E-Man

In the AOS interview for my wife (immigrant that is adjusting) they asked for 2 passport photos of the spouse (me) in addition to the 6 passport photos of the person adjusting (wife). Also, they asked for a copy of my birth certificate and the wife's birth certificate.

You can get the stamps for the expedited service in a machine by the windows in Norwalk or at the post office. For the payment of the $1010 it is one check.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...adjustmentforms

See page 8 of the USCIS instructions for the I485 for who you send the check to.

For the AOS from the K-1 you should apply for the EAD and AP at the same time since there is no additional charge and it allows you to work, travel after receiving the AP while waiting for the green card and the EAD is needed for your spouse to get a drivers license or state if in CA.

We got married in LA County in the Norwalk City Hall and used the expedited service (the extra $17) . The Marriage certificate was delivered within a week to us (times might vary) . I would say get a few copies of your marriage certificate just in case you might need it. For the AOS, you can send a copy of the marriage certificate. For the interview (if you have one) bring the original (to compare to the copy) so that you have it ready if the Immigration officer if he/she requests it.

You can tell the Utility company to add your spouse by putting in c/o for your spouse. For example:

Joe Doe

c/o Jane Doe

5555 N Main st

Los Angeles CA

That is what we did and that was sufficient. We did it with So CA Edison and the Gas Co. For LA, look at the review section to see the last reviews for that office. Good Luck!

Typically, they just want to see the certified copy. However, you never know since it depends on the Immigration Officer.

Thanks Otto and Karin for your reply. FYI, here are the answers if someone goes through the hassle we did.

We went through the AOS interview (2 year conditional) and passed. I was hoping someone could answer a few questions I have:

1) We submitted all the paperwork under the married name and have all the credit cards, SS Card, Drivers License and medical card under the married name. Moreover, the EAD and AP received were under the married name. However, the immigration officer would not allow the green card (has maiden name) too have the married name since she said she needs to match the passport. Is the officer correct?

I found out that the Officer was incorrect. She should have put the married name. Especially, since that is how the paperwork was submitted and all of the ids reflect the married name.

2) If the Green card is under the maiden name and all other forms of ids are in the married name. Isn't it going to cause a problem renewing your drivers license (especially CA since they offer you a license that matches the length of time of the EAD (1 year)) since the drivers license and SSN don't match the green card?

I found out that it does cause a problem in California since the name on the Drivers License is her married name (based on EAD card) and the name on her Green card is her maiden name. The two systems (DMV and Immigration) must match and providing just a marriage certificate is not sufficent. Especially, since the marriage certificates for Los Angeles County in 2008 does not show the married name (changed in 2009 where they now show married name).

3) Is the solution to change the name on the green card and how do I do that?

I set up an infopass appointment and I also am submitting a I-90 to correct.

4) How do you legally change your name in CA.

By getting married and changing your name in DMV and SS (by showing marriage certificate) is sufficient for people that are changing their name due to marriage. As mentioned earlier, prior to 2009 the marriage certificates in LA county do not show the married name.

Hi Folks,

We went through the AOS interview (2 year conditional) and passed. I was hoping someone could answer a few questions I have:

1) We submitted all the paperwork under the married name and have all the credit cards, SS Card, Drivers License and medical card under the married name. Moreover, the EAD and AP received were under the married name. However, the immigration officer would not allow the green card too have the married name since she said she needs to match the passport. Is the officer correct?

2) If the Green card is under the maiden name and all other forms of ids are in the married name. Isn't it going to cause a problem renewing your drivers license (especially CA since they offer you a license that matches the length of time of the EAD (1 year)) since the drivers license and SSN don't match the green card?

3) Is the solution to change the name on the green card and how do I do that?

4) How do you legally change your name in CA?

Thanks in advance for your help.

your GC should be enough. its a federal id, only thing better that a GC would be a US passport.

Yes, you can just walk in and apply for an ID. It might take a few weeks to get the id though. Here is the site that shows the info needed to get an id:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#idcard

We also brought the NOA2 but no dice on the ID.

Good Luck. CA DMV is a pain. We went to the DMV to get a CA state ID and the DMV said that we could apply for the State ID or a CA Drivers License and get put into the system but would not be issued the actual ID until we provided the EAD. We provided the SS card, marriage certificate, passport and Visa and they said that without the EAD she would not get the ID card or Drivers license. I guess we have to wait until we get the EAD.

I am sorry this happened to you. It's better you learn now and move on. I would certainly report it to the Agency that you met her on. If you are interested in Colombianas, don't let one bad apple ruin it for the rest of the Colombianas.

Congratulations Harold! I am glad you flew out to the interview and had a smooth transaction.

Harold,

If you can make it to the Embassy to accompany your wife/fiancee that would be beneficial for the following reasons:

1) It shows the Embassy that you are serious about the VISA.

2) The time spent at the Embassy can be stressful. For you to be with your wife/fiancee would probably mean a lot to her.

3) There were a few people that did not come with their Petitoner that were approved. But for the people that were approved (without their petitoner) it was no cakewalk. The facial expressions of those people that were interviewed looked like they were at an interrogation.

4) Many people were not approved or told to come back with their spouse or fiance.

5) Of those people that came with the petitioner the interviews seemed relatively easy. And for those couples that seemed questionable having the petitioner there made the difference.

6) The interview is a very important stage in the VISA.

7) Why not be there to enjoy receiving the approval of your VISA together.

8) Better to do it right the first time.

If you can't make it there is still the ability to get approved though. It just makes it easier when you attend.

Also, keep in mind the following:

1) have your paperwork in order

2) make sure to have a copy of the DS-230

3) If you come as a couple, you should look like a couple since the people that are doing the interviews are watching the people that are waiting.

4) Make sure to have the original documents you submitted (follow Visa Journey's Guide) including your (petitioner's) birth certificate.

In the interview in Bogota they asked for my Birth Certificate (I am the petitioner) and for the beneficiary's birth certificate. I don't know why they didn't have it since it was in the original submission. I know that in the Bogota Embassy other people were asked for the Petitioner's Birth Certificate. Thus, to be safe bring the items below (including birth certificate of petitioner) :

1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one).

2. Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.

It's better to be safe than sorry.

What's even more interesting is that there is no time line and the profile is for a woman not a man. It's not adding up. Regardless whether it is true or not, the post will help others who are put in this situation.

Hi Folks,

I tried posting this question in the Colombian Club since I am going through the Bogota Embassy. I noticed that the second last name was spelled incorrectly on the interview letter used for the embassy and the medical interview. The first, middle and first last name are correct (only used these names in all the prior paperwork). The DS156 has the correct spelling of the second last name and the paperwork sent by the bank to pay for the visa fees is correct. Also, the case number for the embassy is correct. Unfortunately, the embassy created a second last name very similiar to my fiancees last name (I don't know where they got this name from, hopefully it's a typo).. Do I need to do anything more at the preent time or do I just show the letter and present as such at the medical and the interview and tell them that the second last name was spelled incorrectly? I am just afraid that they wil not accept the paperwork because of the misspelling of the embassy. Thanks.

FYI, I just e-mailed the embassy and they put a notation in the file that the interview letter had the last name spelled incorrectly. We also told the banco de credito (since they asked for the letter when paying the fee), the embassy (at the interview) and at the medical appointment that the last name was spelled incorrectly. There were no problems in the banco de credito, medical appointment or in the interview.

Hi Folks,

The banco de credito is giving me conflicting information. I wonder if someone from the Colombia Club can help with these questions regarding the DS-156 and they are as follows:

1) Question 1 =Number of the passport = red? number on 1st page of passport (starts with 2 letters and 6 numbers) or the passport number on the bio page (banco de credito says no to this)

2) Question 6 -surname include second name.? (Passport has second name while the G-325, I129F and DS-230 do not). Banco de credito says to include full name on passport even though the other forms do not.

3) Question 37 = do I need to fill out question 37 for Husband/wife & son/daughter if the beneficiary does not have any.

4) Do I need to submit this form in english and from the website? The Banco de Credito says to submit it it hand written and in spanish (no barcode created from website).

Thanks for your help!

Just in case if anyone asks the same questions here are the answers:

1) The number of the passport in red (2 letters and 6 numbers) or on the 1st page of the passport.

2) Match the name exactly as it is in the passport. Even if you submitted prior paperwork without second last name.

3) Put not applicable.

4) As of now follow the Banco de Credito guidelines of submitting the handwritten spanish version without the barcode (banco will assign number). They will give you the form to fill out. Thus, you would not download the barcoded electronic version.

We got our Visa! I want to thank Mononke and ColombianoGringo for the help along the way. During the interview process (only a few questions) at the embassy the CO told us that it really helped that I (Petitoner) attended the interview. I saw many people denied or their request for VISA put on hold because they did not bring their significant other. Once again thanks for the help!

I'm ready to send the response to Packet 3 but was wondering whether the cover letter and the passport copy (items 1 and 4) are needed?

1. Cover letter

2. DS-2100 (page 4 of packet 3 instructions)

3. DS-230 Part 1 (pages 1 & 2 only)

4. Copy of fiancée's passport (biographical data page)

The packet 3 i downloaded from the webpage of the embassy does not mention those two items. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Harold Paredes

Definitely include the cover letter (with BGT Case#) and a copy of the fiancees passport.

Congratulations Juan Carlos! That's great news! I know what you are saying about filling the forms at the Banco de Credito correctly. We had forms filled online and they didn't like what we did and we had to go to the Banco de Credito twice.

I am sorry that it turned out the way it did. They were asking some real personal questions (I am not sure legally if they can do this) in order to see if you were intimate (they assume couples getting married were intimate) in order to substantiate an actual relationship. Especially since you are relatives.

Looking at your age (22). Do you think your age had an impact on their decision?

Hi Folks,

I tried posting this question in the Colombian Club since I am going through the Bogota Embassy. I noticed that the second last name was spelled incorrectly on the interview letter used for the embassy and the medical interview. The first, middle and first last name are correct (only used these names in all the prior paperwork). The DS156 has the correct spelling of the second last name and the paperwork sent by the bank to pay for the visa fees is correct. Also, the case number for the embassy is correct. Unfortunately, the embassy created a second last name very similiar to my fiancees last name (I don't know where they got this name from, hopefully it's a typo).. Do I need to do anything more at the preent time or do I just show the letter and present as such at the medical and the interview and tell them that the second last name was spelled incorrectly? I am just afraid that they wil not accept the paperwork because of the misspelling of the embassy. Thanks.

Thanks Colombiano Gringo for the reply. It seems like the Bogota embassy spelled the second last name wrong by a few letters on the interview letter used for the medical and entry to the embassy. The first name, middle name, first last name and the BGT#XXXXXXXX, and address are correct. Moreover, when we submitted the $131 (with the DS-156) from the Banco de Credito we submitted it with the correct name from the passport. Does anyone know what do in this case? Do we just bring the letter to the embassy on the interview date and there should be no problems? Thanks for your help as always.

Hi Folks,

The banco de credito is giving me conflicting information. I wonder if someone from the Colombia Club can help with these questions regarding the DS-156 and they are as follows:

1) Question 1 =Number of the passport = red? number on 1st page of passport (starts with 2 letters and 6 numbers) or the passport number on the bio page (banco de credito says no to this)

2) Question 6 -surname include second name.? (Passport has second name while the G-325, I129F and DS-230 do not). Banco de credito says to include full name on passport even though the other forms do not.

3) Question 37 = do I need to fill out question 37 for Husband/wife & son/daughter if the beneficiary does not have any.

4) Do I need to submit this form in english and from the website? The Banco de Credito says to submit it it hand written and in spanish (no barcode created from website).

Thanks for your help!