All I know is that the FO in MN has been incompetent and did not know the DV process. They didn't even request my file 6 weeks after my biometrics cleared. I am going to keep scheduling infopasses to keep them on top of my case (since that hasn't been happening in my case). Not only weren't they doing their job, they also lied multiple times about it.
DV 2017 AOS Only
- Thread starter Sm1smom
- Start date
SusieQQQ
Well-Known Member
To play devil's advocate, there's nothing that says they have to hurry the process. Some FOs batch DV cases because they are fairly rare, and then do a bunch them at one time meaning some people wait for months. Unlike CP, when your current month is (normally) when you can be sure of an interview, AOS means you may (may, not will) have to wait for months after becoming current, especially if your CN is lower. As long as they have completed the process by end of the FY they can be said to have done their job competently.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
News flash: there's no rule/law that says the FO is required to request for your KCC file at a specific point in time. And in case you're not aware, AOS is not a right, it is a privilege/a service USCIS is providing and they are only required to accommodate DV based AOS cases based on their regular workload. The FO can decide to lump all the DV based AOS cases together and conduct the interview within the last week of September if they so choose. Your opinion about them not doing their job is irrelevant to them because it is simply not true!
Nothing wrong with scheduling INFOPASS and following up on the case - it's something I highly recommend as a matter of fact! But it pays to have a good understanding of the process if you're going on an INFOPASS by the way. And to know the right questions to ask.
Yes it's a given most of the IOs do not understand the AOS process when it comes to DV cases - that does not make them incompetent. It just means they haven't had the opportunity of dealing with a DV based AOS case considering the fact that about 98% of the AOS cases all the FOs deal with are employment and family based which are not time limited.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Please take a look at the AOS process spreadsheet and see what is listed as the supporting documents for an I-134.
When someone tells you 3 times that they have requested the file from KCC and after that calling KCC to tell me that they have not requested, they lied. And yes I am aware that they can take all the time they want. But it doesn't hurt to make them aware of my case and by going to the infopass it might speed things up. And from older DV threads in this forum, others have also confirmed that the MN field office is not on top of things.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Basically what I'm trying to tell you is you need chill about the they lied, they lied, they're incompetent posts and all that. After all KCC also lied by telling you it takes one and half weeks for the FO to receive the KCC file. Or that your interview will take place within a month of your FO receiving the file - they lied on that score too.
Oh, did KCC not also tell you a while back that the background check comes to them and it only gets sent when the FO requests for it? Wasn't that a lie, or you think you FO got around to request for the background check but failed to ask for the KCC file? Like I've said over and over, KCC does not know about the interview process for AOS cases. They all tend to say one thing or the other just to get you off the phone or away from their presence.
So by all means follow up on your case, but stop acting like your right has been infringed upon.
Hey there!
I have started to put together my AOS package and noticed that there is more items listed on your spreadsheet (best spreadsheet of all time by the way) like W2's, bank statements, etc. compared to what they have on the "Green Card Through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program" page on the USCIS website (won't let me post the link here).
Just wondering why you have more items? I understand that more is better/safer but just wondering if I have to send all these things. Also, where does it say online to send the petition? Can't believe that it doesn't have a link on the above official page (unless I'm missing something).
Thank you!
I have started to put together my AOS package and noticed that there is more items listed on your spreadsheet (best spreadsheet of all time by the way) like W2's, bank statements, etc. compared to what they have on the "Green Card Through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program" page on the USCIS website (won't let me post the link here).
Just wondering why you have more items? I understand that more is better/safer but just wondering if I have to send all these things. Also, where does it say online to send the petition? Can't believe that it doesn't have a link on the above official page (unless I'm missing something).
Thank you!
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Yes the spreadsheet has more listed items than USCIS' website based on what the IOs have been observed to have requested to see over. Front loading the petition reduces gives the IO enough time to review the case prior to the interview and it reduces the possibility of being issued with an RFE at the end of the interview. The IO needs to be satisfied one us financially stable and isn't likely to become a public charge before approving the petition.
It's your call as to what you wish to include with your package - you've been provided with what we consider pertinent. The I-485 form instruction has the mailing address listed on it.
Hello Mom,
I went through spreadsheet but I got a little confused. If the Biometric is an obligation for everyone in the family over 14 years old, why you did not put Biometrics fee (80$) for applicant spouse and children ( over 14 years old) in the spreadsheet.
Based on my understanding from i-485 instruction for "my family- a family of 3"; principal applicant, applicant's spouse and applicant's child (13 years and 3 months), total cost for AOS process will be:
1- principal applicant: 1140$ filing fee for form i-485 + 85$ Biometrics fee = 1225$
2-applicant's spouse; 1140$ filing fee for form i-485 + 85$ Biometrics fee = 1225$
3-applicant's child; 1140$ filing fee for form i-485 + 0 $ Biometrics fee = 1140$
(age over 13 years should pay complete filing fee(1140$) and less than 14 years then no need to pay Biometrics fee)
These amounts (specially for child) are correct?
Should i write three separate personal checks or just one check with total amount?
Thank you
I went through spreadsheet but I got a little confused. If the Biometric is an obligation for everyone in the family over 14 years old, why you did not put Biometrics fee (80$) for applicant spouse and children ( over 14 years old) in the spreadsheet.
Based on my understanding from i-485 instruction for "my family- a family of 3"; principal applicant, applicant's spouse and applicant's child (13 years and 3 months), total cost for AOS process will be:
1- principal applicant: 1140$ filing fee for form i-485 + 85$ Biometrics fee = 1225$
2-applicant's spouse; 1140$ filing fee for form i-485 + 85$ Biometrics fee = 1225$
3-applicant's child; 1140$ filing fee for form i-485 + 0 $ Biometrics fee = 1140$
(age over 13 years should pay complete filing fee(1140$) and less than 14 years then no need to pay Biometrics fee)
These amounts (specially for child) are correct?
Should i write three separate personal checks or just one check with total amount?
Thank you
Last edited:
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
I'm not sure what you mean by "If the Biometric is an obligation for everyone in the family over 14 years old, why you did not put Biometrics fee (80$) for applicant spouse and children ( over 14 years old) in the spreadsheet" when the spreadsheet clearly shows $1,225 as the AOS fee under the Applicant's Child/Children's column. And immediately in front of that (in the next cell) it says: "*** AOS fee is $750 for children under 14 effective Dec. 23rd, 2016 *** How much more should I or do I need to further break that down? For the main petitioner and their derivatives (spouse and kids 14 and above), the listed $1,225 already contains the $85 biometric fee.
If your child is under 14 and you include a payment of $1,140 filing fee, your child's package would be rejected and returned back - assuming you include 3 separate checks. If you use a single check for the family, the entire package will be rejected based on the incorrect fee for your child. So yes, it is preferable to use separate checks for each package.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Which other form did you include in your package outseide of the I-485?
The G-325, I-693, G1145, I-765, I-797, and I-134
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
So the 2nd receipt number is for your I-765.
Thanks Mom for your answer. But in Instruction for I-485 issued in 01/17/2017, page 5-section"What is the Filing Fee?" it says:
" The filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,140. An additional biometrics service fee of $85 is required for applicants ages 14 to 78.
If Form I-485 for a child age 13 or younger is filed in the same envelope with the Form I-485 of at least one parent, the fee for the child's Form I-485 is $750."
My child is 13 years and 4 months. She is under 14 years (means no need to pay biometrics fee) but older than 13 years (seems should pay complete filing fee).
am I wrong?
In spreed sheet as you said "***AOS fee is $750 for children under 14 effective Dec.23rd, 2016***" But it seems in new instruction, AOS fee of $750 is for children under 13.
Would you please clarify this for me. I really confused.
thanks
" The filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,140. An additional biometrics service fee of $85 is required for applicants ages 14 to 78.
If Form I-485 for a child age 13 or younger is filed in the same envelope with the Form I-485 of at least one parent, the fee for the child's Form I-485 is $750."
My child is 13 years and 4 months. She is under 14 years (means no need to pay biometrics fee) but older than 13 years (seems should pay complete filing fee).
am I wrong?
In spreed sheet as you said "***AOS fee is $750 for children under 14 effective Dec.23rd, 2016***" But it seems in new instruction, AOS fee of $750 is for children under 13.
Would you please clarify this for me. I really confused.
thanks
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
USCIS is not counting the months. 13 years and 4 months is clearly under 14, innit? Doesn't matter if the child is 13 years and 10 months, that is considered under 14 so your child should be paying $750. But if you feel your child is eligible to pay $1,140 then the biometrics fee must be included.
You may wish to refer to the following USCIS link for further guidance on this:
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/our-fees