Seems like somebody has to clarify things to USCIS in writing.
Your case is complicated for a number of reasons:
1) Wife were in removal proceedings
2) I-485 was filed twice (?) - with USCIS and court. I can see why this can be confusing
3) You moved in the process
Worst case you can file a WoM for decision, but otherwise 1 year wait for I-485 is totally expected, especially for such complicated case.
Filing online and paying $710 is a guarantee your application won't be rejected for incorrect fees.
Otherwise, if you want to pay reduced fees, make sure to write a cover letter in big letters explaining why you qualify for fee reduction. Quote the exact clauses in immigration law. Stick it at the front of your packet.
In your situation, I've seen all scenarios on VJ:
1) You get GC before N-400 gets approved
2) You never get GC, just naturalize
3) You get GC after naturalization.
Everything is possible, but most likely it's gonna be #2
What's the existing account? The one used by US citizen to file I-130 / I-129F?
If yes, USCIS is right. I-485 and I-290B belong to immigrant and cannot be added to US citizen account.
Same will be the case for I-751 if you have to file in the future and N-400.
Yes
This is the official exact questions you're going to be asked. They're 100% accurate and come from the USCIS.
I'll be using those to study for the test.
You can file I-130 and I-485 concurrently no issue. I'd also look into filing I-131 and I-765, they give immigrant a lot of flexibility during waiting period.
1) What was the filing date and when is your 3 year anniversary of bwing LPR exactly?
2) I highly recommend personal checks not credit cards if filing by mail. Too often credit card issuers mark transaction as fradulent when USCIS attempts to charge the card.
Yes.
As advised, N-600 (if he becomes a citizen as a minor) is highly recommended.
Many years later DOS can ask for certificate of citizenship to renew his passport. Or employer may ask for it to complete clearance for certain jobs. Or social security office may ask for it before paying social security.
Here's the list why N-600 is a good investment:
It may cost him much much more than $1385 in the future if he has to put effort, money and time proving he's a citizen when you and your wife are no longer around.
How can they apply for N-400 within a year of getting their green cards? Usually, spouse of US citizen can apply for N-400 after 3 years of being lawful permanent resident (given they're married to US citizen for over 3 years).
If your wife naturalizes before son turns 18, he will automatically become a US citizen too. Otherwise he'll have to file N-400 himself based on 5 years of being resident.
Do not take social security card. It should be stored in a safe place.
State ID doesn't help for international air travel either. Of course, if it's real ID compliant, you can show it on the way out of the US to TSA instead of passport.
Yes, don't just include one bank statememt. Include statements from the tine joint account was open until now. Evidence should span periods of time to be considered. Include all pages of documents too.
If you have retirement statements showing spouse's name that's better than one page.
If you travelled together by plane or had hotel resevations in both names, include it too.
Looks like it's not too late to hire somebody to supervise entire process and prepare you for the interview too.
But if you want a lawyer just for interview portion, you certainly can do that. You may also shop around and see what it costs to do the whole case VS just interview representation. My gut feeling is, just interview is going to cost at 50-80% of the price of the entire case. But I may be wrong.
Ouch
It's possible to get approved without. It's also possible you'll be asked to demostrate your certificate.
They do have a record, but the way DOS / USCIS operate is they require you to provide all the proof for any benefit. They don't have to research / work hard locating your files etc.
It's impossible to predict CBP behavior. Most likely she will be allowed in. May get a warning, may need to go through secondary.
What's the alternative? Give up LPR status?