____

I received my EAD card and AP papers in the mail today after applying mid-April and having one RFE (for the AOS) requested. I assume you all will receive them soon, as it's around 90 days for most of us April filers now...

Anathor small query for you .......

My AOS package is 90 % done..would be sending it this week..

Do i courier it or send by normal mail?

is normal mail not generally used to send off the package??

I sent mine regular mail but had a return receipt and the "Certified Mail" package attached.

Got my EAD today in the mail! Was mailed from Lee's Summit, Missouri 2 days ago in a plain white envelope. Doesn't say USCIS on it. Others who were approved for EAD this past week should be receiving theirs soon.

W00t! You filed four days before me, so I'm excited now

Member since: April 23, 2007

Total points: 93 (Level 1)

Points earned this week:

--% Best answer

lalolita90

Advance parole not received in the mail yet!please help?

the email from uscis said it was mailed on july 26,and it's been 10 days now and I haven't received it in the mail yet.while my employment authorization was approved on july 28 and I got it yesterday.has anybody experienced this? should I start worrying? what can I do if it gets lost in the mail or something.? wanna go visit my familly in few weeks.

thank you

This is the same circumstance I'm in. Mine was approved two days after yours and I haven't received mine yet, either. Do remember that there was a national holiday in the middle of last week that might have disrupted mail. If we haven't received them in another week, then I'd call customer service (you can get a real person on the line if you're patient enough). I haven't received my EAD yet either (it was approved July 3). I want them pretty badly, too!\

If anyone has any time frames of how long we should expect to wait between emails of approval and document-in-hand, do let us know

ok i know this answer is prob out there, but about how long does it take from applying for AOS till u get the greencard/work auth? I know broad question and answer may vary depending on circumstances, however what is an average amount of time ...not counting any glitches?????????????????/thanks !

I don't believe there is any average for AOS - nothing anywhere near reliable anyway. For EAD, you can usually count on approx 3 months.

I've heard of any time frame from three months to a matter of years. You're right that it depends on circumstances, but it also depends on your geographic location, how efficient or busy the office is who are dealing with your case, whether they need RFEs (which isn't really a glitch - it happens to many applicants and doesn't slow things down much at all) and whether your FBI namecheck goes through in a timely manner. As long as you have your EAD and your AP, you can live very comfortably while you wait for the Green Card.

I wrote individual checks and put them in a small ziplock bag with the pics paperclipped to the front page.

I overstayed my tourist visa (probably for a lot longer than you hubby), we were approved in 3 months. I wouldn't worry too much, just keep your evidence in a safe place for your interview

Thanks for the advice and encouragement guys and gals! I will also make sure I use the separate checks for the appropriate docs in the zip bags with the photos. I've got everything laid out on the dining table with my checklist. Feels like preparing for summer camp! It will be so nice for hubby to get his EAD as he is bored being Mr. Mom and chauffer to a teen LOL. (I secretly love having dinner cooked and ready when I get home from work!!) He makes a better wife than I do!!

Well I don't know what the woman at USCIS customer service was on when she told me to just write out one check. Like I said previously, it worked fine for me. The check was cashed, my receipts all arrived on the same day and my AP and EAD came within five days of each other. So I'm guessing that the break down of the checks matters not at all.

Despite previous posts, I wouldn't recommend sending one cheque for all fees. I would send seperate cheques (indicating what form it pertains to in the 'memo' section) in case they have to return a form for some reason (i.e. missed signature). If you've sent them one cheque, then the whole package gets returned. It's a bit more of a pain than if you just got one form back.

The AOS fee of $325 and the biometric fee can be on written on one check according to the government websites instructions for the 485. The rest of the checks should be written seperately.

I called USCIS customer service and they recommended I send in one check, which is what I did. It worked fine for me.

The only cause for concern I have is, was he here illegally and for how long? I believe there are rules in place that penalize AOS applicants who have overstayed previous visas. You might want to check up on that :\

Unfortunately, your case sounds like you could benefit from the help of a lawyer. I'm not a big fan of lawyers as they rip you off, but your case might get complicated with the visitors visa / potential overstaying problems you've mentioned...

Oh geez...I was under the impression (was told this by another VJ friend) that as long as we were married before his time was up, that he could stay and we could take the time to get his documents together. But he couldn't work, travel, that sort of thing. I know if we didn't get married before his time was up, he would have had to go back home and we would have filed for an F1.

You're probably right... I was completing Optional Practical Training when I got married so I didn't check on that. As long as his presence in the US was legal, I don't think you'll have any problem. I'm sure they'll ask questions about the fact he came here as a visitor, but you won't be the first people to meet in that manner. Best of luck with the filing

"Not for us to reason why but just to DO!"

And yes you will need 4 copies of attachment!

Seriously! Ninety percent of the information you send them, you could as "why do they need that?" They just do! There are other pieces of information that they don't seem to care about, such as what I did with myself for the four years I was here on an F1 visa. They never asked where I went to school, when I graduated and with what degree. They didn't care if I graduated at all. You'd think that would matter more than the address of the dorm I lived in freshman year and my mother's maiden name.

Hi all, after many months of getting paperwork and documents together, we are finally ready to file for AOS. I just wanted to ask if we are sending everything to the same place...

Are all these (I-130, I-485, I-864, I-765, I-131) sent together to the Chicago address? I was confused as I also saw mentioned the Vermont address for the I-130.

With regard to having proof that my husband didn't come here on a tourist visa with intent to marry, do we send that with everything or do we have it with us at the interview? (like proof of residency in Canada, return ticket and such)

One more question, we got married last August but waited to file as we didn't have all documents (everything was done at the last minute) and I didn't have a sufficient tax return the previous year (2005) so waited to get 2006s (which was delayed on all aspects) so will it be a cause for concern since we didn't file immediately? We did get married before his time was up for visiting.

We will be sending everything out Monday morning! We are so excited and relieved that we finally got it all together. Locating documents was very hard since he came here as a visitor, got married and if he went back to get the documents we needed, he would not have been allowed back to the USA. I certainly can understand the anxious feeling about whether we have all that is required and then the waiting...

I appreciate all your help. This site has been a wonderful resource!

The only cause for concern I have is, was he here illegally and for how long? I believe there are rules in place that penalize AOS applicants who have overstayed previous visas. You might want to check up on that :\

As far as sending out the papers goes, you send them all to Chicago in the same packet, including one check for all the fees. That is what I did, at least, and everything is going through just fine for me.

As far as proving that your husband did not come here with the intent to marry, I believe that sort of proof has to wait until the interview stage.

Unfortunately, your case sounds like you could benefit from the help of a lawyer. I'm not a big fan of lawyers as they rip you off, but your case might get complicated with the visitors visa / potential overstaying problems you've mentioned...

My query might look silly but will still go ahead and ask..

The last 6 months data of my five yrs employment history is not fitting into the G 325 A form..

what i mean is 5 yrs till now means July 2002 to till date..

Could i skip the last 6 mnths or need to provide the last 6 months essentially?

If i have to add a sheet wth the last 6 mnths information, would i need to make 4 copies of that ..

anybody knows why they ask for 4 copies of this particular form?

I'd add a regular sheet of paper with the last six months' information attached, and make four copies of it, just to be sure. I don't know why they need four copies of the form, but it's always best to give them what they want so that they don't send you a request for more evidence

Karly-n-Bruce,

I hate when people say something like 'I'm too lazy to pay attention or search, but I want you to take your time to explain a FAQ to me again'. You've been a member for 9 months or so and this issue is discussed weekly.

A K1 needs an EAD - card or stamp - in order for an employer to legally hire them. The K1 is working quite legally - they are EA. It's the employer who is breaking the law by hiring them without seeing the documentation that the law says the employer must and record.

Yodrak

I learned when I first joined to search for things before posting any questions otherwise you'll get your head bit off (that is, if the question is asked regularly). When I was reading this thread, a question arose so I figured I would ask it in here and get a response. Big mistake on my part.

Now that I'm in the AOS process, I've been doing my best to read every thread in order to learn more about the process (even the parts that don't pertain to my situation) so that I may help others in answering their questions in the future. I have not read much about the EAD because I didn't apply for one. I thought a K-1er needed an EAD stamp or document (which is true), but I didn't realize if an employer is too lazy to check our documents, you can be hired and legally work without the document or stamp, but the employer is in fact breaking the law in hiring you without proper documentation.

Anyway, I just don't understand why new members (or newbies to a different part of the forum) are consistantly treated rudely and given the cold shoulder when they ask questions. I try my best to politely point them in the right direction or answer their question if I know the answer. I know reading the same questions can get annoying after awhile, but why not treat everyone with the same courteousy you would have treated the very first person who ever asked the same question?

I have to agree with you, but for a different reason. Any athlete will tell you that there's nothing wrong with rehashing what you already know. Having similar questions re-posted can only refresh our knowledge of immigration issues. And I don't mind helping people out at all, as this forum has been of immeasurable help and support to me.

Congrats Lucy! Did the EAD come from Missouri? Trying to figure out how long it'll take for me to get mine. I figure maybe a week or so.

Your timeline is very similar to mine, and my case is at Missouri as well. You received your notification of card production on the same day as I did, too. I'm thinking that my EAD will arrive on about the 15th. But it may be sooner! Every trip to the mail box is kind of exciting now...

the passport is the picture ID that is required to board a plane - he has no other picture ID. But will there be any concern because based on the document he seems to be here illegally?

If you're concerned about being questioned about his legality, take a copy of the NOAs you've received, proving that you've filed for his permanent residency. Maybe even bring a marriage certificate, but I don't think you'll need it. I doubt you'll be questioned, however. You're traveling domestically and thus won't be required to go through immigration at all.

stranger things have happened... so, yes, keep checking the email . I have heard of approval notices sent on weekends. Wish ours was in the inbox tomorrow!

I've heard of people getting emails on Sundays. I received my travel authorization email very late at night on a weekday... it must have been after midnight. I think some emails are automated. Keep checking every day and best of luck

W00t!!! Congratulations - and yep, the card you'll receive soon DOES allow you to travel as freely as if you were an American Citizen!

Well, not quite! There are limitations on how long you are outside of the USA for example.

However in some cases its better than having US Citizenship, for example, as a UK passport holder I can (and have) go to Brazil without paying for a Visa, and my Green Card lets me back in the USA. US Citizens (or at least, those attempting to enter Brazil with a US passport) cannot enter Brazil without paying $200 for a visa!

Ooh yes, I'd forgotten about that! I suppose because I don't intend to leave for any extended periods, that was off my radar. It's also neat when you have en EU passport and you can stand in the EU line at immigration all over Europe.

Still, I can't wait until I get to travel again. My AP was approved on June 28. Why is it not here in my hand yet?? How long should that take?

Okay guys,

Now we understand. Thank you. So the green card comes after AOS approval?? We just received an email from USCIS that AOS was granted.

Toria and Salvador

W00t!!! Congratulations - and yep, the card you'll receive soon DOES allow you to travel as freely as if you were an American Citizen!

In a kind of way I think my husband will be a little proud at me since I am the immigrant and still study English

And all the emails to the lawyer the last 2 days is from myself

Ha, that is good to know! Perhaps if your hubby is made aware, he can do this to your lawyer, so he could be more diligent in the future. After all, what the hell are we paying these leeches for in the first place? With the foresight I have now, I would have done this whole thing on my own sans the lawyer.

I thoroughly advocate going through the immigration process by yourself, only using an attorney for an initial consultation about the process. Use a good, trusted attorney for this initial consultation; they'll charge you a lot, but you'll only have to use them once.

Attorneys seem to mess up more than the immigrants! As long as your case is pretty simple (that is, you don't have any criminal history or something else that would make your application difficult), I think it's best to do it by yourself.

I have a question about AP. I received an email saying that they'd "mailed" (as in snail-mailed) me "a notice that we have approved this I131 APPLICATION FOR USCIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT." How long does this take to arrive? It's now July 6! I realize that there was a national holiday two days ago, but I'm wondering how long it takes for the real-life-hard-copy-omg-it's-on-paper notice to arrive in my mail box.

It's not only possible, it happens quite frequently. Both my wife and daughter were approved without an interview. I know of several others that were also. While many were K1, some were not.

Many think that having a case transferred to California from another service center is an earmark for approval without an interview. Whether or not this is true, it's what happened for me and my family, and others that were approved.

Now I'm sad that I have to have one!

I am the intending immigrant in this case. My wife and I recently got married and now she is petitioning for my Greencard. I came to the US on a student visa and after graduation am now employed and my current status is on H1-B.

My question pertains to filing the I-864. My wife is still a student and therefore doesn't have any income. I, on the other hand, qualify for the income requirements and other aspects for the I-864. I read on the filing instructions that the intending immigrant's income can be used in the I-864 form for a spouse, and that in this case I wouldn't have to fill out an I-864-A. I just want to get a confirmation on this and also any other insight that you guys might have...

Please help...Thank you!

I remember reading that the immigrant's income can be used. I would consult with an attorney, who may suggest that one of your wife's family members co-sponsor you. My father-in-law is a co-sponsor along with my husband: although he earns more than enough to qualify as a sponsor, he has only been employed since September (we are recent college graduates too) and an attorney suggested that we get a co-sponsor just to solidity our financial case. Although I don't really advocate using an attorney for everything (because with a simple case and half a brain you can figure it out for yourself, and they charge way too much), I'd ask one about your situation. Best of luck!

hey guys,

i ve been reading in the topics that some AOScases are approved without an interview...how is this possible, how they decide who to interview and who not...we all send the same forms and papers, i dont get it.... please somebody explain to me

thank you

poli

I'm adjusting from a F1 (student) Visa and I'm having to go through the interview process. I can't imagine that it is hard for them to check on my background, as I've lived here for the past five years, only having returned home once during that time. I have a US college degree and have lived in the state of Washington the entire time. Never even been pulled over for speeding, let alone been in any other kind of trouble.

It seems that a very small portion of applicants get approved without an interview, but I've heard from people in a similar situation to me (identical, in fact) that the interview is no big deal.

I paid $935 for my current immigration applications. Come the end of the month, the same applications will cost $2010.

That is absolutely absurd.

It would not of cost you $2010.

You have to read the print.

I added together the 1010 for "all other cases, plus biometrics" plus the AP fee, EAD fee and fee for the I-130???

My husband rec'd his "Welcome to the United States" letter today!

Hopefully the green card will arrive shortly.

Awesome, and congratulations!

Definitely bring the birth certificate of your child to the interview! I'm sure the Immigration Officer will see it as strong evidence of your relationship. Good luck!

I couldn't agree more - I'd imagine that having a biological child together is pretty strong evidence that your marriage is genuine

I don't think it is a problem that the lease is in your husband's name if you can provide letters that have come to the same address, addressed to you. I now wish that my husband and I had bought everything together - we bought a TV that we put in his name alone, but thankfully the car is in both of our names. I never realized how important joint financial documents were before. I wish that both of our names were on the AKC registration for our puppy, as he's the closest thing we have to a child!!