Boston, MA AOS

[Sean and Kristina 24]

Hi,

Anyone from the Boston, MA office? I would love to compare timelines.

[tarzan31 27]

We are, but we were K-1, so the timelines are a bit different.

[Javilasardar 10]

I am at the mercy of the Boston office. The USCIS customer care said Boston has a backlog of 7 months. Do you guys think that's accurate?

[Sean and Kristina 24]

I believe there definitely is a backlog. It took us 5 months just to receive our interview date in Boston. 9 more days...

Edited April 11, 2016 by Sean and Kristina

[Javilasardar 10]

I believe there definitely is a backlog. It took us 5 months just to receive our interview date in Boston. 9 more days...

Thanks so much. Best wishes for your interview. Hope it goes smoothly. :-)

Please do share your experience of the Boston AOS interview once you're done.

[Sean and Kristina 24]

I finally had a chance to write my full review of our AOS process! The super detailed version can be found at this link: http://www.seizetheglobe.com/adjusting-status-student-visa-us-permanent-residency-aka-green-card/

Here is my updated timeline and details on the interview:

Timeline

09/28/15 – I-693 Medical Exam

10/01/15 – Pick up sealed I-693 form

10/05/15 – Mailed AOS Package (I-130, I-485, I-864, I-693, I-131, I-765, G-325As, G-1145)

10/07/15 – AOS Package delivered to Chicago Lockbox

10/14/15 – Received four NOA1s via e-mail & text notifications that USCIS received our case. Routed to National Benefits Center for processing

10/15/15 – Checks cashed

10/19/15 – Received four hard copies of NOA1s in the mail

10/23/15 – Received biometrics appointment in the mail. Scheduled for 11/03

10/26/15 – Failed early walk-in attempt for biometrics at Boston location

11/03/15 – Biometrics appointment in Boston

11/10/15 – AOS case status changed to “Ready to be scheduled for interview”

12/21/15 – EAD/AP approved

12/24/15 – EAD/AP mailed

12/30/15 – EAD/AP delivered

03/17/16 – Interview scheduled for April 20th – case status updated online

04/20/16 – AOS Inteview – Boston, MA – APPROVED!

04/25/16 – Approval notice received in the mail

04/26/16 – Green card mailed

04/29/16 – Green card delivered

THE Interview

After months of waiting and plenty of administrative steps, the day of the interview finally arrived! We were already on edge and nervous as it was preparing all of the supporting evidence required for the interview and making sure we knew the best way to arrive in time. What we did not expect was both of us getting incredibly debilitating stomach viruses right before the most important interview ever. Needless to say, we were a big, combined ball of nerves and incredibly anxious to get through this as quickly as possible. When you receive your interview appointment in the mail they include a long checklist of all the documents you must bring. These include: latest federal tax return that you did not already include in your application, letter from your employers, last two months of pay stubs, original birth certificates of both parties, original/certified marriage certificate, and about a dozen other documents IN ADDITION to the stacks of paperwork, photos, and other various documents you need to bring as evidence of a bona fide marriage essentially proving that your relationship is legitimate.

Our interview took place at the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. We decided to drive instead of take the T because the Government Center T stop is STILL closed. Our appointment was at 2:00 PM, so we left at 1:00 PM, and arrived 30 minutes later with plenty of time to park and go through security. However, we got absolutely smashed with a $38 parking fee by parking in the garage directly across the street. If you plan ahead (or the T stop is open by then) you can find cheaper alternatives, but we were simply focused on getting there as quickly as possible. When you arrive you need to make sure you find the public entrance because you will go through security–metal detector, bags/purses x-rayed, etc.

Once we found the correct room (around 1:50 PM), we checked-in with the front desk by giving her our names and the interview notice we received in the mail. She told us to have a seat and our names would get called shortly. The waiting room is massive and we actually waited a solid 35 minutes prior to Sean’s name getting called because it was pretty busy and they seemed to be behind schedule based. The IO introduced himself as Officer Lee and apologized for the delay, but he requested that only I (the US citizen) accompany him to his office to get interviewed first and separately. So I took our accordion file folder of documents and headed into the secured area.

First he asked for my ID and if our attorney would be joining. Since we decided to not have our attorney involved for the interview portion of the process, we both needed to sign a document waiving our right to an attorney. After that was signed, he asked me to raise my right hand and put me under oath. The first order of business was for me to submit any new evidence that we previously did not include in our original application. I brought bank statements, cell phone bills, our 2015 tax return, airfare tickets and hotel reservations from trips taken together, and photos. He only took a small sampling of documents because he didn’t want to make our file too thick and thanked me for being so organized.

Next, he started asking questions like what my husband’s name is, his date of birth, his cell phone number, and the address where we reside. He then asked how we met, when we first met, when was our first date, and when we met each other’s families all while taking notes in our file. Officer Lee was incredibly personable and genuinely interested in our story. He did a great job of putting me at ease, but still acted very professional. I felt as if we were simply having a conversation about my husband. The unique questions that I believe no one can “prepare for” or expect involved details that only a truly married couple who live together would know. He had me reconfirm our most current address and then asked how many bedrooms and bathrooms there are. He asked if we had a washer and dryer and if so, where they are located in our home. He also asked if either of us took daily medications or vitamins. I immediately answered, “No. Oh wait–I take that back. I actually take probiotics at night.” He followed up with, “Are those kept on your nightstand?” and I told him where I store them. After I answered him I started to second-guess myself and think, “Oh man, Kristina. Sean is never going to know that. It’s such a minute detail and there’s no way he’s noticed that you take probiotics–let alone where you keep them in the house. You should’ve just stayed with the plain no answer.” After that Officer Lee told me that he was going to fetch Sean from the waiting room and that I was welcome to remain in his office during Sean’s portion of the interview as long as I did not say anything directly to Sean or communicate with him in any way.

After Sean entered the office, Officer Lee asked Sean my full name, date of birth, how we met. how he proposed, and the same exact questions regarding the small details of our home. Sean did a spectacular job answering clearly and concisely. I was so incredibly happy and not to mention surprised when Sean nailed the question about my daily probiotics and where I stored them in the house without any hesitation. Proving once again that the truth is always the best course of action and I should not have doubted that after answering honestly! Next, the IO asked Sean a series of standard yes or no questions about whether or not Sean has ever conspired to commit a crime, espionage, join a terrorist organization, etc. He then asked to see all of Sean’s passports that he currently held. Luckily we even brought his expired passport so the IO could see his previous B-1 visa. He also requested to see Sean’s Social Security card since he had already applied for his SSN using his EAD card.

Finally, Officer Lee looked at us and said, “Well, I believe I have everything I need. Sean, I actually asked you a few more questions that I didn’t ask your wife because you’re here and might as well tell your story. I plan on approving you. So congratulations! You can expect approval to process within the next 7 – 10 business days and then it can take 3 – 4 weeks for you to receive the physical green card.” To say we were thrilled about be an understatement.

[appleslice1008 0]

I finally had a chance to write my full review of our AOS process! The super detailed version can be found at this link: http://www.seizetheglobe.com/adjusting-status-student-visa-us-permanent-residency-aka-green-card/

Here is my updated timeline and details on the interview:

Timeline

09/28/15 I-693 Medical Exam

10/01/15 Pick up sealed I-693 form

10/05/15 Mailed AOS Package (I-130, I-485, I-864, I-693, I-131, I-765, G-325As, G-1145)

10/07/15 AOS Package delivered to Chicago Lockbox

10/14/15 Received four NOA1s via e-mail & text notifications that USCIS received our case. Routed to National Benefits Center for processing

10/15/15 Checks cashed

10/19/15 Received four hard copies of NOA1s in the mail

10/23/15 Received biometrics appointment in the mail. Scheduled for 11/03

10/26/15 Failed early walk-in attempt for biometrics at Boston location

11/03/15 Biometrics appointment in Boston

11/10/15 AOS case status changed to Ready to be scheduled for interview

12/21/15 EAD/AP approved

12/24/15 EAD/AP mailed

12/30/15 EAD/AP delivered

03/17/16 Interview scheduled for April 20th case status updated online

04/20/16 AOS Inteview Boston, MA APPROVED!

04/25/16 Approval notice received in the mail

04/26/16 Green card mailed

04/29/16 Green card delivered

THE Interview

After months of waiting and plenty of administrative steps, the day of the interview finally arrived! We were already on edge and nervous as it was preparing all of the supporting evidence required for the interview and making sure we knew the best way to arrive in time. What we did not expect was both of us getting incredibly debilitating stomach viruses right before the most important interview ever. Needless to say, we were a big, combined ball of nerves and incredibly anxious to get through this as quickly as possible. When you receive your interview appointment in the mail they include a long checklist of all the documents you must bring. These include: latest federal tax return that you did not already include in your application, letter from your employers, last two months of pay stubs, original birth certificates of both parties, original/certified marriage certificate, and about a dozen other documents IN ADDITION to the stacks of paperwork, photos, and other various documents you need to bring as evidence of a bona fide marriage essentially proving that your relationship is legitimate.

Our interview took place at the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. We decided to drive instead of take the T because the Government Center T stop is STILL closed. Our appointment was at 2:00 PM, so we left at 1:00 PM, and arrived 30 minutes later with plenty of time to park and go through security. However, we got absolutely smashed with a $38 parking fee by parking in the garage directly across the street. If you plan ahead (or the T stop is open by then) you can find cheaper alternatives, but we were simply focused on getting there as quickly as possible. When you arrive you need to make sure you find the public entrance because you will go through securitymetal detector, bags/purses x-rayed, etc.

Once we found the correct room (around 1:50 PM), we checked-in with the front desk by giving her our names and the interview notice we received in the mail. She told us to have a seat and our names would get called shortly. The waiting room is massive and we actually waited a solid 35 minutes prior to Seans name getting called because it was pretty busy and they seemed to be behind schedule based. The IO introduced himself as Officer Lee and apologized for the delay, but he requested that only I (the US citizen) accompany him to his office to get interviewed first and separately. So I took our accordion file folder of documents and headed into the secured area.

First he asked for my ID and if our attorney would be joining. Since we decided to not have our attorney involved for the interview portion of the process, we both needed to sign a document waiving our right to an attorney. After that was signed, he asked me to raise my right hand and put me under oath. The first order of business was for me to submit any new evidence that we previously did not include in our original application. I brought bank statements, cell phone bills, our 2015 tax return, airfare tickets and hotel reservations from trips taken together, and photos. He only took a small sampling of documents because he didnt want to make our file too thick and thanked me for being so organized.

Next, he started asking questions like what my husbands name is, his date of birth, his cell phone number, and the address where we reside. He then asked how we met, when we first met, when was our first date, and when we met each others families all while taking notes in our file. Officer Lee was incredibly personable and genuinely interested in our story. He did a great job of putting me at ease, but still acted very professional. I felt as if we were simply having a conversation about my husband. The unique questions that I believe no one can prepare for or expect involved details that only a truly married couple who live together would know. He had me reconfirm our most current address and then asked how many bedrooms and bathrooms there are. He asked if we had a washer and dryer and if so, where they are located in our home. He also asked if either of us took daily medications or vitamins. I immediately answered, No. Oh waitI take that back. I actually take probiotics at night. He followed up with, Are those kept on your nightstand? and I told him where I store them. After I answered him I started to second-guess myself and think, Oh man, Kristina. Sean is never going to know that. Its such a minute detail and theres no way hes noticed that you take probioticslet alone where you keep them in the house. You shouldve just stayed with the plain no answer. After that Officer Lee told me that he was going to fetch Sean from the waiting room and that I was welcome to remain in his office during Seans portion of the interview as long as I did not say anything directly to Sean or communicate with him in any way.

After Sean entered the office, Officer Lee asked Sean my full name, date of birth, how we met. how he proposed, and the same exact questions regarding the small details of our home. Sean did a spectacular job answering clearly and concisely. I was so incredibly happy and not to mention surprised when Sean nailed the question about my daily probiotics and where I stored them in the house without any hesitation. Proving once again that the truth is always the best course of action and I should not have doubted that after answering honestly! Next, the IO asked Sean a series of standard yes or no questions about whether or not Sean has ever conspired to commit a crime, espionage, join a terrorist organization, etc. He then asked to see all of Seans passports that he currently held. Luckily we even brought his expired passport so the IO could see his previous B-1 visa. He also requested to see Seans Social Security card since he had already applied for his SSN using his EAD card.

Finally, Officer Lee looked at us and said, Well, I believe I have everything I need. Sean, I actually asked you a few more questions that I didnt ask your wife because youre here and might as well tell your story. I plan on approving you. So congratulations! You can expect approval to process within the next 7 10 business days and then it can take 3 4 weeks for you to receive the physical green card. To say we were thrilled about be an understatement.

I just had my interview today. I had everything but AOS told me I dont have enough evidence to prove that I really live with my husband. Im F1 visa, i tried to applied to a college next to home but i never got accepted. So i hsve to study at different school which is far from home.The thing is I have moved to live with my husband since 2014. This home is belong to my parents in law. They let me and my husband live with them that why me and husband doesn't have rent bill. Because if the college is far I have to keep moving back and forth. Sometime husband visit me, sometime i do. So AOS asked what is my Residencial address, I gave the address of our home, but he said not. I tired to explained to him that I always go home whenever I can such as weekend and school break. I asked him what kind of evidence he want but he not really tell me. So at the end he collected a lot of documents such at tax return, our joint account and some of our pictures. I answered him those yes and no questions. He told me he need to reviewed it and will mail the decision in 2 or 3 weeks. Then nicely say goodbye. I don't know what is going on. I just answers all the fact about me and husband. I don't know if I miss understand his questions. This got me real upset. Can someone tell me what to expect please!

[Javilasardar 10]

We had our interview today morning in Boston. The entire process took us about 30-35 minutes. We were called in around 20 minutes after our scheduled time but the office was unusually busy this morning. My spouse (petitioner) went in first with our lawyer. I (beneficiary) was called in after about 15-20 minutes. The officer was civil and asked mostly matter-of-fact questions. The only relationship-based questions were, 'How did you guys meet? How was the first date like?' and 'When was your last trip together? Which of your trips were most memorable and why?'. I think the trip-related questions were because our photo album had pictures from several trips that we took together before and after our marriage.

We were approved on the spot. The online status soon changed to 'new card is being produced'. We were also advised to update our new address on AR-11 (we moved to a new place in MA a week back and thought the new lease would be enough for the officer to update address on the spot.)

Hopefully, the card will arrive shortly. :-)

[shrl 8]

Thanks for sharing your story. I filed AOS in May and my status is now at "Ready to be Scheduled for an Interview", and have already received my EAD. Judging by your case progress and the current timelines shown on the USCIS website, we probably won't be interviewed until December.

If you wouldn't mind sharing, what other documents did the officer ask from you during the interview? It seems that the officer likes to tailor-fit questions based on what you provided, which is clever Thanks in advance!

We had our interview today morning in Boston. The entire process took us about 30-35 minutes. We were called in around 20 minutes after our scheduled time but the office was unusually busy this morning. My spouse (petitioner) went in first with our lawyer. I (beneficiary) was called in after about 15-20 minutes. The officer was civil and asked mostly matter-of-fact questions. The only relationship-based questions were, 'How did you guys meet? How was the first date like?' and 'When was your last trip together? Which of your trips were most memorable and why?'. I think the trip-related questions were because our photo album had pictures from several trips that we took together before and after our marriage.

We were approved on the spot. The online status soon changed to 'new card is being produced'. We were also advised to update our new address on AR-11 (we moved to a new place in MA a week back and thought the new lease would be enough for the officer to update address on the spot.)

Hopefully, the card will arrive shortly. :-)

[Javilasardar 10]

Thanks for sharing your story. I filed AOS in May and my status is now at "Ready to be Scheduled for an Interview", and have already received my EAD. Judging by your case progress and the current timelines shown on the USCIS website, we probably won't be interviewed until December.

If you wouldn't mind sharing, what other documents did the officer ask from you during the interview? It seems that the officer likes to tailor-fit questions based on what you provided, which is clever Thanks in advance!

It seems Boston USCIS has a 7-month timeline from the date of filing until the AOS interview. So, December would be a fair expectation in your case. Fall has several holidays which may slow things down but I hope it does not affect things too much.

As for documents, tax returns, birth certificates, I-94 and travel history were specifically asked for by the officer. Also, the officer took 5-6 photos from our wedding and trips to add them to my file, which was a bit surprising.

Good luck! :-)

[shrl 8]

Thanks again for replying... VJ has been a great resource in this anxiety-ridden process. I can't be grateful enough for getting specific feedback from people like you! Crossing our fingers that we get the same officer as you or someone similar...

It seems Boston USCIS has a 7-month timeline from the date of filing until the AOS interview. So, December would be a fair expectation in your case. Fall has several holidays which may slow things down but I hope it does not affect things too much.

As for documents, tax returns, birth certificates, I-94 and travel history were specifically asked for by the officer. Also, the officer took 5-6 photos from our wedding and trips to add them to my file, which was a bit surprising.

Good luck! :-)

[Javilasardar 10]

Thanks again for replying... VJ has been a great resource in this anxiety-ridden process. I can't be grateful enough for getting specific feedback from people like you! Crossing our fingers that we get the same officer as you or someone similar...

My pleasure! I have benefited so much from VJ myself... Paying it forward as a result. :-)

[shrl 8]

Hi all! We just had our interview at the Boston office today and it went as well as we could have hoped! I wrote a lengthy account over at the USCIS Office review page.

First of all, I've been such a ball of nerves since last week. We even got into an argument over the weekend when I attempted to go over possible questions with my husband. He said he didn't want to sound rehearsed and I shouldn't worry because we have nothing to hide. We also don't have any red flags in terms of age, lifestyle, or language. We've also lived in the same place ever since I first got here.

So we got to the office 10 minutes early, and waited 10 more minutes to be called. We were interviewed separately by a very personable female officer, with my USC husband going first. She swore him in first and then asked matter-of-fact questions from the application. Then the IO asked him to tell our story. The unique questions were about what we do for fun, and if we had any favorite TV shows.

During my turn, my husband stayed inside the office. I was asked the same matter-of-fact questions first. Then we went over the yes/no questions on the application. Next, it was my turn to tell her our story, including details about our wedding. She also asked about what we did for fun, but not about TV shows. I gave her the same answer as my husband, which is about playing virtual reality games, and how we started a website about VR together. She also asked about his job, and how he gets to work. We had one thing that didn't match, though, which was how long I stayed on my first visit. My husband said six months, but I was only here for three. She didn't really harp on that because everything else checked out anyway. The only documents she asked for were additional evidence, if any. We gave her our new rental agreement, copies of cards mailed to both of us, and photos taken after we submitted the application. She didn't even look at birth certificate or tax document originals. After that, she just said that everything looked good, and that we are approved! She didn't take my EAD or stamp my passport.

Overall, it wasn't worth the worry but I do think it helps to be very thorough. Before we were called in, I made sure my husband remembered my birth place and I'm glad I did because he was asked about it.

Good luck to anyone going through the same process at the Boston office! I hope my experience helps put you at ease. Thanks to everyone on this forum for the previous posts. You have helped me immensely!

[hamburgerer 0]

Hi Forum members.

This has been a very helpful place to learn the Boston office experience. We just had our adjustment interview yesterday and the officer told us we are approved. I still don't see my online status change. Any of you who recently went for interviews did your online status change immediately or you had to wait couple of days. I am really stressed out.

Hi all! We just had our interview at the Boston office today and it went as well as we could have hoped! I wrote a lengthy account over at the USCIS Office review page.

First of all, I've been such a ball of nerves since last week. We even got into an argument over the weekend when I attempted to go over possible questions with my husband. He said he didn't want to sound rehearsed and I shouldn't worry because we have nothing to hide. We also don't have any red flags in terms of age, lifestyle, or language. We've also lived in the same place ever since I first got here.

So we got to the office 10 minutes early, and waited 10 more minutes to be called. We were interviewed separately by a very personable female officer, with my USC husband going first. She swore him in first and then asked matter-of-fact questions from the application. Then the IO asked him to tell our story. The unique questions were about what we do for fun, and if we had any favorite TV shows.

During my turn, my husband stayed inside the office. I was asked the same matter-of-fact questions first. Then we went over the yes/no questions on the application. Next, it was my turn to tell her our story, including details about our wedding. She also asked about what we did for fun, but not about TV shows. I gave her the same answer as my husband, which is about playing virtual reality games, and how we started a website about VR together. She also asked about his job, and how he gets to work. We had one thing that didn't match, though, which was how long I stayed on my first visit. My husband said six months, but I was only here for three. She didn't really harp on that because everything else checked out anyway. The only documents she asked for were additional evidence, if any. We gave her our new rental agreement, copies of cards mailed to both of us, and photos taken after we submitted the application. She didn't even look at birth certificate or tax document originals. After that, she just said that everything looked good, and that we are approved! She didn't take my EAD or stamp my passport.

Overall, it wasn't worth the worry but I do think it helps to be very thorough. Before we were called in, I made sure my husband remembered my birth place and I'm glad I did because he was asked about it.

Good luck to anyone going through the same process at the Boston office! I hope my experience helps put you at ease. Thanks to everyone on this forum for the previous posts. You have helped me immensely!

[shrl 8]

The USCIS online status system is not the most efficient. I filed for AOS in early May, but my case numbers didn't work until late July. My status changed to approved the day after the interview, though. But I know some people who they got to the point of receiving their green card, with their online status still stuck on "Fingerprint Fee Received" or "Ready to be Scheduled for Interview." It's really wonky.

Long and short of it -- try not to worry too much! If the IO said you're approved, that's it. You'll get your card in the next week or so. If not, submit a case per USCIS instructions.

Hi Forum members.

This has been a very helpful place to learn the Boston office experience. We just had our adjustment interview yesterday and the officer told us we are approved. I still don't see my online status change. Any of you who recently went for interviews did your online status change immediately or you had to wait couple of days. I am really stressed out.