August 2013 Filers for AOS

[mclotilde 3]

hey guys good morning congrats to all who have gotten their AOS approved and im praying for us who are wanting to go to our interview. i have a question. how long after you apply for a ssn number does it arrive in the mail?

Hi Geoheaven,

I went yesterday to request my SS, the card takes 2 weeks to arrive at home but they told me I can go again to the office 24 hs after and they will provide me the number, so if you needed go back and they will provide it.

Regards,

[irfius 0]

Hello guys,

I have never posted on here before, just a silent observer . I filed late in Aug on the 22nd. I had my AOS interview yesterday, 7th Nov at Tampa, FL office.

I will be writing my detailed experience soon in the Reviews section soon so it helps others too.

Although we were approved on the spot, we literally had to go through hell. We were grilled (separately) for almost 2 hrs and it was almost like a tennis match. Not that our case was bad or didn't have enough supporting documents (we had plenty), but because we got interviewed by a fraud specialist who was "filling-in" for IO's not present that day . So yeah, dont count on your lucky stars, things go south when you least expect it. Thanks everyone for posting their experiences, it did help If any questions, ill be happy to answer...especially you Tampa people

Edited November 8, 2013 by irfius

[mclotilde 3]

Hello guys,

I have never posted on here before, just a silent observer . I filed late in Aug on the 22nd. I had my AOS interview yesterday, 7th Nov at Tampa, FL office.

I will be writing my detailed experience soon in the Reviews section soon so it helps others too.

Although we were approved on the spot, we literally had to go through hell. We were grilled (separately) for almost 2 hrs and it was almost like a tennis match. Not that our case was bad or didn't have enough supporting documents (we had plenty), but because we got interviewed by a fraud specialist who was "filling-in" for IO's not present that day . So yeah, dont count on your lucky stars, things go south when you least expect it. Thanks everyone for posting their experiences, it did help If any questions, ill be happy to answer...especially you Tampa people

Hi Irfius,

I'm at the same office, Tampa, and filled at the same dates around... still waiting the interview date unfortunately, please if you have time share the details.. will be very helpful.

Thanks!!

[irfius 0]

Hi Irfius,

I'm at the same office, Tampa, and filled at the same dates around... still waiting the interview date unfortunately, please if you have time share the details.. will be very helpful.

Thanks!!

Hey mclotilde,

I will share soon. I cant do it now as its quite lengthy. Im still trying to remember everything that was asked.

I wonder why its taking so long for you. You should have had it by now. From what I have been told, Tampa offices are quite fast.

[mclotilde 3]

Hey mclotilde,

I will share soon. I cant do it now as its quite lengthy. Im still trying to remember everything that was asked.

I wonder why its taking so long for you. You should have had it by now. From what I have been told, Tampa offices are quite fast.

No idea... My status is in Testing and interview since Oct-07... Although I received the EAD combo card this week..

[sunshinestate2013 136]

I just received a text message saying that my "name was updated relating to your I765, APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT."

It still shows as "Initial Review"

What does that mean?

Edited November 8, 2013 by sunshinestate2013

[irfius 0]

No idea... My status is in Testing and interview since Oct-07... Although I received the EAD combo card this week..

Interesting...I am right around the same time frame. Although I got my EAD like almost 2 weeks back... I would try contacting USCIS

[mngoalie 10]

Had our interview at the St Paul, MN office... and we were approved, with one minor issue.. In Canada, they issue 2 types of birth certificates.. short form and long form.. they need a copy of the long form, so we have to order that.. once they get that, GC will be issued within 48 hours.

The gal that did our interview was very nice. Joking with us and very friendly. I was surprised. Asked us to re-answer all the questions on our paperwork, asked to see afew photos from the ceremony, as we didn't have any ready when we sent in the packet. Looked over the documentation we had submitted, as far as being on each others insurance and such.. and that was it. Reminded us we'd be getting a Conditional card and not to wait until the last minute to apply for the permanent one.

I'm on cloud 9.. now just waiting for another document from Canada, then we're good to go

[mrjack 9]

Had our interview at the St Paul, MN office... and we were approved, with one minor issue.. In Canada, they issue 2 types of birth certificates.. short form and long form.. they need a copy of the long form, so we have to order that.. once they get that, GC will be issued within 48 hours.

The gal that did our interview was very nice. Joking with us and very friendly. I was surprised. Asked us to re-answer all the questions on our paperwork, asked to see afew photos from the ceremony, as we didn't have any ready when we sent in the packet. Looked over the documentation we had submitted, as far as being on each others insurance and such.. and that was it. Reminded us we'd be getting a Conditional card and not to wait until the last minute to apply for the permanent one.

I'm on cloud 9.. now just waiting for another document from Canada, then we're good to go

Thanks for the feedback, we will be doing the interview at the same office on the 25th. It's in Bloomington, right? How is parking there?

[Yaadie 2]

Yaadie,

The interview went well and the officer was very sweet and polite. There was one item that they didn't receive was the I 130 approval receipt. The I 130 was approved at CSC after I filed the AOS, I sent the copy of approval notices to NBS as a supplemental but still the National visa center didn't receive it from CSC.

The officer said that she will check online and will approve the case today. She took the I 94 off from the passport and gave us a letter saying "Awaiting for I 130 receipt at NVC".

Hoping to get approved sooner.

Good Luck with your interview and keep me posted.

CONGRATS!!!

You will be getting it in about 2 weeks. Hope you and your fam enjoy your new status. I will definitely tell you about my experience

[antvas 0]

EAD is on it's way - great way to start the weekend

Congrats on all of you who got approval on their AOJ.

Cheers!

[Moonski 23]

Got my green card! See you all in 2 years! Good luck guys!

[DJ and Yna 19]

CONGRATULATIONSSS!! ENJOY THE GREEN!!!

Thank you!!!! That's sweet! :-)

Got my green card! See you all in 2 years! Good luck guys!

I'll see you in 2 years!!! Enjoy life with hubby!

[Iam54 5]

Our interview took place at the Federal Court in Newark, New Jersey. We were scheduled for a 9AM interview but was called in at 10:30AM. We had our lawyer with us in the room during the interview. We were sworn in to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. His first question was, "what took you so long to file your green card application, you've been married for more than 2 years!? We answered, because it took us a while to get all documents ready and we made sure that my husband's income tax returns were filed correctly for the past 3 years which we thought they required. The IO said we only needed to show 1 year of ITR. And then he read and asked the same questions on the I-485 form. he asked if we have photos ( I brought 2 big albums! lol). He asked if I've met my husband's family, same with my husband, asked me the name of hubby's mom and I just continued on saying all the names of our relatives on the other photos to save him time from asking each of them hahaha. My husband did the same with my side of the family. He didn't even bother to look at our wedding photos!

I think what helped us most is the neatly compiled & labeled copies of documents that I prepared for the IO, such as our financial documents (credit card/bank statements, joint accounts), proofs of address, utility bills, insurance, copies of our lease, even a confirmation letter from USPS that we live in the same address, a lot of letters & cards that we gave each other on our birthdays & anniversaries, letters from friends & family with postal marks addressed to both our names and everything that they could possibly ask for as proof. I also made copies of all the applications and letters I sent & received from USCIS, copies of our passports, driver's licenses, my I-94, both our SS cards, my EA card, even my college diploma lol! I think the IO was overwhelmed! LOL! My lawyer advised us to give as much evidence and proof as we can. Like if they ask for one photo, give them 50! When the IO opened the file folder I made for him, he saw how I labeled each file and I saw him smile. He basically handed back to me one by one, the documents that he didn't need. He said " I don't need this, I don't need this, I don't need that, I don't need this..." I was smiling the whole time and I think the IO found it funny too that I had so much to show him. He didn't even bother to look at the certified copies of our birth certificates that I had my Mom sent overnight from the Philippines via FEDEX! Lol! He closed the file folder and he said, "Ok, your case is approved. You should receive your UNCONDITIONAL 10yr green card in the mail between 2-3 weeks."

I said, smiling from ear to ear, "Really?!?" I was so happy I even hugged my IO! He congratulated us and told me that I could file for my citizenship in 2 years & 9mos. and that I shouldn't wait too long to do it. And we all laughed. We were in and out in 10 mins. max. Whew! I was elated! Walked out to the crowded lobby with a smile on my face and right away thanked God for giving me such an easy & smooth interview...and a real nice IO! He heard my prayers the night before (I couldn't sleep I was so worried).

I hope everybody gets a pleasant worry-free interview. Just do your best in the preparation and don't worry too much! God will do the rest.

Congrats to all those who already got their GCs.

[DJ and Yna 19]

Our interview took place at the Federal Court in Newark, New Jersey. We were scheduled for a 9AM interview but was called in at 10:30AM. We had our lawyer with us in the room during the interview. We were sworn in to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. His first question was, "what took you so long to file your green card application, you've been married for more than 2 years!? We answered, because it took us a while to get all documents ready and we made sure that my husband's income tax returns were filed correctly for the past 3 years which we thought they required. The IO said we only needed to show 1 year of ITR. And then he read and asked the same questions on the I-485 form. he asked if we have photos ( I brought 2 big albums! lol). He asked if I've met my husband's family, same with my husband, asked me the name of hubby's mom and I just continued on saying all the names of our relatives on the other photos to save him time from asking each of them hahaha. My husband did the same with my side of the family. He didn't even bother to look at our wedding photos!

I think what helped us most is the neatly compiled & labeled copies of documents that I prepared for the IO, such as our financial documents (credit card/bank statements, joint accounts), proofs of address, utility bills, insurance, copies of our lease, even a confirmation letter from USPS that we live in the same address, a lot of letters & cards that we gave each other on our birthdays & anniversaries, letters from friends & family with postal marks addressed to both our names and everything that they could possibly ask for as proof. I also made copies of all the applications and letters I sent & received from USCIS, copies of our passports, driver's licenses, my I-94, both our SS cards, my EA card, even my college diploma lol! I think the IO was overwhelmed! LOL! My lawyer advised us to give as much evidence and proof as we can. Like if they ask for one photo, give them 50! When the IO opened the file folder I made for him, he saw how I labeled each file and I saw him smile. He basically handed back to me one by one, the documents that he didn't need. He said " I don't need this, I don't need this, I don't need that, I don't need this..." I was smiling the whole time and I think the IO found it funny too that I had so much to show him. He didn't even bother to look at the certified copies of our birth certificates that I had my Mom sent overnight from the Philippines via FEDEX! Lol! He closed the file folder and he said, "Ok, your case is approved. You should receive your UNCONDITIONAL 10yr green card in the mail between 2-3 weeks."

I said, smiling from ear to ear, "Really?!?" I was so happy I even hugged my IO! He congratulated us and told me that I could file for my citizenship in 2 years & 9mos. and that I shouldn't wait too long to do it. And we all laughed. We were in and out in 10 mins. max. Whew! I was elated! Walked out to the crowded lobby with a smile on my face and right away thanked God for giving me such an easy & smooth interview...and a real nice IO! He heard my prayers the night before (I couldn't sleep I was so worried).

I hope everybody gets a pleasant worry-free interview. Just do your best in the preparation and don't worry too much! God will do the rest.

Congrats to all those who already got their GCs.

Congratulations!!!! All the waiting is worth it!!! Have a happy weekend to all of us!