Jump to content
born2farm

I am now on OPT (F1 VISA) and getting married

By born2farm in Adjustment of Status (Green Card) from K1 and K3 Family Based Visas

 Share

10 posts in this topic

Recommended Posts

born2farm Explorer

born2farm   0

Posted
Filed: Other Timeline
Posted

Hi, I graduated from grad school last year and now am on my OPT (F1 Visa status). I and my bf (US citizen) are getting married and I am getting ready to file for my green card. I dont want to hire a lawyer since I think I can do it by myself. I do need some advices though because I have not done this before. We both live together in the U.S. Could anyone give me a list of forms that I have to fill ( where to send ...etc )? What documents do I need to prepare? What documents does my bf need to prepare? Thanks a lot!

ps. I also need to file work permit (EAD?) and travel document.

MPGGPM Community Regular

MPGGPM   0

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Turkey
 Timeline
Posted
Hi, I graduated from grad school last year and now am on my OPT (F1 Visa status). I and my bf (US citizen) are getting married and I am getting ready to file for my green card. I dont want to hire a lawyer since I think I can do it by myself. I do need some advices though because I have not done this before. We both live together in the U.S. Could anyone give me a list of forms that I have to fill ( where to send ...etc )? What documents do I need to prepare? What documents does my bf need to prepare? Thanks a lot!

ps. I also need to file work permit (EAD?) and travel document.

This link below should pretty much sum up what you will need.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

April 16, 2004 Married in Saint Augustine, Florida.

March 7, 2005 Wife left for Istanbul to serve J-1 2 year HRR. Was a very bad day at Black Rock.

May 23, 2006 USCIS receives application for I-130

June 12, 2006 Noa1

Sept 7, 2006 Noa2 I-130 approved

Oct 10 ,2006 Received fee bill from NVC

Nov 13 ,2006 Received Packet 2 DS-230

Jan 4, 2007 Mailed Packet 2 to NVC

Jan 22, 2007 RFE from NVC aaarrrrgggghhh!!!!!!!!

Feb 28, 2007 NVC received "checklist" response and original documents for the RFE

March 13, 2007 Case completed at NVC! Whoooohoooo!! Ankara, here we come!!!!

March 15, 2007 Case fowarded to Ankara Embassy

April 4, 2007 Interview. Wife gets handed the little green paper. Not good. Need to submit a few more things.

April 9, 2007 Items mailed back to Embassy. Crossing fingers, rubbing the "rabbit's foot", etc,..that this may FINALLY be the end.

April 14, 2007 Visa delivered! Wife is finally going to be on her way back home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April 20, 2007 Wife enters through JFK. The days of grabbing my dinners at the WalMart deli....are now officially over!!!

Stay tuned to this channel for further updates..........

SC & TF Enthusiast

SC & TF   1

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ghana
 Timeline
Posted (edited)
Hi, I graduated from grad school last year and now am on my OPT (F1 Visa status). I and my bf (US citizen) are getting married and I am getting ready to file for my green card. I dont want to hire a lawyer since I think I can do it by myself. I do need some advices though because I have not done this before. We both live together in the U.S. Could anyone give me a list of forms that I have to fill ( where to send ...etc )? What documents do I need to prepare? What documents does my bf need to prepare? Thanks a lot!

ps. I also need to file work permit (EAD?) and travel document.

This link below should pretty much sum up what you will need.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

You really shouldn't need a lawyer if your case is straightforward. It's just unnecessary money to pay for something you can do yourself. I was also on OPT, graduated in 2005, got married in October 2006, and I'm adjusting status. Follow the instructions above and make sure you ask questions on this forum if you're not sure about anything. By the way, you don't need certified copies of your marriage certificate. Photocopies are fine. Good luck.

Edited by SC & TF

N-400 Naturalization

03/22/10...N-400 mailed to Phoenix,AZ Lockbox

04/06/10...Check cashed. NOA1

05/07/10...Biometrics appointment

06/23/10...Interview appointment - PASSED!

08/19/10...Oath ceremony - Officially a US citizen!!!

08/24/10...Updated SSN records

08/31/10...Applied for US Passport and Card

09/15/10...Received US Passport and Card

I -751 Removal of conditions

04/04/09...I-751 sent to California service center

04/12/09...NOA1. permanent residence extended for one year.

06/10/09...Biometrics appointment done

06/21/09...2 yr GC expired

07/09/09...Approval letter received in the mail!!! GC approved 07/06/09

07/20/09...10 yr GC arrived in the mail.

AOS/EAD timeline: F1 to AOS (married to USC)

11/14/06.....I-130/I-485/I-765 sent to Chicago Lockbox (Day1)

11/21/06......Checks cashed, NOA1 for I-130/I-1485/EAD arrives in mail (Day 8)

12/12/06.... Biometrics done (Day 29)

01/20/07...Interview notice received dated Jan. 12, Yay!! (Day 68)

01/30/07....EAD touched, finally!(Day 78)

02/01/07....I-485, I-130 touched. EAD card production ordered (Day 80)

02/07/07....EAD card received in mail (Day 86)

02/26/07...Interview - name check pending (Day 105)

06/21/07.... Card production ordered email...omigosh! (Day 220)

06/24/07.....Email: Notice mailed welcoming new permanent resident on 6/22

06/30/07.....Welcome notice received in snail mail

07/02/07....Email: Approval notice sent. GC received in mail!!! (232 days from filing)

khool Contributor

khool   0

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted

Adjusting from F-1 and OPT EAD should be straight froward. We completed the adjustment in about 4 months. Just make sure you ask questions on here, and stay organized. You won't need a lawyer for this.

9/4/06 - AOS package accepted at Chicago

9/11/06 - ND AOS package

9/14/06 - NOA AOS, AP and EAD

9/16/06 - Biometrics letter received

9/18/06 - All touched

9/19/06 - AP and EAD touched

9/20/06 - RFE notice by email (verify income and employment)

9/23/06 - Biometrics

9/25/06 - NOA I-130 (finally)

9/26/06 - Touched AOS and EAD

10/4/06 - Returned RFE materials by USPS Express mail

10/5/06 - RFE materials signed for by D Atwell

10/12/06 - E-Mail notification RFE material received 10/10/06

11/3/06 - Received interview notice (for 12/18/06)

12/18/06 - Approved with letter in hand (no stamp)

1/3/07 - GC in hand Remove conditions 9/18/08

gumaz Apprentice

gumaz   0

Posted
Filed: AOS (pnd) Timeline
Posted

I think if your case is straightforward you definitely do not need a lawyer. The process is really straightforward and if your possess the patience to take the time to read the forms you will realize that it is easier than you think. Basically you will need to file the following forms::

I-130 - Pettiion for Spouse

I-485 - Adjustment of Status paperwork

I-765 - Employment Authorization Document ( ... you already possess an EAD with your OPT)

These are the main forms you will need to file, and each form will clearly state any supporting documents that are required e.g. Passport photos, Income Tax papers ... etc.

Also if you can file all the documents at one time. My wife and I made a mistake of filing the I-130 and the other forms separately ... it has cost us many months waiting for the work permit.

Good Luck

AOS/EAD

October 11, 2006 - Mailed AOS/EAD packet received in Chicago

October 16, 2006 - Receipt NOA1 issued ---> (Day 1)

October 19, 2006 - Received NOA1 in mail for EAD and AOS

October 26, 2006 - Received Biometrics Appt Letter ---> (Day 11)

October 31, 2006 - Biometrics Appt in Birmingham, AL ---> (Day 16)

January 4, 2007 - NO TOUCHES SINCE BIOMETRICS ... ---> (Day 81)

January 5, 2007 - EAD APPROVED; CARD ORDERED ... THANK YOU JESUS ... ---> (Day 82)

January 16, 2007 - AOS no touches/transfers/updates ... still waiting ---> (Day 93)

April 11, 2007 - AOS INTERVIEW --- APPROVED ON THE SPOT -- GREENCARD ORDERED

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE ...

khool Contributor

khool   0

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted
I think if your case is straightforward you definitely do not need a lawyer. The process is really straightforward and if your possess the patience to take the time to read the forms you will realize that it is easier than you think. Basically you will need to file the following forms::

I-130 - Pettiion for Spouse

I-485 - Adjustment of Status paperwork

I-765 - Employment Authorization Document ( ... you already possess an EAD with your OPT)

These are the main forms you will need to file, and each form will clearly state any supporting documents that are required e.g. Passport photos, Income Tax papers ... etc.

Also if you can file all the documents at one time. My wife and I made a mistake of filing the I-130 and the other forms separately ... it has cost us many months waiting for the work permit.

Good Luck

Just to be clear, it is a very good idea to file for a new EAD along with AOS although you are already on OPT. Your OPT is limited to work in areas related to your study. The new EAD does not have such a restriction. Plus, your current OPT may expire before your GC comes through - in this case, your new EAD will allow you to keep working.

And since almost everyone gets an RFE to verify income, I'd suggest requesting tax transcripts for free from the IRS for the past three years and submit those in lieu of 1099s, W-2s, etc. Do this before you file. Saves on paperwork and time and we know that the USCIS likes those transcripts.

9/4/06 - AOS package accepted at Chicago

9/11/06 - ND AOS package

9/14/06 - NOA AOS, AP and EAD

9/16/06 - Biometrics letter received

9/18/06 - All touched

9/19/06 - AP and EAD touched

9/20/06 - RFE notice by email (verify income and employment)

9/23/06 - Biometrics

9/25/06 - NOA I-130 (finally)

9/26/06 - Touched AOS and EAD

10/4/06 - Returned RFE materials by USPS Express mail

10/5/06 - RFE materials signed for by D Atwell

10/12/06 - E-Mail notification RFE material received 10/10/06

11/3/06 - Received interview notice (for 12/18/06)

12/18/06 - Approved with letter in hand (no stamp)

1/3/07 - GC in hand Remove conditions 9/18/08

ardilla Explorer

ardilla   0

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Peru
 Timeline
Posted

I agree with everyone. Apply for the EAD, and AP as well.

For those on F1 or other nonimmigrant visa, if your wedding date/application for AOS is close (within 3 -6 months) to the last time you entered the U.S., this can be problematic. That would be the only reason you may want to consult with a lawyer. If you haven't left and entered the U.S. recently then you shouldn't have problems in this regard. When my husband had his AOS interview, the officer verified these exit/entry dates carefully.

Also, if you have ever been out of status on your F1 or B1 visa, or ever had an overstay, that would be a good reason to consult with an attorney.

khool Contributor

khool   0

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted
Thanks a lot guys! I still got a question.....according to form I-765 Question 16.....what category should I choose?

Should be ©(9). See the instructions part on that form.

9/4/06 - AOS package accepted at Chicago

9/11/06 - ND AOS package

9/14/06 - NOA AOS, AP and EAD

9/16/06 - Biometrics letter received

9/18/06 - All touched

9/19/06 - AP and EAD touched

9/20/06 - RFE notice by email (verify income and employment)

9/23/06 - Biometrics

9/25/06 - NOA I-130 (finally)

9/26/06 - Touched AOS and EAD

10/4/06 - Returned RFE materials by USPS Express mail

10/5/06 - RFE materials signed for by D Atwell

10/12/06 - E-Mail notification RFE material received 10/10/06

11/3/06 - Received interview notice (for 12/18/06)

12/18/06 - Approved with letter in hand (no stamp)

1/3/07 - GC in hand Remove conditions 9/18/08

 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
- Back to Top -

Important Disclaimer: Please read carefully the Visajourney.com Terms of Service. If you do not agree to the Terms of Service you should not access or view any page (including this page) on VisaJourney.com. Answers and comments provided on Visajourney.com Forums are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Visajourney.com does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. VisaJourney.com does not condone immigration fraud in any way, shape or manner. VisaJourney.com recommends that if any member or user knows directly of someone involved in fraudulent or illegal activity, that they report such activity directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can contact ICE via email at Immigration.Reply@dhs.gov or you can telephone ICE at 1-866-347-2423. All reported threads/posts containing reference to immigration fraud or illegal activities will be removed from this board. If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by contacting us here with a url link to that content. Thank you.
“;}
×
×
  • Create New...