DV 2022 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Only

[Frederik83]

Just a curiosity to better understand the process: why do some cases get scheduled for interview even before the bio appointment (not my case, unfortunately)? Aren't cases managed by the NBC until results from the bio appointment are available and then only at that time transferred to the FO? Just curiosity but if anyone knows the answer great to know. Thanks.

 

[Sm1smom]

Just a curiosity to better understand the process: why do some cases get scheduled for interview even before the bio appointment (not my case, unfortunately)? Aren't cases managed by the NBC until results from the bio appointment are available and then only at that time transferred to the FO? Just curiosity but if anyone knows the answer great to know. Thanks.

The NBC does not need to wait until after the bio has been scheduled or completed before forwarding the AOS application to the applicable FO. Some FOs do not check to see if the bio has been completed or even scheduled before scheduling the interview either, they basically schedule the interview (following case file receipt from the NBC) based on their workload. For cases that gets scheduled before the bio has been scheduled or completed, one of four things can happen at the interview for such cases. Take a look at the FAQ section of the AOS Process spreadsheet for further details regarding those four potential outcomes for cases scheduled prior to bio schedule.

 

[Frederik83]

The NBC does not need to wait until after the bio has been scheduled or completed before forwarding the AOS application to the applicable FO. Some FOs do not check to see if the bio has been completed or even scheduled before scheduling the interview either, they basically schedule the interview (following case file receipt from the NBC) based on their workload. For cases that gets scheduled before the bio has been scheduled or completed, one of four things can happen at the interview for such cases. Take a look at the FAQ section of the AOS Process spreadsheet for further details regarding those four potential outcomes for cases scheduled prior to bio schedule.

Thanks. Is there any way to know when NBC has transferred the file to the applicable FO? again, only curiosity and thanks for the help!

 

[Sm1smom]

Thanks. Is there any way to know when NBC has transferred the file to the applicable FO? again, only curiosity and thanks for the help!

Not really. You may try to find that out by calling the USCIS 1800 number or chatting with a live-agent via Emma, just be aware of the possibility of being given a run-around response. Even FOs have been known to provide a run-around response about the case file receipt when a follow-up inquiry comes in through a congressional inquiry. One just needs to patiently wait, and try to follow the trend displayed on the Timeline spreadsheet - which is another reason why everyone is encouraged to update the Timeline spreadsheet as they receive updates or progress along, as against waiting till they get to the end of the process before deciding to update the spreadsheet.

 

[nawinner22]

Good morning, just wanted to give the good news, my case got approved with no interview!

All I can say from the bottom of my heart is thank you specially to our amazing @Sm1smom. This is something I will be forever grateful for, you have been of extreme help for this dream to become true, not only for me but for many other users, thank you very much!

In addition, I would like to thank @wuffer_duffer , @DV_Winner_Husband, @dhanu159, @SusieQQQ, @ivanze, @nawinner22, @coffeemonster, @Endiny, @La Panda, @lambodreamer, @alistardust, @LanceWL for their help through the process, and any other members whom I may be forgetting.

Suggestions for other users:

• Read the AOS Process Spreadsheet - http://goo.gl/0va2DU until you know it by heart. I would be lying if I say I read it tem times because I did it way more than that. Many answers to the questions asked by new members are there (this was me when I joined the forum), so take your time and read it over and over, this will only benefit you.
• I highly suggested users go over all the pages of this forum starting on the first one. There is priceless information here, from different people with different perspectives to the same scenario. This will also answer many questions you may have as you go through the process, questions that may not necessarily be covered on the AOS Spreadsheet.

I have my last three questions please if someone can help me.

• 1 ) I have not yet received my new SSN without the “Valid for work only with DHS authorization”, I assume I should just wait for it and once I receive it in the mail send a copy of this and my GC to my current employer? (Already have the GC in hand)
• 2) Am I good to continue working in the meantime?
• 3) Should I notify my school that I underwent a status change and am no longer under F-1-OPT Work Permit?
• 4) Am I good to leave the country? I assume my re- entry will be just showing the GC (and passport off course to board the plane) correct?

Keep your faith in your God no matter what, he is there listening to you and will eventually provide, there will be ups and downs as days go by without any updates, but there is light in the end of the tunnel for everyone here. Also, as @Sm1smom always says it, be PATIENT, some offices are busier than others, we still have time before the end of the fiscal year, I am sure many more forum members will get their GC soon!

Leo

I am so happy for you Leo! This is wonderful news!! God is truly faithful!!!

Please update us on the time it takes to get the updated SSN. I am also curious about how long it would take to receive the updated SSN post case approval.

 

[lolopolo]

====for some reason it's super challenging to respond - getting error message from the system about inappropriate content=====

Thanks for your answer - appreciate your helpful tips!

Here are some further details that you mentioned:

1a - that's a bit tricky. At the time when the B/C was issued, her country was part of another country and both languages were official. Now it's only one or another (she has citizenship in both countries). Does that add clarity or confuse further? Since she is my dependent, shall I use the language of my country for the translation (even tho she was born in the other country)?
1b - thanks for the heads up - for a second I freaked out, but it seems like yes, we both have the right version of the B/C.

2.1. Part 8 Question 49: have you ever received any type of military, paramilitary, or weapons training?

When I was a kid (can’t even recall my age, ~between 11 and 14) I used to do bullseye shooting (sports discipline) using a rifle. Also, I took one year of classes (+ 1.5 months of field training) at the Department of Military Science of my university. The military service in my country is obligatory for males, but because I was in University, I was given a choice not to serve in the Army, but instead attend military classes. The classes at University counted as duty, although those were just classes, not actual service. I never participated in any military unit.

Not sure how to answer this one.

2.2. Also, the same context applies to Qs 54 and 55. Of course, I never used or threatened to use a weapon against any person, but the army, which the Department of Military Science rolls into, I guess did.

2.3. Have you EVER been a member of, involved in, or in any way associated with any organization, association, fund, foundation, party, club, society, or similar group in the United States or in any other location in the world including any military service?

I was going to answer NO here (since my only membership is at a local museum ), but not sure if the info above changes the context. I haven't found the answer so far using the thread search function.

2.4. Part 8 Question 61: Have you ever received public help in the US from any source?

My kid is a citizen and was born here. So, during her infancy, we had Medicaid coverage for her and her mom and then enrolled in some sort of food program. Clearly, those are public charge programs, but only the child was eligible to receive those (since we were F1 students). She obviously is not included in our petition/case. What shall I answer here? I've read somewhere that this one could be a major no-go for DV winners.

2.5. Part 8 Question 17: Have you EVER violated the terms or conditions of your nonimmigrant status?

Is there any list of major violations that certainly bar one from getting DV via AOS? I've read that different types of GC AOS's have different sensitivity to certain types of violations.

Thank you all again - you've been super helpful!

===phew, took 11 iterations to submit the whole text >> apparently, the system does not like some words====

 

[Ckb]

2.1. Part 8 Question 49: have you ever received any type of military, paramilitary, or weapons training?

To me, it sounds like this question, along with the ones following are all related/ redundant; your answer should be no. In your head answer "yes" and continue answering the rest of the form, you will quickly release why they are asking what they asked, *i.e., are you a threat to this country that intends to do harm...

"If you answered “Yes” to any part of Item Numbers
46.a. - 50., explain what you did, including the dates and
location of the circumstances, or *what you intend to do in the
space provided in Part 14. Additional Information."

I am legal firearm owner in the state of California, I go target shooting often but I have not recieved any "weapons training" like what they are reffering to.

Edit* I've read they aren't trying to trip you up with this form but, if you read it over back and forth you can tell there are questions that relate to previous questions, and answering Y to one question then N to another, you may get asked why you answered X to one and X to the other when they are pretty much both the same, just worded differently. All mine were N and I could be wrong but, that's just how I interepreted those Y/N questions.

 

[lolopolo]

To me, it sounds like this question, along with the ones following are all related/ redundant; your answer should be no. In your head answer "yes" and continue answering the rest of the form, you will quickly release why they are asking what they asked, *i.e., are you a threat to this country that intends to do harm...

"If you answered “Yes” to any part of Item Numbers
46.a. - 50., explain what you did, including the dates and
location of the circumstances, or *what you intend to do in the
space provided in Part 14. Additional Information."

I am legal firearm owner in the state of California, I go target shooting often but I have not recieved any "weapons training" like what they are reffering to.

Edit* I've read they aren't trying to trip you up with this form but, if you read it over back and forth you can tell there are questions that relate to previous questions, and answering Y to one question then N to another, you may get asked why you answered X to one and X to the other when they are pretty much both the same, just worded differently. All mine were N and I could be wrong but, that's just how I interepreted those Y/N questions.

Thanks for your reply! I was leaning toward the same point of view but decided to ask fellow AOSers.

 

[Guma77]

Hello @Sm1smom,

it seems the DV receipt is on its way and I would like to ask your help for a final check before wrapping the package (also to the benefit of other members of the forum).

I am sending, I-485 (plus 2 photo), I-693, G-1145, I-765 (plus 2 photo), I-131 (plus 2 photo) with all the required docs, money order, following the guidance in the AOS spreadsheet. A few questions:

1) I am on E1 Visa, but not the owner of the enterprise, just an employee. Shall I send the I-508, along?
2) All USCIS forms need to be submitted in original with handwritten signature, correct (e.g. not copies)?
3) All other docs, copies only (with the originals available at interview), correct?
4) Do you think that the request for AP and EAD may delay the I-485 processing at all (or at the opposite, they follow a separate/parallel processing)?

Thank you in advance for your help

 

[Sm1smom]

====for some reason it's super challenging to respond - getting error message from the system about inappropriate content=====

Thanks for your answer - appreciate your helpful tips!

Here are some further details that you mentioned:

1a - that's a bit tricky. At the time when the B/C was issued, her country was part of another country and both languages were official. Now it's only one or another (she has citizenship in both countries). Does that add clarity or confuse further? Since she is my dependent, shall I use the language of my country for the translation (even tho she was born in the other country)?
1b - thanks for the heads up - for a second I freaked out, but it seems like yes, we both have the right version of the B/C.

2.1. Part 8 Question 49: have you ever received any type of military, paramilitary, or weapons training?

When I was a kid (can’t even recall my age, ~between 11 and 14) I used to do bullseye shooting (sports discipline) using a rifle. Also, I took one year of classes (+ 1.5 months of field training) at the Department of Military Science of my university. The military service in my country is obligatory for males, but because I was in University, I was given a choice not to serve in the Army, but instead attend military classes. The classes at University counted as duty, although those were just classes, not actual service. I never participated in any military unit.

Not sure how to answer this one.

2.2. Also, the same context applies to Qs 54 and 55. Of course, I never used or threatened to use a weapon against any person, but the army, which the Department of Military Science rolls into, I guess did.

2.3. Have you EVER been a member of, involved in, or in any way associated with any organization, association, fund, foundation, party, club, society, or similar group in the United States or in any other location in the world including any military service?

I was going to answer NO here (since my only membership is at a local museum ), but not sure if the info above changes the context. I haven't found the answer so far using the thread search function.

2.4. Part 8 Question 61: Have you ever received public help in the US from any source?

My kid is a citizen and was born here. So, during her infancy, we had Medicaid coverage for her and her mom and then enrolled in some sort of food program. Clearly, those are public charge programs, but only the child was eligible to receive those (since we were F1 students). She obviously is not included in our petition/case. What shall I answer here? I've read somewhere that this one could be a major no-go for DV winners.

2.5. Part 8 Question 17: Have you EVER violated the terms or conditions of your nonimmigrant status?

Is there any list of major violations that certainly bar one from getting DV via AOS? I've read that different types of GC AOS's have different sensitivity to certain types of violations.

Thank you all again - you've been super helpful!

===phew, took 11 iterations to submit the whole text >> apparently, the system does not like some words====

1a. The explanation does not provide further clarity for me unfortunately. Well since you’ve not indicated which country this is which might have helped (as there could be someone else from that country who could share from their experience), my suggestion is you’ll need to find an interpreter fluent in both languages in which the B/C is written and English to do a single translation. The interpreter will need to attach a certified statement attesting to their fluency in the two languages on the B/C and English.

2.1. This is an obvious YES response to me (consider your country engages in mandatory military training, knowledge which USCIS will be aware of), followed by an explanation of the type of training you had and it’s duration.

2.2. Question 54 - This seems like a NO response to me. To answer Question 55, think back to what your country considers as “having served in the military” if you were to be currently living and working there. Does the training you received while in school constitute “served” “military service”? - the response to this should help guide you on how to answer question 55. All those questions while not meant to trip or be “gotcha” questions are meant to be truthfully answered with the understanding that the USCIS is already aware of certain practices in most, if not all the countries. Those questions are not meant to be answered based on personal feelings.

2.3. Apart from the local museum membership, you mean you’ve never been a member of any other club/association including religious (places of worship: church/mosque/temple etc), professional association, educational (student government body, scholastic organizations, fraternities, sororities, etc) ever?

2.4 Did your spouse utilize Medicaid while pregnant? If yes, it needs to be declared. Did the food program provide baby food only? If your response to this in “NO”, then your spouse enrolled in the food program and should be declared - this is not your daughter being enrolled in the program as a USC. All these questions are required to be truthfully answered regardless of the potential outcome for your case. Part of what will be under consideration when your file is being adjudicated is your moral turpitude. So I highly recommend not trying to play smart while answering any immigration related questions or trying to figure out what is considered a major or minor “no-go” as the case may be.
Anyway just so you know USCIS is not considering an applicant’s receipt of Medicaid (except for long-term institutionalization at the government’s expense), public housing, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination even though they need to be declared. You can read more on Public Charge Inadmissibility here

2.5. You really ought to know if you’ve EVER violated the terms or conditions of your nonimmigrant status and should be able to truthfully answer that question without seeing any list of what constitutes a major violation. Anyway you can Google what constitutes a status violation if you’re not sure you’ve ever violated your status, you’ll need to Google for your specific status. As far what constitutes a bar to DV based AOS application, I suggest you take another look at the response I previously provided you with last week

 

[Sm1smom]

Hello @Sm1smom,

it seems the DV receipt is on its way and I would like to ask your help for a final check before wrapping the package (also to the benefit of other members of the forum).

I am sending, I-485 (plus 2 photo), I-693, G-1145, I-765 (plus 2 photo), I-131 (plus 2 photo) with all the required docs, money order, following the guidance in the AOS spreadsheet. A few questions:

1) I am on E1 Visa, but not the owner of the enterprise, just an employee. Shall I send the I-508, along?
2) All USCIS forms need to be submitted in original with handwritten signature, correct (e.g. not copies)?
3) All other docs, copies only (with the originals available at interview), correct?
4) Do you think that the request for AP and EAD may delay the I-485 processing at all (or at the opposite, they follow a separate/parallel processing)?

Thank you in advance for your help

Thanks for the update regarding your payment receipt. A lot of folks don’t bother to report back upon receiving it after stressing all over the forum about its delay. So yeah, I personally appreciate this update.

1. I believe you do. Australian E3 specialty occupation is the only E status category I’m aware of that is exempt from filing an I-508.

2. Yes, that is correct.

3. Yes, that is correct.

4. The NBC process AP/EAD application while the AOS application gets processed and adjudicated by the FO. The applications follow separate processing after leaving the Lockbox location.

 

[AF00033k]

@Sm1smom hey I tried to move my case from Cp to AOS and received the following response “Your case number is now current for interview processing. Once the interview date has been scheduled, you will receive notification via email to check … If you need to make changes to your DS-260 you should contact the consular section where you will be interviewed, or bring the information about your changes to your interview appointment. Because your case is ready to be scheduled, KCC can no longer unlock your application.”
My attorney advised that I should go ahead and pay the dv fee and file for AOS which we already have. Dv money order has already been cashed
Have you heard of similar cases before?

 

[Sm1smom]

@Sm1smom hey I tried to move my case from Cp to AOS and received the following response “Your case number is now current for interview processing. Once the interview date has been scheduled, you will receive notification via email to check … If you need to make changes to your DS-260 you should contact the consular section where you will be interviewed, or bring the information about your changes to your interview appointment. Because your case is ready to be scheduled, KCC can no longer unlock your application.”
My attorney advised that I should go ahead and pay the dv fee and file for AOS which we already have. Dv money order has already been cashed
Have you heard of similar cases before?

I don’t recall any similar case such as yours from the past.

 

[jeanmobayed]

Hello,

Today I emailed KCC to tell them about my decision of changing from CP to AOS, I included all required information (Case number, date of birth, full name). I received and automated response:


How can I check if they did change anything? Should I try to send the same email again? I'm not current yet but I'm worried they'd send my case to the embassy once I am and cause a problem later, could that happen?

 

[AF00033k]

Don’t wait till you get current to change. This was my current struggle I became current with my case at the CP. @Sm1smom can advise you on it

 

[Sm1smom]

Hello,

Today I emailed KCC to tell them about my decision of changing from CP to AOS, I included all required information (Case number, date of birth, full name). I received and automated response:

View attachment 3425
How can I check if they did change anything? Should I try to send the same email again? I'm not current yet but I'm worried they'd send my case to the embassy once I am and cause a problem later, could that happen?

If you got an automated response, it means it was system generated. Your actual email request has not yet been reviewed in that case, so you may need to give it a couple of days for a proper response to get sent.

 

[jeanmobayed]

Don’t wait till you get current to change. This was my current struggle I became current with my case at the CP. @Sm1smom can advise you on it

Yes, I'm not trying to wait until I get current. I hope everything goes well with your case, it would be really helpful if you updated us when you finally get your 2NL or any feedback from KCC.

If you got an automated response, it means it was system generated. Your actual email request has not yet been reviewed in that case, so you may need to give it a couple of days for a proper response to get sent.

Thank you mom, I'll wait a few days and see. Could it cause any problems in the future if KCC doesn't update in time?

 

[atomic_chop]

I'm preparing to call USCIS approved civil surgeons to get quotes for my medical. And I've made a list of questions to ask, using tips from the spreadsheet and some questions of my own (see list below). I'd be interested to know if I've missed anything. Not sure if anyone here wished they asked a question before their medical, or were really glad they asked something beforehand? Appreciate your thoughts and suggestions!

Questions that I'm planning to ask:

1. What do they charge for a medical exam?
2. What is the approx. wait time for an appointment?
3. What evidence of prior vaccination history are they willing to accept (e.g. is a blood test showing immunity sufficient, or do I need to provide vaccination records?)
4. Do they charge to medical insurance?
5. What should I expect on the day (e.g. how long does the medical take, overview of the process at their practice)

 

[lolopolo]

Hi everyone again. I appreciate each and everyone's help and patience - by midnights I'm becoming very anxious about the process.
So, my package is finally ready to go, but I'm still waiting for the DV fee receipt ($330). It's been cashed out on Monday but no movement since then. Looking at members' statuses, it looks like it might take 2-4 weeks to receive the receipt (sometimes longer). On the other hand, my estimate (from other's timelines again) is that it takes about 4 months for the case to be processed once the package is received.

Here go questions:
1. Main question - please explain/link to me once and for all, how does the system work on the backend. I understand that it's generally a race against time yet patience is appreciated. But I can't wrap my head around cut-off numbers and internal queuing. Does a case number within the cut-off range mean that a visa is "immediately available" and is sort of reserved (assuming prerequisites are met)? Or are visas distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis within the cut-off range (again, assuming prerequisites are met)?
2. In April a much higher number of cases became current - does that mean DVs are prioritized and will be processed faster (implying faster turnarounds)?
3. At this point I'm ready to give up on the chance for my interview to be waived, if speed is king (see #1). Other than the interview waiver and the (slight?) possibility of the packet being returned, are there any additional concerns about sending the package without the receipt? FWIW, I have a photo of the endorsed money order and a screenshot of the page that says it's been cashed.

Again, thank y'all for your understanding - I literally lost my sleep over this.

 

[lolopolo]

I'm preparing to call USCIS approved civil surgeons to get quotes for my medical. And I've made a list of questions to ask, using tips from the spreadsheet and some questions of my own (see list below). I'd be interested to know if I've missed anything. Not sure if anyone here wished they asked a question before their medical, or were really glad they asked something beforehand? Appreciate your thoughts and suggestions!

Questions that I'm planning to ask:

1. What do they charge for a medical exam?
2. What is the approx. wait time for an appointment?
3. What evidence of prior vaccination history are they willing to accept (e.g. is a blood test showing immunity sufficient, or do I need to provide vaccination records?)
4. Do they charge to medical insurance?
5. What should I expect on the day (e.g. how long does the medical take, overview of the process at their practice)

All good questions to me. I shopped around extensively and was able not only to drive costs down but also get an appointment on the day of my call as opposed to 1-2 weeks of wait.