Interview Experience in New Orleans

[Nyte 1]

Background:

Entered in 2003 as F-1. Knew each other before first F-1 Entry.

Our interview appointment was for 8:30 this morning. We arrived around 7:45, very nervous about what we were about to do. Our attorney asked us not to sit down (probably so she could identify us), so we stood in the corner of the waiting area after putting our interview notice into the Adjudications box. We looked over our pictures just to re-familiarize ourselves with what we had, but also to calm our nerves. My wife (the non-USC) was very nervous at this point. Finally, our attorney came over and introduced herself (Yes, she introduced herself. Our attorney that we filed with pawned our interview off on someone else). So we sat down and she filled out a new G-28 to be able to go into the interview with us. We chit-chatted for awhile until they called our name…

When the officer opened the door and called our names, we went inside and were lead into her office. She asked us not to sit down until after she swore us in. After being sworn in, we sat down, my wife and I presented our passports. She flipped through my wife’s passport and removed her I-94, but did not void her visa. Probably because it was expired. The female officer then asked if I had a drivers license( was the passport not good enough?? ), which I did. I showed it to her, and then the interview began. She opened up our file and asked my wife the following: State your full name (This was probably to see if she would say her name using my last name since we used it on all of our paperwork), address, Date of birth, Mother’s Name, Father’s Name, and place of birth. She was making checkmarks on the application (probably just verifying everything was correct). She then asked if my wife had a drivers license (she doesn’t). After this, she turned to me and asked me my full name, date of birth, address (obviously matching my wife’s address), and the date and place of our marriage. After she had all of this information, she then asked my wife the standard “no” questions.

After this point, we went on into the “guts” of the interview. She asked both of us how we met, and we both responded at the same time. I let my wife speak. After this, she began asking my wife about her previous trips into the US. She tried to trick my wife with the dates, but my wife knew better and simply corrected her with the proper dates. She asked my wife if we knew each other before she moved to the US, which we responded yes. She didn’t ask if we had intended to marry before she arrived. I guess she didn’t think so. She then asked for bank statements, which I produced copies and originals. After that, she asked if we still live at home with my parents (which we do for the time being), then said, “Well, the bills are probably in your parents name.” I showed her our cellular telephone bill, as well as our VoIP telephone bill (But she didn’t keep them and said that they were only print outs – its all we could get.) She kept copies of our cellular phone bill which showed us having a family plan. After that, she asked if we had any insurance together. I showed her a letter I received from our Health provider showing her added to my HMO after our wedding, as well as our Dental insurance cards and letters. She kept copies that I had brought.

The officer then asked us if we brought any pictures. I think this is what really made our case. We first showed her our wedding photo album (which was modest compared to most), and she flipped through the pages emotionless. After, we showed her a second album we brought with pictures from 2004 until present showing us various places with family members. There was no question that we had known each other for years (since we look obviously younger in some pictures). She then asked if my wife’s parents attended the wedding (since the wedding was in the USA). My wife said no, but that her brother had came to the USA to be there. She then asked me if I had ever been to my wife’s country and met her parents. To this, I responded that I had been there many times.

At this point, our attorney interjected and said that we also had letters from our employers stating salary information, etc. I took the letters out of our briefcase and presented them to the officer. She then turned to my wife (who entered as an F-1), and asked if she both went to school and worked part-time. My wife responded that she went to school full-time, and worked part-time (this could have been a trick question, I don’t know).

After this, she said that she was approving our case, and explained the two year conditional residence stuff. She said that as long as we kept our address current with USCIS, they would send us a reminder (strange! I didn’t think they did that).

-=-

Be very careful what you say at these interviews and only answer the question asked. When we were responding to how we met, after my wife said "on the internet," I interjected and said "on an AOL French Canadian Chatroom." I didn't think anything of it, but then after the interview, my wife mentioned that she saw the IO write this down into our file...

OUR ATTORNEY EXPERIENCE

Our attorney decided to move his practice in the middle of our case to another state and join up with a new law firm. This wasn't a really big deal as most of our preparation had already been done and we were already prepared for our interview from reading this site and other guides. Well, I call his office a week before our interview and they inform me that he had left the firm! Well, he had set us up to be represented by a different attorney who works for a Catholic charity. At first, I Was a bit concerned because it was difficult getting in contact with her, and we really did not know any of her qualifications, but in the end, she was the sweetest lady who was as sharp as a tack. She was able to answer EVERY question we asked.

If I had to do it all over again, I never would have gone the attorney route (and paid $2200). Our original attorney made MANY mistakes on our paperwork. Its surprising we didn't get denied right after USCIS received our paperwork initially. I recall one of our early consultations with this guy... He seemed concerned that my wife (who at the time was in status with an expired F-1 Visa) may be deport able because of her expired visa.... I should have gotten rid of him at that point. In the end, everything turned out well though.

Whew. I'm glad thats over!

[malipat88 0]

Background:

Entered in 2003 as F-1. Knew each other before first F-1 Entry.

Our interview appointment was for 8:30 this morning. We arrived around 7:45, very nervous about what we were about to do. Our attorney asked us not to sit down (probably so she could identify us), so we stood in the corner of the waiting area after putting our interview notice into the Adjudications box. We looked over our pictures just to re-familiarize ourselves with what we had, but also to calm our nerves. My wife (the non-USC) was very nervous at this point. Finally, our attorney came over and introduced herself (Yes, she introduced herself. Our attorney that we filed with pawned our interview off on someone else). So we sat down and she filled out a new G-28 to be able to go into the interview with us. We chit-chatted for awhile until they called our name…

When the officer opened the door and called our names, we went inside and were lead into her office. She asked us not to sit down until after she swore us in. After being sworn in, we sat down, my wife and I presented our passports. She flipped through my wife’s passport and removed her I-94, but did not void her visa. Probably because it was expired. The female officer then asked if I had a drivers license( was the passport not good enough?? ), which I did. I showed it to her, and then the interview began. She opened up our file and asked my wife the following: State your full name (This was probably to see if she would say her name using my last name since we used it on all of our paperwork), address, Date of birth, Mother’s Name, Father’s Name, and place of birth. She was making checkmarks on the application (probably just verifying everything was correct). She then asked if my wife had a drivers license (she doesn’t). After this, she turned to me and asked me my full name, date of birth, address (obviously matching my wife’s address), and the date and place of our marriage. After she had all of this information, she then asked my wife the standard “no” questions.

After this point, we went on into the “guts” of the interview. She asked both of us how we met, and we both responded at the same time. I let my wife speak. After this, she began asking my wife about her previous trips into the US. She tried to trick my wife with the dates, but my wife knew better and simply corrected her with the proper dates. She asked my wife if we knew each other before she moved to the US, which we responded yes. She didn’t ask if we had intended to marry before she arrived. I guess she didn’t think so. She then asked for bank statements, which I produced copies and originals. After that, she asked if we still live at home with my parents (which we do for the time being), then said, “Well, the bills are probably in your parents name.” I showed her our cellular telephone bill, as well as our VoIP telephone bill (But she didn’t keep them and said that they were only print outs – its all we could get.) She kept copies of our cellular phone bill which showed us having a family plan. After that, she asked if we had any insurance together. I showed her a letter I received from our Health provider showing her added to my HMO after our wedding, as well as our Dental insurance cards and letters. She kept copies that I had brought.

The officer then asked us if we brought any pictures. I think this is what really made our case. We first showed her our wedding photo album (which was modest compared to most), and she flipped through the pages emotionless. After, we showed her a second album we brought with pictures from 2004 until present showing us various places with family members. There was no question that we had known each other for years (since we look obviously younger in some pictures). She then asked if my wife’s parents attended the wedding (since the wedding was in the USA). My wife said no, but that her brother had came to the USA to be there. She then asked me if I had ever been to my wife’s country and met her parents. To this, I responded that I had been there many times.

At this point, our attorney interjected and said that we also had letters from our employers stating salary information, etc. I took the letters out of our briefcase and presented them to the officer. She then turned to my wife (who entered as an F-1), and asked if she both went to school and worked part-time. My wife responded that she went to school full-time, and worked part-time (this could have been a trick question, I don’t know).

After this, she said that she was approving our case, and explained the two year conditional residence stuff. She said that as long as we kept our address current with USCIS, they would send us a reminder (strange! I didn’t think they did that).

-=-

Be very careful what you say at these interviews and only answer the question asked. When we were responding to how we met, after my wife said "on the internet," I interjected and said "on an AOL French Canadian Chatroom." I didn't think anything of it, but then after the interview, my wife mentioned that she saw the IO write this down into our file...

OUR ATTORNEY EXPERIENCE

Our attorney decided to move his practice in the middle of our case to another state and join up with a new law firm. This wasn't a really big deal as most of our preparation had already been done and we were already prepared for our interview from reading this site and other guides. Well, I call his office a week before our interview and they inform me that he had left the firm! Well, he had set us up to be represented by a different attorney who works for a Catholic charity. At first, I Was a bit concerned because it was difficult getting in contact with her, and we really did not know any of her qualifications, but in the end, she was the sweetest lady who was as sharp as a tack. She was able to answer EVERY question we asked.

If I had to do it all over again, I never would have gone the attorney route (and paid $2200). Our original attorney made MANY mistakes on our paperwork. Its surprising we didn't get denied right after USCIS received our paperwork initially. I recall one of our early consultations with this guy... He seemed concerned that my wife (who at the time was in status with an expired F-1 Visa) may be deport able because of her expired visa.... I should have gotten rid of him at that point. In the end, everything turned out well though.

Whew. I'm glad thats over!

Congratulations .....I just got my interview 3 days ago and I am waiting on my approval...... pray for me

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

congrats, well the reason I didn't hire an attorney is because I decided to learn as much as I could and just search this website from head to toes, left and right, in and out. This forum just saved me 2200 bucks. As I have said many times, the paperwork, forms, process etc etc etc can be done by a person with an average intelligence it is super easy if you are careful enough to fill out all the info correctly a double check with this website, which in my opinion is sent from heaven to all of us.

[Lili 3]

congrats, well the reason I didn't hire an attorney is because I decided to learn as much as I could and just search this website from head to toes, left and right, in and out. This forum just saved me 2200 bucks. As I have said many times, the paperwork, forms, process etc etc etc can be done by a person with an average intelligence it is super easy if you are careful enough to fill out all the info correctly a double check with this website, which in my opinion is sent from heaven to all of us.

I concur. Most attorneys are only good for cookie cutter cases. And even then, they sometimes don't keep up with immigration rules.

Congrats on your interview!!!

[casscm 0]

If I have not told you this already a million times CONGRATS !!!!!! :)

[Nyte 1]

Thank you everyone!

[2007n 0]

Background:

Entered in 2003 as F-1. Knew each other before first F-1 Entry.

Our interview appointment was for 8:30 this morning. We arrived around 7:45, very nervous about what we were about to do. Our attorney asked us not to sit down (probably so she could identify us), so we stood in the corner of the waiting area after putting our interview notice into the Adjudications box. We looked over our pictures just to re-familiarize ourselves with what we had, but also to calm our nerves. My wife (the non-USC) was very nervous at this point. Finally, our attorney came over and introduced herself (Yes, she introduced herself. Our attorney that we filed with pawned our interview off on someone else). So we sat down and she filled out a new G-28 to be able to go into the interview with us. We chit-chatted for awhile until they called our name…

When the officer opened the door and called our names, we went inside and were lead into her office. She asked us not to sit down until after she swore us in. After being sworn in, we sat down, my wife and I presented our passports. She flipped through my wife’s passport and removed her I-94, but did not void her visa. Probably because it was expired. The female officer then asked if I had a drivers license( was the passport not good enough?? ), which I did. I showed it to her, and then the interview began. She opened up our file and asked my wife the following: State your full name (This was probably to see if she would say her name using my last name since we used it on all of our paperwork), address, Date of birth, Mother’s Name, Father’s Name, and place of birth. She was making checkmarks on the application (probably just verifying everything was correct). She then asked if my wife had a drivers license (she doesn’t). After this, she turned to me and asked me my full name, date of birth, address (obviously matching my wife’s address), and the date and place of our marriage. After she had all of this information, she then asked my wife the standard “no” questions.

After this point, we went on into the “guts” of the interview. She asked both of us how we met, and we both responded at the same time. I let my wife speak. After this, she began asking my wife about her previous trips into the US. She tried to trick my wife with the dates, but my wife knew better and simply corrected her with the proper dates. She asked my wife if we knew each other before she moved to the US, which we responded yes. She didn’t ask if we had intended to marry before she arrived. I guess she didn’t think so. She then asked for bank statements, which I produced copies and originals. After that, she asked if we still live at home with my parents (which we do for the time being), then said, “Well, the bills are probably in your parents name.” I showed her our cellular telephone bill, as well as our VoIP telephone bill (But she didn’t keep them and said that they were only print outs – its all we could get.) She kept copies of our cellular phone bill which showed us having a family plan. After that, she asked if we had any insurance together. I showed her a letter I received from our Health provider showing her added to my HMO after our wedding, as well as our Dental insurance cards and letters. She kept copies that I had brought.

The officer then asked us if we brought any pictures. I think this is what really made our case. We first showed her our wedding photo album (which was modest compared to most), and she flipped through the pages emotionless. After, we showed her a second album we brought with pictures from 2004 until present showing us various places with family members. There was no question that we had known each other for years (since we look obviously younger in some pictures). She then asked if my wife’s parents attended the wedding (since the wedding was in the USA). My wife said no, but that her brother had came to the USA to be there. She then asked me if I had ever been to my wife’s country and met her parents. To this, I responded that I had been there many times.

At this point, our attorney interjected and said that we also had letters from our employers stating salary information, etc. I took the letters out of our briefcase and presented them to the officer. She then turned to my wife (who entered as an F-1), and asked if she both went to school and worked part-time. My wife responded that she went to school full-time, and worked part-time (this could have been a trick question, I don’t know).

After this, she said that she was approving our case, and explained the two year conditional residence stuff. She said that as long as we kept our address current with USCIS, they would send us a reminder (strange! I didn’t think they did that).

-=-

Be very careful what you say at these interviews and only answer the question asked. When we were responding to how we met, after my wife said "on the internet," I interjected and said "on an AOL French Canadian Chatroom." I didn't think anything of it, but then after the interview, my wife mentioned that she saw the IO write this down into our file...

OUR ATTORNEY EXPERIENCE

Our attorney decided to move his practice in the middle of our case to another state and join up with a new law firm. This wasn't a really big deal as most of our preparation had already been done and we were already prepared for our interview from reading this site and other guides. Well, I call his office a week before our interview and they inform me that he had left the firm! Well, he had set us up to be represented by a different attorney who works for a Catholic charity. At first, I Was a bit concerned because it was difficult getting in contact with her, and we really did not know any of her qualifications, but in the end, she was the sweetest lady who was as sharp as a tack. She was able to answer EVERY question we asked.

If I had to do it all over again, I never would have gone the attorney route (and paid $2200). Our original attorney made MANY mistakes on our paperwork. Its surprising we didn't get denied right after USCIS received our paperwork initially. I recall one of our early consultations with this guy... He seemed concerned that my wife (who at the time was in status with an expired F-1 Visa) may be deport able because of her expired visa.... I should have gotten rid of him at that point. In the end, everything turned out well though.

Whew. I'm glad thats over!

congratulations

[Jasman0717 9]

Congratulations

[lirachadsbaby 0]

well narrated. thanks for the info!

[Sand 5]

Congratulations

[cdancer 0]

wow thats quite a story! congrats to you both!