Darnell

Start carefully studying the CR1 guide. No, her approval to reside in the USA will occur at a visa interview in Montreal. She may visit but each entry is always risking a denial of entry. Handled correctly, she should be able to spend most of the time in the USA as the process moves forward but there's no way to guarantee any entry.

First, your fiance cannot live in the US with you. She may visit but not live. As a Canadian, she may visit for up to 6 months at a time. It's a good idea that she have ties to Canada to show in case the agent asks for proof that she will return to Canada.
The K-3 is dead, no longer an option. You may apply today for the K-1 or you may wait and get married (she may enter the US to get married but must return to Canada when the terms of her stay are up) and apply for the Cr-1 spousal visa
Not sure where these 5 years of unemployment came from but you found the right place to sort all this out. Start by reading the guides to figure out what visa is best for you.
What she cannot to is enter the US as a visitor with the intentions of staying an immigrating. That is immigration fraud and can result in a lifetime ban from the US
Good luck, welcome to VJ

Better. I still see post moderation as abusable, but at least it's kept at the post level.
Now if we could only get rid of the heart system...

I concur with "memeber's" reputation being removed from profiles. It seemed pointless.
Post reputation might provide useful, if someone posts good info and it is highlighted and maybe get pinned even as a result

And stop people from feeling the need to simply reply with "I agree with so and so" in order to try to tip the scales as it were when conflicting advice is given.
I guess I haven't been paying too much attention to the post reputation bar. I haven't seen it going crazy "for the fun of it" but I've not been going through all the forums much in the past couple days.

Disgraceful.
Where is spook? Is that what you are proud of? Mate, you can have it, as we don't treat our people like that.

I been looking at the same thing because my fiancee was thinking about finishing college. If you're talking about any US federal aid, then you'll have to wait till she's done with the AOS. That's one of their requirements, she must be adjusted status to permament resident to qualify.
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/Glossary.jsp#elegiblenoncitizen

It's a message board people depend on to make decisions that impact their future happiness, so we all benefit by treating it as such.

What am I missing here?

You apologize and it's water under the bridge..
Okay, I will play along:
US - Homicides by means of firearms
2004: 9,385
2005: 10,158
2006: 10,225
2007: 10,129
Source: http://www.fbi.gov/u...hrtable_08.html
UK - Homicides by means of firearms
2004: 67
2005: 71
2006: 50
2007: 59
Source: http://www.homeoffic...osb1109vol1.pdf
Population Density (/mi2): - usually results in higher crime rates..
UK: 659.6
USA: 83.0
SUMMARY:

US has 4.98 times the population UK has 7.94 times the population density As of 2007, the US has 172 times the homicide rate - by means of firearms.

You know how libertarians work.
Federal government = source of problem
Gonorrhea = Federal government to blame
Black holes = Federal government to blame
...

Leaving funding to the parent's school of choice has delivered excellent results abroad.
Never heard of charter schools though..

I am just waiting for slim to come here and excuse these stats because you can use a pen to stab someone..
It shouldn't be that hard for anyone to grasp. The restriction of guns has resulted in a massive decrease in the number of murders using firearms. It's the same story played out in every other first world country. Furthermore, the US super high homicide rate discredits the notion that guns make you safer, as they clearly don't.

UPDATED FORMS
For those that have missed the update on the home page about the update to I-485, I also found the following have been updated:
- I-485 (AOS). The USCIS website says previous editions not accepted. The new form was revised 3rd Dec 2009 Beginning February 25, 2010 most applicants must submit Form I-485 to a USCIS Lockbox facility, depending on the eligibility category under which they are filing, as provided in the form instructions.
- I-693 (Medical). See the special instructions here: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD that explain what editions are or are not accepted. Form revised 25 Feb 2010
- I-765 (EAD). Previous edition accepted. Revised 12 Feb 2010.
UPDATED FILING ADDRESS
So finally I'm able to edit the OP (thanks to organiser status) but I hadn't had a chance to check filing addresses etc. The courier address has changed as of December 09 and the OP has now been updated. Here is new "new" address:
USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
I believe anything sent to the former address will still be accepted so people try not to panic if you've sent it there.

AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT - DOC UPDATE
After a more extensive read of the I-864 paperwork (I apologise as I went off VJ information and the 864 checklist, rather than read the 864 paperwork thoroughly -- it's a lot of pages!), and on the advice of another VJ member, I have updated the list of required docs (I can't edit the OP though, so have listed more info below).
Income Requirements
The income requirement is 125% of the poverty line, and dependant on the number of "household members" (see below). The poverty information can be found here: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf If you are unable to meet the income requirements, you are able to use assets to supplement income, and only need to fill out that section of the form if that is the case.
Number of household members
"Your household size includes yourself and the following individuals, no matter where they live: any spouse, any dependent children under the age of 21, any other dependants listed on your most recent Federal income tax return, all persons being sponsored in this affidavit of support, and any immigrants previously sponsored with a Form I-864 or Form I-864 EZ affidavit of support whom you are still obligated to support."
Tax Information
Instead of this (as seen in the doc list above):
o Copy Federal income tax return, including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for 2009 tax year
o Copy Federal income tax return, including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for 2008 tax year
o Copy Federal income tax return, including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for 2007 tax year
you can submit IRS tax transcripts, meaning you will not require the W2s, 1099's or schedules. You are not required to have the IRS certify the transcript or photocopy unless specifically instructed to do so by a Government official; a plain transcript or photocopy is acceptable. Do NOT submit copies of your State tax returns.
For purposes of this affidavit, the line for gross (total) income on IRS Forms 1040 and 1040A will be considered when determining income. For persons filing IRS Form 1040 EZ,the line for adjusted gross income will be considered.
Obtaining Tax Transcripts.
You may use Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 4506-T to request tax transcripts from the IRS. Complete IRS Form 4506-T with the ending date for each of your three most recent tax years listed on line 9.Follow all instructions for completing and filing Form 4506-T with the IRS."
IRS tax transcripts are free from the IRS, the phone number to request them is: 1-800-829-1040
Note - A lot of this information is taken directly from the I-864 instructions.
Best of luck with your AOS

Hi All
I have started this thread in this specific sub-forum because I will be using Australian colloquialisms (sayings) and spelling. I don't know whether being from Australia will make any difference,.. whether it be my documents don't need to be translated, or if our people fill in stuff differently (like the medical - explained below).
I started the thread itself though, because can't find any one central page that has ALL the documents for AOS, EAD and AP listed. This list relates to me and my case, but it is also the BASIC list because my case is simple, i.e. I don't have any kids or anything else remotely difficult to worry about. I didn't get any RFE's while doing K1 (here's my K1 thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=206016 ), and I'm aiming for the same this time around too. I have read and re-read the instructions several times. I read every line, and not just stuff related to me, just in case it's got a little note (this actually happened on one form) that might affect me. This list is IN NO WAY a substitute for you also reading through the forms, but I hope that it helps you get an idea of when you should start sourcing things (like paperwork for the affidavit of support) and making sure you have everything you need before you get to your applying "deadline".
On that note, there is no "deadline" for applying for AOS, as long as you marry within 90 days of arriving on your K1 visa. However it is recommended that you apply before your I-94 expires as some people have experienced issues with ICE (not deportation, just hassles and on 2 occasions I've read about, being locked up until a judge tells the ICE person they were wrong and being forced to pay fees as well as immediate AOS), but just as many (if not more) have had no issues and applied for AOS years after their I-94 expires. My main reasons for applying ASAP is because I want to work and I personally don't like not being "sure" of my status. Also, if there is a period of 180 days between your I-94 and the date your AOS is processed, you MAY encounter a ban on trying to re-enter the US if you leave and try and use the AP document. For that reason, try and apply for AOS well before 180 days after your I-94 expires... just to be safe.
Also, there is currently only one fee payable, being $1,070.00 for the AOS, EAD & AP (updated 23 Nov 2010: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD ). In July 2007 the fee for AOS changed and the rules altered so that if you send the EAD and AP at the same time as AOS (or while it's pending) the fee for EAD and AP are waived. Whether you apply for EAD and AP at the same time as AOS the fee remains the same and whether you think you need them or not, as the fee is waived, it's always better to have than not have, "just in case".
So here we go
Definition of terms:
I-94# - Is the admission/departure number on the I-94 card (full image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...mmigration1.jpg )
A# number - Alien number - can sometimes be found on your visa under "annotation" starting with A0 then 8 digits. Also found on your NOA2 above the beneficiaries name (image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...F-NOAs/NOA2.jpg )
AOS - Adjustment of Status - Applied for after entering the US on a K1 visa and marrying within 90 days. Changes status to "conditional permanent resident" and you will be sent a green card. This process takes around 90 days however it can take MUCH longer.
AP - Advanced Parole - Allows you to re-enter the USA while your AOS is pending. You are allowed to leave whenever you want, but doing so without the AP document (or green card) means you will not be able to re-enter. Leaving without it also results in your case being considered "abandoned".
CO - Consular Officer - In this thread related to the person actually processing my documents
EAD - Employment Authorisation Document - Allows you to work whilst the AOS is being processed, as long as you have a SSN of course. Once you received your GC your EAD is no longer needed
GC - Green card - short-form for green card so I don't have to keep typing it
IO - Interviewing Officer - The person who will interview me (if needed). Apparently not every case requires an interview. Lets see if I can be one of the few who don't need one
Non-Immigrant Visa Number - This is the RED number found on your visa (image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...after_entry.jpg )
RFE - Request for further information - Received if something you mailed in is incomplete or missing. It doesn't cancel your case, just slows things down a fair bit, so doing everything to prevent getting one is your aim
First things first. VJ does have guides:
VJ AOS Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3aos
VJ EAD Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3ead
And also example forms:
Example forms: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=examples
The guides suggest doing a cover letter. Personally I'm doing a cover letter for each separate case (AOS, EAD and AP). I have read that the CO's don't tend to read the cover letters so really why bother, BUT I'm not doing it for them so much as for me. Filing so many documents means a lot of stuff to remember and I also think it looks neater and prettier. Also, while reading through the instructions I go through and fill in the cover letter with the attachments needed so I don't forget anything.
The USCIS has actually put together their OWN page of tips for putting together a package for mailing: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD I haven't decided if I'm going to hole punch yet or just bulldog clip as it seems that while it's appreciated it doesn't change anything so if I have a hole-punch available... maybe.
I ALWAYS go to the USCIS website to obtain forms: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD as this way you always make sure you have the most up-to-date form. Also, remember to check the filing location as it may have changed since the form was made. To do this, always make sure you go to the main form page (not the pdf, the place that links you the .pdf) such as this for AOS: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD and line four says "Where to file". In this case it tells you it depends on the category you are applying under, on other forms it might say "check the form" or "check the instructions".
As stated on each form, originals are only required when it specifically says "original" (like the forms with official signatures) otherwise copies are sufficient.
--AOS--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance **See Note 1**
- Payment in the amount of $1,010.00 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, signed & dated #####
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of K1 visa in passport
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Copy DS-3025 – Vaccination record (completed), dated ##### **See Note 2**
- G-325A - Biographic Information, including residence and employment attachments (1 copy as of July 2009)
- I-864 - Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, completed by #####
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for most recent tax year (or IRS tax transcript which I prefer)
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for second most recent tax year (optional)**See Note 3**
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for third most recent tax year (optional)**See Note 3**
o Letter from #####’s employer (optional)
o Pay stub(s) from the most recent six months for ##### (optional)
- Copy of I-797 - Notice of Action, Approval of K1 petition, dated ##### (front & back)
- Copy of Marriage certificate, dated ##### (front & back)
- Copy of I-94 – Arrival/Departure record (front & back)
The two items listed below are on the VJ AOS Guide, however NOWHERE on the forms, or their instructions is it mentioned that these items are required. These items only serve as additional information. You are required to bring your passport to the interview (if you have an interview) so perhaps by mailing this information you might not need to have one. Ultimately more info is better than less info (within reason of course) so it can't hurt. Personally I'll be including them in my parcel (in my attempt to avoid an interview ) but it makes sense that they're not needed as your Alien number is your identifier now (where with the K1 your passport number and then case number were).
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page
- Photocopy of USA entry stamp dated #####
Note 1: This form is now available that requests that you receive and email and text letting you know your application has been received http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD
Note 2: There is a huge point of contention on VJ regarding whether or not to send DS-3025 or if you will require form I-693 (immunisations only). The reason for this is, the paperwork clearly states that if you COMPLETED your immunisations PRIOR to your K1 interview in your home country (and thus your medical information is complete in the paperwork you handed in at POE (and subsequently forwarded on)) then only the copy of the DS-3025 is required. HOWEVER some people who assumed their info was complete and sent in the DS-3025 received an RFE requesting they submit a form I-693. Further information is mentioned on this VJ thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=101202 So whether you go to the trouble of obtaining one so you don't risk and RFE and thus a slow-down is up to you. Personally I am in the process of calling Civil Surgeons (CS's) in my area to find our their fee. If the fee is reasonable we might do it just so we don't risk the RFE but at the same time i honestly think my form is fine and I have all immunisations filled in, either with dates or "not age appropriate". I'll let you know what I decide and then what the outcome is. Remember though every case is different, no matter how similar they might be.
Note 3: Tax information is only REQUIRED for the most recent tax year. Question 25 on the I-864 still requires that you indicate your earnings for the most recent tax years, whether you provide evidence of this income or not. There are two tick boxes in that question, where you can indicate whether you are only including the most recent tax year, or the three most recent. I personally prefer to send in IRS transcripts so that you are sure that you have not excluded any tax information and I also prefer to send in all three years of tax information just to "be safe". Information for obtaining the transcripts is located here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/page__view__findpost__p__3614293 .
Here is a the Civil Surgeon "phone book" from the USCIS website: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...office_type=CIV
Here is a VJ thread that lists good CS's and their prices: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...231026&st=0
--EAD--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- I-765 - Application for Employment Authorisation **See Note 1**
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page **See Note 2**
As we're applying together with the AOS then the following isn't REQUIRED, however if you choose to include it, it's up to you, like i said before, more info is better than less info
- Copy of I-94 – Arrival/Departure record (front & back)
- Copy of Marriage certificate (to show name change) **See Note 3**
Note 1: Being adjustment applicant's, we're under category c9. You will see there's also a category for K1 and K3 visas (a6) but this is for when you're not applying at the same time as the AOS.
Note 2: It actually says "If no prior EAD has been issued, you must submit a copy of a Federal Government-issued identity document such as a passport..." as well as some other examples but personally I think the passport is the easiest one.
Note 3: The next issue for me (being female, married and changing my name) is my passport is still in my maiden name. For that reason it seems to make sense to include a copy of my marriage licence. Although these things are included with the AOS application, they can always shred multiple copies
--AP--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- I-131 - Application for Travel Document (Advanced Parole)
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Copy of K1 visa (to show present status)
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page **See Note 1**
As with the EAD, this isn't REQUIRED but I will probably include it because the AP form doesn't actually have a space for "prior name":
- Copy of Marriage certificate (to show name change)
Note 1: It actually says "copy of an official photo identification document showing your name, photo, and date of birth". Like with the EAD example, passport is easiest I think
General
An important thing to remember is if you change your address at ANY stage while you are an LPR (or their sponsor) you are required to change your address within 30 days of moving. There are penalties for not doing so. The USCIS has an online change of address service but you STILL need to actually post a form to them. Here's the site: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa . The reason for the paper form is so it's changed on the masterbase.
The current postal details for these forms (as of 3 Dec 09 ) is:
File at:
USCIS
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
For courier/express delivery:
USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
I, like most, will be submitting my forms by express mail so I'll use the bottom address
PAYMENT
It's important when writing the cheque that you write:
"One Thousand Ten and 00/100" or it might be returned.
Here is the USCIS link outlining the cheque writing requirements: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD because if you're like me, it doesn't make sense to write it that way and I wouldn't have written it like that but their wish is our command
Hope some of you find this useful If I've forgotten something, or stuff doesn't make sense, please let me know
**Edited to add further definitions - 27 Feb 2010
**Address for filing changed and fixed on here - 10 March 2010
**Edited to add Biometrics review link here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/page__view__findpost__p__3909156
**Edited to add - AOS approved 7 July 2010. Without RFE, Without interview. I simply followed the above guide and make sure my documents were completed properly.
**Edited to add - new AOS fees as of 23 Nov 2010: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

Hahaha, great topic. I would have sworn it was started by a German when I read the title.
I agree completely, American bread sucks. I tried to make a good wheat bread myself, but couldn't find the right flour. Why are there not any good breads available in grocery stores? Someone could make a fortune by selling it.
Thanks for the recipe-link, Booby, I'll have to try that!

You could always find a local baker that makes all kinds of loaves. There are many kinds to choose from.
-Blu-

I have to agree.
The bread here is terrible.
I don't get why they have to put HFCS in everything here, it just destroys the taste of stuff.
I need to get a bread maker.

Yes, I could make my own but it still wouldn't be the same and they are half the size. When I go to Safeway or Whole Pay Check, I want to buy a loaf along with all my other groceries. Anyway, it's pointless. I just don't understand how America gets away with pumping their bread full of #######. Makes you more aware about what might be going on with the rest of it. There are some frozen pizza's that taste sugary too. Just odd.

Hmm - can't make your own?
I do - so does Umit...
Here is a good receipe for those who do not have a bread machine (which I do not have) - Bread without a machine
whatcha complaining about?

Investing in a bread making machine could help alleviate your bread woes.

Agreed! Bread here is ####### and most have high fructose corn syrup in them.
I am gluten free now so I have started buying gluten free breads from Whole Foods.

Why America, why? Your bread tastes like cake and lasts a ridiculously long time in my cupboard without going green. Lots of my food time is spent dreaming of white bread cheese sandwiches or white bread bacon butties with butter and HP sauce. Warburtons blue packet usually. I spend wasteful dollars on all these different kinds hoping one will taste normal. I don't fall for your 12/8/6 grain, wholewheat, bran nonsense anymore because I know they all taste of sugar and ruin my toast and sandwich experience. The list of ingredients are enough to send the health board into a spin.
It's not normal and it hurts.
JoJo - a bread lover from the UK.

I'm glad you said it so I don't have to...................
As for bread recipes.......open google and type "best bread recipes from ___________"<-------enter whatever country you're from and click search. It's amazing! It's almost like it searches the whole internet for recipies.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1I7GPEA_en&ei=u7qdS7ekD82vtgf4w8CGBg&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&ved=0CAUQBSgA&q=best+bread+recipes+from+scotland&spell=1
Results 1 - 10 of about 110,000 for best bread recipes from scotland. (0.13 seconds)