BINATIONAL SAME SEX COUPLES !! Show up!

[Erica & L 50]

Hey everyone,

We had our interview yesterday at 8:45am. We drove for 4 hours during the middle of the night from North Alabama to Atlanta, and we were both pretty tired by the time we got to the office. We got there an hour early but checked in around 8:00am and waited for about 20 minutes to be called in. There were maybe 5 other couples there, 2 before us, but we got called in before them. Not sure why.

Our IO was a very quiet, meek-looking man probably in his late 30s. Had a shy demeanor, but was nice. Just seemed like someone who would sit awkwardly in a group of people, and probably just goes to work and goes home everyday. He said good morning and lead us back to the office, we took our oath, then sat down.

He confirmed all the applications we sent in and then casually asked about our addresses, birth dates etc. Then he asked more questions pertaining to how we met, when did we decide to get married, what we did up in Canada when my wife came to visit and if we had spent time with each other's family or friends.

He asked me if I had any more documents to show him other than the ones I sent in with our application. I showed him my accordion file, 3-ring binder full of copies and my photo album. He looked through everything and just confirmed small pieces of information throughout. He asked if we had our phones with us or had any more photos of us together. I explained to him the conditions of my disorder and that it's more of a trigger for me to be in photographs and he complied. I had provided like 30 photos but they were all selfies of us together and some of them I would be hiding my face; or pictures of my wife with my friends. He then asked about our jobs and took some of our IDs, photos, and documents to add to our file.

He then explained that we would get a 2 year green card in the mail and explained ROC. He said we had a lot of stuff and a good case, but that he had to "finish up some computer stuff on his end" and get someone else to finalize everything. He said to expect a decision in 2-3 weeks but that everything looked in order.

We thanked him and left, all in all it probably lasted for 20 minutes.

I'm a little disappointed because I was really hoping for on the spot approval. Or just the word "approved" for peace of mind. I haven't heard anything yet, even though I've read of people not getting a direct answer but then a few hours later getting the text/email updates. I am hoping he wasn't thrown off by the pictures thing. It was hard to read him, he would smile and things when my wife and I were conversing and making jokes but never really laughed or made comments.

I am kind of bummed out but I feel like why would he explain all of that stuff to us if he wasn't going to approve us or recommend us for approval? I am also wondering if there are different tiers of IO that do interviews, since he said someone else had to finalize it. As opposed to some IO who can approve on spot and couples that get their text/email notifications a few minutes later? I don't know, I'm just so tired of waiting.

[bob72601 13]

We had our Biometrics taken in Fort Smith, Arkansas yesterday morning. The lady in the ASC was very sweet. Only took about 10 minutes. We noticed that the signs on the outside said that this location works by appointment ONLY. In fact, several people came in and wanted things done without appointments. They were told to make an Infopass appointment and were sent on there way. For us it was a 3 hour drive each way. Now we are ready for more of the waiting game for the EAD/AP and Green Card. I believe from the reaction of the security guards, we were the FIRST gay couple at this office. But we were treated very nice and respectfully.

[Sukie 1,447]

Hey everyone,

We had our interview yesterday at 8:45am. We drove for 4 hours during the middle of the night from North Alabama to Atlanta, and we were both pretty tired by the time we got to the office. We got there an hour early but checked in around 8:00am and waited for about 20 minutes to be called in. There were maybe 5 other couples there, 2 before us, but we got called in before them. Not sure why.

Our IO was a very quiet, meek-looking man probably in his late 30s. Had a shy demeanor, but was nice. Just seemed like someone who would sit awkwardly in a group of people, and probably just goes to work and goes home everyday. He said good morning and lead us back to the office, we took our oath, then sat down.

He confirmed all the applications we sent in and then casually asked about our addresses, birth dates etc. Then he asked more questions pertaining to how we met, when did we decide to get married, what we did up in Canada when my wife came to visit and if we had spent time with each other's family or friends.

He asked me if I had any more documents to show him other than the ones I sent in with our application. I showed him my accordion file, 3-ring binder full of copies and my photo album. He looked through everything and just confirmed small pieces of information throughout. He asked if we had our phones with us or had any more photos of us together. I explained to him the conditions of my disorder and that it's more of a trigger for me to be in photographs and he complied. I had provided like 30 photos but they were all selfies of us together and some of them I would be hiding my face; or pictures of my wife with my friends. He then asked about our jobs and took some of our IDs, photos, and documents to add to our file.

He then explained that we would get a 2 year green card in the mail and explained ROC. He said we had a lot of stuff and a good case, but that he had to "finish up some computer stuff on his end" and get someone else to finalize everything. He said to expect a decision in 2-3 weeks but that everything looked in order.

We thanked him and left, all in all it probably lasted for 20 minutes.

I'm a little disappointed because I was really hoping for on the spot approval. Or just the word "approved" for peace of mind. I haven't heard anything yet, even though I've read of people not getting a direct answer but then a few hours later getting the text/email updates. I am hoping he wasn't thrown off by the pictures thing. It was hard to read him, he would smile and things when my wife and I were conversing and making jokes but never really laughed or made comments.

I am kind of bummed out but I feel like why would he explain all of that stuff to us if he wasn't going to approve us or recommend us for approval? I am also wondering if there are different tiers of IO that do interviews, since he said someone else had to finalize it. As opposed to some IO who can approve on spot and couples that get their text/email notifications a few minutes later? I don't know, I'm just so tired of waiting.

Hi Erica and Lily! I don't think you need to worry too much. Please realize that there are a lot of "firsts" happening in many major centers - and Alabama and Georgia are not necessarily the most liberal of places. You might have been the very first same-sex couple your IO has dealt with. I cannot imagine that they will be able to (legally) apply a stricter benchmark to your relationship than to a straight one. I still maintain that there are not that many people who are going to raise their hands and say "I'm Gay! I'm Gay" to get into the US. Not yet, anyway!

I wish you could have gotten confirmation on the spot, but I'm thinking you will probably hear something fairly soon!

Best to you!

Sukie in Oz (about 40 hours to go!)

[Davesings 30]

Yay! My husband's AP/EAD has been approved! Just checked status online on this Sunday and didn't expect anything. Surprised to see they updated on a Saturday! We didn't receive the texts or emails yet. Here is what the status read:

For AP:

On July 12, 2014, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I131 APPLICATION FOR USCIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

For EAD:

Card/ Document Production

On July 12, 2014, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you receive the card, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

[Sukie 1,447]

Julie and I made it through immigration at JFK today...

Our review of the process is here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/view-poe-reviews.php?entry=15692

Sukie in the USA

[Davesings 30]

Julie and I made it through immigration at JFK today...

Our review of the process is here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/view-poe-reviews.php?entry=15692

Sukie in the USA

Congratulations to you Sukie and Julie!

[bob72601 13]

Congrats Sukie & Julie. that's fantastic news.

[Brucensd 1]

Its been 10 months since Gabriele and I first sent in our 1-129, and yesterday we had our final AOS interview in San Diego. 10 long and anxious months. For all the hard work, effort and time it seems so surreal as they said, "Approved" Adjustment of Status. Visa Journey has been an invaluable tool, more helpful than any attorney. The immigration officer took his AP and Work Authorization from him and said "You will not need this and expect your AOS in the mail in less than two week", even though we had only just received both of them in the mail. The questions were easy. We flubbed on if we wanted kids..we both said different answers LOL.

Being one of the first same sex couples to start the process, all I can say is be patient with the process and know that your approval is just around the corner.

[Erica & L 50]

This morning at 10:30am I got notifications that my I-130 address was updated, my green card is now in production, and my welcome/notification letter has been sent!! SO THRILLED!!

So the welcome letter and the green card are sent separately then I guess, I assumed they came together. But yay!!

Edited July 16, 2014 by Erica & Lily

[Indicatio 0]

This morning at 10:30am I got notifications that my I-130 address was updated, my green card is now in production, and my welcome/notification letter has been sent!! SO THRILLED!!

So the welcome letter and the green card are sent separately then I guess, I assumed they came together. But yay!!

Congrats Erica & Lily!!!!

I received my green card this morning! The welcoming package and approval letters arrived two days earlier!

Happy for you guys!

[lilsadie 50]

My Visa arrived for my K1 today!!! We have had nothing but an amazing, super fast (75 days from sending off application to Visa in hand) journey!

I'm so excited that in a few short weeks I'll be marrying, actually MARRYING my beautiful partner! I honestly didn't know if I would ever have this happen in the official, legal sense.

Cant wipe the big silly grin off my face!!! (Until I go home and see how much stuff I need to pack!!!)

[NYCruiser 423]

Well for us its not too good..after waiting a little under 6 months, I get a RFE Initial Evidence Request...I cannot imagine what they would want more....the application was like 1 inch thick with photos, emails, chat logs, letters from friends and family..the only thing that we did not include was my last relationship domestic partner certificate but that was before DOMA and it was not a marriage. He also died 5 years ago from a very bad cancer (is there a good kind?) I don't know any reason why I would get a RFE!!

[hklad 9]

Yay! My husband's AP/EAD has been approved! Just checked status online on this Sunday and didn't expect anything. Surprised to see they updated on a Saturday! We didn't receive the texts or emails yet. Here is what the status read:

For AP:

On July 12, 2014, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I131 APPLICATION FOR USCIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

For EAD:

Card/ Document Production

On July 12, 2014, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you receive the card, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

Congrats, Davesings!

[Davesings 30]

Congrats, Davesings!

Thanks HKLad, and today very happy to report husband received the combo card in the mail today!

[zuluweta 250]

Finally got a schedule for GC interview in September! Still not a peep regarding EAD and AP.