AOS FILERS - March 2008

[natasha peter 0]

Here's the checklist , hoping it might help other filers too.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

I-485 APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR ADJUST STATUS

▪ Postal Money Order: Payment in the amount of $1,010.00

(Biometrics fee included)

▪ Copy of Form I-797C Notice of Action (Approval Notice)

▪ Copy of passport page with non-immigrant K1 visa

▪ Copy of valid I-94 form (front and back)

▪ Copy of passport's biographical page

▪ Copy of passport's entry stamps

▪ Certified True Copy of Marriage Certificate

▪ Copy of Birth Certificate

G-325A Biographic Information Sheet (4 original copies)▪ Two (2) passport-type pictures (lplaced in a small plastic bag, labeled with name of intending immigrant & alien #)

I-693A Vaccination Supplement (sealed in an envelope)

▪ DS-3025 Vaccination Documentation Worksheet

▪ TD shot record

I-864 AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT

(signed and prepared by the USC spouse)

Copy of the Federal Income Tax Return for the year 2005-2007

Copy of 2005-2007 Tax Transcript

Copy of W-2s for the year 2005-2007

Copy of Employment Letter from (First Job)

Copy of pay stubs for the month of September 2007 - February 2008

Copy of Employment Letter from (Second Job)

Copy of pay stubs for the month of September 2007 - February 2008

I-765 APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENT

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Copy of passport's biographical page

Copy of passport page with non-immigrant K1 visa

Copy of Form I-94 form (front & back)

Two (2) Passport-type photos

I-131 APPLICATION FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT

Explanation for Eligibility on a separate sheet dated & signed

Copy of passport's biographical page

Copy of passport page with non-immigrant K1 visa

Copy of Form I-94 form (front & back)

Two (2) Passport-type photos

this is so helpful.........thanks

[unforgettable fire 2]

• Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)

• Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)

• Give a thumb print

• Have your picture taken

• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.

• Verify your birth date and legal presence

• Provide your true full name

• Pay the application fee

• Pass a vision exam

• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.

So now I'm a bit confused. I still don't have my SSN since I'm waiting for my EAD card to apply for one and the only way I have of verifying my legal presence as for the time being is to show my NOA's and I don't think they would take those...

Well why are you waiting for your EAD to go apply for SSN? You can apply for SSN after 2 weeks from your arrival to USA. (In my case they told me after 30 days though but I know everyone else was able to do it after the 2 weeks.) For to get the SSN you need to show your passport with your K1 entry stamp in it to show them that you are here legally and proof of marriage (marriage certificate). So you get that and with SSN you can apply for the driver´s license. If your K1 stamp expires pretty soon though they most likely won´t send you the driver´s license untill you get your green card. But they still might let you do the tests. That´s how I did it. Anyway I have an international driver´s license, so I don´t care that they send me my CA one later...

Oh ok...if your I-94 is expired then yeah I guess you have to wait for EAD..

Hi again, and thanks so much! I did not apply for SSN since I didn't know I was gonna end up staying in the US. My husband and I married in the spur of the moment. I entered on the VWP. That is why I didn't do anything of the sort. I had my job back home and all that jazz It was a crazy decision but such is love ;-) I decided to stay after consulting an immigration paralegal.

Thanks again for the information!

Edited April 4, 2008 by unforgettablefire

[u2rsobad 0]

That is awesome! CONGRATS! I've started learning how to drive, I never needed to before since I was living in London but here it is different. I know I can't get the license until my EAD card arrives, but at least I can be prepared and get the test out of the way when the time comes

Congrats again, you must be really happy!

You don't need to wait for your EAD to get a driver's license. You just have to take the tests...most states it's both the written and the driving test.

Really? I was checking on the DMV- California website and they mention the following:

To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:

• Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)

• Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)

• Give a thumb print

• Have your picture taken

• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.

• Verify your birth date and legal presence

• Provide your true full name

• Pay the application fee

• Pass a vision exam

• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.

So now I'm a bit confused. I still don't have my SSN since I'm waiting for my EAD card to apply for one and the only way I have of verifying my legal presence as for the time being is to show my NOA's and I don't think they would take those...

Any suggestions? It could be nice to get this done and out of the way since I have the time now.

THANKS SO MUCH!

We applied for my husband's SSN the day after we got married and got it back in about 3 weeks. We didn't have it when we went in to get his license, but we had everything else as well as a certified copy of our marriage license.

They needed several types of ID to verify who he is and we had his passport with current visa, an international drivers license, his Japanese drivers license, our marriage license, something with his name and current address on it (ie: utility bill), and a copy of the letter provided by the SS office stating we had applied for his SSN. (They gave us this when we applied for the number at the SS office showing our case number and the approx. time we'd wait to get the card.)

They don't take your pic until you pass the test, but you can also get a state ID card if you're not ready to take the test yet and they will take your pic then. Other than the thumb print, they're the same requirements. You should be able to use the letter given by the SS office to verify that you've applied for the card.

As far as ID, you have your passport and visa (passport is ID from your home country and the visa is US gov't issued), your marriage license (take a certified copy with you, not a photocopy..they will make a copy of it there) and if you have an ID card from your home country, take it with you as well. We didn't make an appointment, just went in when they first opened so it wasn't as busy yet. But after passing the written test (computer) then we had to make an appointment for the driver's test. It's a bit different in each state, but I would at least call and ask if the letter from SS office proving you applied for the card is good enough. Can't hurt.

[unforgettable fire 2]

That is awesome! CONGRATS! I've started learning how to drive, I never needed to before since I was living in London but here it is different. I know I can't get the license until my EAD card arrives, but at least I can be prepared and get the test out of the way when the time comes

Congrats again, you must be really happy!

You don't need to wait for your EAD to get a driver's license. You just have to take the tests...most states it's both the written and the driving test.

Really? I was checking on the DMV- California website and they mention the following:

To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:

• Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)

• Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)

• Give a thumb print

• Have your picture taken

• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.

• Verify your birth date and legal presence

• Provide your true full name

• Pay the application fee

• Pass a vision exam

• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.

So now I'm a bit confused. I still don't have my SSN since I'm waiting for my EAD card to apply for one and the only way I have of verifying my legal presence as for the time being is to show my NOA's and I don't think they would take those...

Any suggestions? It could be nice to get this done and out of the way since I have the time now.

THANKS SO MUCH!

We applied for my husband's SSN the day after we got married and got it back in about 3 weeks. We didn't have it when we went in to get his license, but we had everything else as well as a certified copy of our marriage license.

They needed several types of ID to verify who he is and we had his passport with current visa, an international drivers license, his Japanese drivers license, our marriage license, something with his name and current address on it (ie: utility bill), and a copy of the letter provided by the SS office stating we had applied for his SSN. (They gave us this when we applied for the number at the SS office showing our case number and the approx. time we'd wait to get the card.)

They don't take your pic until you pass the test, but you can also get a state ID card if you're not ready to take the test yet and they will take your pic then. Other than the thumb print, they're the same requirements. You should be able to use the letter given by the SS office to verify that you've applied for the card.

As far as ID, you have your passport and visa (passport is ID from your home country and the visa is US gov't issued), your marriage license (take a certified copy with you, not a photocopy..they will make a copy of it there) and if you have an ID card from your home country, take it with you as well. We didn't make an appointment, just went in when they first opened so it wasn't as busy yet. But after passing the written test (computer) then we had to make an appointment for the driver's test. It's a bit different in each state, but I would at least call and ask if the letter from SS office proving you applied for the card is good enough. Can't hurt.

You are right , it is definitely worth a shot, I can take my passport, ID, UK residency card, Marriage certificate, my NOAs, proof of address (lease, bill...), etc to the local office and try my luck!

Even if I originally entered the U.S. on the VWP I'm sure if they see I'm currently undergoing the AOS process they might even grant me the SSN.

Thanks so much for the help you really are a star!

[u2rsobad 0]

You are right , it is definitely worth a shot, I can take my passport, ID, UK residency card, Marriage certificate, my NOAs, proof of address (lease, bill...), etc to the local office and try my luck!

Even if I originally entered the U.S. on the VWP I'm sure if they see I'm currently undergoing the AOS process they might even grant me the SSN.

Thanks so much for the help you really are a star!

You're welcome..anytime!! That's why we're all here..to help each other find our way through the maze of things to get and how to get them And yes, since you're already married, you can apply for your SS card. Good luck!

[David-Rhosie 0]

You are right , it is definitely worth a shot, I can take my passport, ID, UK residency card, Marriage certificate, my NOAs, proof of address (lease, bill...), etc to the local office and try my luck!

Even if I originally entered the U.S. on the VWP I'm sure if they see I'm currently undergoing the AOS process they might even grant me the SSN.

Thanks so much for the help you really are a star!

You're welcome..anytime!! That's why we're all here..to help each other find our way through the maze of things to get and how to get them And yes, since you're already married, you can apply for your SS card. Good luck!

How wonderful u2rsobad! Very well said. It's always nice to know someone is out there willing to help and share. Just happy to have found this great community!

Rhosie

[unforgettable fire 2]

You are right , it is definitely worth a shot, I can take my passport, ID, UK residency card, Marriage certificate, my NOAs, proof of address (lease, bill...), etc to the local office and try my luck!

Even if I originally entered the U.S. on the VWP I'm sure if they see I'm currently undergoing the AOS process they might even grant me the SSN.

Thanks so much for the help you really are a star!

You're welcome..anytime!! That's why we're all here..to help each other find our way through the maze of things to get and how to get them And yes, since you're already married, you can apply for your SS card. Good luck!

How wonderful u2rsobad! Very well said. It's always nice to know someone is out there willing to help and share. Just happy to have found this great community!

Rhosie

I agree with you! It is certainly a great source! And the best way to keep our sanity while all this process goes on. I'm happy I found visajourney and thank you guys for being so wonderful!

[Ovaltine Jenkins 5]

How wonderful u2rsobad! Very well said. It's always nice to know someone is out there willing to help and share. Just happy to have found this great community!

Agreed

[Elmira 1]

Passed my driving test and got my driving license with married name!!!!! yahoo!!! My first official document with married name.. Still waiting for a letter from Karif's ex-employer... Ahhh!!! Please send it to us as we need to send RFE back to Missouri!!! Hopefully next week

That is awesome! CONGRATS! I've started learning how to drive, I never needed to before since I was living in London but here it is different. I know I can't get the license until my EAD card arrives, but at least I can be prepared and get the test out of the way when the time comes

Congrats again, you must be really happy!

Thank you!!! I am very happy... thanks God Florida is more liberal state than California and they gave me driving license valid for 1 year with my married name- I needed to show only my AOS NOA and marriage certificate!! I was so exited that even drove by myself from Orlando to Tampa (2 hours driving- we are visiting karif's grandparents)... I didn't have driving license in my country as we have very developed transportation system there- you can get everywhere by train and bus but here in Florida- no where without a car At least something new as still waiting for this freaking letter from previous employer for RFE ....

[unforgettable fire 2]

Passed my driving test and got my driving license with married name!!!!! yahoo!!! My first official document with married name.. Still waiting for a letter from Karif's ex-employer... Ahhh!!! Please send it to us as we need to send RFE back to Missouri!!! Hopefully next week

That is awesome! CONGRATS! I've started learning how to drive, I never needed to before since I was living in London but here it is different. I know I can't get the license until my EAD card arrives, but at least I can be prepared and get the test out of the way when the time comes

Congrats again, you must be really happy!

Thank you!!! I am very happy... thanks God Florida is more liberal state than California and they gave me driving license valid for 1 year with my married name- I needed to show only my AOS NOA and marriage certificate!! I was so exited that even drove by myself from Orlando to Tampa (2 hours driving- we are visiting karif's grandparents)... I didn't have driving license in my country as we have very developed transportation system there- you can get everywhere by train and bus but here in Florida- no where without a car At least something new as still waiting for this freaking letter from previous employer for RFE ....

Yeah it seems that Florida is more liberal than Cali, but I'm happy you got it. I understand what you mean about the transports back home. I'm used to London and getting everywhere by public transport, but things are different here in LA. Hopefully soon enough I'll be driving!

Good luck with your RFE, I know everything will be just dandy once you sent the papers back, don't you worry, try to relax and celebrate your success this weekend!

[Mari_S 1]

Hi Guys!

Just wanna join this thread! Glad to know many of us filed AOS this March. I filed ours last March 25. No replies, no nothing yet. I wonder how long does it take for the NOA1 to arrive? Or any kind of acknowledgment that they received it?

Quick question though also - noticed that most of the K-1 filers applied for their SSN already? Can i do that too? Im a K-3 visa holder and as far as i've read at the SSN website, only non-immigrants with EAD can file SSN...hope somebody can clarify this...

Thanks and good luck to all of us!

[JaEnglishGirl 34]

Passed my driving test and got my driving license with married name!!!!! yahoo!!! My first official document with married name.. Still waiting for a letter from Karif's ex-employer... Ahhh!!! Please send it to us as we need to send RFE back to Missouri!!! Hopefully next week

That is awesome! CONGRATS! I've started learning how to drive, I never needed to before since I was living in London but here it is different. I know I can't get the license until my EAD card arrives, but at least I can be prepared and get the test out of the way when the time comes

Congrats again, you must be really happy!

Check whether you need a learner's permit.

I had a NASTY suprise this week.

I originally went to get my learner's permit in September, they asked if I'd had any form of licence before.

I showed them my English learner's permit and they told me that I couldn't have a learner's permit since I had that. So I went off to learn to drive and did the 3 hour course they told me I needed.

Went back in Jan to book the test, by which time my I-94 had expired, they told me to make an appointment, which I couldn't make until Feb. Made the appointment in Feb for April 1st.

When I went on April 1st, they told me I needed a LEARNER'S PERMIT!!!

What BITES is that once you get a learner's permit, you can't take your test for SIX MONTHS!!!

So basically the MVA have STOLEN a YEAR of my life!!

[nana_356 0]

How wonderful u2rsobad! Very well said. It's always nice to know someone is out there willing to help and share. Just happy to have found this great community!

Agreed

Totally agree I VJ

[nana_356 0]

Passed my driving test and got my driving license with married name!!!!! yahoo!!! My first official document with married name.. Still waiting for a letter from Karif's ex-employer... Ahhh!!! Please send it to us as we need to send RFE back to Missouri!!! Hopefully next week

That is awesome! CONGRATS! I've started learning how to drive, I never needed to before since I was living in London but here it is different. I know I can't get the license until my EAD card arrives, but at least I can be prepared and get the test out of the way when the time comes

Congrats again, you must be really happy!

Thank you!!! I am very happy... thanks God Florida is more liberal state than California and they gave me driving license valid for 1 year with my married name- I needed to show only my AOS NOA and marriage certificate!! I was so exited that even drove by myself from Orlando to Tampa (2 hours driving- we are visiting karif's grandparents)... I didn't have driving license in my country as we have very developed transportation system there- you can get everywhere by train and bus but here in Florida- no where without a car At least something new as still waiting for this freaking letter from previous employer for RFE ....

Congrats Elmira, Enjoy your new found freedome. We are all extremely happy for you, and also envious of you!! Cogratulations again!!

Edited April 5, 2008 by nana_356

[Ovaltine Jenkins 5]

Quick question though also - noticed that most of the K-1 filers applied for their SSN already? Can i do that too? Im a K-3 visa holder and as far as i've read at the SSN website, only non-immigrants with EAD can file SSN...hope somebody can clarify this...

I am not totally sure but I think I read somewhere that if you have K3 you can´t get the SSN until you get your EAD...but not sure if that´s correct