AOS March 2016 filers/Part 2

[Linyahui 103]

2 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

Yes, I did visit my district representative, I spoke to someone who is an immigration caseworker there, that was literally their title. Apparently every office has one. They can't expedite, but they can make someone take notice and possibly re-run stuff to get it done? I've had nothing but good luck so far but I am also in a tiny town where I could place a cash bet that I was the only visitor to see them that whole week.....they had nothing better to do than go above and beyond.

Ahhh, I see. I think my senator has way too many constituents to actually help if we show up in-person unexpectedly. :/ 

[Linyahui 103]

2 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

Nothing yet unless I missed it in the past postings. I've had to take a chill pill from VJ for a few because the upcoming interview is literally scaring the hell out of me, the worry and nervousness about someone possibly giving us a super hard interview or even denying us is growing daily.

Try not to worry too much, Sparkles. I know, so much easier said than done (I'm one to talk!). But, seriously, nothing is accomplished by worrying....all you do is cause yourself unnecessary stress and torment. 

 

If it helps, you and hubby could practice asking each other questions from the i-485. Those seems to be most commonly asked during interviews of VJ members. You guys should also take some time to do relaxing things, like taking a bath, seeing a movie, having a nice dinner, etc. There's only so much preparation you can do, right?

 

You will be fine. And soon it will all be over and you will have that wonderful GC in hand!

[sparkles_ 456]

19 hours ago, Linyahui said:

Try not to worry too much, Sparkles. I know, so much easier said than done (I'm one to talk!). But, seriously, nothing is accomplished by worrying....all you do is cause yourself unnecessary stress and torment. 

 

If it helps, you and hubby could practice asking each other questions from the i-485. Those seems to be most commonly asked during interviews of VJ members. You guys should also take some time to do relaxing things, like taking a bath, seeing a movie, having a nice dinner, etc. There's only so much preparation you can do, right?

 

You will be fine. And soon it will all be over and you will have that wonderful GC in hand!

I'm channeling my worries into making our interview file folder with all our proofs. Lawyer is seeing us 2wk before the actual interview to go over everything and I guess prep us for what to expect. I'm still unsure if she will attend the interview with us not. I hear mixed reviews on whether a lawyer's presence is a good or bad thing on that day.

 

Anyone know how long it takes blood titers to come back? Husband had his blood drawn Monday to check for vaccine immunity rather than re-take the vaccines, since we had none of his records. Haven't heard back from the civil surgeon yet. Ugh. I think I'll relax more after we get the medical in hand and see our lawyer again!

Edited March 2, 2017 by sparkles_

[PaddyGirl13 75]

8 minutes ago, sparkles_ said:

I'm channeling my worries into making our interview file folder with all our proofs. Lawyer is seeing us 2wk before the actual interview to go over everything and I guess prep us for what to expect. I'm still unsure if she will attend the interview with us not. I hear mixed reviews on whether a lawyer's presence is a good or bad thing on that day.

 

Anyone know how long it takes blood titers to come back? Husband had his blood drawn Monday to check for vaccine immunity rather than re-take the vaccines, since we had none of his records. Haven't heard back from the civil surgeon yet. Ugh. I think I'll relax more after we get the medical in hand and see our lawyer again!

I had my bloods taken on a friday and had a call Monday afternoon to tell me I the results and that I needed the hep b shot. 

[sparkles_ 456]

1 minute ago, PaddyGirl13 said:

I had my bloods taken on a friday and had a call Monday afternoon to tell me I the results and that I needed the hep b shot. 

I'll probably call them tomorrow if we don't hear anything. Husband said he thinks they said Thurs/Fri but can't 100% remember.

[PaddyGirl13 75]

Last night we got texts that the cards have been mailed and the welcome letter arrived this morning. I'm not used to them being so quick, ha! 

 

Even though I'm through with this part of the process, my heart and thoughts are you you guys who are so close behind, know you are in my prayers every day. 

 

Roll on citizenship in a few years!! 

Edited March 2, 2017 by PaddyGirl13

[sparkles_ 456]

Medical bloodwork came back today, looking at getting the MMR now as well, at least the required first part because his immunity level wasn't high enough. Also got the EAD renewal NOA1......makes me feel less worried knowing the EAD auto extension document is in our hands, in case the AOS takes time to be approved after the interview. 

 

Linyahui, I bet you guys are going to get the waiver and find the green card in the mail sometime this month  

[Linyahui 103]

1 hour ago, sparkles_ said:

Medical bloodwork came back today, looking at getting the MMR now as well, at least the required first part because his immunity level wasn't high enough. Also got the EAD renewal NOA1......makes me feel less worried knowing the EAD auto extension document is in our hands, in case the AOS takes time to be approved after the interview. 

 

Linyahui, I bet you guys are going to get the waiver and find the green card in the mail sometime this month  

I finally noticed the official notice about the EAD automatic extension on the USCIS website last night. That makes me feel much more relieved as well.

 

Glad to hear the blood work came back so quickly. At least you know what you need to have done before the interview! 

 

And THANK YOU for your vote of confidence in our GC-receiving ability this month.  Although our InfoPass was just a week ago, I am already back into "our application has been misplaced or forgotten OMG OMG OMG who do I call for help OMG OMG what is happening OMG brain imploding" mode. I really appreciate it!!! 

 

Newyorkaos had their interview this week, right? Send us an update when you get the chance! 

[sparkles_ 456]

Soooooo did I ever mention to you guys that I petitioned my ex husband about 9-10yr ago when I was a teenager. I'm really hoping I dont get the 3rd degree over that. We were married for 7yr but things just don't always work out when you grow up then grow apart. 

Edited March 3, 2017 by sparkles_

[newyorkaos 15]

Hi everyone, I just got the time to update after the interview. I had to catch up with realities of work and make up for the focus that I so lost.

@paddygirl13 congratulations and I am glad that things sped up after interview, it probably felt that you deserve an expedite of decision to make up for all the waiting haha!

 

@sparkles_ I know your interview is coming up. Since our cases are different in complexities, just make sure you organize your papers so that it is easy to pull out once it was asked. Do not forgot your originals and I suggest separate them so it doesn’t mix up with whatever you will hand to the officer. I saw that you mentioned that you were once married, be open about the discussion if it comes up so the IO wont feel you are hiding anything and bring your divorce documents, an RFE after all the wait is not worth it.

Regarding the medical, I saw a post on the previous page that it is counted from the day the application was filed- not on the day the medical was signed or done—that is correct. However, if you feel safer and if the dates of your interview and the medical expiration is too close or overlapping, I suggest to waste money on being sure, because IOs may treat things differently. On another forum, there was person who was denied because the RFE for the medical was not sealed properly and lab report was sent with it. So make sure that it is included in there when you need to bring one.

 

Our interview went well, more of a conversation and counseling session, there was no structure or outline when I try to remember, there was no what-is-your-favorite food tricky or trivial questions. We were asked how do we resolve our arguments- I was taken aback because I didn’t expect that type of questioning, the only ‘basics’ that were asked were when was the last time you entered US, where do you work, -they were not ‘cross-directed’ at us, the IO asked information about me and directed to me. The IO was nice. I suggest that people dress nicely and professionally, I think it has an impact on how your interviews are handled too. We were not approved on the spot verbatim-ly but it was implied. I guess they cant upfront make that decision. We got text notifications the next day.

Just FYI- we did not adjust from K1- so prepare accordingly, meaning the questions might be different and the structure of the interview might be different. Bring along all the correspondences of you have history of arrest, history of divorce, or other complexities because they will be asked- just an observation from recent interviews I read. File tax joint returns if you can now, it will help with the evidence too.

 

If you have specific questions- please ask me I would love to answer them.

@Linyahui I’m keeping you guys in my thoughts, nothing to worry, but it’s okay to be impatient too. I truly believe that you are going to get that waiver for the interview. I can see from your timeline that your case is pretty straightforward- after my experience with the interview and the process, I think you will be totally fine, better than the rest of us.:)

[Linyahui 103]

On 3/3/2017 at 1:53 PM, sparkles_ said:

Soooooo did I ever mention to you guys that I petitioned my ex husband about 9-10yr ago when I was a teenager. I'm really hoping I dont get the 3rd degree over that. We were married for 7yr but things just don't always work out when you grow up then grow apart. 

I don't remember that you mentioned this before, but I don't think it's anything to worry about. As Newyorkaos said, as long as you are prepared to answer questions about your previous marriage and have the original divorce certificate, you will be fine.

 

Was your ex-husband also from Morocco? I could see a little extra questioning if that is the case, but I still wouldn't worry too much about it. Just be prepared to be asked about the prior marriage.

[Linyahui 103]

21 hours ago, newyorkaos said:

Hi everyone, I just got the time to update after the interview. I had to catch up with realities of work and make up for the focus that I so lost.

@paddygirl13 congratulations and I am glad that things sped up after interview, it probably felt that you deserve an expedite of decision to make up for all the waiting haha!

 

@sparkles_ I know your interview is coming up. Since our cases are different in complexities, just make sure you organize your papers so that it is easy to pull out once it was asked. Do not forgot your originals and I suggest separate them so it doesn’t mix up with whatever you will hand to the officer. I saw that you mentioned that you were once married, be open about the discussion if it comes up so the IO wont feel you are hiding anything and bring your divorce documents, an RFE after all the wait is not worth it.

Regarding the medical, I saw a post on the previous page that it is counted from the day the application was filed- not on the day the medical was signed or done—that is correct. However, if you feel safer and if the dates of your interview and the medical expiration is too close or overlapping, I suggest to waste money on being sure, because IOs may treat things differently. On another forum, there was person who was denied because the RFE for the medical was not sealed properly and lab report was sent with it. So make sure that it is included in there when you need to bring one.

 

Our interview went well, more of a conversation and counseling session, there was no structure or outline when I try to remember, there was no what-is-your-favorite food tricky or trivial questions. We were asked how do we resolve our arguments- I was taken aback because I didn’t expect that type of questioning, the only ‘basics’ that were asked were when was the last time you entered US, where do you work, -they were not ‘cross-directed’ at us, the IO asked information about me and directed to me. The IO was nice. I suggest that people dress nicely and professionally, I think it has an impact on how your interviews are handled too. We were not approved on the spot verbatim-ly but it was implied. I guess they cant upfront make that decision. We got text notifications the next day.

Just FYI- we did not adjust from K1- so prepare accordingly, meaning the questions might be different and the structure of the interview might be different. Bring along all the correspondences of you have history of arrest, history of divorce, or other complexities because they will be asked- just an observation from recent interviews I read. File tax joint returns if you can now, it will help with the evidence too.

 

If you have specific questions- please ask me I would love to answer them.

@Linyahui I’m keeping you guys in my thoughts, nothing to worry, but it’s okay to be impatient too. I truly believe that you are going to get that waiver for the interview. I can see from your timeline that your case is pretty straightforward- after my experience with the interview and the process, I think you will be totally fine, better than the rest of us.:)

Congrats on being done with the process for two years! Thanks, also, for your vote of confidence about our application. I'll be sure to update if anything happens this month. If not...well, I guess we'll migrate to the April 2016 filers forum...

[PaddyGirl13 75]

Eek... Our mailbox got knocked over last night, was battered on the ground went out to see how badly and sitting inside were 2 priority envelopes.... Our Green Cards!!! I know they weren't there yesterday, so the mail lady must have put them in there this morning when it was already on the ground, haha!! 

[SanneW 30]

On 3/4/2017 at 4:57 PM, PaddyGirl13 said:

Eek... Our mailbox got knocked over last night, was battered on the ground went out to see how badly and sitting inside were 2 priority envelopes.... Our Green Cards!!! I know they weren't there yesterday, so the mail lady must have put them in there this morning when it was already on the ground, haha!! 

Omg, you guys are so lucky nobody took them or lost em or something when the mailbox got knocked over! And/or that they still delivered the mail with it being knocked down congratz tho

[sparkles_ 456]

Any news, March family? 

 

Husband got his medical finished, and they misspelled his name.....had to get it corrected. At least they didn't charge to fix it. Total damage including extra vaccines came to $550.00.....sigh. 

Edited March 8, 2017 by sparkles_