Married with an ESTA (tourist) visa

[Linda91 3]

We are in the process to file for adjustment of status form I-485, and we are trying to collect all the required documents from the instructions. Sometimes the instructions are a bit confusing and I want to double check with you guys if we got everything in place. 

 

*Filing fee

*2 new passport photos in colors

*Birth certificate 

*Photocopy of my passport parole stamp when entering + all the stamps on my expired passports I've ever had when entering US 

* Marriage certification

*All the other required forms (we are going to send all the forms together as a package, it'll take a bit longer to send everything together, but hopefully that won't be an issue)

*criminal record (my record is clean, but I'll send it regardless if they ever ask for it, to fasten the process)

*Photocopy of my VISA

*My flight tickets

*Relationship proof

 

Is there anything missing?

 

[Linda91 3]

And also when filing form  I-485 adjustment of status, how did you guys fill in when leaving blanks? According to the instructions you have to put "N/A" or "None", but watching youtube videos from 2019 they suggest you to just put blank for the most parts. 

[Sarah G 170]

14 hours ago, Linda91 said:

We are in the process to file for adjustment of status form I-485, and we are trying to collect all the required documents from the instructions. Sometimes the instructions are a bit confusing and I want to double check with you guys if we got everything in place. 

 

*Filing fee

*2 new passport photos in colors

*Birth certificate 

*Photocopy of my passport parole stamp when entering + all the stamps on my expired passports I've ever had when entering US 

* Marriage certification

*All the other required forms (we are going to send all the forms together as a package, it'll take a bit longer to send everything together, but hopefully that won't be an issue)

*criminal record (my record is clean, but I'll send it regardless if they ever ask for it, to fasten the process)

*Photocopy of my VISA

*My flight tickets

*Relationship proof

 

Is there anything missing?

 

One thing I would suggest is a copy of every document that every form asks for. So if two forms ask for birth cert, send a birth cert copy with each form. Include a cover letter at the front that lists all your docs and the forms. I used sticky tabs on the pages in my packet to make everything easier to find, and gave each form its own manila folder with the contents of that folder listed on the front of it. When I get home I'll look and see exactly what docs I sent. Off the top of my head your list looks good. 

 

In answer to your question about blanks, I always wrote N/A or None. That way they know I didn't miss the question when filling out the form. 

[Sarah G 170]

Oh, you also want copies of your I-94 records. I included both pages of mine - one showing travel history and the other showing that specific visit. 

 

Not sure what you mean by photocopy of your visa as you are on ESTA. 

[Sarah G 170]

And of course you need all your documents for the I-864 from him. Tax return transcripts, W2s, proof of his citizenship etc. 

[Linda91 3]

2 hours ago, Sarah G said:

Oh, you also want copies of your I-94 records. I included both pages of mine - one showing travel history and the other showing that specific visit. 

 

Not sure what you mean by photocopy of your visa as you are on ESTA. 

I never got an I-94, what exactly is that?

[geowrian 22,337]

2 hours ago, Sarah G said:

Not sure what you mean by photocopy of your visa as you are on ESTA. 

ESTA is just to board a plane. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is how you enter the US w/o a visa.

/pedantic

 

25 minutes ago, Linda91 said:

I never got an I-94, what exactly is that?

Your arrival/departure record. They are electronic now:

https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home

[Linda91 3]

3 hours ago, Sarah G said:

Oh, you also want copies of your I-94 records. I included both pages of mine - one showing travel history and the other showing that specific visit. 

 

Not sure what you mean by photocopy of your visa as you are on ESTA. 

I got it my I-94 printed now. But I don't understand the purpose of getting a I-94?? I'll be taking copies of my stamps on my passport for every arrival I've ever made including my expired old passport, which will show the same information as the I-94. 

 

I tried to find my I-94 on my expired old passport (I've entered the US twice with it, almost 9 years ago). But it says no record found for traveler. Does it mean they just cleared it out, and it's not needed anymore?

 

Oh I thought ESTA was a visa...I'm on ESTA, isn't that some kind of a tourist visa...

 

Edited August 28, 2019 by Linda91

[HRQX 4,145]

2 minutes ago, Linda91 said:

I tried to find my I-94 on my expired old passport (I've entered the US twice with it, almost 9 years ago). But it says no record found for traveler. Does it mean they just cleared it out, and it's not needed anymore?

The online portal tends to just show the last 5 years.

[Linda91 3]

We are going to send all the forms in one package as mentioned. So we got an appointment to do the medical examination and take the vaccinations that's needed (form I-693). On form i-485 in the instructions it says "...because of the time-limited validity of Form I-693, you may choose to submit your form I-693 after you file your form I-485. You may also submit form I-693 in person at an interview in a USCIS field office, if an interview is required. By waiting to submit form I-693, you may avoid having to repeat the immigration medical examination."

 

If I've already taken my vaccinations that's required, why would I have to retake them again if it's needed for the interview? A vaccination lasts for many years and I'd have a new record of when I got them here in the US. 

[HRQX 4,145]

1 hour ago, Linda91 said:

If I've already taken my vaccinations that's required, why would I have to retake them again if it's needed for the interview? A vaccination lasts for many years and I'd have a new record of when I got them here in the US. 

The vaccinations would remain valid. The I-693 examination has a max validity timeframe. That is why I personally recommend to wait until the I-485 interview is scheduled to do the I-693 medical exam.

[Linda91 3]

52 minutes ago, HRQX said:

The vaccinations would remain valid. The I-693 examination has a max validity timeframe. That is why I personally recommend to wait until the I-485 interview is scheduled to do the I-693 medical exam.

So you would have to take the vaccinations all over again because the form I-693 is invalid? Won't there be any negative health bi effects of taking an overdose of all the vaccinations? 

[geowrian 22,337]

12 minutes ago, Linda91 said:

So you would have to take the vaccinations all over again because the form I-693 is invalid? Won't there be any negative health bi effects of taking an overdose of all the vaccinations? 

No, you would need the vaccinations documented on a new I-693 (along with a new medical).

[Just Paul 4,595]

12 minutes ago, Linda91 said:

So you would have to take the vaccinations all over again because the form I-693 is invalid?

No the medical is EXPIRED not invalid.   You need an exam not the the entire vaccinations redone.

[Crazy Cat 41,761]

21 minutes ago, Linda91 said:

Won't there be any negative health bi effects of taking an overdose of all the vaccinations? 

Even if a person took an additional round of routine vaccines, I wouldn't expect any negative side effects from multiple injections of vaccines.  Getting a second round of routine vaccinations just increases the chance that you are protected.....and this article explains it.

 

https://www.familyeducation.com/life/vaccine-schedule/are-extra-doses-vaccines-harmful

"Remember that vaccines used in this country are incredibly safe. There is no increased risk of side effects in an otherwise healthy child. In fact, when children come to this country from overseas, and the shot record cannot be found, the official recommendation of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) is to start the series over again. The major drawback for the patient is the discomfort of getting the extra injections."

Edited August 29, 2019 by missileman