AOS questions

[perez525 8]

Good afternoon,

I have some questions in regards to the AOS forms. I have been reading every guideline and they all have been helpful,but can't seem to find the answer for the following questions:

1. Is it mandatory to send pictures? besides the photographs styles?

2. Original or copy of marriage certificate?

3. I'm filling out the I-864 for AOS,and I'm very confused in Part 5 where it asks for household size. I'm going to be the sponsor for my husband and step daughter. However, it asks to check if I'm married to put 1 for spouse. Should I put 0 because technically I am sponsoring my husband? I just don't want to add it and it says that my house hold size is 4 when it is actually 3 including myself.

4. Payment - may I send one check for $1,070.00 for my husband and one for $685.00 for my step daughter? Or does it have to be one check for the both of them?

5. A#, I understand that this is the number that is on the NOA2 on the top right hand corner, but may I use this number for my step daughter AOS forms, or just type N/A (not applicable) and only use it for my husband?

thanks in advance!

[Andrea&Henry 311]

1. Is it mandatory to send pictures? besides the photographs styles? NO, ACTUALLY IS NOT EVEN IN THE LIST OF ITEMS REQUESTED. BUT SURE YOU CAN SEND IT IF YOU WANT.

2. Original or copy of marriage certificate? ORIGINAL

3. I'm filling out the I-864 for AOS,and I'm very confused in Part 5 where it asks for household size. I'm going to be the sponsor for my husband and step daughter. However, it asks to check if I'm married to put 1 for spouse. Should I put 0 because technically I am sponsoring my husband? I just don't want to add it and it says that my house hold size is 4 when it is actually 3 including myself. MY HUSBAND PUT NONE AS FAR AS I REMEMBER CAUSE HE WAS LIVING ALONE UNTIL I MOVED IN WITH HIM, AND I DONT COUNT CAUSE IM THE ONE WHO'S BEING SPONSORED. BUT IM NOT SURE LET SOMEBODY ELSE ANSWER THIS QUESTION

4. Payment - may I send one check for $1,070.00 for my husband and one for $685.00 for my step daughter? Or does it have to be one check for the both of them? SEND TWO CHECKS.

5. A#, I understand that this is the number that is on the NOA2 on the top right hand corner, but may I use this number for my step daughter AOS forms, or just type N/A (not applicable) and only use it for my husband?

EVERY PERSON WHO INTEND TO IMMIGRATE TO THE US HAS HIS/HER OWN ALIEN NUMBER...IN MY CASE THE IMMIGRATION OFFICER WROTE IT DOWN IN MY I94 AND ON MY VISA AS WELL. YOUR STEP DAUGHTER SHOULD HAVE HER OWN A#

Edited October 30, 2012 by Andrea&Henry

[perez525 8]

1. Is it mandatory to send pictures? besides the photographs styles? NO, ACTUALLY IS NOT EVEN IN THE LIST OF ITEMS REQUESTED. BUT SURE YOU CAN SEND IT IF YOU WANT.

2. Original or copy of marriage certificate? ORIGINAL

3. I'm filling out the I-864 for AOS,and I'm very confused in Part 5 where it asks for household size. I'm going to be the sponsor for my husband and step daughter. However, it asks to check if I'm married to put 1 for spouse. Should I put 0 because technically I am sponsoring my husband? I just don't want to add it and it says that my house hold size is 4 when it is actually 3 including myself. MY HUSBAND PUT NONE AS FAR AS I REMEMBER CAUSE HE WAS LIVING ALONE UNTIL I MOVED IN WITH HIM, AND I DONT COUNT CAUSE IM THE ONE WHO'S BEING SPONSORED. BUT IM NOT SURE

4. Payment - may I send one check for $1,070.00 for my husband and one for $685.00 for my step daughter? Or does it have to be one check for the both of them? IF WERE YOU, I WOULD SEND TWO CHECKS.

5. A#, I understand that this is the number that is on the NOA2 on the top right hand corner, but may I use this number for my step daughter AOS forms, or just type N/A (not applicable) and only use it for my husband?

EVERY PERSON WHO INTEND TO IMMIGRATE TO THE US HAS HIS/HER OWN ALIEN NUMBER...IN MY CASE THE IMMIGRATION OFFICER WROTE IT DOWN IN MY I94 AND ON MY VISA AS WELL. YOUR STEP DAUGHTER SHOULD HAVE HER OWN A#

Thanks a bunch for your helpful information!! However, in my step daughter's I-94, the immigration officer didn't write down an A#. I'm guessing it will be left blank.

Thanks again

Edited October 30, 2012 by perez525

[Phil & Alla 26]

1. Is it mandatory to send pictures? besides the photographs styles?

Photographs are not MANDATORY at this point, I did not send any, but took them to my interview.

2. Original or copy of marriage certificate?

Never send originals of any document unless specifically requested to do so

3. I'm filling out the I-864 for AOS,and I'm very confused in Part 5 where it asks for household size. I'm going to be the sponsor for my husband and step daughter. However, it asks to check if I'm married to put 1 for spouse. Should I put 0 because technically I am sponsoring my husband? I just don't want to add it and it says that my house hold size is 4 when it is actually 3 including myself.

Number of immigrants sponsored 2, Your husband it listed there--it says do not list anyone twice c. If you are currently married, enter "1" for your spouse. - do not add him here, this is for other situations, total will be three in your case

4. Payment - may I send one check for $1,070.00 for my husband and one for $685.00 for my step daughter? Or does it have to be one check for the both of them?

One check for each person

5. A#, I understand that this is the number that is on the NOA2 on the top right hand corner, but may I use this number for my step daughter AOS forms, or just type N/A (not applicable) and only use it for my husband?

Your step daughter does not have an A# yet, just put N/A in that space on her forms, your husbands A# is not her A#

This may help you check what you need:

Adjustment of Status Cover Letter

Alla Alexandrovna O Axxx-xxx-xxx

860 S A Blvd.

City, AZ. 8xxx

Phone: (928) xxx-xxxx

United States Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

PO BOX 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

March 21, 2012

Nature of submission: Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status Application original submission.

Dear Sir or madam,

Enclosed please find my forms for an Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status Application for Alla Alexandrovna Oand Lada Vladyslavovna S and the following documents in order:

Payment Check #729 $1070.00 ($985.00 I-485 fee plus $85.00 biometrics fee) for Alla Alexandrovna O and check #730 for $635.00 I-485 fee for my daughter Lada Vladyslavovna S, Total $1705.00

Name translations/corrections

Support documents of certified name translations, divorce decree, birth certificates and vaccination records

I-485 Petition for Alien Relative for Alla Alexandrovna O

Additional Information to I-485 Part B

Copy of Alla Alexandrovna O’s Passport including I-94 front and back

Copy of I-797 Notice of Action (Approval Notice)

Birth Certificate with a certified English translation

Copy of Marriage License and a certified copy

Documentation of Joint Marital Property: Joint bank accounts, residential lease agreement, addition to medical insurance, vehicle title and a water bill.

G-325A Biographic Information

Additional Information to G-325A

Two Passport photos with full name, date of birth and A# on the back

I-693 Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record Page 1 and 5, with original Ukraine vaccination record, English translation and USA vaccination records

I-864 with retirement income verification, W2 and full tax returns from 2010, 2009 and 2008

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with a copy of I-94 front and back and 2 passport photos with full name, date of birth and A# on the back

I-131 Application for Travel Document with copies of passport and 2 passport photos with full name, date of birth and A# on the back

The following for Lada Vladyslavovna S (daughter):

I-485 Petition for Alien Relative for Lada Vladyslavovna S

Copy of Lada Vladyslavovna S’s Passport including I-94 front and back

Birth Certificate with a certified English translation

Two Passport photos with full name on the back

I-693 Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record Page 1 and 5, with original Ukraine vaccination record, English translation and USA vaccination records

I-864 and copy of primary I-864 of mother Alla O (for supporting documents see I-864 supporting documents contained with I-864 of Alla O contained in this packet)

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with a copy of I-94 front and back and 2 passport photos with full name and date of birth on the back.

I-131 Application for Travel Document with copies of passport and 2 passport photos with full name and date of birth on the back

Copies of documents are exact photocopies and I understand I may need to submit original documents to an immigration officer at a later time

______________________ 03/21/2012

Alla Alexandrovna O Date

[Andrea&Henry 311]

1. Is it mandatory to send pictures? besides the photographs styles?

Photographs are not MANDATORY at this point, I did not send any, but took them to my interview.

2. Original or copy of marriage certificate?

Never send originals of any document unless specifically requested to do so SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT TRUE IN THE CASE OF AOS, IF SHE SENDS A SIMPLY COPY SHE CAN GET AN RFE. SHE CAN SEND A CERTIFIED COPY OF HIS MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE WHICH IS BASICALLY THE SAME THAN SHOWING AN ORIGINAL. IN MY CASE, I ASKED FOR 4 ORIGINAL COPIES OF MY MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE IN THE COURT AND I SEND ONE OF THEM. READ THE STEP BY STEP GUIDE OF AOS

3. I'm filling out the I-864 for AOS,and I'm very confused in Part 5 where it asks for household size. I'm going to be the sponsor for my husband and step daughter. However, it asks to check if I'm married to put 1 for spouse. Should I put 0 because technically I am sponsoring my husband? I just don't want to add it and it says that my house hold size is 4 when it is actually 3 including myself.

Number of immigrants sponsored 2, Your husband it listed there--it says do not list anyone twice c. If you are currently married, enter "1" for your spouse. - do not add him here, this is for other situations, total will be three in your case

4. Payment - may I send one check for $1,070.00 for my husband and one for $685.00 for my step daughter? Or does it have to be one check for the both of them?

One check for each person

5. A#, I understand that this is the number that is on the NOA2 on the top right hand corner, but may I use this number for my step daughter AOS forms, or just type N/A (not applicable) and only use it for my husband?

Your step daughter does not have an A# yet, just put N/A in that space on her forms, your husbands A# is not her A#

This may help you check what you need:

Adjustment of Status Cover Letter

Alla Alexandrovna O Axxx-xxx-xxx

860 S A Blvd.

City, AZ. 8xxx

Phone: (928) xxx-xxxx

United States Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

PO BOX 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

March 21, 2012

Nature of submission: Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status Application original submission.

Dear Sir or madam,

Enclosed please find my forms for an Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status Application for Alla Alexandrovna Oand Lada Vladyslavovna S and the following documents in order:

Payment Check #729 $1070.00 ($985.00 I-485 fee plus $85.00 biometrics fee) for Alla Alexandrovna O and check #730 for $635.00 I-485 fee for my daughter Lada Vladyslavovna S, Total $1705.00

Name translations/corrections

Support documents of certified name translations, divorce decree, birth certificates and vaccination records

I-485 Petition for Alien Relative for Alla Alexandrovna O

Additional Information to I-485 Part B

Copy of Alla Alexandrovna O’s Passport including I-94 front and back

Copy of I-797 Notice of Action (Approval Notice)

Birth Certificate with a certified English translation

Copy of Marriage License and a certified copy

Documentation of Joint Marital Property: Joint bank accounts, residential lease agreement, addition to medical insurance, vehicle title and a water bill.

G-325A Biographic Information

Additional Information to G-325A

Two Passport photos with full name, date of birth and A# on the back

I-693 Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record Page 1 and 5, with original Ukraine vaccination record, English translation and USA vaccination records

I-864 with retirement income verification, W2 and full tax returns from 2010, 2009 and 2008

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with a copy of I-94 front and back and 2 passport photos with full name, date of birth and A# on the back

I-131 Application for Travel Document with copies of passport and 2 passport photos with full name, date of birth and A# on the back

The following for Lada Vladyslavovna S (daughter):

I-485 Petition for Alien Relative for Lada Vladyslavovna S

Copy of Lada Vladyslavovna S’s Passport including I-94 front and back

Birth Certificate with a certified English translation

Two Passport photos with full name on the back

I-693 Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record Page 1 and 5, with original Ukraine vaccination record, English translation and USA vaccination records

I-864 and copy of primary I-864 of mother Alla O (for supporting documents see I-864 supporting documents contained with I-864 of Alla O contained in this packet)

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with a copy of I-94 front and back and 2 passport photos with full name and date of birth on the back.

I-131 Application for Travel Document with copies of passport and 2 passport photos with full name and date of birth on the back

Copies of documents are exact photocopies and I understand I may need to submit original documents to an immigration officer at a later time

______________________ 03/21/2012

Alla Alexandrovna O Date

[Andrea&Henry 311]

SEND A CERTIFIED COPY WHICH HAS AN ORIGINAL STAMP AND SIGNATURE. 2 FRIENDS OF MY MINE RECIEVED AN RFE FOR SENDING A SINGLE COPY OF THEIR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE.

[perez525 8]

thank you Phil & Alla & Andrea & Henry! very helpful. you guys have answered my questions!

[Pitaya 2,577]

My stepson received his "A#" upon receipt of his assorted I-797c notices (I-485, I-131, I-765, ASC [biometrics] appointment) after filing for AOS. Prior to that time, we inserted "None."

[Phil & Alla 26]

In Arizona,Mohave County-- I have my original marriage license and my original marriage certificate, which I would never send to USCIS. I went back to the county recorder's office (the court here) and got several certified "copies" of my marriage certificate and sent one of them with my AOS packet along with a copy my marriage license. Sorry if this was not clear-- I have read the guides and if you notice in the cover letter it states certified copy, with no RFE Good luck with this step

[Pitaya 2,577]

SEND A CERTIFIED COPY WHICH HAS AN ORIGINAL STAMP AND SIGNATURE. 2 FRIENDS OF MY MINE RECIEVED AN RFE FOR SENDING A SINGLE COPY OF THEIR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE.

Agree. It seems that some USCIS adjudicators accept a copy, others only accept a certified copy. In our case, it was easier to just send in a certified copy. That way there can be no question.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

You get a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the court. You only need to send in a copy of the certified marriage certificate you get from the court. You do not have to send in the exact one you get from the court. You send a copy of it, and then if you have an interview, bring the original copy you received from the court.

Directly from the USCIS web site:

USCIS no longer routinely requires submission of original documents or "certified copies." Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards) will be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications.