G-325A and photo questions

[NateM 0]

I'm in the process of helping my wife, who arrived here on a K-1, file for AOS. Prior to this, I was using an immigration attorney whose services ended once the K-1 was issued, though they did send an AOS guide similar to the one found in this forum (the only difference being, it says it's for "K-1/K-2" holders, whereas the AOS guide on this forum is for K-1 and K-3 holders).

According to the guide from the immigration attorney, both the US Citizen and Non US Citizen must fill out the G-325A form (for the US Citizen it says, "Include one original signed form," and for the Non US Citizen it says, "Include one original signed form and one copy of the signed form"). It also says both the US citizen and Non US Citizen must each have their own separate passport-type photo to staple to these forms.

In the guide on the VJ forum, it says "G-325A (all four pages) filled out, signed and dated." Both this phrasing and the forms themselves give me the impression only the Non US Citizen needs to do this. In addition, regarding photos, it says "Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the Non US Citizen Spouse."

Obviously there are a few discrepancies between the two above versions. One is saying both my wife and I must fill out a G-325A form and each submit 1 separate passport-type photo. The other appears to be saying just my wife needs to fill out the G-325A, and that she must submit two passport-type photos of herself with it. Can anyone tell me which version is correct?

NateM

P.S. Bonus question so I don't have to write a separate post: My wife obtained a "certified translation" of her birth certificate when she was still in Thailand, which includes an official stamp/seal (not raised, but in ink). Can we send in a photocopy of this for AOS purposes, or do we have to send in the actual document itself?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I would guess most people on VJ probably followed the VJ guides unless they are letting an attorney handle their case or found VJ too late.

Your thinking may get clearer if you approach it with this in mind:

The K1 visa is done. You had to petition to start that process. She actually applied with the DS forms to the Embassy. Now you can basically call that a finished process.

Now she's in the US and wants a green card. She is the applicant. All the forms and pictures and information are about her. She has a new name, a US address, a husband, and is unemployed. They need to know her biographical information. She needs a sponsor so that's the place where you come in. You fill out an Affidavit of Support and provide evidence. That's really your only part. So my take is that this isn't your application, and they don't need your bio information or photo.

FYI--we followed VJ guides. Everything we sent was a photocopy. He got a GC. If they want to see originals, they can invite you to an interview and ask you to show the officer there. Many K1s get transferred to CSC and don't interview.

[NateM 0]

Thanks... I realize that in this situation she is the primary applicant, with the exception of the I-864. I'm filling the majority of the forms out because English is my wife's second language. I also realize that not requiring any biographical info from me makes the most sense, but I've learned that I can't always go by what makes the most sense when it comes to immigration. That's why I wasn't sure. I probably should just forget about the guide from the immigration attorney, though.

Anyway, prior to writing my post, I did find some questions on the forum very similar to my core questions, but with various answers. So any further input regarding this is welcome. I'm assuming CSC stands for California Service Center... Regarding my "Bonus Question" about the certified translations... If an original birth certificate is already in English, as it appears was the case with Nich-Nich, I realize a photocopy is fine. But in the case where a certified translation is required, I'm wondering if a photocopy of that is still considered to be "certified." So any further thoughts or input on that is welome as well.

Sorry for so many questions recently. They should subside in about 24 hours once I get this mailed off , if not sooner. The members of this forum have proven to be wonderfully supportive, and I think the forum itself is a real blessing. So I'd like to thank everybody here, including the admin, for making VJ such a special community. I only wish I had found it sooner .

[edp333 9]

I would suggest sending in a copy of the translated birth certificate. The reason, in case USCIS loses the original and requests the original you still have it. The only certified original copy we sent was of the Marriage Certificate.

On your first question, you will find that most VJers were approved with just the AOS applicant's G325a.

[DeaDea 0]

I would suggest sending in a copy of the translated birth certificate. The reason, in case USCIS loses the original and requests the original you still have it. The only certified original copy we sent was of the Marriage Certificate.

On your first question, you will find that most VJers were approved with just the AOS applicant's G325a.

We are also sending the AOS anytime soon and our lawyer asked my husband ( USC) to file G325a too.

I understand some USC here on VJ did not. So..it is up to you. My husband did and I don't think it will hurt.

Good luck.