VSfansfans

I went to the InfoPass on Monday 11/10/08 regarding my AP, and today 11/12/08, my AP has been approved, and the website said "approve notice sent". Plus, my EAD card production ordered today also!!! So happy~~

Does anyone know how long it takes for the AP to arrive? Is "approve notice" the actual AP documents?

For reference, I went to the InfoPass, telling them my departure day for my brother's wedding is next Wed 11/19.....and they make a copy of my NOA, flight itinerary and my brother's wedding invitation. The lady at the counter said she will email my information to the MSC office, see if they will process for me.

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

Hi there,

I totally understand what you meant since it took me a "great while" to finish filling the G325-A form.

For the ex-husband date of birth or place of birth, I would suggest NOT to guess or put whatever you think. Just put N/A if you really don't know/don't want to check with your ex. If you confidently put whatever, they can easily check back from his name and date of birth anyway (if they really go and check though). So, just be honest and fill out everything you can. They probably will understand if your got married like 10 years ago (who will remember his date of birth!?)

For your address in the last 5 years, I would suggest you to find back your old bills or letters, to have the right address, and check the postmark date, get a better idea of how long you lived there. (that's what I do)

TRY YOUR BEST!!! DO NOT LIE~

If None, put None, if not available, just put N/A.

Congratulations & Thanks for sharing your story!! I'm getting ready for my interview too~~ =)

You are right, this site is fabulous!!! Not only can save us $$$, but all the members are friendly and very helpful~~

Hi there,

We were at the same situation before. Ok, you still have time to right now! Your OPT card will expire on Summer 2009, if you want to legally stay in the US after that, you should look for Master program now, and start applying before the school deadline. Some master programs require to register before Feb or April, so check on it (My friend wants to apply for the Jan 2009 but now is too late, so she is going home before the program start on Sept 2009). Also, check if you need to take any public exam before applying, that takes time to study and get the score to apply school. Since you are in F-1, you still need to stay full-time, no matter you are in bachelor or master level. As for how many credits you need to take, check your school to see how many is considered as full-time (mine was 9 credits for Master, and 12 credits for Bachelor). You can only become part-time (take less credits) in your last semester, which means you are graduating. Then you can apply for OPT again, since you are in Master level, you can apply it again!

Sorry, as for work, you cannot legally work outside campus, but you can find part-time on campus though. So that is not too bad. You can only work full-time outside if you are in OPT or you can apply H1B Visa through your workplace when you are on your OPT. If you are lucky, and your workplace like you, they can sponsor you and help you apply. My other friend did that, her company paid for her $1000 H1B visa (work permit) applications and she got it (valid for 3 years).

So, try to think further ahead if you really like US and do not want to do anything illegal in order to stay.

My suggestion is to make good use of your OPT now, find a place to work now till Summer 2009, go back to school full-time, work part time on campus (if you have a SSN). Then apply for OPT again when you are graduating, apply for another job/or if can work at your old place (it would be great). Then half year later, talk to your workplace and see if they can sponsor you. I think they do not have to pay for the application, you can pay too, just ask them to file for you and you pay (THIS PART I'M NOT TOO SURE IF YOU CAN DO THIS WAY). Well, anyway, at least you can stay for 2-3 more years if you plan like this.

I am an Irish citizen and have graduated with a degree here in USA. I am currently on OPT and expires Summer 09.

What are my options to stay in USA? I have the possibility of studying towards a Masters and get classes paid because of my athletic ability, If I get classes paid do I need to be a full-time student (masters) and if so how many credits/ classes I need to take? Also if I was to find a job and work is there a minimum amount of $ I have to earn to stay and get sponsored?

Any help would be great. Thank You.

hey, I was wondering if anyone knows any links or has info on what the policy is about living outside the US after recieving the green card. We're planning on returning home and staying for a while. Thanks for all the help!!

After you got your green card, you are sure a permanent resident, you are free to go in and out US, BUT not toooo long, specially you are a new PR, if you leave more than 6 months as soon as you get your GC, or worse 1 year without coming back at all, they will suspect you "why you even get the US permanent residency if you do not want to stay in the US/become a US citizen?" That is why my friend's mom, she stay in the US every half year. Stay here 6 months, then back to home country 6 months, and she has no problem.

What names she signed on the day you both get married?

I think she should used that name.

I paid a small fee to 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. 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.

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. At least it is better than to have it translated from a friend.

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. Get 3 copies one time is cheaper than get them in separate times. HOPE THESE HELP!

We will be filing for AOS in December and we still need to have his birth certificate translated. Does anyone think it would be a problem if the translation comes from the Head of the Language Department at Purdue University? I had his Brazilian identification card translated by Purdue University for the License Branch, but I'm not sure if the USCIS will accept his birth certificate.

Yes, you HAVE TO go the the Civil Surgeon to do your medical exam. I called tons of them to check the price, and choose to cheapest one. It ranges from $250-$500.

Bring whatever vaccine records you have to the doctor, so they can take a look and decide that they need extra. I paid around $250 total, which included blood test and 1 shot. TB test needs to be done, but I went to the Dept of Health for the free one, then take the records back to the civil surgeon for the report.

Everything needed to pay by cash for my medical exam =(

Hi guys

We are gatherings documents for my AOS and i have question regarding the medical. What shots/vaccines do i need and must i go to Civil surgeon designated by USE or i can go to any doctors here?

Any reply will be appreciated. Thank you!

Mitch and Amy Frecker

For your reference, we paid:

$1010 for the I-485, I-765, I-131

$355 for I-130

$250 for medical exam from civil surgeon

$20 for 2 birth certificate translation

$20 for 2 certified marriage certificate

$18 for 2"x2" passport photos (6 for I-485, and 2 for I-130)

$16 for USPS express delivery to the USCIS

I just had a phone call from my gorgeous fiancee....

She was telling me that she was on the uscis website and gathered that the cost of my adjustment of status is going to be $2300.

All along we thought that it would only cost $1100

can someone shed some light cuz i am now confused and

as of what the cost will be...

WHAT IS THE COST OF THAT PROCESS???

Congratulations again!! Yes, as soon as you receive the welcome letter, it's like one big step ahead toward the Green Card, so you will be receiving the it *realllll soonnnnn", like days~~

So how was your interview? Can you share a bit of your experience?? Did you bring anything special to the interview? Mine is scheduled to be 12/11/08, I'm so nervous......

Regards,

Emily

I got the welcome letter in the mail today!

Does this mean that the GC it's on the way as well?

So EXCITING TO READ "It is with great pleasure that we welcome you..."

I know ..I am making such a big deal out of it...but can't help it

Yes, don't worry about it. You sent your package on 10/30/08 (Thursday), if you send through Priority Mail, it would probably get to the Lockbox around 11/3-11/5, then they take your applicant to the office, go through your documents, send out the NOA, then cashed your check.

Today is 11/10, and tomorrow is holiday......so give it a few more days. Don't worry!

My husband (US Citizen) filled out the I-864 for me and attached COPIES of all his 2007, 2006, 2005 tax return information.

Ok so I thought I would ask this here. Thank God for this site. Before I send in my 2007 tax forms what should I do ? This is How the Request reads,

" In order to process your application further, the pettioner/sponsor on form I 864, Affidavit of Support must sumbit all Federal income tax documentation submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the most recent tax year."

So do I resend the the form I 864 or should I just send the tax forms form 2007 ? Please let us know what you think. Thank You so much for being here ! Chuck and Teresa

I paid a small fee to 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. 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.

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. At least it is better than to have it translated from a friend.

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. Get 3 copies one time is cheaper than get them in separate times. HOPE THESE HELP!

Hi there,

It seems like there are some documents missing.

Even though the I-765 and I-131 are optional is is free, but different department process different applicants, you would need to have all the photocopies available for the I-765 and I-131, and 2 passport photos for them too; which means you would need 6 passport photos, 3 copies of I-94, 3 copies of passport biographic page, 3 copies Visa page. Even though all documents already have a copy available for them, but they won't help you make extra copies for the other department.

Hi all VJ friends!

I am going to an InfoPass appointment tomorrow morning regarding the process of the AP, well, it's been only 2 months & 1 week, but my brother's wedding is next week. I am trying to see if there's any chance to make it back home. I'm wondering what should I bring? I have all my personal IDs, passport, NOAs, copies of AOS/AP/EAD package information. I even bought the flight arrangement schedule, wedding invitations. Is there anything else I should bring? or any suggestions?

I have got my interview letter (scheduled for 12/11/08), so I'm wondering if they are going to process my AP/EAD now, since my package should be at the local office already.

Well, I really don't know what should i do now. Anybody has any experience before???

Regards,

Emily

The only 1-800 # I have is the National Customer Server #: 1-800-375-5283 (located at the bottom of the NOA)

You just have to listen to the machine and direct you to the right representative,

have your AP receipt number & personal information ready when you talk to them.

what is the 1-800#?

OK, if you have never filed a I-130 before, you HAVE TO file it together with your AOS I-485.

Make sure your download all the necessary forms. Fill them out properly, make copies before you submitted.

$355 total (make 1 check)

I-130 (USC petitioner filed - your spouse)

G-325a (USC petitioner filed - your spouse dated & signed all 4 pages)

G-325a (yourself - yourself dated & signed all 4 pages)

I-864 (USC petitioner filed - your spouse)

$1010 total ($80 biometric fee included, make 1 check by yourself)

I-485 AOS (yourself filed)

I-693 (Medical exam done separately by civil surgeon in a sealed envelop, price varies between $250-$500)

I-765 EAD (yourself filed)

I-130 AP (yourself filed)

Is there a fee for the biometrics separate from this? Do we need to include it with the rest of the forms? What about the medical exam? Do we need to have it done and included with these forms?

I made 2 separate personal checks from 2 different bank a/c (can check when they cashed the checks)

I-485 $1010 (using my checks - applicant)

I-130 $355 (using my husband's checks - petitioner)

That way can clearly see who is filing the case. Even though all applications are sending in one package, but better to make everything as clear as possible. Put each check in front of the 2 diff applications. I don't think it is ok to send one $1365 check.

Hey guys

I have a question??

My lawyer told me that i can send a money order with the whole amount!!

(Im doing AOS) so she said just get me a money order for $ 1365

Is she right?

Ive been reading here and it says that i need to dif money orders..

one for the 1-130 and for the 1-485?

Hi there,

Thanks! I have just registered on the website. That helped a lot~ So when you guys said "case touched on certain date", does it mean the updated date?

Regards,

VJfansfans

Hello VS fansfans!

You can register on USCIS website to follow your cases online... The link is:

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/termscondi...ntextType=CU_EN

You will then need to enter your receipt numbers you got from NOAs. And whenever you are connected, you'll be able to tell if there was an update or not. Update means that the indicated date has changed and that you have been touched...

It doens't work all the time. For exemple, I can see my cases online, but they have never been updated, even though my cases have been already transferred to my local office and that I just got my I-485 interview date. That didn't work for my I-129 either, at the beginning of the process, before getting my visa... But for most people, it seems to be a great way to know when their cases have been seen by someone. If you see such an update, then you can click on your receipt number and see if they actually made a real update and your status has changed. Sometimes they touch you but don't really do anything on the case...

Good luck!

Faustine

Wow, so great, someone made this Sept AOS filers chart!!

Can you please add me?

VSfansfans , adjust from F1, case at MSC now

.

USERNAME...........SENT...RECVD..NOA/s..BIOM...VSA..RFE..EAD...INTERVW..APPROVAL

alexpapa...........09/02..09/03..09/12..09/20..L1..............

darbyoshea.........09/02..09/04..09/04..09/30..K1.......11/03..

FaSa2008...........09/02..09/05..09/09..09/30..K1..............

Tena...............09/02..09/04..09/12..09/15..F1..............

rupa...............09/03.........09/08..09/30..K1..............

satoru.............09/03..09/11..09/15..09/30..................

snakenskull........09/03..09/05..09/12..09/26..................

Tea and Honey......09/04.........09/10..10/06..K1..............

Dr_Evo.............09/04..09/11..09/15..10/07..H1B.............

FromJapan..........09/04................10/06..F1..............

FaustineJason......09/05..09/08..09/16.........K1..............11/20...

b_weeks............09/05.........09/16.........K1..............

Patrick and eL.....09/05..09/11..09/18..10/04..K3....*.........

beazalbob69........09/05.........09/11..10/24..K1..............

EmilyT.............09/06..09/08..09/11..10/01..K1....*.........

anxiouslywaiting...09/07.........09/10..10/01..K1..............

rwerber............09/08..09/10..09/16..10/03..K1..............

BabyBlueSusie......09/08..09/10..09/18..10/01..K1..............

karvy02............09/08.........09/15..10/08..K1..............

Stardust72.........09/09..09/10..09/16..10/10..K1....*.........

hiraku.............09/09..09/11..09/15..10/04..F1..............

Tim and Glyn.......09/09..09/11..09/15..10/08..K1..............

Awakening_1........09/10..09/12................K1..............

slapointe..........09/10..09/12..09/16..09/30..O1..............

ANJING.............09/10.........09/22..10/10..K1..............

carlosg............09/10................10/02..K1..............

Aaralyn............09/10..09/12..09/16..10/09..K1..............

Norman_and_Dijani..09/11..09/13..09/22..10/14..K1..............

Maeve..............09/12..09/13..09/20..10/14..K1....*.........

Beautiful_years....09/12..09/15..09/23..10/15..K1..............

cutie_fishball.....09/13..09/15..09/18..10/15..H1B.............

chrismatt84........09/15..09/16..09/23..10/15..F1..............

cejf...............09/15..09/19................K1..............

malianqueen........09/15..09/16..09/24..10/15..F1....*.........

LGU@JP.............09/15..09/16..09/24..10/16..K1....*.........

jlogajan...........09/16..09/18..09/25..10/16..K1..............

Mark&Jo............09/17.......................K1..............

Precious...........09/17..09/18..09/22..10/16..K1....*.........

Madhuandnatalia....09/17.........09/25.........K1..............

EmilyandEric.......09/17..09/19..09/23..10/18..F1..............

Nao................09/18..09/22..09/26..10/16..K1..............

time1300...........09/18..09/19..10/03..10/17..................

Saffyre............09/19.........09/29..10/17..K1..............

chabo..............09/19..09/22..09/25..10/17..K3..............

Dutti..............09/19.........09/25..10/22..K1....*.........

dAlip..............09/19..09/23..09/30..10/21..K3..............

Iulia..............09/19..09/21..09/25..10/17..F1..............

michellemilitza....09/20..09/22..09/30..10/21..K1....*.........

AlHayatzween.......09/20..09/22..09/25..10/18..K1..............

gladys.............09/21.........09/24..10/17..K1....*.........

psiprez............09/22..09/25................K1..............

jerzboi............09/22.........09/30..10/23..K1..............

debbylyn...........09/23..09/25..09/29..10/21..K1..............

Jamie76............09/23.........10/03..10/16..K1..............

Nagishkaw..........09/23..09/24..10/06..10/23..K1..............

mamada.............09/23..10/02..10/07.........K1..............

angelike31.........09/23.........09/30..10/17..F1..............

Nani...............09/24..09/29..10/02..10/28..K1....*.........

Adriana Rodriguez..09/25.........09/30..10/18..K1....*.........

~Laura and Nick~...09/26..09/29..10/06..10/31..K1....*.........

LynnandAhmed.......09/26..09/28..10/06..10/25..K1..............

nazman.............09/26.........10/07..10/25..K1..............

BH45...............09/27..09/29..10/04..10/28..K1....*.........

vicmo..............09/27..09/28..10/03..10/25..H1..............

justagirl24........09/27..09/29..10/06..10/25..F1..............

gazarama...........09/27..09/30..10/07..11/04..................

envy_me............09/29..09/30..10/06..10/25..K1..............

blukiss24..........09/29..09/30..10/07..10/28..K1..............

mellowgeorge.......09/29..10/02..10/09.........F1..............

j.kevs.............09/29..10/01..10/09..11/05..K1..............

lucie&damon........09/30..10/03..10/07..10/29..K1..............

- case at CSC..

- case at MSC/NBC..

- case at local office..

- last update : lucie&damon..

---------------------------------------------

good luck everyone!

---------------------------------------------

.

Hey VJ friends!!

I noticed that everybody's case has touched, what is that meant? How do I know if mine'e been touched??

Mine is still stuck on Case received and pending on Sept 4th.

I am no nervous...its's Nov 6th... and I really want to go to by brother's wedding in 10 days!!!

EAD, AOS and AP all touched again today!