Kittyfang

My paperwork is done and sitting on my desk, waiting for pictures and money. However, we've already signed all the forms and dated them... 2 months ago. I'm wondering if I should print out another copy and "refresh" our signature to show a more current date.

I am happy to read your medical went well - congratulations! Best wishes to you.

Thank you! I'm hoping the rest of the journey goes as well!

OMG, who could have guessed progress would be made with Kittyfang's case? Well, a few days ago, we went for my medical. Since, reading other people's experience is always a rewarding experience for me, I figured I would do the same.

My appointment was at 1pm, but we showed up about 45 minutes in advance (The doctor's office is about 1.5 hour away and we wanted to make sure we would not be late). The receptionist gave me a few papers to fill out, one of which was the I-693 (only had to fill the top part).

I waited a few minutes and was called into an examination office. The nurses were very nice and we chatted as they did what they had to do (checked my blood pressure, pulse, weight and height).

As mentioned above, the doctor's office is pretty far from were we live and in an attempt to avoid having to go back a few days after, I had called in advance and asked what tests would cause me to have to go back and if I could have my own doctor perform them. The answer was yes. The required tests were: Tuberculosis Test (free at my local health department), blood work for Syphilis (about $50... I think) and because I didn't have my shot record, I had a blood titer done my MMR and Tetanus. I needed rubella and Tdap, so I had those done as well.

I gave the doctor all this paperwork and he looked it over. I had a bit of bad luck with the timing of my appointment. Had I come a week early, I could have done without Flu vaccine, but since we're apparently right in the season, they had to give me one. Also, when you receive a shot, ask the nurse if you will need a follow up. I don't remember asking my local nurse if I needed a follow up after the Tdap and it turns out I did. The doctor was able to give me one anyway, but... you never know.

The doctor doing the examination was very nice. We chatted throughout the examination. The actual examination was very fast. Checked my eyes, ears, mouth, stomach and that's it. I would think that being Canadian had something to do with how fast it was, but I wouldn't know.

The total experience cost close to $200 and lasted not even an hour. Now, a few more days and we'll be ready to file. We're trying to do it before the price increase!

I am filing the I-485 and I-30 and I need to know if I should send pictures from our ongoing relationship and marriage ceremony/luncheon with these packets or just bring them to the interview?

I think a lot of people do send a few pictures with the application and bring the whole box/album at the interview.

Hi there,

I did not make a copy of my application to adjust status, and as such, do not really know what I submitted.

Any idea what they are referring to? Do they mean ANOTHER original, and copy, of each and every photo I submitted? Something like that?

I sent in over 50 photos and many items and receipts form our wedding, travel itineraries, everything possible, really. Does this mean they need all the same again, in original form, plus another copy of each. Even though it all should be in my file?

I also cannot think of what to bring to the interview that I didn't submit the first time. I submitted a LOT!!!

Basically, do you know if I need more of all the same things again, and what do you think are the most important items. I don't want to overwhelm the officer and have a 10 hour interview...

Thanks!

Not to sound rude, but I am somewhat surprised that someone would engage in a complicated process like an AoS and take it so lightly that they don't know what they sent. For future reference, a copy of everything you send is useful, but if it's not possible, I would write down everything that was sent.

Now, "Bring original and copy of each supporting document that you submitted with your application" means that you need to bring the original of what you submitted. Hopefully, before sending everything, you carefully read and understood that you can send copies. If you did, then you need to bring the originals. For example, if you sent a copy of your marriage certificate, you need to bring the original at the interview.

So, yes, you need to bring the original of every document you submitted, marriage certificate, birth certificate, bills, taxes, etc.. They may not look at it, but it is what they require.

If you feel you have additional proof of bona fide relationship, then you may bring and present those as well.

The copy is only good for your own records.

If the sealed envelope ever gets damaged, accidently opened or lost, get a new sealed copy from the doctor's office.

VJ itself suggests that, before you send your AoS, you make a copy of every single page. That way, if something happens to the original, or if you get an RFE, or if you simply want to see what info you put down at a specific question, you can. Adding a copy of the Medical itself goes with that way of thinking. You cannot use it with the actual AoS, but it is an integral part of the paperwork and should be copied, like the rest of it.

I would also ask for a copy. In case something happens to the original.

I also did not make copies of what I sent. Did not really matter at the interview. IO only wanted to see my passport, I - 94, and co-mingling of finances. Approved in less than 10 minutes.

Usually, the copy won't even be needed ever. It's just recommended (in VJ's guides as well as most online guides) in case something happens. If you didn't think you make one, no biggy, if you made one, then hopefully, it's something that helps you feel more organized and in control of the whole process.

Hi all,

I'd appreciate some help here. I have researched with conflicting results. For the AOS interview, do I bring originals of everything-- marriage license, taxes, bills, photos, etc-- as well as copies of everything? And do any of the copies have to be notarized? What about the original marriage certificate?

THANKS!

You should bring the originals. A lot of people are making a copy of the AoS package and keeping it for their personal record and/or a back up in case the first one gets lost. I think most people also bring this AoS copy to the interview.

As for notarized copies, I don't think anything needs to be notarized. Your marriage certificate (original) already has a seal on it (or it should anyway).

So... many... abbreviations......... Gah!

DOT... Damage Over Time?

(I will never give up the gamer in me! NEVER!!)

kek kek

At any rate, it's overwhelming. I can understand why it's so easy to get confused. Not only are there different abbreviations, but every state has it's on laws and regulations regarding those department. Not to mention, the different ways in which their personnel decide to understand them.

Department of Public Safety. Texas is all bass-ackwards.

You get your car title/pay tax and get your driver's license in 2 different places.

Mmm, it's the same here. Car title and driver's license are not at the same place.

DPS...?

Damage Per Second...?

That is just awesome... Might I inquire... For the Horde?

I have to agree with Harsh. And for the record the system is just as complicated here in Canada. My husband could not add me to our car title (even though I drove it everyday). And just to make yourself look a bit more crediable you should call it the DMV as thats what it is....it is the Department of Motor Vehicles. I mean I dont know what you were expecting? To go into a government building and say look I have no "american proof" that I am here legally or any way of being tracked in America but I want my name on this title when I am not even able to live here permanently? I mean come on your common sense should kick on that one.

Many states use "Department", but many others use "Bureau" or "Office".

Congratulations on the cards!

Kitty, what are you gonna do with yourself once you finally get all this sent out?

Well, I'm glad you asked! I saw the cutest little straight jacket!

Actually, you know, it's been so long... I think that, as stressed out as I'll be, I'll be also very relieved. I'm still very stressed, but I think it's just because of the possible (albeit small chance, from what I've heard) of negative consequences. I keep going over the requirements in my mind (no criminal record, came trough legally, never lied about SSN or being USC, etc) and while I can't see any problems, I can't shake the stress.

If I could find a time machine to zip me forward a few months!

Dude, would you lay off already? It's like you're trying to discredit her for something insignificant.

Relax, take it easy. She probably just needed to vent her frustration is all.

P&K, I don't know why, but I just love your picture! You guys just look so happy.

Bummer about your appointment at the CS office. Good thing that you didn't make the drie.

The results after your exam should be pretty quick. The blood tests should be couple of days. They will also have you come back after two days to take a look at the tb injection site. When I did it, we did the exam and about a week later, we sent out the package.

My CS appointment is far from where I live, so making two trips was something I didn't want to do. In order to avoid that, I had T.B., blood work and vaccines done by my local doctor (and requested paperwork for everything). I have spoken with the CS' receptionist and, according to her, having the tests done locally and bringing in the paperwork is just as good.

This forced wait is good, in a way, because we are using the time to save a little bit more money.

Kitty- all your problems will be solved once you get your EAD. When you get your GC it will get even better.

I don't know what's coming up in mid-November, I wouldn't wait for it if I were you. However the sooner you mail the applications, the safer you will be.

I agree wholeheartedly. Medical is in two weeks. We might need a few more days after to scrounge up the last of what we need, but are getting very close.

Awww, thx for the info. Well, here's hoping my stuff is in the mail... Seems to be getting pushed back a little more every day.

No where in Kitty's post was there any "badmouthing" of the BMV. I don't know what some people are reading.

Be nice. Stop being so judgmental over such a little thing. Sometimes people just need to vent their experiences.

I'm not interested in starting a war of semantics so I will just stick by my original post and state that Trillium13 understood what I meant.

[quote name=NVC FAN ' timestamp='1281649681' post='4126046]

better get used to it, after november things will change

I'm sorry, I haven't had the chance to follow the news much. What is happening in November?

Hi Kittyfang,

You may be able to get everything changed over at the DMV once you receive your EAD. I see from your timeline that you were about to see a CS. When is your appointment? The sooner you can do your AOS, the sooner things will move along smoothly.

Good luck!

Hi Lili!

My appointment was supposed to be on August 4th. Unfortunately, I called in the morning to confirm the address and the receptionist told me that the doctor I was supposed to see didn't even do CS appointments. So, I had to reschedule. I will be going at the end of the month.

And yes, I cannot wait to get get EAD. This little experience today reminded us of how uncomfortable the current situation is.

Pls stop bad mouthing every agency.

There is nothing wrong in your exp with DMV, all the lady was asking was to provide her some proof about your identity, if you dont like that and get annoyed at someone asking to prove wh u say ur then sorry its your problem.

You dont have lic, no ssn and no visa, then how do you expect her to process your request.

But your husband has driven and he knows wht is req, and if u in habit of being stressed out quickly then you should blame your hubby for butting you thru the ordeal and not DMV.

Good news for you is in most cases I have never heard DMV call USCIS and report anyone and if you have not done anything wrong you need not worry. (you did not mention wht your status was while you are in country. so guessing you are in country legally)

I believe this is actually the first time I speak out about any agency... Actually no, that's not true. I did talk about the IRS in the past and all I had to say was that they provide very good service and hardly ever interact with USCIS. So, I'm not sure where you saw me "bad mouth agencies". Furthermore, not once in my post did I mention anything regarding the BMV doing anything wrong. I simply stated that I had a bad experience (or situation if you prefer) at the BMV. The lady doing the work was actually quite nice and seemed to be genuinely sorry that she could not help us. I simply stated that it was a bad experience because it was a bad experience. I never said it was their fault, her fault or anyone's fault.

My husband and I went to the BMV to get new plates. The last car broke down and we were able to get a new one. We took our title down to the title office and had them add my name to it. I should mention that I don't drive and don't have a license. I showed my passport and we got our title.

We drove down to the BMV and told the person we needed new plates. She asks for my husband's license and mine. I explain that I don't have one. She ask for my SSN. Again, I say that I don't have one. I show her my passport and explain that I am a Canadian visitor. She asks if I have a visa, to which I answer No. She then tries to proceed on the computer without an SSN for me and cannot do it. She grabs the phone and calls "someone". At that moment, the worst images go trough my mind. I imagine ICE breaking down the door, pistol drawn... Anyway, while waiting on the phone, she asks me what my status is and how long I will be here... At that point, I'm getting annoyed and say "Look, I'm a visitor and I will be here until my immigration paperwork goes trough. If all this is going to be an issue, we'll have the title remade and come back". She smiles, says Ok, that'll work! and gives me back everything.

As I said, I've never driven before, so I wasn't aware of what I needed to show if my name was on the title. So, take this a cautionary tale. I did not need that stress. Furthermore, to those who know how much I worry.... Should I be worried? Is BMV in the habit of calling USCIS and telling them "look, this lady came in today, wanted new plates and only had a passport"?

You prolly meant the I-864a on him (S.P.G), I'm thinking? Sorry to nitpick, alas.

You're right hehe, I meant I-864a. My bad!