First post. Help!?! VWP needing to file concurrently...

[epsonderby 85]

I'd like to say a big hello to all the admin and members that have contributed and made this site for people like me to use and hopefully point me in the right direction.

I'm a British guy that came over to see my girlfriend, but we decided to get married and make a new life in the UK. That was scuppered when the father of my new wife's daughter decided at the 11th hour to not sign any paperwork to allow us to take her out of the country (not criticizing him at all as that's totally his right as a father).

So after lots of soul searching, I decided to stay here so we can make a go of it. We have 4 weeks before my VWP runs out and I have to go back to the UK. We have taken legal advice and have also been to the USCIS field office - they both say that I am eligible to fill concurrently should I so choose - they say it means that I can remain in the US whilst they decide my case. The USCIS explained that I need to fill out the I-130 and I-485 and send them together as well as apply for work authorization and travel parole if I so desire. I actually found them very useful and awfully friendly.

The info guide here has been very useful, but I would love some help with some of the questions as I work through it. It would also be fabulous to speak with some people that have also filed concurrently whilst on VWP. I have read lots about J-1 people and other visa codes, but not so many on VWP.

If anybody has any words of wisdom to share or would just generally like to chat about the process, then come say hello...

[AF-Wife 181]

I went through the progress of getting my greencard while on VWP. We did it ourselves without a lawyer. Feel free to message me any question, that you will have and I am happy to help you!

Edited June 25, 2012 by AF-Wife

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Sounds like you have everything under control There are other members here who have adjusted from the VWP, check out the search function. Best of luck.

[Anh map 2,098]

Use the guides here on VJ (top of every page) and read in the UK regional forum. You should find lots of first hand experience there.

[SOflaherty 40]

Truthfully, just read the guides and follow the instructions to the T, you'll be fine and can easily do this without a lawyer. The forum search feature is VERY handy, use it whenever you are in doubt, likely someone else has had the same question at some point. My husband is VWP from Ireland and we have our interview at the end of next month.

[epsonderby 85]

Thank you all for the welcomes.

I'm still finding my way around the site. I think that we've nearly got all the paperwork together and we're working through the forms. Just need to see a civil surgeon about the I-693. Hoping it won't be too expensive and that I don't need too many vaccinations!

I will be popping back over the coming days to ask for clarifications and so on. There are lots of places asking for I-94 numbers that I don't have, do I use my long ESTA number, put N/A or NONE?

Hope to catch up with some of you soon...

[darcness 3]

Since your on the VWP you probably don't have an I-94 number or an alien number. I ran into the same questions with my wife (she's a Canadian citizen) and I just put None or N/A when it asked for those numbers. The forms will complain about it, but you can still enter it that way.

[AF-Wife 181]

Put N/A in the forms, because of the VWP. There's a slightly difference between the meanings N/A or NONE and you should choose the right one!

Edited June 29, 2012 by AF-Wife

[epsonderby 85]

Thanks for the tips, guys.

I have some other questions, if people can help?

I-485

Part 1.

What is my current USCIS status?

Part 2.

I've selected b, that's right, isn't it?

Part 3.

Name as it appears on I-94, Nonimmigrant visa number and consulate where visa issued all entered as N/A, correct?

I was in Navy in UK so I've listed the name of the organisation as Military and the dates I served. On Q.15a, I ticked yes as I have served in the military and I've added an addendum on an additional sheet outlining my military service. I also have my full military records that I'll be sending with my package. Is that right?

That's it for now. Thanks!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Current Status is VWP.

No, part 2 is A.

Yes, yes.

[epsonderby 85]

Current Status is VWP.

No, part 2 is A.

Yes, yes.

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated and definitely helping me an awful lot!