F-1 student applying for change of status

[emzie1007 0]

Hi Guys,

So my husband and I are starting the paperwork to change me from f-1 student to a GC. I have some questions and hope that someone here can help me. Firstly, how much is the medical and is it a problem that all my medical paperwork history is in my country of origin? I am not sure if they needed some medical history of myself at the exam. Secondly, if I am correct I need to send the i-130 and i-485. Am I correct in saying that we send our pack to the chicago lockbox? Also, did you send the checks for these two forms as one check or two separate checks and who did you make them payable to? Lastly, I am a little confused about the whole applying for work authorization. I know technically you are pending and not on a student visa anymore while the process is going on but I am a little confused at how you can work lacking a social security number? I am assuming it is not mandatory to apply for work authorization? Hopefully someone can answer my questions. Have a blessed day. ES

[NancyNguyen 1,658]

1. Read the guide here http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=i130guide2

2. You need to translate the vaccination record to English and have it transferred to a current I-693. If you don't have enough record, you need to do complete medical check + shots at a local civil surgeon, which costs total 350 - 500 depended on the civil surgeon. You need to call in advance to get the cost. If you have health insurance, the civil surgeon will tell you which vaccines you need.

3. You apply EAD (work permit) then use it to apply for SSN.

4. 2 checks are fine. Read here how to pay : http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3850a99ba78af110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=fe529c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Good luck.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

A lot of people don't have vaccination records (the OP is on F-1). Go to your medical appointment and see what they say. Many Civil Surgeons have knowledge of different countries vaccination requirements so you might not need every shot. You should be able to get a medical for $200. Go to uscis.gov and use the Civil Surgeon locator tool.

[ChrisPG 30]

  On 3/14/2012 at 1:09 AM, emzie1007 said:

Hi Guys,

So my husband and I are starting the paperwork to change me from f-1 student to a GC. I have some questions and hope that someone here can help me. Firstly, how much is the medical and is it a problem that all my medical paperwork history is in my country of origin? I am not sure if they needed some medical history of myself at the exam. Secondly, if I am correct I need to send the i-130 and i-485. Am I correct in saying that we send our pack to the chicago lockbox? Also, did you send the checks for these two forms as one check or two separate checks and who did you make them payable to? Lastly, I am a little confused about the whole applying for work authorization. I know technically you are pending and not on a student visa anymore while the process is going on but I am a little confused at how you can work lacking a social security number? I am assuming it is not mandatory to apply for work authorization? Hopefully someone can answer my questions. Have a blessed day. ES

1) Medical costs vary from doctor's to doctor's. What I did was call up each USCIS approve doctor in my area for the best rate. In the end I payed $200. Costs also generally vary depending on your vaccination history and if a chest x-ray is needed or not.

2) Medical records are not required, but that just means more vaccinations and a higher cost. If you are okay with that, then you are fine.

3) You will need Forms: I-130, I-485, I-864, G-325A (x3). The are mandatory, but you may as well file Form I-765 and I-131 too since they are free when filed with an I-485.

4) Yes, it is mailed to the Chicago Lockbox.

5) Checks are made out to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" (Do not abbreviate). You can make one, two or three separate checks, it doesn't matter. I made out three (one for the I-130, one for the I-485 and the other for Biometrics)-- this way is one got denied, it wouldn't hold up the entire applications.

6) It is not mandatory to apply for work authorization, but recommended and you cannot work without an EAD. Period. Even an F1 student working on-campus needs one. You also don't need a SSN at the time you apply, accept or start a job, but if your employer doesn't have one on record, they will usually ask you to provide one within 30-60 days of starting employment.

Most of the answers to these questions could have been found in the instructions to the forms you are suppose to file-- i highly suggest reading them!

[emzie1007 0]

Thankyou to all of you for helping me out. I really appreciate it!

  On 3/14/2012 at 1:29 AM, ChrisPG said:

1) Medical costs vary from doctor's to doctor's. What I did was call up each USCIS approve doctor in my area for the best rate. In the end I payed $200. Costs also generally vary depending on your vaccination history and if a chest x-ray is needed or not.

2) Medical records are not required, but that just means more vaccinations and a higher cost. If you are okay with that, then you are fine.

3) You will need Forms: I-130, I-485, I-864, G-325A (x3). The are mandatory, but you may as well file Form I-765 and I-131 too since they are free when filed with an I-485.

4) Yes, it is mailed to the Chicago Lockbox.

5) Checks are made out to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" (Do not abbreviate). You can make one, two or three separate checks, it doesn't matter. I made out three (one for the I-130, one for the I-485 and the other for Biometrics)-- this way is one got denied, it wouldn't hold up the entire applications.

6) It is not mandatory to apply for work authorization, but recommended and you cannot work without an EAD. Period. Even an F1 student working on-campus needs one. You also don't need a SSN at the time you apply, accept or start a job, but if your employer doesn't have one on record, they will usually ask you to provide one within 30-60 days of starting employment.

Most of the answers to these questions could have been found in the instructions to the forms you are suppose to file-- i highly suggest reading them!