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Well, when I took my photos during the biometric appointment, I do need to lift up my ears to show both ears. Also make sure not to wear turtle neck, since someone who works at the local immigration office told me that it is better not to cover the neck when taking pictures.

As for the earrings, if it is those hoops kind or big hanging earrings which is obviously be seen, they might ask you to take it off.

GOOD LUCK on your upcoming appointment!!!

Hi,

I change my status from F-1, but I will try my best to answer your questions!

1) Form I-485, when you got married last week, what name did you take? If your marriage certificate only shows your first name and new family name (husband last name), then you do not have any middle name. After you got married, your maiden name DOES NOT automatic become your middle name, it only depends what did you put down on the day you got married. So, double check what name you use now. Like me, I do not have any middle name, so I just put NONE on the application.

2) For the address, C/O means Care Of, it doesn't mean colorado. I skip that line and jump directly to STREET NUMBER and NAME, I just put "123 Smith Street"

3) For Alien Number, not everybody has one, if you have a EAD (work card) before, then you have a A# printed on top. If you do not have any, then just put "None"

4) If you every have a SSN, then fill it on the form.

5) Form I-130, please keep in mind that the NON-US Spouse is the relative, which is you in this case I believe. Since this form is supposed to be fill out by your US Citizen Spouse, then he/she should fill out PART B- INFORMATION ABOUT YOU and your information should be on PART C- INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RELATIVE. In my case, my husband and I are living together, then we both have the same address. Yes, some people might fill a foreign address on PART C because they probably are not in the US. So, if you and your spouse are living together in US, then fill the same address.

6) For Ques 14, if you enter as K1, then put K1.

Hope these help!

GOOD LUCK!

Hi!

I am filling out the forms for AOS and I have some q for you:)

I've read the instructions and I've seen the example forms ,but I still have questions.

1.Form I-485 .---I don't know what is my middle name after marriage?My family name is his fam name and before marriage I used to have a first name and a middle name.Some people told me that after marriage my middle name is actually my maiden family name??I'm so confused.We just got married on Saturday.

then what should I write at the field Address?The state?..I've seen in the example C/O?That is COLORADO?

----From where do I take my Alien number?Do I have smth like that?

----If I already have a SSN,from last year(J1-work&Travel visa) should I use it in these forms?

2.Form I-130 ...at the field information about your relative.I've seen in the example they filled out the address from the foreign country.That means we should write down my address from my country?Or that's an example for k3 visa.I came with K1.

at q 14 shoul I put none or K1-visa?

Thank you so much for your help!

Good luck to everyone!

Happy Holidays my fellow vj's...btw, i have q's regarding my AOS interview. This coming January 8, 2009 is my interview for my temporary (GC).. About supporting evidence of our relationship that we lived together? Only health insurance & joint account we have now. How many evidence that we need to show them? Im so nervous now coz how many weeks left huhuhu...Please help me!

Tnx in advance!!!

Remember to bring all originals of what you have filed, and copies of what you have sent to them. Just in case they missed anything, you have a copy. Whatever up-to-date bonafide evidence, like bills, joint account statements, make a copy for them too, in case they asked for it. I also brought a photo album too (family pics and travel pictures).

I saw others also brought phone bills to show they have been talking on the phone a lot. So I brought also. Bring the joint credit card/costco membership. Just bring whatever you think could be evidence. Remember to wear your wedding ring and be confident that you both know each other very well. Just stay positive is fine!! GOOD LUCK!!!

in documents I-485, I-131, I-765, should the Family name of the applicant be in all CAPITAL LETTERS?

If it stated to be in CAPS, then put the FAMILY NAME in CAPS. For my application, I put all FAMILY NAME in Capital Letters (even if it didn't state)

Hi Richo,

I got approved today and I only got 1 paper "Notice to Conditional Permanent Residents" and have me and my husband signed. And the lady also gave me back 1 copy of my certified copy of marriage certificate, coz she said they only need one to keep.

I also didn't get the passport stamped, since she said they no longer stamp it because the Green Card will arrive in the mail shortly, so it is not necessary.

Well, for your new address, sounds like you have done what you can do already, did you also fill out the change of address form from the post office? GOOD LUCK with you, keep finger cross then!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of you!!

I am so happy that I got approved today, I will sure to let you all know after I got my Green Card (finger crossing)!!!

envy_me, thank you for updating the chart and I'm glad that you receive your AP today. Yes, hope you EAD is coming soon, I bet it is!! My EAD came 1 week after the AP. Well, hope you get yours very very very soon~~~

All other September filers, look at the chart now, the USCIS is sure keep working for our application!!! Hope to hear more good news everyday!!! These will sure be the best Christmas present!!!

Thank you so much.

So i told her to do I-130 concurrent with i485 then it requires affidavit of support for i485 then i765.

Should she need to submit all this applications all at the same time. Attached to each other.

Also, it says something about biometric, do they need to wait for an appointment for that? and the medical? do they need to wait for an appointment for that too after she mailed all the application forms?

I apologize for more questions, we just wanted to make sure that she will do it right. They cant afford an attorney, so I'm hoping I or we can help her.

Thank you.

Yes, she needs to file the I-130 (includes G325-A) and I-485 (which also includes the I-864 and yes the medical exam from civil surgeon), make sure to follow all the information provided on "Step-by-Step Guide on How to File for Adjustment of Status"

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3aos

The Biometric exam (take a photo and 10 fingerprints) is to be done afterward. The USCIS will send you a letter to inform the date and place to go for the exam.

Ask your friend to start to prepare early, since everything takes time, like to get a certified copy of marriage certificate, or take 1 week for the medical exam result, and copies of all kinds of documents.........etc.

Specially the applicant is on H1B visa, I would also suggest to file the EAD (I-765) and AP (I-131), since it is free and you never know if you need them. Coz I saw cases before that , the person with H1B visa got laid-off and couldnt find a job, so the H1B visa expire and he couldnt do anything. Well....just to suggest, hope these might help!!

GOOD LUCK to you friend.

Usually after the biometric exam, you will be start to receive your EAD or AP (if you have applied them together with your AOS application). Also, you will be getting a letter to schedule for an I-485 interview.

I got my letter 1 month after my biometrics exam, and just did my interview today! Try check my timeline, that might give you a little better idea! GOOD LUCK!!!

Now that you know the right address and have the map, I would suggest you to go and check that place before your interview date, and try to find where to park too. Coz my interview place do not have public parking, I have to park on the street.

GOOD LUCK on yr upcoming interview!!!

Hello there,

First I want to WELCOME you to this site, as you can really learn a lot of things on this site, from all the VJ friends!!

1) Be sure to add you son's birth certificate as evidence, especially you are his father, and have your name on the certificate. This can totally be one of the documents you need to attach to the application.

2) It's ok that you just recently moved in together, since I just got married few months ago, and lived together after the marriage. My name is not on his lease, and we do not have ANY join assets either. I was worried about getting much bonafide marriage evidence before since we only have a few JOINT things. But it's ok, just try your best. So the only thing we attached are: NEW JOINT BANK ACCOUNT STATEMENT, JOINT CREDIT CARD STATEMENT letter issue from the bank, and MANY PICTURES of us taken in the past 5 years printed on a 2-sheet of paper.

Also, please do not think of "oh, I can bring this extra document during the interview, to show the IM officer directly" NO, don't think like that because they might want to see whatever you have when you submit your application. You do not want to receive a RFE. Like me, they didn't ask me to bring photos, but I printed to them with descriptions on top, so they can see ahead of time. Just keep in mind that whatever you think it is related to you and your wife, and is necessary to attach to the application, just send to them then! Make sure keep another copy for yourself also!

3) Just fill in her current income, and attached copies of her old income tax return. Just make sure whatever she is earning is enough to sponsor you is fine. My husband attached the past 3 years tax return too (every year he earns different amount also)

GOOD LUCK filing. Stay positive!! Triple check everything before you send out the document!

Hello... I'm new to this site as a member but I have been reading quite a few posts and found them very helpful, so thanks everyone...

I'm currently on H1B status (although it is going to expire soon since my company announced massive lay-offs). I've been in the states for over 10 years first as a student and then as a temporary worker. I have met my wife in college, but we just recently got married. We have a son who is 7 years old....

My questions are:

1) I saw that child's birth certificate can be used as evidence of bona fide marriage, but I also saw the following phrase "Birth certificate of any child that has been born to your marriage". Technically, our child has NOT been born TO our marriage since we've had him way before we got married. So does the certificate still counts as evidence of bona fide?

2) Also, we just recently moved in together (this Fall) and the house is in my name, so there is no primary evidence of common residence (like a lease or a deed)... And we didn't do the bills thing yet where she's added to the bills, and anyway those are almost all electronically paid, so they don't really come in the mail. She's changing her driver's license address and her USPS address (yeah we should have done it a long time ago, but we didn't think about it until we started looking at this whole AOS process) to our current residence. And we opened a joint checking account which shows both of our names under the same address...

Would this be enough as evidence, or do we need more?

I read on this site that people normally don't submit a lot of evidence with their application, but instead collect it in between application and interview and then bring it with them to the interview...

Finally, I see that the "standard" story on this site is someone coming into the country as K1,2 and marrying->AOS etc... So the fact that we've known each other for this long (had a child etc.) and are just now getting married, could that be construed as actually more suspicious? I don't know why, but I'm just really nervous about this whole process so maybe I'm being too paranoid... Thank you.

P.S. Oh, I'm sorry but one more question:

3) On I-864 where they ask for current income number, can she put her current salary even though she got a new job mid-way through the year? I think it's next to impossible to try to calculate the "expected" income for 2008, since she has had part-time jobs to supplement her income and changed jobs/salaries during the year... Also her salary this year is significantly different from 2006 and 2007, so since it's auto-considered suspicious we decided to provide her job/employment letter and her recent pay-stubs (how many?) in addition to 2007 tax info...

Hi All September Filers!!

Today is Dec 11th, and its my day of interview!!! I just got back and want to share with you all that I GOT APPROVED!!! Ho Ho Ho~ early Christmas present.

My interview was at 11:00 and I got there half hour early, after checking in and got a number, we sat down and wait. 10 minutes later, a lady called us in. She looks strict and doesn't smile at all, gave us a feeling that "we can't lie to her at all". Then we do have to stand up and lift up our right hand, and said "I do", promise that we will tell the truth during the whole interview.

Then she start asking me:

1) date of birth

2) where am I from and how does my home country like

3) whether I am a student now, what school I was at and what major I studied

4) am I working now, am I trying to apply for a job?

Then she asked my husband

5) is he a US citizen?

6) where is his work place, position, what he has to do at work? (this take long time since the IM wants to know more about his work place)

7) where did we meet?

Ask us

8) do we both live together?

9) is this 1st marriage?

10) where did we get married?

11) are we still married?

12) how many years of age difference?

13) did we filled out the I-485 application together?

14) do both parents accept us?

15) do my parents feel upset that I stay in a foreign country?

16) who cook at home? what is each other's best dish?

The whole interview was in a friendly conversation mode (We left at 11:35am already). Basically she wants to know whether we know each other well enough, and we are not lying to her at all. I also brought a lot of information with me (photo album, bank statement, bills, copies of application, old passport....), but she never ask for ANY. (which is good ^.^)

Then she told us that I got approved today, and the card will be mailing in about 2 weeks to 1 month, depending on the holidays. She said all I have to do now is to wait the card in the mail. I asked her if I need to get the passport stamped, and she said they do not stamp the passport now, since it will be in the mail very shortly.

Wish you all get approved soon and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

My husband is the US citizen, when he filed the I-130, he checked "Status as Permanent Resident" since that form is submitted in CONNECTION with an application for the NON-US Spouse, which is me. As for my G325-A, I check that same thing too ""Status as Permanent Resident".

Touch wood, so far everything is going smooth....... GOOD LUCK to you also!

We are also a little confused about what my husband who is a US citizen should check in his G-325 A

in " This form is submitted in connection with application for ...

as I understand in his form it should be "other" , ( as he is obviously applying neither for naturalization nor for status as permanent resident) but then how does he specify this "other"?

In my G-325 A I just check "Status as permanent resident" , right?

The reason I mentioned "make sure to check you have all documents ready", just to remind you to double check since you do not want to have a RFE. Some didn't know they need 6 photos total or they need to do medical exam kind thing.......etc.......for the bonafide info, just send everything you have, send more info doesn't hurt. Since I do not have any joint property, or insurance, I only attached joint bank statement, credit card info, and some photos.

Good Luck all the way!

Yes, paper clips would be enough. Do not use envelop to make them do more work to take out your documents!

I would suggest you to put the I-485 on the top, since that is the main thing and the I-131 and I-765 at the bottom. For the filling fee, I use checks since it is easier to track. I sent through USPS Express Mail flat rate envelop, cost $16 (arrive the office in 2 business days and can track delivery information online) You can also sent through USPS Priority Mail, cost about $10 with delivery confirmation. Or you can even paid extra for a return receipt. If you want to save $, see if you can stuff your package inside the Priority flat rate envelop cost like $5.

***Make sure you have all documents ready, like 2 passport photos on EACH application (total 6 and label them at the back), medical exam in sealed envelop, bonafide documents...etc

when you say make sure you have all documents and photos ect ... should you send that with the packet ? or if they ask ?

sorry what i am asking is other then needed documents im lost on what else t send for bonifide info? everythig or jus some things ?

My University language professor to translate it for me. She translated everything on the Birth Certificate, typed on a word document, and printed on a official school paper. It looks very professional.

Most importantly, she have to add the paragraph at the bottom stating "I, (translator's name), certify that I am fluent in the English and (your language) languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled (document name)" , dated and signed with her name and contact information.

I attached her original signed translation with the PHOTOCOPY of my foreign language birth certificate (my mom warned me not to send the original since once I send it I can't get it anymore) This is what I done and send it with my AOS applications, and I have no problem with it (knock wood).

For your reference, I read some other threads before, some people did got it notarized or certified copy of the translation. Some just got it translated from a friend. BE SURE TO ADD THE LAST PARAGRAPH to show the translator certify that he/she is fluent that language. Since it is hard to find a licensed translator to translate mine, so I got it translated from a language professor.

Note that if you found someone to translate, ask him/her to print 3 copies and sign for you just in case. One for I-485, one for I-130, and other for future use. HOPE THESE HELP!

Yes I need that too! it would be very helpfull if someone tells where the instruction for translating the birth certificate yourself.

You have to mail them to the Chicago Lockbox, or if you mail express, send the the office. (You can't drop the package off)

Hi VJs,

I would like to ask about the AOS filing. Do we need to mail the AOS docs or can we just pass it personally at USCIS office located at San Francisco, CA?

Yup, kid brooklyn is correct, just leave it blank. If this is the 1st time you apply, check NO on Ques# 11, and leave the following 2 questions blank, then proceed to Ques# 12.

Congratulations!

be sure to update us when you receive your Green Card on hand!

Yeah, go GREEN~

I'm sorry to hear that!

Good thing you guys didn't get married yet, more worse if she tells you that right after the wedding.

Don't married her, and she has no choice~ (hope she doesn't cheat another man)

If she chooses to overstay, haha...it's her problem, and she screw herself up!

Maybe you should set up sth to get her back...

Hi guys, unfortunately, my so called fiance just used me to get here. She said that she would just pay me to help her stay here. This got me so mad, is there anyway for me to get her banned from ever coming back here to the states? I'm going thru the worst times of my life right now and I would appreciate any help.

I think you are OK.....well, even though I don't have experience yet since I'm still waiting for my AP and EAD. However, since you are married and applied for AOS, you are no longer a F1 student, you are just a "AOS pending" person who is legally staying in the US. The most important thing is the have your VALID PASSPORT, VALID AP, EAD, oh bring your marriage certificate and to be safe, bring your copies of the AOS applications. That's what I other people suggest at other forums.

Btw, I know that the AP is 2 pieces of paper, right? Before you receive that, did you receive another NOA telling you that you got approve? Since I need my AP in a rush, and they have just approve me, the online status states that "approve notice sent", I'm wondering the NOA is on the way, or the actual AP is on the way.

I was on a F1 visa as a student, then I was on OPT for awhile prior getting married and applied for AOS.

Now I have my EAD and 2 copies AP. And my student visa and student document was expired. I am leaving to visit family for 2 weeks over christmas.

That's what I have

1) Passport

2) AP

3) EAD

Would that be sufficient? My passport does not have any sort of VISA to enter the US. Would that be okay?

Did you bring any documents to the InfoPass to tell them why you need the emergency AP?

I went to the InfoPass on Monday 11/10 and they made a copy of my I-131 receipt, my brother's wedding invitation and flight itinerary, the lady said she will email those info to the MSC office. Today I checked the online status, and it said "approve notice sent", I'm wondering if the AP is on the way to me.

I am registered on the USCIS website however it doesn't show the status of my AP only my EAD and permanent residency application.

Hi there,

I would like to ask you something regarding the AP. Since I'm still waiting for it....i never see the actual AP document before, so sounds like it is 2 piece of papers.......may i know if you receive another NOA telling you that you got approved?? Coz I checked the case status online, it says "approval notice sent" I wonder how long it takes me to get the actual AP document.

Any information for me would be appreciated! Thanks!

I'm hoping to get some valuable information/tips from those who used their AP to leave/enter back into the US.

1) Do I show/tell anyone at the Airport that I'm leaving the US with an AP?

2) Do I only show/tell IO that I have an AP when I come back into the US?

3) I'll be taking both of my AP copies with me - does the IO take it from me when I enter back into the US?

4) What other documents/paperwork must I bring along besides marriage certificate to show my married surname, which is included in the AP document?

Thanks in advance!

Congratulations and thanks for the reminder! i will sure wait for the stamps if I am offered to wait~

good stuff.. and one more thing, do i make out a check for 1010 or do i make 2; 930 + 80

Just make 1 check is fine!

Congratulations! So now you are one of the November filers!

Now, you just keep track of the delivery confirmation from the post office....and wait for the NOAs~~

Good Luck!

Hey people!!

Me and my hubby just mailed the package today to chicago!!!

... now the waiting times..

what's next!!

whats the first contact that USCIS will have with us??

thanks

Well, I don't blame your wife for believing in "numerology", but still I don't think the date would matter much for being denial or getting any RFE.......coz they will provide reasons to you, like you forgot to submit certain documents.

I hope you can communicate with your wife well, I don't filling out forms are stressful~~ but if she believes in numbers, then correct it then....printing paperwork again is fine....you don't want her to "blame" you all the way till you get the green card on hand just kidding

Both my husband and I don't really like the number 4, so I tried to avoid the date on 4th, 14th or 24th, but I still don't think it really would affect our applications. It mostly matter what we feel about it. Just make her feel better by changing the date then~

P.S. All these just my personal opinions.