AOS'rs...

[The_Dude 1,142]

Has anyone heard of being approved for EAD without an email? My case hasn't been touched online since 2/17 and I am anxiously awaiting it's arrival, but wonder if I will be receiving an email first (emails haven't been terribly reliable for me - I didn't get one for my RFE OR notice that my RFE had been received, even though I determined it had been with a call to USCIS).

Does anybody know if it happens?

We didn't get an email notification for EAD and AP approval, but did get a letter of approval in the mail roughly 3 weeks after submitting the application.

[ashenflowers 5]

So, here's the ####### that we've dealt with so far just since I moved... which is why, 3 weeks before my I-94 is up, we still haven't filed AOS. You all know this, but I'll just reiterate and bring it all up to speed. I should probably put this in the vent thread... but hey, it's AOS related.

1) Husband lost job the day after we arrived here (after a 5 day drive from Canada). His boss had even written us a letter to bring to the K-1 interview to say that my husband would be getting a raise and promotion. But I guess he changed his mind. I needn't explain the craptasticness this has caused. We now need a co-sponsor, we have no income, hubster had to go on unemployment, we're driving each other nuts since we're together 24/7... LOL etc. etc... Everyone knows losing a job, and having us BOTH not working sucks.

2) POE peeps didn't give me an I-94. Had to go into LA (STUPID TRAFFIC, and a 2 hr drive almost) just to get one at the deferred inspection site. On the plus side, I have since helped at least one VJer, that I know of, who was in the same situation.

3) Lost long-form birth certificate. How? I have NO IDEA... So we had to pay $45 to send away for a new one. On the plus side, it arrived today! Barely a week since I submitted the request for it online. I will admit, I'm impressed by that.

So... as if that stuff wasn't ####### enough, I'm finally getting the AOS forms filled out and put together, since we have all we need now... so I thought... and I'm thinking I will be able to send them off next Monday. BUT, I notice on my vaccination sheet that the Varicella (chicken pox) does NOT say 'completed series'. It is a 2-shot process, and I only had time to get the 1st shot before the medical, because there's a one month waiting period between shots. I was also told that I wouldn't need the 2nd shot, and that one shot is good enough. ??? So, on the vaccine sheet it has the date of the first shot, but then it has a check under 'insufficient time interval'....

FINALLY we reach my AOS related question.

Will I get an RFE for this? I know there are some issues with the medicals lately, but I wasn't going to send the I-693, and just send the Vaccination Worksheet. However, now I feel like this chicken pox thing is going to be an issue. In order to get it, I'd have to go get the shot (immunization clinics around here have like, 2 hrs per week... the next one in the area, which is like 30 mins away is on Friday).. and then get an updated vaccination record signed off by a CS... there isn't a CS in my area. The closest is a 2 hr drive away (which is why I wasn't going to bother with the I693 if it's not needed). SO... W.. T.. F.. do I do now. ARGH@$*!&%!%

One of my dear VJ friends suggested sending off AOS as is, and deal with it if I happen to get an RFE down the line.

Suggestions? Thoughts? Bacon?

[ashenflowers 5]

UGH... I have another question to add to this. We've having debates on what to include on the previous year's income on the I-864. For 2007 (and all years prior), and part of 2008, my husband lived and worked in Canada (he's dual citizen). Do we put ANY Canadian income on there in question 25? The instructions say to not include tax returns filed with foreign governments... so do we just put 0.00 for his income for 2007, since none of it was US? And for 2008, do we JUST put his US earned income, not the Canadian income from earlier in the year?

Do we then include a letter or something explaining that he DID have income in 2007 and more in 2008, but that it was Canadian? Do we just NOT check off question 25 on the I-864, and just include 2009's tax documents?? I mean, there's a co-sponsor needed anyways, so all of this seems futile.

I'm about ready to rip up all these forms and move back home. I'm getting sick of this.

Should I just make myself my own thread?

[TimandJoyce 1]

Ashen...

Take deep breath!!!! In with the good air...out with the bad...

Feel a little better? I'm so sorry you're going through all this. I know about 24/7. Tim's disabled, and doesn't work...I don't have a job....anyway..I won't go there...

First let me advise you...send the AOS...if you get an RFE then they will give you so much time to complete it. ( they gave me 87 days from the date of the RFE) So if you think you might need another shot, you have time to check around, make sure it's a USCIS doctor approved; contact them, ask how much for the shot, medical transcription, etc, and at least you'll be somewhat ready for that.

As far as taxes. I would definitely include the taxes from Canada, with a note explaining all the details and such. My RFE had to do with two things. Tim's recent tax year, and where my monthly income comes from. Tim wrote a letter explaining he is on disability, and does not file taxes as he makes less than 25,000 and year, there for does not pay taxes. ( or have them deducted from his income) My income is a survivor's benefit from Canada. I had added it into the household yearly income, and of course they wanted to see proof that I was legal to work in the US. Of course I wasn't. So I contacted the Canadian government, had them write me a letter explaining that I will continue to receive this, regardless of my marriage status or residency. I also included a letter stating this and such. My case was transferred after that, and approved.

I guess I said all that, to say this: Include it, with the letter explaining all his income was foreign. I know you've got a co sponsor and all, but you don't want to end up having to search for more information than you thought you might have to. Do your best to just keep it for the medical, in case. ( I didn't get RFE'd for mine...just sent the form I had from Vancouver)

If you have everything ready to send it..then do. At least you know the dates are lining up with the I-94.

Best wishes for you. You've already had a go of it...Perhaps this part will go silky smooth for you...((((hugs)))

[Sam and Ben 2]

Given your situation, I would send in the package without worrying about the immunization ####### right now. If - if - they choose to hassle you about it, you can deal with it down the line.

Like Joyce said, include any information regarding your financial situation as possible to eliminate any possible questions.

I hope it all goes smoothly for you.. I'm sorry you've had such a rough time since you got there. ((hug)) Hopefully it'll get better real soon for you.

[darkchilde794 5]

Ashen, I gotta go to work soon but I will write a longer post later. However, I want to give you a big virtual hug with all the hoops you and your hubby are jumping through now. I would say with the I-693 -- I believe Rhiann didnt submit one and if she gets an RFE, you might get it too. It seems like they are stricter now... I think for chickenpox you just need the first shot, at least that was what the CS from Bethesda told me.

On other news, got my approval letter notice from the USCIS e-alerts! Woohoo, finally somewhat legal!

[Sam and Ben 2]

On other news, got my approval letter notice from the USCIS e-alerts! Woohoo, finally somewhat legal!

Congrats!!

[ashenflowers 5]

Congrats darkchilde! And thank you (and Joyce and Sam) for the hugs and great advice

I posted briefly about the vaccine thing on the AOS forum, and someone there basically guaranteed that I'd get an RFE *pout* I'm going to try to get it done... I have called two CS's in town so far, one is away for 2 weeks (siiiigh), and the other seemed confused and didn't sound like they knew exactly what I meant (well, actually BOTH of the receptionists that answered seemed confused), though it sounds like they could do it. However, they don't have the vaccine at the office, so I still have to go get that done separately.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to explain to people what I need done? lol

Without making separate appointments and talking to 3 different doctors? It's hard to get a price and understanding of what they'll require if they don't know what I mean. I'm talking to the 3rd person, and I worded my question a little differently, and I think she understands... lol we'll see what happens.

[Sam and Ben 2]

If they don't understand a basic explanation as to what you need, you'll likely face issues at their office. That's my two cents anyhow.

What I did when I called around was to say that I was an immigrant who came to the States on a K1 visa. I did not need a full physical as per USCIS instruction, but did need a Civil Surgeon to fill out the vaccination portion of the I-693 packet. So how much did they charge for I-693 transcription only.

If any portion of my phrasing confused them, their office clearly was not set to handle questions or patients in regards to that process. The first office I found that understood exactly what I was talking about (aka, recognized the damn form number) was the one I ended up going to.

I also needed a vaccination, but found that my local health unit actually offered it cheaper and without appointment. If that isn't an option for you, simply ask what each office would charge for whichever vaccine you require. Or, say you need transcription only, play stupid, and see if they even catch it. If you don't need the vaccine, then all the better for your wallet.

An RFE is probably a guarantee, yes. It's just a matter of whether or not you want to deal with it before filing or later on.

[Spoom 8]

On March 16, 2010, we transferred this case I485 APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS to our CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER location for processing and sent you a notice explaining this action. Please follow any instructions provided on the notice. We will notify you by mail when a decision is made. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

Biometrics appt. made too, on the 24th in Buffalo. Who knows, maybe we'll be done with this by the end of March

[darkchilde794 5]

Ashen -- first off sorry about all the troubles with the AOS.

TimandJoyce -- do you get money transferred in an American account from Canada? Maybe thats why they approved your case. But if the money stays in Canada, I dont know how that would work as income...? Anyway I dont know enough of the topic to say anything, but Ashen, I would suggest to do an individual post about this because not everyone checks the AOS forum and they might have advice on your situation...?

I would definitely send an I-693. I think everyone who didnt have one got an RFE... There is a thread in the AOS forum about all the CS in different states that will do transcription for a small cost. If they cannot be reached, perhaps ask if you can fax them your information and if they can do the transcription that way. The CS I spoke to told me that I did not need to see the doctor to get my transcription.

I think for the varicella, you only need the first shot. The CS I saw for my transcription tried to get me to undergo the same shot, and she said that she only needs to administer one to sign off on the I-693. I fought her tooth and nail of course as Ive had chicken pox as a child... Usually one shot is enough, they just do series so your body remembers the pathogens you were in contact with.

Good luck!

[Rhiannercakes 14]

Grats, Spoom!

I still havnt gotten any touches since the 3rd.

I wonder if they're waiting on my biometrics since it's in two days.

[darkchilde794 5]

Ashen, not sure if you've seen this:

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/Civil_Surgeon_List

[Spoom 8]

Grats, Spoom!

I still havnt gotten any touches since the 3rd.

I wonder if they're waiting on my biometrics since it's in two days.

Well, I'm sure you'll get your transfer soon. Your timeline is roughly the same as mine, so watch your email

[Rhiannercakes 14]

Well, I'm sure you'll get your transfer soon. Your timeline is roughly the same as mine, so watch your email

Most people in Cali don't get transfers, so I'm probably waiting on the interview letter

I hope something happens soon though, short of an RFE.