February 2024 - AOS Filers

[SP1988 24]

If combo is approved for EAD and AP is there a realistic timeframe for how long it should take for GC

[GPJB 42]

We got an approval too! The status still hasn’t changed, however, when I checked today I saw the approval for the combo card dated 25th Apr. Hopefully, it will be produced soon!

[tr.thao 9]

I saw my AP showed case was closed and I check the document tab under EAD and I my combo card was approved today. So happy!

[Lara SD 12]

Yay, it looks like they've been approving quite a few combo cards for applications filed in early February - so happy for everyone! 🥳

[JaredShadkin 65]

I-131 now showing "Case Closed" on our end, which should mean that a Combo Card Notice will be issued in the coming days.

[M and Mike 25]

On 2/8/2024 at 8:55 PM, JaredShadkin said:

(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!

Hi Guys, I found this on USCIS website about the filling code on I-765 form. Which code should I use on K-1? Visa? (a) (6) or (a)(9) Thanks 

Edited April 30 by M and Mike

[Lara SD 12]

40 minutes ago, M and Mike said:

Hi Guys, I found this on USCIS website about the filling code on I-765 form. Which code should I use on K-1? Visa? (a) (6) or (a)(9) Thanks 

Hey! Neither of these codes is correct. 
 

Technically, you could put (a)(6) since you entered on a K-1. That work permit would only be valid for the 90 days until your K-1 expires though. 
 

If you’re currently adjusting status from a K-1, you should be putting (c)(9). That application will be based on your pending I-485 and valid until approved. 
 

You can find a detailed explanation of all codes in the instructions for Form I-765.
 

 

[JaredShadkin 65]

Combo I-131 and I-765 approved on April 29, 2024. 

[ap4295 32]

We got approved today and the approval notice says "We will send your Employment Authorization Document (also known as an EAD card or Form I-766) to you separately. The EAD card will have an I-512 endorsement on it, which indicates that you have been approved for advance parole"

Is this what everyone is calling the "combo card"? Also the I-765 still says 5 weeks until case decision even though they said they've made a decision. I'm sure that's just an error on their end that will go away eventually?

Edited May 2 by ap4295

[scholes18 43]

9 minutes ago, ap4295 said:

We got approved today and the approval notice says "We will send your Employment Authorization Document (also known as an EAD card or Form I-766) to you separately. The EAD card will have an I-512 endorsement on it, which indicates that you have been approved for advance parole"

Is this what everyone is calling the "combo card"? Also the I-765 still says 5 weeks until case decision even though they said they've made a decision. I'm sure that's just an error on their end that will go away eventually?

Correct, that's the combo card. The case itself will not update and close until the card is produced - give it 2-3 weeks. 

[JaredShadkin 65]

9 minutes ago, ap4295 said:

We got approved today and the approval notice says "We will send your Employment Authorization Document (also known as an EAD card or Form I-766) to you separately. The EAD card will have an I-512 endorsement on it, which indicates that you have been approved for advance parole"

Is this what everyone is calling the "combo card"? Also the I-765 still says 5 weeks until case decision even though they said they've made a decision. I'm sure that's just an error on their end that will go away eventually?

 

First you will receive a copy of the Approval Notice in the mail, followed by the physical EAD Card with I-512 Endorsement. 

This is indeed the combo card, as it serves two purposes. Disregard the case timeline on the website. 

 

 

[M and Mike 25]

Hi guys, about to applied but need help on these documents that I have put together. Just want to check if all is ok. Thanks in advance.

 

I-765

 

I-485

 

 

 

[mbodwams 55]

My EAD was approved today! The wording doesn’t seem like I’m receiving a combo card, but I’m not able to log into my USCIS account to confirm (cell service isn’t working properly so I’m not receiving the verification code).

 

Biometrics were on 03/13 and NOA1 was 02/29. Hoping for AOS approval soon! 

[mbodwams 55]

23 hours ago, M and Mike said:

Hi guys, about to applied but need help on these documents that I have put together. Just want to check if all is ok. Thanks in advance.

 

I-765

 

I-485

 

 

 

There’s a separate fee for filing I-765 now, don’t forget to include a cheque for that. 

[M and Mike 25]

54 minutes ago, mbodwams said:

My EAD was approved today! The wording doesn’t seem like I’m receiving a combo card, but I’m not able to log into my USCIS account to confirm (cell service isn’t working properly so I’m not receiving the verification code).

 

Biometrics were on 03/13 and NOA1 was 02/29. Hoping for AOS approval soon! 

Thank you!!

55 minutes ago, mbodwams said:

My EAD was approved today! The wording doesn’t seem like I’m receiving a combo card, but I’m not able to log into my USCIS account to confirm (cell service isn’t working properly so I’m not receiving the verification code).

 

Biometrics were on 03/13 and NOA1 was 02/29. Hoping for AOS approval soon! 

Congrats