How to do change of status after marriage?

[Bob&Inna]

My Russian girl and I are married now. What must I do to satisfy our government(USA)?  Does anybody know how to do the Change of Status? Also Inna has a Social Security number that we got before marriage. I think that has to be changed, is it true?

Thanks, Bob

[jb]

Bob,

In order to start the AOS process you must complete the I-485 and submit with all the required supporting documentation.
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-485.htm

Good luck

[Bob&Inna]

Thanks jb.

I went to the link and found Form I-485. There is also a Form I-485A. Do you know about that? As I first skimmed over it I thought I read something about a $1000 fee!

There is a lot to read, and I don't want to make any mistakes. I wonder about the time frame, she has been here 3 months and 10 days. We got married on the 90th day!

I hate the fact that they don't give you much time to REALLY get to know each other, thats why I waited. So far so good.

Thanks, Bob

[Bruce]

I filled out the forms this past December. They are:
I-485 petition for adjustment of status, which includes in the packet you send
1. Copy of wife's birth certificate with English translation;
2. Copy of her passport page with non-immigrant visa (K-1)
3. 6 passport photos
4. Form G-325A (yes, you need a new one of these)
5. Copy of fiance petition approval notice
6. Copy of official marriage certificate
7. Copy of her I-94 (stapled in passport when she arrives)
8. Form I-485 fee ($315 + $70 fingerprint fee = $385 attached)
9. Form I-864 affidavit of support (notarized) with supporting documents (three years tax returns)
10. Form I-131 (application to travel prior to adjustment of status and return with $165 fee)
11. Form I-765, application to work with $175 fee; this form is optional if your wife is not working. My wife is not working so I did not file this form and only sent four passport photos since each application requires two.
Best of luck.

[jb]

You need not submit the I-485A.

Good explaination, Bruce.

It's not as daunting as it seems, just pay attention to the details and it will be OK.

P.S.

There is a lot to read, and I don't want to make any mistakes. I wonder about the time frame, she has been here 3 months and 10 days. We got married on the 90th day!

Your time frame is OK, just don't piddle about and waste time.  The AOS (Adjustment of Status) will lead to a green card for your new bride, sooner or later.  The Advance Parole will allow her to travel back to the FSU should she need to before the GC is in hand, and the EAD Employment Authorization Document will allow her to work if she so desires.

I've read the BCIS Handbook pretty carefully and I don't see a length of time for filing the AOS spelled out very clearly at all.  They merely say it should be done in a timely manner, (whatever that means).  However if you procrastinate, you will delay the citizenship process if your goal is ultimately for her to become a US citizen.  There are certain advantages to having the blue passport, and she can keep her old red one as well.  Travel becomes easier because so many countries don't require a visa for US citizens while almost every one requires one for a Russian or Ukrainian.

Just a few extra thoughts.

[ConnerVT]

Another benefit of filing for the EAD, even if she has no plans to work -- it may be the only document that show her "legal status" in the US until receiving her Conditional Resident Alien card.  For my wife, it came in handy to get her driving learner's permit -- the DMV would not issue one without showing her legal alien status.

[Bob&Inna]

Guys,

Thank you for all the info, I appreciate the help. I'll keep my eyes open for all the info I can get.

 

Hey, does anybody know about changing my wife's Social Security # ?

Bob

[jb]

Bob,

I don't think she will need to apply for a new SSN.  The one she has is good.

[Bob&Inna]

Ok, I agree.

I mean, why should you have to change your SSN# just because you get married. I thught that was something you keep all you life. Maybe it's different for immigrants.

Anyhow, I heard it's a good idea to change that also. That's what another guy I know is doing now.

Bob

[Jet]

Bob,

I'm pretty sure they WON"T let you change her S.S.#

What a lot of folks do though is to change her  card to reflect a new married name. We plan to just wait until my wife has the greencard in hand before going to the SS office, so she can kill two birds with one stone by having the "not valid without INS work authorization" removed too.

[Son of Clyde]

Sounds like the immigration people are trying to milk us dry.

No wonder some couples end up living in trailor parks. 

[Jet]

[user=130]Son of Clyde[/user] wrote:

No wonder some couples end up living in trailor parks. 

 

Hell, most people can't afford trailer parks down here in S. FL

ragged out old trailers in dive parks are fetching upwards of 100 grand believe it or not!

[wxman]

They charge all that money to those that do it legally, while those that do it illegally  and cross the southern border, are just caught and released and eventually are given a permanent green card for free. What a system  

[ConnerVT]

ragged out old trailers in dive parks are fetching upwards of 100 grand believe it or not!

 

Of course!  They are waiting for the next hurricane, so maybe they can get interviewed by The Weather Channel. :cool:

 

[Bob&Inna]

Thanks for the info, yes it's true she needs only to change her name. I guess I thought she was saying that she needed to change her SSN# but her and I found out that it's the change of name not the #. Some false info (or misunderstood).

That's a good idea about "killing 2 birds with one stone". I will look into that myself( the green card).

Thanks, Bob