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i married a young lady from Israel back in September. She was here on a tourist visa. I want to start the process but dont know what to do first.

its unclear.... petition for this, send papers for that... what do i do????

I am an American citizen

She is here with me in US on tourist visa

we got married here in texas

what is my step by step move form by form if someone can help

Alex

The following is taken from the Visa Journey guide -

If you are already married, and your spouse came to the US on a tourist visa with the intent of immigration and marriage, then he/she should return to his/her home abroad, and the I-130 (or along with an I-129f for a K-3 Visa) should be filed with the relative outside of the U.S. to avoid denial, deportation, or even being banned from re-entry to the US.

The above conditions are serious and can result in the separation of families for many years if not taken seriously.

When does her 3 month tourist visa expire? Ideally she should return to Israel before this happens. But if you were married in September and she's remained ever since, well she probbaly has already overstayed and this could cause problems.

I'd get a lawyer ASAP.

Hi,

After getting my permanent residency following being married to my American fiancee, we've booked a flight to go back to Britain to see my family over Christmas.

I was wondering what I should do with the I-94 I was given when I first arrived on my k-1 visa. As far as I know I am supposed to give it up when I leave. Is this still the case after I've received my permanent residency?

Thanks!

Sim

I take it you didn't have an interview to get your PRC? If you did, they would have taken it from you then. I agree with the previous comment - just file it away in your own records. And you really won't need letters from your employer etc to get back in - you have a Green Card.

Hi, just looked for the vaccination requirements on the visajourney home page. Couldn't find them. Could you send me a link or tell me what section of the page there located on? Thanks!

I'm hopeless at creating links, but it's the Second story listed under the heading Recent Immigration news.

Story is entitled - USCIS to Hold Certain Cases Pending Changes to Vaccination Requirements

It talks about changes for herpes and HPV and shows where to go should you need further info.

How come some of you received your Green Card without having to go to the AOS interview?

Why or what makes it easier? Is your case more simpler? Is the country of origin a factor?

Thanks in advance

because package is neat and organized with a checklist...

That's certainly no guarantee. It probably helps, but don't count on it. Our package was meticulous, but we still got called in. I'd imagine there are thousands of others who will say the same too.

As previously stated, to even petition you need to demonstrate that you are legally able to marry. So you'll need to wait until she's 16.

Michigan law also states that her parents will need to appear IN PERSON to give consent - so I suggest they fly out to Michigan and do this BEFORE you petition. Without their consent, you aren't legally able to marry and so it's likely your petition would be denied.

That's the legal side.

I know you don't want "moral comments", but frankly you post something like this and you are going to get them. Like most of the previous comments I think this whole thing is nuts and needs a serious rethink. What's wrong with a long engagement? See who you both really are in a couple of years? If you are still together and in love, then petition when she's 18 or 19 or 21. As the "adult" in this relationship, you owe her that.

BTW - what's happening with her education? Was she planning on leaving school after GCSEs anyway? Or will she enrol at high school in MI? How easy will that be? Will she make friends being a "recently arrived 16 year old married Brit"? Will those unusual circumstances mark her out for shunning at best/ bullying at worst? All things you need to SERIOUSLY consider.

Morality applied to this circumstance seems to disregard that both she and I have arrived at this decision through careful consideration and a long time spent deciding on future compatibility. It's easy to say that she's acting irrationally, or that I'm acting irresponsibly, but in either case, are you judging our ages, or our experiences? Is it really so hard to believe that a 16 year old can make the decision to marry? Law makers in various states still see it fit to deem that an appropriate age, and a person's age is least of all determinate of if that person can fall in love. If we're all bound to marry off eventually, why do we have to be alone for so long before society lets us do it without staring down their noses at us?

Most of you have a love you've had to overcome obstacles for; consider yourselves lucky that your happiness isn't the subject of moral outrage and please bear in mind that I didn't come to this forum to be reminded that my fiancée's age makes her subject to a 16 year-old's lack of maturity. It's the lowest hanging fruit of this subject and not something helpful to my cause.

We hope to be together by late fall of next year. She finishes school before then in the UK, and we'll deal with the US high school equivalence details as soon as we've settled the matter of her residence.

She's only 15 for a start.

We are in the process of applying for the EAD but can he work with his SS#? Or would this be considered illegal?

What does his SS card say (just below the number)? I'm guessing - "not valid for work without DHS approval". If it does, then that's your answer.

If he does work and is found out, he'll face deportation. Seriously. It's really not worth the risk.

I received my EAD about 6 or 7 weeks after applying for it. Seems a pretty average wait. The down side is that many employers (especially the public sector) won't even consider a job application from someone who doesn't have an EAD yet - even if you can show you've applied. So you may have to wait until it's in his hands before you can really start the ball rolling.

Good luck - hope it arrives and he finds work soon.

As previously stated, to even petition you need to demonstrate that you are legally able to marry. So you'll need to wait until she's 16.

Michigan law also states that her parents will need to appear IN PERSON to give consent - so I suggest they fly out to Michigan and do this BEFORE you petition. Without their consent, you aren't legally able to marry and so it's likely your petition would be denied.

That's the legal side.

I know you don't want "moral comments", but frankly you post something like this and you are going to get them. Like most of the previous comments I think this whole thing is nuts and needs a serious rethink. What's wrong with a long engagement? See who you both really are in a couple of years? If you are still together and in love, then petition when she's 18 or 19 or 21. As the "adult" in this relationship, you owe her that.

BTW - what's happening with her education? Was she planning on leaving school after GCSEs anyway? Or will she enrol at high school in MI? How easy will that be? Will she make friends being a "recently arrived 16 year old married Brit"? Will those unusual circumstances mark her out for shunning at best/ bullying at worst? All things you need to SERIOUSLY consider.

I've had the exact same thing happen! I had our package tracked with royal mail, and it was received nov. 11 signed for by Koko. I called DOS today and they said the embassy still has not put our packet into their computer system! So hope its soon! Maybe Koko is the wrong person to sign for a package !

Yeah - the admin at the London embassy is awful. I too sent my package by recorded delivery (April 2009). When I didn't get a response, I contacted the embassy and was told they hadn't received it.

So I sent it again - better news this time - I got my K1 interview date. But when I went for my interview.... they'd lost the paperwork I'd submitted! Fortunately I had copies with me.

I raised this with the U.S. immigration officer who I finally saw at the end of my 4 hours at the embassy. He apologised and confirmed that all the admin work is outsourced and done by British staff. I'm guessing VERY poorly paid agency workers on short term contracts. They certainly don't seem to care that much about doing a good job.

Okay, I've been talking to a coworker who came from Germany on a K-1 visa around 5 years ago. I know things have probably changed a bit since then, but some of the things that he says are really confusing to me. My wife just last month filed for her AOS(along with EAD & AP). The case quickly was transferred to the California Service Center(due to speed up processing). We have to go to Detroit December 17th for her biometrics.

So, he is telling me that first of all, we should expect to recieve a reciept of the AOS(ahead of getting the greencard). He said that this receipt would be enough for my wife to be able to get her drivers liscense...ect...So, I recieved the NOA1 for the I-485 but no kind of reciept. Do they still do that? Should we be expecting a reciept? If not, then can I use the NOA1 to get her drivers liscence? Also, would NOA1 or EAD be enough evidence to take to the Social Security Office to get her name changed on SS? Or do we have to wait until we get the GC?

Another thing he was saying is that you get a stamp in your passport before you actually get the GC(which is pretty much the same thing). So, since our case went to California Service Center(meaning we may not even need an interview) how will we get her passport stamped? He said that the Detroit office doesn't do any of the processing. He said he went to the Cleveland office when he got his biometrics done, and they gave him the passport stamp right away(although it took him 2 years to actually recieve his greencard). So, maybe someone could clear this up for me...does she have to get her passport stamped? When will this happen? Anyways, I guess talking to him just added to my confusion about the process. And 2 years? Thats not average is it? What is average time after applying for AOS till recieving the GC?

Okay last question...I've noticed people talking about the HPV shot...my wife got the first shot in October(right before we filed in November). So that would mean that this month is due date for her next shot of the series correct? Now, I've been reading that as of December something or other, its not a requirement anymore. So, do we have to complete this series? If we do, then we'll have to schedule an appointment. If not, then I'd actually rather not have to do it. If we do have to complete it, does it have to be through a Civil Surgeon again? Or just anywhere we choose & they can update the vaccination records w/out a civil surgeon getting involved? Yeah this is a bunch of questions, everything is just going so fast though. I've had a little breather, and it felt good. I just don't want to get behind. An answer to any of these questions would be helpful. Thanks!!

The NOA1 is probably the "receipt" your co-worker was talking about. For now, it's all you'll get.

From what I've read, it varies from state to state and office to office, but I had to wait until I had my actual EAD (card) before Colorado would let me apply for a learners permit and take my test. You may be lucky with the NOA1 - but don't count on it.

All you should need to change the name on her SS card is your marriage licence and her birth certificate and passport (as proof of her ID).

GC Stamps are no longer put in passports (they were being forged). Once her AOS is approved, she'll get a "conditional (2 year) GC". It's a credit card size piece of plastic with a huge biometric strip on the back. Prior to receiving the GC, she may receive an advanced parole certificate - if she applied for this? Until you receive the actual advanced parole certificate - or the physical GC, she must not leave the U.S.

I applied for AOS in mid/ late August (this year), had my interview in late November and got my GC a few days ago. That seems average. It MAY be quicker if you aren't selected for interview. But most people are interviewed.

There's full info about the recent changes to vaccination requirements on the Visa Journey home page.

Yeah I was worried about that. I have my record that I provided Knightsbridge with, minus the MMR jab I needed, a letter signed by the doctor at Knightsbridge saying I needed my second MMR jab, and my second immunisation record WITH all the needed jabs. I know how picky people can be though...

I doubt you'd have problems - but the Knightsbridge document should help you if you do. Good luck, but I have a feeling you'll be fine.

No worries my fiance came for a visit after we applied. Just like any other time it was normal, they didn't ask for anything. Don't stress about it!

I echo this. I came over a few times during the K1 application process and never had any problems. I always had my HMRC identification and badge with me in case they wanted proof that I still had a job in the UK, but they never asked.

What's wrong with -

Purpose of visit? - "Visiting friends".

That's what I always said. They would then ask the duration of my trip and I would tell them when my return flight was. Simple as that.

Would it be an issue that it was not signed by my doctor or anything? It's just a print out with all of my details and showing the dates I had the required vaccinations etc.

Must admit, I made sure mine was both signed by my GP and stamped with the surgery stamp. The lack of a signature could be an issue - sadly there's probably no way of telling until your appointment with the authorized doctor here in the U.S.

I seem to have misplaced my gs-3025 - however I do have a copy of my entire immunisation records from my GP in England, will this suffice to be transcribed? I also have a letter from Knightsbridge explaining to my GP which vaccinations I required, which obviously I followed up and had done. Are my immunisation records acceptable or should I start worrying?

Your GP's immunisation record should be fine. I didn't have my vacination records available when I had my medical in London, but I was able to get a copy just before I flew out. When I arrived in Colorado, I took my immunisation record to the local authorized doctor and he signed off my vaccination supplement for me.

I know someone asked before, but no one really answered. Can anyone tell me if you can do a walk-in at this location? I went to the USCIS website and it said "appointment only" but other people in different states have done walk-ins even though it says by appointment only.

Thank you!

When I had mine in September 2009 (Aurora, CO) it was definitely appointment only - I know that as the guy in front of me was turned away by the security guard at the reception desk and told to come back when he had an appointment.

For our AOS interview upcoming, it says we need originals and copies of all the documents submitted, and a completed Aff. of S. unless already submitted. Now, I don't want to be unprepared, so... I'll ask.

Do I need to bring additional evidence related to the Affidavit or Support (e.g. most current pay stubs from myself and out joint sponsor)? Is this something that can be asked for? It is problematic for me to bring this, since our joint sponsor lives in another state, and I have a different job than I did when we applied (and this one is temporary).

Also, for eligibility proof: is a joint lease, bank account, our marriage certificate, and wedding album sufficient?

Hi Aubrey - We had our interview on 30 November 2009 in Centennial (Denver), CO. And wow, it was far less involved than it could have been. Like you, we wanted to be fullly prepared, so we went armed with hundreds of photocopied docs (everything that we had previously submitted, plus copies of all recently obtained documents - EAD, Social Security Card, Driving Licence etc).

But the immigration officer simply looked at my passport, took my original I-94 and then took the copies I made of my EAD, Advanced Parole, Driver's Licence and Social Security card.

He checked a few basic details - names, address, dates of birth, date and port of entry, date of marriage, names of parents - but that was it. No in depth questions about our relationship.

He then asked to see evidence of our relationship - we gave him A FEW copies (really just a few) of our wedding photos, then copies of our joint bank statements and the jointly named car insurance certificate and he was happy. Based on that, it would seem your lease, bank account and wedding photos should do just fine.

We had some of Annette's recent pay slips, but he really wasn't interested - he was happy with the original affadavit and the supporting documentation that we filed in August.

He thanked us and told us that the Green Card was approved and I'd receive it within 30 days. That was it.

Good luck!

I am so overwhelmed by this whole AOS process. I am not sure that I will be able to submit the AOS package for my husband by the time his K1/I-9 expires (December 8). My questions are: Does filing the AOS late lead to an automatic denial of AOS? Is it okay if your application is a little late? If so, how much time would be permissable? Also, do you submit the proof of a valid marriage (joint accounts, rental lease, etc.) with the application or is that submitted when you interview? I am going by the AOS step-by step guide and advice from an immigration consultant who only mentioned the required forms and vaccination certification.

Please help!

Well, my husband and I got married in May and we JUST filed for AOS on November 28...his I-94 expired May 21.... So I guess we will let you know if my husband gets deported and all that other nonsense before our paperwork is fully processed.

Unfortunately, we could not afford AOS at the time we got married so we have had to save up money since then. Fortunately, my husband was able to find work before his I-94 expired and he has worked there right along.

Well good luck in YOUR interview Elghazi2008! Your husband was working before he even applied for his EAD. That is totally illegal and grounds for deportation. Frankly, I hope he is - the rest of us do things by the book and don't work until we have approval (missing out on months of pay) - why are you so damn special?

In fact you'll be very, very lucky if someone hasn't already reported your post to the government - you really should think before you admit ON A PUBLIC FORUM to a criminal offence.

Hey guys,

We just received a letter in the mail for our AOS interview! Thank God! What should we expect at the interview? What kind of questions do they ask? Can you PLEASE give us any tips on what we should do to be prepared for the big day? Thanks! Your help is greatly appreciated! GOD BLESS!

First off - congratulations guys!

We had our interview on 30 November 2009 in Centennial (Denver), CO. And wow, it was far less involved than it could have been. We went armed with hundreds of photocopied docs (everything that we had previously submitted, plus copies of recently obtained documents - EAD, Social Security Card, Driving Licence etc).

But the immigration officer simply looked at my passport, took my original I-94 and then took the copies I made of my EAD, Advanced Parole, Driver's Licence and Social Security card.

He checked a few basic details - names, address, dates of birth, date and port of entry, date of marriage, names of parents - but that was it. No in depth questions about what side of the bed we sleep on, what we have for breakfast etc (as some people report on this site).

He then asked to see evidence of our relationship - we gave him some copies (really just a few) of our wedding photos, copies of our joint bank statements and the jointly named car insurance certificate and he was happy.

"Welcome to the USA, your Green Card should arrive within 30 days". It did!

By the way - we did not have an immigration lawyer with us. Nor have we ever used one in the entire process. If you can speak English, have no "special circumstances" and can understand basic forms and instructions - they really are an expensive luxury.

Good luck!

just got my AP in the mail today waiting for bio appointment and EAD

Thanks for your post Huggles. Very excited now....

Our AOS, AP, EAD and Biometric dates are all pretty similar (and I'm Colorado too) so hopefully I should hear something this week!!

Apologies - somehow quoted Puccagaru when I meant to quote Hugglebuggles.

just got my AP in the mail today waiting for bio appointment and EAD

Thanks for your post Huggles. Very excited now....

Our AOS, AP, EAD and Biometric dates are all pretty similar (and I'm Colorado too) so hopefully I should hear something this week!!

Do you have your UK vaccination record with you in Florida? If not, your local medical center may be wanting to do blood tests etc to make sure you have all the vaccinations required for immigration purposes.

If you do have your record with you (and therefore can prove that the MMR is all you need) it seems they are stepping way over the mark.

When I did my K1 visa medical in London, I'd just switched doctors so I couldn't access my vaccination record. As a result, the visa medical staff couldn't sign off my vaccination report and I had to get the MMR done in Colorado before I applied for AOS. Fortunately just before flying out I was able to finally get my vaccination record from my UK doctor and this satisfied the doctor here in Colorado that MMR was all I needed. I think my MMR jab cost $70 and the paperwork was another $35.

Unfortunately there are very few medical centers authorized to complete immigration paperwork. But the full list is available from the Immigration helpline. Hopefully one of them will just do the MMR for you.

I think it has passed the NVC stage cos the approved petition was dated 19th September, 2009, said it would get to the Nigeria/US Consulate General in Lagos in a week time. No reply from Lagos yet.

So what's your question?

Well I'm guessing Oyinda is worried that there's been no contact yet from the US Consulate in Lagos. Have you contacted them Oyinda? Anyone know how long Lagos generally takes to contact K1 applicants?

My biometrics appointment was on 23rd September in Denver (Aurora), CO.

Got my EAD card in the mail today.