September 2012 AOS Filers Thread

[SandM 0]

Hmm, well, that's interesting. mezamo and akihon: We've already submitted evidence with our filing, obviously--and it seems to be at least reasonable since we haven't received an RFE thus far. However, I've seen plenty of people present additional evidence at their interview, reflecting progress in their lives and relationship between the time of filing and the interview. I'm interested in hearing other perspectives on this. We were going to move to a joint banking account in any event, but as you point out, it could be seen as a ploy for the interview purposes (which it is not).

So what does the forum think? How do we present any additional evidence that reflects our normal progress since the time of filing?

[akihon 129]

Hmm, well, that's interesting. mezamo and akihon: We've already submitted evidence with our filing, obviously--and it seems to be at least reasonable since we haven't received an RFE thus far. However, I've seen plenty of people present additional evidence at their interview, reflecting progress in their lives and relationship between the time of filing and the interview. I'm interested in hearing other perspectives on this. We were going to move to a joint banking account in any event, but as you point out, it could be seen as a ploy for the interview purposes (which it is not).

So what does the forum think? How do we present any additional evidence that reflects our normal progress since the time of filing?

we know it isn't a ploy for immigration, just that it COULD be seen as one. otherwise it's a good thing really, it shows a joining of assets

[femery 1]

I disagree with "starting a joint account may look sketchy". If the relationship is real, there's nothing to fear of. You do what you want because you always have a true story to back you up and they'll know that.

Now I noticed 2 of the september filers that have a timeline close to mine already got their interview notice (and both had the biometrics the same day I did)... I'm anxious..

[Newbie608 103]

Hmm, well, that's interesting. mezamo and akihon: We've already submitted evidence with our filing, obviously--and it seems to be at least reasonable since we haven't received an RFE thus far. However, I've seen plenty of people present additional evidence at their interview, reflecting progress in their lives and relationship between the time of filing and the interview. I'm interested in hearing other perspectives on this. We were going to move to a joint banking account in any event, but as you point out, it could be seen as a ploy for the interview purposes (which it is not).

So what does the forum think? How do we present any additional evidence that reflects our normal progress since the time of filing?

Did you have all the documents to open a bank account before you file?

[akihon 129]

I disagree with "starting a joint account may look sketchy". If the relationship is real, there's nothing to fear of. You do what you want because you always have a true story to back you up and they'll know that.

of course if your relationship is real you have nothing to fear, but the burden is on YOU to prove to USCIS that it's real. They aren't obligated to believe you at all, and you want to avoid giving them any sort of reason not to believe you. I say go ahead with the joint account anyway and present it as part of your evidence, but I'm just giving a heads up, with mezamo, that they may be suspicious about this. Lying to USCIS isn't uncommon. VJ's terms and conditions of conduct specify that we cannot encourage fraudulent behavior, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen at all. There's a reason why this process is so painful.

Did you have all the documents to open a bank account before you file?

This is a good question.

Edited October 24, 2012 by akihon

[femery 1]

of course if your relationship is real you have nothing to fear, but the burden is on YOU to prove to USCIS that it's real. They aren't obligated to believe you at all, and you want to avoid giving them any sort of reason not to believe you. I say go ahead with the joint account anyway and present it as part of your evidence, but I'm just giving a heads up, with mezamo, that they may be suspicious about this. Lying to USCIS isn't uncommon. VJ's terms and conditions of conduct specify that we cannot encourage fraudulent behavior, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen at all. There's a reason why this process is so painful.

This is a good question.

I see your point..and I don't support any fraudulent activity no matter what. What I'm saying is that I believe people get a little bit too paranoid over this process when the paranoia should be left for those who are trying to cheat the system. I think we pay a high price for this whole thing mainly because there are many people willing to do anything to move to the US. I've seen fraudulent cases on this forum work out just fine and then the fake spouse would just ditch the broken hearted USC..unfortunately those people will always make our lives harder. The bottom line for me is that there's just no point adding more stress to what already is stressful enough to those who are truly in it for love.

[akihon 129]

I see your point..and I don't support any fraudulent activity no matter what. What I'm saying is that I believe people get a little bit too paranoid over this process when the paranoia should be left for those who are trying to cheat the system. I think we pay a high price for this whole thing mainly because there are many people willing to do anything to move to the US. I've seen fraudulent cases on this forum work out just fine and then the fake spouse would just ditch the broken hearted USC..unfortunately those people will always make our lives harder. The bottom line for me is that there's just no point adding more stress to what already is stressful enough to those who are truly in it for love.

I agree. it's always gotta be ONE person who screws it up for the rest of us

[SandM 0]

Did you have all the documents to open a bank account before you file?

Could you explain what you mean by this? We had intended to open the joint bank account as soon as was feasible. It's just that we weren't able to squeeze it in before filing, and we didn't want to make it look like we were opening it to trump up evidence at that time.

[mezamo 4]

there is nothing to be afraid of if you have a real marriage, yes that is true. of course couples bring evidence to the interview, that is true. what does not seem so good is opening bank accounts, gym memberships and things like that during the process bc it would be much harder for you to prove that you have a bonafide marriage. you got married in june, since then you have been sharing your life with that person (even before that, counting when you were dating).. you would have to have a good argument and make it believable i think. whatever it is, i hope it turns out good for you!!!

[Ani_mer 0]

Hello VJ'ers, hope all is well with everyone. Congrat's for all who've completed the last lap of their process in this month, as we have quite a few of our active members. I finally received a text message today about the scheduled date for interview (11/29) after a downtime of 20 days without no activity. Not to complain at all, especially mine was with RFE, but we all know how stressful this journey is as weeks pass by without hearing nothing, afterall turning us into snail-mail zombies cleaning the mail box every single day .

Now getting things together for the interview, any input for additional info will be appreciated. As for EAD, my timeline and scenario looks very similar with many of the September filers like sandM and takingcoasty. There is no word on EAD so far, but I'll remain optimistic that it will come in handy sooner. The notification could have been even a much better birthday surprise had it been for the EAD, as my the time for my H1B is ticking by the day

[Gandolftheyellow 0]

Just saw on the USCIS website that my interview has been scheduled for November 26th. I'm just hoping the EAD is not too delayed

[Newbie608 103]

Could you explain what you mean by this? We had intended to open the joint bank account as soon as was feasible. It's just that we weren't able to squeeze it in before filing, and we didn't want to make it look like we were opening it to trump up evidence at that time.

I meant if you have a social security number and an ID before you file? If you did, there shouldn't be an excuse to not open one. Opening one now is definately not gonna create a problem for you. I had more evidence at my interview than I sent in with the original package because we got more joint stuff closer to the interview. The IO didn't even ask to look at anything. Nothing to worry about and all the best to you...

[mjamhuri 0]

Hello Ani-mer and VJers!,

At least its reassuring to know that a few of us are on the same stage of the app process. I agree, the point is to play the waiting game patiently. It's truly frustrating sometimes and some delays may not make sense e.g EADs should be issued as soon as all applications have been filed correctly. But I guess the backlog on i765 is due to the dream act fellows, who are now applying "enmass"! Please let us continue to update each other on the EAD upto post interview. It surely helps to wad off the terrible anxiety. Good luck to all of you! Btw I am in Houston Tx.

[mjamhuri 0]

Just saw on the USCIS website that my interview has been scheduled for November 26th. I'm just hoping the EAD is not too delayed

Congrats on ur interview notice. Got my interview scheduled for 19nov12. Notice mailed 17oct12 received 19oct12, still no EAD! Had to pass some job offers, very sad. Please update when u received ur EAD sooner or later.

[SandM 0]

I meant if you have a social security number and an ID before you file? If you did, there shouldn't be an excuse to not open one. Opening one now is definately not gonna create a problem for you. I had more evidence at my interview than I sent in with the original package because we got more joint stuff closer to the interview. The IO didn't even ask to look at anything. Nothing to worry about and all the best to you...

Aah, I see. Well, maybe this will help you. As my timeline indicates, I've been in the US continuously since 2005. So yes, I've had a good personal banking history as well as an SSN since 2005. However, since we were physically apart from 2007-2011 (she was finishing up her undergraduate education, while I finished mine in 2009, moved for work, then finished my MA), it didn't make much sense to do something like open a joint account. It's only from early 2012 that we began living together, and then we had our wedding in June. So it was around that time that we intended to open up an account; it's just that we didn't manage to squeeze it in before filing.

I believe we should be able to reasonably explain "Why did you open this joint account during your AOS" given the circumstances above, should the question even arise.