First post - Starting the journey of AOS

[rsa1205 0]

Hello to all,

I've lurked around these posts for a few months, and since I am finally financially able to start the paperwork, I am going to be starting my wife's AOS. I wanted to sign up here because I notice how helpful and understanding/kind everyone is to each other. I am hiring a lawyer, and I would just like to talk to you guys about the process while I go through it for guidance and support.

I just had a few questions. First, I want to make sure my wife is eligible for AOS.

Her family came with a visitor's or business visa (can't remember which one) in the mid 90's. My wife has been here ever since she was 4 years old. Her passport is stamped showing legal entry. However, her mother lost my wife's I-94 card, but my wife still has her plane ticket with her name on it, so I'm hoping that would suffice. The lawyer asked me to bring my last 3 years of taxes (although I have only filed taxes for 2 years due to being unemployed during college). He also asked me to bring passports for my wife and I, birth certificates, marriage license, a copy of our ID's, and 8 passport photos (4 for each of us). My wife was issued a social security card when she was younger, and it is stamped "not valid for work." From what I have researched, we should be fine filing for AOS, correct?

I was also curious as to what the entire process is like. Typically, how often would I have to meet with the lawyer? It is difficult to get time off for work. Will we have to be interviewed? How much should I expect to pay?

I want to thank everyone in advance for taking the time to read/respond to this.

Thanks guys! Pray for us.

[Inky 1,111]

You will both have to attend an interview for the AOS.

Not sure how much the lawyer is going to charge you but I would expect to pay a hefty fee on top of the already pricy AOS. Make sure the lawyer sends the I-130 and the AOS in the same mailer.

[Barbara J 115]

Hello to all,

I've lurked around these posts for a few months, and since I am finally financially able to start the paperwork, I am going to be starting my wife's AOS. I wanted to sign up here because I notice how helpful and understanding/kind everyone is to each other. I am hiring a lawyer, and I would just like to talk to you guys about the process while I go through it for guidance and support.

I just had a few questions. First, I want to make sure my wife is eligible for AOS.

Her family came with a visitor's or business visa (can't remember which one) in the mid 90's. My wife has been here ever since she was 4 years old. Her passport is stamped showing legal entry. However, her mother lost my wife's I-94 card, but my wife still has her plane ticket with her name on it, so I'm hoping that would suffice. The lawyer asked me to bring my last 3 years of taxes (although I have only filed taxes for 2 years due to being unemployed during college). He also asked me to bring passports for my wife and I, birth certificates, marriage license, a copy of our ID's, and 8 passport photos (4 for each of us). My wife was issued a social security card when she was younger, and it is stamped "not valid for work." From what I have researched, we should be fine filing for AOS, correct?

I was also curious as to what the entire process is like. Typically, how often would I have to meet with the lawyer? It is difficult to get time off for work. Will we have to be interviewed? How much should I expect to pay?

I want to thank everyone in advance for taking the time to read/respond to this.

Thanks guys! Pray for us.

If your case is straight forward which it sounds it is ok don't use a lawyer, save yourself some money and do it yourself. It is ok and you only need last years tax returns 3 years is optional. Just don't get ripped off and if you keep lawyer just make sure they are reputable. Man the AOS 1070 as it is

[rsa1205 0]

Under what circumstances is the interview waived? I was under the impression if I was a US citizen that the AOS interview could be waived.

Regards.

[rsa1205 0]

Oh, and another question I forgot to ask..how long does it take to receive work authorization? My wife is miserable being at home without a job.

[spikemasta 1]

If your case is straight forward which it sounds it is ok don't use a lawyer, save yourself some money and do it yourself. It is ok and you only need last years tax returns 3 years is optional. Just don't get ripped off and if you keep lawyer just make sure they are reputable. Man the AOS 1070 as it is

And the i-130 is $420 as well. . So much money.

[Barbara J 115]

Under what circumstances is the interview waived? I was under the impression if I was a US citizen that the AOS interview could be waived.

Regards.

No you are the spouse and USC and don't get privileges because of that. Both parties have to attend an interview if you have one. Not all cases get called for an interview but if you have one then yes you have to go with your wife.

Edited February 10, 2011 by Barbara J

[Barbara J 115]

And the i-130 is $420 as well. . So much money.

No need to do and pay for 130 if AOS from K1 visa though and yes I know so much money its crazy

[spikemasta 1]

No need to do and pay for 130 if AOS from K1 visa though and yes I know so much money its crazy

Sorry, we had to pay it since we went from H-1B to Marriage to AOS.

[Barbara J 115]

Oh, and another question I forgot to ask..how long does it take to receive work authorization? My wife is miserable being at home without a job.

Once you send off AOS you will receive a receipt number and then within a few weeks you will receive a letter to have Biometrics done at local ASCentre, After bio is done she should receive her EAD card within weeks after that. SO all up from when you send AOS off and get receipt about 2-3 months.

[Inky 1,111]

Under what circumstances is the interview waived? I was under the impression if I was a US citizen that the AOS interview could be waived.

Regards.

There is no way to waive the interview for AOS. Both USC and Beneficiary MUST attend the interview. You did not file any type of visa to bring her to the USA so there is a required interview.

No need to do and pay for 130 if AOS from K1 visa though and yes I know so much money its crazy

They did not file a K-1 or any visa as stated in their first post she came many years ago.

They may also need a FULL medical for the AOS(300$ or more) + need the I-130

[Barbara J 115]

Sorry, we had to pay it since we went from H-1B to Marriage to AOS.

Ah fair enough that's why then

[spikemasta 1]

Ah fair enough that's why then

FYI. Our medical was $435 paid by check since they don't take insurance. So all in everything was over 2k. Hopefully well get through it all eventually.

Good luck with your case.

[Barbara J 115]

FYI. Our medical was $435 paid by check since they don't take insurance. So all in everything was over 2k. Hopefully well get through it all eventually.

Good luck with your case.

Oh wow Spike, that's crazy huh, its ok I added up the other night all I have spent including my trips here and it has cost me $10,000 just abouts. This is why I do not want to spend money on another medical as I have given the government enough of my money.

Good luck with you too here's to us

[rsa1205 0]

As far as approval is concerned, what is the success rate for an AOS? We would have no trouble during an interview..we have been together since I was 15 (8 years) and I know her like I know my own self. How often are AOS declined?