Getting confused

[zayzay_04 0]

Okay, I've been talking to a coworker who came from Germany on a K-1 visa around 5 years ago. I know things have probably changed a bit since then, but some of the things that he says are really confusing to me. My wife just last month filed for her AOS(along with EAD & AP). The case quickly was transferred to the California Service Center(due to speed up processing). We have to go to Detroit December 17th for her biometrics.

So, he is telling me that first of all, we should expect to recieve a reciept of the AOS(ahead of getting the greencard). He said that this receipt would be enough for my wife to be able to get her drivers liscense...ect...So, I recieved the NOA1 for the I-485 but no kind of reciept. Do they still do that? Should we be expecting a reciept? If not, then can I use the NOA1 to get her drivers liscence? Also, would NOA1 or EAD be enough evidence to take to the Social Security Office to get her name changed on SS? Or do we have to wait until we get the GC?

Another thing he was saying is that you get a stamp in your passport before you actually get the GC(which is pretty much the same thing). So, since our case went to California Service Center(meaning we may not even need an interview) how will we get her passport stamped? He said that the Detroit office doesn't do any of the processing. He said he went to the Cleveland office when he got his biometrics done, and they gave him the passport stamp right away(although it took him 2 years to actually recieve his greencard). So, maybe someone could clear this up for me...does she have to get her passport stamped? When will this happen? Anyways, I guess talking to him just added to my confusion about the process. And 2 years? Thats not average is it? What is average time after applying for AOS till recieving the GC?

Okay last question...I've noticed people talking about the HPV shot...my wife got the first shot in October(right before we filed in November). So that would mean that this month is due date for her next shot of the series correct? Now, I've been reading that as of December something or other, its not a requirement anymore. So, do we have to complete this series? If we do, then we'll have to schedule an appointment. If not, then I'd actually rather not have to do it. If we do have to complete it, does it have to be through a Civil Surgeon again? Or just anywhere we choose & they can update the vaccination records w/out a civil surgeon getting involved? Yeah this is a bunch of questions, everything is just going so fast though. I've had a little breather, and it felt good. I just don't want to get behind. An answer to any of these questions would be helpful. Thanks!!

Edited December 10, 2009 by zayzay_04

[N M 96]

Okay, I've been talking to a coworker who came from Germany on a K-1 visa around 5 years ago. I know things have probably changed a bit since then, but some of the things that he says are really confusing to me. My wife just last month filed for her AOS(along with EAD & AP). The case quickly was transferred to the California Service Center(due to speed up processing). We have to go to Detroit December 17th for her biometrics.

So, he is telling me that first of all, we should expect to recieve a reciept of the AOS(ahead of getting the greencard). He said that this receipt would be enough for my wife to be able to get her drivers liscense...ect...So, I recieved the NOA1 for the I-485 but no kind of reciept. Do they still do that? Should we be expecting a reciept? If not, then can I use the NOA1 to get her drivers liscence? Also, would NOA1 or EAD be enough evidence to take to the Social Security Office to get her name changed on SS? Or do we have to wait until we get the GC?

Another thing he was saying is that you get a stamp in your passport before you actually get the GC(which is pretty much the same thing). So, since our case went to California Service Center(meaning we may not even need an interview) how will we get her passport stamped? He said that the Detroit office doesn't do any of the processing. He said he went to the Cleveland office when he got his biometrics done, and they gave him the passport stamp right away(although it took him 2 years to actually recieve his greencard). So, maybe someone could clear this up for me...does she have to get her passport stamped? When will this happen? Anyways, I guess talking to him just added to my confusion about the process. And 2 years? Thats not average is it? What is average time after applying for AOS till recieving the GC?

Okay last question...I've noticed people talking about the HPV shot...my wife got the first shot in October(right before we filed in November). So that would mean that this month is due date for her next shot of the series correct? Now, I've been reading that as of December something or other, its not a requirement anymore. So, do we have to complete this series? If we do, then we'll have to schedule an appointment. If not, then I'd actually rather not have to do it. If we do have to complete it, does it have to be through a Civil Surgeon again? Or just anywhere we choose & they can update the vaccination records w/out a civil surgeon getting involved? Yeah this is a bunch of questions, everything is just going so fast though. I've had a little breather, and it felt good. I just don't want to get behind. An answer to any of these questions would be helpful. Thanks!!

The NOA1 is probably the "receipt" your co-worker was talking about. For now, it's all you'll get.

From what I've read, it varies from state to state and office to office, but I had to wait until I had my actual EAD (card) before Colorado would let me apply for a learners permit and take my test. You may be lucky with the NOA1 - but don't count on it.

All you should need to change the name on her SS card is your marriage licence and her birth certificate and passport (as proof of her ID).

GC Stamps are no longer put in passports (they were being forged). Once her AOS is approved, she'll get a "conditional (2 year) GC". It's a credit card size piece of plastic with a huge biometric strip on the back. Prior to receiving the GC, she may receive an advanced parole certificate - if she applied for this? Until you receive the actual advanced parole certificate - or the physical GC, she must not leave the U.S.

I applied for AOS in mid/ late August (this year), had my interview in late November and got my GC a few days ago. That seems average. It MAY be quicker if you aren't selected for interview. But most people are interviewed.

There's full info about the recent changes to vaccination requirements on the Visa Journey home page.

[Septembergold 0]

NOA1 IS the "receipt".

If you live in Michigan, you need to wait til you get EAD to get a state ID or Driver`s License. And you will also have to wait til you get her EAD to change her name on the SSC.

[zayzay_04 0]

Great, Thanks alot guys. Hmm...with the SS, I'm not really sure. I tried to get that changed after we were married & they wouldn't let me do it saying that they needed something from the government(GC) that had her name change officially on it. Especially with her maiden name becoming her middle name. I have had problem after problem with that issue. I'm here in Ohio, I don't know if the laws are different maybe. I put her name on my bank accounts, but they wouldn't use her middle name, so I just used her first and last. At least a middle name isn't required, but it still upset me that our marriage certificate wasn't valid enough for them to use her new middle name. I haven't consulted a lawyer about it yet(hoping that this issue will be resolved once we have her GC in her new name). But, maybe I'll try to change her SS # again...maybe using the NOA1 as proof of her new name.

Also, when we actuallly got her SS card, they wouldn't even take Birth Certificate as a valid proof of identification. They have an issue with the filipino Birth Certificate because it says "copy 1 of 1" on it, and they for some reason can't believe that its valid. So...I hope I don't have any more issues with that. I know she used that through the whole I-129F process, and the US Embassy accepted it. So we'll see.

It seems then that the GC doesn't take too long on average. Things change so much when it comes to government processes. It seems that there always making changes. Okay, I'll have to check on the vaccination issue then. Thanks alot for your help & time. Take care! God bless

[zayzay_04 0]

Hi, just looked for the vaccination requirements on the visajourney home page. Couldn't find them. Could you send me a link or tell me what section of the page there located on? Thanks!

[N M 96]

Hi, just looked for the vaccination requirements on the visajourney home page. Couldn't find them. Could you send me a link or tell me what section of the page there located on? Thanks!

I'm hopeless at creating links, but it's the Second story listed under the heading Recent Immigration news.

Story is entitled - USCIS to Hold Certain Cases Pending Changes to Vaccination Requirements

It talks about changes for herpes and HPV and shows where to go should you need further info.

[zayzay_04 0]

Hi, just looked for the vaccination requirements on the visajourney home page. Couldn't find them. Could you send me a link or tell me what section of the page there located on? Thanks!

I'm hopeless at creating links, but it's the Second story listed under the heading Recent Immigration news.

Story is entitled - USCIS to Hold Certain Cases Pending Changes to Vaccination Requirements

It talks about changes for herpes and HPV and shows where to go should you need further info.

lol haha...thanks!!!

[DaSweetSpot 0]

I sent my I130and 435, biometrics is scheduled this Wed the 16th. We are in NJ and I just received a notice that our case has been transfered to the California Service Center. Why? Any ideas?

[bassagitator 1]

I sent my I130and 435, biometrics is scheduled this Wed the 16th. We are in NJ and I just received a notice that our case has been transfered to the California Service Center. Why? Any ideas?

For faster processing. In the future create your own thread, don't hijack someone else's you will get a faster response if you create your own thread.

[DaSweetSpot 0]

I sent my I130and 435, biometrics is scheduled this Wed the 16th. We are in NJ and I just received a notice that our case has been transfered to the California Service Center. Why? Any ideas?

For faster processing. In the future create your own thread, don't hijack someone else's you will get a faster response if you create your own thread.

Ya...but you answered fast enough, thanks