Kittyfang

I got a hold of the doctor's office and they informed me that they usually make 3 copies. I must have signed only one and mailed the one that was not signed. So, I can go pick up a fresh one, for free!

Now, just as a precaution, so I know. If there is something wrong with that second one, would USCIS send another RFE, or do you only get one chance?

No, I'm pretty sure you are supposed to sign it in front of the civil surgeon. Also, I'd hope that your civil surgeon kept a copy of everything, so you wouldn't have to pay again for an exam. My hubby's civil surgeon sent us a replica copy of everything for our records. Hope this won't delay you too much!

EDIT: I just checked the form and yes you are supposed to sign under part 1 certifying that the information is correct, but you aren't supposed to sign until the civil surgeon instructs you to. So maybe just forgot that part...

Yup. I have a copy and I did not sign it. But, I'm thinking the receptionist might have made me sign it after she made the copy... At any rate, I just hope I won't have to pay for the medical again.

Got an RFE. Waiting for a letter of explanation.

Well, just got done talking with escalation person. I was told that they are going to send a letter, within 5 days, regarding what the issue is.

You know, now that I look at the copy of the form, it makes sense that I would not have signed it. I probably thought that I needed to sign it after the medical. What's weird is that I think one of the receptionists pointed at it and told me that I had not signed it... It's a mystery. I'll know in a few days!

Eek!! I don't think you sign it though... just the doctor... Maybe s/he filled it out incorrectly. That sucks! I hope they have a copy/can issue you a new free one. Good luck!

I'm hoping that's all it is.

I'm on the phone with the misinformation line and I've been escalated. So, hopefully, they can tell me what the actual issue was. No joke tho, the people who work there must be bored as heck! All they do is read from a screen. He had to read about 2 minutes worth of text before telling me that he was escalating my call. Don't get me wrong, I know it's their job and I feel for them. It just must suck to just read like that. I'm sure some people must be pretty rude to them.

Anyway, at worse, I'll just have to redo the medical (about $100), since the civil surgeon most likely kept a copy of my T.B. test, blood work and vaccination.

We just received an RFE for the I-693 (medical). The RFE asks us to submit a "properly completed and signed Form I-693".

Now, I know for a fact that we did send one. I think I remember signing it (actually, I don't see why I wouldn't have signed it). But, it would seem logical that they send an RFE for something that is not signed.

I've been trying to get a hold of the civil surgeon that did my medical and hopefully, I can pick up another original, without having to pay again. Here's hoping!

Congratulation on the medical!

I think people's beef with civil surgeon is that some of them tend to grossly overcharge. I was lucky enough to get a very nice doctor working at a university hospital, and I wasn't charged too much. However, I have read many horror stories about people asking if it's normal that their civil surgeon is charging them around a thousand dollars.

Wow! 2 days between biometrics and card production! Grats!

Depending on your contry of origin, you might not even need to deal with the embassy. I was able to get my passport by mail. Didn't even have to speak to anyone face to face.

Huh? So is it normal to not send in you medical info (I-693) with your AOS package? I thought the best thing was to send it all together? How often does it get lost? And why is there a greater chance of it getting lost if you submit it with the rest of the AOS packet?

It's better to wait for the RFE because then you have an official request for a specific form (Meaning, they've accepted the original paperwork and have assigned it a number). When they receive it, they will match form with case. If you decide to just send it in yourself, they might have a hard time figuring out where it's suppose to go.

Howdy,

I wanted to see what you think is better.

I did submitt the AOS without the I-693 (medical exam), so I know that it is missing.

It is my understanding that I can not just get the I-693 and send it in as an addition to my pacakage.

Rather do I need to wait for an RFE asking for the I-693.

Is this correct?

If yes, should I go ahead and get the medical done now? or should I wait for the RFE?

You can get the medical done now and send it in once you receive the RFE.

When I filed my paperwork, I remembered where I came in, but, being the paranoid I am, I wanted to double check... So, I went on google map and looked for my PoE, then used google street view to see if the building/general area was what I remembered.

checks cached and case now on USCIS website. seems to be quick

omg! Another kitty! j/k!

Congratulation on the quick process.

Congratulations on the emails guys!

It's only been two weeks since they received it. Yes, it's normal to take that long. Normally it takes a month, but it can take a few months. It depends on how busy your local office is. Good luck.

Harpa Timsah is right. Also, you have to think, with the upcoming holidays, things might slow down a bit.

About TB test, I had mine done about 4 months ago at the local health department, went back 2 days after and had the nurse write up the results on a small card. I brought this to the civil surgeon and he accepted it (as well as blood work for syphilis and MMR titer and booster shots).

But, I could see other civil surgeon wanting to do it themselves. Mine was free at the health department... Might have been a lot more if a private doctor was to do it.

We just sent off our AOS packet with the old fees. The way I understood it on the USCIS website, is that it has to be postmarked by today to use the old fees...hope that's right! Hope the process will go smoothly and painless. Best of luck to everyone else!

Don't forget to add your name to the November post!

From what I understood on the USCIS website, as long as it is postmarked before Nov. 23 (when fees increase) it will be ok to send with old fees. However, if the application is rejected due to missing signatures or forms, then they will require the new fees. But if there is an RFE, then the old fees should still apply. But in the OP situation, I would imagine they would reject as you suggested right away since the form I-864 is missing.

You may be right about the fees. I rushed mine out so I wouldn't have to pay the new fees hehe.

The issue is that the I-864 (affidavit of support) is not "a form on it's own". It's a form required by the I-485.

Firstly, when you mail your AoS package, they will do an initial check to make sure everything is there; signatures, correct amount of money on the checks, etc. Most likely, they would return a package if one of the required form was missing (such as the I-864).

Secondly, it's never advisable to send forms separately. There are a lot of horror stories on VJ about people who sent in something they forgot to add and USCIS never received it.

Thirdly, today is November 22nd, there is absolutely no way you can get your petition there in time. Remember, it's not when they receive it that matters, it's when they accept it.

The silver lining is that you have a little more time to find a co-sponsor now. I wish you good luck.

congrats Kittyfang, whens the appointment for?? you gonna wait for it??

Thank you!

It's mid December and yes, we're gonna wait for it. It's at 8am, but oh well! We'll just make sure to leave super early! I don't really want to chance it by going in the after noon.

Oh thanks so much! i'll give H&R a call... probably just merely the fact i'll apply for a tin would workout!!

thanks so much

You're welcome.

You should know that it does take a long time for IRS to actually receive the paper work and process it, but as far as USCIS is concerned, you can show them a copy and just explain the story. Also, make sure you get someone who knows about immigration and ITIN. The person doing ours was the "expert" in our section of the state and they still forgot a thing or two.

Congratulations!

Wonder why they interviewed you separately... At any rate, I'm glad you guys had a good interview!

Just received our Biometrics letter!

I just read a post same situation as ours but we only filed AOS and just waiting for our interview next month. SInce my wife doesn't have SSN and not filing tax, probably the best thing to do is consult a CPA.

We were on the phone with the lawyer the other day the only thing he could advise me us is "not to lie" especially with working... but of course we're concern about the employer who hired undocumented employees.

Paying back taxes sound good but has to wait till AOS is successful.

Thanks.. and good luck to everyone adjusting! have faith!

You do not need an SSN to file taxes (and back taxes). My husband (USC) and I (3ish years overstay) were incorrectly told (by our previous tax person) that we could not file as Married Filling Jointly because I was not a USC. After some time on VJ, I called H&R Block and was told that a non-USC CAN file.

The non-USC needs to request an ITIN. It's basically a tax number for non-usc who need to file taxes while in the US (just like your situation). Since we had been told, for the past 3 years, to file my husband as single (which was wrong), we had H&R Block do an Amendment of our taxes for the past 3 years. They wend from Single to Married Filing Jointly. This has the added bonus of being another proof of a bonafide relationship AND you get back the money you would have gotten back if you had filed as Married filing Jointly.

Now, if you're worried about IRS telling USCIS about your wife, or about her overstay, or about any illegal work she's done. Well, don't worry. IRS and USCIS do NOT talk to each other (unless there is blatant fraud). IRS only cares about getting the axes owed. I had asked that question to the person doing our taxes and that was the answer I received.

...and don't forget those coffee-breaks in the office followed by "Now where did I put that AOS...!?!?" j/k

oh geez! In my mind, USCIS' office are filled with craters! People's desks are surrounded by bottomless pits and pools of lava!