Bill & Angel
-
Posts
131 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Calendar
Gallery
Posts posted by Bill & Angel
-
-
Thank God we finally got through the visa process and my dear one is here and we are now married. She came on a K-1 Visa.
However, I continue to be absolutely confused as to whether she needs any TB testing to be done here before filing the I-485 (with the I-693 Vaccination Supplement).
She had her medical exam done in GZ in December, 2008. She does not recall having a TB test at the time and does have chest X-ray films in her possession from that exam.
Do we need to do any further TB testing before filing for AOS, or is the vaccination supplement sufficient?
Thanks.
If you had the medical in Dec 2008, the TB testing is required. The question is, does the x-ray constitute a TB test? Our x-ray says something vague, such as "nothing found", but it does not specifically state that it was negative for TB. So I would think that if you want to base it on the x-ray, you'll need to have a medical doctor examine the x-ray to validate that TB is negative, specifically. Or, probably the cheaper route, is to have a TB skin test performed (it cost us only $10). They'll do a skin test, and in a few days, you go back for the results.
THEN, you'll need to find a civil surgeon that will transfer these results to the I-693 (the Dr Arnold in Texas that has received so many rave reviews has stated that they will not transfer the TB test results to the I-693.
Hope this helps.
-
so, Bill what did you decide to do ?
NOTE: I called the DOS, and they told me that as long as we're married, that we do not have to worry about not filing the AOS paperwork before the I-94 expires. They warned against the obvious, such as wandering around the border patrol (basically, anywhere that they would check your passport). Other than that, he said just file the AOS paperwork when we could get all the proper documentation together, and we should be fine.
I know that this is what most people here have told me, but I wanted to let you all know that it's been confirmed by the State Department.
-
FWIW: I actually called the DOS, and they told me that as long as we're married, that we do not have to worry about not filing the AOS paperwork before the I-94 expires. They warned against the obvious, such as wandering around the border patrol (basically, anywhere that they would check your passport). Other than that, he said just file the AOS paperwork when we could get all the proper documentation together, and we should be fine.
I know that this is what most people here have told me, but I wanted to let you all know that it's been confirmed by the State Department.
Folks, I received conflicting information today from a friend. Up until now, I thought I was okay in terms of schedule, but now I'm worried to the point of feeling sick.
Today I was told that the AOS paperwork must be filed before the I-94 expires. I thought that the rule was that we must be married before the I-94 expired (and we were). I thought that in the least, we had until the K1 visa expired before filing the AOS paperwork. The K1 visa expires 6 months from issue date, and the I-94 expires 3 months after arriving to the US.
I read the instructions for I-485, and could not find a definitive answer to my concerns.
The bottom line is that if the friend is correct, we only have 2 days to get the AOS in the hands of Homeland Security, because the I-94 expires in two days. Does it not matter that we are married? I don't see how it's possible for us to get the AOS forms in their hands, especially since we still haven't seen a civil surgeon (we're awaiting the results of titers testing to see if my wife needs the MMR vaccination).
I would really appreciate some help here. My wife is here on a K1, and our son on a K2.
-
FYI: for what it's worth, Dr. Arnold does NOT handle the TB Testing, and so if you didn't get the TB Test done with your physical (which in most cases, they do NOT do the TB testing in the Guangzhou physicals), you'll have to find a different Civil Surgeon. Of course, if you fall in the earlier date range where the TB testing was not a requirement, this need not concern you, but most people now looking on the board are likely in my category, where the TB testing is required.
We got the TB testing done for free for our son, and my wife's testing is only $10. They do the skin test one day, and 3 days later we go back for the results. I have no idea why Dr Arnold cannot copy this to the I-693, but they were emphatic about not doing it. Go figure.
So I'm looking for another Civil Surgeon who will transfer the vaccines and TB test results to my I-693.
Bill
There is one in TX that will do this through the mail for $20Not that you'll ever have to do it again, but .... I recommend telephone shopping civil surgeons from the USCIS list. I called 3 or 4, as I recall, before I found one that would just do the supplement for a small fee.
Dr. L. E. Arnold
4534 Westgate Boulevard, Suite 106
Austin, TX 78745
Tel: (512) 444-3131
Fax: (512) 447-4699
Also there is no longer a vaccination supplement, USCIS has updated the I-693, and instructions included with it to instruct the doctor that K-Visas don't need a medical if visa medical was less than a year ago, and to just do the vaccination part of the form.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD
Pete and others, I did call around and check with 5-6 civil surgeons and got quite the run around. Here is what Dr. Arnold needs you to do, and yes it is $20.00 per 693 and that includes postage. They send you a sealed copy for USCIS and a copy for your records. Also, the ladies you deal with could not be more pleasant.
Here is the information we need to be submitted when doing an adjustment of status.
We need:
copy of all the immunizations
on a separate sheet of paper:
Last Name, First Name (Given), and Middle Name
Gender (male or female)
Date of Birth
Country of Birth
City, Town, or Village of birth
mailing address
phone number
Social Security Number
The first page of the I-693 form from the USCIS.GOV websight - please just sign and date it do NOT fill out anything else, if you do this could delay the process.
We charge $20 per person and we need the above data on each person. Checks can be made out to Dr. L. E. Arnold - Money orders also accepted.
I had my girls shots done at the board of health, cheap for children, not so for adults. School age children it is $10.00 per shot, adults vary from $60.00-150.00 per shot.
Worst part of AOS by far............................
Mark and family!!
-
so, Bill what did you decide to do ?
We decided to wait. I've got all the AOS paperwork except for the Civil Surgeon forms, and we'll send it all in as soon as that arrives.
We may have a problem getting my wife and son's vaccines transfered, because under my insurance, we are using their desired first names, but the AOS paperwork all lists their Chinese first names (to match their passports). This is an entirely different issue, and hopefully will not prolong the process.
-
wow you went thru a lot! i will be sending off my aos package soon also, but i don't plan on having a tb test done as this was done in guz. i know that uscis changed the tb testing procedure so i guess i'll cross my fingers and hope we don't get an rfe. i had dr.. arnold in texas fill out the 693 for me and hopefully all will be ok. good luck with a speedy aos!
How do you know the TB test was done in Guz? We have the little medical exam books, but I don't see anything in these books regarding a TB test (and we got the standard exam). Also, a TB test requires more than one day doesn't it? When our son got his TB test, they did a skin test, and the results were returned 2 or 3 days later.
-
Send them all together to the Chicago PO box specified by form I-485.
Treat them as separate filings so DO NOT share anyting like passport pics, and photo copies of things like I-94 etc. Each application I-485, I-765, I-131 needs to stand on it's own.
Base I-765 on Pending I-485, NOT K-1. Use code (C )(9 ) on question 16.
Send a compleate package and you will not get an RFE.
Okay, we have 2 days until my wife's I-94 expires, and we have not yet filed the AOS package. Would it be better to rush the package off without the I-683 and get the RFE, or wait until we see the Civil Surgeon and get the I-683 completed?
Why would you hurry it? You DID get married within the 90 days, didn't you?
Get the vaccination supplement to send in with the rest.
Don't worry about the I-94
Yes, we did get married within the 90 days, but then I read this on the Visa Journey FAQ:
Filing for Adjustment of Status within the 90 days protects your legal status. Your legal status as a K1 expires after 90 days, married or not. The only way to protect your legal status is to apply for Adjustment of Status, and the only way to maintain continuous legal status is to file for AOS before the K1 visa expires.
This is why I am worrying.
-
Send them all together to the Chicago PO box specified by form I-485.
Treat them as separate filings so DO NOT share anyting like passport pics, and photo copies of things like I-94 etc. Each application I-485, I-765, I-131 needs to stand on it's own.
Base I-765 on Pending I-485, NOT K-1. Use code (C )(9 ) on question 16.
Send a compleate package and you will not get an RFE.
Okay, we have 2 days until my wife's I-94 expires, and we have not yet filed the AOS package. Would it be better to rush the package off without the I-683 and get the RFE, or wait until we see the Civil Surgeon and get the I-683 completed?
-
Folks, I received conflicting information today from a friend. Up until now, I thought I was okay in terms of schedule, but now I'm worried to the point of feeling sick.
Today I was told that the AOS paperwork must be filed before the I-94 expires. I thought that the rule was that we must be married before the I-94 expired (and we were). I thought that in the least, we had until the K1 visa expired before filing the AOS paperwork. The K1 visa expires 6 months from issue date, and the I-94 expires 3 months after arriving to the US.
I read the instructions for I-485, and could not find a definitive answer to my concerns.
The bottom line is that if the friend is correct, we only have 2 days to get the AOS in the hands of Homeland Security, because the I-94 expires in two days. Does it not matter that we are married? I don't see how it's possible for us to get the AOS forms in their hands, especially since we still haven't seen a civil surgeon (we're awaiting the results of titers testing to see if my wife needs the MMR vaccination).
I would really appreciate some help here. My wife is here on a K1, and our son on a K2.
-
HPV is only required if 26 y/o or under
Our civil surgeon accepted chest X-ray over TB skin test as its a more accurate assesment for TB.
Just out of curiosity, is this the same x-ray that my wife got at her pre-K1 medical exam in China? The same one she has been carrying around, and nobody seems to be interested in?
-
HPV is only required if 26 y/o or under
Our civil surgeon accepted chest X-ray over TB skin test as its a more accurate assesment for TB.
Just out of curiosity, is this the same x-ray that my wife got at her pre-K1 medical exam in China? The same one she has been carrying around, and nobody seems to be interested in?
-
Hmmm, upon further research of the USCIS website, this gives me pause for concern even though the specs were not the same in late May 2008, when my wife and daughter had their med-exams in GZ. It seems the rules changed effective a week later on June 1st.
Although the following Q+A from the USCIS website indicates it will not be an issue, I am concerned and may play it safe (avoid an RFE) and drop in to the US Civil Surgeon's office again this week, to get the TB skin tests regardless. My concern is, that since I delayed my AOS to wait for the two year marriage mark, that with the med exam now six months old, someone may assess this in a different manner....Remember IMBRA in early 2006 !? If anyone has any observations in this regard, please feel free to chime in.
Q. I had my medical exam completed before the new TB or vaccination requirements went into effect, and have not yet submitted it to USCIS, or I have submitted it but it has not yet been reviewed. Am I now required to have a new medical exam that meets the new TB and/or vaccination requirements before I can adjust status?
Generally, no. When reviewing a Form I-693, USCIS will note the date the exam was conducted and refer to the Technical Instructions, medical requirements, and form edition that were in effect at that particular time, remembering that for each revision of the Technical Instructions there was a 30-day grace period. If the civil surgeon conducted the medical exam properly and in keeping with the exam requirements and form edition in effect on that particular date, there is no need to return for a second exam or to have the results recorded on a newer edition of Form I-693, as long as you submit the Form I-693 before its one-year expiration.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guide to Revised Form I-693, TB Testing/Treatment and Vaccination Requirements
Date of Medical Exam
Do I have to submit the revised Form I-693?
Does the medical exam have to be done in accordance with the new TB requirements?
Do I have to receive the new vaccines (if age appropriate?)
Before June 1, 2008
No
No
No
June 1 ¨C July 31, 2008
Yes Edition dates 4/2/08 and 6/5/08 are acceptable
Yes
No
On or after Aug. 1, 2008
Yes - must submit Edition date 6/5/08
Yes
Yes
You waited 2 years to do the AOS? All this past month, I've been paranoid that I needed to submit the AOS paperwork before my wife's K1 visa expired (which is in less than 2 months). You mean I can wait? Where is there some definitive direction on that? I read the AOS instructions, and couldn't find anything that spelled it out for me. Then again, maybe it's there and I missed it... wouldn't be the first time.
-
Hi Folks,
I'm almost done filling out forms for the AOS work, just need to get the I-864, and then find a civil surgeon to handle the vaccinations. I do have a couple of questions. My wife's doctor indicated that she can get some tests done for specific immunities (i.e., proves she already has a specific vaccination). Would these records from her doctor, as well as vaccinations given by her doctor, be transferrable to the civil surgeon? Or does the civil surgeon need to administer the vaccines regardless of previous records (even if previous records are from a US doctor)?
Secondly, any recommendations for civil surgeons in the Santa Clara, CA, area? I've heard some try to lead your astray and do more than needs to be done. Here's the list I'm working from:
Dr. Roger W. Washington
885 Scott Boulevard, Suite 4
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Tel: (408)246-9926
Dr. Yingchih Jackson Lin, Santa Clara Family Practice
499 South Sunnyvale Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 94086
Tel: (408)984-0120
Dr. James Chae-Chon Son, Lakeview Premier Medical Group
1150 Scott Boulevard, Suite B-3
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Tel: (408)261-7245
Good Hand Medical Center
3466 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Tel: (408)554-1400
St. Thomas Medical Clinic
1470 Halford Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Tel: (408)260-7575
Camino Medical Group, Santa Clara Clinic
2734 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Tel: (408)241-3038
-
I'm looking to file the AOS paperwork, and it asks for the Visa number on the K1/K2 visa. I see two numbers on the visa. One is called the "Control Number", and is 14 digits, near the top right. The other is an unlabeled number, 8 red digits, near the bottom right.
I used the bottom right 8-digit number because the other number was called a "control" number, so I figured the unlabeled number must be the visa number. However, I would like some confirmation just to give me a warm fuzzy feeling.
TIA!
Yeah, the 8- digit number is your visa number.
Thanks to all that responded! We're moving along now...
-
I'm looking to file the AOS paperwork, and it asks for the Visa number on the K1/K2 visa. I see two numbers on the visa. One is called the "Control Number", and is 14 digits, near the top right. The other is an unlabeled number, 8 red digits, near the bottom right.
I used the bottom right 8-digit number because the other number was called a "control" number, so I figured the unlabeled number must be the visa number. However, I would like some confirmation just to give me a warm fuzzy feeling.
TIA!
-
That would be "K-1 Visa Holder".
BTW you might as well complete the I-765 for EAD because you're paying for it anyway.
Thanks. (and yes, I'm also doing the I-765)
-
Your class of admission can be found on the visa that you presented at the time of your arrival.
Oh, so basically just K1.
-
I've downloaded the instruction manual for form I-131, and it was no help in determining what the 3rd field in part 1 means. It's called "Class of Admission", but I don't know what should go into this field. Can someone help?
Basically, we are filing I-131 with our I-485 (AOS) so that she can visit her family in China before the green card arrives. She is currently in the US with a K1 visa.
-
Muchas gracias! I have an appointment for this Friday. Boy, if only everything was that easy!
-
The infamous stuck in limbo from NVC to GUZ. I remember it like it was yesterday. It's not the only time that patience was required, but I do remember feeling like something was wrong based upon the useless DHL status. I remember trying to call every number I could find. I almost considered sending my fiancee to GUZ to rummage through their warehouse to make sure it was stored next to the ark of the covenant. ;-)
Bottom line is stay patient, and if it does hit the 4 month mark without receiving the P3, then push for the investigation. Wait times for this segment seem to vary greatly, based upon schedules, manpower, and amount of forms coming into GUZ (including other non-K1 type forms).
Perhaps it has arrived by the time you read this. That is my wish!
Hello,
I have been reading and watching this forum for almost 1 year. I have always found the information I was looking for by doing searches and just reading. I am at a point where I am not sure what to do.
I got a letter from NVC stating the K1 visa application was on its way to GUZ on August 8th. I have been patiently waiting. I have called DOS and GUZ making sure the P3 wasnt sent and lost in the mail. DOS keeps saying its still in customs and GUZ says they havent opened it yet. In 6 days it will be 4 months since it was sent from NVC.
When I look at the time lines I see that people who got "NVC out" notices after me, have already gotten their P3 and 4's and also have scheduled interviews.
GUZ says i must wait until the 4 month mark before they will look into it any further.
Any advice or information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Max
-
Yes - make an InfoPass appointment to find out what was entered in the computer. It sounds like very little went wrong, if anything.
Your son must wait for his EAD card to get an SSN - he is not work authorized, like the K-1's are. Be sure to apply (I-765) for one when you fill out his I-485 AOS application even if he doesn't plan to work - it's free, and provides a Federal picture ID that proves he's legal, and allows him to apply for an SSN.
For your wife, bring the marriage license and see if her application doesn't go through.
Thanks for the information! Quick follow-up... what is an InfoPass appointment, and how/where does one make one?
I also found this form on the web:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-102.pdf
This appears to be a way to get a replacement I-94, but I have no idea how long it would take (since we have that 3 month clock ticking, time is somewhat of the essence).
-
First, the good news. We were married on 11/22/08, and the California was nice to us. We had a beautiful outside ceremony, and everything was wonderful. We've been trying to settle down in the US, and today was the first day we took at stab at the Social Security office.
Our visit was enlightening to say the list. After a perfect track record (aka, no mistakes on my I-129F petition, no mistakes on the P3, P4 or interview), today we were clobbered with countless "you got this wrong" and "you cannot do this", etc., etc..
In no particular order:
1. At the POE, my fiancee filled out the I-94 wrong. Despite having a chinese speaking immigration official helping her, he did not give her instructions or guidance on the I-94 where it asked to fill in the name. She had entered my first name as the "family" name, and my last name as the "first" name. She thought the only mistake she made was swapping the names, but it would appear that she was supposed to put her name, not my name. She made the same mistake on her son's I-94.
2. They wouldn't even look at the application for her son, as they said he (recipient of K2) required an I-776 or I766 (or something like that), a document stating that he plans to work, despite the fact he is only 8 years old. The guy even said it seemed illogical, but it is required procedure.
3. The SSN application for my wife was turned down because they wouldn't accept a first name change. Even if we reverted to her Chinese pinyin first name (as in her passport), they wouldn't accept the last name because the marriage certificate I brought was a copy, and they require the original.
We left feeling pretty dejected. Most of the setbacks are easily resolved. We'll use her Chinese first name, and we'll get the original marriage certificate. We'll also figure out what this form is we need to fill out for her son so he can get his SSN (anybody happen to know the exact form and/or where I can get it?).
The one issue that really has me concerned is the name on the I-94. We could just cross out my name and put in the correct names, but the key is what they entered into the computer system. I would think that they would have caught this at the POE, and given that they didn't, I wonder if maybe they entered the name from the passport rather than the I-94. I have a couple of questions.
Has anyone had this happen to them having the wrong name on the I-94? If so, what did you do to resolve it?
Secondly, is there any way to find out what they entered into the computer? What's the best number to call to find out?
*sigh*
(and we haven't even begun the AOS process yet)
-
thank you Bill for all the details. this will really help a lot of us going into the interview, hopefully we will find that beautiful smile as well
Is that picture your fiancee? She looks like a model or a movie star.
wife
why pay for a model when you're married to one? hehehe. i just like photography and she doesn't mind posing for the camera
By the way, Congratulations on your pink, I noticed you just received it on the 24th, and awaiting the visas (which should arrive today if not sooner). Happy times!
-
i know im late but CONGRATS!
Thanks!
Confusion Over TB Testing
in AOS & Immigration Challenges
Posted
This is the first I've heard of that. My wife doesn't recall getting a BCG vaccine. Are you sure that we could submit the x-ray to the civil surgeon, and he would accept that as the TB test? Can anyone verify having done that? (if it's true, we could simply discard the TB skin test)