2017 I-485 Houston Filers

[Visitor User 253]

1 hour ago, Joel&Julia said:

Right, you might get another RFE or RFIE on the day of the interview (specifically for the medical exam), but not before then.

 

 

 

We did not receive a tracking number for the EAD card. It just arrived in the mailbox in a regular first class mail envelope.

If there is a tracking #. We can see it in the informed delivery of USPS account. Is it sent as regular mail?

[Visitor User 253]

Did anyone walk into any of the SS office in Houston and request a SS Card? If yes, what documents did they ask for?

Edited August 11, 2018 by Visitor User

[Joel&Julia 78]

4 hours ago, Visitor User said:

Did anyone walk into any of the SS office in Houston and request a SS Card? If yes, what documents did they ask for?

Yes, we did that immediately after applying for my wife’s drivers license. As I recall, they wanted her passport with her maiden name, our marriage certificate, and her EAD card. The SS card came in the mail about 2 weeks later.

[Joel&Julia 78]

4 hours ago, Visitor User said:

If there is a tracking #. We can see it in the informed delivery of USPS account. Is it sent as regular mail?

Yes, regular mail. I guess USCIS doesn’t want to share any of their fees with USPS (like the cost of a Certified endorsement).

[Visitor User 253]

5 minutes ago, Joel&Julia said:

Yes, we did that immediately after applying for my wife’s drivers license. As I recall, they wanted her passport with her maiden name, our marriage certificate, and her EAD card. The SS card came in the mail about 2 weeks later.

Passport in DPS or SSA office? My AOS is not based on marriage. EAD good enough? I mean that is what their website says. Also, do I to fill the replacement card application?

Edited August 11, 2018 by Visitor User

[Joel&Julia 78]

8 hours ago, Visitor User said:

Passport in DPS or SSA office? My AOS is not based on marriage. EAD good enough? I mean that is what their website says. 

 

The main document we needed was the EAD, and when it finally came in the mail, we went the next day to the DPS and SSA to get the next set of documents.

 

We used the same three documents at the DPS and the SSA (not to mention the bank and a couple other places). The EAD wasn’t enough because at least one of the organizations required two forms of picture ID. The marriage license was necessary for us to explain why the name on the EAD card didn’t match the name on her passport. If the names match, marriage license isn’t needed.

 

 We went to the DPS first because they would allow her to get a DL without a SSN unless she was waiting to receive an SSN she had already applied for. We didn’t know how long it would take to get the SSN, so it seemed safer to apply for the DL first.

 

 I don’t know why you would fill out a replacement card application unless you need to replace a lost card.

[Visitor User 253]

Are you saying Passport is a requirement at SS Office with EAD or was it asked because of maiden name change?

 

My AOS is not marriage based. 

Edited August 12, 2018 by Visitor User

[Joel&Julia 78]

6 hours ago, Visitor User said:

Are you saying Passport is a requirement at SS Office with EAD or was it asked because of maiden name change?

 

My AOS is not marriage based. 

 

SSA requires two separate government documents to prove identity and age. Passport is not required, but it is acceptable.

 

We chose to use the EAD card and passport as the two documents. We also had to include the marriage certificate, not because of anything related to immigration status but to justify the name discrepancy because the passport had her maiden name while the EAD had her married name.

 

[Visitor User 253]

17 hours ago, Joel&Julia said:

 

SSA requires two separate government documents to prove identity and age. Passport is not required, but it is acceptable.

 

We chose to use the EAD card and passport as the two documents. We also had to include the marriage certificate, not because of anything related to immigration status but to justify the name discrepancy because the passport had her maiden name while the EAD had her married name.

 

So I can show EAD only at SS office alone and that would suffice? That is what their website says. What about showing a Texas Driver License and EAD? Is there an application to fill out at the office?

[Joel&Julia 78]

12 hours ago, Visitor User said:

So I can show EAD only at SS office alone and that would suffice? That is what their website says. What about showing a Texas Driver License and EAD? Is there an application to fill out at the office?

The SS office requires two forms of ID. The EAD alone won’t suffice.  EAD plus birth certificate would work and is their preference unless you cannot get the birth certificate within 10 days. EAD plus Texas driver license probably would work since all the information they need is on the EAD and the driver’s license just adds the required second document.

 

The SSA.gov website has the following note:

 “We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use a DHS work permit as proof of both immigration status and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.“

 

I don’t recall that there was an application. We just talked to someone, she looked at our documents, and she said the card would come in the mail. The meeting was less than 5 minutes.

Edited August 13, 2018 by Joel&Julia

[Visitor User 253]

My EAD c9 category was approved for 1 year. Is that the standard on pending AOS?

Edited August 14, 2018 by Visitor User

[emekus94 1,125]

Just now, Visitor User said:

My EAD was approved for 1 year. Is that the standard on pending AOS?

EAD is always for one year
If you don't get your GC within that timeline, make sure u apply for renewal

[Joel&Julia 78]

52 minutes ago, emekus94 said:

EAD is always for one year
If you don't get your GC within that timeline, make sure u apply for renewal

Also, don’t wait long to apply for renewal. It’s currently taking around 7 months to process renewals, and that number is climbing.

[emekus94 1,125]

3 minutes ago, Joel&Julia said:

Also, don’t wait long to apply for renewal. It’s currently taking around 7 months to process renewals, and that number is climbing.

I simply have to laugh - this is madness
Cuz if this keeps climbing, we all have to file for renewal the INSTANT we get the current approval 

[Visitor User 253]

11 minutes ago, Joel&Julia said:

Also, don’t wait long to apply for renewal. It’s currently taking around 7 months to process renewals, and that number is climbing.

When is the earlier I can apply for renewal?