Whats the first thing to do after marriage?

[Vtguy71 0]

When we arrived stateside the INS offcer mentioned something to the effect that after we got married we had to register in person or something to that effect with a local INS office. After 20 hours of traveling I just nodded and figured I would read up on exactly what was meant on the website. So far I have not had any luck I read the pinned up guides about what to do after marraige and they go right into how to do the AOS which I can start now since we just got a certified copy of our marriage certificate, but I just want to close the loop on what the officer said or what I thought she said. Do we have to show up in person at some goverment office showing we got married before the K1 expires? Also in regards to the AOS I need some documents translated and that could take some time. Does the AOS have to be submitted before the K1 expires also?

Thanks in Advance,

-Vtguy

[Jasman0717 9]

After Claudeth and I were married I compiled all the required documents according to the AOS guide here on VJ and mailed them to the Chicago lockbox. Five months later Claudeth got her two year conditional green card. I suggest you take a look at the AOS guide here on VJ. Good luck

[___ 0]

- You don't have to show up in person at your local office. When filing for Adjustment of Status, K1 and K3 Visa holders are now required to submit their paperwork to the National Address (Chicago Lockbox) instead of at their local CIS office. This procedure became effective for all applicants in April 2005.

U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

If you live in Texas, Oklahoma or New Mexico, you may be required to follow special application procedures. Please read here to find out if this applies to you.

- You should make every effort to get the Adjustment application filed within 90 days of the fiance(e) entering the United States, which is when the K-1 status expires, as indicated on the I-94.

Filing for Adjustment of Status within the 90 days protects your legal status. Your legal status as a K1 expires after 90 days, married or not. The only way to protect your legal status is to apply for Adjustment of Status, and the only way to maintain continuous legal status is to file for AOS before the K1 visa expires. On the practical side, it is often difficult to arrange for the marriage, and get all the paperwork ready in time to file for AOS within 90 days. Many newsgroup couples have filed for AOS a few days or weeks after the 90 day limit with no problems. Thus far, newsgroup experience has shown this is not a major issue with local USCIS (INS) offices.

Good luck!

Edited November 16, 2006 by Catharina_dAlbi

[belladona_ph 0]

Hello Vtguy,

Your facts:

- arrival in the USA

- got married within the prescribed 90 days

- you got your copy of your marriage certificate

Where to start:

Option 1: if you want to visit a local INS office near you, you could get an infopass. They can give you the packet to file for adjustment of status. This saves you printing out the forms to be use in filing for AOS. Besides you can talk in person (face to face) with an INS personnel.

Option 2: Visa Journey will guide you step by step in filing for an AOS. Forms can be downloaded here

Option 3:Get a State ID, this will be your identification with your legal married name

File for an SSN, I presented my State ID, original birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport

get your follow-up immunization shots

It would be better to submit your application for AOS earlier, that would include filing your EAD Employment Authorization Document. All forms are in the packet given to you at INS office near you or you can dowvload forms. Applying early also lessens the waiting time, as it is a long process. Who knows, maybe if you apply immediately, you will get approved fast.

As for documents translated, there are a lot of VJer's who would help you. If you mean understanding more what each document is for.

Good luck!

Jan

[Vtguy71 0]

Thanks for the speedy reply's. Since I live about 45 minutes from the St Albans office in Vermont I just may take option 1.

-vtguy

[John & Annie 0]

- You don't have to show up in person at your local office. When filing for Adjustment of Status, K1 and K3 Visa holders are now required to submit their paperwork to the National Address (Chicago Lockbox) instead of at their local CIS office. This procedure became effective for all applicants in April 2005.

U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

If you live in Texas, Oklahoma or New Mexico, you may be required to follow special application procedures. Please read here to find out if this applies to you.

- You should make every effort to get the Adjustment application filed within 90 days of the fiance(e) entering the United States, which is when the K-1 status expires, as indicated on the I-94.

Filing for Adjustment of Status within the 90 days protects your legal status. Your legal status as a K1 expires after 90 days, married or not. The only way to protect your legal status is to apply for Adjustment of Status, and the only way to maintain continuous legal status is to file for AOS before the K1 visa expires. On the practical side, it is often difficult to arrange for the marriage, and get all the paperwork ready in time to file for AOS within 90 days. Many newsgroup couples have filed for AOS a few days or weeks after the 90 day limit with no problems. Thus far, newsgroup experience has shown this is not a major issue with local USCIS (INS) offices.

Good luck!

just as a point, if you do not file your AOS within the 90 days, you are NOT illegal. Youare considered out of status.

I would highly recomend you have a civil marriage, get your recorded marriage certificate and file AOS as soon as possible. No one really needs to know your "legal" status for a religous wedding if need be.

[belladona_ph 0]

Hello again,

That is great, at least you are just 45 minutes away from an INS didtrict office. At least all questions you want to ask, especially a detailed explanation on the form and yes they will give you all the forms and a lot of information.

In my case we have to travel 3 hours for that( district office). While you are doing option 1, I suggest that you get your State ID; apply for a SSN.

Good luck!

Jan

[Killer_Clown_2009 0]

honeymoon!

[StarProg 0]

honeymoon!

Ha ha, exactly what I keep thinking everytime I see this topic title in the listings.