This is the second part of our K1 Visa Process (see blog here). And from the title itself, this is our Adjustment of Status (AOS- I485) timeline. And a little info, the AOS/EAD is for my husband and the name change is for me.
Lockbox: Chicago, IL
State: New Jersey
The first few people who knew my husband's case approval were: my family, his family, my K1 friends (group chat) and the Lord. Soon as I saw the status update, I couldn't help but tear up a little because of so much happiness.
For reference, we decided to apply for AOS and Employment Authorization Document (EAD). So the timeline below will be for both cards:
- December 7, 2024 - Arrived in US
- December 19, 2024 - Wedding
- January 30, 2025 - Sent AOS/EAD Packet
- Priority Date - February 06, 2025
- Biometrics (Elizabeth, NJ) - March 13, 2025
- EAD Card Approved - April 17, 2025
- EAD Card on Hand - April 25, 2025
- Interview (Mt. Laurel, NJ) - July 09, 2025
- Case Approved - July 10, 2025
- Green Card on Hand - July 21, 2025
We processed all necessary ID's in between:
- December 10, 2024 - Applied SSN — we actually went in there twice, but finally processed SSN on the second day. The first day, the employee said that since he came in on a visa, his SSN will be sent automatically at our house in two weeks, and I know that's not the case. So we tried again the next day, we brought his unexpired I-94 document and passport (his SSN with restrictions came in December 16, 2024).
- January 27, 2025 - Applied to take Driver's Permit Test — we were actually not sure if we would get a permit but we still tried. And thankfully, they let him take his driver's permit (we made an appointment online to take his driver's permit). As MVC's, he'll need six points ID, we brought- Philippine Driver's License (not expired), Marriage Certificate, unexpired I-94 Document, SSN Card, Joint Bank Statement, Passport). After all documents were confirmed, they let him take the Driver's Test and passed on his first try. His NJ Driver's Licensed came in the mail after a week.
- May 08, 2025 - Upgraded NJ Driver's License to Real ID — luckily, we were able to secure a slot for Real ID. Same 6 point ID we provided and brought in his EAD Card with him in case they ask. It was a quick 10/15 minute process and his Real ID came in the mail a week after.
- May 22, 2025 - Landed on his first U.S. Job — with some help from our friends, he was able to secure a spot to get his job. HR asked him for his EAD Card and SSN.
------
While this timeline is purely his, I wanted to include and share my process of Name Change in New Jersey. To this date, I am halfway there- I have updated all my important documents and still have to do few more (merely subscriptions, passport and my debit card). The beginning of my process was tiring, but when I got my ID with my new name on it, it was so worth it!
I went in to MVC and SSN twice. On both appointments, the second one was the successful one- I was able to change my ID (not the way I wanted it, but it is what it is). In New Jersey, you cannot legally change your middle name without a court order- I didn't want to make this process even longer, so I ended up not changing my middle name. I started updating:
- Social Security Number (w appointment)
- Driver's License (walk in + upgraded to Real ID)
- Voter's Registration
- Work Documents
- Insurance Documents
- Car Insurance + Car Title
- Subscriptions
I haven't processed my Passport still cause I am waiting for our process with Reporting our Marriage in Philippines - I wanted to do Passport last, after our ROM.
We are both happy and grateful that this AOS process is done. Next will be ROC after two years. But til then, we're going to enjoy doing stuff together and to more travels!
#LifeWithTheZs is a tag/category on my blog, mainly posts about our marriage and travels together ~
0 comments