First general questions at beginning of process...

[mg23 1]

Hi,

So, first questions from what I suspect may be many! These are quite general. I have a lot more regarding each individual form but I'll spend some more time using the search function before I ask those (in the appropriate subforum).

I'm from the UK, came to the USA on a J-1 visa in mid 2009. I'm now on an H-1B visa which expires late 2013. I'm getting married in a couple of weeks to a US citizen. I want to get the AOS application in asap so we're already preparing everything, ready to send it off immediately after we get married. I've read the guide on this page and it's immensely helpful but I have these questions:

1. There are plenty of references to A# (Alien number) on all the forms. I don't recall ever being issued something like this. Is that normal for someone in my situation? Should I just leave these fields blank on all the forms?

2. My wife will take my surname when we get married. Is this likely to cause any complications if we send off the application while the process to change her name (telling SS office, banks etc) is in mid-process?

3. The I-693 definitely needs to be filed? It's missing from the list of forms to download on that page, though it does mention it in the I-485 Package Checklist

4. If this is definitely a requirement, my own general doctor can do this, right? I don't need to find an accredited civil surgeon?

5. I had my annual physical check-up with my doctor just in November, with standard bloodwork tests and so on. Is this relevant at all?

6. I don't need to pay the $740 filing fees for the I-765 and the I-131 (which I need for our overseas honeymoon) because I'm filing them at the same time as the I-485?

Thanks!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

1. You have no A#.

2. None at all - fill out the forms with her new name.

3. I-693 is absolutely required. It is not on the downloaded lists because you don't fill it out yourself, a Civil Surgeon does.

4. No, your doctor cannot do it. A USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon must complete the exam and fill out the form. You will get the form in a sealed envelope (don't open it!) and you send the envelope in with your package.

5. No, not relevant.

6. Yes.

Does your J-1 have a 2-year Home Residency Requirement?

Edited February 22, 2012 by Harpa Timsah

[mg23 1]

1. You have no A#.

2. None at all - fill out the forms with her new name.

3. I-693 is absolutely required. It is not on the downloaded lists because you don't fill it out yourself, a Civil Surgeon does.

4. No, your doctor cannot do it. A USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon must complete the exam and fill out the form. You will get the form in a sealed envelope (don't open it!) and you send the envelope in with your package.

5. No, not relevant.

6. Yes.

Does your J-1 have a 2-year Home Residency Requirement?

Wow that was quick, and incredibly helpful. Thanks so much. I can't double-check now, but I believe my J-1 visa did not have a 2-year Home Residency Requirement which was how I was able to get the H-1B visa I'm now working under.

[graduate 1]

my mother was on a J1 and now H1B and she has an A#