Passport Related Discussion

thanks for your wishes.

It's really bad timing by lawyer, but if you do your hw well, even in last 10 days he should be able to do the job.

I have not yet filed 485 so you did good by directing question to those who did!

Before your lawyer comes, you can get 6 passport photos per applicant and medical exam. But for medical exam, you need to fill out the form yourself then, if you understand the various boxes to fill out.

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Originally Posted by Sandeep2011

Nishant, i am really feeling bad for you, you just missed it by a whisker. I hope you become current in the next VB.

I have a request for Q and other friends who recently went through filing 485 - can you please post the procedure for filing 485? I apologize if it has been been discussed already. In that case, may i request to point me to the relevant thread.

My lawyer is on vacation till 20th October and i don't want to wait till he comes back. Congratulations again to everyone who have become current during this VB.

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Donvar,
According to my lawyer (fragomen), as long as you have a valid unexpired passport at time of filing AOS, there should't be an issue.

However, I recommend that you renew passport ASAP...no point in waiting. BTW, your six months will be up in Nov.

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Originally Posted by donvar

rdsingh ? Was it a non issue altogether or a non issue because you were within six months? Please respond.

I am in the same boat expired in May 16 and yet to renew. I am in Houston and can be at the consulate. Should I do tatkal in order to get it before six months after expiry Oct 16 ?

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My wife is on H4, she is having only first name and no last name in old passport and visa. Recently we changed her passport to add my last name but not changed on visa, while filing I-485 if we write first name and last name is there any issue? by the way her ITIN and Driver License also have only first name. Please help gurus on this.

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Originally Posted by rdsingh79

Donvar,
According to my lawyer (fragomen), as long as you have a valid unexpired passport at time of filing AOS, there should't be an issue.

However, I recommend that you renew passport ASAP...no point in waiting. BTW, your six months will be up in Nov.

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Thanks. I also asked my lawyer and she also said the same.
However, one learned person from other forum pointed that by law, one's I94 expiry is uptil his passport expiry date in case if passport expires earlier. He seems to be correct.
But I am inclined to ignore it and will assume my I94 expiry date as what it is on I94 (May 2012).

While entering US, the IO may give you permission to stay through the expiry of your passport rather than the expiry of your visa. But if you enter and tehn you obtain another extension to your H1, that old I-94 that IO issued is not binding anymore. The extension and related I-94 should be used going forward.

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Originally Posted by donvar

Thanks. I also asked my lawyer and she also said the same.
However, one learned person from other forum pointed that by law, one's I94 expiry is uptil his passport expiry date in case if passport expires earlier. He seems to be correct.
But I am inclined to ignore it and will assume my I94 expiry date as what it is on I94 (May 2012).

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My wife is on H4, she is having only first name and no last name in old passport and visa. Recently we changed her passport to add my last name but not changed on visa, while filing I-485 if we write first name and last name is there any issue? by the way her ITIN and Driver License also have only first name. Help me GURUs.

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Originally Posted by venkimakthal

My wife is on H4, she is having only first name and no last name in old passport and visa. Recently we changed her passport to add my last name but not changed on visa, while filing I-485 if we write first name and last name is there any issue? by the way her ITIN and Driver License also have only first name. Help me GURUs.

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My friend had a similar issue and he said he filed a name affidavit that listed all the different names he used -like
First Name
First Name Last Name
Last Nsme First Name
Short form of First Name Last Name
Etc.

Please check with your lawyer.

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Originally Posted by 10102007

My friend had a similar issue and he said he filed a name affidavit that listed all the different names he used -like
First Name
First Name Last Name
Last Nsme First Name
Short form of First Name Last Name
Etc.

Please check with your lawyer.

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Originally Posted by venkimakthal

My wife is on H4, she is having only first name and no last name in old passport and visa. Recently we changed her passport to add my last name but not changed on visa, while filing I-485 if we write first name and last name is there any issue? by the way her ITIN and Driver License also have only first name. Help me GURUs.

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I would do what 10102007 has suggested. Get her full name on the application and thus on the Green Card..It's better to get this done now.

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Originally Posted by nishant2200

GC can be obtained either via AOS (adjustment of Status) or CP (Consular Processing).

AOS is suitable for people already in USA and only their immigration status needs to be adjusted.

CP is suitable for people not in USA and would come to USA when they get green card to start the job being offered in GC.

In case of CP, instead of USCIS, its NVC (National Visa Center) who processes the GC. Typically when they anticipate that the applicant's PD will be current in next 6 months to one year, they send out a fee bill for processing the last stage, and the applicant has to pay fees and start the last stage process of submitting a packet of required documents etc. Once this happens, the applicant becomes documentarily qualified, and when the date really becomes current, the USA consulate in the applicant's home country, schedules an interview him, and if interview passes they grant him green card.

If you see that thread of Ron, you will see he is ill and recovering, and has as of yet, not done further work on tabulating this data and publishing to us.

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Hi Nishant:

Just want to correct you there... I hope you will not mind.

If an individual passes an interview, he will not receive green card but an immigrant visa to enter USA. Then on entering US at Port of Entry, Immigration officer will stamp I-551 on one's passport after a short interview. individuals are expected to carry sealed Medicals from the consulate to present to IO. At this point EVL and any other documents is also checked. IO at Port of Entry has right to deny entry to such individual if he finds inconsistency in answers or paperwork. Once I-551 is stamped, individual would receive green card on given mail address within few months. I understand Ron has a great article on pros and cons of AOS vs. CP but this extra step is not covered. Just thought will add this in case anyone is looking to do CP.

Not at all. Thank you.

I did actually mean this process but out of laziness wrote the bottomline, but yes, your point is indeed detailed and should be noted for knowledge on CP. I do feel that CP may grant you GC a few months earlier than AOS.

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Originally Posted by shaumack

Hi Nishant:

Just want to correct you there... I hope you will not mind.

If an individual passes an interview, he will not receive green card but an immigrant visa to enter USA. Then on entering US at Port of Entry, Immigration officer will stamp I-551 on one's passport after a short interview. individuals are expected to carry sealed Medicals from the consulate to present to IO. At this point EVL and any other documents is also checked. IO at Port of Entry has right to deny entry to such individual if he finds inconsistency in answers or paperwork. Once I-551 is stamped, individual would receive green card on given mail address within few months. I understand Ron has a great article on pros and cons of AOS vs. CP but this extra step is not covered. Just thought will add this in case anyone is looking to do CP.

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Hi All,

My wife's passport expires in feb2012. should we renew it before we file for i485 (if our PD becomes current in the next bulletin)? my attorney says passport validity has no bearing on AOS application.

I would go with the attorney.. just keep in mind you may need your passport for fingerprinting..

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Originally Posted by srd4gc

Hi All,

My wife's passport expires in feb2012. should we renew it before we file for i485 (if our PD becomes current in the next bulletin)? my attorney says passport validity has no bearing on AOS application.

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I would listen to the attorney's advice.

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Originally Posted by srd4gc

Hi All,

My wife's passport expires in feb2012. should we renew it before we file for i485 (if our PD becomes current in the next bulletin)? my attorney says passport validity has no bearing on AOS application.

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guys who are current now and before... i understand we have to get 6 copies of passport wala photos... i inquired in walgreens, cvs and other places and they are all charging around 30 dollars for 6 copies.... not trying to be cheap... but any1 have any better ideas in getting them done, i know of epassportphoto.com...have any1 used them ?

a gujju bhai in my office always says.... a dollar saved is a dollar earned... toh batao.... the person who tells a good idea which people can use to save some dollah...will get a gift from me...

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Originally Posted by soggadu

guys who are current now and before... i understand we have to get 6 copies of passport wala photos... i inquired in walgreens, cvs and other places and they are all charging around 30 dollars for 6 copies.... not trying to be cheap... but any1 have any better ideas in getting them done, i know of epassportphoto.com...have any1 used them ?

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if you have AAA plus membership, you can get 4 photos free..otherwise also, the prices are reasonable.

Soggadu, why not do it yourself? I didnt the same for my H1 this time(including printing)
After some recent scams(in india) where the websites promising giving copies of photo when u upload 1 used those to open fake dmat accounts i am skeptical of anything online. Not that epassportphoto.com is the same just that i m skeptical and the pictures taken urself are allowed, there are guideline for the same on USCIS site(for Visa atleast).

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Originally Posted by soggadu

guys who are current now and before... i understand we have to get 6 copies of passport wala photos... i inquired in walgreens, cvs and other places and they are all charging around 30 dollars for 6 copies.... not trying to be cheap... but any1 have any better ideas in getting them done, i know of epassportphoto.com...have any1 used them ?

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I alaways create passport photos at home. Use template from http://www.epassportphoto.com/ and print it at walgreeens or any other photoshop

The following site is excellent if you have small photo printer & photo print paper with you.
http://epassportphoto.com/

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Originally Posted by soggadu

guys who are current now and before... i understand we have to get 6 copies of passport wala photos... i inquired in walgreens, cvs and other places and they are all charging around 30 dollars for 6 copies.... not trying to be cheap... but any1 have any better ideas in getting them done, i know of epassportphoto.com...have any1 used them ?

a gujju bhai in my office always says.... a dollar saved is a dollar earned... toh batao.... the person who tells a good idea which people can use to save some dollah...will get a gift from me...

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8.99 for two copies in local Walgreens in midwest. we tried other methods for passport and visa renewals.If you can get the photo to 2X2 , printing on 4X6 sheet would give you 6 photos.It works out cheaper.
But don't want to get RFE for photo in I-485 process.

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Originally Posted by soggadu

guys who are current now and before... i understand we have to get 6 copies of passport wala photos... i inquired in walgreens, cvs and other places and they are all charging around 30 dollars for 6 copies.... not trying to be cheap... but any1 have any better ideas in getting them done, i know of epassportphoto.com...have any1 used them ?

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If you are skeptical about using epassportphoto.com, download photoshop passport template (google for it) and create passport photo sheet. Print it at home or any places such as Walgreens...

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Originally Posted by Pdmar08

Soggadu, why not do it yourself? I didnt the same for my H1 this time(including printing)
After some recent scams(in india) where the websites promising giving copies of photo when u upload 1 used those to open fake dmat accounts i am skeptical of anything online. Not that epassportphoto.com is the same just that i m skeptical and the pictures taken urself are allowed, there are guideline for the same on USCIS site(for Visa atleast).

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I have used it for H1, UK visa and my daughter's US passport.. and it worked all the time.. $0.35 cents for 4 photos (1 sheet) at walmart in minutes..

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Originally Posted by soggadu

guys who are current now and before... i understand we have to get 6 copies of passport wala photos... i inquired in walgreens, cvs and other places and they are all charging around 30 dollars for 6 copies.... not trying to be cheap... but any1 have any better ideas in getting them done, i know of epassportphoto.com...have any1 used them ?

a gujju bhai in my office always says.... a dollar saved is a dollar earned... toh batao.... the person who tells a good idea which people can use to save some dollah...will get a gift from me...

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by soggadu

guys who are current now and before... i understand we have to get 6 copies of passport wala photos... i inquired in walgreens, cvs and other places and they are all charging around 30 dollars for 6 copies.... not trying to be cheap... but any1 have any better ideas in getting them done, i know of epassportphoto.com...have any1 used them ?

a gujju bhai in my office always says.... a dollar saved is a dollar earned... toh batao.... the person who tells a good idea which people can use to save some dollah...will get a gift from me...

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Cotsco is cheaper than walgreens. it will be $15 for 6 copies. Each set(2 copies) for 4.99

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Originally Posted by nayekal

Guys,
I am planning to go India after filing I485 Apps. I will be filing on Nov 1st and will go to India in second week of Jan for 2 months. Do I need to worry about any thing.

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To the best of my knowledge, you should be fine. I am assuming that you will return to US using the H1B visa stamp in your passport. So, you should make sure that your visa stamp is current; or else, you need to get a new visa stamping appointment at an US Consulate in India. You might also receive your AP before your travel and in that case, you can return to US with your AP (assuming you have approved AP before your travel date).

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Originally Posted by pch053

To the best of my knowledge, you should be fine. I am assuming that you will return to US using the H1B visa stamp in your passport. So, you should make sure that your visa stamp is current; or else, you need to get a new visa stamping appointment at an US Consulate in India. You might also receive your AP before your travel and in that case, you can return to US with your AP (assuming you have approved AP before your travel date).

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I don't have H1 B visa stamp. I will book my tickets now, but will postpone my trip in the last minute, if I don't receive my AP. I am actually concerned with 485 apps processing during my stay out of US. Do I need to come back to answer any RFE's if any or do we need to be present in US for any thing else. I am planning to go for at least 2 months (1 month vacations + 1 month work from home).