just starting AOS- some questions

[bmadeline 0]

Hi

My new husband and I just got married yesterday, and now we are going to start the AOS process.

We had used a lawyer for the 129-F, and I was very pleased at how quickly our case moved (NOA1-Visa granted, 4.5 months) and suspect that had much to do with the fact that we had a lawyer. I also suspect, however, that he greatly overcharged us, and am wondering if anyone has experience with immigration lawyers and could tell me, more or less, how much is a fair fee to charge for the AOS, apart from filing fees which are now $1010. Also, is hiring a lawyer going to make my process go faster in this arena as well? I suppose just the fact that there are not likely to be RFEs make it go a lot faster.

Second, I was reading the guide for getting a SSN, and it says that you have to have a valid non-work reason to apply for a number, but it doesnt say what that could include. My husband wants his so that we can apply for a joint checking account, as i have tried at several banks, and no one will let him add his name to my account without a SSN. I have read in other threads that there are some banks, like Bank of America that can, but I havent been so lucky. Is that a valid non work reason? Also, one of the forms of identification needed for applying for a SSN is a US passport/license/id card, but we cant seem to get one of those without a SSN. What am I missing here? It seems like a crazy vicious cycle, you need A, but in order to get A, you need B, the only way to get B, is if you have A. Am I not understanding this right?

Lastly, Where do I find out what is his Alien Reg Number, or if he has one?

Thanks sooo much, this is all so confusing. And I thought just getting the Visa was the hardest part... Thank goodness for VJ...

maddie

[Nanusia & Lukaszek 0]

We had used a lawyer for the 129-F, and I was very pleased at how quickly our case moved (NOA1-Visa granted, 4.5 months) and suspect that had much to do with the fact that we had a lawyer. I also suspect, however, that he greatly overcharged us,

I had about the same timeline ~5months to get the visa for my husband, and we did not use a lawyer. We saved money & got it done in the same time as you. My recommendation is that if you have a simple case (no waivers, no messy past) that you can file it on your own, with the help of VJ of course!

As for AOS attorneys, if you choose that route, I heard they charge anywhere from $1000 (plus USCIS fees) to $4500. Crazy ranges, since they are only putting together papers you hand them, and mail them out.

If you feel confident you can organize the papers in a nice packet, save the money and skip an attorney

[Shub 78]

This will answer your questions on the SSN:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=ssn

Pay attention to section C of the following link in particular:

https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx...33;opendocument

If I'm reading it right, it essentially states you're allowed to get an SSN and they shouldn't be asking any questions.

Your card will say "employment only with DHS authorization" or some such thing but that's it. Follow the guide on this site, print out the relevant section for K-1 visa holders and show that to the SSA employee if they give you trouble...

You can find your A number on the NOA2 of your 129F petition.

[Mr and Mrs Bird 0]

We are using a lawyer and paid him $3800 for all the AOS/EAD/AP process.

It's also include joining us to the AOS interview.

It is not faster since he have already messed a few things up with wrong codes and other things on those formular.

But at least he paid for a refile on our EAD that was denied.

If we didn't had a little problem from the past we would do it all ourself with help from VJ.

Best luck for you

Anette

[thetreble 19]

For our AOS application, we hired a lawyer. Our case, now that I look at it, is pretty straight forward but I'm young and didn't know if I could handle it myself. We were charged $2,500 (pretty pricey) but we researched a lot of lawyers before we settled on one that had a lot of experience. They will not make your case go any faster. I was just more comfortable letting someone with experience file my application. However I still got an RFE but that was my fault as I filed with a short form birth cert. and not a long form birth certificate. The lawyer told me at the time of filing to request my long form from my country because USCIS would want it. They were right.

If you came on a K-1, it was my understanding that you are eligible for an SSN.

A lot of things in the immigration can be catch 22s. You just have to sort through the wording. You will find that the AOS process may be a lot tougher than your visa process.

[misa 2]

A lawyer has no bearing on how fast USCIS processes cases or how soon a foreign consulate schedules interviews.

[Cécy 44]

http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/display...um=19&pos=1

The non immigrant visa number is the 1 number (someone correct me if I'm wrong). I also heard it's red.

As far as the SS#: a K1 visa is considered to be a work permit (although if you don't get the stamp at the POE it doesn't really apply when you want to work), but as far as getting a SS number, as long as the I-94 isn't expired (at least 1 to 2 weeks before expiration date) you can use this + a passport to get a SS number.