DV 2017 AOS Only

[Blop]

Frankly, I would not expect any issue for your I-485 case either way: as you seem to be holding a receipt confirmation with I-797 Priority Date while on valid J status (are you?), either you will remain in J status until AoS application has been approved, or you would attain 'adjustment pending' status if your J status, for whatever reason, should expire. Either way you will be able to complete I-485 processing. The only downside to the second scenario would be that you don't have a valid status to fall back on in case your I-485 application should be declined, in which case you would have to leave for your home country in due course. Also, in case your J Program would come to an end, you would require a DV based EAC to work in the US under 'adjustment pending' status. That's basically it, in my opinion.

Thanks Euro2014! Very helpful. I don't hold I-797 yet but it's good to know that once I get it "I'm safe"
The only issue I can see is if my J program got terminated before I receive acknowledgement from USCIS. I don't know exactly what would happen in this case. If you have any thoughts that would help? My gut tells me in that case I'd have to leave the US and switch to CP. I doubt this will happen (simply trying to think ahead here, just in case).

 

[EURO2014]

Thanks Euro2014! Very helpful. I don't hold I-797 yet but it's good to know that once I get it "I'm safe"
The only issue I can see is if my J program got terminated before I receive acknowledgement from USCIS. I don't know exactly what would happen in this case. If you have any thoughts that would help? My gut tells me in that case I'd have to leave the US and switch to CP. I doubt this will happen (simply trying to think ahead here, just in case).

You are welcome. Obviously, as you correctly stated, your relative risk in terms of successfully filing DV AoS exists until you hold official I-797 Receipt Date in your hand. Concerning your question: a key requirement for being eligible for AoS processing in general (with exception of I-130 through marriage with USC) is to hold legal status, at minimum at the time of USCIS Receipt Date. Hence, if you would loose your J status any time before then for whatever reason, your only remaining option would be to return to your home country and to process DV CP. However, please keep in mind that the change from AoS to CP requires time and additional security clearance related processing from KCC side. Last but not least, let me point out again that above stated AoS eligibility is a minimum requirement, ideally you will hold legal status throughout AoS process until time of your DV USCIS interview or beyond. Does this make sense?

 

[CountryGirl]

I don't know why your account is locked. Anyway, try using the reset password link to change your password, that should hopefully get you into the account once the password has been changed.

The online status typically doesn't change from the fingerprint fee received message until a decision is made after the interview - the AOS process spreadsheet already addressed this.

Hi,
What account are you talking about?? Do we need to create an account with USCIS or something? I'm only checking my status via their website... I don't have any account...
Thank you!!

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi,
What account are you talking about?? Do we need to create an account with USCIS or something? I'm only checking my status via their website... I don't have any account...
Thank you!!

You can stick to checking the status updates case by case or create an account be able to view the status of all your cases (after you enter all the receipt numbers the first time).

Creating an account also enables you to get notifications whenever something is mailed out to you, which means you don't have to keep checking online everyday.

Creating an account is optional, but I highly recommend it:

https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/showSplash.do;jsessionid=498EC0ED3C56A1E0FAD278D7D4382CB3

 

[Blop]

You are welcome. Obviously, as you correctly stated, your relative risk in terms of successfully filing DV AoS exists until you hold official I-797 Receipt Date in your hand. Concerning your question: a key requirement for being eligible for AoS processing in general (with exception of I-130 through marriage with USC) is to hold legal status, at minimum at the time of USCIS Receipt Date. Hence, if you would loose your J status any time before then for whatever reason, your only remaining option would be to return to your home country and to process DV CP. However, please keep in mind that the change from AoS to CP requires time and additional security clearance related processing from KCC side. Last but not least, let me point out again that above stated AoS eligibility is a minimum requirement, ideally you will hold legal status throughout AoS process until time of your DV USCIS interview or beyond. Does this make sense?

Yes, crystal clear. Thanks so much!!

 

[ATRL]

It's optional for kids below 14 and adults above 79. It really makes no difference if the form is included for those within that category or not - so the spreadsheet is silent on that (and there have been and still are children above 14 who are derivatives). What matters is to ensure the correct amount of fee is included, and the spreadsheet addressed that.

Understood and thanks for clarification.

Before mailing my package I still feel worried about the completeness of the documents.

7 years ago when we entered US first, we were on F1/F2 visas, so we have our past I-20 forms at hand. Since the time we changed our statuses to L1/L2 5 years ago we received 3 times I-797A Notices of Actions to extend our statuses. Additionally, our last extension of L1/L2 visa and status was at the US Embassy in our home country via Blanket L Approval Notice.

What do you recommend with regards to these past immigration document from DHS and USCIS to us? Is it recommended to include copies all of our past I-20, I-797A and Blanket L notices in our AOS package? Or will including these confuse them beyond the values I am seeking for?

Thanks.

 

[Ali Amiri]

Mom,
Today I received my EAd card. My interview is scheduled for Jan 25 and I am currently F1 student. My question is that should I take my EAD card to international office at the school to inform them about my status? Or shall I Wait till my actual GC arrives then inform them to change my status? In other worrds, is my current F1 status and Sevice valid? Will my status in their system stay international till I inform them and show them my GC?
Thanks
Ali

 

[kamme]

Hi, a quick question. I'm an F1 student & I'll graduate in May. I was current in October, filed my documents in September and got both of the KCC letters right on time, therefore I was able to add the letters to my AOS package. I made a little mistake while filling out the I-485, I accidentally marked A on Part 2 instead of the last option (H).

I got the acceptance e-mail on September 20th, gave my biometrics on October 12.
I'm currently still waiting for the interview letter. I'm unsure whether I should keep waiting or schedule the InfoPass?

Thank you in advance.
K.

 

[Chriso]

So i fly to Sydney on monday for my interview.. i think im all ready. In my folder of documents i have The letter emailed to me with my appointment printout, Passport, passport copy, 2xphotos, My VCE (high school cert) my graduation certificate from high school and vce results, as well as a cert 3 in telecommunications, i know this one may not be required i thought id throw it in in case, my birth certificate, National police certificate, all court docs and driver history record relating to a spent conviction, my medical envelope and xray cd and letter and copies of all above and arranged in the folder in that order, I hope im not forgetting anything? :S my interview is around 9 am tuesday morning. I assume i just show up at the address and off i go to the interview?

 

[Sm1smom]

Understood and thanks for clarification.

Before mailing my package I still feel worried about the completeness of the documents.

7 years ago when we entered US first, we were on F1/F2 visas, so we have our past I-20 forms at hand. Since the time we changed our statuses to L1/L2 5 years ago we received 3 times I-797A Notices of Actions to extend our statuses. Additionally, our last extension of L1/L2 visa and status was at the US Embassy in our home country via Blanket L Approval Notice.

What do you recommend with regards to these past immigration document from DHS and USCIS to us? Is it recommended to include copies all of our past I-20, I-797A and Blanket L notices in our AOS package? Or will including these confuse them beyond the values I am seeking for?

Thanks.

I think you should use your best judgment regarding this.

 

[Sm1smom]

Mom,
Today I received my EAd card. My interview is scheduled for Jan 25 and I am currently F1 student. My question is that should I take my EAD card to international office at the school to inform them about my status? Or shall I Wait till my actual GC arrives then inform them to change my status? In other worrds, is my current F1 status and Sevice valid? Will my status in their system stay international till I inform them and show them my GC?
Thanks
Ali

There's nothing to informing your school about at this stage, your status is still F1 until your GC petition gets approved or you use the AOS based EAD to take up a job offer.

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi, a quick question. I'm an F1 student & I'll graduate in May. I was current in October, filed my documents in September and got both of the KCC letters right on time, therefore I was able to add the letters to my AOS package. I made a little mistake while filling out the I-485, I accidentally marked A on Part 2 instead of the last option (H).

I got the acceptance e-mail on September 20th, gave my biometrics on October 12.
I'm currently still waiting for the interview letter. I'm unsure whether I should keep waiting or schedule the InfoPass?

Thank you in advance.
K.

You may schedule an INFOPASS. You should also take a look at the Timelines spreadsheets (both current and past) to get an idea of how long it typically takes your FO to schedule DV based AOS interviews.

 

[Sm1smom]

So i fly to Sydney on monday for my interview.. i think im all ready. In my folder of documents i have The letter emailed to me with my appointment printout, Passport, passport copy, 2xphotos, My VCE (high school cert) my graduation certificate from high school and vce results, as well as a cert 3 in telecommunications, i know this one may not be required i thought id throw it in in case, my birth certificate, National police certificate, all court docs and driver history record relating to a spent conviction, my medical envelope and xray cd and letter and copies of all above and arranged in the folder in that order, I hope im not forgetting anything? :S my interview is around 9 am tuesday morning. I assume i just show up at the address and off i go to the interview?

This Thread is for DV based AOS cases only.

 

[Chriso]

whoops wrong one

 

[Ruw02]

Dear Mom,

I have just found this website and I am so happy! Thank you for all your work. I have a few questions and I hope that you will find some time to reply to me.

I am on F-1 and have been on it for 8 years. Did my undergrad, OPT, BA, OPT and am currently finishing a doctorate degree. I will graduate in March 2017.

My number was EUxx10xxx and became current in November.
I applied October 14
Received my notices
Had biometrics on 11/15/16
Went for Info pass 12/01/16
Today, 12/05/16 I received my interview invitation for 01/05/17

I am very excited about it. But, as I read this forum, I started to have more questions.
I applied myself for the ASO, without a lawyer and just went by whatever USCIS website said. I didn't know that this forum existed!

1) I haven't filled DS260. Should I still do it? I know that it is not necessary. Would completing and filing it prolong my application processing at this time? Or will it speed it up?
2) Should I ask some of my friends to complete the I-134? Where do I file it? Or do I just complete the form and have it in hand just in case during my interview? I had I-134 completed by USC back in 2008 as I was starting my F-1 journey. I guess it is still valid. I don't think that I would prefer to ask that person to do it again for me. I would choose a different USC if it is helpful to have it.
3) I am finishing a very "hot" degree right now. I already have 4 job offers and people are waiting for me to graduate in March. Could I just use a job offer letter? Would that be enough to show how will I support myself? Is it even necessary to show how will you support yourself during AOS? Wouldn't my "good" degree be enough? I don't have any income at this time. I have been living off what I earned during my last OPT and from support of family back home and local friends.
4)Since my interview is scheduled for 01/05/17, could I ask the FO for an earlier appointment? If yes, how do I do that? over the phone, infopass, mail?

Thank you so much for all your help and time!!! You are GREAT!!!

Just out of curiosity. What's your degree?

 

[Supersonic2016]

@mom: Before I won the lottery the Univeristy terminated my Sevis for a 3 months by Mistake and after they noticed they have been wrong they corrected it and I am under F1 with a Activated Sevis. I want to ask if this is a good reason I can ask for an expedition? If so, What proof I need to present for this case.

Regards,

 

[Vrbmon]

Hi Mom,

Sort of AOS related - on the DS260, it have asked if I authorize DHS to share my info to get SSN assigned (my kids don't have one). Do you know if that step is automatic after the approval of the I-485 or I still have to go to the SSA to get one for the kids?

Thank you!

 

[Britsimon]

Hi Mom,

Sort of AOS related - on the DS260, it have asked if I authorize DHS to share my info to get SSN assigned (my kids don't have one). Do you know if that step is automatic after the approval of the I-485 or I still have to get to the SSA to get one for the kids?

Thank you!

For CP that step is automatic. For AOS you will probably have to apply yourself (visit the SSA office).

 

[Sm1smom]

@mom: Before I won the lottery the Univeristy terminated my Sevis for a 3 months by Mistake and after they noticed they have been wrong they corrected it and I am under F1 with a Activated Sevis. I want to ask if this is a good reason I can ask for an expedition? If so, What proof I need to present for this case.

Regards,

No it is not a basis (talk less of it being a good one) to request for your AOS petition to be expedited. USCIS had nothing to do with your mistaken termination in SEVIS, your school made that mistake, nothing to do with your AOS petition.

As a matter of fact, that's not even something you want to draw attention to, the slightest doubt about your having being out of status at any point in time is potential trouble for your AOS petition. You don't bring it up unless they ask you about it. You should use this waiting period to gather any and every form of evidence you can lay your hands on to prove you never went out of status for those 3 months period. You'll need a written documentation from your school confirming they erroneously terminated you. In addition, gather copies of all your registration payments from the beginning of your stay in the US, your transcripts, I-20, anything else you can think of on your own.

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi Mom,

Sort of AOS related - on the DS260, it have asked if I authorize DHS to share my info to get SSN assigned (my kids don't have one). Do you know if that step is automatic after the approval of the I-485 or I still have to go to the SSA to get one for the kids?

Thank you!

It is not automatic for AOS. You'll need to visit the SSA office to apply for the SSN after getting your GC.