Getting AOS package together

[TeresaChristina 0]

Hello folks

I'm working on getting the AOS package together before Alan gets here in a couple weeks (or at least as much as I'm able to at this time.) Can you take a quick look and make sure I'm including everything? Neither of us were previously married, so there are no divorce cert issues. Additionally, we're doing the adjustment, work authorization, travel document all together. Each requires passport photos of the non us citizen, do I really need six copies or would just two suffice?

• I-485 with money order in the amount of $325.00

• Money order in the amount of $70.00 for Biometrics Fee

• Copy of Non-US Citizen Spouse's passport

• Copy of Non-US Citizen Spouse's K-1 Visa from passport

• Copy of NOA2 Approval Notice

• Copy of Non-US Citizen Spouse's valid I-94

• Copy of Non-US Citizen Spouse's birth certificate

• Certified copy of marriage certificate

• G-325A and passport-style photo of Non-US Citizen spouse

• I-693A - Vaccination Supplement

• I-864 with the following supporting evidence

• Copy of US Citizen's income tax returns with W-2 forms from past three tax years

• Letter from US Citizen's employer verifying employment and salary

• Copies of US Citizen's bank statements for the past twelve months

• I-765 with money order in the amount of $180.00

• I-131 with money order in the amount of $170.00

• I-131 Supplement - Qualifications and Requirement for Advanced Parole Document

I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks!

Teresa

[shirlJ831 0]

after u check everything off the list they send you, I recommend taking things that link you together. Such as: joint bank accounts, mortgage, and take some pics of u 2 together and with other family members. dh and I attend a church here in NC I got a letter from our pastor statingwe had been going there. We took our bank account statements. spouse will have to have PP with them. and as long as you get all the things on your list the rest is extras.

[sugarcane 0]

Your list looks complete. Make sure you have copies of both the front and the back of the I-94. Do you have a cover letter to go with the package? That's the only thing I see missing from your list.

Good luck!

[TeresaChristina 0]

Thanks for the tips!

I do have a cover letter with all the information above on it. I was wondering if anybody had any idea about the passport pic thing? Do I really need two pics for each form (which would total 6) or would two suffice? Any ideas?

Thanks!

Teresa

[sugarcane 0]

Thanks for the tips!

I do have a cover letter with all the information above on it. I was wondering if anybody had any idea about the passport pic thing? Do I really need two pics for each form (which would total 6) or would two suffice? Any ideas?

Thanks!

Teresa

Different people process each application separately. Because of this, they need to be treated separately, even though you are mailing them in together. Therefore, yes, send 6 pictures.

Good luck!

[TeresaChristina 0]

Thanks Sugarcane!

btw.... I love your signature quote. That little gecko always makes me smile.

Teresa

[sugarcane 0]

Thanks Sugarcane!

btw.... I love your signature quote. That little gecko always makes me smile.

Teresa

Anytime Teresa!

Yeah, there's just something about that little gecko! Must be that British accent!

[happyinlove08 0]

This site really helped me get all of the necessary documents. I mailed off everything in April and was approved. Interview date is July 19, 2006

I would really suggest the "steps to AOS" posted by Captain Ewok. I don't know what I would have done with that helpful guidance.

Good Luck

Assembling the I-485 Package: Checklist

Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.): 1. Payment(s) as documented here. Be sure to include the payment for both the I-485 and the the fingerprinting fee*. Use a money order so you can track the payment. If a personal check is allowed, use that instead.

2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-485), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-485: Petition for Alien Relative

4. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses Passport (biographical page as well as entry stamps).

4a. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses K-1 or K-3 Visa from Passport

5. K-1 Visa Holders: Submit Copy of NOA2 "Approval" for I-129F

K-3 Visa Holders: Submit Copy of NOA2 "Approval" for I-130

6. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses valid I-94 (front and back copies)

7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate along with English translation. (If in any language other than English)

8. A certified copy of your marriage certificate. (If filing for your spouse)

9. A copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both of you have been divorced before)

10. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both have you were married before, and the prior spouse died)

11. Two passport-type photos (see note) of the Non US Citizen Spouse. Write the full name on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

12. G-325A (all four pages) filled out,signed and dated

13. I-693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status. (If you already have this from your overseas Visa Interview submit a copy that medical check form; No fee is required in this case. If you are a K-1 fiancé(e) or K-2 dependent who had a medical examination within the past year as required for the nonimmigrant fiancé(e) visa, you only need to submit a vaccination supplement (I-693A), not the entire medical report. You may include the vaccination supplement with your adjustment of status application.)

14. I-864, Affidavit of Support (see poverty limits here)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation

15. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if you want to work while your application is processed (optional)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment as noted here.

16 I-131, Application for Travel Document, if you need to travel outside the United States while your application is processed (optional)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment as noted here.

* Fingerprint fee not needed for applicants under 14

Add an overall cover page:

It is useful to add an overall cover sheet with the description of the package and pertinent information such as the applicants name and address. Make sure the cover sheet indicates the package is an Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status Application. List the major contents of the package (i.e. I-485 and evidence, I-765, I-131,etc).

Where to File Everything:

Applicants are required to mail applications to a national mailbox as stated on the forms (not your local USCIS office). The only local office you may file at directly is the Dallas local USCIS office under the DORRA program. If you do not live in Dallas then this does not apply to you.

Be sure to mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS.

IMPORTANT!

Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. Retain ALL originals. The USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back.

After Filing: What to do?

Now starts the waiting game. In most cases, your spouse will get their Employment Authorization Document approved and issued in 45 to 90 days. During that wait you will be called to a local USCIS biometrics office to have your fingerprints and photos taken for the EAD. Some local offices may allow you to submit your I-765 locally with your NOA from the I-485. In this case you would not file the I-765 with the Adjustment of Status Package. You would wait for the NOA from the AOS package and bring it with your completed I-765 to your local office. This means you can possibly have the EAD processed faster (however you will have to wait for the NOA and the local office will also have to allow this). Contact your local office to see if this applies to you prior to filing for AOS (ex: Los Angeles allows this as of Oct 2005).

After your spouse has received their EAD, the real wait begins. I-485's can take several months to a couple of years for approval, and often leaves the petitioner feeling completely hopeless of ever receiving approval. DO NOT GIVE UP! Though it seems like forever, the CIS will eventually get to your petitions!

Your spouse may also be required to have a medical sometime during the AOS process. The medical must be done by a CIS Designated Civil Surgeon. Your CIS office should give you a list of CIS accredited doctors in your area, if not check with your local office to get one. The medical exam can cost anywhere from $100-200 dollars, many physicians will not take a check, but only accept cash. Be prepared of the cost before your spouse gets this done. It would be wise to collect their vaccination information before going to the appointment as the doctor will need to have record of them. At the appointment your spouse will be tested for TB, AIDS and Syphilis. If they do the skin test for TB, they will be required to return to the CIS doctors office to have the site checked before they finish the exam paperwork. Note: Some CIS Offices allow you to schedule your appointment when you want, as long as it is done before the AOS appointment, check with your CIS office to see how they handle CIS medical exams before filing your AOS paperwork.

Your spouse will be required to have biometrics taken at some point for their AOS application which includes fingerprints and photos. This can typically precede the interview date by up to 15 months, however is usually much closer. Eventually you will receive a letter from the CIS informing you of your interview date. You and your spouse will need to bring supporting evidence of the relationship... i.e. photos, joint checking account, joint lease, joint mortgage, and birth certificates of children if any etc. Also, it is very important to bring the current passport of the applicant, as the CIS will stamp his/her passport with the I-551 stamp if they are approved. This stamp is proof of permanent residency that can be used until they receive their greencard. This normally can take up to six months. The interview is fairly painless and may be video recorded and lasts between 15-30 minutes.

NOTE: (1) Many offices are NOT giving the stamp, even on approved cases; cards are mailed directly to the applicant. Additionally, a tardy namecheck or FBI clearance holds up 'actual' approval. Perment Resdient status does not start until the case is *actually* approved, which may be a later date than the interview. The PR can always look on the face of the card to find out their 'real' date of approval. (2) If you are married less than 2 years, your spouse will have to renew his/her greencard 2 years from issuance by filing the I-751 to remove conditional status.

Assembling the I-485 Package: Checklist

Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.): 1. Payment(s) as documented here. Be sure to include the payment for both the I-485 and the the fingerprinting fee*. Use a money order so you can track the payment. If a personal check is allowed, use that instead.

2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-485), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-485: Petition for Alien Relative

4. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses Passport (biographical page as well as entry stamps).

4a. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses K-1 or K-3 Visa from Passport

5. K-1 Visa Holders: Submit Copy of NOA2 "Approval" for I-129F

K-3 Visa Holders: Submit Copy of NOA2 "Approval" for I-130

6. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses valid I-94 (front and back copies)

7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate along with English translation. (If in any language other than English)

8. A certified copy of your marriage certificate. (If filing for your spouse)

9. A copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both of you have been divorced before)

10. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both have you were married before, and the prior spouse died)

11. Two passport-type photos (see note) of the Non US Citizen Spouse. Write the full name on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

12. G-325A (all four pages) filled out,signed and dated

13. I-693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status. (If you already have this from your overseas Visa Interview submit a copy that medical check form; No fee is required in this case. If you are a K-1 fiancé(e) or K-2 dependent who had a medical examination within the past year as required for the nonimmigrant fiancé(e) visa, you only need to submit a vaccination supplement (I-693A), not the entire medical report. You may include the vaccination supplement with your adjustment of status application.)

14. I-864, Affidavit of Support (see poverty limits here)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation

15. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if you want to work while your application is processed (optional)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment as noted here.

16 I-131, Application for Travel Document, if you need to travel outside the United States while your application is processed (optional)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment as noted here.

* Fingerprint fee not needed for applicants under 14

Add an overall cover page:

It is useful to add an overall cover sheet with the description of the package and pertinent information such as the applicants name and address. Make sure the cover sheet indicates the package is an Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status Application. List the major contents of the package (i.e. I-485 and evidence, I-765, I-131,etc).

Where to File Everything:

Applicants are required to mail applications to a national mailbox as stated on the forms (not your local USCIS office). The only local office you may file at directly is the Dallas local USCIS office under the DORRA program. If you do not live in Dallas then this does not apply to you.

Be sure to mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS.

IMPORTANT!

Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. Retain ALL originals. The USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back.

After Filing: What to do?

Now starts the waiting game. In most cases, your spouse will get their Employment Authorization Document approved and issued in 45 to 90 days. During that wait you will be called to a local USCIS biometrics office to have your fingerprints and photos taken for the EAD. Some local offices may allow you to submit your I-765 locally with your NOA from the I-485. In this case you would not file the I-765 with the Adjustment of Status Package. You would wait for the NOA from the AOS package and bring it with your completed I-765 to your local office. This means you can possibly have the EAD processed faster (however you will have to wait for the NOA and the local office will also have to allow this). Contact your local office to see if this applies to you prior to filing for AOS (ex: Los Angeles allows this as of Oct 2005).

After your spouse has received their EAD, the real wait begins. I-485's can take several months to a couple of years for approval, and often leaves the petitioner feeling completely hopeless of ever receiving approval. DO NOT GIVE UP! Though it seems like forever, the CIS will eventually get to your petitions!

Your spouse may also be required to have a medical sometime during the AOS process. The medical must be done by a CIS Designated Civil Surgeon. Your CIS office should give you a list of CIS accredited doctors in your area, if not check with your local office to get one. The medical exam can cost anywhere from $100-200 dollars, many physicians will not take a check, but only accept cash. Be prepared of the cost before your spouse gets this done. It would be wise to collect their vaccination information before going to the appointment as the doctor will need to have record of them. At the appointment your spouse will be tested for TB, AIDS and Syphilis. If they do the skin test for TB, they will be required to return to the CIS doctors office to have the site checked before they finish the exam paperwork. Note: Some CIS Offices allow you to schedule your appointment when you want, as long as it is done before the AOS appointment, check with your CIS office to see how they handle CIS medical exams before filing your AOS paperwork.

Your spouse will be required to have biometrics taken at some point for their AOS application which includes fingerprints and photos. This can typically precede the interview date by up to 15 months, however is usually much closer. Eventually you will receive a letter from the CIS informing you of your interview date. You and your spouse will need to bring supporting evidence of the relationship... i.e. photos, joint checking account, joint lease, joint mortgage, and birth certificates of children if any etc. Also, it is very important to bring the current passport of the applicant, as the CIS will stamp his/her passport with the I-551 stamp if they are approved. This stamp is proof of permanent residency that can be used until they receive their greencard. This normally can take up to six months. The interview is fairly painless and may be video recorded and lasts between 15-30 minutes.

NOTE: (1) Many offices are NOT giving the stamp, even on approved cases; cards are mailed directly to the applicant. Additionally, a tardy namecheck or FBI clearance holds up 'actual' approval. Perment Resdient status does not start until the case is *actually* approved, which may be a later date than the interview. The PR can always look on the face of the card to find out their 'real' date of approval. (2) If you are married less than 2 years, your spouse will have to renew his/her greencard 2 years from issuance by filing the I-751 to remove conditional status.

Edited July 2, 2006 by truwork