Help with forms, ready to file!

[sonjakrabetz]

Hi, I'm married to a USC and I'm (almost) ready to file the papaerwork and just wanna make sure, that everything is o.k.!

1. The checks are " Pay to the order" of HOMELAND SECURITY? What else should I write on the check besides the obvious (signature, date, etc.).

2. The pictures should be in a seperate envelope attached to the form?

3. Should I put the forms in one envelope or seperate them in single ones and than put them in a big one?

4. Do I need a cover letter or something like that?



EAD: I-765
Form
+2 pics
+copy of I-94
+check 190 $

I-485
Processing Sheet form (they ask for Mother/Father's first name ): is it really just the first name, seems funny...), same on Part 3. Processing Info:
your mother's first name?!

+ 1 G325
Applicants last address outside the US of more than one year:
I've been here 2 years already, so what exactly do they mean? Do I still have to fill it out with my last address I lived at in Germany for more than one year?

+ 2 pictures
+Birt certificate (translated and certified)
+copy of visa issued
+i-94 copy
+ marriage certificate copy
+medical examination (original )
+ check (395$ payable to ?)
+I-864

I-864
Tax returns (COPY OR ORIGINAL)?
Earning Statement (COPY OR ORIGINAL??)

NOTARY PUBLIC SIGNATURE?
How much might that be? I know not a big deal, but any advise on that would be great?!

I-130
check 190$ (payable to?)
2 pics (one of each of us)
copy certification of vital record from husband
copy of marriage certificate
2 G325 (one of each)
Does he put X on :Status as permanent resident, like I do? Or others?

Any other advice/help I'm really thankful to!
How should I mail the whole package to make sure it gets there safe?

THANKS EVERYONE AND GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

[zhm]

I made all checks to Homeland Security with no problem. I did had cover pages for I485,130,131,765I. I put everything in a big envelop, but each form was in a seperate (very thin plastic transparent) folder, so the immigration officer could see what were inside immediatly. I just put the photos, checks, medical exam letter in the folders accordingly. So I had 4 folders in a big envelop.

[zhm]

It really means your parents' first names.
Your last foreign address of more than 1 year, means the last foreign country where you stayed for more than 1 year. In my case, my home country.
I sent origianl tax returns since one simple phone call to IRS and I got another one.
Just walk in to your bank and ask for a notary, it is free.

[zhm]

On G 325A, your USC husband check "status as permanent ..." just like you.
Hope these will help.


F1 married USC
All forms mailed on 11/02/05
RD 11/03/05
ND 11/10/05
NOA received on 11/14/05 and 11/15/05
Checks cashed on 11/15/05
Online status finally appeared on 11/28/05
waiting for biometrics notices now.

[ari4u]

You may want to include cover letters for all the application packages.

If you are interested, you can take a look at the cover letters i sent. You can chage the format to suit your requirements. They are attached here in this post

You only need to change information in the brackets < > and always make sure to look up the updated fees from the USCIS website.

[sonjakrabetz]

THANK YOU SO MUCH...it was really helpful and I'm so excited to get everything in the mail soon!!
Good luck to you

[always_living]

Originally Posted by zhm

I made all checks to Homeland Security with no problem. I did had cover pages for I485,130,131,765I. I put everything in a big envelop, but each form was in a seperate (very thin plastic transparent) folder, so the immigration officer could see what were inside immediatly. I just put the photos, checks, medical exam letter in the folders accordingly. So I had 4 folders in a big envelop.

Zhm,

I am about to file immigration petition for my spouse. But, I am confused where to file regarding form I-130/I-485/I-131/I-765. From what u said, it seems you are filing all 4 applications at the same time. Where do you file to ? your "local USCIS Service Center" or "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at Chicago" ?

[always_living]

Originally Posted by ari4u

You may want to include cover letters for all the application packages.

If you are interested, you can take a look at the cover letters i sent. You can chage the format to suit your requirements. They are attached here in this post

You only need to change information in the brackets < >, update the fee.

ari4u,

Thanks a lot. The template is great.

[familybased]

I-765 fee is $180.00. Your application will be sent back if you mail out the incorrect fee.

http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/index.htm

Payable to
Department of Homeland Security

[zhm]

I sent all 4 applications to the chicago lockbox as everybody told me to. Make sure you check the correct fee requirement from the USCIS website, it was changed in late Oct.

[zhm]

I131 $170
I765 $180
I130 $190
I485 $395

[always_living]

Originally Posted by zhm

I131 $170
I765 $180
I130 $190
I485 $395

Zhm,

Really appreciated.

[sonjakrabetz]

Hi, I was just wondering if you used a special (may be insured ) way to mail the package to Chicago lockbox. Or just regular mail? just wanna make sure the papers won't get lost on the way!
thanks sonja

[zhm]

I used the usps overnight service because I was almost out of time, about $13, which requires receiver's signature and also provide online tracking. If you do not need to use the expensive speedy service, I think it would be great to get online tracking or receiver's signature.

[sonjakrabetz]

Thanks so much, I'm gonna use the same service. I just remembered when I applied for my Visa in Germany, they didn't want you to use any special mailing service. But I'm gonna use the overnight service as well!
thanks sonja

[payala]

Originally Posted by zhm

It really means your parents' first names.
Your last foreign address of more than 1 year, means the last foreign country where you stayed for more than 1 year. In my case, my home country.
I sent origianl tax returns since one simple phone call to IRS and I got another one.
Just walk in to your bank and ask for a notary, it is free.

Do you need a notary's signature for your tax returns? I thought you only needed a notarized translation for the birth certificate.

[ari4u]

Originally Posted by payala

Do you need a notary's signature for your tax returns? I thought you only needed a notarized translation for the birth certificate.

Copies of originals need not be notarized. The documents that need to be notarized/certified are affidavits of birth, I-864, I-864A, translations to english.

[Mimmi]

Do the multiple page forms need to be stapled or did you just paper clip them together?

[ari4u]

Originally Posted by Mimmi

Do the multiple page forms need to be stapled or did you just paper clip them together?

Read here...
http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffic...al/index.htm#H

[Mimmi]

Ari4u,

I read the USCIS filing instructions, but also saw the NBC filing instructions at http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffic...htm#FilingTips, so I'm a little confused as to which to use. Don't all AOS applications go to NBC in Chicago? Their filing instructions differ quite a bit and that's why I was wondering what others have sucessfully used.

Thanks for your help.

[zhm]

Originally Posted by Mimmi

Ari4u,

I read the USCIS filing instructions, but also saw the NBC filing instructions at http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffic...htm#FilingTips, so I'm a little confused as to which to use. Don't all AOS applications go to NBC in Chicago? Their filing instructions differ quite a bit and that's why I was wondering what others have sucessfully used.

Thanks for your help.

All family based application bundles go to Chicago lockbox.

[jenimmi]

I want to file for my mother (who is in U.S currently on a visitor visa) and for my Dad who is in India.

Should I send a separate I-130 for each one of them? I'm going to file all of these for my mom.

I-130 - Fees - $190
I-485 - Fees - $385 (some of you have mentioned $395 in your post??)
I-131 - Fees - $170
G-325A - No Fees
I-864 - No Fees
----------------------------
Total : $755
----------------------------

For My Dad:

I-130 - Fees - $190

So, Can I send 2 checks one for my Mom for the total amount of $755
and one for my Dad for $190

Can I send all these forms for my Mom and I -130 for my Dad in the same envelope? What did you guys do in a similar situation?

'tobecitizen' -

I do remember you had some questions recently about filing forms for your parents, but unfortunately all your threads/posts seem to be missing. My situation is very similar to yours. Filing for one parent here and the other in India. Can you please let me know how you filed for them? I would really appreciate any info. Thanks.

[sonjakrabetz]

I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status $325* 14 years and older. $225* under 14 years of age. See Details, Service Center 10/26/05. 4/22/05 version also accepted. + 70 $

Good luck, I filed all my forms on 12/20/05!!!

How do I get a SSN once I get my EAD?
Does anyone have infos about that? Thanks you!

[rex1960]

Originally Posted by sonjakrabetz

I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status $325* 14 years and older. $225* under 14 years of age. See Details, Service Center 10/26/05. 4/22/05 version also accepted. + 70 $

Good luck, I filed all my forms on 12/20/05!!!

How do I get a SSN once I get my EAD?
Does anyone have infos about that? Thanks you!

I second sonjas post ...

Here's where you can find the form for SS http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html

[Anahit]

Originally Posted by jenimmi

I want to file for my mother (who is in U.S currently on a visitor visa) and for my Dad who is in India.

Should I send a separate I-130 for each one of them.

Yes. One should always file separate petitions for parents.

I'm going to file all of these for my mom.

I-130 - Fees - $190
I-485 - Fees - $385 (some of you have mentioned $395 in your post??)
I-131 - Fees - $170
G-325A - No Fees
I-864 - No Fees
----------------------------
Total : $755
----------------------------

For My Dad:

I-130 - Fees - $190

Some fees have changed recently. Current fee for I485 is $325 or $225 for under 14 years of age + $70 for people between the age of 14 and 79.

So, Can I send 2 checks one for my Mom for the total amount of $755 and one for my Dad for $190

No. You should have 3 checks for your mom and one check for your dad.

Can I send all these forms for my Mom and I -130 for my Dad in the same envelope? What did you guys do in a similar situation?

Yes, you can send them in the same envelope, just separate them with a rubber band.
You might want to read the link ari4 provided above.

[jenimmi]

Thanks a lot Anahit, Sonja and Rex.