August 2023 - AOS Filers

[Sarge2155 4,587]

Hello August 2023 AOS filers another month another round of AOS submissions,  Please be aware that this checklist is NOT all-inclusive and you must consult the USCIS website to crosscheck this checklist against/with. The AOS process has been confusing since the pandemic hit, not to mention the added politics. So please I want to stress that you only use this check sheet as a starting point and guide if you will. The USCIS site will be the final guide. Please ensure that you check your forms for the correct versions and editions because if you use the wrong forms USCIS will reject your application and send it back to you. This is easily checked on the USCIS website prior to downloading your forms. You should also ONLY download your forms from the USCIS website.  The current and correct fees can also be ascertained from the USCIS website.

 

Just a side note before we get started  USCIS may decouple Forms I-765 and Form I-131 if filed jointly with Form I-485. Here is the quoted text taken directly from the USCIS website. "To improve efficiency and reduce Form I-765 processing times for Form I-485 applicants, USCIS may decouple Form I-765 from Form I-131 filed at the same time. Effective Feb. 1, 2022, when possible, we will adjudicate an applicant's Form I-765 first. If we approve it, we will issue an Employment Authorization Document without any notation about advanced parole. We will adjudicate Form I-131 separately and if we approve it, we will issue an advance parole document". I know this is old news, but I thought it would be good to include it here for your knowledge.

 

What this means is some people elect to include three (3) copies of their marriage license/certificates one attached to each form (I-485, I-765 and I-131 respectively). I do not know of anyone receiving an RFE for a marriage license/certificate missing on the I-765 or the I-131 since USCIS has started doing this new way of adjudicating the AOS (the marriage license/certificate with form I-485 is required though). This is an age-old concern that has been in play before this new way USCIS started adjudicating these forms. Some filers including me when I filed the AOS back in 2019 sent in three (3) copies of their marriage licenses/certificates. I did it then because of peace of mind and there were some RFEs given out for missing licenses/certificates (back then).  USCIS also used to issue Combo Cards, Employment Authorization Document, and Advance Parole (EAD and AP combined in the same card). I've seen now where they have issued an EAD without the AP.  Whether you include three (3) copies of your marriage license/certificate is going to be your individual call when you file your AOS.  Having said that let's get into the checklist: 

 

 

AOS Checklist

• Cover Letter listing Table of Contents
• Check Payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security - $1,225.00 (this includes the Bio-metrics fee,  also be aware that fees are supposed to increase in the near future so please double-check before you send your packet off!) 

 

Form I-485 (completed and signed by non-US Citizen/beneficiary)

• Form G-1145  
• Copy of beneficiary's Passport with biographical page 
• Copy of beneficiary's K1 Visa from Passport and entry stamp 
• Copy of NOA2 Approval letter (from K1 process) 
• I-94 
• Copy of beneficiary's Birth Certificate 
• translation of birth certificate (if needed)
• Certified copy of Marriage License or Certificate
• Passport Photos (2) name written on the back 
• Copy of DS-3025   

 

Form I-864 (completed and signed by USC) (goes with form I-485)

• Proof of USC's citizenship (copy of birth certificate, copy of passport bio page, or other)
•  Current tax year 2022 and (optional 2021, 2020) Tax Return (with W-2) or Transcripts (transcripts are better if you can get them)
• Employment Verification Letter (updated one - not the one used during the K1 process) 
• Pay stubs (last 3 months)   

 

Form I-765 (completed and signed by non-US Citizen/beneficiary)

• Copy of beneficiary's Passport with biographical page 
• Copy of beneficiary's K1 Visa from Passport and entry stamp 
• I-94 
• Passport Photos (2) name written on the back 
• Copy of NOA2 (from K1 process)
• Be sure to use the correct filing code of (c)(9) if this code applies to you. The I-765 instructions explain all the codes in detail. If you are filing under a different code (other than (c)(9) the fee for your AOS will not be correct and USCIS will reject your entire packet.

 

Form I-131 (completed and signed by non-US Citizen/beneficiary)

• Copy of beneficiary's Passport with biographical page 
• Copy of beneficiary's K1 Visa from Passport and entry stamp 
• I-94 
• Passport Photos (2) name written on the back 
• Copy of NOA2 (from K1 process    

 

Be sure to double-check for the current fees as fees do sometimes increase and they can change on a dime so please check. Additionally, check the forms as listed above i.e., current version and or edition date, there have been many changes to various forms. Consider sending tax transcripts instead of the 1040, and W2s. Also, consider preparing a cover letter for each form in addition to the main cover letter. 

Make sure you send long-form birth certificates and not the short form.  Hope this helps in your preparation of your AOS. When in doubt ask questions.

 

Please consider filing the I-131 and the I-765 even if you don't think you'll need them right now. You never know what changes your life will have down the road, so I recommend you file these two forms from the start. There is no extra charge to file them with your AOS and it's better to submit them all at once.  There has been much confusion coming out of USCIS, partly due to Covid-19 and partly self-inflicted. This confusion filters on down to the people filing for AOS. The above listing is subject to change at a moment’s notice so please check, recheck, and check again BEFORE you send off your packet for any last-minute changes.

 

 

Congratulations on the successful submission of your AOS packet!

[krackowi 5]

Hello, August filer here! We sent ours to USCIS on August 5. Tracking showed as delivered on August 7. Checks were processed August 11.

[Sarge2155 4,587]

2 hours ago, krackowi said:

Hello, August filer here! We sent ours to USCIS on August 5. Tracking showed as delivered on August 7. Checks were processed August 11.

Very good and welcome to the thread!

[spidermango 10]

we sent our packet on 8/11 and the cash was checked 8/18

[Sarge2155 4,587]

5 hours ago, spidermango said:

we sent our packet on 8/11 and the cash was checked 8/18

Welcome to the thread!

[AFWMWA 1]

Category- F2A (GC holder applying for child under 21)
I-130 filed online 8/8.
AOS packet sans I693 sent 8/19. Arrived at Dallas PO Box 8/22, CC swiped 8/23, text message for I485, I765 receipt numbers received 8/24. 
 

May the waiting game begin. Best of luck to everyone.

[biscoito1r 73]

August 10th - Sent the application

August 15th - Application received

August 15th - Case Created

August 18th  - Notice Date

August 26th - Received the confirmation letter

 

I guess now we have to wait to have the fingerprints scheduled.

[Sarge2155 4,587]

4 hours ago, biscoito1r said:

August 10th - Sent the application

August 15th - Application received

August 15th - Case Created

August 18th  - Notice Date

August 26th - Received the confirmation letter

 

I guess now we have to wait to have the fingerprints scheduled.

Welcome to the thread!

[krackowi 5]

Update: August 25, case status changed to Request for Initial Evidence was sent. We didn’t submit an I-693 so I’m hoping it’s just that… So quick though!

[spidermango 10]

Mailed packet 8/11/23

They received/processed it on 8/17 and 8/18 it looks like.

 

We have biometrics appointment on 9/6/23. 

[Ms. Clarke 32]

On 8/27/2023 at 3:31 PM, krackowi said:

Update: August 25, case status changed to Request for Initial Evidence was sent. We didn’t submit an I-693 so I’m hoping it’s just that… So quick though!

What is a I-693 ? It’s not on the checklist, why did you have to file it ?

[biscoito1r 73]

I received a request for initial information. I didn't send a copy of my tax returns because I didn't make enough money last year but I had started a new job so I sent the letter of employment along with pay studs, but I guess it wasn't enough.

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Hijack post & replies split off and merged with member's related thread in the regional sub-forum ***

[Deesmith 1]

I submitted the application on 28th of August, got a receipt notice on 1st of September and my money orders was cashed on 5th of September. I guess the next thing to wait for is the biometrics. 

Edited September 7, 2023 by Deesmith

[Giselaa 2]

Sent package on Aug 29

Package got delivered on Sep 5

How many days does it usually take to receive a text of noa 1?