F-1, AOS checklist!! (submitted today) - now tax/interview question

[lupa222 0]

Hello all,

First of all thank you to all of you - I've been on this forum a lot to get information for assembling the AOS package. We finally have all the paper work done now and submitted it today. Here's what we sent:

To whom it may concern:

Please find enclosed the form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and supporting documents.

• Check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security ($420.00)

• Form I-130

• Copy of sponsor’s birth certificate

• Certified copy of intending immigrant’s birth certificate (with certified English translation)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (biographical page)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (visa and entry stamps)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s current I-20

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s verification of student enrollment

• Certified copy of marriage certificate

• Copy of the sponsor’s divorce documents

• G-325A, filled out and signed by the sponsor

• One passport-type photo of sponsor

• G-325A, filled out and signed by the beneficiary

• One passport-type photo of beneficiary

• Attachment 1 – further details on our case

• Evidence of a bona fide marriage

o Copy of car insurance

o Copy of lease of joint tenancy

o VoiceDetails Verizon Statement February – March 2012

o 10 pictures, taken on different occasions (2010-2012)

Please find here enclosed my I-485, Application to Adjust Status, (based on my admission as a F-1 student to the U.S.) and supporting documents;

• Check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security ($1,070.00)

• Form I-485

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (biographical page)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (visa and entry stamps)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s current I-20

• Intending immigrant’s verification of student enrollment

• Certified copy of intending immigrant’s birth certificate (with certified English translation)

• Certified copy of marriage certificate

• Copy of the sponsor’s divorce documents

• G-325A, filled out and signed by the beneficiary

• Two passport-type photos of beneficiary

• I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

• I-864, Affidavit of Support

o Copy of sponsor’s military ID card

o Letter from commander

o 6 months LES as proof of employment

o Copy of 2011 tax return (1040) of sponsor

• Attachment 1 - further details on our case

Please find enclosed the form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and supporting documents.

• Form I-765

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s current I-20

• Copy of previous EAD (from OPT)

• Copy of previous I-20, showing OPT request notice

• Copy of previous I-20, showing OPT approval notice

• Two passport-type photos of beneficiary

• Attachment 1 – further details on our case

Please find enclosed the form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole) and supporting documents.

• Form I-131

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (biographical page)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (visa and entry stamps)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94

• Form I-131 Supplement Part 7, demonstrating circumstances that warrant issuance of Advance Parole

• Copy of intending immigrant’s state ID (driver license)

• Attachment 1 – further details on our case

Hope we didn't miss anything... We felt the need to attach further details to every form we submitted to explain our different addresses (he's gone for military training), and the name on my birth certificate still states my middle name (which hasn't been used anywhere else)

I hope all this helps other people to assemble their package as well...

Here's the question I have now: I am an F-1 student and came here in 2008. All my education has been paid for by a U.S. source scholarship. I have filed tax returns for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Now that I am in graduate school, my new school won't issue me the forms I need to file a return. Is there any chance that they might ask for my tax returns during the interview?? Or should I just not worry about it since it is the school's fault for not issuing the form?

[lupa222 0]

sorry, i just noticed I posted it in the wrong forum. can someone please move it to the F-1 forum? Thanks (newbie)

[shranjan84 5]

Hello all,

First of all thank you to all of you - I've been on this forum a lot to get information for assembling the AOS package. We finally have all the paper work done now and submitted it today. Here's what we sent:

To whom it may concern:

Please find enclosed the form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and supporting documents.

• Check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security ($420.00)

• Form I-130

• Copy of sponsor’s birth certificate

• Certified copy of intending immigrant’s birth certificate (with certified English translation)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (biographical page)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (visa and entry stamps)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s current I-20

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s verification of student enrollment

• Certified copy of marriage certificate

• Copy of the sponsor’s divorce documents

• G-325A, filled out and signed by the sponsor

• One passport-type photo of sponsor

• G-325A, filled out and signed by the beneficiary

• One passport-type photo of beneficiary

• Attachment 1 – further details on our case

• Evidence of a bona fide marriage

o Copy of car insurance

o Copy of lease of joint tenancy

o VoiceDetails Verizon Statement February – March 2012

o 10 pictures, taken on different occasions (2010-2012)

Please find here enclosed my I-485, Application to Adjust Status, (based on my admission as a F-1 student to the U.S.) and supporting documents;

• Check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security ($1,070.00)

• Form I-485

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (biographical page)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (visa and entry stamps)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s current I-20

• Intending immigrant’s verification of student enrollment

• Certified copy of intending immigrant’s birth certificate (with certified English translation)

• Certified copy of marriage certificate

• Copy of the sponsor’s divorce documents

• G-325A, filled out and signed by the beneficiary

• Two passport-type photos of beneficiary

• I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

• I-864, Affidavit of Support

o Copy of sponsor’s military ID card

o Letter from commander

o 6 months LES as proof of employment

o Copy of 2011 tax return (1040) of sponsor

• Attachment 1 - further details on our case

Please find enclosed the form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and supporting documents.

• Form I-765

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s current I-20

• Copy of previous EAD (from OPT)

• Copy of previous I-20, showing OPT request notice

• Copy of previous I-20, showing OPT approval notice

• Two passport-type photos of beneficiary

• Attachment 1 – further details on our case

Please find enclosed the form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole) and supporting documents.

• Form I-131

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (biographical page)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (visa and entry stamps)

• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94

• Form I-131 Supplement Part 7, demonstrating circumstances that warrant issuance of Advance Parole

• Copy of intending immigrant’s state ID (driver license)

• Attachment 1 – further details on our case

Hope we didn't miss anything... We felt the need to attach further details to every form we submitted to explain our different addresses (he's gone for military training), and the name on my birth certificate still states my middle name (which hasn't been used anywhere else)

I hope all this helps other people to assemble their package as well...

Here's the question I have now: I am an F-1 student and came here in 2008. All my education has been paid for by a U.S. source scholarship. I have filed tax returns for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Now that I am in graduate school, my new school won't issue me the forms I need to file a return. Is there any chance that they might ask for my tax returns during the interview?? Or should I just not worry about it since it is the school's fault for not issuing the form?

Hey,

I just wanted to thank you , your post would really help me to prepare for AOS. But I little confused,what did u mean Evidence of a bona fide marriage?

let me tell you my story, so that you can give me some advise

I came to us on jan 2009 to pursue my master's, graduated in December 2010 ,got my OPT ead in march 2011, since then I am working on OPT(STEM approved).Now my employer willing to sponsor my H1B and meanwhile also my fiance just got US citizenship(had oath today) and we are planning to get married in India in December 2012.

so what would be best for me to change my status before going to India for marriage . should I do court marriage immediately and apply for GC now or let my employer apply my H1B?

Thanks

Shashi

Edited April 6, 2012 by shranjan84

[lupa222 0]

Hey,

I just wanted to thank you , your post would really help me to prepare for AOS. But I little confused,what did u mean Evidence of a bona fide marriage?

THis evidence is to show that your relationship is "real" and has not been faked for immigration purposes. You have to send them some sort of proof... we went a little overboard with this evidence because we currently don't live together and felt the need to show that our relationship and love is real despite not living together after getting married (military orders for him and graduate school for me)

let me tell you my story, so that you can give me some advise

I came to us on jan 2009 to pursue my master's, graduated in December 2010 ,got my OPT ead in march 2011, since then I am working on OPT(STEM approved).Now my employer willing to sponsor my H1B and meanwhile also my fiance just got US citizenship(had oath today) and we are planning to get married in India in December 2012.

so what would be best for me to change my status before going to India for marriage . should I do court marriage immediately and apply for GC now or let my employer apply my H1B?

Thanks

Shashi

I'm sorry, but I don't know much about the H1B process, or which route would be better... I think there's a limited number for employer sponsored visas though (correct me if I'm wrong), and there's no limit for spouse visas. If you're going for the marriage route, I would recommend doing the courthouse here to get the whole process started while you're still "in status" and simply adjust it to permanent residency (AOS from F1). If you get married in India, you have to file for a K3 visa (takes at least 7-12 months) and have to wait in India until it is processed. Then you can come to the US and have to file for AOS from your K3 visa.

After getting married in India, I don't think you can come back on your OPT/F1 visa. Technically this is considered visa fraud, because now your intention has changed... I don't know how you would go about it if you took the H1B route - sorry.

[shranjan84 5]

is it risky to travel out of US while GC processing going on even after filling form 131?

[pasportit 7]

is it risky to travel out of US while GC processing going on even after filling form 131?

You should wait until your I-131 is approved and you get a card that gives you permission to travel. I am not sure that it will be legal to travel out of the county.

[lupa222 0]

You should wait until your I-131 is approved and you get a card that gives you permission to travel. I am not sure that it will be legal to travel out of the county.

Yes, they will abandon your application if you leave the U.S. before receiving your AP!

[shranjan84 5]

You should wait until your I-131 is approved and you get a card that gives you permission to travel. I am not sure that it will be legal to travel out of the county.

.

how much time usually this gc processing takes? did u take any attorney advise?what you would advise me make my relation with my gf look more bona fied?

thanks a lot

[lupa222 0]

.

how much time usually this gc processing takes? did u take any attorney advise?what you would advise me make my relation with my gf look more bona fied?

thanks a lot

i think you get it within 90 days... We didnt work with an attorney, just used this website and internet research.

here's a link for the bona fide requirements: http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2

[jaycali 415]

Hey,I just wanted to thank you , your post would really help me to prepare for AOS. But I little confused,what did u mean Evidence of a bona fide marriage?let me tell you my story, so that you can give me some adviseI came to us on jan 2009 to pursue my master's, graduated in December 2010 ,got my OPT ead in march 2011, since then I am working on OPT(STEM approved).Now my employer willing to sponsor my H1B and meanwhile also my fiance just got US citizenship(had oath today) and we are planning to get married in India in December 2012.so what would be best for me to change my status before going to India for marriage . should I do court marriage immediately and apply for GC now or let my employer apply my H1B?ThanksShashi

You should start your own thread for this.

You cannot adjust status until you are married. Only spouses of US citizens can adjust status.

If you leave the US before you receive your green card or advance parole, you will abandon your AOS. AOS takes about 6 months from what I understand.

You either:

1. Get married in India and have your wife file an I-130 petition on your behalf. Once approved, you can apply for a CR-1 visa from India.

or

2. Get married in the US, file AOS. Wait until you receive your green card. You can then travel freely and have a ceremony in India if you like.

[jaycali 415]

Here's the question I have now: I am an F-1 student and came here in 2008. All my education has been paid for by a U.S. source scholarship. I have filed tax returns for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Now that I am in graduate school, my new school won't issue me the forms I need to file a return. Is there any chance that they might ask for my tax returns during the interview?? Or should I just not worry about it since it is the school's fault for not issuing the form?

OP, you checklist seems to be complete. Good job.

Like I said before, I doubt it would be an issue, but I'd file just in case. It's not the school's responsibility to make sure you file taxes - It's your own. What form are they not issuing? If it's the tax form itself, a quick google search should give you the appropriate PDF file.

That being said.. The closest I've been to your situation was not filing taxes one year on my first F-1 visa.. I had an interview for a second F-1 and it wasn't an issue.. I since filed my taxes though.

Hopefully someone with a little more knowledge will answer here

[Ayumi_Hamasaki 4]

Hello; I have a question for you. I'm also currently on F-1, and I'm adjusting my status from F-1 to PR. I still go to school.

When you filed your I-765 (employment authorization form), what are the letter and number you put in the form under "Who May File I-765"? I'm not seeking OPT, not offered off-campus employment, or in economic hardship. I don't know what option is most appropriate for me.

Thanks in advance!

Hello all,
First of all thank you to all of you - I've been on this forum a lot to get information for assembling the AOS package. We finally have all the paper work done now and submitted it today. Here's what we sent:

To whom it may concern:

Please find enclosed the form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and supporting documents.
• Check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security ($420.00)
• Form I-130
• Copy of sponsor’s birth certificate
• Certified copy of intending immigrant’s birth certificate (with certified English translation)
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (biographical page)
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (visa and entry stamps)
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s current I-20
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s verification of student enrollment
• Certified copy of marriage certificate
• Copy of the sponsor’s divorce documents
• G-325A, filled out and signed by the sponsor
• One passport-type photo of sponsor
• G-325A, filled out and signed by the beneficiary
• One passport-type photo of beneficiary
• Attachment 1 – further details on our case
• Evidence of a bona fide marriage
o Copy of car insurance
o Copy of lease of joint tenancy
o VoiceDetails Verizon Statement February – March 2012
o 10 pictures, taken on different occasions (2010-2012)

Please find here enclosed my I-485, Application to Adjust Status, (based on my admission as a F-1 student to the U.S.) and supporting documents;
• Check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security ($1,070.00)
• Form I-485
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (biographical page)
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (visa and entry stamps)
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s current I-20
• Intending immigrant’s verification of student enrollment
• Certified copy of intending immigrant’s birth certificate (with certified English translation)
• Certified copy of marriage certificate
• Copy of the sponsor’s divorce documents
• G-325A, filled out and signed by the beneficiary
• Two passport-type photos of beneficiary
• I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
• I-864, Affidavit of Support
o Copy of sponsor’s military ID card
o Letter from commander
o 6 months LES as proof of employment
o Copy of 2011 tax return (1040) of sponsor
• Attachment 1 - further details on our case


Please find enclosed the form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and supporting documents.
• Form I-765
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s current I-20
• Copy of previous EAD (from OPT)
• Copy of previous I-20, showing OPT request notice
• Copy of previous I-20, showing OPT approval notice
• Two passport-type photos of beneficiary
• Attachment 1 – further details on our case


Please find enclosed the form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole) and supporting documents.
• Form I-131
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (biographical page)
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s passport (visa and entry stamps)
• Copy of the intending immigrant’s I-94
• Form I-131 Supplement Part 7, demonstrating circumstances that warrant issuance of Advance Parole
• Copy of intending immigrant’s state ID (driver license)
• Attachment 1 – further details on our case


Hope we didn't miss anything... We felt the need to attach further details to every form we submitted to explain our different addresses (he's gone for military training), and the name on my birth certificate still states my middle name (which hasn't been used anywhere else)

I hope all this helps other people to assemble their package as well...


Here's the question I have now: I am an F-1 student and came here in 2008. All my education has been paid for by a U.S. source scholarship. I have filed tax returns for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Now that I am in graduate school, my new school won't issue me the forms I need to file a return. Is there any chance that they might ask for my tax returns during the interview?? Or should I just not worry about it since it is the school's fault for not issuing the form?