ScottFL

Thanks everyone, for the replies. We went to a different branch of my same bank(Bank Atlantic), where they accepted the AOS NOA (I-797). Their guidelines asked specifically for an "Approved Extension I-797" but they took it. They also needed a second form of photo ID, and believe it or not, the Homeland Security-issued Work Authorization card (a photo ID with fingerprint) was not among their accepted ID forms. We may have to get her a FL ID card before she gets her driver's license and take it to the bank to complete her application.

But so far, it seems they're willing to open her an account; they're just being especially cognizant of relevant regulations under the Patriot Act and they pointed out how several other banks were recently fined millions of dollars for being too loose with the requirements for aliens. These regulations are meant to prevent money laundering and money disappearing from the country in the form of credit granted to illegals(and absconded with). It's sometimes frustrating how people in the legal immigration process have so many hurdles and expenses while so many people are here illegally.

Nevertheless, we will continue to do it all by the book. I don't even really resent my bank's extra security. I'd like to see all immigrants in the legal process rather than outside it, and it seems Bank Atlantic is covering themselves legally while making it known they prefer to do business with aliens only if they have proper papers. We have proper papers, but were a bit surprised by all that was required.

Yes, we could go to another bank, but I bank at Bank Atlantic and prefer them to the alternatives. They have great 7-day and late hours and low fees. Also, they didn't engage in any of the subprime lending nonsense and so are not tanking like other banks. Incidentally, a huge scam was recently broken up in California where an 'agency' was getting mortgages and equity lines for illegals using doctored papers, who then cashed out the credit lines and left the country, leaving taxpayers holding the bad paper. Ugh.

Thanks again everyone..

-Scott

Could anyone help us with a little issue?

My wife came on K1. We got married Aug 8 and filed for AOS, Work Auth. and AP. She has had biometrics and has both Social Security card and Work Authorization card. We went to my bank to open her a bank account and they required:

-ID (she has passport and marriage certificate)

-Social Security # (she has card)

-Extension of Visa I797 if visa is expired. This one is the problem. I tried to explain that the visa is expired because the K1 has a 90 day hard limit and can't be extended, so there is no possibility of any extension form for it. We showed the I797 acknowledging receipt of her AOS app. they wouldn't accept it, stating they need an I797 with a stamp on it with a date extending the visa. I kept trying to get across to them that the K1 is different and that we're in status having applied for AOS and that others at this same stage have bank accounts.

What do I have to show them to be able to get my wife a bank account? Anyone know how I can go in a restate my case so they'll 'get it'?

Thanks,

Scott & Valentina

Thanks, that's the hope. Sounds kinda risky to me. Any others have same or different take on this issue?

-Scott

We are at the stage just prior to my fiancee's interview in Kiev. She'll have all materials gathered and will be ready to make her appointment in the next week or so. Her cousin has asked her to visit her in Thailand for a 10 day vacation before the last step of the process, and she'd like to take her up on it since it could be a while before they'll see each other again. I don't mind waiting a few more days (5 years & counting in the relationship).

Does anyone think this could pose any problems at the interview? Besides the worries that unexpected things could happen, could the late visa stamp in the middle of our process raise any flags? Any other potential problems? If there are definite concerns, she wouldn't make the trip.

Thanks,

Scott

ahhh, well, the similar topics that came up when I posted answered the question.

This is a great forum.

Will my fiancee's prior visa refusals (tourist, education) affect our current I-129F process?

My fiancee(in Ukraine) applied about 10 years ago for a tourist visa and was denied. Last year she was denied an education visa apparently because her sister has lived in the US for about 10 years, and there was concern she might be more anchored to her sister than to home. We've been close for 4 years with several vacations together(Spain, Thailand), but only on my most recent visit to Kiev did we decide the get engaged and do the I-129F.

We have plenty of evidence, and good organized paperwork(thanks to this excellent website), but one lingering concern is if those prior refusals might pop up during this process.

Anyone know about this?

Thanks...