nathandace

That's a vaild point, I will definately make a note of that if I do end up changing my last name. Thank you for your help.

That's similar to how I have mine set up right now, I was debating on if I should do something different? or figure out a way to really highlight my strengths, and skills geared towards a childcare position. I want to be able to work in the feild I went to school in you know?

It's considered best, I've been told, not to draw undue attention to your immigrant status. They'll already know you're an immigrant anyways from the fact that all of your work experience and references are out-of-country, but there's no need to say anything about it in black and white beyond answering honestly in an application that you are work authorized. If the time interval since your last job is a concern to them, they'll ask about it at the interview, and you can simply tell them the truth. I don't think it's something a reasonable employer would discard an otherwise qualified resume for. Preemptively explaining it in a cover letter might come off as overly and unnecessarily defensive, but that's just my opinion.

That's understandable. I never thought of it that way. You bring up a good point as well. What type of layout did you use for your resume HeatDeath?

Work is work. Agreed. Especially when it pertains to the type of work you are applying. You could perhaps even put in July 2009-Feb 2010, arriving in the US, completing required forms and acquiring proper work authorization for the ability to work in the US, not in the jobs section, but noted below or on a cover letter? Just so there is no question as to why you have been 'slacking'

That's actually a really good idea. I was also thinking of listing the voided time or making it a part of my cover letter if one is needed.

When and if you go to use the AP documents, when coming back to the US, the US CBP officer will stamp both sheets in that box, and then keep one of the sheets. On subsequent uses, you just show them your stamped copy.

Since the AP documents haven't been used yet, there shouldn't be anything in the right-hand boxes (on either sheet).

Thank you HeatDeath, you've been awesome with helping me today. I appreciate it!

My husband received his Authorization for Parole paper in the mail. I have one small question about the form. On the bottom of the form are two squares. The square on the left has a photo of my husband. The square on the right side is blank. Above that square is is printed "National Benefits Parole Stamp". Is there supposed to be something in that empty square? Above where "National Benefits Center Parole Stamp" is printed, there is something that says "National Benefits Center" that may possibly the stamp that they are referring to. Is that right? Or is there supposed to be something in that right hand square, also?

I was wondering about this as well, and would like to know the answer myself. The only thing that I could think of is...maybe a border official will stamp it should you travel outside the US? I Don't know, hopefully someone will have the answer for us:)

I was thinking that it shouldn't be a problem to include my job experience from Canada. Work is work. I was more so curious to learn what others did, and if anyone has had any problems. If so what they were. My dad always says it never hurts to ask. Thanks for your response It's a relief knowing that I wont have to change my resume drastically. During your interviews, did you have any issues with the amount of time you have not been working. Example: leaving your job to come to the US, and waiting to work until your EAD came through? Basically the time gamp inbetween the two.

Hey all,

I'm back once again with another question. For those of you who don't know, I came to the US on a K1 fiance visa. I'm currently going through the AOS application process. As y'all can probably see, my EAD has recently been approved. Now I'm getting ready to apply for my SSN and DL.

In the meantime, I'm looking to work on my resume so that it will be one less thing for me to worry about when it comes down to applying for a job. I was wondering if anyone would like to give me some pointers on writing a resume?

When doing your resume did you include your work experience from your home country before comming to the US on a K1? or did you "start fresh" so to speak and create a resume based on the time you entered into the US?

For example, I have been in the US almost a full year (in july 2010). During the time (as y'all probably already know) I wasn't able to work...but I did volunteering (also known as being an unpaid helper) in a nursery at my husband's familys church during the sermon on Sunday's. When they needed an extra set of hands.

My education is in Early Childhood Education. I graduated with honors. Therefore If I were to write a resume since I entered the US, it would be based on my volunteer experience...I would put the churchs contact information as well as my education.

If it doesnt make a difference if my job information from Canada were to be on my resume, then I would list it. The only thing is I worked in customer service to pay for my schooling to get my Early Childhood Education diploma/degree. So the type of job I want to apply for is different that the customer service experience that I have. Even though I have done placements working with children throughout school, and helped out at church.

Has anyone had any problems when applying for jobs because of where they were from before comming into the US? This question is directed to those of you who have gone through the AOS experience and applied and been hired for a job. Basically I would like to hear how ya'll did it. I'm not sure if I'm making much sence, but input would be appreciated.

C&N

ps. I apologise in advance for any spelling errors

Thank ya'll for your help, and getting back to me regarding this topic. I have decided to go for my SSN first then my DL. andana_dj Im not sure how it will work, or if it will be temporary. I just checked with the Kansas DMV and they allow people with their EAD apply. So that's what Im going to do. I will let you know the outcome when I get there

My applications with the USCIS are in my maiden name, but I would like the SSN and DL to have my husbands last name (I did not change my name to my husbands when I got married because I thought that it would mess around with my AOS applications). However, I would like my SSN and DL to be the same as my husbands last name...at the very least...hyphenated with my maiden name. If I can't, I will apply for to change in the future. Just asking because Im curious. Anyone have a similar situation?

C&N

Thank ya'll for your help! I'm currently in Kansas, and they do allow people going through the AOS process with an approved EAD to go for their DL. I think it is because alot of jobs (from what I have been seeing) require employees to have a valid Kansas DL in order to work. I just couldn't find if I needed to get a SSN first. That's why I was trying to find out who has applied for what, when and the order, and if anyone had a similar experience. I just needed some help to make a decision

C&N

Hey all,

I'm not quite sure if I'm posting this in the right spot. My EAD came today in the mail!!! I was wondering if I should be applying for an SSC or DL first? If anyone would like to share their experiences, I would greatly appreciate it.

C&N

not having an interview would definately take a "load off" so to speak

I just don't want to have to travel out of state for an interview, you know?

Hey all,

I recently received my AP notice in the mail, and saw online that my EAD has been approved and has been sent out on Feb 24. While I was checking the rest of my notices online, there was a statement stating that my case has been transfered to the CSC. Is this a bad thing? or does this mean I will not be getting an interview?

I'm confused because I have noticed that other people here on VJ have gotten an interview appointment letter before the approval and receipt of their EAD/AP.

C&N

I was told (and through research here on VJ) that if a previous medical has been done less than one year to one year of filing for AOS, that another medical is not necessary because the immunizations for the first medical had to be up to date to begin with, which for myself included the TB test. When I entered the US I was advised by my lawyers to get a medical done by a civil surgeon just incase. So, that's what I did.

I too think that an RFE or some sort of notice would have been sent to you if the information you have already submitted regarding the medical would not suffice.

I was under the impression that questions regarding the medical would not be brought up during the AOS interview. Hopefully someone who has had a similar experience will be able to clarify things further for you.

Hi all. Aos interview is coming up on the 18th of March and I want to be prepared. My wife had a medical done less than one year ago(April of 2009) in Mexico and a chest x-ray was done. I keep thinking that I read somewhere that there is a new test that has to be done and that her ok x-ray in 2009 isn't sufficient anymore. Anyone know if it is possible that the officer may ask to see some sort of TB test result or would there have been a RFE sent if they didn't have all the required medical information from the overseas medical?

Thanks for the help.

my husband recently lost his job...our application is being processed, and we have a co-sponsor/joint sponsor and have not had any issues yet *knock on wood* Recently my AP/EAD has been approved, just waiting for the documents to arrive in the mail. My advice would be to look into obtaining a co-sponsor/joint sponsor just incase he does happen to loose his job within the month. As for your second question, I too was wondering about if my husband didnt have a job by our G/C interview if it would be an issue or not? Even though there is a good chance that I could be working by then. We're just hoping for the best. Good Luck!

Makes sense. It would be a relief to know if you have an interview or not though. That way (in my case) I would be able to prepare myself, you know? Oh, how I wish that this process would be less complicated. What was it like for you the day you got your green card?

I'm located 2hrs away from Wichita, Ks. Tomorrow will be my first trip out there. Good Luck with your process!

As you can see from my timeline below, it took us 4 months from fingerprint completion to card in hand, but again, it could vary from case to case....Good Luck.

That's the time line that I've been seeing around here, was just curious to see the different types of responses I would get. What was your interview like? I heard that some cases get transfered to the CSC, and don't have to do a interview. I wonder what the deciding factor would be? hmmm...

Hi everyone,

My Biometrics is tomorrow afternoon at the Wichita, Ks office. I was wondering if there is anyone on out there on VJ who have had their Biometrics done at this office? I have a few questions like: how busy it is there? will they take you earlier if you arrive earlier? how long was the wait? It's a fair hike from where we are located right now. Thanks in advance for any help regarding this topic.

C&N

Thanks for responding to my post. My appointment is tomorrow so I'm pretty anxious. I have those three documents ready to go just incase. Would anyone happen to know how long the applications will take from the time the biometrics is done?

Hey all,

I got my biometrics notice My appointment is Jan 25. I was wondering what is done during this appointment? I have a feeling it is probably stated somewhere on this website...but I havn't been having much luck finding an answer. Just curious. I'll be bringing my passport, appointment notice and marriage certificate. Is there anything else I should be bringing? I was also wondering if I could bring my husband?

C&N

Based on the information I gathered, and a few different scenairos of some people not wanting to get another medical done, and some who wanted to (if it was within a year of applying for K1). I made the choice of going for another medical just to be on the safe side. I called a few different places in a 75 mile radius of where I am located. I found 3. One had an extremely long waiting list, the other also had a long waiting list and would be charging for immunizations that may be given on top of the $180, the last one I called did everything for $200 (including any updates) luckly I didnt need any. At the time I thought it was too much, but compaired to some of the amounts people have been paying I feel greatful. I hope this information will be able to help provide a general idea.

Will do. Well, I guess no RFE yet is good news for you! Thanks again

Absolutely. It was a good question and no doubt will be helpful to other people who find themselves in the same situation with regard to the G-325A. Just do me a favor and sign the darned form......

Somebody (ME!! GRRRRRR) forgot to.........no RFE yet though

Congrats!

Congrats !!!!

We got ours today too!!! From VSC. Now onward to NVC and Embassy.

thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I didnt think that it would be an issue, as I have gotten similar responses from others. I was always told growing up that it doesnt hurt to ask

The general feeling here on Visa Journey is that USCIS very rarely do any checks on the employment information you provide o the G-325A...however.

To cover your back, I would make sure the G-325A information is an accurate reflection of events. You could then attach a note to the G-325A explaining that there is a difference between the info provided for the K1 and the AOS papers. Make it a very brief explanation of events. I doubt very much that you have anything to worry about.

The only firm rule is to not intentionally provide inaccurate information on the forms. Carrying out the above steps would prevent that from happening.

Dont worry - it's more important that you make sure all your other evidence is in order and that you have dotted the I's and crossed the T's.

Good luck with AOS.