Preparation of Green Card filing docs

[vmsk1234]

Hello,

This may be a redundant topic, but since each case is somewhat different, I'd like to ask/confirm a few things.

I married a US Citizen last month. Our case should be straightforward since I've been in the US legally for about 6 years now (currently on H1B). We're also not using a lawyer since some friends said this should be straightforward enough to file ourselves.

The following are the documents we're preparing, and we'd like to make sure we're not missing anything (or filling something that's not necessary):

1. G325A - Bio Info - Is this only for the alien or both alien and US citizen?
2. I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative
3. I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
4. I-864 - Affidavit of Support
5. I-864A - Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member
6. I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization
7. I-131 - Application for Travel Document
8. I-693 - Medical Info

Please let me know if the above list is exhaustive.

Couple of further questions:
1. I'm guessing photo copies of Marriage certificate, Birth Certificate and any other documents (Say, h1B visa and such) will do. Do I need to it attested by notary etc.? Any reason to send the originals?

2. Since the last time I entered the US from a trip to India (mar'10), I've switched jobs but I have not gone back to India (so, no visa stamp with current employer). The expiration on the Visa stamp on passport is Dec'11 but my current Work Authorization (I-797?) is until Sep. 2013. This should not be an issue while filing, right? Do I need to get my visa stamped with current company before applying?

I know the questions are somewhat trivial, but I want to make sure we do it the right way with all bases covered.

Very much appreciate your time to read through my post, and respond!

[jennyo1998]

g325a - you will need one for each of you
I'm not sure about your items 4-8... they seem a bit much for the initial filing... but i'm not an expert. We did not file any of those. However, my husband is not in the US, he is still in Italy and has never been to the US. I guess you can never be too careful though, if you think they might need it, send it, i guess.

You do not have to send originals of those documents. However, I had to send an original copy of my birth certificate because it was issued by the state of Wisconsin and it is illegal to make a copy. Copies of your documents do not need to be notarized. So, I sent all copies EXCEPT my birth certificate and the forms (i-130 and g325a). The only other thing i can think of is that you should send proof of your relationship, i.e. letters from friends/family, proof of shared financials/property (bank accounts, mortgage, lease, etc), birth certificate of a child born to both of you, etc. This is kind of the basic proof of relationship, you don't need to send pics and cards, etc now, save those for the interview.

I'm trying to remember everything that we sent... (i'm at work so i don't have my papers with me). I know you need (2?)passport sized photos for both of you.

Sorry i'm not more helpful, if i remember when i get home i'll post the list of what we sent. Our green card petition has been approved by USCIS and is now at the NVC. So, I know I did something write

[vmsk1234]

Thanks for the response, Jenny. Appreciate it.

Since, we are doing concurrent filing (we both live in the US and I'm on a valid H1 visa,) I was under the understanding that I had to send all the docs together. Did you send a few for initial and then the rest later on? How does that work? Would love to get your thoughts on what docs you sent whenever you get a few minutes.

Other responses are definitely welcome too, and I appreciate all the time and effort you guys put to help out.

Thanks very much!

g325a - you will need one for each of you
I'm not sure about your items 4-8... they seem a bit much for the initial filing... but i'm not an expert. We did not file any of those. However, my husband is not in the US, he is still in Italy and has never been to the US. I guess you can never be too careful though, if you think they might need it, send it, i guess.

You do not have to send originals of those documents. However, I had to send an original copy of my birth certificate because it was issued by the state of Wisconsin and it is illegal to make a copy. Copies of your documents do not need to be notarized. So, I sent all copies EXCEPT my birth certificate and the forms (i-130 and g325a). The only other thing i can think of is that you should send proof of your relationship, i.e. letters from friends/family, proof of shared financials/property (bank accounts, mortgage, lease, etc), birth certificate of a child born to both of you, etc. This is kind of the basic proof of relationship, you don't need to send pics and cards, etc now, save those for the interview.

I'm trying to remember everything that we sent... (i'm at work so i don't have my papers with me). I know you need (2?)passport sized photos for both of you.

Sorry i'm not more helpful, if i remember when i get home i'll post the list of what we sent. Our green card petition has been approved by USCIS and is now at the NVC. So, I know I did something write

[nvnvcha]

Hi Vmsk,

I am interested in knowing the progress of your application. Mine is also similar situation as yours except for the following. I will be finishing my PhD in couple of months and my OPT starts in mid September (expires in Sep 2013). I am marrying a US citizen in September. I have been in US legally since 2008 on F1 visa. I think we are in similar situation. Could you please tell me why you waited one month after the wedding to start the process? I am thinking that I can use the "customer copy" of the marriage license and start my green card application immediately after the wedding. Do you think its safe or do you suggest me to wait for a month and get the marriage certificate and then apply.

Do you have to submit your green card application in the state where your spouse is a resident?

Looking forward to your reply.