Our Story and Some Questions About AOS

[onbeachtime 0]

Hey everybody, new member here!

I want to first apologize if questions like mine have already been answered, but I've gone through quite a lot of former posts and haven't really seen anything mentioned that quite fits my situation. I also wrote this up once and it was waaaay too long, so please ask me for more details if you need them! It's probably still too long, I'm sorry! I'd like the most informed opinions possible, but I don't want to make you read the novel of mine and my partner's relationship. I'd rather save that to overwhelm the immigrations people with

I'm Canadian, and my partner is a US citizen. We met online nearly 4 years ago and hit it off pretty quickly . We started alternating flying back and forth to visit each other. He was in college in the US, and I was in university in Canada. He had prior interest in coming to the school I was at, but didn't have the guts to try to apply or transfer until we started talking. So, he decided to give it a shot and got in! We had also talked about what we would do in the future, and agreed that we both wanted to settle down in Canada and eventually get married once we were out of school and with stable jobs and everything.

We signed a lease together, since for two people we needed a bigger place than the one I usually stayed at for school. Unfortunately, his educational funding went down the drain with the economy. He couldn't stay anymore, so we had to plan his move back down and deal with being long distance again.

Soon before he was about to leave, my partner and I got into a big car accident (we're okay, his car wasn't). Then my Grandmother succumbed to cancer (we got the call literally the night after the accident while we were staying with my Mom). I felt that I wouldn't be able to maintain a high enough level of academic success with all the stress and decided to take time off from school. My Grandma also was paying for my education, and while she left money so I could finish, there isn't quite enough and I don't want to go into debt so I wanted to work and save up before finishing.

We had to wait before my partner could leave because his car was in the shop for a long time, but finally it was fixed and time for him to leave. We had decided that I would go down with him in the car (yay road trip!) so we could spend that time together before being separated, and so I could help him make the drive safely (sorry, I'm from Ontario and he's from California... so it's a long drive!). We loaded up his stuff, said bye to my parents and family and set off.

At the border (Detroit), we did get stopped because they wanted to make sure that all the stuff in the back was his and that there wasn't anything illegal in there. They were a bit concerned that I didn't have my plane ticket back purchased yet (because we weren't sure how long the drive would take and I wanted to make sure I could get a good vacation in haha), but after we explained and they saw things like my Student ID they didn't give us very much trouble and we went on our way. I have no stamp in my passport or anything of that sort.

We made the drive safely thank God, and stayed with my partner's family for a while before he went out looking for a place of his own, which is where we are now. I've ended up staying a lot longer than I planned to (I guess it just seems to happen like that), but I don't have an overstay yet.

Last week I was looking at plane tickets to go back and my partner was really unhappy about it. When I was making my final decision about which flight to take, he told me that he was planning on giving me a ring so we'd be engaged before I left, but that he doesn't want me to leave and he wants to just get married RIGHT NOW!

I NEVER in my life thought I would elope, but I said yes!!

So, we're looking at having a civil ceremony as soon as possible and then filing an AOS for me. While his family is supportive, we're only going to have a friend to both of us there as a witness because I want to wait to have people involved until all my family can be there for a big ceremony. That's really important for me, because with how quickly this is all happening my family and friends just wouldn't be able to make it down in time.

After all that, here is my main question: will the fact that we lived together in Canada cause any kind of problems with the AOS process? Or that we crossed the border together? We've both been scouring these forums and the USCIS website in the past couple of days, and while he's not too worried I would just like somebody else's opinion. As I'm sure all of you intimately understand, we really don't want to be separated from each other or prevented from seeing each other.

I have no lease and no job tying me back to Canada (I stay with my parents when I'm not in school and I don't work except during the Summer), but I have savings, stocks, my share of an education fund, my student ID, not to mention most of my stuff is still there!

Is it unwise to proceed with getting married in light of this (even though I'm sooo excited)? We have quite a bit of proof that we've been dating for the past several years, and can get affidavits for both the legitimacy of our relationship and to back up my partner's finances. I'm just worried that the timing of things with me coming down here and getting married will look too "convenient" in terms of intent and I really don't want to jeopardize anything. We're also an interracial couple, which I've seen some people mention can be a red flag..

I'm sorry again that this is so long, I just wanted to try to paint a picture of our story. If we do go through with this, I will of course put up a timeline and try to contribute as much as possible to the community here. While I'll definitely have more questions and details to ask about, I promise I'll try to keep the posts shorter from now on!

Thanks guys.

[MacTO 6]

After all that, here is my main question: will the fact that we lived together in Canada cause any kind of problems with the AOS process? Or that we crossed the border together? We've both been scouring these forums and the USCIS website in the past couple of days, and while he's not too worried I would just like somebody else's opinion. As I'm sure all of you intimately understand, we really don't want to be separated from each other or prevented from seeing each other.

I have no lease and no job tying me back to Canada (I stay with my parents when I'm not in school and I don't work except during the Summer), but I have savings, stocks, my share of an education fund, my student ID, not to mention most of my stuff is still there!

Is it unwise to proceed with getting married in light of this (even though I'm sooo excited)? We have quite a bit of proof that we've been dating for the past several years, and can get affidavits for both the legitimacy of our relationship and to back up my partner's finances. I'm just worried that the timing of things with me coming down here and getting married will look too "convenient" in terms of intent and I really don't want to jeopardize anything. We're also an interracial couple, which I've seen some people mention can be a red flag..

I'm sorry again that this is so long, I just wanted to try to paint a picture of our story. If we do go through with this, I will of course put up a timeline and try to contribute as much as possible to the community here. While I'll definitely have more questions and details to ask about, I promise I'll try to keep the posts shorter from now on!

Thanks guys.

Hi there. There have been, once in awhile, talks and discussions about this intent issue. Particularly, you'll be able to find more of these under Portals, and choose Canada. For now, as a person who has gone through a similar (not exact) situation, I will give you a short answer and a long one.

First, the short answer. It is NOT unwise to proceed. You can go ahead and file it as soon as possible (before the six-months period is up). But, of course, you get married first.

The long answer is this.

First, your spouse-to-be will never understand because he's not the one who crossed the border in the name of love. Having said that, filing AOS is a process that you guys both have to work on. So, go over the paperwork together in spite of the fact that he may not be engaged in it as much as you will be.

Your relations and stuff in Canada matters no more. You are here. Because you are here, you are filing it differently from those who would in Canada.

I don't know if you have already downloaded all the instructions and read them, but it is pretty straight forward. Fill out the forms and start gathering "evidence."

And this interracial thing. That is pretty one sided. Do not listen to that. If you even remotely think that that is how these IOs (immigration officers) conduct their interviews, how can you explain all the cases with interracial spouses coming from Asia or Africa?

Here's what you need to do. (Need to, because now you're here to stay, and these are the steps to take, in order not to be deported or separated).

1. Get married as soon as possible, meaning you need to obtain marriage licence as well as certificate (evidence). (USCIS wants a copy of the certificate, not the licence.)

2. Gather "evidence" (You will have a more clear idea about evidence as soon as you read the instructions.) and start AOS filing.

3. Gather more evidence, in case you are so worried that you might be denied. Go way overboard. (Better be safe than sorry.)

4. Once you receive NOA (Notice of Action) on your AOS, wait for the subsequent events, such as Biometrics and Initial Interviews.

Quick note on your intent concern (as a person who already has gone through the same intent concern and has been approved for the temporary GC (green card)). Let's say, even if you had an intent to marry your partner when you crossed the border (yes, you may have been stopped and questioned), once you are on this side of the border, you are fine. That is, of course, when your marriage is bona fide. And you know yours is legit. If it is a fraud, then, you know the answer.

The reason why you need to get married ASAP is because it will give you enough time to prepare "evidence," such as co-mingling the finance, or living together at the same place, like having both names on utility bills. Joint bank accounts would be nice, but if you don't have a SSN (Social Security Number), then that's not happening.

Collect photos. If you don't have all of them with you, ask your parents to send some of good ones to you. They prove your genuine relationship. To a degree.

Affidavits from your family and friends are excellent. Get them. They can be evidence for AOS.

My question, though, is if your spouse-to-be has a decent job that he can support you, and also he has to gather any income tax returns to prove that he actually worked in the last few years (because you mentioned him being a student.) He might even have to contact the IRS.

Good luck. Cheers.

Edited May 19, 2010 by MacTO

[onbeachtime 0]

MacTO, I cannot thank you enough for such a thorough and supportive reply!

I have downloaded all the forms and looked them over, and I am putting together a checklist of everything we need. I obsess quite a bit over details (as was probably evident in my giant post!), so I've already started getting a lot of things together. I definitely agree that going overboard is better than not having enough!

I did think the suggestion that interracial couples raise a red flag was strange, but I'm sure you understand that being in this stressful situation makes me prone to anything I hear that could go wrong.

My partner is involved and excited as well, he just has a bit of the "But you're Canadian! What's the big deal?" attitude that I've noticed many people here in the US seem to have. Flattering, but not always accurate.

Is it alright to use "evidence" like the lease and utility bills from when we lived together in Canada, then? The only real confusion I have with this is the importance placed on proof of our relationship from when we were dating, not married.

Otherwise, we can get pictures, MSN/Skype conversation records, letters and emails we sent to each other, plane e-tickets with boarding passes, letters sent to us at the same address (in Canada and where we are now in California), receipts from travel together and gifts to each other, records of money orders sent to each other, screencaps from talking on the webcam, cellphone/texting bills, vet bills, calling cards we used to call each other, etc... Not that all that would be sent in with the package.

About the pictures, we don't have a huge amount of them with us together because I'm very camera-shy (he has managed to get several pictures of me trying to block the lens to prove it.. should we include those? haha). Is that a huge problem? I have some of him with my family (ie helping my Mom set up her new computer, things like that) and such, but do they expect to see dozens and dozens of pictures of us together? We've always been the take-pictures-of-what's-around-us-but-not-ourselves type of people.

Once we're married, my husband-to-be (fuzzies ) will see if I can be put on as an authorized user for things like his gas card and Costco membership, and we'll see if I can be added in any way to his bank account even though I don't have an SSN. I think I've read about some people on here who were successful in trying to do that, but I'll have to look into it more. We'll ask friends and family for the affidavits, and just gather as much as we can to give to USCIS. Whatever we can't get to show our joint finances and lives now, we'll get if I have the opportunity to get an SSN before our interview. Should one or two affidavits each to be included in the package itself be enough, with the possibility of more for the interview later?

About my partner's finances, since he was in Canada until recently, he hasn't been working in the last year and a half (he never got a work permit there). He has been doing some freelance work while getting back on his feet here, and he should have a "proper" job within a week or two from now. While he should make enough money to meet the requirements, since he doesn't have job history we're going to use the support of his Dad. I have assets as well, but we just want to be on the safe side.

Okay, so this is my basic understanding of the process:

1. Get marriage license, get married, get certificate.

2. Fill out the forms, gather evidence.

3. Get medical done, get passport-type pictures taken.

4. Put it all together, get money orders, and send it off.

5. Wait/pray and follow instructions as they come.

I'm stressed but so excited! I never imagined I would end up in the US, but I guess crazy things happen when you follow where loves takes you.

Thanks again! I'll update my profile as we go along and ask many more questions, I'm sure. I hope my future husband and I have as much success as many people on here have had, and that our story can help someone out!

[Anh map 2,098]

MacTO, I cannot thank you enough for such a thorough and supportive reply!

I have downloaded all the forms and looked them over, and I am putting together a checklist of everything we need. I obsess quite a bit over details (as was probably evident in my giant post!), so I've already started getting a lot of things together. I definitely agree that going overboard is better than not having enough!

I did think the suggestion that interracial couples raise a red flag was strange, but I'm sure you understand that being in this stressful situation makes me prone to anything I hear that could go wrong.

My partner is involved and excited as well, he just has a bit of the "But you're Canadian! What's the big deal?" attitude that I've noticed many people here in the US seem to have. Flattering, but not always accurate.

Is it alright to use "evidence" like the lease and utility bills from when we lived together in Canada, then? The only real confusion I have with this is the importance placed on proof of our relationship from when we were dating, not married.

Otherwise, we can get pictures, MSN/Skype conversation records, letters and emails we sent to each other, plane e-tickets with boarding passes, letters sent to us at the same address (in Canada and where we are now in California), receipts from travel together and gifts to each other, records of money orders sent to each other, screencaps from talking on the webcam, cellphone/texting bills, vet bills, calling cards we used to call each other, etc... Not that all that would be sent in with the package.

About the pictures, we don't have a huge amount of them with us together because I'm very camera-shy (he has managed to get several pictures of me trying to block the lens to prove it.. should we include those? haha). Is that a huge problem? I have some of him with my family (ie helping my Mom set up her new computer, things like that) and such, but do they expect to see dozens and dozens of pictures of us together? We've always been the take-pictures-of-what's-around-us-but-not-ourselves type of people.

Once we're married, my husband-to-be (fuzzies ) will see if I can be put on as an authorized user for things like his gas card and Costco membership, and we'll see if I can be added in any way to his bank account even though I don't have an SSN. I think I've read about some people on here who were successful in trying to do that, but I'll have to look into it more. We'll ask friends and family for the affidavits, and just gather as much as we can to give to USCIS. Whatever we can't get to show our joint finances and lives now, we'll get if I have the opportunity to get an SSN before our interview. Should one or two affidavits each to be included in the package itself be enough, with the possibility of more for the interview later?

About my partner's finances, since he was in Canada until recently, he hasn't been working in the last year and a half (he never got a work permit there). He has been doing some freelance work while getting back on his feet here, and he should have a "proper" job within a week or two from now. While he should make enough money to meet the requirements, since he doesn't have job history we're going to use the support of his Dad. I have assets as well, but we just want to be on the safe side.

Okay, so this is my basic understanding of the process:

1. Get marriage license, get married, get certificate.

2. Fill out the forms, gather evidence.

3. Get medical done, get passport-type pictures taken.

4. Put it all together, get money orders, and send it off.

5. Wait/pray and follow instructions as they come.

I'm stressed but so excited! I never imagined I would end up in the US, but I guess crazy things happen when you follow where loves takes you.

Thanks again! I'll update my profile as we go along and ask many more questions, I'm sure. I hope my future husband and I have as much success as many people on here have had, and that our story can help someone out!

Study and follow VJ guides, specifically this one: http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2 as well as continue reading the forums.

Things are a bit different for Canadians (and Mexicans). The Canada regional forum can help you to learn about the Canada specific differences.

[trailmix 77]

Hi and welcome,

Just wanted to add, if you don't already have one, you will need a copy of your long form birth certificate (the one that has your parent's names on it). This can be obtained online, just google it, but it can take a while so you might want to order that now.

You will need to have proof of your vaccinations to take with you to the medical, a list of what is required is here. So maybe you can start getting those records together. If you have no proof you can always have a titer test to prove your immunity.

[Starburst 4]

Hi and welcome,

Just wanted to add, if you don't already have one, you will need a copy of your long form birth certificate (the one that has your parent's names on it). This can be obtained online, just google it, but it can take a while so you might want to order that now.

You will need to have proof of your vaccinations to take with you to the medical, a list of what is required is here. So maybe you can start getting those records together. If you have no proof you can always have a titer test to prove your immunity.

You don't necessarily need the long form. I never did. I submitted my small id-card size one (front and back) and they never questioned it.

Applying for adjustment is pretty straight forward. Are you able to get letters from family back home that would support your claim that you lived with them, all your stuff is there ect..? I would get those. I submitted about 7 letters from family/friends when I did mine.

Also, if you're able to, call the health dept in your area. They keep track of a lot of your shots and what not and could prob fax a copy to your dr so that you don't have to re-get some shots again. I did that, and it helped A LOT. I only ended up needing one shot (hpv) so I saved tons of money. I also called my dr's office and they faxed down what they had as well. Also any records my parents had at the house I also brought to the drs with me.

Gather up as much evidence as you can, and you should be fine.

Feel free to pm me anytime! - Good Luck!

/starburst

[Married2009 32]

You might be able to be added to his bank account using your passport. Chase said we could add my husband with just his passport.

[onbeachtime 0]

Thank you all very much for your help.

I'm going to keep going over everything and just make sure I can get as much as possible. It does look pretty straight forward, although I have a tendency to overcomplicate things I'm stressed about.

I have a certified (with the embossed stamp and everything) copy of my long birth certificate as well as my little card one, is that good enough? My Mom has the original somewhere, but she told me she can't find it right now. Should I try to have that ordered, or is the certified copy good enough if they decide they want to see the long birth certificate? I suppose I should send copies of both?

I have my yellow Ontario pamphlet/card thing stating some of the shots I've gotten and signed by my doctor, but it's only what I got right before going to university so I will have to call and see if I can get my hands on records of immunization and everything. Thank you trailmix for the links to more information about what I'll need.

I think I read that the hpv vaccine isn't needed anymore? I'm 21, I'll be 22 in July. My doctor back in Ontario wanted me to get the Gardasil one, but I never had the time to make it back repeatedly to my hometown and I hated the university healthcare system so I never got it there. I will definitely look into the titer test to make sure we don't pay for anything I don't need, and we're going to check out a civil surgeon who was recommended on VJ for the area we're in.

Starburst, thank you for the help and the invitation for me to ask you privately for more advice!

I'm going to be asking my parents and friends for letters talking about how they've spent time with us, how boring I was in university because I spent all my time talking to my partner on the computer , that I stayed with my parents and most of my stuff is still back there, etc.

When it comes to other evidence, my partner and I will just give it a shot and see what I can have my name added to while I only have my passport. Can't hurt (right? lol)!

Another quick question: Is it better to send everything in as quickly as possible and just gather the rest for the interview, or should I risk overstaying a week or two before submitting the package but have lots of evidence included? I'm just not sure how long everything is going to take (I've got a month or so before my time here is up), and I'm wondering where to place the emphasis if this is an issue that comes up for us.. would an overstay of that long while we're gathering papers cause problems?

Thanks again everyone! We're both really grateful for the positive support on here!

[Tick Tock 3]

Hello there, sohappyinlove7!

1) The birth certificates you have should be fine.

2) Indeed, get all the vaccination records you can! The more information you have, the more money you may save and the fewer needles you'll end up having to see. I had a yellow card (from Ontario, too), and even a pink one. On the small side, but packed with information - that will definitely be good for records. The Civil Surgeon/doctors will use those as references.

3) HPV vaccinations are no longer required! You can read up about it if you'd like (interesting how it all played out...) but you don't need to worry about those shots. You shouldn't need to worry about Gardasil unless you want to go out of your way to get it - at this point, it's personal and will not affect your Medical Examination (I-693).

4) Letters of support from friends and family will be helpful!

I can't give advice about whether to file ASAP or collect more evidence and file later. I'm sorry! Plenty of nice folks here who can help, though!

The stress is something that can be mean and icky. You have a very good (in my humble opinion) source of information here on these forums. For me, the more information and answers I get, the less scared, nervous and downtrodden I feel. It certainly helps to have the support of your soon-to-be husband; things will go a lot easier if he understands that although you are immigrating here, his input and help is appreciated and required. By the tone of your posts, I am sure you won't have a problem with that, however!

An early congratulations to you and your love. Best wishes to you both of you!

Edited May 20, 2010 by Tick Tock

[MacTO 6]

Another quick question: Is it better to send everything in as quickly as possible and just gather the rest for the interview, or should I risk overstaying a week or two before submitting the package but have lots of evidence included? I'm just not sure how long everything is going to take (I've got a month or so before my time here is up), and I'm wondering where to place the emphasis if this is an issue that comes up for us.. would an overstay of that long while we're gathering papers cause problems?

Hi there again. Nice of you leaving those PMs.

I would say that you should gather everything you wish to. As it is to almost everything, it comes down to how satisfied you are at the end. Like... have I tried enough? Just keep in mind to give yourself a bit of extra time at the end before you send it out. Always there are things that you overlook.

Now, about overstaying a couple of weeks. In my humble opinion, solely based on my personal experience, it's okay to overstay and send in your applications. You'll even notice that there are quite a bit of VJers who actually stayed in this country illegally, their passports even expired, but married USCs and got approved in the past. I had submitted my original applications in early December a couple of days before my six-months period was up. But guess what? I didn't hear from the USCIS nor didn't see my checks cashed through online banking. Kept thinking to myself, 'What the hell is going on with my applications?'

Then, my brother in T.O. forwarded the package to me here. Yup. The USCIS returned my applications to my brother's address, which I used to file, because I thought I was supposed to put it in. Anyway, to make a long story short, I corrected the addresses on the forms to the current one and resent the package in. It was January 12. So, technically, I overstayed for over a month to submit my applications. Of course, I stated on the cover letter that the original submission date was such and such. However, I will never know if that really mattered. It was never brought up on NOAs nor at the interview.

So, for a couple of days, or weeks, I think you should be fine. Technically, they call it 'out of status,' not 'illegal.' Anyway, gather as much evidence as you can. And ask questions at any time. VJers here are always prompt to answer your questions. Well, at least, that's what I experienced here, and that's why I am trying to share my experience with newbies.

Cheers.

[MacTO 6]

Is it alright to use "evidence" like the lease and utility bills from when we lived together in Canada, then? The only real confusion I have with this is the importance placed on proof of our relationship from when we were dating, not married.

No. Because you have to show the evidence that you and your husband (after the wedding) are sharing the place by showing those utility bills, Costco membership print-off, which I did, too, and others. That's why I said, get married ASAP. You want to show the time you guys have lived together at the place as a married couple, not as a boyfriend and girlfriend.

Otherwise, we can get pictures, MSN/Skype conversation records, letters and emails we sent to each other, plane e-tickets with boarding passes, letters sent to us at the same address (in Canada and where we are now in California), receipts from travel together and gifts to each other, records of money orders sent to each other, screencaps from talking on the webcam, cellphone/texting bills, vet bills, calling cards we used to call each other, etc... Not that all that would be sent in with the package.

I heard that boarding pass stubs and receipts are good evidence that you guys have had a long term relationship. I didn't submit them with my package at first, but later brought them with me to the interview. Of course, it turned out to be in van in my case. My IO never asked for anything else.

About the pictures, we don't have a huge amount of them with us together because I'm very camera-shy (he has managed to get several pictures of me trying to block the lens to prove it.. should we include those? haha). Is that a huge problem? I have some of him with my family (ie helping my Mom set up her new computer, things like that) and such, but do they expect to see dozens and dozens of pictures of us together? We've always been the take-pictures-of-what's-around-us-but-not-ourselves type of people.

I submitted 20 something pictures along with my applications. Honestly, my IO barely looked at them at the interview, but that was just my IO. I heard some IOs ask to see wedding pictures. In my case, I only had 4 wedding civil ceremony pictures. Me, my wife, two witnesses, and the judge signing the licence.

Once we're married, my husband-to-be (fuzzies ) will see if I can be put on as an authorized user for things like his gas card and Costco membership, and we'll see if I can be added in any way to his bank account even though I don't have an SSN. I think I've read about some people on here who were successful in trying to do that, but I'll have to look into it more. We'll ask friends and family for the affidavits, and just gather as much as we can to give to USCIS. Whatever we can't get to show our joint finances and lives now, we'll get if I have the opportunity to get an SSN before our interview. Should one or two affidavits each to be included in the package itself be enough, with the possibility of more for the interview later?

A Costco membership print-off is good. Some VJers gathered stuff like, gym membership. I didn't have one, so, I only brought the Costco membership, which I transferred from Canada and added my wife's name to. If you can get your name listed w/o SSN to the bank account, that'd be really nice.

About my partner's finances, since he was in Canada until recently, he hasn't been working in the last year and a half (he never got a work permit there). He has been doing some freelance work while getting back on his feet here, and he should have a "proper" job within a week or two from now. While he should make enough money to meet the requirements, since he doesn't have job history we're going to use the support of his Dad. I have assets as well, but we just want to be on the safe side.

If you look at the instructions on Affidavit of Support, you'll have more clear ideas on it. Tax stuff is important.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I want to add that I don't think it is a good idea to stay, because then you will have to file the Supplement A to I-485 which is an extra $1000 fee penalty. If you stay in status, then you don't have to file that form. I am not sure if this form is new, or much more about it, as it did not apply to us. If someone more knowledgeable can add anything, please do

I would send copies of what you have now! What you have is all they ask for. My husband's biometrics appointment is next week, and I have not gotten the interview letter yet, but I have read that they will give you specific details of what you need to present (certified or original Birth Certificate, etc) and you should have time to get what you need.

Cheers!

[john_and_marlene 162]

I want to add that I don't think it is a good idea to stay, because then you will have to file the Supplement A to I-485 which is an extra $1000 fee penalty. If you stay in status, then you don't have to file that form. I am not sure if this form is new, or much more about it, as it did not apply to us. If someone more knowledgeable can add anything, please do

I would send copies of what you have now! What you have is all they ask for. My husband's biometrics appointment is next week, and I have not gotten the interview letter yet, but I have read that they will give you specific details of what you need to present (certified or original Birth Certificate, etc) and you should have time to get what you need.

Cheers!

Where's that -1 button? This post is absolutely wrong regarding current adjustment of status based on marriage to a USC. There is not $1000 fee penalty or Supplement A requirement. Do not base any decision on the quoted post.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Where's that -1 button? This post is absolutely wrong regarding current adjustment of status based on marriage to a USC. There is not $1000 fee penalty or Supplement A requirement. Do not base any decision on the quoted post.

*sigh* Okay, I am sorry if I am wrong.... but what is this? Please explain, I would like to learn.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485supainstr.pdf

[MacTO 6]

*sigh* Okay, I am sorry if I am wrong.... but what is this? Please explain, I would like to learn.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485supainstr.pdf

I'm afraid that this isn't the form to adjust status when you're married to a USC. Correct me if I am wrong, however, I've never heard of anyone talking about it when they are doing AOS because they are under Eligibility ©(9). For the record, neither have I ever paid any penalty for the brief 'out of status' period as Canadian (6-months stay with no visa as a visitor) nor have heard any one who had been in this country illegally (or unlawfully) and ended up marrying USCs say that they had to pay any kind of penalty. Once again, correct me if I am wrong about this.

Cheers.