alliejourney

Thank you, that's what I'm hoping! I've heard they do waive the interviews more often than not these days, so I'll be interested to see how things play out from here. I guess I'm curious how they determine whether or not an interview is needed, and whether they'll ask for additional evidence from us AFTER determining that an interview wasn't needed!

Is anyone familiar with what the steps on the myProgress tab might indicate? We filed August 2nd, they received it August 5th, and husband attended biometrics on October 3rd. Then, mid-October the myProgress tab finally showed up and put us in Step 3 (attend interview if needed) with a timeline estimate of 2 months. This morning I logged in and Step 3 has now been marked complete, and we're on Step 4, Case Decision, with a timeline of 12 months. I know the time estimates are famously inaccurate, but I'm curious about what this might mean in terms of whether we may receive an RFE during this case decision time? If they've decided he doesn't need an interview, have they only scanned it enough to determine there's no red flags that may trigger an interview, but we could still get an RFE? Or have they reviewed everything thoroughly enough that we're essentially just in the queue for an approval or denial? I know nobody can know the workings of USCIS, just looking to speculate and hear from others who may have some knowledge of what could happen next based on this tab!

Not every embassy sends back the approved I-129F, just as an FYI! Also, in our case, the A-Number was printed on the NOA2 (the I-797 acceptance notice for the I-129F). In the box that says "Beneficiary", it lists both an A-Number and his name. I would imagine that would be the same case for everyone? So for us we did have his A-Number before his visa was even issued, technically.

OP, I just went through the K1 process, filed in November 2022 and finally had my now-husband moved here and married this summer, 2024. If I could go back knowing then what I know now, I would choose CR-1. While K1 did have some benefits - specifically for us, we didn't like the idea of being separated after marriage - I can imagine how much easier life would be if he had arrived here with his green card and the ability to work. Doing simple things like obtaining a driver's license and opening a US bank account has been a pain for us. We're lucky that we're in a financial situation where we can afford for him not to be working, but that would definitely be a major issue for some people. Plus, the entire adjustment phase that we're going through now is an extra layer of anxiety that we wouldn't have had to worry about had we done CR-1. I wouldn't say I necessarily regret the K1 path because ultimately things have worked out the way they were meant to, but I do think it would have been cheaper and less stressful to go through CR-1.

Since everything is digital now, you may be able to head to your local SSA office the very next (business day) after arriving and apply for the SSN. Just go online and check your I-94, and if the most recent entry on the K1 is on there, you will be ready to apply! Also driver's license is very state dependent so make sure to check out your state's DMV website. In Ohio, we weren't able to get his license until he had received his EAD but, again, it varies state by state. Good luck!

When my husband did his medical in May, VM advised him to wait the 10 days because it could take up to 5 days for them to process/send the results to the embassy, and another 5 days for the embassy to receive/process that information. Again, that was May, so things could have changed in those months if they're advising you differently! Either way though, as said above, it's not the end of the world if your medical hasn't been processed yet by the time of the interview!

No, you have paid taxes on it, there's nothing illegal about that income. It sounds to me like it would be easier to simply include the 1099. It's one extra copy to make and I think it would ease your anxiety about a potential RFE.

As someone already said, you can only disclose your W2 earnings. You don't need to include the freelancing, since it is not required to bring your salary above poverty guidelines. It's fine that it's on your tax transcript. However, if this is stressing you out, I'd say just go ahead and add the freelance earnings, too.

Update, myUSCIS was updated today to show EAD card is being produced! 😁 So quick timeline for those interested: August 2: I-485 Packet mailed (including I-765 application) August 5: I-485 Packet received in lockbox September 11: NOA received September 13: Biometrics appointment scheduled October 3: Biometrics appointment attended, myUSCIS immediately updated to show biometrics have been taken and I-485 case status changed to "Case Is Actively Being Reviewed By USCIS" October 9: myUSCIS updated to show EAD card being produced (I didn't notice until October 10 because I didn't get a notification through email that case status had changed)

I'm not interested in arguing with you, which seems to be your goal since you've replied to me twice because I didn't take the bait the first time. You can believe whatever your ego wants to believe. I will not be responding to you again.

Agreed with what @appleblossom said. It's not only the I-485, but also all of the accompanying forms that make up the entire packet. Again, as a person who personally handled both the paperwork for the I-129F and also the AOS packet for my now-husband very recently, my opinion is the AOS was much more labor intensive and complicated. You're arguing about something you said yourself you didn't do, lol. To speak to the OP, I would not recommend a service. Utilize this forum for resources and you'll be just fine - the whole process is doable without spending money on help!

Maybe it was different when your wife did it, but the AOS packet was much more complicated imo than the I-129F. Still completely doable DIY, but definitely not a simple one page application.

I, like you, was extremely, extremely concerned that any tiny minor mistake would result in a denial. That is just not the case! Agencies like Boundless like to fear monger a little bit to convince you that you need their service. My now husband and I also almost went with Boundless for that reason, until we found this forum and realized how doable it all is. As others have mentioned, though, the only requirements for a K1 visa are proving that you have met in the last 2 years, and that you are both legally free to marry. Any other doubts they may have can and will usually be settled by an RFE. As long as you prove those two things, don't stress about getting rejected - it most likely is not going to happen to you! Now, even though others in this thread have said photos and evidence of relationship isn't necessary (which is true) I did elect to include some in my packet, as well as a letter detailing the circumstances of our meeting online and giving a timeline of all the visits we'd had to one another. (The letter was also meant to introduce/supplement the many boarding passes, passport stamps, and I94 we included.) We had been together for 9 years, so I actually felt an opposite pressure to you - explaining what took us so long! 😄 Again, none of that was necessary, but I was anxious and it made me feel better, and ultimately it didn't hurt. To your point about the consulate finding your 18 month relationship odd - if you peruse this forum, you'll see many K1s that were approved with much shorter relationships. It might not necessarily be socially typical in your circles, but consulates look at things a bit differently, and in this day and age they are very used to seeing online/long distance relationships. I don't see that raising any red flags at all, as long as you can prove you've physically met within the last 2 years of filing. I totally understand why you're anxious, but truly, it sounds like you don't have a lot to worry about! You're at a low fraud consulate. Just follow the rules and the worst thing that will happen is an RFE!

No dampened spirits here! 😁 I know the full process will still take some time. We're mostly just antsy for the EAD, which hopefully should be much quicker than the green card.

Yes, the same thing happened to me. I just hand wrote whatever answers did not print in black ink and my neatest writing. As a side note, make sure to double check all of your checkboxes, as well. One of my checkboxes that I did click in the PDF printed out without a mark in the box, which resulted in an RFE.

Ah, I see. I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with how the Casablanca embassy operates specifically.

They are probably still producing the visa. CEAC will change to Issued once it's mailed out to you!

Saw on myUSCIS that a biometrics appointment was scheduled for October 3rd! Hopefully by now other August filing folks are starting to get information, and things move a little more quickly from here 🤞

Got the text receipt notification today after filing on 8/2! Hoping to see the NOA1 in the mail within the next week or so. 👍

I sent mine on the 2nd and still no receipts and check hasn't been cashed. I read on one of the other threads it's been taking 4-6 weeks so I wouldn't worry just yet!

Yep, what lilbear said. We arrived late at night. When I woke up the next morning, I checked the I-94 website to see if it had been updated. It had been, so I printed a copy and we headed to the SSA office as soon as he was awake that day! Now that everything is done digitally, it’s incredibly fast and painless

Any August 2024 filers yet? We were married on August 1st and got our packet mailed out August 2nd. I know it's early for anyone to hear anything just yet, but thought I'd get the monthly community started. Also, made some edits to the most recent welcome message I've seen floating around. Please correct me if I got something wrong!

(Welcome Message copied from October 2023 group **with edits in red**) Hello August 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!) As of April 2024, fees have increased for each form. Because forms are being processed separately, you must include a separate check/money order for each individual form's fee. In addition, check this site to make sure you are writing your checks correctly. And always check the fee schedule site to make sure everything is up to date. Form I-485 (completed and signed by non-US Citizen/beneficiary) Check Payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security - $1440 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) Check Payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security - $520 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! I can confirm that this was correct. We got his SSN with absolutely no problems the day after we entered the US on his K1. We brought along his foreign birth certificate, the I-94 with his most recent entry on the K1, and his passport with his K1 stamp. They actually didn't even ask to see his birth certificate, just the I-94 and passport. (I'd still bring the birth certificate though, just to be safe.) All in all it took about a half hour at the office, and we received his SSN in the mail just over 2 weeks later.

Hi! I'm sorry I'm responding a little late, currently visiting my partner and helping him pack up for the move! Yes, this was exactly what my RFE looked like, and all you need to do is check no and send it back. As I said, since your answer is no, there's no need to provide further evidence to prove the negative! Congratulations, things will move quickly from here.