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DV 2026 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Process Only

Hi,

I have a question regarding the Notice of Action forms (Form I-797 and I-797C). Should I include the Notice of Action related to my Form I-765 in my submission package?
Additionally, I have a Notice of Action (Form I-797C) issued to the qualifying family member of a U-1 visa recipient. Should I attach those notices as well? Are those forms I-797 and I-797 C forms are the same?
Lastly, could you please advise where notarized translations of birth and marriage certificates can be completed?

thank you very much for your time.
1. No harm in doing so.
2. Is this “qualifying family member” applying for AOS? If yes, include with their package.
3. There’s no requirement for a notarized translated document to be included with the AOS package.
 
Hello! I hope you are doing well! Thank u for everything! I understand that if someone works with a work permit and things don't turn out as expected, they lose their previous status. Does the same happen with the travel permit?
 
Hello! I hope you are doing well! Thank u for everything! I understand that if someone works with a work permit and things don't turn out as expected, they lose their previous status. Does the same happen with the travel permit?
Yes.
 
The biometrics used by the embassy for your F1 visa application cannot be used by USCIS. Reach out to EMMA to confirm if your bio notice already got sent to you.
Thankyou for your reply !!
I reached out to EMMA regarding my case. She confirmed that they have requested to schedule my biometric appointment and that I have also already been placed in the interview scheduling queue. However, she is not certain why that happened and has filed a service request to address this issue.

I have a question: in this situation, will I be removed from the interview scheduling queue until my biometric is completed, or will my place in the queue be held while I complete the biometric?
 
Thankyou for your reply !!
I reached out to EMMA regarding my case. She confirmed that they have requested to schedule my biometric appointment and that I have also already been placed in the interview scheduling queue. However, she is not certain why that happened and has filed a service request to address this issue.

I have a question: in this situation, will I be removed from the interview scheduling queue until my biometric is completed, or will my place in the queue be held while I complete the biometric?
There’s nothing to address in this situation IMO, there was no need for a service request to be filed for this. Please take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet where this has been addressed.

Meanwhile, you can ask EMMA for your interview date. Once you obtain the date, use the information to expedite your bio appointment. Also take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet to find more information about how to expedite the bio appointment.
 
Hi,

I am in in the process of adjusting the status, predictively my visa bulletin may became current in Jan/Feb 2026. I have already done my masters, and my status ends in the mid of Feb, so need to maintain the status. Can I pursue an Associate degree?

thank you .
 
Hi,

I am in in the process of adjusting the status, predictively my visa bulletin may became current in Jan/Feb 2026. I have already done my masters, and my status ends in the mid of Feb, so need to maintain the status. Can I pursue an Associate degree?

thank you .
If you have already completed your masters, what are you currently doing that maintains your status? Or what exactly is it that “ends” in Feb - are you on D/S?

Be aware that while it may take a while, “DHS also wants to block students from pursuing back-to-back degrees in the same or lower level—a phenomenon in some instances called “program stacking.” It may also cause questions at your adjustment interview as to what the motivation for the associates is - if it is a spurious f1 extension just to maintain status until you can adjust rather than a genuine desire to pursue the degree there is a possibility the IO may question you about this. So technically it’s possible now, but the route may not be without complications. If the visa bulletin with your number is published before your status expires, you can apply for adjustment and roll into adjustment pending until your interview/adjustment takes place, but be aware that you cannot work or study in that status without an EAD. Not sure if @Sm1smom has a different view on the feasibility of your proposal.
 
Thank you so much for the provided answer.

Currently, I am under 1year opt. So, I am working on my own consulting firm with a proper work authorization. But, what if I enroll to the associate degree not in the same field as my masters, does this rule also apply? Considering that students may some time change their specialization, for instance?

I also applying to the doctorate degree, but just in case, if I am not admitted to the doctorate level, my opt expires feb 15, and let's say, my visa bulletin become current somewhere in March or April. Even though, my opt expires but I will still have 60 day grace period. Will they consider my application, while I am on grace period after OPT?
 
Hi, @Sm1smom ,

I hope you are doing well and thank you for all your efforts on providing swift replies,

So before start doing the immunization records, I do have several questions:

1. What if I provide the notarized translation of my vaccination records from my home country, will the Civil surgeon be able to transfer them to the i-693 form? And then, based on this to put the missing vaccines in US.
2. Where can I learn how many shots of each vaccines need to be done? (not very willing to do all the shots, just the ones that should be enough for AOS purposes).

thank you.
 
Thank you so much for the provided answer.

Currently, I am under 1year opt. So, I am working on my own consulting firm with a proper work authorization. But, what if I enroll to the associate degree not in the same field as my masters, does this rule also apply? Considering that students may some time change their specialization, for instance?

I also applying to the doctorate degree, but just in case, if I am not admitted to the doctorate level, my opt expires feb 15, and let's say, my visa bulletin become current somewhere in March or April. Even though, my opt expires but I will still have 60 day grace period. Will they consider my application, while I am on grace period after OPT?
These questions are about status for adjustment and should be posted in the aos thread. Paging @Sm1smom to move appropriately.
 
Hi, @Sm1smom ,

I hope you are doing well and thank you for all your efforts on providing swift replies,

So before start doing the immunization records, I do have several questions:

1. What if I provide the notarized translation of my vaccination records from my home country, will the Civil surgeon be able to transfer them to the i-693 form? And then, based on this to put the missing vaccines in US.
2. Where can I learn how many shots of each vaccines need to be done? (not very willing to do all the shots, just the ones that should be enough for AOS purposes).

thank you.
Take a look at the “Medical Exam” tab of the AOS Process Spreadsheet.
 
Hi @Sm1smom,
My AOS package with Form G-1145 arrived at the USCIS Elgin drop box on October 13th, but I received no notification via email or SMS. Do I need to follow up on this, and if so, how?
 
Hi @Sm1smom,
My AOS package with Form G-1145 arrived at the USCIS Elgin drop box on October 13th, but I received no notification via email or SMS. Do I need to follow up on this, and if so, how?
I’ll recommend waiting about one more week or so before getting concerned about an update.
 
Hello @Sm1smom, I hope you’re doing well. I have paid the KCC the dv lottery fee of $330 using a money order, it has been cashed, but I still haven’t received the receipt.
Do you think I can just send the AOS package and add the pay stub (receipt of the money order) and a printout of an email from the kcc saying I am ready for AOS and that they cashed it or should I wait for the official receipt just in case?
Thanks.
 
Hello @Sm1smom, I hope you’re doing well. I have paid the KCC the dv lottery fee of $330 using a money order, it has been cashed, but I still haven’t received the receipt.
Do you think I can just send the AOS package and add the pay stub (receipt of the money order) and a printout of an email from the kcc saying I am ready for AOS and that they cashed it or should I wait for the official receipt just in case?
Thanks.
Do take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS process spreadsheet.
 
Hi, @Sm1smom,
I hope you are doing well. While reading another thread about holding F-1 OPT and applying for Adjustment of Status (AOS), I came across a post stating that once I submit my AOS application, I would no longer be considered in F-1 status (since filing AOS may be viewed as violating the F-1 requirement of non-immigrant intent). This made my situation a bit unclear, and I would really appreciate your guidance.

My case number is EU12***, and my OPT expires in mid-February. Based on previous years’ Visa Bulletin movements, my number may become current around February/March/April. Previously, I asked whether, if my OPT ends in mid-February and I apply for AOS during the grace period, that would be acceptable. You advised me that it is safer to maintain my F-1 status instead of relying on the grace period. Therefore, I am currently planning to enroll in a PhD program to maintain status.

However, I am now unsure: if I submit my AOS application, will I still be allowed to attend classes as an F-1 student?Does it make sense to me applying to the Phd program and paying tuition?

My second question is: since I already completed a Master’s degree, if I enroll in an Associate program only to maintain status (especially if it is in a different field), could this raise concerns or be questioned during the AOS interview? I would greatly appreciate your answers.
 
Hi, @Sm1smom,
I hope you are doing well. While reading another thread about holding F-1 OPT and applying for Adjustment of Status (AOS), I came across a post stating that once I submit my AOS application, I would no longer be considered in F-1 status (since filing AOS may be viewed as violating the F-1 requirement of non-immigrant intent). This made my situation a bit unclear, and I would really appreciate your guidance.

My case number is EU12***, and my OPT expires in mid-February. Based on previous years’ Visa Bulletin movements, my number may become current around February/March/April. Previously, I asked whether, if my OPT ends in mid-February and I apply for AOS during the grace period, that would be acceptable. You advised me that it is safer to maintain my F-1 status instead of relying on the grace period. Therefore, I am currently planning to enroll in a PhD program to maintain status.

However, I am now unsure: if I submit my AOS application, will I still be allowed to attend classes as an F-1 student?Does it make sense to me applying to the Phd program and paying tuition?

My second question is: since I already completed a Master’s degree, if I enroll in an Associate program only to maintain status (especially if it is in a different field), could this raise concerns or be questioned during the AOS interview? I would greatly appreciate your answers.
Considering you did not quote or provide a link to enable me see the context of the said post, I cannot speak to the accuracy of your understanding or interpretation of what you read.

1. Filing for AOS does not automatically terminate whatever non immigrant status an applicant was in, be it student or worker status.
2. Susie already addressed this question. Anything deemed pertinent by the IO can be questioned during the AOS interview.
 
Considering you did not quote or provide a link to enable me see the context of the said post, I cannot speak to the accuracy of your understanding or interpretation of what you read.

1. Filing for AOS does not automatically terminate whatever non immigrant status an applicant was in, be it student or worker status.
2. Susie already addressed this question. Anything deemed pertinent by the IO can be questioned during the AOS interview.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/f1-opt-and-485-ignorance-is-not-bliss.105345/. This is the link to that post. Also pasted it here.

"I get these questions a lot in the H and the 485 forums and I see that many F1, F2 (and OPT) holders are having this misunderstanding about having a F1 or OPT and applying for 485 changes your status scenario marginally. I will list the following observations.

1. Whether you are on F or OPT, as soon as you apply for I485 (from its Receipt date) you are a I485 adjustee.No longer F or OPT.
2. You cannot be on I485 adjustee and F visa or OPT. So apply for EAD(485 based,not OPT) along with 485 and then file I-9 with employer ,if you are on OPT or with school if you are on F1 and diligently renew the 485 based EAD. Also apply for AP, from now onwards you have to use AP for travel.

The primary reason is that a F visa holder should prove non immigration intention every minute. By filing I485 you have violated a fundamental tenet of this requirement. You can go through a dual intent visa like H or L towards GC/I485. Direct F (OPT) to 485 is a land of mines and you have to tread carefully. "
 
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/f1-opt-and-485-ignorance-is-not-bliss.105345/. This is the link to that post. Also pasted it here.

"I get these questions a lot in the H and the 485 forums and I see that many F1, F2 (and OPT) holders are having this misunderstanding about having a F1 or OPT and applying for 485 changes your status scenario marginally. I will list the following observations.

1. Whether you are on F or OPT, as soon as you apply for I485 (from its Receipt date) you are a I485 adjustee.No longer F or OPT.
2. You cannot be on I485 adjustee and F visa or OPT. So apply for EAD(485 based,not OPT) along with 485 and then file I-9 with employer ,if you are on OPT or with school if you are on F1 and diligently renew the 485 based EAD. Also apply for AP, from now onwards you have to use AP for travel.

The primary reason is that a F visa holder should prove non immigration intention every minute. By filing I485 you have violated a fundamental tenet of this requirement. You can go through a dual intent visa like H or L towards GC/I485. Direct F (OPT) to 485 is a land of mines and you have to tread carefully. "
That post from 2004 is not quite accurate, at least as of now. I have subsequently unpinned the thread from the sub forum where it is because the information is not accurate as of today.

Filing for AOS does not automatically invalidate an existing non immigrant status, F1 status in your case.

The recommendation right now is to keep maintaining F1 status while AOS application is pending. Avoid using AOS based EAD or AP card during that period as that is what automatically terminates your F1 status and leaves you with no fall back status should the AOS application get denied.
 
update on tightening public charge rules, though I’d note all the factors they mention (if you take the political sniping out of it) are mostly factors they look at anyway. This is DOS not USCIS but expect they’d go by the same things. For AoS the angle on SNAP, WIC, Medicaid etc may be of concern to any applicants who have used them.

 
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