Boston MA I-485 AOS Filers October 2015

[Optimistic2016 7]

Hello All

I've been a lurker for a few months but just recently signed up to this website, I love how supportive and helpful people are here so I wanted to share my story. Visa overstay (as a child) and also a DACA beneficiary married to a US Citizen. Filed for AOS in October last year (2015), had my Biometrics done in December last year, status has been on "Interview is Ready to be Scheduled" for the past 3 months. I was curious if anyone here has either recently had an interview or recently received an interview date at the Boston Field Office? I have heard that there may possibly be a backlog. Are there any October filers that have already received their interview dates? Thank you guys, my apologies if I posted under the wrong thread.

Edited March 18, 2016 by Optimistic2016

[TakumiKobyashi 5]

I'd say you probably have about 2 more months to wait. We filed in early August, and just had our interview in Boston last week. You should get an interview notice about 4-5 weeks in advance.

[KayDeeCee 4,895]

Check for the Oct. 2015 filers thread in the AOS from WS&T Progress Forum for the timelines of others that filed when you did. Also, can check the USCIS times for your office on this page. Just select the Boston field office. States they are working on June 2015 filers > https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplayInit.do

~ Moved from AOS from Family Based Visas to AOS from Work, Student & Tourist Visas Progress Reports ~

[Javilasardar 10]

Does RFE on I-485 delay things by an additional 90 days?

[Sean and Kristina 24]

I'm an October Boston filer! We just had our interview today and our IO told us we were approved! However, we don't see any updates on the USCIS website yet.

He did mention to my husband that it would take 7 - 10 business days to process and then we'd receive the green card in the mail in the weeks following that. We had such an excellent experience in Boston today. I plan on writing a full review later on.

Check out my timeline in my signature block for all the details of our journey. Happy to help!

[Javilasardar 10]

I'm an October Boston filer! We just had our interview today and our IO told us we were approved! However, we don't see any updates on the USCIS website yet.

He did mention to my husband that it would take 7 - 10 business days to process and then we'd receive the green card in the mail in the weeks following that. We had such an excellent experience in Boston today. I plan on writing a full review later on.

Check out my timeline in my signature block for all the details of our journey. Happy to help!

Congratulations!!! Glad to hear that you both had a good experience at the Boston USCIS. Please share your full review when you have a moment.

Cheers to good times.

[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.

[h2o15 12]

Anyone still waiting for Boston? I filed my AOS in mid December (December 18th), and had my biometrics February 1st, but haven't heard anything since. I received my EAD in early April. I'm planning on moving soon, so this waiting game is making me a bit nervous since I was hoping that I wouldn't have to file any change of addresses with USCIS.

[Optimistic2016 7]

@ Takumikobyashi: Your prediction was extremely accurate. I received my notice for my interview early last month and we just attended the interview.

@ Sean and Kristina: Congrats! Our experience was similar, great staff at the Boston office and they asked my US Citizen spouse questions first before they called me in for my interview. Got approved, waiting for status to change online.

@h2o15: Hang in there, I applied in late October and just had my interview. If we go by the pattern we've been seeing, your interview should be in early July so you should receive your interview appointment letter late this month/early next month.

[Javilasardar 10]

@ Takumikobyashi: Your prediction was extremely accurate. I received my notice for my interview early last month and we just attended the interview.

@ Sean and Kristina: Congrats! Our experience was similar, great staff at the Boston office and they asked my US Citizen spouse questions first before they called me in for my interview. Got approved, waiting for status to change online.

@h2o15: Hang in there, I applied in late October and just had my interview. If we go by the pattern we've been seeing, your interview should be in early July so you should receive your interview appointment letter late this month/early next month.

So, it seems a 7-month wait on average for Boston filers. Fingers crossed!

--

@h2o15: I filed around the same time as you, and biometrics and EAD timelines are also similar. I received an RFE..so am not sure if that will cause further delay in my case. Please keep us posted when you receive the interview letter.

Also, I am currently living out of state for my new job but spouse is in MA. Our lawyer advised that it we could keep Boston as primary residence through bank statements, etc. That way, we do not need to change address until the interview. So, if you can maintain two residences, it may be well worth a try.

[h2o15 12]

So, it seems a 7-month wait on average for Boston filers. Fingers crossed!

--

@h2o15: I filed around the same time as you, and biometrics and EAD timelines are also similar. I received an RFE..so am not sure if that will cause further delay in my case. Please keep us posted when you receive the interview letter.

Also, I am currently living out of state for my new job but spouse is in MA. Our lawyer advised that it we could keep Boston as primary residence through bank statements, etc. That way, we do not need to change address until the interview. So, if you can maintain two residences, it may be well worth a try.

@Optimistic2016: Thank you! Hopefully it will work out that way.

@jayess21: I'm actually going to be in the exact same situation as you starting August or September. I'll have to move to another state for my job. What did your lawyer say about primary residence vs. residence because of a job? Is it enough that your spouse is living in Boston and that you can claim that it's your primary residence? Are you traveling back and forth between Boston and the other state?

[Optimistic2016 7]

Edited my timeline to show our case journey!

[Javilasardar 10]

Fellow Boston applicants, I received the interview notice for early August in the mail today. My timeline is also hitting the 7-month mark (almost), which seems to be the norm for Boston USCIS. I will write again after the interview to share thoughts. Hope we all complete this journey soon.

[Ontarkie 14,369]

~~One post removed as requested by poster.~~

[Javilasardar 10]

As promised, here is my update after the interview:

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 but thought the new lease would be enough for the officer to update address on the spot.)

Hopefully, the card will arrive shortly. :-)

Edited August 9, 2016 by jayess21