I-130 I-485 AOS Interview... results? "Red Stamp"?

[jubbadubba 0]

Hi All,

Wondering to hear some experience and advice on the i-485 interview.

Main question: I've been reading about some kind of magic "red stamp" people get at the end of the interview that serves as a temporary green card.   What is this, and is it common?  What did we get?

Our (spouse and my) interview went quite smoothly.  We answered the questions, had a convivial conversation with the agent, etc.   At the end he said that USCIS now legally has 120 days to make a decision but we should expect it sooner.   He wrote in red ink in spouse's passport "485 pending", along with his name and agent number, the date, the facility, etc.

Did we not get the "temporary green card" stamp?  Should we be wary of traveling until a green card comes in the mail?  We asked the agent if it was now OK to leave,  and he said something like "even with a green card I can't legally advise you to leave and try to re-enter, since they can prevent you coming in for any reason, any time."   True, but not helpful.

We've been waiting almost a year to leave the country and visit her family in Canada.  Paperwork sent last July.   "Ready to schedule interview" lasted 9 months with us.  Starting to get a little ridiculous.

Thanks!