Where to file application for AOS (I-130 & I-485) while wife is in US (& other questions)

[ArchangelG 0]

Hello, I have a number of questions and will appreciate any assistance. My wife is here in the US on a student visa and we are applying for AOS as a PR. I know I must file an I-130, she must file an I-485 and we must accompany those documents with the appropriate forms/evidence/etc.

After hours of trying to run errands, make copies of documents, reading directions, I have a headache and still need help. This is also after reading the USCIS pages and handouts, PLUS the URL here at visajourney.com:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

Reading those instructions and the printed instructions from the USCIS.gov website (printed TODAY) is rather confusing.

1) For the I-130, where do we file it? Since we're here in Baltimore, Maryland, I read the instructions and it basically states to file it at the USCIS Service Center in Vermont. However...

2) For the I-485, where do we file it? On the instructions, it says (for Marylanders) to mail the application to a USCIS office in Chicago, Illinois.

This is where I need confirmation.

3) The above website here on visajourney.com stated to submit the I-130 and file the petition to the local office -- which for us is in Baltimore, Maryland -- BUT on the exact same page at the bottom stating "Where to File Everything", it states to mail the applications to a national mailbox.

In reading the I-130 further, it states in a "NOTE" that if both I-130 and I-485 are done concurrently, to submit both the local office. So I'm thinking Baltimore, MD.

AND right after, it states for those who reside in jurisdiction of Baltimore, MD to send both I-130 and I-485 to St. Albans, VT.

THUS, that means everything should be sent to St. Albans, Vermont for us, right??? I just need that as a confirmation.

4) If they ARE meant to be filed and petitioned together, does that mean, my wife need only fill out 1 (ONE) G-325A (Biographic Information) form (with the extra 3 duplicates) or 2 (TWO) copies of her forms? The I-130 needs both G-325A from me and my wife and the I-485 needs a G-325A from my wife as well.

This question also refers to whether we need to send TWO certified copies of our marriage certificate (since each form, I-130 & I-485, requires one). AND if we need 3 separate passport-photos of her.... (I'm thinking we do need 3 photos of her but TWO certified copies of our marriage certificate if this is all being sent together?)

Other form-specific questions:

5) On the I-130 form, for #22, it states to complete information if relative is in US and will apply for AOS.

It asks us where we will apply for AOS file "to that of a lawful permanent resident at USCIS office in". Now, do I put Baltimore, MD where we live? Or for the St. Albans office? As I write this, I'm beginning to think I put down Baltimore...

(It's weird -- as I keep writing this msg and reading the instructions, I feel I'm answering my own questions - maybe that's a good thing. )

6) On the I-485 form, for part 3, the question asks my wife if she has been inspected by a US Immigration officer? Does that mean that she has gone through the usual customs or was "inspected" and placed in a separate room for further inspection? Plus, what is nonimmigrant visa #? Her passport says nothing of the sort except a "Control #". Is that it?

I REALLY appreciate those who have the patience and can answer anything. Thanks for the clarification.

[ArchangelG 0]

Ok, my wife and I are reading it again and my wife thinks those 3 photos (2 for I-485 and 1 for I-130) is probably needed.

Also, the forms say "copy of marriage certificate" and not certified copy. *Whew*.... that would have costed us more time & money....

Thanks for being patient and I apologize for the length and if it's confusing.

[camaleon 0]

u gotta send it to chicago, also u might want to fill i-765(employment autorizathion doc) so your wife can work while u guys are waiting for the AOS.

U just have to send regular copys of every document, no need to send certify copy.

c u later.

[Dr_LHA 3]

Questions 1-3:

If you download the latest versions of the I-130 and I-485 you'll see they have a big notice on the front saying that all applications now need to be filed to the Chicago Lockbox. I believe that after this the applications go to the National Benefits Centre. They only go to your local office once in the final part of the process.

BTW - My wife and I concurrently filed I-130 and I-485 to the Chicago lockbox, it sounds like you are in the almost the same position as us so that is the right thing to do.

Question 4: I filed 3 G325A's, 1 for my wife (USC) and 2 for me (visa holder). I think in total I submitted 5 photos of myself and 1 of my wife (I also did I-765)

Question 5: I put down "National Benefits Center" for this, but don't take my advice because I have no idea if this was right or not.

Question 6: Unless your wife fled across the border, she was inspected by an immigration officer. So answer yes to this. As for the Visa number, yes, it is the control number.

[ArchangelG 0]

Thank you "dr lha" and "camaleon" ... I appreciate the swift response! Filling out these forms can be quite a lot!