nastra30

USCIS won't question this. Don't overthink this.

No, just tell them how long (your current intended duration) you want to stay at port of entry if asked. Most likely your will be given a 6 months stay regardless but not always. Visa is issued but DOS but your stay is determined by DHS.

Yes. But always remember entry is at discretion of CBP.

I agree with others that your own birth cert might probably not be needed. However, if you really need to replace your lost birth cert you can ask a family member in Ghana to go obtain a certified copy from Birth & Deaths in Ghana. You can obtain it same day if you want.

Check the visa bulletin. Currently in the April 2033 bulletin, visa numbers are available for beneficiaries with priority date Sept 2015. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-for-april-2023.html Also, it's best for your mom to file for them as LPR, and not wait until she naturalizes. As of today, the wait time is worse for USC filing for adult unmarried children.

Total income for most recent tax filing is the same for both, that's why it's a joint filing. The couple joint filed so IRS views them as one filing entity. Again current income = 0 Total tax income = put whatever is on the transcript for the joint couple

No, put her income as 0. But provide the same tax transcript. Why isn't your joint sponsor's spouse filling the form?

Isn't there a box for 'unemployed since? If so check that. Again put income as 0. Answer yes for - have you file tax returns. And provide same tax transcript. And why are you the one filing the I864A form. Your joint sponsor and her spouse should be doing this and not you. If you are just assisting them then cool.

Then shouldn't have issue with tax transcript because it's the same. Just put 0 for income.

Don't they file their taxes jointly?

Ouch; the extra $120 you paid is certainly VFS administrative charges/processing fees. All the same, that saves you a plane trip all the way to the east coast. Thanks for coming back and providing feedback; I'm sure it will be helpful to someone else someday.

Finally, they are making it official official. Seems the piloted this in a few States especially Florida. Step in the right direction to save people a trip to the field office.

Awesome. Thanks for the update.

You haven't received a receipt yet for the application? The priority date is on the receipt.

By default, the category is automatically upgraded to F1 category. However, the law allows daughter to maintain category F2B if it's to her advantage. If she chooses to maintain category F2B she'll have to contact NVC (if NVC has her case). What's the priority date?

Hmm, maybe they are becoming strict about it but I'm still confident he should be ok. Give it a shot. I'm surprised you actually got to speak with someone over the phone at the GH consulate in NY; they never seem to ever answer that phone or call anybody back. That's a first.

You are definitely reading it correctly but they won't be strict about it because husby doesn't have relatives in the US. As I said just use two relatives in GH and you should be fine, and consulate will understand. I have done so before. Oh, and another thing - the witness section will require the witness official stamp or seal and the application will list only certain people or officials who can act as a witness. Also ignore this. Husby can ask any Ghanaian to act as witness. And shouldn't even stress himself with the stupid stamp or seal being requested. I'm not sure you guys are located but I will recommend the consulate in NY. Remember it's biometric so husband will physically have to go into the consulate. You might be skeptical with what I'm saying but come back and thank me later.

Absolutely, the guarantors and witness section are required. The guarantors don't have to be living in the US. Your husband can just use two guarantors living in Ghana. If you are concerned about signatures, husband can complete the application email to the guarantors and let them sign it and mail it back using DHL or EMS or similar couriers. If you husby is tech savvy he could even have the relatives e-sign the application and email it back. However, what husband doesn't want to do is go back to GH just because of passport renewal or have the immigration officer or whoever send it by mail. I say it's dangerous to mail your passport from Ghana. And top of that it's a hustle to get your passport on time in Ghana without greasing some palms. Less hustle and pretty straightforward if he renews in the US and sleep worry free.

Op, you made a $465 mistake. File form I-824 and pay that fee.

Op, ask spouse to file I-130 now and let the process run it's course.

Op, I assumed she filed online? The receipt with the service center might be under the document section online. As of today, you'll be waiting 8+ years for your immigrant visa number to be current.

Knowledge is power. Sharing is caring. DIY saves money. So I learn and share just as you are beginning to do, all thanks to VJ community.

Very serious. Even your own status is not valid. Lawyer time.

Op, your SSN card probably has "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION" or similar wording indicated on it. That's why you'll need EAD or Greencard.