Particular questions regarding Green Card filing

[epicurus]

Hey everyone, I've began the process of filing my spouse's Green Card package and while I've done some research, there are some questions I can't seem to find on the internet.

Background: I am a U.S. born citizen and married my spouse back in March who is currently here in the U.S. on a F1 Student Visa.

The documents I will be submitting:

I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative),
I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
G-325a (Biographic Information)
G-1145 (e-Notification of Application Acceptance)
I-864 (Affidavit of Support) - (I am currently a graduate student collecting GI Bill so my spouse's brother-in-law will be sponsoring us just to be sure due to my lack of "stable" income)


As for my questions:

1. Are there any particular forms that I am missing or overlooking?

2. My spouse took my last name and it is recorded as so on our marriage record, however the social security office was not willing to change her name nor reissue her a SS card. Reason is my spouse originally obtained her SS# through temporary work at her school roughly 8 years ago and the SS office requires her to renew that temp work program, however her current school does not offer such a program. The SS office told us that the only other way is for her to get a Green Card. With that said, is this going to be a problem while filing for her Green Card? Should we just file the green card application under her maiden name to avoid any problems?

3. Is there any other additional process or issues I may run into due to the I-864? Seems like there isn't much information regarding this form.

4. As a military veteran, will USCIS streamline any particular process? I've been told this applies to active duty military but not sure if this applies to veterans as well.

5. Can I submit all the forms into one package or should I submit particular forms first?

6. How long can I expect to wait until I get a interview date if all forms are accepted?

[rayb]

Epicurus,

1. Include I-864 for you, as you are still the primary sponsor, even without income. Your co-sponsor should submit his separate I-864 package to be included with your mailing. Also add form I-131.

2. Submit all forms using your wife's new married name. The SSN still in her maiden name doesn't matter.

3. The sponsorship portion requires statements explaining why most recent income tax return was not filed, including tax return, W2/1099 forms, employment verification and U.S. status of co-sponsor.

4. Military veterans don't get any preferential processing. Even Active Duty military enlistment doesn't normally provide speedier processing (despite what seems to he the folk legend).

5. Submit all forms together, at same time, though organized in separate groups.

6. Interview date assignment averages 5 or 6 months from submittal.

--Ray B

Hey everyone, I've began the process of filing my spouse's Green Card package and while I've done some research, there are some questions I can't seem to find on the internet.

Background: I am a U.S. born citizen and married my spouse back in March who is currently here in the U.S. on a F1 Student Visa.

The documents I will be submitting:

I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative),
I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
G-325a (Biographic Information)
G-1145 (e-Notification of Application Acceptance)
I-864 (Affidavit of Support) - (I am currently a graduate student collecting GI Bill so my spouse's brother-in-law will be sponsoring us just to be sure due to my lack of "stable" income)


As for my questions:

1. Are there any particular forms that I am missing or overlooking?

2. My spouse took my last name and it is recorded as so on our marriage record, however the social security office was not willing to change her name nor reissue her a SS card. Reason is my spouse originally obtained her SS# through temporary work at her school roughly 8 years ago and the SS office requires her to renew that temp work program, however her current school does not offer such a program. The SS office told us that the only other way is for her to get a Green Card. With that said, is this going to be a problem while filing for her Green Card? Should we just file the green card application under her maiden name to avoid any problems?

3. Is there any other additional process or issues I may run into due to the I-864? Seems like there isn't much information regarding this form.

4. As a military veteran, will USCIS streamline any particular process? I've been told this applies to active duty military but not sure if this applies to veterans as well.

5. Can I submit all the forms into one package or should I submit particular forms first?

6. How long can I expect to wait until I get a interview date if all forms are accepted?

[MaryH]

Those forms seems to be all that's needed and it's always BEST to file all forms at the same time.

The Social security administration might not do anything, until after your application. Therefore, you could try again, after you have received your Work Authorization.
If she wishes to use her married name, then she should use same on all forms.

Every one's case varies and it depends if and when, there's any RFE or your state or whatever

[epicurus]

Epicurus,

1. Include I-864 for you, as you are still the primary sponsor, even without income. Your co-sponsor should submit his separate I-864 package to be included with your mailing. Also add form I-131.

2. Submit all forms using your wife's new married name. The SSN still in her maiden name doesn't matter.

3. The sponsorship portion requires statements explaining why most recent income tax return was not filed, including tax return, W2/1099 forms, employment verification and U.S. status of co-sponsor.

4. Military veterans don't get any preferential processing. Even Active Duty military enlistment doesn't normally provide speedier processing (despite what seems to he the folk legend).

5. Submit all forms together, at same time, though organized in separate groups.

6. Interview date assignment averages 5 or 6 months from submittal.

--Ray B

Do I still need to add a I-131 even if my wife is already in the states?

[rayb]

You don't have to file an I-131, but it provides the immigrant extra insurance at being allowed to reenter the U.S. if having to leave for family emergency abroad.

--Ray B

Do I still need to add a I-131 even if my wife is already in the states?