Hi, new here and looking for some help with filing.

T

tomlindsay101

Registered Users (C)
So i have a couple of questions that i would be extremely grateful if someone could answer.

I'm currently here on a student F-1 visa and got married last year to a US citizen, we were going to file all the documents - I-130, I-485, I-765 - but then i read we have to file I-130 first, is this how it works now? Should i file this plus a biometric information for both of us, then wait and file once i have received the go ahead?

Or can i just file everything now? Not 100% sure on the rule changes.

Also I am in New York and thought we had to apply through Vermont but i see some people have filed through a lock box in Chicago, is this faster? more recommended?

Much appreciated

Cheers
 
tomlindsay101 said:
I'm currently here on a student F-1 visa and got married last year to a US citizen, we were going to file all the documents - I-130, I-485, I-765 - but then i read we have to file I-130 first, is this how it works now? Should i file this plus a biometric information for both of us, then wait and file once i have received the go ahead?
Click to expand...
NO to both your questions. I don't know why you waited until the fees have gone up, but you should file all together to Chicago Lock Box.
To learn about the process, go to www.uscis.gov.
 
So just to make sure -

I should file to the Chicago lockbox and what i should file should be

1 x completed copy of the I-485 forms
1 x completed copy of the I-765 forms
1 x completed copy of I-130 PLUS the affidavit of support forms by my wife
2 x Biographic Information, one of me and one of my wife

plus checks for each filing

Do i have to go for a medical now? or do i wait?

Any tips on how to file? They should just go together in one folder? Use UPS? etc

Thanks again for your help.

Cheers
 
If you file everything concurrently your process will go faster and much smoother. Read my signature to see my timeline and what not. New York is already a slower area for this process. Also, you would greatly benefit from the book I have listed in my signature. Very easy and fast read, in fact, you don't really even read it except for the first few chapters. Then get the forms and use this forum for any help and you're golden. Just be careful, the book lists the OLDER FEEs. Make sure you send the newer FEEs or they will deny your application for incorrect filing fees (you can file again, but it's just more time wasted).
 
tomlindsay101 said:
So just to make sure -

I should file to the Chicago lockbox and what i should file should be

1 x completed copy of the I-485 forms
1 x completed copy of the I-765 forms
1 x completed copy of I-130 PLUS the affidavit of support forms by my wife
2 x Biographic Information, one of me and one of my wife

plus checks for each filing

Do i have to go for a medical now? or do i wait?

Any tips on how to file? They should just go together in one folder? Use UPS? etc
Thanks again for your help.

Cheers
Click to expand...
All the tips you need is on the uscis website. Read the instructions very carefully on every form you're filing. Everything goes together, including the medical!
 
Get EVERYTHING done unless you want unneeded delays. Get your medical (I-693) now - it costs some money, I paid about $100 for mine. But it made my case fast. NO problems, straight to an interview...
 
You're going to need a myriad of things... you need supporting documents (Marriage Certificate, bank statements with you and your husbands name on it, birth certificates, copies of passport(s), at least four passport style photos, etc... etc...) - Read the book and the insructions for all forms and you will find out what you need.
 
tomlindsay101 said:
So just to make sure -

I should file to the Chicago lockbox and what i should file should be

1 x completed copy of the I-485 forms
1 x completed copy of the I-765 forms
1 x completed copy of I-130 PLUS the affidavit of support forms by my wife
2 x Biographic Information, one of me and one of my wife

plus checks for each filing

Do i have to go for a medical now? or do i wait?

Any tips on how to file? They should just go together in one folder? Use UPS? etc

Thanks again for your help.

Cheers
Click to expand...

Print out the forms tonight so you are sure you get the latest forms.

Read the forms, they come with the instructions and what to attach to each form. There is more than what you reported (birth certificate, marriage license,...)

You will have to do a big packet in which you will have subdivisions for each form and use a paper clip to put all the info for each form together.

Do the medical and add it otherwise your case will later on be suspended.

Make sure everything in there is correct and especially the fees (different checks and not total amount on one check is best)

Write a general cover letter saying what the whole package is for (AOS through spouse) and what forms are in the package. Then make individual cover letters (for I-485, I-765, I-130...) describing what is in that specific form (i.e birth certificate, marriage license, affidavit of support...)

BTW don't forget I-864.

Its all online at uscis.gov , click on "immigration forms" (top left) and print out all the forms and read carefully.

Send all in same package to the chicago lockbox. Watch out depending if you use USPS or ups/fedex I think the addresses are different.

If you use USPS, at the post office ask for return receipt and for someone to sign for the package when it gets there. If not you won't have proof that they ever received all that.

I guess that's all I can say. Just check the forms all this is well explained in it.

For filing the forms if you have questions ask, someone here should help you.

PEACE.
 
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