this?

 

Case Tracker.

USCIS is going through cases filed in April, seeing a lot of RFIEs going out today.

I haven’t seen any latest threads on concurrent filings. So I though I will make one for those who are adjusting status from F1 or similar visas and are concurrently filing I130 and I485.

I’ll start with my timeline:

Forms mailed: April 16, 2020

Delivered at Chicago Lockbox: April 17, 2020

Texts received: April 22, 2020

NOA1 in mail: April 25, 2020

Biometrics: Pending 

I131 and I765 NOA2: Pending

I130 and I485 NOA2: Pending

14 minutes ago, Rebekajojo said:

Hi all!! 

 

S my husband and I have been working so hard to  get our AOS together to submit and now the ONLY thing we are missing are my tax transcripts. I did not file in 2019 because I was living in Haiti as a missionary and did not receive any kind of pay. I filed every year before that. I submit a request for my tax transcripts about 7 weeks ago to only now found out the IRS is doing online transcripts only and I don't qualify to view mine online because I don't have a mortgage, credit card, etc. At this time it is impossible for me to get these papers. 

 

1- Should we submit AOS without them and add an explanation? We have a co-sponsor and all of his paperwork is available. 

2 - How do I prove I wasn't required to file in 2019? I can't get that proof from the IRS either. 

 

Thanks in advance! 

You can request one online. You’ll need to make an account with IRS. The transcript will be immediately available for download.

21 minutes ago, SeanDowney0309 said:

Hi all, 

 

Regarding all the forms that will be submitted with the AOS package (I-485,I-131,I-765,I-864 and I-944), is it necessary to write N/A on every single answer that does not apply to me? from every form? Trying as much as possible to avoid getting a RFE...

I don’t know, but I used GreenCardHero for my forms and everything that did not pertain to my application was automatically filled with N/A. 

7 minutes ago, ethngd said:

Update on my timeline. I-130/I-485 packages. Adjusting from F-1

Apr 29: Checks cashed

May 4: NOA arriving in mail. I haven't got to look yet because I'm still at work. But USPS shows there are 3 envelopes to my name and 1 to my wife's (petitioner)

 

An odd thing is I included the G-1145 form filled out with my information (I'm the applicant) and I didn't receive any text messages or emails. Not sure if I messed this up.

Congratulations! 
 

My wife (sponsor) and I both filed the G-1145 but I got all 4 texts and she didn’t get any. It’s baffling how unpredictable things are with USCIS. 

I’m also adjusting from F1 and received my NOA  on April 25. Lets keep in touch.

59 minutes ago, Murphy1994 said:

Hey everyone. Filed my form sometime in April and it was received on the 14th. Just checked my status and I have an RFE coming my way. Really nervous! I wish it told you online what the RFE was for.

Has anyone gotten an RFE recently and what’s it for?
The things I suspect they could be for:
-My husband hadn’t filed his 2019 taxes yet which he’s doing now.

-I couldn’t get those education equivalency reports due to COVID. I hope it isn’t that because I’ve no way of getting them!
-I sent error reports from the credit score websites because I didn’t have a credit score. I’ve since gotten a letter from Equifax saying I don’t have a credit score so it would be handy if that’s what it was 😔 

 

Unfortunately it doesn’t go into the details of RFE online, but at least you know applications are being processing. Hopefully it’s not anything major. Good luck and keep us posted.