Quick question about AOS guide and travel authorisation

[Alicey 6]

Just a quick question: for this guide http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos , do we assume that unless it specifies "certified copy", we can include just a photocopy? The guide specifies "A copy of your marriage certificate. Note: While a regular copy is allowed, submitting a certified copy is preferred as some members have received an RFE asking for this (so if one is available use that instead)", but I am wondering whether I have to include my (only) certified copy of my birth certificate or whether I can just use a copy of that copy. (I'd rather not try to obtain another certified copy from overseas, so if I can keep that certified copy I would like to)

I also have a little query about the I-131, Application for Travel Document. I know that it is optional. I have absolutely no desire to leave the US, either while my forms are being processed or after (in fact, it's very handy to be able to tell my family "no, I would love to come back and see you, but I just can't!"). But, heaven forbid, if something awful happened and I had to return to the UK, would I be able to without having filed the I-131?

[Dave&Roza 748]

The answer to this is within the instructions where it sates: Copies: Unless specifically required that an original document be filed with an application or petition, an ordinary legible photocopy may be submitted. Original documents submitted when not required will remain a part of the record even if submission was not required"

We submitted a certified copy of the marriage certificate for AOS and took the original and another certified copy to the interview. The IO looked at the original and kept the copy. Not sure if they lost the first copy or what. I would send in a copy of your birth certificate and see about getting more certified copies just in case you will need them in the future.

To travel and be able to return to the US you need AP or GC. The GC took us 96 days and AP took us 46 days. So you gain about two months of being able to travel if you file for AP. Most people recommend that you file AP with the AOS and EAD as it is free and only requires more paperwork.

Good luck,

Dave

Edited November 10, 2011 by Dave&Roza

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

but I am wondering whether I have to include my (only) certified copy of my birth certificate or whether I can just use a copy of that copy. (I'd rather not try to obtain another certified copy from overseas, so if I can keep that certified copy I would like to)

I also have a little query about the I-131, Application for Travel Document. I know that it is optional. I have absolutely no desire to leave the US, either while my forms are being processed or after

I will answer your question with my experience--USCIS has never seen an "original" of any of our documents for fiance petition, adjustment of status, and removing conditions approval. We have only submitted photocopies. My UK husband, of course, showed documents at his interview in London as you did. If you should get an AOS interview, then they may request to see an original or certified copy of any document at that interview.

Advance Parole is free and very easy to apply for. What if your mum dies suddenly? Would you want to go to the funeral? If yes, then apply. If something dreadful happens, you won't have time or the presence of mind to figure out if you can get something to allow you back in the US. You will want to hop the next plane to the UK. Fill out the I-131.

Edited November 10, 2011 by Nich-Nick

[NancyNguyen 1,658]

Just a quick question: for this guide http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos , do we assume that unless it specifies "certified copy", we can include just a photocopy? The guide specifies "A copy of your marriage certificate. Note: While a regular copy is allowed, submitting a certified copy is preferred as some members have received an RFE asking for this (so if one is available use that instead)", but I am wondering whether I have to include my (only) certified copy of my birth certificate or whether I can just use a copy of that copy. (I'd rather not try to obtain another certified copy from overseas, so if I can keep that certified copy I would like to)

I also have a little query about the I-131, Application for Travel Document. I know that it is optional. I have absolutely no desire to leave the US, either while my forms are being processed or after (in fact, it's very handy to be able to tell my family "no, I would love to come back and see you, but I just can't!"). But, heaven forbid, if something awful happened and I had to return to the UK, would I be able to without having filed the I-131?

1.Leaving US doesn't require any paper, a valid passport is ok to travel. But when you come back without I-131 (while your AOS is still pending) you are not allowed to enter US.

2. Only forms are mailed original, other proofs are okay with photocopies except they RFE original copy.

I will answer your question with my experience--USCIS has never seen an "original" of any of our documents for fiance petition, adjustment of status, and removing conditions approval. We have only submitted photocopies. My UK husband, of course, showed documents at his interview in London as you did. If you should get an AOS interview, then they may request to see an original or certified copy of any document at that interview.

Advance Parole is free and very easy to apply for. What if your mum dies suddenly. Would you want to go to the funeral? If yes, then apply. If something dreadful happens, you won't have time or the presence of mind to figure out if you can get something to allow you back in the US. You will want to hop the next plane to the UK. Fill ou the I-131.

WHAT IF ... please touch wood.

[baron555 934]

Just a quick question: for this guide http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos , do we assume that unless it specifies "certified copy", we can include just a photocopy? The guide specifies "A copy of your marriage certificate. Note: While a regular copy is allowed, submitting a certified copy is preferred as some members have received an RFE asking for this (so if one is available use that instead)", but I am wondering whether I have to include my (only) certified copy of my birth certificate or whether I can just use a copy of that copy. (I'd rather not try to obtain another certified copy from overseas, so if I can keep that certified copy I would like to)

I paid for a few stamped certified copies of the marriage certificate since you will need more later on. Send the stamped certs.

I also have a little query about the I-131, Application for Travel Document. I know that it is optional. I have absolutely no desire to leave the US, either while my forms are being processed or after (in fact, it's very handy to be able to tell my family "no, I would love to come back and see you, but I just can't!"). But, heaven forbid, if something awful happened and I had to return to the UK, would I be able to without having filed the I-131?

And since its free, we applied for those and the EADs at the same time.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Just a quick question: for this guide http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos , do we assume that unless it specifies "certified copy", we can include just a photocopy? The guide specifies "A copy of your marriage certificate. Note: While a regular copy is allowed, submitting a certified copy is preferred as some members have received an RFE asking for this (so if one is available use that instead)", but I am wondering whether I have to include my (only) certified copy of my birth certificate or whether I can just use a copy of that copy. (I'd rather not try to obtain another certified copy from overseas, so if I can keep that certified copy I would like to)

I also have a little query about the I-131, Application for Travel Document. I know that it is optional. I have absolutely no desire to leave the US, either while my forms are being processed or after (in fact, it's very handy to be able to tell my family "no, I would love to come back and see you, but I just can't!"). But, heaven forbid, if something awful happened and I had to return to the UK, would I be able to without having filed the I-131?

I have ONE "original" marriage certificate, and ONE "original" birth certificate. I sent only regular black and white photocopies of the marriage and birth cert. I had to show (not give) my original marriage cert and birth cert to change my name on my passport. I still have both of these original copies. I haven't had a need to give an "original", only regular photocopies have ever been requested, so it never made sense to pay more money for extra copies of these documents (I can always cross that bridge if I come to it).

As for AP, as the fee is waived it makes sense to apply for it. One of the reasons i considered not doing it was because of the letter I kept getting told I apparently had to attached explaining my eligibility (I had no idea what to write). BUT on reading the instructions it says that as i am applying for AOS there is no need for this letter. So I sent only what is explained in the AOS thread mentioned in my signature. I was approved without interview or RFE. No problems

[JoannaV 174]

Go ahead and apply for AP. If something awful requires your return to the UK before you receive the AP then you can try for an Infopass and get a stamp in your passport, but that's not something you want to rely on when you could've applied for AP, if you see what I mean. AP won't give you a reason to go to the UK unless you really want to: you won't have received it for a while, and won't know when exactly you will receive it, and no-one wants to buy plane tickets at the last minute, so even once you've got it you'll still have reason not to arrange a trip over Plus you want to be in the US to receive any communications relating to your AOS, and in case you need to attend an interview. So you'll still be able to say you can't visit even if you have AP!

[Alicey 6]

Ah, this reminds me:

I've heard that you can take a regular photocopy (presumably alongside the original) of any marriage certificate to a notary and get it notarised, or 'made official'. Can I just do this at my local courthouse, or would it have to be the courthouse in the town where we got married?

[Alicey 6]

Also, what should I put for 'date of intended departure', since I don't have a date? Can I put 'see below', since there is a box for information about the proposed trip?

[erica_itz 5]

Hi, I was wondering what documents I should send along when applying for AP. I'll be adjusting status from a K1 visa. And will send everything together so I don't have to pay a fee.

Copy of K1 visa? Copy of passport? Copy of I-94?

What did you guys send?

Thanks in advance