Bill & Angel
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Posts posted by Bill & Angel
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Hi All,
My wife's mother is applying for a visa to visit us in the US. My wife & I just had a baby (7 weeks old), and mom is coming to visit and help out. My question is this: What do you recommend for the documents that we provide at the interview in Beijing? Has this been discussed and/or documented already somewhere? Looking for advice based on real world experiences (already know what the DS160 instructions say).
THANKS!
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Next week is our interview with our 8-year old son who came over on a K2. His mom already got her green card, and is China visiting family, so it will be just me and our son at the interview. It seems a lot of the things requested to bring don't apply for the son (such as joint bank accounts, join returns, etc...).
What exactly should I bring to the interview? Birth certificate, passport, anything else?
Any idea what kind of questions they might ask him?
I was really hoping that would skip the interview for our son, since it seems redundant (as well as causes him to miss school). But, we have to go, so I just want to make sure we're prepared. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Bill
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Congrats! Tough questions? You got me worry about my hus's now...
Here's the thing: There was no "correct" answer. The point I was trying to make is that we didn't practice like we did for the Guangzhou interview (where the fiancee is by herself). Here you are present as a couple, already married, and they just need to get a genuine sense of love between you. It's okay to worry, it's okay to be caught off guard, just be genuine. That's what I took away from the experience.
Some points of interest:
1. He first asked for my passport for proof of US citizenship, and seemed alarmed that I didn't bring it. I showed him my birth certificate instead (which is what the interview letter said to bring), and he said, "Oh yeah, that will work too."
2. Pointed questions about how we knew we loved each other in such a short time.
3. He enjoyed looking at the pictures (both from our wedding, and some trips we took together later).
4. He was interested in seeing things such as join bank accounts and jointly filed tax returns. Letters from family and friends didn't seem to carry much weight, but he did mention to save them for the removal of conditions interview.
5. They do not provide translation service like they did in Guangzhou, so since my wife's English is still limited, we brought an interpreter to help her with some of his questions (she would not have understand 50% of his questions had she been on her own).
That's about all that sticks in my memory now... except for after the approval stamp, the tension was gone, and he was not nearly as serious anymore. He made a point to mention that his intention was to protect the American citizen in the marriage.
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We had our green card interview on 8/6/09. The interviewer asked a lot of tough questions that caught us off guard. I think he liked the fact that we did not come back with any scripted answers. In hindsight, we definitely did not have the best answers, but he saw us as genuine and more importantly, approved!
Welcome to USA letter came a few days letter. Green card should arrive in a few weeks.
See signature for timeline.
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I would suggest that you make an info pass appointment , make the call on Wednesday, and ASK to have the appointment BEFORE your wife's scheduled departure date. IMO, solves a LOT of problems.
My question about biometrics was more along her timeline - the interview could come anywhere from 2 to 11 weeks after the biometrics appointment was finished.
if your timeline on biometrics-to-interview hold true, than an info pass appointment may be a moot thing... her biometrics were exactly 10 weeks ago today. if we could get that darn interview date set, then we could re-purchase the tickets, and all would be well again (assuming she has no problems at the interview). my fingers are crossed.
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no the point is dont miss your GC interview
Bill you know USCIS, mess with them at your peril.
Why cant she wait ?
yes, I know the USCIS too well, which is really the basis for my worry (meaning that although I didn't want to read the responses here, i realized the reality of the risk after reading them).
the reason she didn't want to wait is because she is really missing her family, and July is the only month they can all spend time together (her brother is a teacher). she was so happy when I got the tickets for her, which in turn made me very happy. taking that away from her feels really crappy.
in any case, i'm glad the responses came quickly, because i was still within the 24-hour period of buying the non-refundable tickets, which means I qualify for a full refund. we canceled the trip, and now she's calling her family to tell them the news. breaks my heart. but the worry is gone.
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ummm..... get the green card first
Let me ask then... what's the f'n point of the I-131 travel document? Is it just a crock of shit? The whole point of the travel document, I THOUGHT, is that it's supposed to let her travel before she gets her green card, but now all I hear is that you shouldn't travel until after the green card, which means the travel document is meaningless, except that it allowed us to think that it was okay to travel, buying the non-refundable tickets, etc., etc., ad nauseam.
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i have heard of denial of entry back to US when you failed to go to your interview, becasue they will see that as you saying you want to quit applying for your green card.
i think it is better if she keeps her assigned interview date.
Is it really that black and white? Should we hire an immigration lawyer? She's going to be in China for 3 weeks, and I don't think she thinks she has anything to worry about (i.e, I don't see her changing her mind about the trip, not to mention the non-refundable ticket purchase).
Unfortunately, from the responses I've seen here, I now have a stomach ache from worry, which will probably turn into an ulcer by the time of her trip in July.
The only thing we got going for us, I guess, is that they haven't scheduled the interview yet. Generally speaking, how long from the date they send the letter is the interview usually scheduled out?
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My wife decided she needed to go visit her parents in China, and she got her travel document approved (I-131), so she's good to go. However, her greencard (I-485) is still pending.
Now our concern is what happens if we get an NOA for her greencard interview, and the date is scheduled during her trip to China?
Is it possible to change the interview date? Anyone ever find themselves in this situation? Anyone have an interview NOA that provides any information about possible re-scheduling?
Yes - we had someone have their interview re-scheduled, because of a move. Then the AOS application was denied, because they failed to show at the original interview (USCIS mistake here). They spent a year afterward getting that mess straightened out (successfully)
Try to avoid re-scheduling, if at all possible. If she is out of the country at the time of her scheduled interview, she might be denied entry.
Why would they deny her entry if she has her travel document that authorizes re-entry?
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have there been any biometrics appointments ?
My wife had her biometrics over a month ago, and already received her work authorization card as well (I-795). Our son had his biometric appt a few weeks ago.
How does that factor in?
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My wife decided she needed to go visit her parents in China, and she got her travel document approved (I-131), so she's good to go. However, her greencard (I-485) is still pending.
Now our concern is what happens if we get an NOA for her greencard interview, and the date is scheduled during her trip to China?
Is it possible to change the interview date? Anyone ever find themselves in this situation? Anyone have an interview NOA that provides any information about possible re-scheduling?
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Humm, I could have swore I read rogerinca wrote his check for $600 even too.. he has a k4 daughter. Guess i need to add an $80 check since I wrote the $600 already.
LGR<
FYI, I talked to USCIS today after getting the 2nd rejection notice for my stepson, and he said that a child under 14 does not need biometrics, so the fee is only $600.
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Bill,
i see you wrote a check for $680 on the K-4. I dont see what age your step son is, but mine is 13.
AS the way I read the 485 instructions, it is $600 only for a child under 14 and submitted with a parent under a K-3.
I am sure you added the $80 for biometrics, but I see no where in the 485 instructions that a child under 14 will have to pay $80 also.
thanks,
LGR<
It was unclear to me at first, but after reading posts here, I came to the conclusion that the biometrics was needed. This was confirmed when I called the USCIS to discuss this matter. The $680 is the correct sum. My son is 8 years old (and it's K2, which I guess is similar to K4).
I see that you've indicated an "NOA Rejection for Son" in your timeline. May I ask what that's about?
It's addressed in another thread... basically, they made a mistake and didn't treat the application as accompanied with my wife's. Hopefully it will be resolved soon.
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Bill,
i see you wrote a check for $680 on the K-4. I dont see what age your step son is, but mine is 13.
AS the way I read the 485 instructions, it is $600 only for a child under 14 and submitted with a parent under a K-3.
I am sure you added the $80 for biometrics, but I see no where in the 485 instructions that a child under 14 will have to pay $80 also.
thanks,
LGR<
It was unclear to me at first, but after reading posts here, I came to the conclusion that the biometrics was needed. This was confirmed when I called the USCIS to discuss this matter. The $680 is the correct sum. My son is 8 years old (and it's K2, which I guess is similar to K4).
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Our check was cashed about a week after sending it in also. We just got the biometrics done yesterday. Our appointment was at 3 and was out of there by 3:15. Good luck
Well, it looks like the check for my wife's application was cashed 1 week + 1 day after delivery. However, the check for my son's application is still not cashed. They were in the same envelope. Should I be concerned?
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Hi Everyone,
Our AOS package was received within 2 days after sending it out, according to the USPS. The checks have still not been cashed. What is the typical lag time between the package arriving in Chicago, and actually getting processed in?
Thanks,
Bill
Hi Bill,
Our AOS timeline are only a few days apart.
My check was cashed about 1 week after our package was received.
Thanks,
Don
That would imply our checks will be cashed tomorrow. I have my fingers crossed!
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Thanks Bill, ours looks pretty much the same, but it's nice to double check. Probably send out this week sometime. Just not sure what to put it all in.
How do people mail it out? Looks like you sent it out priority 3 Day from the PO? Tracking number , etc? Probably the best option for a PO Box.
I sent via Priority Mail with Return Receipt.
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Ah poop... I wish I had seen that before I mailed. To my credit, I did not use the bindings to attach the applications. Instead, I had dividers that each had pockets, and the forms and documents are inserted into these pockets. Having not seen these instructions before, I of course did not two hole punch the tops of anything. Also, the dividers are tabbed on the side, not the bottom. They ever do an RFE just because they were annoyed with the binders?
Looks like a compleate package.
One Note: USCIS indicates not to use binders, a clip, or ACCO fastener two holes at the top of everything will do.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRDIn preparing your packet, please take note of the following:- Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.
- 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.
- 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.
- Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.
- Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.
- Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.
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Hi Everyone,
Our AOS package was received within 2 days after sending it out, according to the USPS. The checks have still not been cashed. What is the typical lag time between the package arriving in Chicago, and actually getting processed in?
Thanks,
Bill
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Hi Guys,
Do you guys know what kind of vaccines. I need to get? We were run out of time in Guangzhou, so we haven't get the Vaccination done yet, now we have to get it done in U.S. to send I-485. You help will be very appreciated!
Thanks!
DannyFendy
You need to get these done by a Civil Surgeon, or done by your own doctor or free vaccination clinic, and then transferred to your I-683 by a Civil Surgeon. In either case, you need to work with a Civil Surgeon, so find one, and they will confirm which vaccinations are required for your wife and child.
Our son had to get more than my wife, but his were all free (also required to get him into school).
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So many others helped me in the past, so I thought I'd share my table of contents that I used in filing the AOS package for my wife (K1) and son (K2). I attached a cover letter, and the table of contents was included at the end of the letter.
NOTE: The AOS package was sent out 2 weeks after the I-94 expired, but we were married within the 90 days, so DOS confirmed that that is what's important. AOS was sent last week, and USPS confirmed delivery 2 days later, but the checks have still not been cashed (been 4 working days since delivery).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Red Bound Binder ¨C (Wife)
o Purple Tab
• FormI-485• FormI-693(Sealed Envelope)• Check for $1010• (2) Two passport style photos•I-797C(NOA2)• Certified Marriage Certificate• Copy ofI-94(front & back)• Copy of Chinese Passport (biographics page andK1visa pages)• Copy of Birth Certificateo Green Tab
• FormG-325Ao Pink Tab
• FormI-864¨C Affidavit of Support• Copies of W2 andIRStranscripts for tax years 2005, 2006 & 2007• Copies of a weekly paycheck stub, one from each month for the last 6 months• Copy of my Performance Review for 2008• Copies of bank statements• Deed for house showing full reconveyanceo Orange Tab
• FormI-131¨C Application for Travel Document• (2) Two passport style photos• Copy of Chinese Passport (biographics page andK1visa pages)•I-797C(NOA2)o Yellow Tab
• FormI-765¨C Application for Employment Authorization• (2) Two passport style photos• Copy of Chinese Passport (biographics page andK1visa pages)Blue Bound Binder ¨C (Son)
o Purple Tab
• FormI-485• Check for $680• (2) Two passport style photos•I-797C(NOA2)• Copy ofI-94(front & back)• Copy of Chinese Passport (biographics page andK2visa pages)• Copy of Birth Certificateo Green Tab
• FormI-693(Sealed Envelope)o Pink Tab
• FormI-131¨C Application for Travel Document• (2) Two passport style photos• Copy of Chinese Passport (biographics page andK2visa pages)•I-797C(NOA2)o Orange Tab
• FormI-765¨C Application for Employment Authorization• (2) Two passport style photos• Copy of Chinese Passport (biographics page andK2visa pages) -
Ok, its seems this I-693 is new to me. I never done this one in the past.
It appears my wife will have to get the full exam again. Well we did that today at cost of $265.
The CS kept the med records and she got the TB test and we return 2 days from today for the results and final sealed results.
My issue is my son is 13 yo... does he need the med exam and full I-693, or does he only need the Part 5 of the 693?
thanks
lloyd
Your son needs the I-693 completed in full (medical exam, TB test and vaccinations). Some of the vaccination requirements are different between wife and son, but the CS will take care of that for you.
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Yes an additional I-485 is prepared for the K-2, along with copies of evidence such as (marriage cert, copy of I-94, copy of passport pages, passport photos, copy of I-129F approval, etc,)
I am including one certified copy of our marriage certificate with my wife's (k1) I-485. Here, I just realized you mentioned a certified copy for the K2's I-485. Is that really needed for the K2?
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As another follow-up to this issue, when paying for AOS on a K1 and K2, should I make the checks separate and attach each one to each I-485, or should I just make one check for both and attach to one of the I-485 forms (or to the cover letter)?
I'm seeing the negatives of both, which is why I've allowed this mole hill to become a mountain. If I only write one check, and they process the forms separately, they may decide I've overpaid on one, and did not pay on the other. On the other hand, if I include checks separately for both, maybe they will expect a single check for both, and not bother to look for the other check, and reject based on lack of payment.
Am I overthinking this?
What did others do who brought over a K1 and a K2?
Yes an additional I-485 is prepared for the K-2, along with copies of evidence such as (marriage cert, copy of I-94, copy of passport pages, passport photos, copy of I-129F approval, etc,)With regard to #1, yes, I realize the prior post was in answer to a K1, so my question #1 makes me appear dumber than I really am. It was a typo.
I meant to ask, which of these forms, if any, must be submit for a K2 recipient (7 year old son)?
With regards to #2 & #3, thank you.
K-2 does not have to do a G-325A, if less that 14 years old.
K-2 can do an I-765 also if you want to get K-2 and EAD to use as ID, as well as to get the K-2 a SSN while waiting for green-card.
FEE for the K-2 will be $600 if less than 14 years old.
Only one I-864 needed just check box #9 and list the K-2 in section #9
Visitors Visa
in General Visa Discussion & First Steps
Posted
We just had a baby, and we also just filled out the DS-160 online to bring my wife's mother over here. It timed out on me twice, and I also found out that the save function does not work on a Mac computer, so I had to do it very quickly the 3rd time, but it did go through.
My question is related to what reason we should use. I've been told that saying the mother is coming over to help out is a no-no. Of course she's coming over to visit her daughter and new grandson, and my wife misses her mom now, and cannot go back to visit for awhile. Should we basically avoid saying that she's going to "help out"? I'm not even sure that she will, just trying to get an idea of what the consulate frowns on.
Also, is an I-134 necessary? Or can we just provide copies of our tax returns and employment letter and pay stubs?
Thanks!