Maxximus1074

Yay Congrats!!

....Hey Harpa, I haven't been much active since I got my initial GC (in part thanks to your help with all my questions ) and I just noticed in your signature field that your ROC got approved and all back in February this year .... Congratulations!!!!

let's see...how many hundred pictures did we bring to the interview? ...seriously, we had our wedding guestbook/photoalbum and 2 different albums with another approx. 30 pictures each showing our live and trips together.

In the end the IO only looked at the wedding one, photocopied 2 group pictures. Then after asking my wife to point out my parents and me to point out who is who on my wife family side she did notations about those names

on the photos.

I hope I don't make you smack your forehead now, but I didn't read anything about taxes...did you file a joint tax return this year?

No experience with the age gap (I'm just 6 months older then my wife). But I know that they are curious about the wedding itsself and may rise their eyebrow if you mention that the parents were kept out of the loop, even if you explain the unfortunate death the same time (not sure how that can justify in their eyes)

It's great though that you have insurance and 2 other financially related ties - its worth much more to have something related to money then a subscribtion to a magazine or a gym membership.

Bring the handfull of pictures showing you both and even the separate ones as they then will still show that you were in the same spot, though single person on photo, no?

Lastly, they want to hear it from you how and where you met, how your relationship started and evolved in time, like when you decided to move in together and how long ago that was.

They also want to see that you know about your spouse the basic important stuff like tell them birthdates, phone numbers, maybe even ask you where your husband works.

If you didn't have parents present on wedding day, they still will ask you if you ever met them - now that of course can be tricky, as the IO can ask you if they at least know you guys are married...

"What should I say" ....the truth of course followed by a short explanation....if they wanna know more details on your reasons they will ask but its better to already mention something in the same

sentence then just a "no they were not there"

Good luck with the interview!

Keep us posted

- Maxximus

So I was just checking out my case and noticed an interesting thing on the USCIS website for California Service Center processing times, they are not showing times for I-751. In fact it's not even on the list for times. Have they moved that processing out of that center?

I haven't had an update since my Bio, I guess no news is good news but you can't be sure with this lot.

I just put in "California Service Center" in the search field of Uscis.gov....looks like they had a plumbing problem!?

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=e7b078ba572ad310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

"USCIS California Service Center Has Reopened

The USCIS California Service Center (CSC) has reopened on March 27, 2013 following a temporary closure due to plumbing issues. Deliveries have resumed and USCIS does not anticipate any delays due to the closure."

"We will schedule an appointment for you when a time becomes available at the ASC and mail you an appointment notice. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience."

There you have it - as I thought, your ASC seems to be quite busy. With that written acknowledgement that they will mail you the notice

you have another proof in writing from them that you are in the works and if, that is if, someone from USCIS would want to complain to you why you didn't get

your new card earlier then you have something to show in return.

So, sit back, relax, do your routines and usual things and be happily surprised to receive a letter in your mailbox at some point when you don't expect it

I agree with redvelvet, its ok to print out an e-file - when my wife filled out her forms re: sponsorship she used the printouts without any questions

it can make you nervous not to have a bio appointment yet - but you shouldn't worry to much about it since you already received your receipt in the mail that

grants you the one year extension - now if that would be missing I definitely would be concerned.

As far as the bio appointment goes - its like with the initial paperwork, AOS or visa - it always depends on the service center that is responsible in

your area and how many people they have working on doing biometrics, how many appointments they have these days.

So don't worry to much about it - yes its part of the process and it throws you off if somethings missing, but it's always better

then they asking for more evidence or an interview.

Good luck with your ROC!

- Maxximus

I'd wait too, mid August is two weeks away. Rather you two are living together when filing and not having to explain something later on

in case they question you about it. As Harpa mentioned, there will be a little gap no matter what, but this gap is no reason for a denial

of your whole AOS application, so don't worry about it.

So yeah, another vote for you to wait

Good luck on your AOS journey, feel free to post any questions here and we'll share our thoughts, experiences etc.

Maxximus

yes, sorry to tell you but with your friend entering on a tourist visa the social services will not issue her a SSN.

You only will get one if you have the need for one in order to work with USCIS permission - like if you are here on a work visa or a student who can work on

campus. Cases like that you get a letter from your employer proofing the USCIS work permit and that is an evidence they need in order for a SSN to be issued.

Also like other's said, once you have the green card you will definitely qualify for one.

I think that posting should be in the AOS from student/work/tourist section.

As far as the need for opening a bank account goes to show joint assets, USCIS is aware that at the beginning of a marriage there is not much regarding financial records because of the banks need for SSN. Therefore it's important to have other joint proofs like being on a lease, maybe insurance benefits, joint memberships etc.

Maxximus

Ｃｏｎｇｒａｔｓ！！

wow...that's interesting, didn't know that a copy was enough for them. But then again, in my situation didn't even have a copy to look up my number from the I-94

I ended up applying for the replacement prior to sending in my AOS package - yes the whole process was delayed by 3 months, but it also gave us enough time to get the forms, evidence etc. ready for the adjustment application.

Good luck on your AOS journey,

feel free to stay in touch, post questions here and we'll share our thoughts and experiences with you

Maxximus

p.s. I noticed here that many people report that less then 4 months after their initial submission interviews are scheduled, meaning they seem to be faster right now processing, so I would apply for the replacement first....

Just a quick question.

How long is the physical exam valid?

...if there's no recent changes it still should be 6 months

Good luck on your AOS journey, feel free to post more questions if they come up and we'll share our thoughts and experiences

Maxximus

So yes, you can do the medical exam before the wedding, after, it's up to you, the only thing to keep on mind is that when the time comes and you will send in your AOS package that the medical is still valid, in other words once you have your examination done and they fill out the paperwork for you it is valid for 6 months.

If you have medical insurance you can even get the basic things done at your regular doctor, like the mentioned verification of your current vaccinations as well as the TB test. The immigration authorized physician will accept these and transcribe these on the immigration form and draw blood for syphillis test.

At my exam he also checked my heartbeat and blood pressure, asked about any chronic diseases and then sent me on my way. 2 days later the bloodwork results were available and they then gave me the sealed envelope plus copy for me of the forms.

That's my experience with the medical

congrats on the upcoming weeding and good luck on your AOS journey

Maxximus

Hiya,

that's definitely more then enough with the initial submission - am not sure if they will look at all what you plan on submitting.

What really is important is the main evidence - the marriage certificate as this the evidence to proof as to why AOS is applied for.

When I send in my application we included a copy of our joint checking account recent statement, marriage certificate, approval notice

from my wife's health insurance that I'm benefiting from it too now, copy of lease and a group photo aka parents and us on our wedding day.

At the interview the IO wanted to see the originals of these and asked me if I had anything else to show co-mingling assets and or things

like travel reservations in both of our names etc. We even had 3 affidavits from family and close friend but she didn't ask for these (I think they

are only needed if there is doubts of the truthfulness of the marriage)

Thought I share my experience with you. Don't think it will be negative to send in to much, but also think that it won't be necessary as

you can already tell how much paperwork it is in the first place that goes with an AOS application.

Good luck on your AOS journey

Maxximus

p.s. what visa, which way did your spouse enter the US? Generally overstays are forgiven when AOS is based on marriage to a US Citizen. As long as your spouse was inspected at port of entry and did not commit any crimes, didn't take up anybody's identity/SSN and pretended to be US Citizen it's all good

..just want to acknowledge, it depends on your state on what they will charge you - I've been in California for 11 years, a green card holder since February this year but they still want to charge me out of state tuition until the card is 1 year old.

Good luck for your interview

Maxximus

unfortunately there is no standard timeline for EAD or green card that is the same for everybody applying.

Yes, there is average processing times, but in the end it all depends on the amount of employees available to work on your application (they handle more then just one at a time), and also on their workload. With that in mind you should still shouldn't give up hope just because it's been a week longer then other people report, their local office may be less swamped with applications, etc.

It's easier said then done I know, but try to sit back and relax, and get a positive surprise in your mailbox one of these days. Distract yourself with a hobby or something else to do in the meantime so it's not driving you nuts having no updates.....

Maxximus

Man that sucks....but also wow, I am impressed - with your skills that is. Pulled off a McGyver in the bathroom.

Glad that you got it done and over with.

Hope they don't give you a hard time at interview of that - though they are not supposed to discriminate you by a person's style and looks

I guess they still more approve of a business casual, job interview like look of the applicants.

Good luck on the rest of your AOS journey

Maxximus

If you really would want to have a credit card to establish credit I would recommend to get a low limit one from Capitol one.

They have cards (my ex used to have one) that let you spent only up to a small amount (in my ex's case $250) which is easy to pay off

and so have credit activity. That way you don't accumulate a big load of debt with interest, fees etc. - as I read on some consumer complaint

boards regarding store credits such as those from Old Navy, especially if you would apply for several of them. If they qualify you (I remember I didn't with no

credit history)

With those at school I'd be very careful, too - the banks soliciting campuses are very eager to get you and your money and probably will do anything sound

good and like you said, without the knowledge you may sign up for something you later on will regret.

Lastly, there is what's called secured credit cards - you basically pay yourself back - the bank will issue a credit card after you make a deposit and that is also your spending limit. You have to pay monthly as with every credit card.

You being on household bills already helps, and a joint account is also very good.

Maxximus

yup..just ignore it - had the same issue initially, too

Welcome to VJ And good luck on your Journey!!

Maxximus

Thank you very much for your reply. First hand experience is exactly what I need! I am glad everything seems to be working out great for you and your husband and I hope we are as blessed.

I didn't know there was a better forum to ask my question, I'll have it in mind for the future but I'll reply you again with a couple of questions, if you don't mind:

I was pretty sure that I couldn't travel outside of the US during the AOS process, so I decided to come back to my country this summer right before the wedding to spend some time with family and friends, because I knew it would be a while until next time. The issue is, I will be coming back to the US only one week before the wedding, and I am a little worried that such thing could bring me trouble, since I will be entering with my F1 visa but getting married just one week after that. My point of view is, we've been engaged for over a year, dated for 3 years, and there's a whole lot of people that could confirm our relationship over the years. Also, even though the main reason for coming to study in the US was of course being closer to my fiance, I have studied and pass all courses I've done, and I would keep studying even after married. But I am afraid that whoever looks at my AOS case realizes that I entered the country on a F1 visa without telling the official I was going to get married (because, from what I've heard, they wouldn't even let me in) and then get married one week after. Do you think this could be a source of trouble, or I shouldn't worry so much?

Also, what type of document did you send as evidence of bonafide marriage? In the step by step guide, it tells you a lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence (we have already rented an apartment, so that would work), affidavits sworn by third parties, and any other relevant documentation. Now my questions: how many affidavits? Because there are hundreds of people who know about this, all of our families and friends and everybody in the church we attend to. I don't want to put very few affidavits in case it's not enough, but I don't know if I should put 50 either or that could be negative too. What about the 'other relevant documentation'? Would postal cards from the past 3 years work? E-mails? I don't really know what that part is talking about. If you told me what you sent that could give me a better guideline.

Thank you very much, again.

...and some more thoughts from another former F-1 student....

Seems to be clear to you now which forms to fill out but you still asked about what evidence to sent. The most important one is the marriage certificate. Get a copy from your recorder's office, city hall where you will get the first one to have your marriage to be official and in the books. This crucial as its the only evidence for the petition of your spouse for you as well as for you to show the eligibility group for your adjustment. When we mailed my AOS package last October we also included a copy of our lease and a group wedding photo of us with parents and siblings, nothing further. We obtained written affidavits from 2 close friends known to us for literally years as well as from my best man who is also my sister in law's husband - aka family. Red somewhere its enough to have 2 - 3 of those, in case they are needed. You mainly will have to proof the marriage ties at the interview, that's where you can show more proof to make your case and bring along additional things like a joint bank account statement, travel/rental car reservations etc. The officer at the interview briefly looked over those at the interview, and kept a copy of a more current joint account statement and updated health insurance benefits added to my case file.

As far as the topic of continuation of your studies goes - well, it all depends on your school, state etc. you will find several topics here on VJ and all come to the conclusion that you can continue your studies, some pay instate, some out of state tuition......

Welcome to Visajourney,

good luck on your path to obtaining the green card and keep us posted, ask any questions and we'd be happy to share our thoughts and experiences

Maxximus

wops....am not up to date ... I remember years ago it was 5 years of marriage on approval of AOS in order to get the "unlimited" green card .... thanks for correcting this

Maxximus

Like Harpa pointed out - immigration would be getting suspicious if you don't mention your work and wonder how you supported yourself, might assume you did illegal activities drugs, prostitution etc. .....

I was going through some rough times myself during my separation from my first wife and had to work to stay upfloat without green card or EAD - I did disclose it in the paperwork but didn't include my W2's, tax returns (those are evidence of your sponsors aka spouses income) but brought them to the interview just in case. The IO saw the work listed and asked if I am currently employed, though having the EAD I wasn't and the IO skipped to her next question.

So yes, working without a permit (unless you stole somebody's identity, got someone elses SSN or represented yourself to an employer as a US Citizen, green card holder without having one) is forgiven when you marry a US citizen.

Good luck on the your AOS journey!!

Maxximus

How about subscribing to Netflix, mailed to both your names....or a gym membership, costco cards

Maxximus

Yay !!! Congratulations !!!

Have a fun, pleasant and good trip

Maxximus

Thank you very much for your advices. I wil do my best, and hopefully, the immigrations office won't be to hard on my wife!!! I do not like the idea that my wife has to go through all this. Again thank you!!!

Here's my thoughts and experiences as a former F-1 myself.

You can always file for adjustment of status while being in the US, which means in about 4 months from filing the forms you will have your conditional green card (since you are married less then 5 years, but that's the only "restriction" with it, you can work and travel, stay with no problems).

Downsides of filing for AOS while in the US compared to Fiance visas is that you only can travel abroad with a so called "Advanced Parole" which needs to be filed and approved first before you would leave the country but usually is filed with the whole package right away.

Also, pending on state, school officials you may run into problems on what tuition they will charge you as with filing AOS you change status from your visa international student to an intending immigrant. It may be a problem, but maybe not, depending on how desperate you would want to pay instate compared to your previous tuition rates.

Upsides - once you file you are in lawful presence in the US, and it doesn't matter if you are still going to school or dropped out, no matter if your visa is valid or expired, a marriage to a US citizen is reason enough for them to let you be here during the AOS process. So you don't have to worry about being deported.

You also can file with your package the Employment Authorization and use that for finding employment while they are working on your adjustment application.

No more restrictions like limited hours of work, on campus work only - it's a free pass to work anywhere and anytime.

I was married once during my college time but due to circumstances beyond my control I was unable to file for AOS, eventually even had to go through a divorce.

Luckily destiny ment it for me to meet my now wife during my separation and we filed for AOS last October and the only question the Immigration Officer at the interview had was if there was anything filed from my ex wife in my prior marriage and no comments of me being out of status due to expired visa.

Feel free to ask any questions and we'll tell you more about our experiences and share our knowledge too

Welcome to VJ

Maxximus

did you do your process with the help of a lawyer? would it be better for me to request for my lawyer to accompany me to the interview?

If your Lawyer charges you extra for coming along, then don't do it - seriously, a lawyer is permitted to be at the interview but they are not really allowed to speak with you during the interview, basically sit in the background. I even read somewhere that a lawyer interfering, even if its rephrasing a question of the IO isn't a good thing ....

But like me pre-posters said, it's more nervewrecking because you know what's at stake, yet the normal regular interview is not really complicated.

Again, bring copies and originals, from own experience my IO didn't want to see many of them. We also had 3 Picture albums, one with wedding pix/guest book, one I made my wife as a anniversary gift from our adventures since we met, and one with misc. pictures including family events like Thanksgiving. In the end the IO just flipped through the wedding pix and took a few copies of pictures showing us with our parents. Otherwise the interview is about verifying what you filled out in the forms, like all the questions in form 485 about terrorism, drugs etc. and possibly about your latest entry to the US. We also had to verify our phone numbers and birth dates and my wife was asked a few questions about when we met and if we met our parents.

Must be a german thing - me, too had a folder with categories - but I split mine up into the different forms and then also into document categories of my wife and me.

Good luck with your interview!!

Keep us posted

Maxximus

p.s. keep on mind, there is some locations, like in San Francisco, where they rarely tell you on the spot if you got approved, they even didn't take my I-94 and EAD from me, gave me a letter about further review but also told me already to remove conditions of this first green card of mine - yet she never said congratulations, never smiled ..... so it doesn't mean anything if you only get a "check back with us after xx days if you don't hear from us" ....