Interview experience in San Jose

[kc456 0]

Here’s a synopsis; I hope it will be helpful.

First note: they don’t allow computers into the USCIS office, we had to go back to the car to unload husband’s laptop, and then go through the security again.

The interviewer started with an oath, and then asked to show identification. I presented my EAD for identification, since I just applied for a DL in married name and my DL was hole-punched. But the interviewer wanted to see the CA drivers license; turns out that he wanted to make sure our addresses match. I had the interim DL (print out from DMV) with me, with the current address, which satisfied him.

The interviewer then started going through the file we submitted to USCIS. He was going through every page, asking questions here and there. Asked for my passport and I-94 from when I last entered the US in 2001 (on H1B). I only had a copy and explained that I misplaced the original. Maybe since it's been almost 2 years, he was okay with the copy.

He then asked if we hade childredn together, to which we replied that we were expecting one. He asked to see records of that. I had several ultrasound pictures, but the first set did not have my name on it. Luckily, the later one had “BABY [LASTNAME]" and he asked to keep it. Then asked about employment and where I worked. I presented my employment letter, which he kept. Also he asked if husband was still with the same company and took the employment letter. We also gave him copies of of husband's 2005 W-2s, since we did not file taxes yet.

The interviewer then wanted to see the evidence of us living together as a married couple. We had current and future lease, correspondence sent to us from the leasing office about lease renewals, etc, auto insurance covering both of us. He also took copies of work benefits: husband's showing me covered under his health plan and showing me as life insurance beneficiary, and mine showing husband as life insurance beneficiary. He did not see to ask pictures or the wedding album, so maybe it's just women who do that.

He then stamped the file and my passport (without me even asking -- cool!) My I-551 stamp is valid for a year. The card should arrive within 8 weeks.

Overall, the interview took 30-40 minutes and was pretty thorough. I was reading a lot of posts about "piece of cake," "just social chit chat," "took us 10 minutes", etc. So be prepared for a thorough interview and bring all the evidence they ask for.

[Maghreb 0]

Congratulation

[SanDan 0]

Awesome! Congratulations And yup it's good to be well prepared.

[Marie1123 0]

Congrats KC, I was wondering how your interview went. Glad it was ok. I remember we both had similar timelines for EAD card, let's see our GC and welcome letters will come at similar time. The race is on again

Congrats again

[motu 6]

Congrats. See you in 2 years.

[den_y2005 0]

congrats

[dakotalimey 0]

Congrats!

[RichardS 0]

Congrats to both of you!

[kc456 0]

Thanks, guys.

The status has not changed online yet. I guess it's too soon.

Missmarie, was your interview was successful as well?

Congrats KC, I was wondering how your interview went. Glad it was ok. I remember we both had similar timelines for EAD card, let's see our GC and welcome letters will come at similar time. The race is on again

[Carola 0]

Congratulations! I wonder why some interviews are more easier than other. To be prepare is the key... you never know.

[Marie1123 0]

Yes Kc, mine was successful as well. see my post at this link my interview.

My case hasn't changed online neither, seems like it normally disappears for a few days. we'll see

[jaaaaamas 0]

Congratulations! It's such a relief, isn't it?

[eau_xplain 2]

Congratulations!!

[Mand 1]

Congrats

[mikeH 0]

we have been called for 2nd interview at san jose. this one will be video taped. in the ist interview the officer didn't have the 2nd file with different A number.they have asked us to bring more stuff than the orignal interview