AOS packet came back but with missing docs

[Chazzie 1]

HI everyone!My husbands AOS packet came back and the I797C stated "The check was incorrect,or has not been provided and that The eligibility code we provided on our I 765 requires proof that an I485 has been submitted".I have exact replica of what we submitted and the I 485 was there,check for $ 1070 is correct,code © (9) was written on question 16 of I765. They were saying the packet we sent them was being sent back but wheres my husbands I485,his photos and our certified copy of marriage cert????This is really annoying and frustrating after waiting for more than a month....Has anyone experience the same thing???Any advice?We are already trying to assemble our packet again coz thats all we can do for now.GRrrr.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Who was the check made out to?

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

It sounds like somehow the I-485 and supporting docs for it were separated from your I-765. Very odd. They were not returned, and the reason given looks like they are saying they do not have the I-485. I guess you have to resend the packet all over again.

Edited April 17, 2011 by Jay-Kay

[Chazzie 1]

Who was the check made out to?

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

[Chazzie 1]

It sounds like somehow the I-485 and supporting docs for it were separated from your I-765. Very odd. They were not returned, and the reason given looks like they are saying they do not have the I-485. I guess you have to resend the packet all over again.

True! Whats more odd is that when they send us back all our packet,all the docs and forms are stapled together in 3 parts, I864 together with my bank history and 2 of my paystubs ,the other one is I765 together with the NOA1 rejection notice and the last one is G325A,My naturalization cert,my husbands passport,some of my paystubs, taxt ranscripts,I94 copy etc and it was stapled to this clear plastic ziplock.I can see from the plastic it has the I693, the fedex cutout from when we sent the packet,and the manila envelope we used,Theres this also weird manila USCIS envelope that has my husbands name,and his A number.Im tempted to open it as its not sealed theyre just stapled all together.Im guessing that envelope is used when cases our filed away for references,maybe it contain our orig marriage cert?or his photos? but my husband told me to wait till Monday, call them and ask about it.But i doubt if they would give us any answers aside from whats written on the rejection notice.

[Chazzie 1]

Our packet was perfect and i have gone through the exact copies and everything was there.We have our cover letter and checklist of what we sent them and even emphasized that my husband is filing I485 concurrently with I765,It was signed,organized and each forms have its own supporting docs.I dont know whoever handled our case was thinking coz when it came back, aside from other missing docs it was disorganized.Its just sad things like these could happen and theres nothing we can do coz its beyond our control.

[Chazzie 1]

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

and it was even stamped.but like Ive said they send it back along with other docs.

[wisensmart75 1]

CHAZIE: I think your package was sent back because they dont accept initials on the pay check, you wrote U.S department of homeland security, I have read in the forums that we shouldn't write anything in initials. I am expecting to receive my application next week too because we made a mistake, the amount we wrote on the check was 10 dollars more than requested. As for the missing, calling the uscis and asking for them will not help I think that you prepare others and resend your petition, write the check without initials, hopefully you will hear good news this time. I will let you know when I get mine!

[Chazzie 1]

CHAZIE: I think your package was sent back because they dont accept initials on the pay check, you wrote U.S department of homeland security, I have read in the forums that we shouldn't write anything in initials. I am expecting to receive my application next week too because we made a mistake, the amount we wrote on the check was 10 dollars more than requested. As for the missing, calling the uscis and asking for them will not help I think that you prepare others and resend your petition, write the check without initials, hopefully you will hear good news this time. I will let you know when I get mine!

Thanks for the reply but It clearly states on the Instuctions for filing AOS to write a check for U.S. Department of Homeland Security.The reason why USCIS is telling us that the amount is incorrect or being returned because I765 was filed for © (9) category under question number 16.and without the I 485 for basis (because it was lost ) then they cant prove that we did file for I 485.

[wisensmart75 1]

chazzie: this is strange, I think the docs (including your I-485 form) were lost somewhere after they oppened the package that's why I think they based their rejection on I-485 not being submitted. Maybe the one who started processing your petition is not the one who completed it and between those two these papers were lost. I suggest that you include a separate sheet with a list of the docments you submit next time so that whoever opens the package next time will make sure not to drop something from it. I am concerned because I am waiting for my package back too. Good luck!

[Chazzie 1]

chazzie: this is strange, I think the docs (including your I-485 form) were lost somewhere after they oppened the package that's why I think they based their rejection on I-485 not being submitted. Maybe the one who started processing your petition is not the one who completed it and between those two these papers were lost. I suggest that you include a separate sheet with a list of the docments you submit next time so that whoever opens the package next time will make sure not to drop something from it. I am concerned because I am waiting for my package back too. Good luck!

Thanks.Thats what i thought too, it got lost somewhere, although we did have document checklist for both forms...I just hope your packet is not being handled by the same person who handled mine.Good luck and keep us updated about your progress!

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

You made the check out correctly so that's not why it was returned. Sounds like they lost the I-485.

[wisensmart75 1]

Thanks.Thats what i thought too, it got lost somewhere, although we did have document checklist for both forms...I just hope your packet is not being handled by the same person who handled mine.Good luck and keep us updated about your progress!

Thanks, I will not be happy if they lost some docs like my birth cerftificate(I sumitted an original, the only one I have)or the physical cause it will cost me another 300$ for another cause there is no civil surgeon who will fill the vaccinations supplement alone. I will not be pissed if these docs are not lost cause it will cost me more time and money. I will let you know as soon as I get mine back. what about you? have you sent your AOS package back yet? dont worry everything's gonna be fine for april cause this months filers dont wait longer for a reply.

Edited April 18, 2011 by wisensmart75

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Thanks, I will not be happy if they lost some docs like my birth cerftificate(I sumitted an original, the only one I have)or the physical cause it will cost me another 300$ for another cause there is no civil surgeon who will fill the vaccinations supplement alone. I will not be pissed if these docs are not lost cause it will cost me more time and money. I will let you know as soon as I get mine back. what about you? have you sent your AOS package back yet? dont worry everything's gonna be fine for april cause this months filers dont wait longer for a reply.

This is water under the bridge for you, but for anyone else reading...

Other than the forms they ask you to fill out, don't send original documents to USCIS unless they specifically ask for them. Their policy is to add any documents you send, original or copy, to the case file. Getting them back can be very difficult. Always send photocopies. 95% of the time that will be good enough. The other 5% of the time they may send an RFE for the original document. In that event, send the original, along with a photocopy of the original, and a letter requesting they return the original document after they've inspected it. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. They'll keep the copy and return the original in the envelope you provide. I know this works because I've helped two people submit irreplaceable original documents to USCIS in response to RFE's, and they got their originals back.

If you go to an interview and bring original documents then also bring copies. If they ask to inspect the original then they'll keep the copy and give the original back to you. If you don't have a copy they can keep then they may keep the original.

The civil surgeon should have kept a copy of your medical documents. Unless they're completely dishonest, they should be willing to produce a new medical packet from their records for a small fee. They shouldn't make you repeat the entire medical. It wouldn't hurt to discuss this with the civil surgeon before you hire them. The civil surgeon we hired told us he'd make a new I-693 packet from his records, if needed, for a $25 fee.

[Chazzie 1]

I called USCIS this morning and was transferred to another USCIS officer and explained our situation.Just what i suspected they couldnt give me any other details or advice aside from what was written on the I765 rejection notice.And again just what i suspected, They do not know what's inside the envelope of the ziplock bag,The officer advised me that if I am not sure if i can open it then make an appointment on line for E-pass and show them the document.I spoke to my husband and explained that since the documents are just stapled together, and it wasnt sealed and there are no instruction as to what we need to do about it to just OPEN it.He finally agreed.and guess whats inside the USCIS brown envelope,Our gleaming marriage certificate and his 2 2x2 photos.So now its the mystery of missing I485 forms and my husbands 2 photos.This case will forever be unresolved and theres nothing we can do but refile everything AGAIN.

And so all the documents are ready AGAIN, I added main table of contents aside from cover letters for each application plus extra binders, and rubberbands.BUt then again, No matter how perfect the packet is its still up to the person handling the documents.

So, keeping my fingers extra double crossed right now.

P.S. I have extra certified copies of our marriage cert when i requested it from city hall and The civil surgeon gave us a copy of I693 in case a need for emergency would arise.Having an exact replica of our documents helped a lot on creating a new packet,just some updates on paystubs and bank accounts and dates here and there but nothing too major to be stressed out.

Thank you for all the insights and replies.Me and my husband really appreciate it. Keep the faith everyone!