Randy W

you just don't want to have any fun with this.... Now if it formed a pentagram that would be cool http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Pentagram_and_human_body_(Agrippa).jpg

. . . or by virtue of the fact that there are almost exactly as many even days as there are odd days, and they total up to 100%

Yes - exactly! EAD is VERY important.

IF you are applying for EAD, you should send that form with the AOS forms. Otherwise, you will need to wait for the I-767 for the AOS application and include that with the I-765. No, you do not need to apply for EAD, but that would mean that she wouldn't have Employment Authorization until the green card. Check processing times in your area if that is an issue, and be aware that an FBI background check can delay it (the green card) up to 1 or 2 years.

DORA FBI background check - read this post and the one after.

No - there have been a number of posts on Candle lately that advise that maybe you don't want to apply for EAD. Yours just happened to be there when I felt like I needed to say something. Sorry for any misunderstanding. Even based on what you say about DORA, if you follow their directions, it could be up to 180 days before Employment Authorization is received. If you file for EAD up front, it's only 90 days. They only promise that they intend to complete processing in 90 days. A FBI security check will throw anyone's green card off track. Someone applying for AOS should make a knowledgeable choice as to whether to apply for EAD or not. Hopefully, like Dan says, that quandary will go away with the new fee structure. Does the DORA process tell you you CAN'T apply for EAD until 90 days have passed?

You mean in Dallas and El Paso, but not Houston. Does DORA mean that you won't have an FBI security check? To my way of thinking, employment authorization is the most important aspect of getting a green card. Everyone should consider what might happen if the green card is delayed. If you can wait an additional 90 days, go for the green. Otherwise, consider applying for EAD up front. Not to jump on you, Eric, but I think we're leading people to expect a green card in 90 days, when that may not be the case. David, do we have statistics on how long it takes to get a green card?

Some of us waste that money two or three times while waiting for the green card.

You need the Wedding Certificate, but not the SS. You will need the I-693A vaccination supplement from a civil surgeon. If she wants to work soon, you will want to apply for EAD (some are skipping it). Apply for AP if she wants to travel outside the country. You will get a notice telling you where to go for your biometrics appointment. I'm not aware of any biometrics issue. To work, all she needs is a job. Many employers will hire based on the fact that she is eligible for EAD, although she may wish to wait for the EAD NOA1 for documentation.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485.pdf I was under the impression that if you were a K-1 and your SO had a medical examination within the past year (such as the one she got in Guangzhou prior to her K-1 interview) then we wouldn't have to go to a Civil Surgeon at all. But we would need to submit vaccinations with the AOS paperwork. Am I right in my assumption or way wrong? signed and sealed by your civil surgeon

WHOA - we are placing too much emphasis on the word "approved" here. The interview is passed, or no by the IO, the security check is passed or not, and the green card is dated when it's dated. I think what we're hearing is that's it's post-dated to the interview date. But the hoops are still jumped through before the card is issued. I guess each case is different, Randy, but I'm going on what the IO said to us at our appointment. I watched him as he placed the I-551 stamp in my wife's passport and said that the 3 years to citizenship starts now. Patrick's timeline says interveiw passed but waiting namecheck. I'm sure his wife will eventually get her GC as his stepson got his. But I would think the 3 years would start at the time, and date, of the approval regardless how long it takes to get the GC. Yes - the IO knows (and will tell you) whether it's waiting for an FBI security check or not, or whether the card will be in the mail. If the green card is post-dated for those of us who have to wait for the clearance, that is good news.

WHOA - we are placing too much emphasis on the word "approved" here. The interview is passed, or no by the IO, the security check is passed or not, and the green card is dated when it's dated. I think what we're hearing is that's it's post-dated to the interview date. But the hoops are still jumped through before the card is issued.

http://bergoiata.org/gif/Feu4.gif Congratulations !! http://i1.tinypic.com/3ygwmdz.gif

Yes I was wondering what the issue date would be on the card, so it is possible that approved pending name check, as in OP's case may and probably will result in the 10 year card, and the ability to apply for citizenship shortly there after. But the 10 Year card depends on how many years they've been married, not the green card date. Citizenship depends on the green card date. Dating the green card to the interview date could make it a little sticky if someone's green card were issued close to the 2nd anniversary of the AOS interview.

I think most states have a cooling off period after getting the license - in Texas, it's 2 days. As far as divorce, I think you still need to schedule a court hearing, even if uncontested. In Louisiana, you must live separately for a year (unless they've changed it recently)

In Houston, Spanish is the second official language, and Vietnamese the third.

Another thing if the name check takes more than 2 years, do they have to file I-751 to lift conditions? By they time they get card it will be way past 2nd wedding anniversary and should get an un-conditional one. Yes - I believe this is correct. I'm hoping Jiaying's comes AFTER our wedding anniversary, but before we have to file for another EAD.

Yes perhaps wait until the 3 year anniversary of approval, then probably will have to sue for citizenship. She must be an LPR for three years. I don't think she is one - the interview was passed, but they are waiting for the security check so she can become an LPR, and get the green card.

That's an entry on her timeline which is awaiting a date

I agree with you Randy. That is why I'm hoping they will share things that cannot be scammed easily, such as previous divorces and so-forth. I completely understand how GUZ must sharpen their game constantly. However, setting expectations for CFL'ers in the process and allow them to be proactive about obstacles is one important part what this forum is about. But the fly in that ointment is that it's easier for scammers to pick an American citizen who doesn't have the obstacles if they know the desirable profile that would "make it easier". Another point is that being proactive about a potential obstacle can create red flags. I think it's best to avoid drawing attention to these areas. Just my thoughts. I don't mean to interrupt. Carry on. Perhaps your discussion will yield some useful information.

Yes - give any estimate - it is good for a year. Take the original on any trip, but give them a copy so it may be re-used.

. . . and draw a lot more scammers to this site. Seriously, any patterns you can find are subject to constant revision by the GUZ.

Well she isn't going to pretend I'm there or anything like that. I thought people said it was a good idea so as to not prove fraud, since no fraud guy would give up his passport. I made copies of it too, so I'll have to rethink about sending it I guess. Thanks! Mailing your passport to China is risky, and won't prove anything, since it won't have the stamps showing that you are in the country. Send copies instead. If you are there at the time of the interview, you can hand it to her to prove you are there.

Congrats! Did he say the card would be in the mail?