How to Go Through Canada Customs without Speaking English

Most of my elder relatives in my home country don't speak English. In fact, some of them probably don't understand English at all. Not to mention that they have never traveled abroad by themselves.

As my husband and I are expecting a baby soon in the USA, my parents are eager to come for a visit and meet their little grandchild! To make their wish come true, a big mission landed on me - help them get prepared for the trip and make sure the traveling won't have any hiccups.

We plan to book a direct flight from Taiwan to Canada and transfer from Canada to the USA by ground. Let's take a look at my planning of "shipping" my parents here!

How to Enter Canada Customs without Speaking English

The biggest concern, of course, is the language barrier. With proper preparation ahead of time, I am sure we all can help our non-English speaking relatives travel around the world without any issue and fear! There are a few things to think about:

Airline Special Assistance

Will they know where to go after they get off the airplane? Many airlines nowadays offer special assistance which includes directing elder/younger travelers to the connection flight or customs. As far as I know, EVA Air and China Airline offer this service. I am going to call the airline to request special assistance ahead of time so they will direct my parents to the customs after they land in Canada.

Fill Out the Declaration Card

How do they know how to fill out the declaration card? I found a sample declaration card online and filled out their information in English. They will bring this sheet with them to board the airplane. By the time they are given the declaration card, they just need to copy what I have on that sample sheet to the real card. That way, there won't be any confusion.

Canada Declaration Card Questions

For Canada visitors, the declaration card contains A, B, C parts. If you are traveling together with someone else that lives at the same address, you can have up to 4 same-address travelers on the same single card. Click here to see more details.

Write a Quick Note for the Customs

How are they going to answer the customs agent's questions if they can't even understand it? I decided to help them communicate with the agent through a note. I wrote down a quick note to answer some basic questions the agents might ask:

• What's your purpose for this visit?
• Where are you going?
• How long are you staying?
• Where are you staying?

At the bottom of the note, I left my contact information in case they need to clarify further. I also included my VISA status and occupation just in case they question about it. Click here to see the template I created.

As a matter of fact, based on other people's experience, if there is a language barrier, the customs agent will ask other people on site who speak your language to help translate. But it's still good to be prepared so my parents can be at ease.

Other Things to Look Out for:

Aside from the language barrier, I also prepared the following for my parents in case they need them:

• Airport Map: Download this from the airport website
• Cell Phone Service: Get a prepaid phone from your home country. I got it through T-Mobile. 
• WiFi Service: Check to see if the airport offers a free or paid WiFi service.
• Cash: Exchange some US or Canadian dollars just for emergency. Credit cards are generally accepted in most places in the USA.
• Meeting location: Decide a clear and easy-to-find meeting location for the pick-up and circle it on the map.

Have you ever helped elder/young non-English speakers travel abroad? What's your experience? Is there anything else that I am missing? Share with us!

Disclaimer: This article is for sharing personal experience only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

Who Is the Petitioner, Applicant, Beneficiary and Principal Applicant?

Who Is the Petitioner, Applicant, and Beneficiary?

When filing the G-1145 E-Notification form, I was a little confused about who's name to use. I decided to use the applicant's name for G-1145.

If you are confused about who is petitioner, applicant, and beneficiary, take a look below. Generally, the U.S. citizen spouse is the petitioner and the alien spouse who is applying for a green card is the beneficiary:

• Petitioner - U.S. citizen spouse
• Beneficiary - Alien spouse
• Applicant for I-485 - Alien spouse
• Applicant for I-130 - U.S. citizen
• Applicant for I-765 - Alien spouse
• Applicant for I-131 - Alien spouse

Who is the Principal Applicant?

If you are the main beneficiary of the I-485 application, yes, you are the principal applicant. If you have other relatives applying with you, they are the derivative applicants.

Click here to see a step-by-step guide for filing the I-485 application.

Disclaimer: This article is for sharing personal experience only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

Where Can I Find My USCIS Alien Registration Number (A Number)?

What is an A Number?

An A number is an Alien Registration Number or Alien Number. It is a unique 8 or 9 digit number assigned to you at the time you file your application. The series of number starts with the letter "A".  

Where Can I Find My USCIS A Number?

You may not necessarily have an A number. If no A-files have been created in the past, you don't have the number. Or if you are a H1-B holder like myself, you probably don't have an A number as H1-B holders don't need an EAD card to work. If you have an EAD card, you can find the A number on it.

When I was under OPT, I did receive an EAD card but that card has expired of course. That A number will not be applicable to this case because once your green card application is received, USCIS will assign you a new A number. So simply leave that field blank if you don't have a current A number.

Click here to see a step-by-step guide for filing the I-485 application.

Disclaimer: This article is for sharing personal experience only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

DIY How I Applied for My I-485 Green Card with No RFE! (Updated April 2024, with NEW FEES!)

After all the trouble we have gone through preparing for my I-485 green card application for almost 2 months, I decided to put the things I have learned together and share with all of you who might be in the same boat and searching for a detailed, clear direction.

Please note: This post is mainly for alien spouses applying for a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen. If you are on K-1 visa, please click here to read a more specific guide.

Disclaimer: This article is for sharing personal experience only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. No guarantee of successful I-485 (green card) application results.

How to Apply for the I-485 AOS Green Card Step by Step 

*March 9th, 2021: Public Charge Rule Form I-944 is No Longer Needed After March 9th, 2021!

**USCIS increases Green Card application fees on April 1st, 2024! Learn more here>>>

First, let me give you an overview of my I-485 application preparation. This article gets a little long, so please click the links below and fast forward to the section that you want to learn more details.

Step 1: Download all the required forms and prepare 6 folders
Step 2: Download all cover letter templates
Step 3: Schedule a USCIS doctor's appointment - don't do this too late, you might have to wait in line
Step 4: Fill out all forms - I suggest filling out the PDF files on your computer. It's easier to make changes. My suggested filling order is below. Click each link to go to that section for details.

• Start with I-485 (the main form) 
• I-130 & I-130A - K-1 visa holders do not need these forms, See here for more info.
• I-864
• I-693 (just your part, and give it to the doctor to finish.)
• I-131 & I-765 (Optional) 

Step 5: Collect your sponsor's tax documents and asset evidence ( if needed) for I-864
Step 6: Collect Bona-Fide evidence for I-130
Step 7: Take passport-style photos
Step 8: Assemble all forms and folders - check the filing tips before you do this step!
Step 9: Choose your shipping carrier and check the shipping address
Step 10: Review, SIGN and date each form
Step 11: Final Review (Review all checklists)
Step 12: Mail the package and wait for the great news! (Click here to see my real case timeline)
Step 13: The Interview

Purchase Your Assembling Guide Here for $10! (10 Steps to Assemble your I-485 AOS Application Package)

New Update 7/16/2023: USCIS Self-Service Biometrics Appointment Rescheduling Tool

How Long Does It Take To Receive My Permanent Residence (Green Card)?

Update: USCIS Now Provides Tracking for Form I-131 & I-765 Progress, click here to learn more!

 Here's a rough timeline I created based on my research to give you an idea:

• 2 to 3 weeks after you mailed the I-485 application, you will receive your I-797 receipt notices (I received 4 notices for I-485, I-130, I-131, and I-765 respectively)
• 3 to 5 weeks after you mailed the application, you will receive a notice for your Biometrics appointment
• 5 to 8 weeks after you mailed the application, you will go to your Biometrics appointment (approximately 30 minutes) where they will take your fingerprints sample
• 3 to 4 months after you mailed the application, you can expect to receive your EAD card with your travel document (on the same card) if you filed I-765 and I-131 concurrently
• 4 to 10 months after you mailed the application, you will be notified for an immigration interview
• 6 to 12 months after you mailed the application, you will go to your immigration interview (30 minutes to an hour). Some people reported that they received a verbal decision right after the interview. 
•  8 to 14 months after you mailed the application, if everything is approved without RFE, you will receive your permanent residence (green card). Congratulations!

Curious about my personal, real-case timeline? Click here to see!

What forms do I need to submit for a family-based green card application?

Here's an overview of the forms I submitted (original, old fee schedule):

• G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. You just need one payment together ($1,225.00) for these two: 
• Form I-485 $1,140.00
• Biometrics Service (fingerprints) $85.00
• G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions:
• Form I-130 $535.00
• G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions (Optional, only if you file I-765):
• Form I-765 $260.00
• G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions (Optional, only if you file I-131):
• Form I-131 $630.00
• G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
• I-485 Adjustment of Status (filled out by beneficiary. the alien spouse)
• I-864 Affidavit of Support (filled out by petitioner, the U.S. citizen)

**New Updates: Federal Judge Blocked Public Charge Rule (Form I-944) again. See here for more details!

• I-130 Petition for Alien Relative - This can be submitted later separately (filled out by petitioner, the U.S. citizen)
• I-130A Supplementary Information for Spouse Beneficiary - This can be submitted separately (filled out by beneficiary, the alien spouse)
• Optional I-765 Application for Employment Authorization - This can be submitted separately later (filled out by beneficiary, the alien spouse)
• Optional I-131 Application for Travel Document - This can be submitted later separately (filled out by beneficiary, the alien spouse)
• Sealed  I-693 Report of Medical Examination & Vaccination Record - This can be submitted later separately (filled out by an immigration doctor)

Download my EBOOK to learn more filing tips that will save you money and avoid mistakes!

Also, the Form I-130 and Form I-693 can be submitted separately from From I-485 as well but they are required and are part of your I-485 application.

Now, let's take a closer look at each form:

Form I-485 Adjustment of Status Checklist

Form I-485 is the main and most important form among all the forms required for a green card application.

• I-485 Cover Letter (optional but it will be useful to include it!)
• 2 Passport style photos of beneficiary
• Form I-485 Adjustment of Status
• Beneficiary's passport copy
• Beneficiary's current VISA with entry stamps
• Beneficiary's I-94
• Beneficiary's birth certificate
• Beneficiary's continuous lawful status proof:
• I-20s copy
• EAD card copy
• H1-B approval notice copy
• Marriage certificate copy - you don't need an official copy, a simple photocopy is fine.
• See more details in the cover letter

Form I-864 Affidavit of Support Checklist

• I-864 Cover Letter
• Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
• Petitioner's most recent tax return documents
• Evidence of assets (if applicable)
• Evidence of beneficiary's current income (if you are using beneficiary's income)
• Evidence of beneficiary's continuous income from a lawful source (if you are using beneficiary's income)
• Beneficiary's employment verification letter
• Beneficiary's W2s in recent years
• Petitioner's passport copy
• Petitioner's birth certificate copy
• Marriage certificate copy
• Other Supporting Documents - See more details in the cover letter

Form I-944 Declaration of Self-Sufficiency Checklist

***New Updates March 9th, 2021: Public Charge Rule Form I-944 is No Longer Needed After March 9th, 2021!

• I-944 Cover Letter
• Household’s most recent tax return documents and W2s
• Beneficiary’s credit report
• Beneficiary’s education diplomas (from high school to the highest level you have)
• Beneficiary’s health insurance policy and/or other proofs
• Beneficiary’s all public benefits (if applicable)
• Beneficiary’s debts and liability (if applicable)
• Household’s proof of assets & resources 
• Other Supporting Documents -See cover letter for more details!

* Many documents are repeating from I-864. In the instruction it states you don't need to provide repeating documents if already provided in I-864.

Read More: How to Pass Public Charge I-944 Declaration of Self-Sufficiency>>

Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative Checklist

• I-130 Cover Letter
• 2 Passport style photos of petitioner
• 2 Passport style photos of beneficiary
• Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
• Petitioner's birth certificate copy
• Beneficiary's birth certificate copy
• Petitioner's U.S. passport copy - make sure it's not expired
• Beneficiary's passport copy - make sure it's not expired
• Marriage certificate copy
• Form I-130A Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary 
• Evidence of Bona-Fide Marriage (I separated this into another folder)

• Cohabitation evidence: driver's license, any mail, letters from family/friends with both of your names on it, etc.
• Lease or any contracts you both signed
• Other supporting documents - See more details in the cover letter

Click here to learn more about Bona-Fide marriage with example: What evidence of Bona-Fide marriage should I provide?

Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization Checklist

• I-765 Cover Letter
• 2 Passport style photos of beneficiary
• Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
• Beneficiary's I-94
• Beneficiary's passport copy
• Beneficiary's EAD card copy
• Other supporting documents - See more details in the cover letter

Form I-131 Application for Travel Document Checklist

• I-131 Cover Letter
• 2 Passport style photos of beneficiary
• Form I-131 Application for Travel Document
• Beneficiary's passport copy
• Beneficiary's current VISA page copy
• Other supporting documents - See more details in the cover letter

I-485 Concurrent Filing Cover Letter Templates 

I am asking for $10 for all templates, this will allow me to keep doing research and updates. Thank you for your support! See terms and conditions here.

Don't forget to Check Out My E-book!

All 6 Cover Letter Templates:

• Main Cover Letter Template
• I-485 Cover Letter Template
• I-130 Cover Letter Template
• I-864 Cover Letter Template
• I-765 Cover Letter Template
• I-131 Cover Letter Template

Purchase Your Assembling Guide Here for $10! (10 Steps to Assemble your I-485 AOS Application Package)

What Payment Methods Are Accepted by USCIS?

Now USCIS accepts credit card payments! It's very convenient and you can save a few dollars by getting credit card bonuses. If you want to be more secure, a bank check is usually the safer way to submit your payment. See all payment options:

• Bank Check
• Money Order
• G-1450 Credit Card Transaction - I chose this one and it worked without any issues!

Some useful links you may want to check out:

• Where can I find my USCIS A number?
• Who is the petitioner, applicants, beneficiary and principal applicant?

About Form I-864 Affidavit of Support

Tax Return Documents for Form I-864

The petitioner (U.S. citizen) is only required to provide the most recent year tax return document. However, you can choose to provide the most recent three year tax return documents if you think those will help prove your support.

You can provide your IRS tax return forms along with your W2s, Form 1099, tax scheduled (for self-employed sponsors) OR IRS tax transcripts. You don't need both! You can get your IRS transcripts from IRS's website here. I think an IRS tax transcript is simpler with fewer pages, but it's really up to you.

What is the requirement for I-864 Affidavit Support?

According to the I-864 form instruction ( on the top row of the form), your household income has to be over 125% of the HHS poverty guideline. You can find the latest poverty guideline here.

Depending on how many people in your household, the number will be different. In 2020, for a typical 2-people family, you need at least $21,550.

What if my income is lower than the I-864 sponsorship requirement?

If the petitioner (U.S citizen) doesn't have enough projected income to sponsor the beneficiary (alien spouse), you can choose to:

• Include your assets
• Include your alien spouse's income or asset
• Add one or more co-sponsors - this can be a friend or family member

How to include my alien spouse's income in the I-864 Household Income?

All you need to do is include the alien spouse's information and income in form I-864 (page 4, part 6, number 8-10) and provide:

• Evidence of your alien spouse's current income: You can provide your paycheck in the last 6 months, W2s, or tax return documents
• Evidence to show that your alien spouse has continuous income from a lawful source: You can provide an employment certification letter from your employer, your VISA page copy, etc.

Click here to read about: How to Include Assets for I-864 Affidavit of Support

Who needs to fill out the I-864A form?

When you have one or more co-sponsors other than your alien spouse (beneficiary), each of the co-sponsors has to fill out their own I-864A form.

However, if you are using your alien spouse (beneficiary)'s current income as part of your household income, the alien spouse DOES NOT need to fill out the I-864A form. The only situation that he/she needs to fill out form I-864A is when he/she has derivative relatives who are applying for a green card with him/her.

About Form I-765 Employment Authorization

**6/11/2021 update: New validity period for EAD is two years now! See details here.

This form is pretty straight forward. Only a couple things that confused me a little:

• Page 1, part I, question 1: Reason for Applying. Select "Initial permission to accept employment." if you are changing your H1B to a green card
• Page 3, Part II, question 27: Eligibility Category. If you are applying to adjust your status from H1-B to a green card, you should fill in "c9" category here.

About Form I-131 Travel Document

This is also very straight forward. A couple tricky questions:

• Page 3, part 4, reasons you can just say visiting family. If you are filing concurrently with I-485 like what I did, you don't need any evidence to support the reason. The agent will know this is because of the pending I-485 application.
• Page 4, part 7, you would want to select "More than one trip" just in case you have to leave USA and come back multiple times. 

About Form I-693 Report of Medical Examination & Vaccination Record

Note: K-1 visa holders might not need this form if your DS-3025 is still valid. See here for more information

**NEW Update on March 2023: USCIS Removed 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures on Form I-693!

 Where do I find a green card immigration doctor?

You will need a qualified immigration doctor to help you fill out most of your I-693 report of medical exam and vaccination record. Go to USCIS's website to search for a listed doctor that's convenient for you. Each doctor charges differently, so I suggest you call at least 3 to compare the prices. Note that a lot of immigration doctors only take cash or check.

If you already have done some of the required vaccinations or blood test, be sure to bring them with you to the doctor's appointment. You may be able to save some redundant vaccination shots!

Download my ebook to learn more filing tips and avoid simple mistakes!

Here's a  list of questions you will want to confirm before you go to the immigration doctor:

• How much do you charge for the basic exam?
• Do you accept a credit card payment?
• Do you accept a FSA/HSA/HRA card?
• How much do you charge for the shots and blood tests if I need them?
• Do you accept the vaccination records and blood test results from somewhere else?
• How long does it take to get the I-693 report?

Click here to read more about: What vaccines and tests are required for the I-485 green card application?

***Oct 1st, 2021, COVID-19 Vaccine is required!

What if I am pregnant? Can I still pass the exam? Click below to read more:

• Green card medical exam for pregnant women
• Can I receive MMR vaccines if I am pregnant?

Download my ebook to learn more filing tips and avoid simple mistakes!

Click here to read more about: How long does it take to receive my I-693 report?

About Assembling and Packing I-485 Application (Concurrent Filing with Form I-130, I-765, and I-131)

Purchase Your I-485 AOS Application Package Assembling Guide Today for $10!

How many G-1145 forms and cover letters should I include in my I-485 application package?

As per my research online, some people have just one G-1145 form for the whole package, some people have one G-1145 for each separate application form. Same for the cover letters - You can have one main cover letter with a long itemized list or have separate cover letters for each application form. 

What did I do? I think it doesn't hurt to have separate forms and cover letters and it is clearer that way, so I submitted these cover letters and G-1145 forms:

• Main cover letter
• Cover letter and G-1145 for the I-485 folder
• Cover letter for the I-864 folder
• Cover letter and G-1145 for the I-130 & I-130A folder
• Cover letter and G-1145 for the I-765 folder
• Cover letter and G-1145 for the I-131 folder

How many photos do I need for I-485 concurrent filing?

Generally, you will need at least 8 head-shot photos of the beneficiary (alien spouse) and 2 head-shot photos of the petitioner (U.S. citizen spouse) for the whole concurrent filing package.

Here's the breakdown:

• 2 photos of alien spouse for I-485
• 2 photos of alien spouse for I-130
• 2 photos of U.S. citizen spouse for I-130
• 2 photos of alien spouse for I-765
• 2 photos of alien spouse for I-131

Download my ebook to learn more filing tips and avoid simple mistakes!

*Now USCIS combines I-765 and I-131 together (work permit and travel document) so 6 photos is acceptable. See more details here.

**Starting from Feb 1st, 2022 USCIS Decouples Form I-765 and Form I-131 Filed at the Same Time. Learn More>>

Click here to see more details about: How to organize and assemble my I-485 concurrent filing package

Purchase Your Assembling Guide Here for $10! (10 Steps to Assemble your I-485 AOS Application Package)

Where do I mail my I-485 Package?

Depending on how you file your package, concurrent or I-485 only and which shipping carrier you are using, your filing address will be different. You can find the filing address guideline here on the USCIS's website. I filed concurrently with form I-130 by USPS so my address was:

USCIS Chicago Lockbox

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

USCIS

PO Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

*Jan. 8th, 2021 Update: USCIS has updated Form I-485 filing locations. See here for more details.

What shipping carriers are accepted by USCIS?

USCIS accepts USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries. After comparing multiple carriers, I decided to go with USPS Medium Primary Mail which costed me $13.65 at the time and the package arrived in 2 days. The price changes over time, the Medium Priority Mail rate is now $14.35. Check the latest USPS package rates here.

Final Review for the I-485 Application (Concurrent Filing)

Before you submit your whole I-485 package, be sure to review your application again! Here's a list of my last-minute review that will help you avoid making stupid mistakes:

• Read all instructions & Review all USCIS suggested checklists: They can be found on USCIS's website under each form page.
• Check the expiration date on each of your forms. As long as it's the latest version on USCIS's website, even if the form has an expired date on it, you will be fine.

See a full final review list and more filing tips in my e-book that will help you avoid mistakes!

My I-485 Concurrent Filing Application Timeline:

• 1/26  Mailed the I-485 Application Package
• 1/28  Package Delivered to Chicago PO Box
• 2/1 Credit Card Payment Pending Showed Up
• 2/3 Credit Card Payment Completed
• 2/4 Received 3 Text Message Notices (there's supposed to be 4 notices, but 1 was missing for some reason)
• 2/7 Received Four I-797 Receipt of Notices in the mail
• 2/9 Received I797C Biometrics Appointment Notice in the mail
• 2/22 3 pm Had my fingerprints and picture taken at the biometrics appointment
• 2/26 Case Status changed to "case is ready to be scheduled for an interview".
• 5/29 Interview was scheduled!
• 6/4 Received the interview notice in mail 
• 7/8 Completed the interview - see my interview experience here!
• 7/8 I-485 status changed to "New card is being produced"
• 7/8 I-130 status changed to "Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed"
• 7/11 I-485 status changed to "Card Was Mailed to Me"
• 7/12 Received I-485 & I-130 Approval Notices
• 7/12 Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service (with tracking number)
• 7/15 Received an official green card!

My employment authorization and travel permit applications are both still pending even after the I-485 was approved. 

I hope this article helps you prepare for your I-485 application. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below for a discussion or share your experience with all of us! Good luck!

Disclaimer: This article is for sharing personal experience only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

If you like my post, don't forget to share out to more people so I will be able to create more useful posts in the future!:) Thank you!