Geronimo

Hi everyone. Great newsgroup!

I would appreciate answers to some questions re. my situation. Here's the relevant
details: I
- am already in the US (been here 7+ years on F1 visa)
- have already applied for F1 OPT (optional practical training)
- am looking for a job and hope to start by end of September (hence the OPT which
should start by end of september)

My USC fiancee and I want to get married and file for AOS. I met her two years ago
here in Boston, and we can provide ample proof of a solid relationship. We wat to
marry in a civil ceremony soon (meaning in a few weeks) and then apply for AOS in
Boston (the whole-enchilada wedding will be in spring 2003).

My questions are as follows:

1. I have been in the US for 7+ years. Do I need to include any kind of police
clearances from home country in the AOS application paperwork?

2. The medical exam form says the immunizations are not required but are
"encouraged." What is the reality?

3. Form I-485 instructions say the copy of nonimmigrant visa is to be submitted _IF_
the visa was obtained within the last year. Mine was obtained long ago (7+ years)
and I have kept my F1 status valid throughout the years, and have a current I-20.
Anyone have personal experience with a ninimmigrant visa issued more than one year
earlier when they filed for AOS?

4. I am expecting the EAD on the basis of OPT. Will the application for AOS
necessitate changing anything on that other track? The OPT-based EAD will be valid
for 12 months. Should I rather obtain an EAD on the basis of marriage+AOS?

5. Given the tough job market, I do not know where the job will be (in the US), and
what the starting date will be, but once I obtain employment, my address might
change, conceivably to an area covered by a different regional service center.
Fiancee will be in Boston for one year, finishing school. I plan to continue to be
in Boston until employment necessitates a move (I have made arrangements with my
university). What problems can I expect due to this potential change of address?
Is it worth waiting until the job materializes, and then apply for AOS, or should
I stick to my current thinking of applying for AOS without waiting for anything?

6. Finally, the birth certificate I have was issued ten years ago on the basis of
birth records of the municipality, and is not the original certificate from the
time of birth. Will this document be sufficient or is there any supporting
documentation needed too?

Much thanks,
G.

Jason C

1. I have been in the US for 7+ years. Do I need to include any kind of police clearances from home country in the AOS application paperwork?

- not likely, the INS will have an FBI check done on your behalf.

2. The medical exam form says the immunizations are not required but are "encouraged." What is the reality?

- when I had my medical done, they gave me the necessary immunizations (at my expense), although I don't remember which ones.

3. Form I-485 instructions say the copy of nonimmigrant visa is to be submitted _IF_the visa was obtained within the last year. Mine was obtained long ago (7+ years) and I have kept my F1 status valid throughout the years, and have a current I-20.
Anyone have personal experience with a ninimmigrant visa issued more than one year earlier when they filed for AOS?

- I'm not sure about this one, but my guess is, it doesn't hurt anything to send it, at least then they will know how and when you got to the US.

Can't help you with any of the others, hope this much helps though.

Geronimo

Thanks, Jason. I hope others can answer the remaining questions.

G.

Jason C <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<[email protected]>...
    > 1. I have been in the US for 7+ years. Do I need to include any kind of police
    > clearances from home country in the AOS application paperwork?
    >
    > - not likely, the INS will have an FBI check done on your behalf.
    >
    > 2. The medical exam form says the immunizations are not required but are
    > "encouraged." What is the reality?
    >
    > - when I had my medical done, they gave me the necessary immunizations (at my
    > expense), although I don't remember which ones.
    >
    > 3. Form I-485 instructions say the copy of nonimmigrant visa is to be submitted
    > _IF_the visa was obtained within the last year. Mine was obtained long ago (7+
    > years) and I have kept my F1 status valid throughout the years, and have a
    > current I-20. Anyone have personal experience with a ninimmigrant visa issued
    > more than one year earlier when they filed for AOS?
    >
    > - I'm not sure about this one, but my guess is, it doesn't hurt anything to send
    > it, at least then they will know how and when you got to the US.
    >
    > Can't help you with any of the others, hope this much helps though.
    >
    >
    >
    > --