FOLLOW TO JOIN BENENFITS

[gearman 1]

hello fellow UJ'ers

i recently got the old run around from the USCIS and NVS.

My questions in regards to Follow to join benefits.

i will copy and paste my email that i sent to both offices.

Hello

My wife entered the US on a K-1 visa after our I-129F was approved. She entered on March 2, 2011.

We are now 3 months into the process of adjustment of status.

She has recently received her EAD and AP.

We left her two minor children in the Philippines.

They were both listed on the I-129F petition that was approved.

As I understand we have one year to use the “follow to join benefits” for her children.

When does that time start?

From the time she received her K-1 Visa?

From the time she entered the US?

Or from the time she is considered a legal permanent resident?

Please list in detail what forms we would need to submit along with a list of evidence we would need to produce.

Finally can both children be listed on the same petition or forms?? Or should they each have their own form filed individually.

Thank You

any information i can get from this forum will be appreciated.

thanks i advance

[rin and john 71]

We did follow to join in Thailand. For us, we simply sent in packet 3 to the embassy for the children and had their interviews scheduled within a few weeks after that.

Here's the link to the US Embassy in Manila with instructions:

http://manila.usemba...ow-to-join.html

Looks like once the immigrant has adjusted status, you start at the NVC. Prior to that you start at the embassy.

Edited September 6, 2011 by rin and john

[gearman 1]

We did follow to join in Thailand. For us, we simply sent in packet 3 to the embassy for the children and had their interviews scheduled within a few weeks after that.

Here's the link to the US Embassy in Manila with instructions:

http://manila.usemba...ow-to-join.html

Looks like once the immigrant has adjusted status, you start at the NVC. Prior to that you start at the embassy.

thank you for your prompt reply. can you better explain which forms are need for the packet three?

[Anh map 2,098]

Google is your friend>>>> K1/K2 information on the Manila embassy website >>> http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3224.html

[rin and john 71]

thank you for your prompt reply. can you better explain which forms are need for the packet three?

The link contains the instructions:

"

Following-to-join derivative beneficiaries must present documentation establishing the principal applicant’s immigration status in the United States and their relationship to their principal. These include:

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office;
• A copy of the marriage certificate issued by the National Statistics Office;
• A copy of the principal alien’s registration receipt card or I-551 or a copy of the principal alien’s passport pages indicating admission to the U.S. as an immigrant; and
• If applicable, Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition.

To register a family member as a following-to-join derivative, the above documents may be faxed to the Immigrant Visa Section at (632) 301-2591 or mailed to the Operations Unit, Immigrant Visa Branch, U.S. Embassy, 1201 Roxas Blvd., Ermita, Metro Manila 1000. The documents must come with a letter of request clearly indicating the name of the applicant(s) and the applicant(s)' contact address and telephone number.

Once the Embassy ascertains the eligibility for following-to-join derivative status, it will provide instructions on how to apply for the visas. "

Or if filing at the NVC:

"

Following-to-join family members whose Principal Applicant had Adjusted Status in the U.S. The State Department’s National Visa Center (NVC) has been processing all following-to-join (FTJ) cases for derivative family members whose principal applicant had adjusted status in the United States. All FTJ case processing for Manila, including appointment scheduling, is now done at NVC. NVC is responsible for the collection of visa processing fees and documentation in support of immigrant visa applications. Applicants may wish to submit a copy of the Form I-824 to NVC to determine the applicant’s entitlement to derivative status and initiate processing the visa application. The NVC mailing address is 31 Rochester Avenue, Suite 100, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801-2914, Attention: CMR. The NVC may be reached by email at NVCInquiry@state.gov.

NVC will send an Instruction Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants (formerly Packet 3) to the applicant if qualification for FTJ status is established. "

So basically an I-824 and proof that the children are eligible for the benefit (i.e. birth certificate, info on their mother's visa approval, etc).

[bigdog 376]

We were faced with the same problem and son decided to stay in China to finish college. AOS seems to be running very slow. Good Luck.