DV 2023 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Only

[Sm1smom]

Hi,
My CN is 2023AS89XX for region of Iran, cut-off number for Iran in February is 5500. I am main applicant and have 3 dependents, my two kids and my spouse.
1. Kindly please let me know is it good time to pay KCC fee now?
2. should I make money order 330$ for each member or total 1320$ for all?
3. In case of USCIS fee for filing i-485, how would be payment for my kids as they don't have any bank account? Can I pay with bank check with my name?

Thanks a lot for your kind answer.

1. I don’t make predictions. You may go ahead and make the payment now bearing in mind you will not be issued with a refund if your CN does not become current. You also do not want to wait for too long before making the payment. So it is your call.
2. A combined payment is fine. If using money order, you’ll end up purchasing two ($1,000 and $320) as there’s a maximum limit of a thousand dollars per money order purchase.
3. Your derivatives do not need their own personal accounts. All the payment can be on your personal check (or even that of a third party for all of you as a matter of fact).

 

[Hamo]

Hello, I am in the AOS process. My number was current in October and I did the fingerprinting on the 7th of December but I haven't heard from USCIS about the interview, yet. I was wondering if there is a way to contact the field office and have some info on interview weighting time for DV AOS. I found a resource on their website but DV is not one of the categories, so it is impossible for me to understand more or less when my interview will be scheduled.

Thanks
N.

Hello Nicdep!

Our cases are going on at about the same pace. I had bio on 6th of December and I have not gotten any notice after that. Let's keep each other updated on how it is going!!

 

[Sm1smom]

Hello Nicdep!

Our cases are going on at about the same pace. I had bio on 6th of December and I have not gotten any notice after that. Let's keep each other updated on how it is going!!

Are you and @Nicdep with the same FO?

 

[Hamo]

Are you and @Nicdep with the same FO?

No, we are not but if you look at our data on the timeline sheet we are at the same pace. He is in New York, I believe.

When I talked to Emma they said that your case has been in Kansas City, MO FO since 11/18/2022. I heard that the Kansas City office is not busy and they schedule very quickly; however, they have proven vice versa so far. When I analyze DV 2022 timeline sheet, I feel like last year there were more interview notices till this time of 2022-2023 than this year.

 

[Sm1smom]

No, we are not but if you look at our data on the timeline sheet we are at the same pace. He is in New York, I believe.

When I talked to Emma they said that your case has been in Kansas City, MO FO since 11/18/2022. I heard that the Kansas City office is not busy and they schedule very quickly; however, they have proven vice versa so far. When I analyze DV 2022 timeline sheet, I feel like last year there were more interview notices till this time of 2022-2023 than this year.

Trying to compare your pending interview notification with that of an applicant under the jurisdiction of the NY FO while you are under the Kansas FO is a fruitless endeavor IMO for several reasons such as:
- Interview scheduling is completely FO dependent. Each FO decides on when they’re able and willing to adjudicate, there’s no shared FO database for that decision making.
- The NY FO is notorious for bundling DV based interviews.

Analyzing the reported number of ILs received by this time last year for DV2022 and comparing to that received to date for DV2023 is another fruitless exercise as such a comparison is not taking into consideration outliers such as the FOs involved (are they the same), do the applicants have the same background related issues, you have no idea of how busy the FOs are with other cases this time last year vs this year, you have no idea if the FOs are dealing with personnel issues or not. So many unaccounted outliers.

I believe you're better off looking at past cases from your FOs from past Timeline spreadsheets - you will at least have an idea of if things have drastically changed or not on how your FO handles DV based AOS cases.

 

[AzarUmudov]

Hi,

I filed my i-485 3 weeks ago. I have questions about the IRS tax return transcript. In 2022, I received a grant of $3000 from my university for an additional medical cost. Because it wasn't for covering any educational fees, I thought it wasn't taxable. Also, I didn't receive any tax forms during the year. However, today I received a form 1042S from the university.

1. If the income was taxable and I didn't file it yet, can it be a problem for my case? For your information, filing a tax return for 2022 is due April 2023.

2. For People who send tax return transcripts, should they include only years before 2022 considering that the deadline is not past for 2022 and they might file it after sending the AOS package or they should include the 2022 tax transcript as well?

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi,

I filed my i-485 3 weeks ago. I have questions about the IRS tax return transcript. In 2022, I received a grant of $3000 from my university for an additional medical cost. Because it wasn't for covering any educational fees, I thought it wasn't taxable. Also, I didn't receive any tax forms during the year. However, today I received a form 1042S from the university.

1. If the income was taxable and I didn't file it yet, can it be a problem for my case? For your information, filing a tax return for 2022 is due April 2023.

2. For People who send tax return transcripts, should they include only years before 2022 considering that the deadline is not past for 2022 and they might file it after sending the AOS package or they should include the 2022 tax transcript as well?

1. If you’ve already filed your taxes and recently discovered an issue, file an amendment. Making the needful correction when applicable is better than second guessing if the situation might be an issue or not.
2. Sending in the “most recent” tax transcripts is recommended. I would think the opportunity to file for AOS would be a motivating factor to get the tax returned filed ASAP without waiting or trying to use the tax filing deadline as a crutch.

 

[AzarUmudov]

1. If you’ve already filed your taxes and recently discovered an issue, file an amendment. Making the needful correction when applicable is better than second guessing if the situation might be an issue or not.
2. Sending in the “most recent” tax transcripts is recommended. I would think the opportunity to file for AOS would be a motivating factor to get the tax returned filed ASAP without waiting or trying to use the tax filing deadline as a crutch.

Thanks for the answer.

I have never filed my taxes because I didn't receive any income except the one I mentioned above. I didn't know that it was taxable, I discovered it today after the university sent me the form 1042-S.

What do you recommend doing in that case? I can file my taxes immediately but I already sent my AOS package. As far as I know, I can't send any additional documents to USCIS after filing my case.

 

[Sm1smom]

Thanks for the answer.

I have never filed my taxes because I didn't receive any income except the one I mentioned above. I didn't know that it was taxable, I discovered it today after the university sent me the form 1042-S.

What do you recommend doing in that case? I can file my taxes immediately but I already sent my AOS package. As far as I know, I can't send any additional documents to USCIS after filing my case.

You go ahead and file as required regardless. You do not send any additional documents to USCIS, unless you receive a RFE for such. You hold on to any pertinent documents for when you get called in for your interview and take such along.

 

[ptwp]

We got our green cards in the mail today. We are very grateful that we found this forum. We had lots of questions as we go through the application process but I was able to find all the answers I need just by searching on the forum because there was always someone who had the same question that we had and Mom has already provided answers to them. Mom, we really appreciate the service you are doing.

The whole application process and interview experience went very smoothly. The interview officer was also super nice. My wife (principal applicant) and I both had the interview at the same time. The interview was mostly about verifying information given on I-485 (full Name, birth date, place, parents' name, US entry date, current address, job details, associations, etc) and some of the yes/no questions. All of those questions were done jointly. The interview officer didn't ask for any of the original documents. We submitted all the documents we had with the application. The only additional document we provided during the interview was a most recent transcript showing our enrollment in courses this semester. Our case was approved on the spot. The interview probably lasted about 15-20 min.

BIG THANK YOU again for Mom. Wish everyone good luck!

 

[Sm1smom]

We got our green cards in the mail today. We are very grateful that we found this forum. We had lots of questions as we go through the application process but I was able to find all the answers I need just by searching on the forum because there was always someone who had the same question that we had and Mom has already provided answers to them. Mom, we really appreciate the service you are doing.

The whole application process and interview experience went very smoothly. The interview officer was also super nice. My wife (principal applicant) and I both had the interview at the same time. The interview was mostly about verifying information given on I-485 (full Name, birth date, place, parents' name, US entry date, current address, job details, associations, etc) and some of the yes/no questions. All of those questions were done jointly. The interview officer didn't ask for any of the original documents. We submitted all the documents we had with the application. The only additional document we provided during the interview was a most recent transcript showing our enrollment in courses this semester. Our case was approved on the spot. The interview probably lasted about 15-20 min.

BIG THANK YOU again for Mom. Wish everyone good luck!

Great news. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your updates.

 

[wadzanai]

Hello all, if there is anyone in Missouri STL area and surrounding who is going through AOS from F1/F1OPT and is interested in just exchanging info/updates (without sharing any personal info/identity) please reach out via inbox. Thank you

 

[Sm1smom]

Hello all, if there is anyone in Missouri STL area and surrounding who is going through AOS from F1/F1OPT and is interested in just exchanging info/updates (without sharing any personal info/identity) please reach out via inbox. Thank you

That is precisely what the Timeline spreadsheet is meant for. Everyone benefits from one another when everyone utilizes the Timeline spreadsheet as against sharing/exchanging updates via PMs.

 

[vojinee09]

Hi, I got selected for the DV program 2023 and my number opens in March. (Case No: 2023AS18XXX)
I am currently in the United States under a G1 visa (nonimmigrant visa issued to designated principal resident representatives of foreign governments).
My visa holds diplomatic immunity.
When doing the adjustment of status and filing the form i-485, should I also submit the form I-566 to remove my immunity clause?
Please advise.

Thank you in advance!
- Ashvika

 

[Suze]

Hi, I got selected for the DV program 2023 and my number opens in March. (Case No: 2023AS18XXX)
I am currently in the United States under a G1 visa (nonimmigrant visa issued to designated principal resident representatives of foreign governments).
My visa holds diplomatic immunity.
When doing the adjustment of status and filing the form i-485, should I also submit the form I-566 to remove my immunity clause?
Please advise.

Thank you in advance!
- Ashvika

It's helpfully noted in the AOS Process Spreadsheet, but yes you would need to submit 2 copies of I-566 (Interagency record of request - this does not "remove your immunity clause" but is your request to change into/out of/between A/G/NATO status and other statuses) and a copy of I-508 (Request for waiver of certain rights, privileges, exemptions and immunities - this is what you sign stating that you are waiving your diplomatic immunity/tax-free status etc. in order to become an LPR). I was previously also a G1 visa holder and currently my spouse and I are both G4 visa-holders.

 

[Hamo]

Trying to compare your pending interview notification with that of an applicant under the jurisdiction of the NY FO while you are under the Kansas FO is a fruitless endeavor IMO for several reasons such as:
- Interview scheduling is completely FO dependent. Each FO decides on when they’re able and willing to adjudicate, there’s no shared FO database for that decision making.
- The NY FO is notorious for bundling DV based interviews.

Analyzing the reported number of ILs received by this time last year for DV2022 and comparing to that received to date for DV2023 is another fruitless exercise as such a comparison is not taking into consideration outliers such as the FOs involved (are they the same), do the applicants have the same background related issues, you have no idea of how busy the FOs are with other cases this time last year vs this year, you have no idea if the FOs are dealing with personnel issues or not. So many unaccounted outliers.

I believe you're better off looking at past cases from your FOs from past Timeline spreadsheets - you will at least have an idea of if things have drastically changed or not on how your FO handles DV based AOS cases.

Dear Mom,

Thank you for the extensive explanation of the process. I really appreciate your time and effort in explaining all these to us, it makes more sense when I understand how the process actually progresses.

When I looked at the history of Kansas City FO, they usually send interview notices in about two months. They might be a little slow this year or it might be just my case being 'delayed'.

 

[sriram999]

Hi,
I am a F1 student working part time. I would be sending an I 134 in my AOS package. Would it be advisable to also attach my bank statements, pay slips along with the required financial documentation of my sponsor? Thank you for your time.

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi,
I am a F1 student working part time. I would be sending an I 134 in my AOS package. Would it be advisable to also attach my bank statements, pay slips along with the required financial documentation of my sponsor? Thank you for your time.

No harm doing so.

 

[Appreciate_your_time_too]

Hi @Sm1smom ,

First of all, thank you so much for your valuable guidelines. My status is a bit complex, so I need your experience and point of view to have a better understanding of my own case.

1) I live in the US and am on H1B, but I have approved I-140 via the EB1 category. With my employer, the I-485 application is completed as of 07/2022, and we provided our fingerprints as of 08/2022. It is still in progress, and we are still waiting for our green card.

2) I have also approved EB2-NIW I-140 too. But I have not started the i-485 application yet for this category.

3) During this time, my spouse was picked in DV2023. It is EU34XXX. Based on the visa bulletin, our number is still not there. We have not done anything much other than submitting the DS260 around May 2022.

Based on these three facts, in order not to miss our chances, should we pursue the DV2023 option? Can we pursue two or three simultaneous i485 together? Would it hurt my existing i485 application? What would be the best and clear option for us to get the green cards faster? What would you do if you were us ?

Please help us cause this drives us crazy, we want to make sure that we are taking the proper steps.

Thank you.

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi @Sm1smom ,

First of all, thank you so much for your valuable guidelines. My status is a bit complex, so I need your experience and point of view to have a better understanding of my own case.

1) I live in the US and am on H1B, but I have approved I-140 via the EB1 category. With my employer, the I-485 application is completed as of 07/2022, and we provided our fingerprints as of 08/2022. It is still in progress, and we are still waiting for our green card.

2) I have also approved EB2-NIW I-140 too. But I have not started the i-485 application yet for this category.

3) During this time, my spouse was picked in DV2023. It is EU34XXX. Based on the visa bulletin, our number is still not there. We have not done anything much other than submitting the DS260 around May 2022.

Based on these three facts, in order not to miss our chances, should we pursue the DV2023 option? Can we pursue two or three simultaneous i485 together? Would it hurt my existing i485 application? What would be the best and clear option for us to get the green cards faster? What would you do if you were us ?

Please help us cause this drives us crazy, we want to make sure that we are taking the proper steps.

Thank you.

Yes, you can have multiple AOS applications in the system at the same time, it is allowed. I can’t tell you which could be the best and clear option for you, I really don’t know the full details of your personal situations (and I would rather not get into those). But I do know in general, a DV based AOS application is the most cost effective and fastest means of getting a GC without any external strings attached, so to say. Of course in your specific case, your pending EB1 based AOS application could get approved earlier seeing its already in the system.