AOS Cover Letter

[NY-Viking]

While this isn't necessary, I always like to include a cover letter when submitting several forms. I couldn't find one on the Candle or elsewhere (sorry if one is here), so here's what we'll be submitting:

 

-----------------------------------------------------

 

[Name of Applicant]

[Address]

 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

 

[Date]

 

Re: Adjustment of Status from K1 Fiancé for [Name](A_________)

 

To Whom It May Concern:

 

Please find enclosed the following documents in connection with my application to adjust my status to a permanent resident of the United States:

 

1. My completed Form I-485;

2. Check for $___ to pay for the I-485 Fee and the Fingerprinting Fee;

3. A copy of my Birth Certificate with English translation;

4. A copy of the passport page with my K1 visa;

5. Copy of my I-94 (____________) issued at my entry on _____, 20__, in ______________;

6. A copy of my marriage certificate for my marriage to ______________, which occurred on _________, 20__;

7. A photocopy of the I-797, Notice of Action, issued in approval of the 129f petition submitted on my behalf;

8. Two (2) photographs;

9. My completed Form G-325A;

10. My completed Vaccination Supplement to Form I-693 issued by a designated civil surgeon;

11. A completed Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with supporting evidence from my [husband/wife] _______________ (my sponsor);

12. A completed Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with supporting evidence from my ________ __________________ (joint sponsor);

13. My completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; and

14. Check for $____ to pay for the I-765 Fee.

 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about my application at the address above or (__) ___-____. Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

[Name]

 

___________________________________________

 

I'd welcome any comments if you have them. We need to get this out today, so that we can be sure to beat the new filing fees (although they are determined by postmark - October 26) and because we're a couple of days outside of the 90 days after entry. Of course, we did marry within 90 days, so I think we're ok, but I figure better not wait too much longer. Just been a tough couple of weeks.

 

I also note that we decided to include the EAD application, but not the Travel Document application as we have no plans to head back to China in the immediate future.

Edited October 19, 2005 by NY-Viking (see edit history)

[frank1538]

I used both a transmittal letter and a table of contents for the ACCO bound file:

 

Transmittal Letter:

 

On behalf of my wife I am enclosing the following:

 

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status for Jingwen ******, supporting documentation, and a check in the amount of $255.00 [old fee] made payable to USCIS to cover the application fee. Ms. ***** entered the US as a K-1 fianc¨¦e and married the petitioner, Frank ****** within 90 days of her arrival.

 

Table of Contents [i used Eric's t-letter as a template]

 

A1 ¨C Form FC-029, signed by the applicant stating that copies of all documents submitted by her are exact photocopies [not required, but what the heck]

A2 ¨C Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, with two ADIT photos attached [specifications have changed], and signed by the applicant

A3 ¨C Form G-325A (in quadruplicate) and signed by the applicant

A4 ¨C For I-797, Notice of Action approving the original I-129F filed on behalf of the applicant (official and courtesy copies)

A5 ¨C Copy of applicant¡¯s passport main page, copy of K-1 visa, and copy of the I-94, Departure Record (front and back)

A6 ¨C Copy of applicant¡¯s notarial (certified) birth certificate, in Chinese and English with certification that the English translation is in conformity with the original Chinese copy

A7 ¨C Copy of applicant¡¯s notarial (certified) divorce certificate relating to a prior marriage and custody of her two children, Qiqi **** and Minghao ****, in Chinese and English with certification that the English translation is in conformity with the original Chinese copy

A8 ¨C Copy of applicant¡¯s current marriage certificate showing her marriage to the US citizen/petitioner (Frank ******) on February 27, 2004

A9- Sealed envelope from the Civil Surgeon containing medical and vaccination information

A10 - Form FC-029, signed by the sponsor (Frank *****) stating that copies of all documents submitted by him are exact photocopies

A11 - Signed and notarized Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, executed by Frank *****, sponsor

A12 - Employment verification for sponsor and copies of Statement of Earnings and Deductions (payroll statements) for sponsor for the months of January, February, and March 2004

A13 - Copies of federal income tax returns of sponsor for the calendar years 2001, 2002, and 2003.

______________

 

Other than the FC-029 which is not required, I think we're in sync.

[awch]

This is a good idea.... also, how did you assemble your papers? Did you put them in a binder similiar to the petition?

 

For the petition I had a binder that opened from the bottom, with the files attached at the top and a table of contents. Is this how others submitted their AOS papers?

 

Thanks.

[NY-Viking]

They seem to like you to assemble the documents using ACCO fasteners at the top, but since I don't have any, we're just using clips, and staples for a few of the documents.

 

Here's some filing tips:

 

http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/nbc....htm#FilingTips

[nooneufo]

I did the following cover letter on our AOS papers, which I also followed the recommended ACCO binding at the top with the index tabs at the bottom (The ones you can print on your printer to make it a neat stack of document.) (at officemax, Avery self-adhesive tabs #16281. Here are the blank templates http://www.avery.fr/us/Main?action=softwar...twarecode=4115)

If you want my printed template PM me an Email address.

 

That web page for binding is http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/scn...nal/index.htm#H

I also make use of this webpage for information as well: http://www.cebu4luv.com/fw/

 

Yes, we submitted the I-485 and I-131 bound together in the order listed on the cover letter. My thought was the act of separting the two , since it was in the same order, would cause both to be processed without loss. Probably this did nothing at all. I also made two complete copies of this stack of documents, bound the same way including a copy of the three checks.

For the original, I put the photos in a zip lock bag and stapled it to a blank sheet. For my copies, I just copied the photos.

I did not put any original documents in, because I know they will lose them, which is why I put the statement at the bottom, and the instructions says they dont need originals unless they ask for them . I did the same with the K1 petition.

 

 

 

 

 

I-485 and I-131 ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

Cover Letter For First name/Last name Axx xxx xxx

 

Name

Address

Address

 

The Date

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

 

Nature of the submission: I-485 and I-131 ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

 

To Whom It May Concern:

Enclosed please find my Form I-485, Form I-131 and supporting documents for First/last Name Axx xxx xxx.

 

Contents include:

 

Payment in the amount of $315 for I-485

Payment in the amount of $70 for Fingerprint/Biometric

Payment in the amount of $165 for I-131

I-485

Birth Certificate and Translation

Passport page with non-immigrant visa

2 ADIT Photos

Vaccination supplemental form to I-693

G-325A

I-94 Evidence of Status

Fiancé petition approval notice I-797

Marriage Certificate

I-864

Tax returns for 2004, 2003, 2002 for I-864

Recent Pay Statements for I-864

I-131

I-131 Part 7 Letter of Explanation

Passport Identity page

I-94 with non-immigrant visa to show present status

2 ADIT Photos

 

Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents and I understand that I may be required to submit original documents to an Immigration or Consular officer at a later date.

Thank you for your attention.

Signed,

 

First/Last Name

Edited October 19, 2005 by nooneufo (see edit history)

[david_dawei]

They seem to like you to assemble the documents using ACCO fasteners at the top, but since I don't have any, we're just using clips, and staples for a few of the documents.

 

Here's some filing tips:

 

http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/nbc....htm#FilingTips

161503[/snapback]

I read the following in the link... seems to say 'refrain from using ACCO'...

 

 

Please refrain from using ?ACCO? style fasteners and/or staples (However, it is ok to staple the fee to the top of the primary application package.)

[cosmiclobster]

I thought that I read that you were supposed to enclose seperate checks for the I-485 and the $70 biometric scan fee.

[hakkamike]

They seem to like you to assemble the documents using ACCO fasteners at the top, but since I don't have any, we're just using clips, and staples for a few of the documents.

 

Here's some filing tips:

 

http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/nbc....htm#FilingTips

161503[/snapback]

I read the following in the link... seems to say 'refrain from using ACCO'...

 

 

Please refrain from using ?ACCO? style fasteners and/or staples (However, it is ok to staple the fee to the top of the primary application package.)

161846[/snapback]

Here is one more link David.

http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/scn...nal/index.htm#H

[nooneufo]

They seem to like you to assemble the documents using ACCO fasteners at the top, but since I don't have any, we're just using clips, and staples for a few of the documents.

 

Here's some filing tips:

 

http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/nbc....htm#FilingTips

161503[/snapback]

I read the following in the link... seems to say 'refrain from using ACCO'...

 

 

Please refrain from using ?ACCO? style fasteners and/or staples (However, it is ok to staple the fee to the top of the primary application package.)

161846[/snapback]

In part 6. from http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/scn...nal/index.htm#H

 

 

In preparing your packet, please take note of the following:

 

 

1. Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.

 

2. Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.

 

3. The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.

 

4. Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.

 

5. Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required (Forms I-94, Labor certifications, etc). Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

 

 

Although you did recall correctly here http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/nbc...m#FamilyPackage

 

What specific steps can applicants and their representatives take to avoid delays in processing certain applications/petitions through the Lockbox?

 

General

 

* Please do not send original passports or other valuable personal documents. Make copies of your original documents and submit the copies with the application/petition.

* Copies of all documents, including odd-sized documents, should be on 8 ½ x 11 paper.

* Please refrain from using “ACCO” style fasteners and/or staples (However, it is ok to staple the fee to the top of the primary application package.)

 

 

 

Maybe someone should try to get an official clarification on this. Although they accepted my ACCO bound papers.

Edited October 21, 2005 by nooneufo (see edit history)

[nooneufo]

I thought that I read that you were supposed to enclose seperate checks for the I-485 and the $70 biometric scan fee.

161854[/snapback]

From this site http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/scn...nal/index.htm#H

 

 

NOTE: Please assemble all fee payments on the top of each and every case, whether or not the case is filed with one fee payment or multiple fee payments. When multiple applications are simultaneously filed (such as an I-485, I-765, I-131, and I-824) place all checks together on the top left of the I-485.

 

 

And on the I-485 instructions under fees on page 3 and 4:

 

You may submit one check or money order for both the

application and biometric services fees, including

fingerprinting fees. Fees must be submitted in the exact

amount. Do not mail cash. Fees cannot be refunded. All

checks and money orders must be drawn on a bank or

other institution located in the United States and must be

payable in United States currency.

 

 

 

And the reason I chose to send seperate checks was here http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/nbc...m#FamilyPackage

 

What are acceptable means of paying fees?

The Lockbox will accept the following financial instruments for payment of fees: money orders, personal checks, and cashier's checks. Note that personal checks are acceptable, provided there are not any previously received checks that were returned due to insufficient funds from that account. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH. Be sure checks are properly completed including signature and the correct date, and that they are made payable to “US Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.” Please note that if more than one Form is filed using a single check and just one is found to be unacceptable, ALL Forms will be returned.

Edited October 21, 2005 by nooneufo (see edit history)

[BuffaloPaul]

I was getting so much conflicting information that I called this number

(800) 375-5283 and asked for I485 specialist (they have a group devoted to AOS). Lady told me exactly how to assemble it, what type of checks to use, etc. Eliminated all the misinformation on both this board and 001

[david_dawei]

I was getting so much conflicting information that I called this number

(800) 375-5283 and asked for I485 specialist (they have a group devoted to AOS). Lady told me exactly how to assemble it, what type of checks to use, etc. Eliminated all the misinformation on both this board and 001

162063[/snapback]

And your now charging anyone who wants the information ?

[awch]

I was getting so much conflicting information that I called this number

(800) 375-5283 and asked for I485 specialist (they have a group devoted to AOS). Lady told me exactly how to assemble it, what type of checks to use, etc. Eliminated all the misinformation on both this board and 001

162063[/snapback]

And what did she tell you??

[tywy_99]

I was getting so much conflicting information that I called this number

(800) 375-5283 and asked for I485 specialist (they have a group devoted to AOS). Lady told me exactly how to assemble it, what type of checks to use, etc. Eliminated all the misinformation on both this board and 001

162063[/snapback]

Did the nice lady tell you to use the standard two-hole punch on any and all forms to be submitted? Did she tell you to use those little vinyl hole re-enforcements on the pages?

[hakkamike]

I was getting so much conflicting information that I called this number

(800) 375-5283 and asked for I485 specialist (they have a group devoted to AOS).   Lady told me exactly how to assemble it, what type of checks to use, etc. Eliminated all the misinformation on both this board and 001

162063[/snapback]

Did the nice lady tell you to use the standard two-hole punch on any and all forms to be submitted? Did she tell you to use those little vinyl hole re-enforcements on the pages?

162237[/snapback]