February 2015 Filings for AOS

[Leo7777 243]

KMA, as I understand it, this is the standard form of all RFEs.

It is sort of a cruel system because on the website they do not tell you what the RFE is for.

You have to wait until letter arrives in mail to find out what they want.

The most common RFE relates to the financial situation.

I have read dozens here relating to not enough income, not enough proof of income, not proof of continuing income, etc.

Many times the people here state their income is far above the minimum required, but the RFE still says they don't have enough. What it really means is the income doesn't come from correct person, not enough proof that it will continue, etc.

[KMArmenta 7]

It means they're gonna send you a letter detailing what they need from you to complete your application.

It could be anything from a missing signature on one of the forms, to more evidence that your sponsor can support you financially (support documents for the i-864 basically).

Just wait for the notice to get there in the mail, send back whatever they asked for, and you'll be back on track

This whole process is so stressful. I am really regretting doing it myself instead of using a lawyer.

KMA, as I understand it, this is the standard form of all RFEs.

It is sort of a cruel system because on the website they do not tell you what the RFE is for.

You have to wait until letter arrives in mail to find out what they want.

The most common RFE relates to the financial situation.

I have read dozens here relating to not enough income, not enough proof of income, not proof of continuing income, etc.

Many times the people here state their income is far above the minimum required, but the RFE still says they don't have enough. What it really means is the income doesn't come from correct person, not enough proof that it will continue, etc.

We submitted all of our income documents as well as those from our sponsors. I'm really nervous.

[Nevarez5 4]

KMA, as I understand it, this is the standard form of all RFEs.

It is sort of a cruel system because on the website they do not tell you what the RFE is for.

You have to wait until letter arrives in mail to find out what they want.

The most common RFE relates to the financial situation.

I have read dozens here relating to not enough income, not enough proof of income, not proof of continuing income, etc.

Many times the people here state their income is far above the minimum required, but the RFE still says they don't have enough. What it really means is the income doesn't come from correct person, not enough proof that it will continue, etc.

We have almost the same time line...i hope to hear from them soon!!! I bought my flight ticket for 4/18 so I hope I get my AP on time

[Jo-joanna 2]

This whole process is so stressful. I am really regretting doing it myself instead of using a lawyer.

We submitted all of our income documents as well as those from our sponsors. I'm really nervous.

I know it's not fun, I'm sorry

It may well be something really simple that they need so don't despair!!

[KMArmenta 7]

We have almost the same time line...i hope to hear from them soon!!! I bought my flight ticket for 4/18 so I hope I get my AP on time

You haven't re-entered legally yet?

[1brit 4]

Sorry for the late reply! Dying as I am in exam season and graduating from my MA end of May. First time I mailed the packet, I put it in a thick black folder. Second time, I couldn't care less and just put it all in the big cardboard envelope I mailed it in.

Hey guys, out of curiosity, how did you package your packets for mailing? I put each application in a plain filing folder (no pockets) and then put the folders in a large heavy duty lined manila envelope. I was very strongly considering a flat box though.

This looks good! Just add an ending like, 'Regards, [name]' etc

I am ready to ship!!

Opinions on how you think my cover letter looks and if I'm missing something, would be greatly appreciated!

Name

Address

Date

USCIS

PO Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

Concurrent filing of I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)

Petitioner (U.S. Citizen):
Beneficiary (Alien Spouse):

Dear Sir/Madam

Please find enclosed concurrent filing of forms: I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) on behalf of my husband and I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), and its various supporting documents.

Contents include:

G-1145, E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance

I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

• Personal Check of $420 made payable to US Department of Homeland Security
• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
• Form G325A, Biographic Information of Petitioner
• Passport Style Photograph of the Petitioner
• Form G325A, Biographic Information of Alien Spouse
• Passport Style Photograph of the Beneficiary
• Copy of Petitioner’s Birth Certificate
• Copy of Petitioner’s Driver’s License
• Copy of Beneficiary’s Expired Passport (Biographical Page)
• Copy of Beneficiary’s Expired Passport (Stamped Entry Page)
• Copy of Beneficiary’s Current Passport (Biographical Page)
• Copy of Marriage Certificate
• Copy of Petitioner’s Divorce Papers
• Copy of Beneficiary’s Divorce Papers
• Evidence of Bona fide Marriage
• Checking and Savings Account Statement in Joint names
• Utility Statements in Joint names
• Credit Card Statements in Joint names
• 401K Beneficiary Overview
• Rental Lease
• Affidavits from close friends
• Selection of pictures that document relationship and marriage

I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

• Personal Check of $1,070 mad payable to US Department of Homeland Security
• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Copy of (expired) Passport (biographical page)
• Copy of (expired) Passport (entry stamp page)
• Copy of (current) Passport (biographical page)
• Copy of Birth Certificate
• Copy of Marriage Certificate
• Copy of Beneficiary’s Divorce papers
• Copy of Petitioners Divorce papers
• Form G-325A Biographic information of Alien Spouse signed by the beneficiary
• Two Passport style photographs of the beneficiary
• Form-I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
• Sealed envelope from Civil Surgeon attached
• I-864, Affidavit of Support, filed by the petitioner
• 2015 Employment Letter
• 2015 Paystubs
• 2014 Filed Income Taxes with W2’s
• 2013 IRS Tax Transcript
• 2012 IRS Tax Transcript
• I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• Copy of Passport (biographical page)
• Two Passport style photographs

NO, I am so sorry :( At least it is only a signature you need to fix and you can resend it ASAP. If you only had the one specific, then that was the only thing missing. For some bizarre reason, even if just one thing is missing they say that the whole application is incomplete. Really weird of them.

Well guys I have bad news and good news.

My whole packet was sent back to me

Sounds like the only thing missing was one signature. Silly to miss I know but actually it was my wife's signature on G-325A

One question I do have is how specific is the USCIS in letting me know what is wrong? I have an I-797 on each of the packets I sent off but only one has a specific item wrong, the others state "the principal application could not be accepted for the reason specified on the related notice of action".

On I-797 for the one with the missing information it states that I must sign the application in the signature block.

Absolute doozy of a mistake to make. PLONKER

I am sorry to hear that KMArmenta :/ Hang in there, all of the hassle will be worth it in the end!

Just checked our case status on the USCIS website and got this notice regarding the I-485. What does this typically mean? Anyone else gotten one?

Request for Initial Evidence Notice Was Mailed

On March 11, 2015, we suspended processing of your case, Receipt Number MSC##########, because we need more information from you. Your notice explains what we need from you to resume work on your case. We will not take action on your case until we receive the evidence or the deadline to submit it expires. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your request for initial evidence notice by April 10, 2015, please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

[1brit 4]

Hey guys, once you received a text/email alert from USCIS saying they had received your application, what happens after that? Do they send you a general letter as well or do they send out a biometrics request right after that?

When I checked my case status it said: '....and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice.'

[Nevarez5 4]

You haven't re-entered legally yet?

No but I have 245i which means that I don't have to leave the country during the process. My mom got it for me back in 1999 or 2000. So I am good on that...

[Nevarez5 4]

Hey guys, once you received a text/email alert from USCIS saying they had received your application, what happens after that? Do they send you a general letter as well or do they send out a biometrics request right after that?

When I checked my case status it said: '....and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice.'

You'll get like 4 letters next week that are the official receipts of your case. Then in about 1 week after that, you will get another letter in regards to your Biometrics appointment

[Jo-joanna 2]

Hey guys, once you received a text/email alert from USCIS saying they had received your application, what happens after that? Do they send you a general letter as well or do they send out a biometrics request right after that?

When I checked my case status it said: '....and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice.'

That's your NOA1 you're gonna receive. Just paper confirmation they've received your case, with the tracking numbers for each application form you sent them (i-485, i-130, i-131, i-765)

After you receive that I think about 10 days later you get the biometrics appointment letter.

Edited March 12, 2015 by Jo-joanna

[1brit 4]

Ahh, okay I see. I think I am paranoid what with some members getting RFE's :/ Thank you for your help, Nevarez and Joanna!

You'll get like 4 letters next week that are the official receipts of your case. Then in about 1 week after that, you will get another letter in regards to your Biometrics appointment

That's your NOA1 you're gonna receive. Just paper confirmation they've received your case, with the tracking numbers for each application form you sent them (i-485, i-130, i-131, i-765)

After you receive that I think about 10 days later you get the biometrics appointment letter.

[KMArmenta 7]

No but I have 245i which means that I don't have to leave the country during the process. My mom got it for me back in 1999 or 2000. So I am good on that...

Oh, ok. I don't know what a 245I is, but we applied for the I-94 and were approved last year. He went to MX for a week and then re-entered through Miami. They were really slow and he nearly missed his connecting flight!

[Jo-joanna 2]

Ahh, okay I see. I think I am paranoid what with some members getting RFE's :/ Thank you for your help, Nevarez and Joanna!

Tell me about

I keep thinking something bad is gonna happen with my application.....so here I am checking the forums compulsively, waiting for things to move along!!

[1brit 4]

Haha I feel it, I feel as if this forum is my only relief during this lengthy wait ... sure, friends and family are supportive but they don't really understand what is happening and it takes far too much effort to explain to them what I am waiting for, what this and that means etc.

Your application seems to be going along really smoothly and quite quickly all things considered!

Tell me about

I keep thinking something bad is gonna happen with my application.....so here I am checking the forums compulsively, waiting for things to move along!!

[Jo-joanna 2]

Haha I feel it, I feel as if this forum is my only relief during this lengthy wait ... sure, friends and family are supportive but they don't really understand what is happening and it takes far too much effort to explain to them what I am waiting for, what this and that means etc.

Your application seems to be going along really smoothly and quite quickly all things considered!

Yes totally, it's crazy how much USCIS jargon you learn by the time you submit the application! Friends & fam need a very simplified version of it to follow haha.

Everything's been fine so far, I guess it's just my anxiety & being really impatient . Good luck to you!!