AOS Interview...next Wednesday

[Em31 0]

Hello~

I finally, finally got my AOS interview notification! I sent my AOS package last August and it has been a very stressful period of time. Waiting is never fun!

Our interview is taking place next week, March 6, 8 am in New York City.

Just would like to make sure if we have had what we need for the interview, would be great to get any advice from you.

Here are what I have so far...

1, I have put together a binder of papers, by order, as requires on the interview notification letter

2, Leases, (both our names on, 2011, 2012)

3, Utility bills (2011,2012)

4, Copies of letters/emails from 2006~present

5, Letters and cards addressed to both of us from families and friends

6, Wedding pictures, reception pictures, travel pictures (some of them have dates on them, back in 2007 and 2009)

7, Joint bank account

8, Emergency contact list (I got a copy from my employer)

We don't have insurance, definitely don't have a car, and we are not on any family phone plan. I have been reading a lot here and noticed that most successful cases have at least one of these 3 mentioned.

I am getting a bit anxious and wonder if you could give me any advice in terms of the evidence for a bona fide marriage.

Thanks!!!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Just take what you have. Suggested items are just "suggestions" and everybody has different stuff.

[Em31 0]

We're just reading through all our documentations and I found out that the "last arrival date" on my I-485 was wrong. I filled out the form myself and I can not believe that I would make a mistake this stupid!

My last arrival was 7/15/2010 but I had it put down as 7/15/2012. I don't know if it mattes but I have my passport to prove that and I am always "in status" (F1/OPT/EAD. I hope this is not going to cause any problems...we honestly found out about this 10 minutes ago... My interview is, as you all know, taking place within 3 days. What can I do now?

Thanks again!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

We're just reading through all our documentations and I found out that the "last arrival date" on my I-485 was wrong. I filled out the form myself and I can not believe that I would make a mistake this stupid!

My last arrival was 7/15/2010 but I had it put down as 7/15/2012. I don't know if it mattes but I have my passport to prove that and I am always "in status" (F1/OPT/EAD. I hope this is not going to cause any problems...we honestly found out about this 10 minutes ago... My interview is, as you all know, taking place within 3 days. What can I do now?

Thanks again!

How about tell the interviewer who has your form in front of him, and let him correct the mistake?

[Em31 0]

How about tell the interviewer who has your form in front of him, and let him correct the mistake?

Thanks, I will. Hope it wouldn't be a problem.

[C-ma'am 684]

**Post moved from AOS from family visas to AOS from Work, Student or Work visas.

[IanChap 5]

Good luck!!! Mine is on March 6th too, I am going to the Long Island City office. I have spent the last month turning my house upside down looking for extra stuff. I think I am ready. Let me know how yours goes.

Ian

[Em31 0]

Good luck!!! Mine is on March 6th too, I am going to the Long Island City office. I have spent the last month turning my house upside down looking for extra stuff. I think I am ready. Let me know how yours goes.

Ian

Hi Ian,

How was your interview?

Ours was at the federal plaza in New York City. I have categorized and labeled all documents and evidence, all documents are arranged by the order from the interview notice, and put together in a folder. We got there right on time and waited around 10~15 minutes. The officer started the interview by asking us if we have papers in our hands, so I put the folder in front of her and very briefly told her what's in the folder.

Then she was reading through the folder, while asking my husband how and when we met (2006 in Taiwan), how long we dated before marriage (6 years), when I moved to New York (2009), had he gone to Taiwan to visit me (2008 and 2009, my husband said we started dating in 2006 and then we flu every 5,6 months to see each other), and were we living together before marriage (Yes, showed her the leases). Then the officer asked me if I applied for visa, any types of visa in the past (Tourist and student). She then moved on to the standard "have you..." questions. (No to all)

She then asked me if all the copies are made for her(yes) and she took few of the copies.

After all that, she wrote down I-485 pending in my passport, took the I-94 and said to wait for decision. My husband saw the paper mentioned something about 90-day wait, and he asked the officer if we have to wait for that long. (My mom just had a stroke few weeks ago, I have been hoping to go home asap) The officer shrugged and said sometimes 90 days sometimes shorter.

And that was it! She didn't ask us anything specific, showed no interest in the email, photos, cards/letters from families and friends addressed to both of us. She did take a serious look at our leases and joint account bank statement. Then she asked us if we're going to file 2012 tax together (yes).

We got out around 9 am, and I was checking my email and the case status all day but no luck. It's very very very nerve-racking....

[Em31 0]

Update~

I just got a text from USCIS notifying that my case status is now Card/ Document Production...I would assume it means I am approved? Does anyone know how long it will take for us to get I-130 and I-131 approved?

I expedited my work permit so I have my I-765 approved last Oct., but I-131 is still under initial review...

Thanks!!

[seth2013 39]

If they're making a card, I'd assume it's the green card. I-130 must be approved and they just didn't update the site. Guess you got it before the 131. Gratz!

[Em31 0]

I just got another notice from USCIS about the case status update. I therefore went check my case and found that my I-485 is "back" to the decision from Card/Document Production...I know the status was under the card production because I saw it at work and screen-printed the page and sent it to my husband who didn't have access to the page that time. Anyways, now it's at the decision stage, and I received the notice that our I-130 is approved like one hour ago.

By the way, the message of my I-485 decision stage is :"On March 8, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we had registered this customer's new permanent resident status. Please follow any instructions on the notice. Your new permanent resident card should be mailed within 60 days following this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. " I guess my journey is about to come to a temporary end...Huge weight off...

[seth2013 39]

It always goes back to decision, that's normal. Don't worry about it

[hmh33 117]

At this point if you really need to go visit your mother, you should do so and have your husband bring the green card to you later, or send it to you by courier.

[IanChap 5]

Hey Em31,

Here is my report in full:

Background story:

Came over on the VWP for 85 days in 2006. Fell in love with my girlfriend, and she asked me to stay. At that time, she had no passports and could not leave the country. She only had her GC. We got married in April 2011. So, I overstayed my VWP for 5 years, my biggest concern however was that I had a DUI in 2000 in Baltimore, while I was in college. Before anyone flames me for trying to cheat the system or whatever, I had no intention of going down this path when I came over in 2006. So, I was a VWP overstay with a DUI conviction.I hired a very good Lawyer to assist me in my case. I'm writing this in the hope that others in a similar situation can take heart.

Interview:

Arrived 30 min early at the Long Island City office in NYC. My lawyer was already there and we went up to the waiting room. I was a bundle of nerves. We waited for 20min before my name was called. The IO was a small lady of Asian descent. Very professional and not at all threatening. She asked to see originals of documents submitted. While she was looking at her paperwork, she started asked me all the question. Where did we meet? How many times have I visited the US. Have I met my wife's parents? Then she suddenly turned to my wife and asked about my siblings and parents and the longer version of how we met, as my wife was explaining this, she asked to see proof of marriage. I had joint bank statements and credit card, and our last 3 leases for the 5 years I have lived here ( miracle I could find them ). She noticed how nervous I was and jokingly asked the lawyer what horrible stories he had told me. We all laughed. Then came i-485 question time. No to everything, except for being arrested. When she asked me and I said yes, she nodded, as if she was expecting me to say no. I explained what happened to me and showed the original court disposition. Then it was photo time! 134 photos, she looked through them all, made some jokes about some as we explained each pic. Then the wedding pics, she asked if I could select 2 for her to keep.

Then she showed me and my lawyer this form and said that she could not decide at that moment, as the DUI case would have to be run by her supervisor. She said I would have an answer in 90 days. Not once did the overstay get mentioned, so if any others out there are worried about that, don't stress to much, however I did have proof that I intended to leave before the 90 days were up.

That was it! 20min tops! I got home and checked the USCIS website and APPROVED!!! Green card in production!!! I am so happy and relieved. I can start my life now. I haven't been home in 6 years, so August, here I come South Africa. Basically, very professional and courteous. I stressed over nothing, however that stress made me super prepared for any contingency.

My "card/document in production" reversed back to "Decision", so I called them and confirmed that the GC has been mailed to me.

Ian

Hi Ian,

How was your interview?

Ours was at the federal plaza in New York City. I have categorized and labeled all documents and evidence, all documents are arranged by the order from the interview notice, and put together in a folder. We got there right on time and waited around 10~15 minutes. The officer started the interview by asking us if we have papers in our hands, so I put the folder in front of her and very briefly told her what's in the folder.

Then she was reading through the folder, while asking my husband how and when we met (2006 in Taiwan), how long we dated before marriage (6 years), when I moved to New York (2009), had he gone to Taiwan to visit me (2008 and 2009, my husband said we started dating in 2006 and then we flu every 5,6 months to see each other), and were we living together before marriage (Yes, showed her the leases). Then the officer asked me if I applied for visa, any types of visa in the past (Tourist and student). She then moved on to the standard "have you..." questions. (No to all)

She then asked me if all the copies are made for her(yes) and she took few of the copies.

After all that, she wrote down I-485 pending in my passport, took the I-94 and said to wait for decision. My husband saw the paper mentioned something about 90-day wait, and he asked the officer if we have to wait for that long. (My mom just had a stroke few weeks ago, I have been hoping to go home asap) The officer shrugged and said sometimes 90 days sometimes shorter.

And that was it! She didn't ask us anything specific, showed no interest in the email, photos, cards/letters from families and friends addressed to both of us. She did take a serious look at our leases and joint account bank statement. Then she asked us if we're going to file 2012 tax together (yes).

We got out around 9 am, and I was checking my email and the case status all day but no luck. It's very very very nerve-racking....

[FavoredOnes 4]

Hey Em31,

Here is my report in full:

Background story:

Came over on the VWP for 85 days in 2006. Fell in love with my girlfriend, and she asked me to stay. At that time, she had no passports and could not leave the country. She only had her GC. We got married in April 2011. So, I overstayed my VWP for 5 years, my biggest concern however was that I had a DUI in 2000 in Baltimore, while I was in college. Before anyone flames me for trying to cheat the system or whatever, I had no intention of going down this path when I came over in 2006. So, I was a VWP overstay with a DUI conviction.I hired a very good Lawyer to assist me in my case. I'm writing this in the hope that others in a similar situation can take heart.

Interview:

Arrived 30 min early at the Long Island City office in NYC. My lawyer was already there and we went up to the waiting room. I was a bundle of nerves. We waited for 20min before my name was called. The IO was a small lady of Asian descent. Very professional and not at all threatening. She asked to see originals of documents submitted. While she was looking at her paperwork, she started asked me all the question. Where did we meet? How many times have I visited the US. Have I met my wife's parents? Then she suddenly turned to my wife and asked about my siblings and parents and the longer version of how we met, as my wife was explaining this, she asked to see proof of marriage. I had joint bank statements and credit card, and our last 3 leases for the 5 years I have lived here ( miracle I could find them ). She noticed how nervous I was and jokingly asked the lawyer what horrible stories he had told me. We all laughed. Then came i-485 question time. No to everything, except for being arrested. When she asked me and I said yes, she nodded, as if she was expecting me to say no. I explained what happened to me and showed the original court disposition. Then it was photo time! 134 photos, she looked through them all, made some jokes about some as we explained each pic. Then the wedding pics, she asked if I could select 2 for her to keep.

Then she showed me and my lawyer this form and said that she could not decide at that moment, as the DUI case would have to be run by her supervisor. She said I would have an answer in 90 days. Not once did the overstay get mentioned, so if any others out there are worried about that, don't stress to much, however I did have proof that I intended to leave before the 90 days were up.

That was it! 20min tops! I got home and checked the USCIS website and APPROVED!!! Green card in production!!! I am so happy and relieved. I can start my life now. I haven't been home in 6 years, so August, here I come South Africa. Basically, very professional and courteous. I stressed over nothing, however that stress made me super prepared for any contingency.

My "card/document in production" reversed back to "Decision", so I called them and confirmed that the GC has been mailed to me.

Ian

Hey Ian,

What's you're timeline like? When did you apply for AOS?

I'm also in NY and waiting on an interview date so I'm trying to gauge from others' experience.

Thanks!!!