October 2009 AOS Filers

[laurelmike 0]

Congrats ReeRee, Rebecca, KM24, Greg on your GCs

Congrats SoCal-Canuck on your interview

Luckykaren.... I'm sure you'll be fine.

[luvknowsnoborders 0]

We have our interview next week and my wife is really stressed out about it because our situation won't look very convincing to the immigration officer, even though we are REALLY MARRIED for LOVE...

First of all we didn't have a big wedding because I had just graduated from a VERY expensive course, so I couldn't afford a big white wedding, nor a honeymoon, so we got married at the justice of the peace. Our philosophy was, when you love each other, you love each other, you don't need a big wedding to prove anything. So after our wedding we had a few drinks with friends and family that night, except my camera's battery was dead so all I have is a few really blurry phone pictures.

The next thing is that none of our utility bill companies allow both names to be on the bills, so what we always do is I give her half the amount, or she gives me half the amount, and then whoever gets the money pays the bill using a credit card, but no credit card that is in both names... I have bills in my name and our address, and she has bills in her name and our address, but never "together"...

Another problem is that we never got a second bank card of our joint bank account, and because it took so long for me to get a work permit I just used my banking card from back home in Europe, because I didn't want to use my wife's money. So... we haven't used the joint bank account yet (but we will, once I start working)

Another thing is that my wife got a promotion at work and is now working nights, which means lately we haven't really "gone" a lot of places, because she's always tired and sleeps during the day, which is when everything is open... We like our life right now though, even though we mostly just stay home we watch TV and cook and spend quality time together, and when I'm done studying for another course I'm doing I play guitar hero with the kids. We really like what we have, but try to convince that to someone who thinks all marriages are fake just to get a green card!!! I come from a good country and have no business being here EXCEPT for my wife and her beautiful young kids. The only reason we decided I should stay here instead of them coming over to Europe is because the kids go to school here and none of them speak my language (Dutch). I just got reminded of another problem, she didn't take my last name, again because of the kids who are from her previous marriage (the ex-husband still has partial custody of the kids, and I do NOT like the guy... he still calls my wife every now and then and yells at her, and I can't do anything about it because he's crazy and quite frankly, he scares me, but he's a necessary evil in our lives right now)

Anyway what we have so far is:

- toll tag bills in both names

- renewed car insurance again in both names

- lease agreement in both names

- we'll joint-file our taxes this week

- pictures of us and the kids

- my driver license just got renewed and now it's showing our home address

- christmas cards from family

- our story that you can't just fabricate (we met at McDonalds for crying out loud, hahaha!) Ok there's a whole lot more to that story, but still..

What more do you guys think we can provide? Is this enough? I know it doesn't look good but our marriage is not a sham, we're honest people who have never done anything wrong, we just want to be together... Should I talk to an immigration lawyer this time?

Sorry we haven't done the timeline yet, I don't quite know how to do that but I'll try after I'm done posting this

Thanks

Edited January 27, 2010 by luvknowsnoborders

[FortLaudy 10]

We have our interview next week and my wife is really stressed out about it because our situation won't look very convincing to the immigration officer, even though we are REALLY MARRIED for LOVE...

First of all we didn't have a big wedding because I had just graduated from a VERY expensive course, so I couldn't afford a big white wedding, nor a honeymoon, so we got married at the justice of the peace. Our philosophy was, when you love each other, you love each other, you don't need a big wedding to prove anything. So after our wedding we had a few drinks with friends and family that night, except my camera's battery was dead so all I have is a few really blurry phone pictures.

The next thing is that none of our utility bill companies allow both names to be on the bills, so what we always do is I give her half the amount, or she gives me half the amount, and then whoever gets the money pays the bill using a credit card, but no credit card that is in both names... I have bills in my name and our address, and she has bills in her name and our address, but never "together"...

Another problem is that we never got a second bank card of our joint bank account, and because it took so long for me to get a work permit I just used my banking card from back home in Europe, because I didn't want to use my wife's money. So... we haven't used the joint bank account yet (but we will, once I start working)

Another thing is that my wife got a promotion at work and is now working nights, which means lately we haven't really "gone" a lot of places, because she's always tired and sleeps during the day, which is when everything is open... We like our life right now though, even though we mostly just stay home we watch TV and cook and spend quality time together, and when I'm done studying for another course I'm doing I play guitar hero with the kids. We really like what we have, but try to convince that to someone who thinks all marriages are fake just to get a green card!!! I come from a good country and have no business being here EXCEPT for my wife and her beautiful young kids. The only reason we decided I should stay here instead of them coming over to Europe is because the kids go to school here and none of them speak my language (Dutch). I just got reminded of another problem, she didn't take my last name, again because of the kids who are from her previous marriage (the ex-husband still has partial custody of the kids, and I do NOT like the guy... he still calls my wife every now and then and yells at her, and I can't do anything about it because he's crazy and quite frankly, he scares me, but he's a necessary evil in our lives right now)

Anyway what we have so far is:

- toll tag bills in both names

- renewed car insurance again in both names

- lease agreement in both names

- we'll joint-file our taxes this week

- pictures of us and the kids

- my driver license just got renewed and now it's showing our home address

- christmas cards from family

- our story that you can't just fabricate (we met at McDonalds for crying out loud, hahaha!) Ok there's a whole lot more to that story, but still..

What more do you guys think we can provide? Is this enough? I know it doesn't look good but our marriage is not a sham, we're honest people who have never done anything wrong, we just want to be together... Should I talk to an immigration lawyer this time?

Sorry we haven't done the timeline yet, I don't quite know how to do that but I'll try after I'm done posting this

Thanks

Our case was approved today, we didn't have a big wedding and we had a good reason, they understand that as newly weds you won't have much of this "evidence" they require, no joint medical for us cause I get it cheaper. As long as you can explain yourself well and you're making sense about what you don't have you'll be fine. They ask mostly about how you met, how long you knew each other, did you meet each others parents, why did you get married.. stuff like that means a lot more than stuff on paper, she barely looked at ours, just said whatever we leave with her will be placed in our "permanent file", I don't even think she looked at it or will, it's more about how you interact with each other at the interview and how well you know each other, so don't stress out if you have a good marriage.

[luvknowsnoborders 0]

thank you so much for your response Shani682, that makes me feel better. She left for work half an hour ago but I'll call her up and tell her she has nothing to be worried about. *SMILE*

[mochimasala 0]

Congrats on the successful interview flypri!! Just reading your interview experience gave me the butterflies in my stomach (not in the good way!!), as yours is the first review I've read where someone underwent such rigorous questioning. So congrats again on completing the interview successfully!! :dance:

You mentioned attending a "preparation session". What is this and how do my wife and I go about attending one of these? The reason I ask is because she hasn't changed her name yet and for completely legit reasons. But I'm worried that the IO may not think so. And the fact that I'm the beneficiary and she's the USC has me worried that they will treat us more sternly as opposed to the marriage of male USC with a foreign wife. Am I being paranoid? Possibly. But that's why I'm hoping the preparation will help us face any unexpected or tricky questions. So any info or tips you could give us would be much appreciated.

I know - I am thankful it did.

I also just remembered that he also asked me for the last time I entered the US (which was just recently on Jan 2nd 2010) and if I used my AP to enter back (I did). He also asked me for my old expired passport (which I didn't have because my parents lost it!) and I told him I only had copies.

I also want to mention that I do think we had an unusually thorough interview. Thinking back I am curious if the fact that we were engaged for less than a month (although together almost 2 1/2 years) and we said we still had separate bank accounts (in addition to our joint accounts) made him grill us more. Not sure, just a guess... He was also relatively young and I have heard rumors that younger officers are usually more detailed because they have to prove their abilities and build a good record with the agency... but who knows. We went to a preparation session held in a local office a week before and I asked if they might ask about me changing my name and if we had enough evidence and everyone told us it was fine. In the end it was... but he still asked.

[ReeRee 0]

thank you so much for your response Shani682, that makes me feel better. She left for work half an hour ago but I'll call her up and tell her she has nothing to be worried about. *SMILE*

I think what you have (lease agreement and joint auto insurance) is good enough. I didn't have a big wedding either and we just went to justice of peace. During my interview, they didn't want to see any pictures even though I offered. They look at you as a couple to see if you aren't faking it. But I was really worried before the interview too, because of no wedding pictures, no wedding band, etc. But I think if you are a true couple, they can just sense that and you will be fine. Tell your wife not to worry too much and be yourself at the interview. Good luck!!!!

[ReeRee 0]

Hey Guys & Gals,

My wife and I just completed our interview today. We did not start the interview until an hour after our appointment time but fortunately our 3 month old daughter (evidence of bona fide marraige :-) ) was cooperative and my green card was approved after a very easy 5 minute interview. All in all it was a very pleasant experience.

Thanks to all here for your help with my questions and concerns early on. I hope everyone else has it as easy as I did today.

Take care,

W.

Congrats SoCal!!!!! That was a very quick interview!!

Congrats Rebecca and ReeRee... Let's keep in touch here! =)

Congrats to you too KM24!! Yes keep in touch because we'll have to apply again in less than 2 years!!

[ReeRee 0]

Hello Oct filers!

I see a good news for Rebecca and ReeRee. Congratulations!

I had my interview this morning. Like everyone else, my interview didn't take longer than 20 min. The officer interviewed us was ok. He was checking basic information from my file such as address, names. SSL # etc. And other basic questions, where we met, whether we're working etcetc. We all answered as it is, and I don't think there was any tricky question whatsoever. He made copy of mutual bank account, health insurance etc. But then he didn't give us a clear approval.

He gave us a piece of paper with marked_ "Your Form I-485 is currently under further review. You will be notified by mail of the review results once it is completed" ,and said we'll get a notice within 4~6 weeks so make sure your current address is not changed. If we move to different address, we need to update the new address on USCIS immediately. He took I-94 from my passport, and gave ma a stamp on passport for the emergency trip. It says "...evidencing permanent residency for one year/EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZED" with today's date.

I expect to get approval today, and this is what happened today. Is this bad? Anyone who got a similar result after interview?

Thanks LuckyKaren!!

We didn't get approved at that interview either since someone else besides the IO has to review and make the final decision. Maybe your case is that way too?? If they didn't ask you tricky questions, then they don't have any worries about your case, I think. Does your USCIS office approve right on the spot during the interview? My USCIS office (Baltimore) doesn't, I'm wondering if your office is the same case....

[luckykaren 0]

I think what you have (lease agreement and joint auto insurance) is good enough. I didn't have a big wedding either and we just went to justice of peace. During my interview, they didn't want to see any pictures even though I offered. They look at you as a couple to see if you aren't faking it. But I was really worried before the interview too, because of no wedding pictures, no wedding band, etc. But I think if you are a true couple, they can just sense that and you will be fine. Tell your wife not to worry too much and be yourself at the interview. Good luck!!!!

Thank you so much for your reply Rebeccandphil, Greg001,Laurelmike and ReeRee. I didn't receive any email or text until now, but it's just a great relief to read your replies as always

Greg001, The stamp what I got on my passport is I-551. It's not super clear, but I can see I-551 from the stamp. The officer mentioned that's for the emergency if I need to make a international trip before the approval. It's showing that basically my case is pending so I really don't know that really mean anything positive!?

ReeRee, It's huge that there is anyone else here besides me who experienced a similar interview result, and happy for you that you finally got an approval. I see everyone is getting approval right after interview, so I really worried what's going on my case. Thanks again!

[evilmonkee 0]

We got the approval notices for I-130 and I-485 on Monday, and I got my GC in the mail today

I can't believe I am done until Oct 22nd 2011!

Do I need to go to the SSA to get an unrestricted card or can I just keep using the restricted one?

I tried calling their 1-800 number, but after listening to the auto attendant read the same recording about Medicaid for the fifth time I gave up.

[mochimasala 0]

We got the approval notices for I-130 and I-485 on Monday, and I got my GC in the mail today

I can't believe I am done until Oct 22nd 2011!

Do I need to go to the SSA to get an unrestricted card or can I just keep using the restricted one?

I tried calling their 1-800 number, but after listening to the auto attendant read the same recording about Medicaid for the fifth time I gave up.

Congrats evilmonkee!! And I think that as long as you show that you have the proper authorization to work, your SSC shouldn't be an issue.

[RebeccaAndPhil 5]

We got the approval notices for I-130 and I-485 on Monday, and I got my GC in the mail today

I can't believe I am done until Oct 22nd 2011!

Do I need to go to the SSA to get an unrestricted card or can I just keep using the restricted one?

I tried calling their 1-800 number, but after listening to the auto attendant read the same recording about Medicaid for the fifth time I gave up.

Congrats!!

[Greg001 0]

Congrats on receiving the GC evilmonkee!!

[flypri 0]

Congrats on the successful interview flypri!! Just reading your interview experience gave me the butterflies in my stomach (not in the good way!!), as yours is the first review I've read where someone underwent such rigorous questioning. So congrats again on completing the interview successfully!! :dance:

You mentioned attending a "preparation session". What is this and how do my wife and I go about attending one of these? The reason I ask is because she hasn't changed her name yet and for completely legit reasons. But I'm worried that the IO may not think so. And the fact that I'm the beneficiary and she's the USC has me worried that they will treat us more sternly as opposed to the marriage of male USC with a foreign wife. Am I being paranoid? Possibly. But that's why I'm hoping the preparation will help us face any unexpected or tricky questions. So any info or tips you could give us would be much appreciated.

Thanks! Please keep in mind that my interview was unusually rigorous (based on what I've heard). The preparation session was with an attorney. She reviewed our documents and told us what to bring and how to prepare docs and then went over the questions we will likely be asked and the three possible interview outcomes with us (approval, denial, or pending further investigation). She expected we would be approved as long as we had all the necessary documentation at the interview (because we didn't have any of the "red flags" - multiple marriages, arrests, etc.). They cannot just issue a denial without grounds. She said that IOs do find it problematic if people have separate bank accounts, although that is becoming more common. At the interview the IO asked me why I kept my name and seemed pleased with my answer. I wouldn't be too concerned about that as it is unlikely your wife will be asked that, and even if she is asked, she has a legitimate reason. The attorney told us that the two crucial documents they look at for bonafide marriage are joint bank accounts and joint residence (house, rental lease, etc. in both names). I was worried we didn't have enough proof because we are newly married and living together, but we had those two documents so she said we should be fine.

So I wouldn't be too worried as long as you bring all of the documents with you. A lot of it is behavioral observation. Obviously, some people are not approved at interview and need to submit more evidence or undergo further investigation. That's not the best outcome, but you can still stay in the US with your spouse and continue working with valid authorization while the case is pending.

I wish you and your wife the best of luck!!

[mochimasala 0]

Thanks! Please keep in mind that my interview was unusually rigorous (based on what I've heard). The preparation session was with an attorney. She reviewed our documents and told us what to bring and how to prepare docs and then went over the questions we will likely be asked and the three possible interview outcomes with us (approval, denial, or pending further investigation). She expected we would be approved as long as we had all the necessary documentation at the interview (because we didn't have any of the "red flags" - multiple marriages, arrests, etc.). They cannot just issue a denial without grounds. She said that IOs do find it problematic if people have separate bank accounts, although that is becoming more common. At the interview the IO asked me why I kept my name and seemed pleased with my answer. I wouldn't be too concerned about that as it is unlikely your wife will be asked that, and even if she is asked, she has a legitimate reason. The attorney told us that the two crucial documents they look at for bonafide marriage are joint bank accounts and joint residence (house, rental lease, etc. in both names). I was worried we didn't have enough proof because we are newly married and living together, but we had those two documents so she said we should be fine.

So I wouldn't be too worried as long as you bring all of the documents with you. A lot of it is behavioral observation. Obviously, some people are not approved at interview and need to submit more evidence or undergo further investigation. That's not the best outcome, but you can still stay in the US with your spouse and continue working with valid authorization while the case is pending.

I wish you and your wife the best of luck!!

Thank you flypri. I think I will sleep a little easier now that I've read this.

We didn't think we'd need a preparation session, but I can see now that it was completely helpful in your case. I will look around our area and find out if anyone is offering it. And I'm very surprised to hear that they used to be suspicious about maintaining your separate accounts. We didn't think twice about that when we decided to open our joint account. I suppose if it does come up we will explain why.