New York AOS filers 2016

[auturbine 10]

Hi all, thought I'd belatedly relay my experience from last week at the interview. It was last Tuesday, May 16th. I think I mentioned here previously but it was the same day as my wife's grad school graduation ceremony - thankfully the ceremony was a full 5 hours after the scheduled interview time so we knew we'd most likely be safe.

 

What made it nice was that her family was in town for the graduation, so we got to spend the morning before the ceremony with them and take our mind off things. After a hearty late breakfast, we set off for Federal Plaza and arrived outside the building at 12.30pm for our interview at 1.10pm. Security was quick and efficient, and we were up on the 8th floor within 10 minutes of arriving. Checked in at the window and took our seats in a fairly empty waiting room. From memory our number was K28 and as we sat down K24 was called, so we knew we probably didn't have a long wait on our hands.

 

Right around 1.10, on schedule, our number was called. We were met at the doors by our officer, a nice middle-aged lady who led us back to the office where we would be interviewed. We didn't exchange many pleasantries, it was friendly but still quite formal. As soon as we walked in, we were sworn in and then told to take a seat. The door to the office remained open throughout. 

 

She asked for our passports and copies of birth certificates first - she actually already had copies in the file of everything except my wife's birth certificate, so she kept our additional copy and gave everything else back to us. I can't fully remember the order but I think she then asked me for my prior EADs and advanced parole documents, all of which I had made copies of. 

 

While looking through those documents and adding them to the file, she asked me how my wife and I met (without really looking up from the file) and so I told her a brief version of our story. She then asked for any copies of supporting documents - tax returns, bills, leases, photos etc. - all of which we gave to her. At this point she smiled and thanked us for being so organized. While looking at our photos, she asked my wife whether we had met each other's families (we have) and then asked each of us to say each other's parents' & siblings' names. 

 

At this point - still looking at our supporting documents - she asked me what my favorite thing about my wife was. I laughed because I honestly hadn't expected such an expansive, open-ended question! But I told her that I was initially drawn to her because of our shared sense of humor, but it wasn't until I got to know her that I realized how much we compliment one another, and that she's the kindest person I've ever known, that I learn from her every day. I could sense my wife blushing, and the officer looked up and asked her whether she thought I did a good job of answering the question. We all laughed, and that was probably the moment I felt myself fully relax.

 

The officer flipped through towards the back of the file asked the routine questions about criminal records, previous marriages etc. and then asked if we still lived at the same address and if I still had the same phone number. Before I knew it, she said (very quickly) "OK, so now I will pass your file on for some security checks, and I will approve it, and in 3 to 4 weeks you will receive a confirmation in the mail about your case," and we thanked her and she led us out. We wished her well and got on the elevator. In all, we were probably there for less than 15 minutes. Almost instantly my wife and I turned to each other and asked if we'd heard everything correctly.

 

We felt silly for not asking her to repeat whether or not she was definitely approving the case, but we were both pretty sure we had heard the words "approved" in there. I told my wife that in any case we'd know in a few days, that it shouldn't take weeks, and that if there had been any problems they would have come up in the interview. By the time we got home, I already had the email from USCIS saying the case had been updated - case approved! A few hours after that (during my wife's graduation ceremony), another email saying the card was being produced! 

 

All in all, an unforgettable day and a huge relief after all the months of waiting. Sorry for the excessive detail, please let me know if you have any questions, and good luck to those still waiting! You'll be on the other side soon!

[Imani 105]

11 minutes ago, auturbine said:

Hi all, thought I'd belatedly relay my experience from last week at the interview. It was last Tuesday, May 16th. I think I mentioned here previously but it was the same day as my wife's grad school graduation ceremony - thankfully the ceremony was a full 5 hours after the scheduled interview time so we knew we'd most likely be safe.

 

What made it nice was that her family was in town for the graduation, so we got to spend the morning before the ceremony with them and take our mind off things. After a hearty late breakfast, we set off for Federal Plaza and arrived outside the building at 12.30pm for our interview at 1.10pm. Security was quick and efficient, and we were up on the 8th floor within 10 minutes of arriving. Checked in at the window and took our seats in a fairly empty waiting room. From memory our number was K28 and as we sat down K24 was called, so we knew we probably didn't have a long wait on our hands.

 

Right around 1.10, on schedule, our number was called. We were met at the doors by our officer, a nice middle-aged lady who led us back to the office where we would be interviewed. We didn't exchange many pleasantries, it was friendly but still quite formal. As soon as we walked in, we were sworn in and then told to take a seat. The door to the office remained open throughout. 

 

She asked for our passports and copies of birth certificates first - she actually already had copies in the file of everything except my wife's birth certificate, so she kept our additional copy and gave everything else back to us. I can't fully remember the order but I think she then asked me for my prior EADs and advanced parole documents, all of which I had made copies of. 

 

While looking through those documents and adding them to the file, she asked me how my wife and I met (without really looking up from the file) and so I told her a brief version of our story. She then asked for any copies of supporting documents - tax returns, bills, leases, photos etc. - all of which we gave to her. At this point she smiled and thanked us for being so organized. While looking at our photos, she asked my wife whether we had met each other's families (we have) and then asked each of us to say each other's parents' & siblings' names. 

 

At this point - still looking at our supporting documents - she asked me what my favorite thing about my wife was. I laughed because I honestly hadn't expected such an expansive, open-ended question! But I told her that I was initially drawn to her because of our shared sense of humor, but it wasn't until I got to know her that I realized how much we compliment one another, and that she's the kindest person I've ever known, that I learn from her every day. I could sense my wife blushing, and the officer looked up and asked her whether she thought I did a good job of answering the question. We all laughed, and that was probably the moment I felt myself fully relax.

 

The officer flipped through towards the back of the file asked the routine questions about criminal records, previous marriages etc. and then asked if we still lived at the same address and if I still had the same phone number. Before I knew it, she said (very quickly) "OK, so now I will pass your file on for some security checks, and I will approve it, and in 3 to 4 weeks you will receive a confirmation in the mail about your case," and we thanked her and she led us out. We wished her well and got on the elevator. In all, we were probably there for less than 15 minutes. Almost instantly my wife and I turned to each other and asked if we'd heard everything correctly.

 

We felt silly for not asking her to repeat whether or not she was definitely approving the case, but we were both pretty sure we had heard the words "approved" in there. I told my wife that in any case we'd know in a few days, that it shouldn't take weeks, and that if there had been any problems they would have come up in the interview. By the time we got home, I already had the email from USCIS saying the case had been updated - case approved! A few hours after that (during my wife's graduation ceremony), another email saying the card was being produced! 

 

All in all, an unforgettable day and a huge relief after all the months of waiting. Sorry for the excessive detail, please let me know if you have any questions, and good luck to those still waiting! You'll be on the other side soon!

Sorry???? No thank you for the details.. I am pretty sure everyone appreciates it.  Congratulations to both you and your wife, and for your wife graduating.  I felt as if I were going through all the emotions as you did on that day.. My husband and I share all the emotions with you.. Thanks for sharing!!!

My interview is next week and I hope to share good news also.

[newyorkaos 15]

On 5/22/2017 at 10:30 AM, EandM said:

Hi guys, long time no post because frankly I had no updates and it was driving me crazy to read the forum. I had to take a little break lol, Anyway we received FINALLY our interview notice for May 31!!!!! So excited, but I have a question: Did anyone else receive a big manila folder when they got their interview date? USCIS sent me a copy of the Affidavit of Support and a copy of the Medical form, as well as instructions of items to bring along to my interview.

 

did anyone else get this? I'm asking because when I had interview notice mailed out to me in September it was just in a small envelope. 

Finally!!! Congrats and wishing you the best. We didnt get a folder, the notice was just in an regular envelope. Just follow the instructions you should be fine.:)

[PMRP 2]

On 5/22/2017 at 10:30 AM, EandM said:

Hi guys, long time no post because frankly I had no updates and it was driving me crazy to read the forum. I had to take a little break lol, Anyway we received FINALLY our interview notice for May 31!!!!! So excited, but I have a question: Did anyone else receive a big manila folder when they got their interview date? USCIS sent me a copy of the Affidavit of Support and a copy of the Medical form, as well as instructions of items to bring along to my interview.

 

did anyone else get this? I'm asking because when I had interview notice mailed out to me in September it was just in a small envelope. 

Our interview is the 31st too and we also received a large envelope with the same forms. The submitted medical form will expire four days after our interview so guessing that's why they want a new one or they lost the original . Not sure why they sent a new affidavit of support maybe because the wait between application and interview was so long they figured something changed.

[dcgore 5]

On ‎5‎/‎23‎/‎2017 at 4:25 PM, PMRP said:

Our interview is the 31st too and we also received a large envelope with the same forms.

No large envelope here. Just generic check list of docs to bring along in letter size envelope.

Edited May 25, 2017 by dcgore

[EandM 20]

On 5/23/2017 at 3:42 PM, newyorkaos said:

Finally!!! Congrats and wishing you the best. We didnt get a folder, the notice was just in an regular envelope. Just follow the instructions you should be fine.:)

Thank you!!! Will let you know how it goes!!

[EandM 20]

On 5/23/2017 at 4:25 PM, PMRP said:

Our interview is the 31st too and we also received a large envelope with the same forms. The submitted medical form will expire four days after our interview so guessing that's why they want a new one or they lost the original . Not sure why they sent a new affidavit of support maybe because the wait between application and interview was so long they figured something changed.

Oh wow! That's good to hear. When did you apply? I'm a February 2016 filer, so they did take forever to send out my interview notice. 

[Imani 105]

55 minutes ago, EandM said:

Oh wow! That's good to hear. When did you apply? I'm a February 2016 filer, so they did take forever to send out my interview notice. 

I am so sorry for you guys and everyone who had to wait months after the pending aos anniversary but I'm glad at how relieved you all must be. and cant wait for us all to share experiences..  guys... its less than a week now...  5 more days... and i think 6 more days for you right?

[Bronxnyc 33]

Hi fellow New Yorkers. For persons who have gotten interview dates which months did some of you guys apply in. My priority date is December 12, 2016

[PMRP 2]

5 minutes ago, Bronxnyc said:

Hi fellow New Yorkers. For persons who have gotten interview dates which months did some of you guys apply in. My priority date is December 12, 2016

You'll probably have a long wait ahead. We filed June 8, 2016 and we have our interview tomorrow, almost a year later. Others have had more of a 10/11 month wait though. 

[dcgore 5]

13 minutes ago, Bronxnyc said:

Hi fellow New Yorkers. For persons who have gotten interview dates which months did some of you guys apply in. My priority date is December 12, 2016

Expect about a 10 month wait for your interview date from your priority date. 

Edited May 30, 2017 by dcgore

[Imani 105]

12 hours ago, Bronxnyc said:

Hi fellow New Yorkers. For persons who have gotten interview dates which months did some of you guys apply in. My priority date is December 12, 2016

wa gwarn..  count 10 months from your PD...

I'm July 26 2016, my interview was today at 1.30pm...  (Was told it would be put on hold for security check and that it would take up to 120 days, was annoyed but then went to eat and then I get email notifications, and for some reason no text messages.. but the i-485 Case approved, and card ordered, the I-130 is still case received .. strange will review my interview soon)

[Bronxnyc 33]

16 hours ago, Nipperswife said:

wa gwarn..  count 10 months from your PD...

I'm July 26 2016, my interview was today at 1.30pm...  (Was told it would be put on hold for security check and that it would take up to 120 days, was annoyed but then went to eat and then I get email notifications, and for some reason no text messages.. but the i-485 Case approved, and card ordered, the I-130 is still case received .. strange will review my interview soon)

Congrats 💃💃💃💃💃🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂. So I guess no interview for me till around October or November then 😢😢😢😢

[EandM 20]

we had our interview today at 10:45 at federal plaza. At 5 pm we received email saying "document/card in production". Does this mean what I think it means?!?!

[Imani 105]

6 hours ago, Bronxnyc said:

Congrats 💃💃💃💃💃🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂. So I guess no interview for me till around October or November then 😢😢😢😢

thank you thank you... yea..  so u can sit back relax and dont worry yourself until then