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So, you have your US Visa, what’s next? What you need to do before and when you get to the USA
March 19, 2009
So, you made it! You’re almost a part of the global Pinoy community and you’re eager to get your life started in a country far from your birth home and with a culture that’s different from yours. I know you’re full of excitement and you have high hopes for the future. You can’t wait to be in the arms of your loving fiancé(e), in the company of your new family, and to be mesmerized by the American accent (slang) and the advanced western lifestyle. You might even find yourself exclaiming “wala ito sa bukid namin,” most of the time.
Although you have exactly no clue how to blend in or whether you’re gonna fit in, you tell yourself you’ll win the Americans with your sweet Pinoy Smile and friendly nature. Right on! You have the “Galing ng Pinoy” motto in your blood.
And of course, you want to find a job and earn big bucks, right? Despite the economic downturn, you’re optimistic you will find work; you’re diligent, and will do anything (read: legal work) to earn dollars. You can’t wait to do all these; perhaps you toss and turn in your sleep, anxious to be in the Land of Opportunity. If you could grow wings, you’d use it and fly off to USA (even better because that would save you the costly airfare). But, before you get too excited and fly away to your dreams, take a moment to read this blog. This will give you an idea on what to bring with you, what to expect and what to do to get a green card, when you’re finally walking on the American soil.
Preparations for your Travel
I’m assuming you listened intently at the PDOS seminar and you have an idea what to prepare and how to prepare documents you need for your travel. If not, refer to the sheet of paper they gave you, that summarizes important information on your travel. On top of that, be sure you bring:
1. 1. At least 2 copies of your NSO-certified birth certificate.
2. 2. The CFO’s Guide for Filipinos Migrating to the United States (the little booklet). You might need it in the future.
If you want to have an idea or information on your rights and responsibilities as an immigrant, visit the USCIS link: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=f2b1e89390b5d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=f2b1e89390b5d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD
Important Documents
The US Immigration Law requires K1-visa holders to marry their fiancé(e)s within 3 months of arrival. Hopefully, your fiancé has everything prepared beforehand for an elaborate or simple wedding, whichever you choose. If not, prepare to be busy for the next few weeks. It’s advisable to marry within 2 weeks of arrival so you can get your other paperwork running (trust me, there’s a lot!).
As soon as you’re married, take care of following documents:
1. Your state license ID. Visit the website of your state licensing office or the physical office itself to inquire for requirements. Usually, they need passport and marriage license as proof.
2. Your tax number. Visit the IRS website for more information on how to add you as dependent and be eligible for tax returns.
3YoYour Social Security number. Usually, SSN’s get processed within a week. In my case, it was really bad because the Bureau of Customs made a mistake on the day I arrived and had me as an F1 (student) instead of K1 in their system. I had no idea this had happened. When I applied for my SSN, I waited for almost 3 months. I found out I’m not clearing in their system because USCIS had me as F1 and my documents say I’m K1. Unfortunately, it was too late because my visa was expiring in a week. I had to wait until I get my Employment Authorization Card (another 3 months) to be able to apply again! Lesson learned: follow up with SSA if your SSN takes longer than 1 week.
Applying for an Adjustment of Status (AOS) & Employment Authorization Card (EAC)
While you take care of the things above, you can also start gathering the requirements for your AOS and EAC. Be very patient and be meticulous in filling out forms because the waiting game can be nasty and frustrating, especially if you don’t do things right the first time.
Requirements to prepare:
Visit USCIS Immigration Forms (www.uscis.gov and click the Immigration Forms tab) and download the following:
1. Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (I-485)
$930 plus a biometrics fee of $80; the fee total is $1,010. Exceptions listed below. There is no fee for applicants who are filing Form I-485 based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee. Applicants 80 years of age or older are not charged a biometric fee; the fee total is $930. Applicants under 14 years of age: - Filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent have a fee total of $600 - Not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent have a fee total of $930.
2. Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act (I-864)
Although USCIS does not charge a fee for this form, the Department of State does charge a fee of $70 when the Affidavit of Support is reviewed domestically. This does not apply when the Affidavit of Support is filed abroad. Note: In my experience, this was free. I’m sure USCIS or Department of State will notify you if you need to pay for this.
3.Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member (I-864A) This is only applicable to fiancé(e)s who have secondary sponsors.
4. Application for Employment Authorization (I-765) $340. Free with AOS application.
5. Application for Travel Document I-131 $305. Free if you apply along with your AOS. Important if you plan to travel outside the US while your AOS is still on process. AOS processing may take up to 2 years. If you go outside the US (perhaps you have to go back to the Philippines for emergency reasons) and you don’t have this, you can’t go back in. It’s better safe than sorry.
6. Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record I-693 $0.00 06/05/08. Previous editions will be accepted only for medical exams conducted before August 1, 2008. Medical exams conducted on or after August 1, 2008, require use of the 06/05/08 edition.
7.Biographic Information (G-325A)
Note: Don’t just download the form. It’s important to download the Instructions as well (separate PDF file). Read the General Instructions for requirements and the Where Should You File Form 1-485 portion, to know where to mail the documents.
Visit my K1 Visa, AOS and EAD timeline entry at http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?cfl=&id=55589
If you have any specific questions, send me a message. God Bless you!
have a good day!