AOS/Vaccinations/Bull$#it/$395WTFO?

[slim 1,525]

So I'm just now getting Elena's AOS stuff together, and I realize that I'm going to have to file the I-485 (with the $325 fee, and $70 for biometrics... vaseline please!) and I see that since she had a medical exam within the last year, she doesn't need another one. However, she does need a vaccination supplement.

I think we're good on everything except for that.

When she entered, they kept all her forms at the gate in New York. So now we have no proof of what shots she's had/needs to have now, to give to the civil surgeon who's supposed to sign her supplement form. Does the civil surgeon even need that? How does the civil surgeon determine what shots they need, don't need?

What do we do?

Should we make an appointment for the civil surgeon now, or should we try to get a copy of her forms, and if so, from where? (Russia govt., or USCIS... maybe Moscow embassy?) And just when does all this have to be filed by? Her K-1 expires on the 17th, so we've got a couple weeks, but does the AOS need to be completed and sent in before that, or as long as we've got a copy of the marriage cert, are we legal?

Fill me in fellas. I'm clueless in all this AOS stuff. Thanks in advance....

[akdiver 3]

So I'm just now getting Elena's AOS stuff together, and I realize that I'm going to have to file the I-485 (with the $325 fee, and $70 for biometrics... vaseline please!)

Small price to pay for a lifetime of happiness....

and I see that since she had a medical exam within the last year, she doesn't need another one. However, she does need a vaccination supplement. I think we're good on everything except for that.

One problem you will have is finding a civil surgeon to do ONLY the vaccination supplement. They are well known to insist on doing the whole exam (at significant expense), even though you only need the vaccination stuff. You will likley have to "shop around". After calling 5 or 6, we ended up finding one at a "low income" health clinic thing and ended up paying, i think it was $100 or so for the vaccination supplement. MAKE SURE you get it in a sealed envelope, and an additional copy for yourself. The form says right on there this is what they are supposed to do. Insist on it and do not pay otherwise.

When she entered, they kept all her forms at the gate in New York. So now we have no proof of what shots she's had/needs to have now, to give to the civil surgeon who's supposed to sign her supplement form. Does the civil surgeon even need that? How does the civil surgeon determine what shots they need, don't need?

If you have no proof, then you are out of luck. They will likely require her to take everything. Also be warned that some shots are in a series, with a time interval in between. Now, it is too late for you - but I'll throw this in here for anyone else who may be watching. My wife and I got her civil surgeon stuff taken care of early - even before we got married. I seem to remember we got this out of the way within a month of her arriving here. There is no reason to delay this - it's something you can do and get out of the way while you're waiting on other things. My recommendation is to do it as early as possible after your beloved arrives. This way, you have the papers ready to go with your AOS packet as soon as possible. If you wait until after you get married, you can be in for a big delay in filing your AOS (compared to filing the day after you get married).

Should we make an appointment for the civil surgeon now, or should we try to get a copy of her forms, and if so, from where? (Russia govt., or USCIS... maybe Moscow embassy?)

At this point, you will probably save time at the expense of money - just make the appointment and pay for whatever shots they require. You are not likely to get anything from the Russian govt, certainly not the embassy or USCIS. Just bite the bullet and pay up. Keep in mind that the civil surgeon fee will not include whatever shots you need - that is extra.

And just when does all this have to be filed by? Her K-1 expires on the 17th, so we've got a couple weeks, but does the AOS need to be completed and sent in before that, or as long as we've got a copy of the marriage cert, are we legal?

You generally want to do this as soon as possible, for a number of reasons - most importantly, it takes a while. Eligibility for removing conditions is based on when AOS is granted, and eligibility for citizenship is also based on when AOS is granted. So, you want AOS granted as soon as possible, which requires applying as soon as possible. There is no advantage in delaying anyway, so just do it and start the waiting process!

FYI, for us, I sent in the paperwork the day after we got married and we had our AOS interview about four and a half months later - and he said it was the best paperwork he had ever seen (and asked how long I had worked for the government). If your paperwork is missing anything, or requires requests for evidence, or whatever, it can take longer. So triple and quadruple check your paperwork and make sure you have your stuff in order. Make sure stuff is signed, all blanks are filled out (with NONE or N/A as necessary), checks are included, signed, and for the right amount, and so forth. Also, when you file for AOS, also file for the Employment Authorization Document (at an extra fee of course). This will give your wife a permit to work for a year and let her work while AOS is in process. If working is unimportant for her, then don't bother I guess. Finally, if you want for her to be able to leave the country before AOS is granted, then you need to also file for Advance Parole (another extra fee). You can file for AOS, EAD, and AP, all at the same time, if you file them together in the same packet. I recommend this.

Good luck. (:

Cheers!

AKDiver

[Neonred 3,562]

Opps. Guess you missed my post about getting copies of the vaccination record at the medical in Moscow. My girl had the additional required shots at her medical and got copies of the DS-2053 vaccination worksheet. Makes things alot easier. OK, the new guys need to take note.

[Jasman0717 9]

Claudeth only had to have the tetanus shot because Manila didn't have it. Be careful about finding a civil surgeon, the prices can vary by a lot. I suggest you call around and get some estimates. I paid about $70 for the shot and the supplement here in California but have heard others paying hundreds. Try here:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00048f3d6a1RCRD

[Satellite 1]

Also be warned that some shots are in a series, with a time interval in between. Now, it is too late for you - but I'll throw this in here for anyone else who may be watching.

Don't worry about the series shots. Having just started the series is sufficient for USCIS. As long as you complete the rest on your own in good faith I suppose. That's how we did it.

[Ta Ta 1]

I would call, email or fax a request for the DS 3025 supplemental worksheet , the form that has the vaccinations listed that your SO had, to the foreign doctor. He should cooperate

to do this. Some do , some don't.

When your CS here will see which vaccs she had , he will determine which ones if any she will still need, according to age, availability of the vaccs in SO's country etc.

I knew about this ahead of time and told my SO not to leave the medical without this worksheet , after an initial no we can't ,the doctor reconsidered and realized all applicants have the right to get a copy.

I really would try getting the worksheet mailed, faxed or emailed with attachment for print out before paying all that money again and it is not a good idea to revaccinate the same for health reasons. That can be a lot for the system to handle.

If the foreign doctor refuses then you have no choice, except to get a titre test to see which

vaccs have been given, that is also not cheap.

A lot of couples have waited longer to file AOS for various reasons and you will be ok with that, I agree though the faster to file the faster it is all behind you, like a domino chain ....work permit.....removal of conditions etc. etc.

[russ 1]

When she entered, they kept all her forms at the gate in New York. So now we have no proof of what shots she's had/needs to have now, to give to the civil surgeon who's supposed to sign her supplement form. Does the civil surgeon even need that? How does the civil surgeon determine what shots they need, don't need?

What do we do?

Should we make an appointment for the civil surgeon now, or should we try to get a copy of her forms, and if so, from where? (Russia govt., or USCIS... maybe Moscow embassy?) And just when does all this have to be filed by? Her K-1 expires on the 17th, so we've got a couple weeks, but does the AOS need to be completed and sent in before that, or as long as we've got a copy of the marriage cert, are we legal?

You need to get records of when these shots were given, and then translate them. Galina's mother is a physician, and was wise enough to save these records. There are tests to see if certain vaccines have been given, though these will cost more than just getting the vaccination again.

The biggest problem with the vaccination supplement is that it will be sealed in an envelope. If there is a problem, you will not know about it until your interview. It is wise to ask the civil surgeon to prepare two copies, one for you, and one sealed. Also, make sure that the envelope is signed or stamped across the seal (otherwise, USCIS may not accept it).

[Jim_Tanja 1]

We are kind of in the same situation. I told Tanja about the copy for our records but it was completely forgotten by her when she was in Moscow.

We do have the vaccination record from her booklet - in Russian. I'm trying to figure out if we can get this translated into something useful.

Jim

So I'm just now getting Elena's AOS stuff together, and I realize that I'm going to have to file the I-485 (with the $325 fee, and $70 for biometrics... vaseline please!) and I see that since she had a medical exam within the last year, she doesn't need another one. However, she does need a vaccination supplement.

I think we're good on everything except for that.

When she entered, they kept all her forms at the gate in New York. So now we have no proof of what shots she's had/needs to have now, to give to the civil surgeon who's supposed to sign her supplement form. Does the civil surgeon even need that? How does the civil surgeon determine what shots they need, don't need?

What do we do?

Should we make an appointment for the civil surgeon now, or should we try to get a copy of her forms, and if so, from where? (Russia govt., or USCIS... maybe Moscow embassy?) And just when does all this have to be filed by? Her K-1 expires on the 17th, so we've got a couple weeks, but does the AOS need to be completed and sent in before that, or as long as we've got a copy of the marriage cert, are we legal?

Fill me in fellas. I'm clueless in all this AOS stuff. Thanks in advance....

[slim 1,525]

Good stuff so far...

Now, do we have to file for AOS before her K-1 visa runs out? Is she legally able to stay here without filing for AOS?

(For instance, can we wait until, say, March to file?)

[akdiver 3]

Good stuff so far...

Now, do we have to file for AOS before her K-1 visa runs out? Is she legally able to stay here without filing for AOS?

(For instance, can we wait until, say, March to file?)

You don't EVER HAVE to file for AOS, as I understand things. However, after the K-1 visa expires, if she has not applied for AOS, she starts accumulating "out of status" days. I believe one gets 180 of those before being subject to deportation proceedings.

Once again, I cannot stress enough that unless you have some unusual circumstances, there is no advantage to waiting to file the AOS. She cannot gain Lawful Permanent Resident Status until you do. In general, the sooner you do it, the better. One thing to keep in mind that the medical she had in Russia is only good for one year with respect to applying for AOS.

Once again, again...you should file as soon as possible. If you have not filed for AOS and your K-1 expires, you will be considered out-of-status until you file. Make all attempts to file before you become out-of-status. You may also file for your EAD and AP at this time.

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.

I hope this makes things clear for you (:

Cheers!

AKDiver

[radacos 0]

Slim, as long as you have gotten married within 90 days of her entering the country, you are good to go. The expiration date on her K-1 only indicates the date by which she must enter the US. On the other hand, her K-1 status in only valid until the date stamped on her I-94. You can wait as long as you want before you file, but keep in mind the fact that, after her status expires, she won't be eligible for benefits such as work and travel. She won't be deported, and it will likely not make a difference for your AOS, but she will be in limbo. Should she need to leave the country before she gets her GC, depending on the length of time she was out of status, she might trigger a re-entry ban (and AP is not a guarantee against this). Personally, I would strive to file before her status expires (or, at least, no more than a few days after) -- but if it makes more sense for you guys to wait until March, you will probably be OK doing that.

[slim 1,525]

Thanks guys!

I do not have the money right now, awaiting tax return! (Poor financial planning, I know, but what can I do?) Stressing about what to do, just wanted to make sure she's not subject to deportation or will accumulate anything "negative." We'll probably get it all together in the next couple of weeks and get it done, just to be on the safe side, but just wanted to weigh our options.

NEW GUYS.... LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES!!!

[John and Anna 0]

Thanks guys!

I do not have the money right now, awaiting tax return! (Poor financial planning, I know, but what can I do?) Stressing about what to do, just wanted to make sure she's not subject to deportation or will accumulate anything "negative." We'll probably get it all together in the next couple of weeks and get it done, just to be on the safe side, but just wanted to weigh our options.

NEW GUYS.... LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES!!!

File the AOS. WE DID 12/30/06

It is no necessary to send in the 693a at that time. (you may get a RFE) but the process is started.

I-485 reads that:

"You may include the vaccination supplement with you adjustment of status application"

Russian inoculations:

Tetanus

Varicella Disease (Chickenpox)

MMR - Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR)

Anna had her medical docs proving she has had a Tetanus and Mumps shots and knew that she had had chickenpox

Our GP gave her a blood test that showed she was immune to Varicella, Measles and Mumps but not Rubella.

So she does not need to get a Varicella but since the shot for Rubella only comes as a MMR shot. She needs the MMR

Our GP gave us a referral to get the MMR($20) - January 10 9:30 - then off to the civil doctor for the 693a($50)

BTW the civil doc wanted $70 for the MMR and $90 for the varicella

Hope this helps

Subject: Sample AOS cover letter

December 30, 2006

U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

RE: I-485 application to Register for Adjustment of Status

Dear Sir or Madam:

In The above referenced matter, I have enclosed the following:

Form I-485: Petition for Alien Relative

Two passport-type photos.

Check for $325.00 Payable to "Department of Homeland Security"

Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses Passport.

Copy of the K-1 Visa from Passport

Copy of NOA2 "Approval" for I-129F

Copy of the valid I-94

A copy of birth certificate along with English translation.

A certified copy of your marriage certificate.

A copy of divorce documents.

G-325A (all four pages).

Two passport-type photos.

I-693a, vaccination supplement

> you need to sched with doctor.

http://www.knowyourvisa.com/doctors/index.html

I-864ez, Affidavit of Support

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation

I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

Check for $180.00 Payable to "Department of Homeland Security"

Two passport-type photos.

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation as well as

payment as noted here.

I-131, Application for Travel Document.

Check for $170.00 Payable to "Department of Homeland Security"

Two passport-type photos.

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation as well as

payment as noted here.

Sincerely,

[Barry2005 0]

Opps. Guess you missed my post about getting copies of the vaccination record at the medical in Moscow. My girl had the additional required shots at her medical and got copies of the DS-2053 vaccination worksheet. Makes things alot easier. OK, the new guys need to take note.

Can you make the copies yourself or does the clinic have to?

[Neonred 3,562]

Opps. Guess you missed my post about getting copies of the vaccination record at the medical in Moscow. My girl had the additional required shots at her medical and got copies of the DS-2053 vaccination worksheet. Makes things alot easier. OK, the new guys need to take note.

Can you make the copies yourself or does the clinic have to?

The clinic gave her a copy of the DS-3025 Vaccination Document Worksheet. I had told her to be sure she asked for it as I had read about how much easier it is if you have this document. Don't see why you couldn't make as many copies as you wanted but you only need the one.