Dual Citizen wanting to do AOS for the DV2008…any feedback??

[Findingahome]

I am a dual citizen (Canadian/Argentina) and won the DV2008. Prior to receiving the acknowledgement, I decided to take a sabbatical year and resigned from my work. My plan is now to visit my parents who live in the USA and who are USA citizens. My intention is to stay there for a while (less than 6 months as allowed for Canadian citizens). My questions are:

1)Once in the USA, can I apply for AOS for the DV2008?
2)I will be crossing thru Buffalo and they do not issue I-94 for Canadians. Will I have an issue when completing for 485? What should I put under question Part 1 (current USCIS Status, I-94#, Expires on)
3)When should I send my application for AOS? What ‘watch outs’ should I have to avoid accumulating unlawful presence?
4)Besides sending form 485, what else should I send?
5)Can I get a work permit in the meantime? How?
6)I do have a B2/B1 visitor visa issued 5 years ago. I guess in the form 485 I should not include details since I will be entering the USA with my Canadian passport?
7)What about Police clearance? Should I get one from Argentina and Canada? When?

Thanks for you comments/answers.

 

[Princess07]

I am a dual citizen (Canadian/Argentina) and won the DV2008. Prior to receiving the acknowledgement, I decided to take a sabbatical year and resigned from my work. My plan is now to visit my parents who live in the USA and who are USA citizens. My intention is to stay there for a while (less than 6 months as allowed for Canadian citizens). My questions are:

1)Once in the USA, can I apply for AOS for the DV2008?
2)I will be crossing thru Buffalo and they do not issue I-94 for Canadians. Will I have an issue when completing for 485? What should I put under question Part 1 (current USCIS Status, I-94#, Expires on)
3)When should I send my application for AOS? What ‘watch outs’ should I have to avoid accumulating unlawful presence?
4)Besides sending form 485, what else should I send?
5)Can I get a work permit in the meantime? How?
6)I do have a B2/B1 visitor visa issued 5 years ago. I guess in the form 485 I should not include details since I will be entering the USA with my Canadian passport?
7)What about Police clearance? Should I get one from Argentina and Canada? When?

Thanks for you comments/answers.

To my understanding,
1) You have to be a resident of USA to do AOS. I think CP is advicable
5) One can change the visitor to work status if there is a employer willing to to employ & sponser you. Takes time.
6) It is always advicable to tell the truth and answer all questions truthfully
7) Check the reciprocity requirement for Canada & Argntine & start collecting all of them ASAP they can take time. (Where u lived more than 6 months since u were 16 years old)

I hope this helps.

Good luck

 

[LucyMO]

1)Once in the USA, can I apply for AOS for the DV2008?

you can, but it all depends on your case number. In almost all cases CP is faster and simpler.

2)I will be crossing thru Buffalo and they do not issue I-94 for Canadians. Will I have an issue when completing for 485?

you might. I am not sure how it works for Canadians.

3)When should I send my application for AOS? What ‘watch outs’ should I have to avoid accumulating unlawful presence?

you can send it when your number becomes current. Get familiarized with a visa bulletin on www.travel.state.gov

4)Besides sending form 485, what else should I send?

read other topics on AOS on this forum. They explain everything in great detail.

5)Can I get a work permit in the meantime? How?

when and if you apply for AOS, you will be able to apply for a work permit.

6)I do have a B2/B1 visitor visa issued 5 years ago. I guess in the form 485 I should not include details since I will be entering the USA with my Canadian passport?

if it asks you for details on all of the US visas you have ever received or used, you should list them

7)What about Police clearance? Should I get one from Argentina and Canada? When?

If you are doing CP - yes. If you are doing AOS - no. If yes, then you should requested them in advance.