Lessons Learned (Filing I-485 AOS & I-765 EAD)

[KarenCee 3]

I learned that I can save a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to GEICO.

ROFLMAO!!!

Oh, no one's mentioned the possible RFE(s). If you get one, don't fret over it. Even if it's for the same information you've already sent them. Just send it again anyway. Beats fussing and growling about it and like the Nike commercial says "just do it".

[ridley 0]

Always, always, always use delivery confirmation.

[jsnearline 2]

Apply for AP, even if you don't think you'll travel outside the US - it's worth having that as an insurance policy.

Recheck the forms to make sure you filled everything out. We forgot to check one box on the EAD application and the Lockbox returned the application it to us.

Shop around for the best deal on the medical exam. I think we paid quite a bit more than we should have for the vaccincation supplement.

Make it very clear on your cover letter what status you are adjusting from.

Be sure your submission is well organized and easy for them to follow.

[Smidget 0]

Yes, definitely apply for AP at the same time. We didn't think we'd need it... we did, and then there's the insane added stress to get it expedited on top of the stress of why I needed to travel.

And then there's the SSN. If you're still in that window of K-1, get your SSN. I didn't know you could get one with a K-1 and omg do I wish I had. You need it for EVERYTHING!! I feel like I don't exist at times when I go to do something or get some paperwork done.

"What's your SSN?"

"um... I don't have one"

"well that's too bad then"

grr

[amwo 0]

I learned that I can save a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to GEICO.

AFLAC !

[jsnearline 2]

Ditto on getting the SSN while still on a valid K1. That way you can look for work right away once you get the EAD. My wife had to wait an additional month after getting the EAD to get her SSN. That was one extra month sitting around the house that she wouldn't have had to do if we'd gotten her SSN right away after she got here.

[Mary Lou 681]

OMG is that true? You get ready to take a really nice picture to send for your green card and what they use is a crappy one taken without care at biometrics? Do they forget most people care about how they look in their documents?

Afraid so.

Gary was told at his biometrics appt, just look straight ahead at the camera, no smiling as this isnt a family photo

Also im sure you did this already but i made 2 copies of everything sent in

[rebeccajo 14]

OMG is that true? You get ready to take a really nice picture to send for your green card and what they use is a crappy one taken without care at biometrics? Do they forget most people care about how they look in their documents?

Afraid so.

Gary was told at his biometrics appt, just look straight ahead at the camera, no smiling as this isnt a family photo

The photo's we sent with the packet were really nice. The biometrics photo of Wes that's on his EAD makes him look like a right houligan.

No wonder his namecheck isn't finished.....

[shusterman 0]

Someone already suggested this but I'd like to re-iterate it because I think I could've benefited from it had I only done it. I suggest taking a day away from your AOS packet after assembling it and then re-checking them before you mail it in. This, I hope, will give you a fresh outlook in reviewing the completeness and organization of your packet.

[Mary Lou 681]

OMG is that true? You get ready to take a really nice picture to send for your green card and what they use is a crappy one taken without care at biometrics? Do they forget most people care about how they look in their documents?

Afraid so.

Gary was told at his biometrics appt, just look straight ahead at the camera, no smiling as this isnt a family photo

The photo's we sent with the packet were really nice. The biometrics photo of Wes that's on his EAD makes him look like a right houligan.

No wonder his namecheck isn't finished.....

Gary's look like mugshots

[YnaYeBa0808 0]

Uling bro, my partner in crime. just finished filling out the AOS forms i just have to go thru it again just to make sure that everything is okay. i think maybe an advice would be to save an exact copy of what you sent in just in case they lose something. hihihi ... so boytoy is asking when the wedding bells are for you and jhen

[nayalamb 0]

best advice i can give...

1) start compiling everything as soon as you can. don't wait until a week before your 90 days is up to start figuring things out.

2) get all your vaccinations before you come to the States. its probably cheaper.

3) make exact copies of everything and put them in a secure, dry place (preferably a fire safe)

4) get the EAD. there is no guarantee even with a CSC transfer that you will get the GC in a timely manner. its a few extra bucks but it can be well worth it.

5) VJers are the best resource i can think of! Make a list of the ones in your area that are already done with AOS, and ask them about things like parking, interviews, biometrics, cheap civil surgeons, etc.

6) don't bother with the (mis)information line. after being on hold for ten lifetimes, you won't get any real information from them. they will just read off the same info that's on the site.

7) don't obsess over checking your status online. it will drive you nuts. seriously.

8) you never know what traffic will do so make extra extra extra allowances when going to your interview. i didn't have that issue myself, but i've heard a few horror stories of people missing their interview because of traffic delays.

9) check and re-check everything. then check again. then once more.

10) do something constructive while waiting. visit friends. volunteer. play sports. learn a new skill/hobby. it will make the time go by alot faster.

GOOD LUCK

[Keigwyn 1]

OMG is that true? You get ready to take a really nice picture to send for your green card and what they use is a crappy one taken without care at biometrics? Do they forget most people care about how they look in their documents?

They showed me the picture they took at the bio appointment and asked if I wanted it taken again! Compared with the pic on my State id it is wonderful!

[Sheriff Uling 3]

Thanks for all the input thus far. Keep it coming. Hopefully others can benefit from what is accumulated.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

[mychelle 1]

you can compare your checklist with mine. this is pretty much the basic list that everyone else had.

I. Form I-485:

- payment of $395.00 for I-485 application plus biometrics fees

- (2) passport style photos

- Form G-325A

- copy of marriage certificate

- copy of the fiancé petition (I-129F) approval notice [NOA2]

- copy of Form I-94

- copy of foreign birth certificate

- copy of passport page with nonimmigrant visa

- sealed envelope of medical/vaccination supplement received from Civil Surgeon

- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support with its supporting documents (tax returns & W2 last three years/ proof of employment/ paystubs, etc.)

II. Form I-765:

- payment of $180.00 for I-765 application fee

- (2) passport style photos

- copy of Form I-94