Required documentation AOS from F-1

[monterey 0]

Dear Forum Participants,

I am in the final stages of preparing my immediate relative-based AOS package. My current status is F-1 on post-completion OPT.

I have filled out the petitions/applications and attached the required documentation strictly according to the guidelines available on the USCIS website (I-130, I-485, I-864, medical examination, I-765, and I-131.

However, I came across various "checklists" and forum discussions on various websites that suggest a more extensive list of required documentation of which I can find no reference whatsoever in the USCIS guidelines.

For instance, it has been suggested that as an F-1 visa holder I am required to submit copies of my I-20 and I-94. I am unable to find any evidence of this in the current USCIS guidelines. As a matter of fact, I am unable to find any requirement to submit copies of I-94 for any petition/application.

It has also been suggested that I-130 (filed by my wife) requires a copy of my passport and birth certificate. Again, this does not appear to be case at all.

When push comes to shove, I am going to rely on the USCIS guidelines, but I was wondering if anyone could help me with my confusion regarding certain allegedly "required" documentation.

I am assuming much of this is based on outdated USCIS guidelines. Would that be a reasonable assumption? also, any experiences from anyone who recently filed for AOS from F-1?

Many thanks.

[didopage 337]

If you follow the USCIS instructions carefully and include "only" what is asked, you will be fine.

But sometimes it can be good to include more documents, just to play it safe. If it's just a few photocopied documents, it doesn't cost you anything. They won't send you a RFE for too much documentation, but they may do it if they judge a document is missing.

I guess that's the fear of a RFE that push people to send a little more.

Edited October 30, 2012 by didopage

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

If you read I-485 instructions you will see that you need your birth certificate and passport copy. You need your I-94 to show proof of legal entry (and I think I-765 needs it). Have you found the VJ guide?

[monterey 0]

If you read I-485 instructions you will see that you need your birth certificate and passport copy. You need your I-94 to show proof of legal entry (and I think I-765 needs it). Have you found the VJ guide?

I am clear on the first part. It states clearly that birth certificate and passport copy are required for I-485 and I have all that. You don't need I-94 if you submit I-765 together with I-485 (according to I-765 instructions). Where does it state that I need I-94 to show proof of legal entry, or is that an experience-based suggestion?

[monterey 0]

If you follow the USCIS instructions carefully and include "only" what is asked, you will be fine.

But sometimes it can be good to include more documents, just to play it safe. If it's just a few photocopied documents, it doesn't cost you anything. They won't send you a RFE for too much documentation, but they may do it if they judge a document is missing.

I guess that's the fear of a RFE that push people to send a little more.

Thanks! That's good to know:)

[TBoneTX 46,166]

*** Thread moved from AOS/Family-Based to AOS/Work, Student, & Tourist Visas forum -- OP has an F visa. ***

Edited October 30, 2012 by TBoneTX