Waiting for K1, preparing evidence for AOS

[Leo&Farah 0]

Hi guys,

As the topic says, we're currently waiting for K1 to be approved. In the meantime, I thought we would get mentally prepared on what is needed for AOS.

The reason of it coming up so early is there have been MANY times during the K1 where I thought to myself "If only I knew I should have saved this" or "I wish I would have known I needed something like this for K1."

It's a good thing I have treasured everything between us and kept records of it diligently for sentimental reasons or we wouldn't have half the proof we have now for K1 interview later. However, being as it is, we have very little snail mail between us and I had thrown away the boxes of packages he sent me with his address and stuff since they were huge. If I had known differently, I would have cut out the top part of the box or something >.< We have sent very little in terms of regular snail mail, all of them were mainly huge packages with multiple things inside. And we rarely took snapshots or screenshots of our video calls because we didn't think to. Which left only xxx-rated snapshots that can't be shown. >.< If we had thought of it back then, would have had the presence of mind to remember snapshotting when we were both decent on cam!!!!

So my question is, if you had known back then what was needed in terms of proof for AOS, what would you have saved/done differently/started/jointed.

I know NOA2 for K1 needs to be kept for AOS. I think we will have a joint lease in our names. I have no idea how to get joint utility bills in our name. We will open a joint bank account. Get affidavits and such from his family and mine. I will be keeping a vaccination record (I started one a few months ago while waiting for K1 since I had ZERO records of any shots). I'll probably have my birth certificate translated professionally and keep multiple copies of it. I know not to open that mystery packet from the embassy after the K1 interview which is supposed to be shown at POE. I know to make sure I have an I-194 on my passport (some couple on VJ didn't have any). There will be wedding pictures of course but nothing fancy since it will be an elopement until we can afford something bigger next year. Since its not a big wedding there wont be any wedding invitations. I'll be changing my name later and using my married name for AOS. Still not sure if I should apply for SSN as soon as I land or do it after marriage cause I want my married name.

(Also on the topic. I'm confused how changing names work. If I wanna drop my maiden name which is 5 names long and just have my first name, his last name and a NEW middle name which I pick, can that be done by just putting the FIRSTNAME NEWMIDDLENAME HUSBANDLASTNAME in AOS paperwork or SSN?)

Okay, I'm rambling. >.<

Is there anything else in terms of proof that I should get started with collecting now?

Thanks in advance =)

[onofre 1]

Hi guys,

As the topic says, we're currently waiting for K1 to be approved. In the meantime, I thought we would get mentally prepared on what is needed for AOS.

The reason of it coming up so early is there have been MANY times during the K1 where I thought to myself "If only I knew I should have saved this" or "I wish I would have known I needed something like this for K1."

It's a good thing I have treasured everything between us and kept records of it diligently for sentimental reasons or we wouldn't have half the proof we have now for K1 interview later. However, being as it is, we have very little snail mail between us and I had thrown away the boxes of packages he sent me with his address and stuff since they were huge. If I had known differently, I would have cut out the top part of the box or something >.< We have sent very little in terms of regular snail mail, all of them were mainly huge packages with multiple things inside. And we rarely took snapshots or screenshots of our video calls because we didn't think to. Which left only xxx-rated snapshots that can't be shown. >.< If we had thought of it back then, would have had the presence of mind to remember snapshotting when we were both decent on cam!!!!

So my question is, if you had known back then what was needed in terms of proof for AOS, what would you have saved/done differently/started/jointed.

I know NOA2 for K1 needs to be kept for AOS. I think we will have a joint lease in our names. I have no idea how to get joint utility bills in our name. We will open a joint bank account. Get affidavits and such from his family and mine. I will be keeping a vaccination record (I started one a few months ago while waiting for K1 since I had ZERO records of any shots). I'll probably have my birth certificate translated professionally and keep multiple copies of it. I know not to open that mystery packet from the embassy after the K1 interview which is supposed to be shown at POE. I know to make sure I have an I-194 on my passport (some couple on VJ didn't have any). There will be wedding pictures of course but nothing fancy since it will be an elopement until we can afford something bigger next year. Since its not a big wedding there wont be any wedding invitations. I'll be changing my name later and using my married name for AOS. Still not sure if I should apply for SSN as soon as I land or do it after marriage cause I want my married name.

(Also on the topic. I'm confused how changing names work. If I wanna drop my maiden name which is 5 names long and just have my first name, his last name and a NEW middle name which I pick, can that be done by just putting the FIRSTNAME NEWMIDDLENAME HUSBANDLASTNAME in AOS paperwork or SSN?)

Okay, I'm rambling. >.<

Is there anything else in terms of proof that I should get started with collecting now?

Thanks in advance =)

One big advice: Try not to post questions this late at night. Well, if your not in the U.S., think of US hrs because there will be more people that can asnwer questions quicker.

As for AOS. It all takes time. Don't rush anything. Get your K-1 visa done first. Which is the base of everything that you will have to do. What I can say is you can have an idea of what to do once you arrive here. Get married ASAP! That's one thing you don't want to drag. Your name will show up in about a month so that the Social Security Office can find your name and give you your SSN. Once you get married, investigate how long will it take to get your marriage certificate. Buy 2 or 3 of them, you'll need that as evidence. Take pictures with the date showing, don't just take pictures of just the two of you, have family members shown so if they ask you "who are they" you'll asnwer that quickly, which is a plus for your interview.

Get a bank joint account(s), (you'll need a State ID and bring your marriage certificate) that way you're new name will show up. If your renting an apt or own a home, get those names together in the paper work. Planning having kids? Get his/her SSN and birth certificate. (which takes long to get but it will help at the end). Medical insurance, car, Life, anything that he will place you as the main beneficiary.

You'll be alright, believe me, there is LOTS of things to gather for the AOS/interview but they will only ask for a few things and the rest was just extra. But you'll never know what they'll ask for, so give yourselves time to gather everything. Good luck!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

You sound VERY well prepared and I think it's great that you are looking ahead. A few things I could suggest for AOS--

USC should order tax transcripts now for the years 2008, 2007, 2006. They are free and 3 yrs are ordered on one form. If April 15 2010 has passed before you do AOS, then you would need to provide 2009 tax information, but at least you've already got previous years in hand and could photocopy your 2009 return.

If at all possible the fiance should get all shots (or first if a series) required for AOS before or at the visa medical exam. If all requirements for AOS are recorded on the DS3025 immunization sheet by the panel physician, then that form alone is sufficient for AOS and the whole Civil Surgeon hassle can be skipped. I realize every country in the world does not have available some of the immunizations so it may not be possible. If you can't get everything, then it "almost everything" is of no help because any shots given after arriving in the US will have to be documented by a Civil Surgeon, whether it's 1 or 10.

On the same topic of the medical taken overseas for the visa. I would ask if they could possibly give the beneficiary a full copy of the medical exam or mail it to her when it's completed and signed. It's not normally done and they probably will refuse and only give a copy of the DS3025 immunization sheet. The reason? The medical results are in the "do not open" brown envelope along with other visa files which are handed in at POE. The files are supposed to meet up with your AOS application. Many times they do not and the immigrant is sent an RFE for medical results (not immunization) because they can't approve without them. So at that point, all the immigrant can do is take another full medical exam in the US at a cost of $$$. If the immigrant had a copy of the results from K1 medical exam, then that might take care of the RFE. I don't know anybody who has ever actually done this, but you're asking about advice from hindsight. It wouldn't hurt to ask for a copy and explain that the USCIS sometimes "loses" the file in transit and you would like a back-up copy in case that happens.

The K1 should apply for a SSN about 2 weeks after entry in the maiden name. They want to find the name exactly as it's written on the I-94 and in the database where the entry was recorded. Getting the number allows you to get bank accounts for one thing. After the green card, you can go back and get the name changed and the notation about not authorized to work removed. There is a good explanation of getting a SSN for K1s in the Guides of Visa Journey.

I don't know how picking a random new middle name would work. Normally name changes are done by a court, except for a last name changed after marriage. I doubt a court would deal with it for an alien with no green card. I doubt the marriage license could be issued except using the names as shown on photo id (passport.) And I wonder if USCIS would want some kind of legal proof of this new name other than you wrote it on the application. Having the desired name for use in the US issued on the green card would certainly be the best way. Then the green card record could be used to get the SSN name changed. And the photo id of the GC and the new SS card could get the driver's license in that name. Just my random thoughts since I don't know how you could accomplish this.

As far as proof of relationship for AOS. It's like a whole new process and the K1 stuff is old. After marriage, you would start collecting papers that show both names. That could be a bank statement, utility bills, leases, insurance cards, Christmas cards/letters addess to both of you at your US address. And as stated above some photos with friends and family or you at home doing everyday things like cooking out or celebrating a birthday or painting the bedroom together. They should reflect a normal married couple. And the great news is....many, many K1s have their case transferred to California for adjudication. That means no interview, so no proofs of relationship shown to anybody.

Good luck to you.

[Leo&Farah 0]

Thanks for the replies guys.

With regards to the shots, I have started my Hep A and B series already and just waiting for the third and last part in November. Have chicken pox, too old for HPV shot, probably will get MMR at the visa medical. There were other combination shots in the Hep B which were included in the shots needed for AOS. I think it was called Infrarix Hexa. I think by the time the K1 is done, I should have all my shots ready for AOS and records on them.

We got 2008 tax transcripts but he never filed 2007 and 2006 because he wasnt working full time then. We have a co-sponsor for the K1 but hoping by the time we do AOS, 2009 tax year has come about so we could just include 2009, 2008 and a note saying why he never filed for 2007.

I'll ask about getting a copy of the medical if at all possible. =)

It sounds pretty straightforward overall and the no interview thing sounds great! I have no clue where we will be filing (if the place is the same as K1) or where the nearest place for an interview is next to NC.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I think by the time the K1 is done, I should have all my shots ready for AOS and records on them.

Just make sure they are all recorded on the DS3025 signed by the panel physician at the medical if you want to avoid having a Civil Surgeon in the US transcribe a collection of records once in the US.

It sounds pretty straightforward overall and the no interview thing sounds great! I have no clue where we will be filing (if the place is the same as K1) or where the nearest place for an interview is next to NC.

All K1 AOS is filed at the same place variously called the Chicago Lockbox, MSC, or NBC (same place.) From there they will send your file to your nearest local office for an interview or send to CSC to be approved without interview.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Biggest thing to prep for an AOS now, prior to the K-1 coming through,

get $1010.00 and put in a savings account. Don't touch that money. Use it for AOS only. File for AOS before the I-94 expires.

Don't get caught waiting to get money to pay for the AOS, like so many people seem to do....

protect that legal status

[Leo&Farah 0]

Out of curiosity, how much is it for that whole civil surgeon thing?

Is $1010 including the fee for biometrics, medical and all the other misc stuff?

Well I found out later on he can change the names on the lease to include me which is good. He will also be adding me to his insurance plan if that isn't too costly. I heard it goes up quite a bit when you add in a spouse.

[babyrog 0]

Hi guys,

As the topic says, we're currently waiting for K1 to be approved. In the meantime, I thought we would get mentally prepared on what is needed for AOS.

The reason of it coming up so early is there have been MANY times during the K1 where I thought to myself "If only I knew I should have saved this" or "I wish I would have known I needed something like this for K1."

It's a good thing I have treasured everything between us and kept records of it diligently for sentimental reasons or we wouldn't have half the proof we have now for K1 interview later. However, being as it is, we have very little snail mail between us and I had thrown away the boxes of packages he sent me with his address and stuff since they were huge. If I had known differently, I would have cut out the top part of the box or something >.< We have sent very little in terms of regular snail mail, all of them were mainly huge packages with multiple things inside. And we rarely took snapshots or screenshots of our video calls because we didn't think to. Which left only xxx-rated snapshots that can't be shown. >.< If we had thought of it back then, would have had the presence of mind to remember snapshotting when we were both decent on cam!!!!

So my question is, if you had known back then what was needed in terms of proof for AOS, what would you have saved/done differently/started/jointed.

I know NOA2 for K1 needs to be kept for AOS. I think we will have a joint lease in our names. I have no idea how to get joint utility bills in our name. We will open a joint bank account. Get affidavits and such from his family and mine. I will be keeping a vaccination record (I started one a few months ago while waiting for K1 since I had ZERO records of any shots). I'll probably have my birth certificate translated professionally and keep multiple copies of it. I know not to open that mystery packet from the embassy after the K1 interview which is supposed to be shown at POE. I know to make sure I have an I-194 on my passport (some couple on VJ didn't have any). There will be wedding pictures of course but nothing fancy since it will be an elopement until we can afford something bigger next year. Since its not a big wedding there wont be any wedding invitations. I'll be changing my name later and using my married name for AOS. Still not sure if I should apply for SSN as soon as I land or do it after marriage cause I want my married name.

(Also on the topic. I'm confused how changing names work. If I wanna drop my maiden name which is 5 names long and just have my first name, his last name and a NEW middle name which I pick, can that be done by just putting the FIRSTNAME NEWMIDDLENAME HUSBANDLASTNAME in AOS paperwork or SSN?)

Okay, I'm rambling. >.<

Is there anything else in terms of proof that I should get started with collecting now?

Thanks in advance =)

Hi, I am from North Carolina. What city are you?

babyrog

[Nik+Heather 121]

Out of curiosity, how much is it for that whole civil surgeon thing?

Is $1010 including the fee for biometrics, medical and all the other misc stuff?

Well I found out later on he can change the names on the lease to include me which is good. He will also be adding me to his insurance plan if that isn't too costly. I heard it goes up quite a bit when you add in a spouse.

$1010 is for the AOS filing. You can concurrently file the EAD and AP for free (but extra if filed for separately). I think biometrics is included. We haven't done it yet so...

It does NOT include:

Medical fees to transcribe your immunizations(just like the visa fee didn't include the fee for panel physician checkup.)

Postage

Other misc. fees (such as fee for certified copy of marriage cert etc)

[Leo&Farah 0]

Hi, I am from North Carolina. What city are you?

babyrog

Hi babyrog. Currently in Morganton NC enjoying country living. We'll probably do an elopement in River Mist first and then when we can afford it, a full wedding in Hawaii!!! Unless you can recommend any other nice places to elope in NC. Just don't wanna do it in a courthouse or anything but budget is an issue because of all this stuff.

[Leo&Farah 0]

$1010 is for the AOS filing. You can concurrently file the EAD and AP for free (but extra if filed for separately). I think biometrics is included. We haven't done it yet so...

It does NOT include:

Medical fees to transcribe your immunizations(just like the visa fee didn't include the fee for panel physician checkup.)

Postage

Other misc. fees (such as fee for certified copy of marriage cert etc)

Sounds good. I have no idea why you would wanna file EAD and AP separately if you can do it for free with AOS. Although I have been hearing that EAD arrives about 2-3 months after filing and is basically only worthwhile for another 3 months or so until AOS is approved?

I sure hope they don't up the fee next year when our time for AOS rolls around.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

$1010 is for the AOS filing. You can concurrently file the EAD and AP for free (but extra if filed for separately). I think biometrics is included. We haven't done it yet so...

It does NOT include:

Medical fees to transcribe your immunizations(just like the visa fee didn't include the fee for panel physician checkup.)

Postage

Other misc. fees (such as fee for certified copy of marriage cert etc)

Sounds good. I have no idea why you would wanna file EAD and AP separately if you can do it for free with AOS. Although I have been hearing that EAD arrives about 2-3 months after filing and is basically only worthwhile for another 3 months or so until AOS is approved?

I sure hope they don't up the fee next year when our time for AOS rolls around.

You can file for the EAD and AP after you file for the AOS, and it is still free, if the AOS is still pending. But you are right, you should just go ahead and file at the same time.

The EAD/AP are valid for one year, and if your AOS takes longer than 3 months to be approved (it happens), you would wish at that time you had these documents. (each one can be renewed while waiting).

[Ed+Cindy 1]

File for EAD even if you don't plan to work until you get your GC.

The EAD can help with getting things like a drivers license (because it shows US residency that some DMVs requires).

[Kathryn41 3,205]

The AOS sometimes takes longer to be approved as well so the EAD will possibly be useful for longer than 3 months. My AOS took 22 months for approval so I even needed to renew my EAD for a second year. That is not a usual timeframe, but it can happen.

[edp333 9]

The AP fee and EAD fee were combined with the I-485 fee in the 2007 price increase. So, you are paying for the AP and EAD even if you do not apply for it. I hope the USCIS does not up the fee too. We got caught in the delays and fee increases of 2007.

As for the civil surgeon costs, many VJers use Dr. L. E. Arnold in Austin Texas to transcribe the DS-3025 to the I-693. He will do it by mail for around $30 and let you know what vaccinations are still needed. Make sure you get a copy of the DS-3025 from the physical.