February 2024 - AOS Filers

[JaredShadkin 65]

(Welcome Message copied from November 2023 group)

Hello February 2024 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!

Edited February 8 by JaredShadkin

[SP1988 24]

Sent mine on monday the 5th but i sent to Dallas lockbox cause im in texas but im hearing everyone sends to chicago regardless is this correct?

 

It states delivered on tracking but no notification and payment hasnt gone through either.

[SP1988 24]

Anyway officially a Feb guy

 

Filed AOS :Feb05

Delivered to lockbox: Feb06

[JaredShadkin 65]

32 minutes ago, SP1988 said:

Sent mine on monday the 5th but i sent to Dallas lockbox cause im in texas but im hearing everyone sends to chicago regardless is this correct?

 

It states delivered on tracking but no notification and payment hasnt gone through either.

If you live in Texas, you file via the Texas Lockbox. You did so correctly. 

Notification of receipt takes a few days to a few weeks - varies widely. 

Edited February 8 by JaredShadkin

[Crazy Cat 41,984]

29 minutes ago, SP1988 said:

but im hearing everyone sends to chicago regardless is this correct?

That is inaccurate.

 

USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart for Certain Family-Based Forms | USCIS

[SP1988 24]

Thanks crazy cat i was worried. Guess its just a waiting game now

[SP1988 24]

Just got charged lets go. Guess im officially processed

[JaredShadkin 65]

Filed: February 7, 2024

Delivered: February 8, 2024

Case Received (Confirmation via Text): February 13, 2024

[GPJB 42]

Hi all Feb filers!

Here’s our timeline so far:

Submitted 2nd Feb

Delivered 7th Feb

NOA1 7th Feb

Case number received 12th Feb

Case changed to biometrics scheduled 13th Feb

Biometrics appointment 8th Mar (obtained via Emma)

 

Still waiting to get the NOA1 and access codes via mail.

[Crazy Cat 41,984]

***Merged in a progress report.  A duplicate new thread removed***

- VJ Moderation

[JaredShadkin 65]

2 hours ago, GPJB said:

Hi all Feb filers!

Here’s our timeline so far:

Submitted 2nd Feb

Delivered 7th Feb

NOA1 7th Feb

Case number received 12th Feb

Case changed to biometrics scheduled 13th Feb

Biometrics appointment 8th Mar (obtained via Emma)

 

Still waiting to get the NOA1 and access codes via mail.

 

I've tried multiple times this week to get the online access codes and biometrics date from the Live Agents via the chat, but each one has a different story as to when I can request it if the letter doesnt arrive within X-period.

What did you ask Emma/the agent to request the biometrics appointment date?

[Lara SD 12]

Hi guys!

 

we actually have the exact same timeline as GPJB! I had not received the biometrics notice so I asked a live agent via Emma for the date („My biometrics appointment was scheduled yesterday. Would you be able to tell me the date and location of it?“ to give you an idea!) It was scheduled for March 4. I then also got my online access code from another agent - which took two attempts - and was able to create my online account and reschedule biometrics to the next day (February 15) 🤗

 

So now it’s just a waiting game!

 

 

[SP1988 24]

NOA1 for I-485, 765, 131: FEB 10

Biometrics appointment notice: FEB 13

Biometrics appointment: MAR 07

 

really hope this process goes by quicker than K1 Visa.

[JaredShadkin 65]

Filed: February 7, 2024

Delivered: February 8, 2024

Case Received (Confirmation via Text): February 13, 2024

NOA-1: February 12, 2024 - Arrived by mail on February 17, 2024.

Online Access Codes received via Emma: February 20, 2024.

Biometrics Scheduled for March 6, 2024 - Changed online to February 21, 2024

 

Got the dreaded RFE for financials - lawyer indicated happens frequently for Puerto Rico based cases. 🙄

Edited February 20 by JaredShadkin

[Crazy Cat 41,984]

14 minutes ago, JaredShadkin said:

Got the dreaded RFE for financials - lawyer indicated happens frequently for Puerto Rico based cases

Huh?  I've never seen that one.....maybe attorney should have been proactive....LOL.

Edited February 20 by Crazy Cat