AOS newbie

[Beautifulday 16]

Hi guys, I have decided to make this thread because I would like someone to give me some basic info or better yet a link to a good site with AOS/EAD/AP information. I just received my K1 visa and I am planning on moving to America at the end of October and get married soon after I arrive, and then apply for the AOS/EAD/AP so I thought that I should start gathering info now, be prepared or maybe see if there are more things that I need to bring to America with me. Any kinda help will be appreciated. Thanks!

[Girl from Celebes 588]

Don't forget to bring your birth certificate along with the English translation - if the written language is different-. The rest of it you can find on AOS guide here on VJ.

[Beautifulday 16]

Don't forget to bring your birth certificate along with the English translation - if the written language is different-. The rest of it you can find on AOS guide here on VJ.

I just read about that....right, can i translate it myself or have someone else do it?

[TBoneTX 45,309]

Bring more than one copy of your birth certificate, because you'll surely have use for it at some point.

Congratulations on your visa!

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Print out your I-94 info > https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

Follow this guide for getting the SSN > http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

Follow this guide for AOS > http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

The fees for the I-765(EAD-work authorization) and I-131(AP-advance parole for travel) are waived when filed with a pending I-485, so include both of those too. It takes about 60-90 days to receive the EAD/AP combo card, which will allow you to work(along with an SSN) and re-enter the US when traveling abroad while waiting for the green card approval.

You need all the supporting documents for each form as well, so read the instructions for each one. You can also search here on VJ for what to include with each form if you get stumped. There are also example forms here on VJ you can look at when filling out the forms. They can be helpful.

Oh, and here are the details you need about whether or not you need to see a civil surgeon > http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/428381-i-693-report-of-medical-examination-and-vaccination-report/?p=6206232

[Beautifulday 16]

Print out your I-94 info > https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

Follow this guide for getting the SSN > http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

Follow this guide for AOS > http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3aos

The fees for the I-765(EAD-work authorization) and I-131(AP-advance parole for travel) are waived when filed with a pending I-485, so include both of those too. It takes about 60-90 days to receive the EAD/AP combo card, which will allow you to work(along with an SSN) and re-enter the US when traveling abroad while waiting for the green card approval.

You need all the supporting documents for each form as well, so read the instructions for each one. You can also search here on VJ for what to include with each form if you get stumped. There are also example forms here on VJ you can look at when filling out the forms. They can be helpful.

Oh, and here are the details you need about whether or not you need to see a civil surgeon > http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/428381-i-693-report-of-medical-examination-and-vaccination-report/?p=6206232

Thank you Kay, you don't let me down, you never do!! I will follow all these throughly. Can you just please tell me if my birth certificate can be a copy and also if it needs to be translated to English by someone "qualified" (like a translator) or can it be me?

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

You are welcome. Glad to help. Provide a copy of your birth certificate and an English translation. The translation can be done by anyone fluent in both languages, including yourself. You just need to put this certification on the translated document > http://www.visajourney.com/content/translations

[PerditaD 35]

I brought several international birth certificates with me, maybe you can check if you can obtain those instead of translating your BC.

[Beautifulday 16]

You are welcome. Glad to help. Provide a copy of your birth certificate and an English translation. The translation can be done by anyone fluent in both languages, including yourself. You just need to put this certification on the translated document > http://www.visajourney.com/content/translations

Thank you, will do!!

I brought several international birth certificates with me, maybe you can check if you can obtain those instead of translating your BC.

When I was getting my bc needed for the interview, there was an option there to check that asked if I wanted my bc to be in another language. Guess I should do that!

[Beautifulday 16]

Also, guys, this is off-topic but I don't want to make another thread and just want to know. Once I get married at a courthouse, is that when my lastname will officially be changed to my fiance's?

[PerditaD 35]

No, not at that stage. Make sure to enter your new name on your marriage license (there will be a question about what name you intend to use after you get married) and then when you submit for AOS, file everything in your new name but include your family name in the form where it asks for it. Once you get EAD, you can go to the SSA office to change your name on your social security card.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Also, guys, this is off-topic but I don't want to make another thread and just want to know. Once I get married at a courthouse, is that when my lastname will officially be changed to my fiance's?

Yes. The person posting above is mistaken. Not all states have you choose what name you want to use after marriage or include the married name anywhere on the license or certificate. The marriage certificate will still act as your legal name change document, even in the many states that do not list your married name anywhere on your marriage certificate. Once you are married, you can begin using your new married name right away. The SSN does not control your name change.

Use it on all the AOS forms, as it will be the name your EAD/AP and green card will come with. List maiden name where it asks for other names used/maiden name.

Edited September 30, 2014 by KayDeeCee

[Beautifulday 16]

No, not at that stage. Make sure to enter your new name on your marriage license (there will be a question about what name you intend to use after you get married) and then when you submit for AOS, file everything in your new name but include your family name in the form where it asks for it. Once you get EAD, you can go to the SSA office to change your name on your social security card.

Right. Why will the name on the EAD/SSC be my family name and not married name since I will file everything in my new name?

[PerditaD 35]

Sorry for posting wrong information, that's what I was told when I inquired about the same thing.

I didn't say SSA controls it, her social security card will be in her maiden name first and from what I've been told, if she wants her name to be changed on her social security card, she has to provide EAD, I was told they don't accept marriage certificate only. Sorry again if I'm wrong.

Edited September 30, 2014 by PerditaD

[PerditaD 35]

EAD won't be in your maiden name. You should get a SSN as soon as you get to the States so it will have to be in your maiden name.

Right. Why will the name on the EAD/SSC be my family name and not married name since I will file everything in my new name?