DV 2014 AOS Only

[alyonag13]

Made a mistake. What now?

So, obviously the reason this forum exists is because the DV Lottery rules and explanations on how to fill out all the info are very confusing.
My interview is coming up. December 11th. Let me tell you first what happened.
In May I checked the status and found out I was one of the winners.
In June I started reading all the rules and sent my 122 form with bar code and 2 pics.
Since I'm in the USA as a student on the website it says to file AOS (I-485). I did that but I paid full $1070 instead of $330. Then I got a biometrics appointment. Went ahead and did that. Then I got an interview for August 5th. Since I knew it was too early because the interviews are supposed to start October 1st, I sent a letter explaining what happened and asked to reschedule. I assume the reason they scheduled an appointment so quickly is because I paid as if I'm all ready to get permanent residency. I knew I made a mistake but $1070 also includes work authorization so I got a 1 year authorization in November (this month). November 22 got all my medical exams done. November 13th got a NL to pay $330. November 14th - paid $330 fee.
Now I also got another letter with the AOS.
It's ridiculous now, I can't physically stress anymore about this. I now have 2 pending cases with USCIS and I just keep paying the fees hoping they approve me. BTW, I have 2 BA degrees and finishing my MBA. I also have work experience so I'm very good in that regard.
1. People, what do you suggest? Is there anything I can do now?
2. Do I bring the sealed medical exam to the interview or am I supposed to mail it?
Thank you so much. I promise you when I'm done with this I'll definitely share my experience and hope it will help somebody too.
Best,
Aly

 

[Spice2013]

oh wonderful! this is the best news! enjoy the moment - so much to look forward to now

Finally , got my GC today ! Yayyyy.

Been a really patient game all the way through and would like to thank everyone on the forum who helped in some way or other specially folks like Sm1smom , spice2013 , britsimon...

I'd be around for any inputs or help needed .

Good luck all !

 

[c1984]

Finally , got my GC today ! Yayyyy.

Been a really patient game all the way through and would like to thank everyone on the forum who helped in some way or other specially folks like Sm1smom , spice2013 , britsimon...

I'd be around for any inputs or help needed .

Good luck all !

Congrats! Enjoy the moment and promise not to take it for granted in a few months or years!

 

[c1984]

People that have their package returned might be able to answer this and of course others are welcome to chime in.

I got my package back yesterday, and they have "sorted" the content in their own way. All my dividers are gone. I personally don't see much of a pattern.

1) They have put some of the documents and forms in plastic bags and stapled it.

2) Some documents are possibly scanned and a long code/barcode is printed along the edges.

3) Some documents have their printed code (on the margin) crossed out later with a pen.

4) There is a green sheet instructing us to put it on top of the package when resubmitting. It is stapled half way through the stack.

5) They have stapled the checks to one of the stacks.

So how did/would you resubmit the documents? Did you mail it back as you received it or did you "re-sort" the documents. Basically, how did/would you address any of the above issues, especially number 3.

6) Did you put a single check of $1070 per person, or did you split it by I-485 fee and Biometrics fee for a total of two checks? I don't want to have it returned this time for another pedantic technicality.

Thanks!

 

[DvPerm]

People that have their package returned might be able to answer this and of course others are welcome to chime in.

I got my package back yesterday, and they have "sorted" the content in their own way. All my dividers are gone. I personally don't see much of a pattern.

1) They have put some of the documents and forms in plastic bags and stapled it.

2) Some documents are possibly scanned and a long code/barcode is printed along the edges.

3) Some documents have their printed code (on the margin) crossed out later with a pen.

4) There is a green sheet instructing us to put it on top of the package when resubmitting. It is stapled half way through the stack.

5) They have stapled the checks to one of the stacks.

So how did/would you resubmit the documents? Did you mail it back as you received it or did you "re-sort" the documents. Basically, how did/would you address any of the above issues, especially number 3.

6) Did you put a single check of $1070 per person, or did you split it by I-485 fee and Biometrics fee for a total of two checks? I don't want to have it returned this time for another pedantic technicality.

Thanks!

Hi C1984,

My package was returned in the exact same condition you describe. It seems that our dividers and tabs weren't all that helpful to them so I didn't include any, just used an ACCO fastener the next time I sent out the document. I don't have my cover letter handy but basically I sent the document in the following order:
1. The green page they sent
2. Two checks on top in an envelope.
3. Cover Page explaining what I'm attaching
4. The Memo with highlights
5. Forms G1145, I-485, G325A
6. Supporting evidence. Note: I stapled the small plastic bag they placed my photo in to a blank paper.'

In regards to the marking on the page, I called USCIS and asked if I should print out fresh copies or resend the same package with the marking. They said I should resend the same one which I did.

Hope that helps! I know this is frustrating, but as someone told me when I was in your situation: only a few days to go before it's time to resend.

Good Luck

 

[c1984]

Hi C1984,

My package was returned in the exact same condition you describe. It seems that our dividers and tabs weren't all that helpful to them so I didn't include any, just used an ACCO fastener the next time I sent out the document. I don't have my cover letter handy but basically I sent the document in the following order:
1. The green page they sent
2. Two checks on top in an envelope.
3. Cover Page explaining what I'm attaching
4. The Memo with highlights
5. Forms G1145, I-485, G325A
6. Supporting evidence. Note: I stapled the small plastic bag they placed my photo in to a blank paper.'

In regards to the marking on the page, I called USCIS and asked if I should print out fresh copies or resend the same package with the marking. They said I should resend the same one which I did.

Hope that helps! I know this is frustrating, but as someone told me when I was in your situation: only a few days to go before it's time to resend.

Good Luck

Thanks for the response. So did you detach any of their stacks? Mine came in about 5 stacks all stapled separately. The plastic bas have a lot of documents in them, not just photos. I'm thinking of just re-sending the documents back as they came. I don't think there is much value in attaching the Memo. They are just ignoring it. I'm going to skip that to prevent any suspicions that I'm pushing for something out of the normal.

You mention "markings". Were the codes on some of the pages crossed out in yours as well?

How about the check? Only one per person?

 

[s6656]

Finally , got my GC today ! Yayyyy.

Been a really patient game all the way through and would like to thank everyone on the forum who helped in some way or other specially folks like Sm1smom , spice2013 , britsimon...

I'd be around for any inputs or help needed .

Good luck all !

Congrats on yr GC.
Hope all of us will get ours in due course

 

[s6656]

People that have their package returned might be able to answer this and of course others are welcome to chime in.

I got my package back yesterday, and they have "sorted" the content in their own way. All my dividers are gone. I personally don't see much of a pattern.

1) They have put some of the documents and forms in plastic bags and stapled it.

2) Some documents are possibly scanned and a long code/barcode is printed along the edges.

3) Some documents have their printed code (on the margin) crossed out later with a pen.

4) There is a green sheet instructing us to put it on top of the package when resubmitting. It is stapled half way through the stack.

5) They have stapled the checks to one of the stacks.

So how did/would you resubmit the documents? Did you mail it back as you received it or did you "re-sort" the documents. Basically, how did/would you address any of the above issues, especially number 3.

6) Did you put a single check of $1070 per person, or did you split it by I-485 fee and Biometrics fee for a total of two checks? I don't want to have it returned this time for another pedantic technicality.

Thanks!

I resubmitted without changing any other.
I put in a single check for the whole family. (1070 X4 = 4280). You don't have to split it into 2 checks.

 

[DvPerm]

Hi c1984, please find my answers below

Thanks for the response. So did you detach any of their stacks? Yes, I detached all of their stacks, I got a few of them as well. However the order they had the documents in did not match the 'recommended' sorting from the USCIS website so I decided to detach all and resort. Mine came in about 5 stacks all stapled separately. The plastic bas have a lot of documents in them, not just photos. I'm thinking of just re-sending the documents back as they came. I don't think there is much value in attaching the Memo. They are just ignoring it. I'm going to skip that to prevent any suspicions that I'm pushing for something out of the normal.

You mention "markings". Were the codes on some of the pages crossed out in yours as well? Yes, the codes were crossed out on some pages.

How about the check? Only one per person? Since I'm only applying for myself that's 2 checks for one person. However I have heard of others who successfully submitted one check for both fees.

 

[Sm1smom]

People that have their package returned might be able to answer this and of course others are welcome to chime in.

I got my package back yesterday, and they have "sorted" the content in their own way. All my dividers are gone. I personally don't see much of a pattern.

1) They have put some of the documents and forms in plastic bags and stapled it.

2) Some documents are possibly scanned and a long code/barcode is printed along the edges.

3) Some documents have their printed code (on the margin) crossed out later with a pen.

4) There is a green sheet instructing us to put it on top of the package when resubmitting. It is stapled half way through the stack.

5) They have stapled the checks to one of the stacks.

So how did/would you resubmit the documents? Did you mail it back as you received it or did you "re-sort" the documents. Basically, how did/would you address any of the above issues, especially number 3.

6) Did you put a single check of $1070 per person, or did you split it by I-485 fee and Biometrics fee for a total of two checks? I don't want to have it returned this time for another pedantic technicality.

Thanks!

Sorry to read about your package being returned to you. Although I must say I'm not quite surprised most of the packages sent in based on the advanced notification section of the VB are being returned, I think I wrote about the possibility of this happening earlier on on this thread.

Anyway, my suggestion would be to re-send the package 'as is' sometime next week, be sure to include a copy of the new memo with the section regarding early filing clearly highlighted (if it wasn't initially inlcuded). Don't re-sort the documents, there's a reason they've been sorted they way you received them. There's no point including different checks for the I-485 application and the biometric fees. A single check of $1070 per person is the ideal way to go.

 

[Sm1smom]

I resubmitted without changing any other.
I put in a single check for the whole family. (1070 X4 = 4280). You don't have to split it into 2 checks.

For those yet to send in their package, please note it's generally not a good idea to combine the payment for the entire family into one check. Those who combine the payment for the entire family run the risk of their entire package being returned if for instance, there's an issue like a missing signature, on one of applications.

The only time the entire package will be returned, if individual checks are included, is if there's an issue with the main applicant's form. But if the problem is with a derivative, the rest of the package would be accepted and only the problematic one would be returned. Once the problem is dealt with and the package is returned to the Chicago lock-box, the processing of that application would be fast tracked and added to the already accepted ones. This technically means the rest of the accepted package is holding a spot which would not be the case if the entire package was returned due to an error in one of the application forms.

 

[Sm1smom]

Finally , got my GC today ! Yayyyy.

Been a really patient game all the way through and would like to thank everyone on the forum who helped in some way or other specially folks like Sm1smom , spice2013 , britsimon...

I'd be around for any inputs or help needed .

Good luck all !

Congratulations! It must feel great holding the card in your hands finally

 

[Sm1smom]

I just got a notice saying my case has been transferred to USCIS-NBC, PO BOX 648005, Lee's Summit, MO 64064 from the Nebraska Service center. Is this normal? does this mean the process is going to be delayed further?

Yes, that is the standard practice and response. And no, it does not mean your case would be delayed. Please go through the following link and take a look at the tab labeled NBC_LOCKBOX_FO for more clarification and guidance on what's happening to your package:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AozhLxh12qzYdDU3WkxHaFFtdVI4Y01oTFc3ZnZlb1E#gid=3

 

[Sm1smom]

So, obviously the reason this forum exists is because the DV Lottery rules and explanations on how to fill out all the info are very confusing.
My interview is coming up. December 11th. Let me tell you first what happened.
In May I checked the status and found out I was one of the winners.
In June I started reading all the rules and sent my 122 form with bar code and 2 pics.
Since I'm in the USA as a student on the website it says to file AOS (I-485). I did that but I paid full $1070 instead of $330. Then I got a biometrics appointment. Went ahead and did that. Then I got an interview for August 5th. Since I knew it was too early because the interviews are supposed to start October 1st, I sent a letter explaining what happened and asked to reschedule. I assume the reason they scheduled an appointment so quickly is because I paid as if I'm all ready to get permanent residency. I knew I made a mistake but $1070 also includes work authorization so I got a 1 year authorization in November (this month). November 22 got all my medical exams done. November 13th got a NL to pay $330. November 14th - paid $330 fee.
Now I also got another letter with the AOS.
It's ridiculous now, I can't physically stress anymore about this. I now have 2 pending cases with USCIS and I just keep paying the fees hoping they approve me. BTW, I have 2 BA degrees and finishing my MBA. I also have work experience so I'm very good in that regard.
1. People, what do you suggest? Is there anything I can do now?
2. Do I bring the sealed medical exam to the interview or am I supposed to mail it?
Thank you so much. I promise you when I'm done with this I'll definitely share my experience and hope it will help somebody too.
Best,
Aly

Would love to provide more guidance but I'm a bit confused by most of what you've writen here, so some additional information and a little bit more clearity would help. To start with, what is your CN? Are you a DV 2013 or 2014 selectee? If you're a 2014 selectee, I'm highly surprised USCIS accepted your application and scheduled you for an interview prior to the start of the applicable FY.

You claim you "have 2 pending cases with USCIS" What exactly do you mean by this? Did you send in two I-485 packages? Are they based on your DV selection? Did you make the $1070 AOS fee payment twice? Have you received the payment receipt for the $330 DV administrative fee?

For your own sake, I hope you haven't used the EAD card you received. By using that card to work, you're no longer in F1 status, which I assume is your current visa status since you indicated you're a student.

Anyway, regarding your questions:
1. Not much can be said, unless you shed more light on some of those questions I asked above.

2. You are to take the sealed medical exam to the interview.

 

[c1984]

Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate it.

Sorry to read about your package being returned to you. Although I must say I'm not quite surprised most of the packages sent in based on the advanced notification section of the VB are being returned, I think I wrote about the possibility of this happening earlier on on this thread.

Anyway, my suggestion would be to re-send the package 'as is' sometime next week, be sure to include a copy of the new memo with the section regarding early filing clearly highlighted (if it wasn't initially inlcuded). Don't re-sort the documents, there's a reason they've been sorted they way you received them. There's no point including different checks for the I-485 application and the biometric fees. A single check of $1070 per person is the ideal way to go.

I did have the memo attached, had quoted the relevant paragraph in my cover letter, and had highlighted it in the memo.

However, I'm starting to develop mixed feelings towards including the Memo. I can imagine that it might come across as me pushing something that is debatable and out of the normal and that's why I'm trying so hard to "clarify." I am starting to doubt the person making the decision to just change his opinion right there because I am including a Memo. I don't think they give a crap to anything besides the instructions communicated to them through their supervisor.

Maybe if you don't include the memo it comes across as less "suspicious".

 

[Sm1smom]

Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate it.

I did have the memo attached, had quoted the relevant paragraph in my cover letter, and had highlighted it in the memo.

However, I'm starting to develop mixed feelings towards including the Memo. I can imagine that it might come across as me pushing something that is debatable and out of the normal and that's why I'm trying so hard to "clarify." I am starting to doubt the person making the decision to just change his opinion right there because I am including a Memo. I don't think they give a crap to anything besides the instructions communicated to them through their supervisor.

Maybe if you don't include the memo it comes across as less "suspicious".

Well, I guess you just have to go by what your mind tells you and make the best decision for your case. But if I was in your shoes, I most certainly would include the Memo again when re-sending the package. My feeling is they're a lot more inclined to accept the package based on one month early filing. And I most certainly don't think they're offended by people including the Memo with their package, I think it's more of a case being unfortunate with the package landing in front of an incompetent person who is clueless and too lazy to even bother to read the Memo. Re-sending the package with the Memo tells them the applicant knows what he/she is doing IMO (even if it unfortunately lands in front of this same person again ) But do what you consider best for you and good luck!

 

[slim2020]

6) Did you put a single check of $1070 per person, or did you split it by I-485 fee and Biometrics fee for a total of two checks? I don't want to have it returned this time for another pedantic technicality.

Thanks!

I included one $1070 check. It got cashed fine. For what it's worth the I-485 Instructions repeatedly mention a single "check", even though they explain the two fees explicitly.

 

[slim2020]

By the way, I never received the hard-copy of DV Fee receipt (only received scanned receipt through e-mail). The outlook doesn't seem encouraging if every single step is going to be like this.

I never got a hard copy of the DV fee receipt (only email), though it might be because I didn't include a self-addressed envelope in my package to KCC. I never got any text messages for my I-485. On the other hand, I got two duplicate biometrics letters a few days apart; I guess the second was sent for redundancy. I'd say the likelihood of you having more/major trouble with the remaining steps is lower now that you've already experienced some hiccups.

 

[s6656]

I never got a hard copy of the DV fee receipt (only email), though it might be because I didn't include a self-addressed envelope in my package to KCC. I never got any text messages for my I-485. On the other hand, I got two duplicate biometrics letters a few days apart; I guess the second was sent for redundancy. I'd say the likelihood of you having more/major trouble with the remaining steps is lower now that you've already experienced some hiccups.

I received a hard copy via the self addressed envelope that i send with my check. I did not get any text msg or email for the AOS package sent to the locked box. However a fed days later I received the NOA in mail.

 

[MacMike]

hi,

I am scheduled for final interview for AOS, thanks to immigration.com for your immense help,
its in first week of december, and I am worried about documents to take there........
DV caseno: 2014AS000016**

almost all documents, I have with as below, which i had sent in i485 also:
i. Birth Certificate and Certified Translation
ii. Passport all Pages with Visa
iii. I-94 front and back
iv. Four copies of I 20 ( First attended University , Transferred University , Degree Completed OPT issuance and worked with first Employer, and worked with Second or current Employer)
v. OPT EAD card valid until June, 2014
vi. Employment Letter and Paystub from Employer
vii. Copy of SSN
viii. University Degrees (Undergraduate, and Master’s Degrees and Transcripts)
ix. Last year Tax return and W2 documents
x. Police clearance Report from Home Country

Now, What Affidavit of support document I need ? i134 or I864, while I am inside USA....and is my documents above listed are complete for interview or I am missing anything?

My chronology is as:
May 1, 2013: Result Checked, and selected, 1NL
May 28, 2013: Dsp122 sent to kcc
Sept 23, 2013: Got email by KCC 2 attachment, i think its 2NL (pls correct me if its not 2NL), saying proceed with USCIS for AOS, and also sent DV fee paying instructions
Sept28: DV fee sent to MIssouri,
Oct 11: DV fee receit obtained in mail,
Oct14: AOS package sent to USCIS, Chicago lockbox
Oct 20: Package acceptance email, with SRC no ....and in 23 oct same letter in mailbox
Oct29: Biometrics appointment notice in mailbox
Nov14: Biometrics done
Nov 20: Interview letter with green color paper
Dec : Interview
Dec: result and final GC
waiting