AOS interview today in Phoenix

[Adam M 0]

OK, so we just got back from our AOS interview.

The guy was very serious and businesslike. Sergent something was his name.

He started by reading 'to the record' as it were, saying the case number, his name, explaining that the interview was being recorded and that (here's the interesting part) we were here voluntarily, and so were free to leave at any time - should we wish to do so, we should just get up and leave, and the desicion will be based upon the information he has established at that time.

Mostly it was fine.

He confirmed a few details on the form. He asked my SSN and I got it wrong, but then I checked my card and read out the correct one. He asked all the usual questions about had I even been arrested, taken illegal drugs, been refused entry etc etc.

He noticed that I had put Sondra's date of birth as 2006 on my I-485 and we had a chuckle about that while he corrected it.

He looked at wedding pictures, and took copies of a joint bank statement and car title in both names, and then asked a few questions about how we met etc.

Then he turned to Sondra and asked about some problems with the I-864. We made two big mistakes:

1. It seems we didn't need a joint sponsor, even though Sondra (USC) doesn't have any income! We asked my father-in-law to be joint sponsor because based on our actual income, we wouldn't make the poverty guidelines (neither of us are working). However, because Sondra met the poverty guidelines for the past 3 years, we didn't need a joint sponsor. He understood and made some notes.

2. We checked the box saying we'd attached 3 years' tax return transcripts and thought that meant you didn't have to fill in the lines above saying what your income was for the last 3 years. Whoops! Again, he understood and corrected it.

I felt really bad because I filled in all the forms and Sondra skimmed over them then signed them, so really she didn't know much about what was on there. But because he asked her directly I didn't want to say anything, but eventually I couldn't hold back and explained for her. He was fine with it. I guess he'd expect us to have filled them out together, anyway.

He was very thorough about explaining the lifiting of conditions process. Although he didn't say we were approved, he made us both sign a statement which begins:

"Pursuant to Section 216 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, you have been granted CONDITIONAL Permanent Residence Status as of 11/28/2006."

So I guess that means we're approved! He said that when I have the green card in my hands, I should destroy the EAD and AP (although I haven't recieved them yet).

We felt exhausted afterwards, but thankfully we only live 5 mins from the office. I feel sorry for all you folks who have to drive for hours after that!

I have a job interview tomorrow (which I think I'll get), but haven't had my EAD touched yet. Can I just use the letter that says I've been granted conditional permanent resident status (signed by both of us and the immigration officer), or should I make an infopass and get my passport stamped?

Thanks to everyone on here... we couldn't have got this far without you help!!

[Dr_LHA 3]

Congratulations! Sounds like a fine experience.

You're right about the drive. After my interview I drove around Philly with wifey navigating, and I basically drove around in circles for an hour trying to figure out how to get back on the freeway, and then after that - a 4 hour drive through rush hour! Not great. I envy you living so close!

[allynella 0]

Congrats

[Muuuuah 0]

Congratulations