just starting the paperwork...G-325a questions

[tatelee 2]

Hi guys!!

I am getting married sept 7 and am starting to fill the paperwork for the IR/Cr-1, and had a few questions regarding the G-325a form:

1)We are doing a super quick justice of the peace style wedding on sept 7, but our religious big ceremony isnt until feb 2/13. We just want to be able to get the visa process started. I will not be changing my name until our ceremony in feb. On all these forms do I use my current maiden name, as it will not be changed yet? Or do i use my fiancee's name as I will be changing it in about 6 months before the visa is actually processed?

2)on this form, what is the file number that starts with "a" at the very top right corner?

3)What is the alien registration number??

4) The bottom asks if I am applying for naturalization or permanent residency...what is the difference and what am I applying for? I want a green card that allows me to be a US citizen as soon as I get the visa type of thing.

Thanks so much! I am already overwhelmed by the paperwork and I've barely begun the process!!

[d434qte 1]

If you filing for IR/CR1 then select permananet resident.

The A number and The Alien Registration number are assigned if they have been issued a visa/green card before.

If no just put n/a.

To make your process easier and to prevent questions from the uscis for rfe I would get the last name changed after you get married. The super quick wedding might make them question your relationship. Make sure that you have pictures of the wedding no matter how simple it is. Pictures of any and everything well be needed in the process. Also remember to generate a paper trail (letters, cards, phone records, etc.) it will be needed for the interview. Hope you journey is a smooth one.

[tatelee 2]

Oh, also...for the I-130 form, where it asks for the last residence that I lived with my husband, we have never lived together. What do I put?

Thanks!!

[tatelee 2]

If you filing for IR/CR1 then select permananet resident.

The A number and The Alien Registration number are assigned if they have been issued a visa/green card before.

If no just put n/a.

To make your process easier and to prevent questions from the uscis for rfe I would get the last name changed after you get married. The super quick wedding might make them question your relationship. Make sure that you have pictures of the wedding no matter how simple it is. Pictures of any and everything well be needed in the process. Also remember to generate a paper trail (letters, cards, phone records, etc.) it will be needed for the interview. Hope you journey is a smooth one.

We will be having our actual ceremony before I get the interview I am assuming, so we will have pictures of that to show at that time. Will that be sufficient??

Also, what if we just said we have decided to not change my name and keep my last name? I mean tons of people do that. We could always not change it right after our big ceremony in february and just wait until I have my actual visa. and say i changed my mind??

thoughts?

Edited August 27, 2012 by tatelee

[d434qte 1]

When I asked the question to a immigration attorney that helped me understand the paperwork I was told that if you ever visited them and you lived together during that time frame then use those dates because it makes it look better that you did co-habitat at some time. So that's what I did and haven't had any problems.

You need lots of pictures that show you two together "over a period of time" no just the wedding photos. The more pictures of you together w/ each other and family is recommended.

As for the name change, that's your personal option to keep your last name or change it. With this being an immigration process everything on paper just is for the show to get the visa approved. That's why I said change your name. Once again its your option.

You have to do what ever it takes to assure that you don't slow your process down with a RFE (proof of relationship) request from them. They love to give these out. Hope this helps.

[pushbrk 12,969]

If you filing for IR/CR1 then select permananet resident.

The A number and The Alien Registration number are assigned if they have been issued a visa/green card before.

If no just put n/a.

To make your process easier and to prevent questions from the uscis for rfe I would get the last name changed after you get married. The super quick wedding might make them question your relationship. Make sure that you have pictures of the wedding no matter how simple it is. Pictures of any and everything well be needed in the process. Also remember to generate a paper trail (letters, cards, phone records, etc.) it will be needed for the interview. Hope you journey is a smooth one.

This is incorrect. For a CR1 visa case, on the G325a, select Other and type I-130 CR1visa.

The name change can go either way but it is perfectly OK to use your "married name" on the petition and then do the legal change later. If you do this, make certain you get a new passport in the new name too.