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DV 2021 AOS Only

About the documents for "Proof of maintaining valid status while in the US", I'm unsure of how much documentation I need to provide and would really appreciate some advice.

I originally came to the US as an undergrad student on an F1 visa in 2013, then in 2017 I had 1 year of work as OPT, then 2 years under OPT STEM Extension.

In my most recent entry to the US (January 2020):
- I was on F1 visa
- I have an I-94 record for this entry to the US
- I was authorized to work for my current company under OPT STEM Extension
- I had an EAD card

After that, in July 2020, I was granted a change of status to E3 visa:
- Since it was a change of status I never left the US and never got a physical visa
- I got an I-797A Notice of Action saying I'm approved as E3
- As part of the I-797A, it includes an I-94 record saying that I am in "class" E3 from 07/10/2020 until 01/25/2022

Based on that, how much documentation should I provide? And given that it's a fairly complicated situation, is there a way I can present the documents to avoid confusion - like a letter explaining it or something like that?

Thanks!
 
ollie-o said:
About the documents for "Proof of maintaining valid status while in the US", I'm unsure of how much documentation I need to provide and would really appreciate some advice.

I originally came to the US as an undergrad student on an F1 visa in 2013, then in 2017 I had 1 year of work as OPT, then 2 years under OPT STEM Extension.

In my most recent entry to the US (January 2020):
- I was on F1 visa
- I have an I-94 record for this entry to the US
- I was authorized to work for my current company under OPT STEM Extension
- I had an EAD card

After that, in July 2020, I was granted a change of status to E3 visa:
- Since it was a change of status I never left the US and never got a physical visa
- I got an I-797A Notice of Action saying I'm approved as E3
- As part of the I-797A, it includes an I-94 record saying that I am in "class" E3 from 07/10/2020 until 01/25/2022

Based on that, how much documentation should I provide? And given that it's a fairly complicated situation, is there a way I can present the documents to avoid confusion - like a letter explaining it or something like that?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
2013 - 2017: I-20, I-797, and EAD
2020 - Present: I-797, I-94
 
Hello Mom,
The following is the correct address for sending the AOS package through USPS: Right?

USCIS Chicago Lockbox
USCIS
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
 
Youn said:
Hello Mom,
The following is the correct address for sending the AOS package through USPS: Right?

USCIS Chicago Lockbox
USCIS
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
Click to expand...

U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS Chicago Lockbox
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS Chicago Lockbox
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
 
Sm1smom said:
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS Chicago Lockbox
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS Chicago Lockbox
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
Click to expand...
Thank you very much.
 
Sm1smom said:
2013 - 2017: I-20, I-797, and EAD
2020 - Present: I-797, I-94
Click to expand...
Thanks for the quick reply! A couple of follow-up questions:

1) For the I-20, would you recommend every I-20 since 2013, or just the most recent one?
2) For the EAD cards (and associated I-797s), would you recommend both of them? I have 2 separate EAD cards, 1 for OPT in 2017, and then 1 for OPT STEM Extension from 2018-2020.
3) For the I-94, which one should I provide? The one from my most recent physical entry to the US (F1 OPT Extension status, Jan 2020), or the one granted most recently (change of status to E3, July 2020)?
 
ollie-o said:
Thanks for the quick reply! A couple of follow-up questions:

1) For the I-20, would you recommend every I-20 since 2013, or just the most recent one?
2) For the EAD cards (and associated I-797s), would you recommend both of them? I have 2 separate EAD cards, 1 for OPT in 2017, and then 1 for OPT STEM Extension from 2018-2020.
3) For the I-94, which one should I provide? The one from my most recent physical entry to the US (F1 OPT Extension status, Jan 2020), or the one granted most recently (change of status to E3, July 2020)?
Click to expand...
Remember you’re trying to demonstrate you’ve continuously maintained your status as required, so:
1. Each I-20
2. Both
3. Most current I-94 is fine. Including both wouldn’t hurt either (it is just one more piece of paper)
 
Hi Mom,

I have a few questions about sending the $330 money order to the Department of State.

1. Is it okay if I write my case number on the money order, or should it be typed by USPS staff?
2. What kind of envelope should I use for the self-addressed envelope, flat rate (red) or express (blue)?
3. For the self-addressed envelope, should I put the address of DoS PO box at St. Louis, MO for FROM? (I know we're supposed to send them our money orders to this address but I'm not sure if they'd send the receipt back from this address.)
4. Besides addresses and stamps, what else should I write on the envelope of my money order and AOS package (if needed)?

Thank you and I wish everyone the best.
 
Last edited:
Hi Mom,

I was a F1 student and subsequently applied for OPT. The OPT process took too long for my employer so they requested that I use the TN visa since I am a Canadian citizen. My wife (not Canadian) is the principal applicant and I am the derivative. After I entered the US on TN and started working, I received the OPT EAD. I've never used this EAD and I am still working here on the TN visa.

My question is whether I should use the A-number listed on the EAD for my applications forms and if I should send copies of the EAD in my application package.

Thanks for all your help in creating the spreadsheet and answering questions here! :)
 
ihavehope said:
Hi Mom,

I have a few questions about sending the $330 money order to the Department of State.

1. Is it okay if I write my case number on the money order, or should it be typed by USPS staff?
2. What kind of envelope should I use for the self-addressed envelope, flat rate (red) or express (blue)?
3. For the self-addressed envelope, should I put the address of DoS PO box at St. Louis, MO for FROM? (I know we're supposed to send them our money orders to this address but I'm not sure if they'd send the receipt back from this address.)
4. Besides addresses and stamps, what else should I write on the envelope of my money order and AOS package (if needed)?

Thank you and I wish everyone the best.
Click to expand...
1. You can write it yourself.
2. Your call, you decide.
3. Not relevant IMO, write it if you like.
4. ????
 
msypan said:
Hi Mom,

I was a F1 student and subsequently applied for OPT. The OPT process took too long for my employer so they requested that I use the TN visa since I am a Canadian citizen. My wife (not Canadian) is the principal applicant and I am the derivative. After I entered the US on TN and started working, I received the OPT EAD. I've never used this EAD and I am still working here on the TN visa.

My question is whether I should use the A-number listed on the EAD for my applications forms and if I should send copies of the EAD in my application package.

Thanks for all your help in creating the spreadsheet and answering questions here! :)
Click to expand...
Yes, and yes.

What is your wife’s current status?
 
Sm1smom said:
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS Chicago Lockbox
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS Chicago Lockbox
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
Click to expand...
Thank you both. I needed that information as well. I'm planning on mailing my package on May 1st, one day after I graduate. I'm also waiting for my mom who is travelling to the U.S from my home country for the graduation ceremony. She is bringing my birth certificate.
 
Hello mom, does the long birth certificate have to be issued by the city or ward or can it be issued by hospital as well? Thank you .
 
Sm1smom said:
Remember you’re trying to demonstrate you’ve continuously maintained your status as required, so:
1. Each I-20
2. Both
3. Most current I-94 is fine. Including both wouldn’t hurt either (it is just one more piece of paper)
Click to expand...
I have another follow-up question. Thank you as always :)

In the context of "proving I've maintained my status", is it necessary to get an official employment verification letter from the company I worked at for my F1 OPT?

I will still provide plenty of evidence supporting the fact I worked there: my I-20 documents refer to the company, and I will also provide W-2s from the company as part of "evidence of financial support". I could also add a copy of my offer letter and my first paycheck. Will that be sufficient?

I ask because it's a bit of a pain to request the employment verification letter so it would be nice to skip that effort if possible.
 
ollie-o said:
I have another follow-up question. Thank you as always :)

In the context of "proving I've maintained my status", is it necessary to get an official employment verification letter from the company I worked at for my F1 OPT?

I will still provide plenty of evidence supporting the fact I worked there: my I-20 documents refer to the company, and I will also provide W-2s from the company as part of "evidence of financial support". I could also add a copy of my offer letter and my first paycheck. Will that be sufficient?

I ask because it's a bit of a pain to request the employment verification letter so it would be nice to skip that effort if possible.
Click to expand...
I already listed what should suffice for you to demonstrate that. You can get that in addition if you like.
 
Last edited:
Saviour96 said:
Hello mom, does the long birth certificate have to be issued by the city or ward or can it be issued by hospital as well? Thank you .
Click to expand...
Information about the recognized issuing authority for your country can be found on the reciprocity page Susie referenced above in her response, please go through the link.
 
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