Instructions For Filing Affidavit Of Support I-864: Fill & Download for Free

We are in the US and we adopted a child from Korea. Our process had many, many steps in it it took 16 months from initial paperwork until the child was placed with us, and then another 9 months for the adoption to be finalized.Most of the steps are designed to protect the child by making sure the adoptive parents have truly thought through their decision, are healthy, financially stable, have no history of criminal activity, drugs or child abuse, live in a place suitable for raising a child, etc.To prove my point, here is my exhaustive list of to-do items from our adoption in 2005-2008. Each of these items took time and many steps required extra fees.Fill in & file agency's preliminary application, including photos of us and the houseWrite medical statement, elaborating on treatment for any medical conditionsLine up four non-relative referencesOne copy of tax returns from past three yearsPay $200 fee to adoption agencyNotarize agency's adoption services agreementFill in the "Home Study Part 1 Paperwork" . Each spouse does the following:Fill in "Personal Data" form with 67 essay questions1 photocopy birth certificateComplete Authorization of Release of Information - Employer VerificationCriminal Record StatementLiveScan fingerprint form (for State of California: criminal and child abuse index)Schedule & attend LiveScan fingerprinting appointmentsMedical Exam, including HIV and TB tests, with Medical Report filled out by doctorComplete detailed Financial Statement1 photocopy marriage licensePhoto of baby's future roomPrint Map & directions to homeCopy all, keep for recordsEach of 4 non-relative references return 3-page, 10-essay questionnaires directly to agencyHome Study Part 2:Receive & pay invoice for home studySchedule social worker visitsSocial worker visit #1 (both husband and wife)Acceptable Medical Conditions Form filedSocial worker visit #2 (wife only)Social worker visit #3 (husband only)Sign up & take module 1 & 2 of agency's parenting classReceive 2 completed, certified, notarized copies of Home Study from social workerAgency sends Home Study to Korea (HSTK)Sign up & take modules 3 & 4 of agency parenting classI-600A filed with US-CIS (Advanced Processing of Orphan Petition for Visa) (4/6/2006), including the I600A form, Copy of certified home study, copies of each spouse's birth certificate, photocopy of marriage license, copy of most recent federal tax return, proof of medical insurance, $800 fee, cover letter.FBI FingerprintingReceive I-171H (Approval of I-600A) from US-CISReceive Referral to a Child, which is a packet of information with the child's history, photos, medical records, etc.Medical evaluation of Referral by Oakland Children's HospitalFile Referral Acceptance Paperwork to agency, along with huge fee to adoption agency.File 3 Placement Agreements with agency - all notarizedhusband: 4 Statements of Adoption (for child's Korean passport) - all notarized3 Travel Option forms1 Foreign Travel Release - notarizedhusband: 2 Affidavit re INS Vaccination Requirementshusband: two I-864 Affidavit of Support for Immigration filed with US-CISwife: two I-864A Contract between Sponsor and Household Member filed with US-CISSend US-CIS: copy of entire last year tax return, last year's W2 & 1099s, photocopies of both our birth certificates (again), copies of both our paystubs, Photocopy of marriage license (again)Receive child's "legals" from Korea (in English & Korean)I-600 visa petition form filed w/ US-CIS. Includes copies of legals, I-600, I-171F, child report & photos, copy of most recent 1040 tax form, copy of I-864, copy of I-864A, letter to American Embassy in Seould with visa cable instructionsMeanwhile, the Korean adoption agency worked away:Our application was translated into KoreanKorean agency applied for Emigration Permit ("EP") with Korean Ministry of Health and WelfareMinistry approves Emigration PermitAgency gets I-171 (I-600 approval) cable from US Embassy in SeoulVisa physical for baby, including Hepatitis B & HIV testsSubmit application for baby's IR-4 VisaResubmit our I-600 visa petition after US-CIS screws up and loses the first oneThen, we went go the "Travel" call and flew to Korea.Plan trip & travel to KoreaIn-Korea pre-flight medical examGo to US Embassy in Seoul to process Class-B Waiver (acceptance of medical condition)Get the final Visa paperworkTake custody of child!Once home, there was more paperwork:Receive Placement Confirmation Notice from AgencyReceive baby's Green Card in mailGet social security number under baby's Korean Name as permanent resident4 post-placement visits from social worker, where I also had to create 5 page "progress reports" with answers to questions and photos.File US Physician's Examination Report with AgencyOur adoption agency finishes the "post placement phase" and gives us approval to officially adopt the child in American court.File Adoption Finalization Paperwork in our county in California: Forms ADOPT-200, ADOPT-210, ADOPT-215, and ADOPT-230Receive "Consent to Adoption" from agencyAdoption Finalization hearing in County CourtSend agency/Korea copy of child's adoption decree (child is no longer considered a Korean citizen)Secure proof of US citizenship for child: Complete & file N-600 with US-CIS, pay feeReceive Certificate of CitizenshipFile passport applicationReceive passportApply to SSA to get status changed from resident alien to citizen, SS# name changed (passport is proof)Start the process all over again for kid #2!

Hope this helps -Step 1: File a petition with the USCIS on behalf of your FiancéYou, the US citizen, must file the Petition for Alien fiancé (Form I-129F) with your local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. Click here to see the additional documents you need to file the petition.Note: You cannot file this petition at an embassy, consulate or U.S. immigration office abroad.Tips: Instead of waiting in long lines at the USCIS field office make an appointment online at USCIS Website.Step 2: The Fiancé's obtains a visa at a US consulate at his/her home countryAfter the USCIS approves the petition, it sends the petition to the embassy or consulate where your fiancé will apply for a K-1 non-immigrant visa. Once approved he/she will get a visa stamped on their passport and will be ready to come to the United States. Click here to see the required documents your fiancé will need while applying for the visa at a US consulate in his/her home country.Download the Checklist for Form I-129F (Alien Fiancé/K-1): Download I-129F ChecklistWhat Happens and What to Do After Getting the Fiancé Visa?Once you've received the K-1 Visa successfully you are ready to enter the United States. Following are some important information and steps for you and your fiancé to follow through on after entering the United States.Step 3: Entering into the United StatesAfter getting the fiancé visa, your fiancé enters the United States through a U.S. immigration port-of-entry. The U.S. immigration official gives your fiancé instructions on what to do at the the port of entry.Step 4: Get Social Security NumberYour fiancé can apply for a social security number card. There are many advantages of having a social security number card the sooner the better.A permanent resident of the United States needs a Social Security number to:Work in the United StatesConduct business with a bank or financial institutionPay taxes or to be claimed on a tax returnAnd for other purposes not listed.Refer to the Social Security Website for further instructionsStep 5: Get MarriedAs per the Condition of the K-1 Visa you and your fiancé must get married within 90 days of his/her arrival.Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency (Green Card) by Filing Adjustment of Status (AOS/I-485)If your spouse plans to work and stay in the US, after marriage, he/she must file Form I-485 Application to register as permanent residence or to adjust status with the USCIS office that serves the area where you live in the United States. You must fill out the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, with the USCIS for your spouse's application to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR).File the following 2 forms at nearest USCIS Field Office:Download Form I-485 - Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusDownload Form I-864 - Affidavit of SupportStep 7: Remove Conditions on Permanent Status for Your New SpouseThe permanent residence you have received through this marriage is conditional, which means your new spouse's green card will expire in 2 years. You'll have to file the I-751 petition in order to remove this conditional status.Find Out More On Petition to Remove the Conditions on ResidenceDownload I-751 Form - Petition to Remove the Conditions on ResidenceRequired Documents of the Sponsor for K-1 PetitionDocuments Required of the United States citizen who is petitioning his/her fiance to come and live in the U.S. The following needs to be provided at the USCIS field office when filing for petition.Form I-129F Petition for Alien FianceIf your fiance has unmarried children who are under 21, they are eligible to accompany your fiance, but only if they are listed on this form.Evidence of Your U.S. CitizenshipYour original U.S. birth certificate, your U.S. passport, your Certificate of Naturalization, or your Certificate of Citizenship. (Please see USCIS Form I-129F for information on the use of copies.)2 G-325A Forms Biographic Data SheetsCompleted and signed G-325A Forms, one with your information and one with your fiance's.Color Photos of You and Your FianceOne color photo of you and one of your fiance taken within 30 days of filing>>Find out more about photograph specificationsPrior Marriage Nullification DocumentsA copy of any divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment decrees if either you or your fiance have been previously married.Permission to MarryProof of permission to marry if you or your fiance are subject to any age restrictions. (For instance, in some U.S. states, you must receive special permission to marry if you are under the age of 16.)Required Documents For K-1 Visa ApplicationThe following documents should be provided by your fiancé to the US consulate in his/her home country while applying for the K-1 Visa.A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.Valid Birth certificateIf applicable, divorce or death certificate of any previous spouse for both the applicant and the petitionerPolice certificate from all places lived since age 16Medical examination (vaccinations are optional, see below)Evidence of financial support - Form I-134 Affidavit of Support may be requested. (Should be sent by American sponsor.)Two Non-immigrant Visa Applications, Form DS-156 (A Form DS-156, prepared in duplicate.)One Non-immigrant FiancéVisa Application, Form DS-156KTwo nonimmigrant visa photos(each two inches 50 X 50 mm square, showing full face, against a light background)Evidence of a fiance relationship - i.e. photos of engagement.Payment of feesThe consular section at the embassy or consulate where you, the fiancé of an American citizen, will apply for a visa, will tell you about any additional specific requirements that you need to fulfill to complete your visa application, such as where you need to go for the required medical examination.Note: The consular officer may ask for additional information according to the circumstances of the case. Documents in foreign languages should be translated.Tips: Take clear, legible photocopies of civil documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, to the interview. Original documents can then be returned to you.Where Should I File the Petition?If you are filing for your fiancé, file this petition at the Service Center with jurisdiction over your area of residence.If you are filing for your fiancé and live outside the United States, submit this petition to the Service Center with jurisdiction over your last place of residence in the U.S.If you are a U.S. citizen, and are using this form to bring in your wife or unmarried child under the LIFE Act, file this petition at:U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ServicesP.O. Box 7218Chicago, IL 60680-7218Find out more about the LIFE Act >> Find a USCIS Office next to youVaccination RequirementsAll applicants for immigrant visas are required to have the following vaccinations (if appropriate for age, medical condition, or medical history):MumpsMeaslesRubellaPolioTetanus and diptheria toxoidsPertussisInfluenza type BHepatitis BVaricellaPneumococcalNote: As a fiancé you are not required to fulfill this requirement at the time of your medical examination for a fiance visa. However, you may want to do so. These vaccinations are required when you adjust status to permanent residence following your marriage.Extending the PetitionThe Form I-129F petition is valid for four months from the date of approval from USCIS. Consular officers can extend the validity of the petition (revalidate the petition) if it expires before the processing of the visa application is completed.What if my visa is denied? How can I appeal?If your petition for a fiancé visa is denied, the denial letter will tell you how to appeal. Generally, you may appeal within 33 days of receiving the denial by mail. Your appeal must be filed on USCIS Form I-290B. The appeal must be filed with the office that made the original decision. After your appeal form and a required fee are processed, the appeal will be referred to the Administrative Appeals Unit (AAU) in Washington, DC. (Sending the appeal and fee directly to the AAU will delay the process.)Fees - How much will it cost?Fees are charged for the following services:Filing an Alien Fiance Petition, Form I-129F - $535USDFiling I-130 - $535USDMedical examination (costs vary from post to post)Fingerprinting fees (if required)Other costs may include translation and photocopying charges, fees for getting the documents required for the visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.).Filing Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status$1,140 plus $85 biometric fee for a total of $1,225 if you are 14 years of age or older. If you are under 14 years of age, and are filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent have a fee total of $750; if not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent have a fee total of $1,140. If you are 79 years of age or older, the fee is $1,140 with no biometrics services fee.If applicable, $595USD plus $85 for Biometrics for Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence

Steps to Bringing your Fiancé to the US through the K-1 VisaStep 1: File a petition with the USCIS on behalf of your FiancéYou, the US citizen, must file the Petition for Alien Fiancé (Form I-129F) with your local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office.Note: You cannot file this petition at an embassy, consulate or U.S. immigration office abroad.Step 2: The fiancés obtain a visa at a US consulate at his/her home countryAfter the USCIS approves the petition, it sends the petition to the embassy or consulate where your fiancé will apply for a K-1 non-immigrant visa. Once approved he/she will get a visa stamped on their passport and will be ready to come to the United States.Step 3: Entering the United StatesAfter getting the fiancé visa, your fiancé enters the United States through a U.S. immigration port-of-entry. The U.S. immigration official gives your fiancé instructions on what to do at the port of entry.Step 4: Get Social Security NumberYour fiancé can apply for a social security number card. There are many advantages of having a social security number card the sooner the better.A permanent resident of the United States needs a Social Security number to:Work in the United StatesConduct business with a bank or financial institutionPay taxes or to be claimed on a tax returnAnd for other purposes not listed.Step 5: Get MarriedAs per the Condition of the K-1 Visa you and your fiancé must get married within 90 days of his/her arrival.Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency (Green Card) by Filing Adjustment of Status (AOS/I-485)If your spouse plans to work and stay in the US, after marriage, he/she must file Form I-485 Application to register as a permanent residence or to adjust status with the USCIS office that serves the area where you live in the United States. You must fill out the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, with the USCIS for your spouse's application to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR).Step 7: Remove Conditions on Permanent Status for Your New SpouseThe permanent residence you have received through this marriage is conditional, which means your new spouse's green card will expire in 2 years. You'll have to file the I-751 petition in order to remove this conditional status.Required Documents of the Sponsor for K-1 PetitionDocuments Required of the United States citizen who is petitioning his/her fiance to come and live in the U.S. The following needs to be provided at the USCIS field office when filing for a petition.Form I-129F Petition for Alien FianceIf your fiance has unmarried children who are under 21, they are eligible to accompany your fiance, but only if they are listed on this form.Evidence of Your U.S. CitizenshipYour original U.S. birth certificate, your U.S. passport, your Certificate of Naturalization, or your Certificate of Citizenship. (Please see USCIS Form I-129F for information on the use of copies.)2 G-325A Forms Biographic Data SheetsCompleted and signed G-325A Forms, one with your information and one with your fiance's.Colour Photos of You and Your FianceOne colour photo of you and one of your fiance taken within 30 days of filingPrior Marriage Nullification DocumentsA copy of any divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment decrees if either you or your fiance have been previously married.Permission to MarryProof of permission to marry if you or your fiance are subject to any age restrictions. (For instance, in some U.S. states, you must receive special permission to marry if you are under the age of 16.)Required Documents For K-1 Visa ApplicationThe following documents should be provided by your fiancé to the US consulate in his/her home country while applying for the K-1 Visa.A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.Valid Birth certificateIf applicable, divorce or death certificate of any previous spouse for both the applicant and the petitionerPolice certificate from all places lived since age 16Medical examination (vaccinations are optional, see below)Evidence of financial support - Form I-134 Affidavit of Support may be requested. (Should be sent by American sponsor.)Two Non-immigrant Visa Applications, Form DS-156 (A Form DS-156, prepared in duplicate.)One Non-immigrant FiancéVisa Application, Form DS-156KTwo nonimmigrant visa photos(every two inches 50 X 50 mm square, showing full face, against a light background)Evidence of a fiance relationship - i.e. photos of engagement.Payment of feesThe consular section at the embassy or consulate where you, the fiancé of an American citizen, will apply for a visa, will tell you about any additional specific requirements that you need to fulfil to complete your visa application, such as where you need to go for the required medical examination.Note: The consular officer may ask for additional information according to the circumstances of the case. Documents in foreign languages should be translated.Tips: Take clear, legible photocopies of civil documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, to the interview. Original documents can then be returned to you.Where Should I File the Petition?If you are filing for your fiancé, file this petition at the Service Center with jurisdiction over your area of residence.If you are filing for your fiancé and live outside the United States, submit this petition to the Service Center with jurisdiction over your last place of residence in the U.S.If you are a U.S. citizen and are using this form to bring in your wife or unmarried child under the LIFE Act, file this petition at:U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ServicesP.O. Box 7218Chicago, IL 60680-7218Vaccination RequirementsAll applicants for immigrant visas are required to have the following vaccinations (if appropriate for age, medical condition, or medical history):MumpsMeaslesRubellaPolioTetanus and diphtheria toxoidsPertussisInfluenza type BHepatitis BVaricellaPneumococcalNote: As a fiancé, you are not required to fulfil this requirement at the time of your medical examination for a fiance visa. However, you may want to do so. These vaccinations are required when you adjust status to a permanent residence following your marriage.Fees - How much will it cost?Fees are charged for the following services:Filing an Alien Fiance Petition, Form I-129F - $535USDFiling I-130 - $535USDMedical examination (costs vary from post to post)Fingerprinting fees (if required)Other costs may include translation and photocopying charges, fees for getting the documents required for the visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.).Filing Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status$1,140 plus $85 biometric fee for a total of $1,225 if you are 14 years of age or older. If you are under 14 years of age and are filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent have a fee total of $750; if not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent have a fee total of $1,140. If you are 79 years of age or older, the fee is $1,140 with no biometrics services fee.If applicable, $595USD plus $85 for Biometrics for Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence