Caroline + Angelo

Answers in red above. Basically don't waste time appealing. File the I-130 and I-485 package.

You can't leave the UK for a few days to return back to the US and show them that you don't want to abandon your status due to studies? Oh gimme a break. Of course you can, it just doesn't sound like it's important enough for you to keep your residency. At least that's how it sounds to me

Its so ridiculous, for a short visit to the states you need to prove ties to your home country then when you move here and live here, you need to prove that you won't leave. Why are they so ridiculously strict? A person should have the right to go back to their home country without losing all the privileges that we paid a lot of fees and waited many months for.

Hello guys! Also an October filer here, I received two emails yesterday for "Decision" and "Card Production" for my Green Card, and then today a "Post-decision Activity" approval for my AP and a "Card Production" order for my EAD.
Yesterday I thought they were just gonna cancel the EAD and AP since my GC was approved but since it just happened today and it was approved at two different offices, they might have not communicated that yet...
I'll keep the AP and EAD as a nice souvenir I guess
Still can't believe the smooth sailing and the I-485 approval in 63 days without interview. TBH I won't completely believe it until I have the letter and card in my hand

Incorrect. If you have ever had an SSN, that is your number for life. So no need for a renewal. Though if he lost the SS card, he should apply for a new one. He won't get a new number though, and his SS number is valid now and will be for life.

She will fill out everything with her new married name, and whenever a form asks for a previous names or maiden name, she will give her maiden name.

"i mean how would USCIS know about it."
It's people like who you take this approach and have this mentality that makes this process a burden for everyone else wanting to play by the rules. Telling a lie to a government official in the course of them performing their duties is a crime; perhaps they don't know immediately, perhaps they never find out, but if they do, you're screwed. As you should be.

Just wanted to set this one right: USCIS does only determine whether the beneficiary is eligible for a K1 visa by meeting the requirements of having met in the two years prior to filing the petition and that both parties are free to marry, and also does some background checks (criminal history..) etc.
You can frontload a petition with relationship evidence to cover all your bases and for the Consulate stage but this is not what USCIS primarily looks at.

Just wanted to set this one right: USCIS does only determine whether the beneficiary is eligible for a K1 visa by meeting the requirements of having met in the two years prior to filing the petition and that both parties are free to marry, and also does some background checks (criminal history..) etc.
You can frontload a petition with relationship evidence to cover all your bases and for the Consulate stage but this is not what USCIS primarily looks at.

My friend,
The process from the moment you send the petition to the moment your fiancè would get his visa in China,could take on average between 6/7 months to even a year or more in some cases and no company or lawyer in the world can overrule the processing times of the USCIS and the Consulates. There are some exceptions where a petitioner can file for an expedite request but It's only for limited categories of people like armed forces personel that are going to be deployed while their petition is pending,or for those with extreme hardships requirement. Not sure if you fall into one of these two categories.
In summary there's no such a thing as "fast" when we talk about visas. If you two do not have particular issues and meet the requirements for the K-1 visa then I'd strongly suggest to simply follow the guides on this website and the precious help of many veteran members in order to have a smooth as possible process. That's what I did with my fiancèe and we didn't end up spending a single penny with third party agencies or lawyers. Of course the choice is yours, mine is a friendly advice

Hi All
I have started this thread in this specific sub-forum because I will be using Australian colloquialisms (sayings) and spelling. I don't know whether being from Australia will make any difference,.. whether it be my documents don't need to be translated, or if our people fill in stuff differently (like the medical - explained below).
I started the thread itself though, because can't find any one central page that has ALL the documents for AOS, EAD and AP listed. This list relates to me and my case, but it is also the BASIC list because my case is simple, i.e. I don't have any kids or anything else remotely difficult to worry about. I didn't get any RFE's while doing K1 (here's my K1 thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=206016 ), and I'm aiming for the same this time around too. I have read and re-read the instructions several times. I read every line, and not just stuff related to me, just in case it's got a little note (this actually happened on one form) that might affect me. This list is IN NO WAY a substitute for you also reading through the forms, but I hope that it helps you get an idea of when you should start sourcing things (like paperwork for the affidavit of support) and making sure you have everything you need before you get to your applying "deadline".
On that note, there is no "deadline" for applying for AOS, as long as you marry within 90 days of arriving on your K1 visa. However it is recommended that you apply before your I-94 expires as some people have experienced issues with ICE (not deportation, just hassles and on 2 occasions I've read about, being locked up until a judge tells the ICE person they were wrong and being forced to pay fees as well as immediate AOS), but just as many (if not more) have had no issues and applied for AOS years after their I-94 expires. My main reasons for applying ASAP is because I want to work and I personally don't like not being "sure" of my status. Also, if there is a period of 180 days between your I-94 and the date your AOS is processed, you MAY encounter a ban on trying to re-enter the US if you leave and try and use the AP document. For that reason, try and apply for AOS well before 180 days after your I-94 expires... just to be safe.
Also, there is currently only one fee payable, being $1,070.00 for the AOS, EAD & AP (updated 23 Nov 2010: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD ). In July 2007 the fee for AOS changed and the rules altered so that if you send the EAD and AP at the same time as AOS (or while it's pending) the fee for EAD and AP are waived. Whether you apply for EAD and AP at the same time as AOS the fee remains the same and whether you think you need them or not, as the fee is waived, it's always better to have than not have, "just in case".
So here we go
Definition of terms:
I-94# - Is the admission/departure number on the I-94 card (full image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...mmigration1.jpg )
A# number - Alien number - can sometimes be found on your visa under "annotation" starting with A0 then 8 digits. Also found on your NOA2 above the beneficiaries name (image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...F-NOAs/NOA2.jpg )
AOS - Adjustment of Status - Applied for after entering the US on a K1 visa and marrying within 90 days. Changes status to "conditional permanent resident" and you will be sent a green card. This process takes around 90 days however it can take MUCH longer.
AP - Advanced Parole - Allows you to re-enter the USA while your AOS is pending. You are allowed to leave whenever you want, but doing so without the AP document (or green card) means you will not be able to re-enter. Leaving without it also results in your case being considered "abandoned".
CO - Consular Officer - In this thread related to the person actually processing my documents
EAD - Employment Authorisation Document - Allows you to work whilst the AOS is being processed, as long as you have a SSN of course. Once you received your GC your EAD is no longer needed
GC - Green card - short-form for green card so I don't have to keep typing it
IO - Interviewing Officer - The person who will interview me (if needed). Apparently not every case requires an interview. Lets see if I can be one of the few who don't need one
Non-Immigrant Visa Number - This is the RED number found on your visa (image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...after_entry.jpg )
RFE - Request for further information - Received if something you mailed in is incomplete or missing. It doesn't cancel your case, just slows things down a fair bit, so doing everything to prevent getting one is your aim
First things first. VJ does have guides:
VJ AOS Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3aos
VJ EAD Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3ead
And also example forms:
Example forms: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=examples
The guides suggest doing a cover letter. Personally I'm doing a cover letter for each separate case (AOS, EAD and AP). I have read that the CO's don't tend to read the cover letters so really why bother, BUT I'm not doing it for them so much as for me. Filing so many documents means a lot of stuff to remember and I also think it looks neater and prettier. Also, while reading through the instructions I go through and fill in the cover letter with the attachments needed so I don't forget anything.
The USCIS has actually put together their OWN page of tips for putting together a package for mailing: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD I haven't decided if I'm going to hole punch yet or just bulldog clip as it seems that while it's appreciated it doesn't change anything so if I have a hole-punch available... maybe.
I ALWAYS go to the USCIS website to obtain forms: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD as this way you always make sure you have the most up-to-date form. Also, remember to check the filing location as it may have changed since the form was made. To do this, always make sure you go to the main form page (not the pdf, the place that links you the .pdf) such as this for AOS: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD and line four says "Where to file". In this case it tells you it depends on the category you are applying under, on other forms it might say "check the form" or "check the instructions".
As stated on each form, originals are only required when it specifically says "original" (like the forms with official signatures) otherwise copies are sufficient.
--AOS--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance **See Note 1**
- Payment in the amount of $1,010.00 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, signed & dated #####
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of K1 visa in passport
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Copy DS-3025 – Vaccination record (completed), dated ##### **See Note 2**
- G-325A - Biographic Information, including residence and employment attachments (1 copy as of July 2009)
- I-864 - Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, completed by #####
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for most recent tax year (or IRS tax transcript which I prefer)
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for second most recent tax year (optional)**See Note 3**
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for third most recent tax year (optional)**See Note 3**
o Letter from #####’s employer (optional)
o Pay stub(s) from the most recent six months for ##### (optional)
- Copy of I-797 - Notice of Action, Approval of K1 petition, dated ##### (front & back)
- Copy of Marriage certificate, dated ##### (front & back)
- Copy of I-94 – Arrival/Departure record (front & back)
The two items listed below are on the VJ AOS Guide, however NOWHERE on the forms, or their instructions is it mentioned that these items are required. These items only serve as additional information. You are required to bring your passport to the interview (if you have an interview) so perhaps by mailing this information you might not need to have one. Ultimately more info is better than less info (within reason of course) so it can't hurt. Personally I'll be including them in my parcel (in my attempt to avoid an interview ) but it makes sense that they're not needed as your Alien number is your identifier now (where with the K1 your passport number and then case number were).
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page
- Photocopy of USA entry stamp dated #####
Note 1: This form is now available that requests that you receive and email and text letting you know your application has been received http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD
Note 2: There is a huge point of contention on VJ regarding whether or not to send DS-3025 or if you will require form I-693 (immunisations only). The reason for this is, the paperwork clearly states that if you COMPLETED your immunisations PRIOR to your K1 interview in your home country (and thus your medical information is complete in the paperwork you handed in at POE (and subsequently forwarded on)) then only the copy of the DS-3025 is required. HOWEVER some people who assumed their info was complete and sent in the DS-3025 received an RFE requesting they submit a form I-693. Further information is mentioned on this VJ thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=101202 So whether you go to the trouble of obtaining one so you don't risk and RFE and thus a slow-down is up to you. Personally I am in the process of calling Civil Surgeons (CS's) in my area to find our their fee. If the fee is reasonable we might do it just so we don't risk the RFE but at the same time i honestly think my form is fine and I have all immunisations filled in, either with dates or "not age appropriate". I'll let you know what I decide and then what the outcome is. Remember though every case is different, no matter how similar they might be.
Note 3: Tax information is only REQUIRED for the most recent tax year. Question 25 on the I-864 still requires that you indicate your earnings for the most recent tax years, whether you provide evidence of this income or not. There are two tick boxes in that question, where you can indicate whether you are only including the most recent tax year, or the three most recent. I personally prefer to send in IRS transcripts so that you are sure that you have not excluded any tax information and I also prefer to send in all three years of tax information just to "be safe". Information for obtaining the transcripts is located here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/page__view__findpost__p__3614293 .
Here is a the Civil Surgeon "phone book" from the USCIS website: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...office_type=CIV
Here is a VJ thread that lists good CS's and their prices: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...231026&st=0
--EAD--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- I-765 - Application for Employment Authorisation **See Note 1**
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page **See Note 2**
As we're applying together with the AOS then the following isn't REQUIRED, however if you choose to include it, it's up to you, like i said before, more info is better than less info
- Copy of I-94 – Arrival/Departure record (front & back)
- Copy of Marriage certificate (to show name change) **See Note 3**
Note 1: Being adjustment applicant's, we're under category c9. You will see there's also a category for K1 and K3 visas (a6) but this is for when you're not applying at the same time as the AOS.
Note 2: It actually says "If no prior EAD has been issued, you must submit a copy of a Federal Government-issued identity document such as a passport..." as well as some other examples but personally I think the passport is the easiest one.
Note 3: The next issue for me (being female, married and changing my name) is my passport is still in my maiden name. For that reason it seems to make sense to include a copy of my marriage licence. Although these things are included with the AOS application, they can always shred multiple copies
--AP--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- I-131 - Application for Travel Document (Advanced Parole)
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Copy of K1 visa (to show present status)
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page **See Note 1**
As with the EAD, this isn't REQUIRED but I will probably include it because the AP form doesn't actually have a space for "prior name":
- Copy of Marriage certificate (to show name change)
Note 1: It actually says "copy of an official photo identification document showing your name, photo, and date of birth". Like with the EAD example, passport is easiest I think
General
An important thing to remember is if you change your address at ANY stage while you are an LPR (or their sponsor) you are required to change your address within 30 days of moving. There are penalties for not doing so. The USCIS has an online change of address service but you STILL need to actually post a form to them. Here's the site: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa . The reason for the paper form is so it's changed on the masterbase.
The current postal details for these forms (as of 3 Dec 09 ) is:
File at:
USCIS
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
For courier/express delivery:
USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
I, like most, will be submitting my forms by express mail so I'll use the bottom address
PAYMENT
It's important when writing the cheque that you write:
"One Thousand Ten and 00/100" or it might be returned.
Here is the USCIS link outlining the cheque writing requirements: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD because if you're like me, it doesn't make sense to write it that way and I wouldn't have written it like that but their wish is our command
Hope some of you find this useful If I've forgotten something, or stuff doesn't make sense, please let me know
**Edited to add further definitions - 27 Feb 2010
**Address for filing changed and fixed on here - 10 March 2010
**Edited to add Biometrics review link here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/page__view__findpost__p__3909156
**Edited to add - AOS approved 7 July 2010. Without RFE, Without interview. I simply followed the above guide and make sure my documents were completed properly.
**Edited to add - new AOS fees as of 23 Nov 2010: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

Ning - I don't think JimVaPhuong is being inconsistent - his answer about listing only income on the I-134 was specific to those who can qualify based on income alone. The response you are referring to is about someone who did not have enough income. It makes sense to me - the CO sees enough income, he ignores the rest. Not enough income, he starts looking at assets.

Wow.
This thread has turned hateful, immature, and embarrassing.
I hope none of you have to wait 10 months only to have someone waiting 4/5 rub it in your face.
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Attitudes like this get you nowhere in life.
I wish everyone the best of luck on their journeys, but this is a place that should be used to support each other. Not to taunt each other, throw subtle jabs at each other, undermine someone else's journey, etc.

I believe all Monyfer is wanting everyone to see is Perspective! As we all wait yes, but imagine if you waited 10 months for not even an answer and someone suggesting someone was trying to pull everyone else down, is plain out rude..... Monyfer has been through a lot and suggesting that the angst and upset of 3 months is no different from waiting 10 months is way off. We all want our loves here and understanding that it can be worse and a even harder test could come is not what any of us want that. Bahadir and I waited 7 months for our NOA2 and I know how that felt compared to waiting the 3 months...so have respect for someone who A) paid more for her long wait B) and who does all she can to get an answer.

If your main concern is that you/she may not be ready within those 90 days, you need to remember that you have 6 months after the visa is approved to enter the U.S. Personally, I wouldn't POE until you are both sure of what you want...

Wow, how nice. When I read this forum I simply did some research on the Internet cause I was curious and most websites said exactly that thing. Single time use or infrequent use should be out of the body after a short time. Only for frequent, daily users it stays in the body for long. But thanks for the sarcasm. Appreciate it

Well if he really only will be denied if he doesn't pass the drug test he should be fine, but if the lady put down his answer that of course it will be up to the Consular officer. If your son really only had marijuana once, two months ago, it won't be detectable. Usually it should've been out of his system after 3-10 days tops, so that's not true what the lady said that the test will come positive if he had any in the past 6 months. He should definitely test clear, and if not, than he had cannabis way more recently than he admitted.

and what would that evidence might be, like a paper from psychiatrist, saying that im into 'cougars' or what???.

For me, all I want is to be close to my husband. So wherever he want to take me, or what he plan to do, as long as I can be with him and stay close to him, it would make me happy for sure

For a few seconds you get this warm tingly feeling.

On May 12, 2011, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
I'm shaking!!! I'm so happy I am here in the US right now to celebrate with my fiance!!!

Hi!! Sorry to have taken so long, I didn't see this message 'till now.
These are the papers I'm taking to the interview
As Proof:
Skype Random Logs from Different Months
Text from his cellphone to my Yahoo account, random screen shots of them.
Facebook Walls Random screenshots. (His and Mine)
Emails screen shots.
Messages to my inbox on facebook.
Yahoo Random Screenshots of different months text.
Voice Calls Histories from Skype and Yahoo.
Screen shots of random Video Calls on Yahoo and Skype.
Receipts of gifts he has sent to me and I have sent to him.
Postal envelopes and letters or cards with them that we sent each other.
Around 50 photographs.
Screen shots of communication with his family and myself.
Some screen shots of planning for the wedding of me with Chris and me and his mother.
Receipts of when he was here.
His passport stamps.
His flight tickets stubs.
I have been offered affidavits from Americans I work with that got to know Chris and that have heard my love story over and over again xD, to proof that we are in an ongoing relationship. I am still in the process to know if they are accepted or not.
We do communicate, A LOT.
*Aside Note*
Must Haves for Guatemala: (For what I've seen some countries ask for different things)
This things I think they ask for in the last package you receive.
His Passport copy.
His birth certificate copy (I have both sides)
Copies of his Last tax w2s and 1040s. (Notarized)
Pay stubs from his job.
A bank account print out, and a statement of when the account was opened) (Notarized)
A letter from the company where he works stating his position, amount of money per year, and when he started. (Notarized)
My birth certificate, and a copy of it translated.
My single certificate, and a copy of it translated.
My police clearance and translated.
My free of court demands clearance and translated (Dunno what they are called in english xD)
We need a co-sponsor since he started his new job in april:
3 past years of the w2s and 1040's notorized.
All the sponsors (fiance and co-sponsor) must fill up the i-134
2 DS-156
1 Ds-156K
2 Passport Sized Photographs.
Beneficiary's passport with more than 6 months before it expires.
Medical Exam Results.
Payement.
*Very Aside Note*
They ask, (FOR GUATEMALA), a letter from your gynecologist certifying that you had a check up (this must not be more than a year old) and that everything is A OK. I already got it.
Also look into the vaccines you need for the medical.
I hope I didn't miss anything, but if I did... feel free to add or correct!!!
Really hope this helps!!!!
Lots of blessings!!
Dee.
WOW this was a huge post!!!! xD!

I am sooo happy that vsc is picking up the pace...there is nothing more encouraging than seeing them actually doing their job!

Congrats on the approvals, and I am especially excited about the latest VSC approval! Only 11 days difference to our NOA2 date, wowza!!
I just wanted to give an update on mz surprise visit for Angelo! I arrived at JFK yesterday morning, and Immigration was a breeze...there was no line so immediately went to a booth (the guy had just been joking with fellow officers which I took as a good sign) and he just took my passport and Customs Declaration, asked me to put 4 fingers of my right hand on the scanner, stamped passport, and handed it back to me...NO QUESTIONS ASKED. I was waiting for him to ask something, or scan my other 6 fingers or take a picture but he just looked at me, pushed my passport towards me and said "bye bye" I was totally flabbergasted! I mean in December it was the same at JFK, the CO just stamped my passport and took a scan of all fingers but no pictures, also no questions asked but back then we hadn't filed our petition yet and I thought no chance in hell that I"d get so lucky a second time. I was so nervous and had tons of ties I really love JFK, the 3rd time there in 9 months and always pleasant!
Anyway, I arrived at Angelo's workplace at 5.30PM and just came in and his face just froze and poor guy looked like a deer caught in the headlights. He was so confused I went and hugged him and his coworkers all started clapping Later he said he didn't recognize me at first..as in, he knew who I was but he didn't believe it was me as it was impossible He's still in shock and says wow every time I come around the corner and asks me if I'm really here Most successful surprise visit ever!

Oh my god, guys!! I checked the VSC list again this morning and my jaw dropped lol. So many people updated their timelines today/yesterday! 34 approvals this week so far and that doesn't even count today! There were 14 alone on Thursday, the 14th! Plus, it's all mostly October filers now, and...even 8 November filers already!! I really really hope they keep things up like that so that even us VSC filers can expect their NOA's by June/beginning of July *prays*