... in response to adjustment of status, posted by spike ny on Nov 6, 2001I went through the AOS process about a month ago. First of all, she won't need a medical exam as she already had one for the K-1 Visa that she got at the Embassy. It is specifically worded in the in the instructions of the AOS application. I have already forgotten the numbers of the documents. For all the details, this was the best site I ever found:
http://www.marriagebasedvisas.org/
It will have all the documents and supporting documents that you will need, plus there are some areas that give people's accounts, by city.
A few cities, like Dallas & Detroit, will conduct the interview the same day at the INS center that you apply for the AOS. If that is the case, they give you the I-551 stamp in her passport which is the equivilent to conditional permant resident status. Thus there is no need to file for authorization to work or advanced parole. At the INS center here in Dallas, it took us about 4 hours to get the stamp. If you don't get the interview the same day, it can be a real pain I would think. The I-551 stamp is the ultimate goal here. They give that to you while you wait to recieve the card in the mail.
So, usually one has to file the AOS papers, and keep the receipt, which is her proof she is here legally. I think you can get a temporary permission to work stamp at the time you turn in your paperwork at the INS. If you are not in one of the cities I mentioned, you can wait up to two years for the AOS interview. So, in the meantime you have to file for advance parole if your wife wants to travel and re-enter the US. You have to include a copy of your AOS filing receipt with your application for advanced parole.
It's kinda like doing your taxes...you can do it yourself if you are just organized and read the directions. But it is the government and they definately make it about 5x more complicated than it should be.
Mike
