Simon remove the stu

After my earlier thread, I have a couple more questions regarding the whole
AOS process.

Firstly, my (British) passport is due to expire in August of 2002. Would it be
better to get a new passport before starting the whole AOS process, or would
renewing it mid-stream not be a problem? I'm not even sure if the British Embassy
would renew it before it expired anyway.

Secondly, silly I know, but is the required medical exam for AOS a big thing? I
don't mean in the sense of not doing it, because of course I know I would need
to, but I've never been keen on doctors and hospitals (though I know they do a
great and valuable job). Is the exam just a once-over of your medical history,
vaccination checks and things like that?

Thirdly, would retaining an Immigration attorney be that useful? I don't believe
my case is overly complicated (no criminal record, no diseases, no dishonesty to
INS) but I wondered what people's thoughts were on this. And if so, does anyone
have any recommendations in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex area?

Finally Does anyone have any experiences with the Dallas INS office? I have
noticed they don't allow you to file in-person, everything has to be mailed, and
the waiting times seem fairly long. But is anyone aware of their Advance Parole
policy? Since I would like to visit home at least a couple of times pending my
adjustment.

I think that's everything Thanks for all the advice.

Simon TX, USA

lisac77

I think I read in a previous post that you are an I-130 filer. The following answers
are based on an I-130/I-485 application.

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thing? I
    >
need to,
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great and
    >
vaccination
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No, it's not a big deal. Just checking for major problems/communicable diseases. I
think they do a chest X-ray. And they will make sure that you are caught up on your
vaccines. You can get discounted vaccines at a local health dept if necessary.

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don't believe
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dishonesty to INS)
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anyone have any
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    >

We've gone through the entire I-130/I-485 process without a lawyer and (up until now)
with no problems.

My husband used a lawyer for part of his immigration not related to the marriage
visa. He was pretty good. You can email me directly for his name if you're
interested.

    >
office? I
    >
mailed, and
    >
Parole
    >
pending my
    >
    >

No, they won't let you file in person. It's best to send everything return receipt in
the mail. And don't send anything that requires them to sign. We did that last time
(in april of this year) and it took 3 weeks to get delivered.

If you're an I-130 then get in line for a looooooong wait. They are currently
processing I-130/I-485 applications from February 1999. The current waiting time is
30 months to the interview.

We have had no problems obtaining his EAD, but he already had EAD before we filed. So
it was just a renewal. We didn't file for AP. I think the last report (sent to us by
Dallas INS) was that it was a 6 month wait for AP, and a 5 month wait for EAD.

Good luck!

Lisa

"Simon" <[email protected](remove the stuff before bigfoot)>

    >
regarding the
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Would it be
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would renewing
    >
would renew
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    >
    >
thing? I
    >
need to,
    >
great and
    >
vaccination
    >
    >
    >
don't believe
    >
dishonesty to INS)
    >
anyone have any
    >
    >
    >
office? I
    >
mailed, and
    >
Parole
    >
pending my
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