Just started my process.

[nikada 0]

Hi Everyone! I just came across this forum while searching for answers to questions about my change of status...couldn't help but join and start my own topic because like everyone here,i have a story too! I came here on F1 visa that expired couple of months ago but i got married in January and i just started the process of changing my status. It took long because i had to save up for the process and also for attorney fees because i had to work to survive. We have submitted all documents required by my attorney and we have an appointment next week to come in and sign before he sends it USCIS.

Here are my questions- i and my wife lived together for sometime before we go married and we both have our names on our old lease agreement.

We don't live there anymore and i would like to know if this document can be used as a valid proof of our union.

We both have a beautiful daughter and both of our names are on the birth certificate,is this document useful?

My wife use to drive an old car of mine and thus had her name added on an expired car insurance before we got married-is this useful?

We are both authorized users on her parents business membership at Sams club,if i get a document that verifies this,will it help?

We don't have a joint bank account yet,can i just add her name on to my account?Is it late to do that?

Does it matter when we both get on a family plan? Do they look at dates or just want to see our names together?

I know i hired an attorney but experience is the best teacher and i would love to hear from everyone who has been successful or patiently waiting on a good news.

[Little_My 464]

Welcome to VJ!

As a fellow F1 Adjuster, I can say that most likely, you could have done this process without a lawyer unless there are some major red flags in your relationship you are not mentioning. The lawyer will add up to the cost of this process, but if you feel comfortable paying those fees, then make him work for his money!

Yes, you can use your previous lease as proof of relationship. You can use pretty much anything you think proves that you two are in a committed relationship. Does your current lease have both of your names on it?

Definitely send the birth certificate. It's pretty much the best type of proof you can have..

In regards to the other stuff you listed, send whatever you want. Everything you mentioned seems fine, but it's good to include something that shows some type of co-mingling of finances since that is often expected from married couples. You can add her to your account, get a joint credit card, start up a joint savings account, etc.

Because of your overstay, it's probably a good idea to not plan to travel on the AP, assuming you've applied for one.

Hope this helps. Good luck with filing!

Edited September 23, 2011 by Little_My

[nikada 0]

Welcome to VJ!

As a fellow F1 Adjuster, I can say that most likely, you could have done this process without a lawyer unless there are some major red flags in your relationship you are not mentioning. The lawyer will add up to the cost of this process, but if you feel comfortable paying those fees, then make him work for his money!

Yes, you can use your previous lease as proof of relationship. You can use pretty much anything you think proves that you two are in a committed relationship. Does your current lease have both of your names on it?

Definitely send the birth certificate. It's pretty much the best type of proof you can have..

In regards to the other stuff you listed, send whatever you want. Everything you mentioned seems fine, but it's good to include something that shows some type of co-mingling of finances since that is often expected from married couples. You can add her to your account, get a joint credit card, start up a joint savings account, etc.

Because of your overstay, it's probably a good idea to not plan to travel on the AP, assuming you've applied for one.

Hope this helps. Good luck with filing!

There are no red flags,i appointed an attorney because i worked without authorization! People i asked all suggested i talk to an attorney so i did.

[Little_My 464]

Unauthorized employment doesn't prevent AOS and you becoming an LPR, so you probably won't need to worry about that part too much - just be honest about it, which I'm sure your lawyer has told you to do as well.

Edited September 28, 2011 by Little_My