Same process is in Ukraine, when you lost your school diploma you would have to file a police report.
DV 2026 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Process Only
- Thread starter Sm1smom
- Start date
Hi there! I was selected for DV-2026 (2026EU00017xxx) and actually had 2 questions regarding my spouse's situation (I'm the main selectee though):
1. He was in the states more than a decade ago on a J1 visa, didn't overstay his visa etc. In the spreadsheet it says that you need DS-2019/IAP-66 if you've had a previous J1. Does that mean we need to provide a copy of these documents that he filled out back when he applied for this J1? We do have his old passport with this visa as proof. Obviously, we don't have copies of those forms (DS-2019/IAP-66) on hand. What's the best course of action here?
2. He changed his first name when we lived in another country, we have a name change certificate. However, some of his documents from our birth country are still in his other name (like our marriage certificate). Would it suffice to provide this name change certificate, all documents identifying him and maybe an explanation letter?
Thanks so much in advance!!
1. He was in the states more than a decade ago on a J1 visa, didn't overstay his visa etc. In the spreadsheet it says that you need DS-2019/IAP-66 if you've had a previous J1. Does that mean we need to provide a copy of these documents that he filled out back when he applied for this J1? We do have his old passport with this visa as proof. Obviously, we don't have copies of those forms (DS-2019/IAP-66) on hand. What's the best course of action here?
2. He changed his first name when we lived in another country, we have a name change certificate. However, some of his documents from our birth country are still in his other name (like our marriage certificate). Would it suffice to provide this name change certificate, all documents identifying him and maybe an explanation letter?
Thanks so much in advance!!
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
1. It is not a problem if you no longer have copies of his DS-2019/IAP-66 for inclusion with his AOS package.
2. Name change certificate is enough, no further explanation required. He just needs to ensure all the names are disclosed in his I-485.
Xarthisius
Well-Known Member
USCIS just announced that there's a new option to pay I-485 fees via ACH (using Form G-1650):
https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-modernize-fee-payments-with-electronic-funds
https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-modernize-fee-payments-with-electronic-funds
TheDoc
New Member
The same notice also mentions they'll stop accepting money orders/checks soon as well (Oct 28), which could catch some folks out. Seems like the process info on the spreadsheet will need to be updated.
Hi there,
I’m paying the $330 DV fee by money order. Since I’m in temporary housing and will move soon, will it be a problem if the address on the money order is different from the address I use later on the I-485? Should I go ahead and use my current temporary address while paying my fees?
I’m paying the $330 DV fee by money order. Since I’m in temporary housing and will move soon, will it be a problem if the address on the money order is different from the address I use later on the I-485? Should I go ahead and use my current temporary address while paying my fees?
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Not a problem.
Hi, my $330 money order for the DV fee payment was shown as delivered on 7/31/25 and cashed on 8/1/25. I also included a SASE together with my payment. I emailed KCC on 8/22/25 asking if they could email me the receipt but they replied that the payment hasn't been received yet. It has now been over 4 weeks since it was cashed. I'm worried that someone else might have cashed the money order as it was lost with no tracking updates for a few days and I had to open a missing mail search request before it was delivered. Am I right to be worried and should I try sending another money order, or should I wait a little longer?
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
It is not unusual for the payment receipt to take up to 8 weeks before it gets sent. So I’ll recommend you give it a bit more time to show up.
Hi there,
I am an F1 student legally residing in the US, I was selected and I feel a little lost in terms of the process etc. So; right now I have filed the ds260 and received an adjustment letter from KCC on my email. I also clicked on the option to take my application to the USCIS for AOS since I am already here etc.
As far as I am understanding all of this now is that I have to pay the dv processing fee (also mentioned in the letter from KCC) and then just wait for my case number to be current in the bulletin before filing form I-485..? (casenumber: 2026EU11xxx)
As I said, I feel a little lost on what I am suposed to do, I’ve been researching a lot but I feel like I am going in circles just being brought back to the same websites over and over. So if anybody could clarify if I am on the right track then that would be great. Thanks in advance.
I am an F1 student legally residing in the US, I was selected and I feel a little lost in terms of the process etc. So; right now I have filed the ds260 and received an adjustment letter from KCC on my email. I also clicked on the option to take my application to the USCIS for AOS since I am already here etc.
As far as I am understanding all of this now is that I have to pay the dv processing fee (also mentioned in the letter from KCC) and then just wait for my case number to be current in the bulletin before filing form I-485..? (casenumber: 2026EU11xxx)
As I said, I feel a little lost on what I am suposed to do, I’ve been researching a lot but I feel like I am going in circles just being brought back to the same websites over and over. So if anybody could clarify if I am on the right track then that would be great. Thanks in advance.
SusieQQQ
Well-Known Member
The first post of this thread and mom’s signature have links to the spreadsheet that details the process. Suggest you start there.
Hi,
I’ve head that it’s recommended to wait at least 60 days after arriving on an F-1 visa before filing for AOS/immigrant visa. I’ve only been in the U.S. for 33 days, but I need to pay the $330 DV fee now. By the time I submit my actual AOS application, more than 60 days will have passed so no worries on that. Could paying the DV fee now cause any issues? Or should I wait for a month?
I’ve head that it’s recommended to wait at least 60 days after arriving on an F-1 visa before filing for AOS/immigrant visa. I’ve only been in the U.S. for 33 days, but I need to pay the $330 DV fee now. By the time I submit my actual AOS application, more than 60 days will have passed so no worries on that. Could paying the DV fee now cause any issues? Or should I wait for a month?
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS Process spreadsheet re 30/60/90 day rule.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Background Check Update
For a nominal fee, you may request and obtain a copy of your own FBI Identity History Summary report often referred to as a criminal history or "rap sheet". Under federal law, you can use your Identity History Summary to review, correct, or update your own personal record with the FBI. You can submit the request online or by mail.
NOTE: The Identity History Summary report you obtain from the FBI is not intended to be included with your AOS package, it will not fast track your required background check which must be conducted by USCIS as part of the adjudication process, this is just a good to know information
For a nominal fee, you may request and obtain a copy of your own FBI Identity History Summary report often referred to as a criminal history or "rap sheet". Under federal law, you can use your Identity History Summary to review, correct, or update your own personal record with the FBI. You can submit the request online or by mail.
NOTE: The Identity History Summary report you obtain from the FBI is not intended to be included with your AOS package, it will not fast track your required background check which must be conducted by USCIS as part of the adjudication process, this is just a good to know information
Hi,
Currently, I am staying in the U.S. with my family under an F-1 OPT visa. I am working on my own LLC, but there are no earnings yet, so we are living off our savings. I also own property outside the U.S. and receive rental income, and I have savings in a bank abroad.
I would like to know:
Currently, I am staying in the U.S. with my family under an F-1 OPT visa. I am working on my own LLC, but there are no earnings yet, so we are living off our savings. I also own property outside the U.S. and receive rental income, and I have savings in a bank abroad.
I would like to know:
- Which documents should I provide to demonstrate proof of financial stability?
- What are the criteria for qualifying as a sponsor to complete the I-134 form?
- Can a green card holder, rather than a U.S. citizen, act as our financial sponsor?
- If I only include the I-134 form, without showing financial documents for my family (4 people), is that sufficient?
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
1. Please take a look at the list of recommended documents already listed on the AOS Process spreadsheet.
2. Sponsors income should be 125% of the poverty guideline level applicable to the sponsors household plus that of the person being sponsored.
3. Yes.
4. Yes, if the sponsor meets the applicable requirements.
Thank you for your reply. And Thanks for pointing me to the FAQ — I’ve gone through it and understood this is non binding to USCIS. My only remaining doubt is whether paying the $330 DV fee (before 60 days) would itself be considered as showing immigrant intent, or if intent is only judged at the time of filing the actual AOS (I-485).
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Yes, regardless of when the payment is made.
Hi mum,
I paid my $330 DV registration from the US which I just mailed a few days back, before that I had mailed KCC for AOS transfer and they just replied today that it's late and I cannot proceed with AOS now since my case has been current. Although I havent received 2NL.
Do I need to fly back to my country to do the CP, and if I do so would this payment be fine or I need to pay the registration again ?
I already have a F1 visa.
I paid my $330 DV registration from the US which I just mailed a few days back, before that I had mailed KCC for AOS transfer and they just replied today that it's late and I cannot proceed with AOS now since my case has been current. Although I havent received 2NL.
Do I need to fly back to my country to do the CP, and if I do so would this payment be fine or I need to pay the registration again ?
I already have a F1 visa.
This is because you already submitted the DS260 indicating CP?
Mom, I've already decided to do AOS. When I received the selection, I chose AOS, but then I changed it via email through KCC and selected CP. They changed my DS260, and now it appears I will make the interview in my country, but I never submitted the DS260, I just filled it. Do I need to send another email to clarify that I will do AOS? I am not current yet.