September 2018 AOS Filers

[C90 376]

11 hours ago, colin57 said:

Hi,     No, nothing for me yet, we filed mid Sep and got the NOA September 25, I had my biometrics 10 Oct..... so just waiting! the VJ time line is slipping back too, the Government shut down shouldn't affect the USCIS but it seems to be!

I am hoping that the estimated dates are slipping back because people on the VJ site not updating there time lines.

I think that is mostly because people don't update their timeline 😓Shutdown does not affect USCIS and the inquiry dates on USCIS website are going forward every day so there is some progress  NOA1 Sep 17 here, also still waiting to hear back. Hopefully somewhere next month, gave up the hope it'll be end of this month lol

[K1visaHopeful 2,817]

27 minutes ago, C90 said:

I think that is mostly because people don't update their timeline 😓Shutdown does not affect USCIS and the inquiry dates on USCIS website are going forward every day so there is some progress  NOA1 Sep 17 here, also still waiting to hear back. Hopefully somewhere next month, gave up the hope it'll be end of this month lol

I think we should all just wish for the 5 month mark (for EAD) and then be grateful if we do beat it. 

 

[Kaio 0]

My PD is September 19 2018.

Aos based on marriage (same sex) Boston, MA

My interview is already scheduled for February 4th. No news on the EAD since received in September 2018. 

[KatziGuthmann 171]

Hello, dear Berries! I'm here to share my interview experience.

It was yesterday, on January 15th in Seattle, WA. It was very easy and we got approved at spot.

 

We arrived 40 minutes earlier, went through security check (they most likely will ask you to take your shoes off - pretty much like in an airport), then got our number (it was 52) and went upstairs where the interview rooms are. We heard numbers 34 and 35 called and were sure to get stuck for a couple hours. But we were called next, about 5 minutes before our scheduled time.

 

The officer was very nice and really made the interview to not feel as such an official thing. At first we swore to tell the truth, only truth and nothing but truth. Then he asked us for our passports and IDs since he saw them in our folder. Then he took a picture of me (for identification purposes he said) and fingerprints of both index fingers. Then he said we'd go through the form to confirm the data. He asked me pretty much all the question from I-485: my full name, date of birth, previous names, address and work history, names of my parents, number of marriages and children, my wife's full name and date of birth. During that he asked me if I was working since I arrived. I said no, and he asked, "How do you guys pay for stuff?". My wife said that she's working full-time, and he seemed to be pleased with the answer. Then he went through all the yes/no questions. When I answered he was crossing out every point all this time. After that he signed the form and asked me for another signature. 

 

After this part he asked how we met. We told the whole story from our first message till our days. He asked when exactly we started dating and if the website we met on was a dating site. Then he was like "Okay, I see you brought some papers for me, let's see them". He was only interested in relationship proofs, he didn't asked for any additional financial papers or of what was already submitted - so no birth certificates/marriage certificates/ SSNs. He took the vet bills with both our names on it. It was the only type of bills we had - before that we told him we're living on the land owned by my wife's dad, so he was fine with us not giving any utility bills. Also he added to our case the print out of phone bill that shows that I'm added to the family plan, copies of wedding/Christmas card sent to both of us and a letter from the insurance company that shows me as dependent. Then he flipped through our photo album (approx. 60 photos since our first meeting till Christmas). He asked about people in a few of the pictures, then asked where our wedding ceremony took place. There was a cute moment when he saw a picture of us with our puppy and was like "Oh is it your dog?? Okay, now you're all the way in." Oh and also at some point he asked what field I want to work in.

 

That was it. He said, "Now you can relax, I'm gonna approve your case" and asked me if I'd like to get a stamp in my passport that will serve as a temporary Green Card. Of course I said yes (I feel more secure with this stamp haha). He said he'd bring it in about 15 minutes downstairs, so we waited there for him. The I-551 stamp says it's employment authorized and valid for 2 months. We left the building and were in the car at 11.00 (interview was scheduled for 10.30). Last night my status changed twice - first to "Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed" and then in a couple hours to "New card is being produced".

 

So overall it was a VERY easy and pleasant experience. I hope everyone waiting will ave their interviews soon and as nice as mine!

[J&B 52]

59 minutes ago, KatziGuthmann said:

Hello, dear Berries! I'm here to share my interview experience.

It was yesterday, on January 15th in Seattle, WA. It was very easy and we got approved at spot.

 

We arrived 40 minutes earlier, went through security check (they most likely will ask you to take your shoes off - pretty much like in an airport), then got our number (it was 52) and went upstairs where the interview rooms are. We heard numbers 34 and 35 called and were sure to get stuck for a couple hours. But we were called next, about 5 minutes before our scheduled time.

 

The officer was very nice and really made the interview to not feel as such an official thing. At first we swore to tell the truth, only truth and nothing but truth. Then he asked us for our passports and IDs since he saw them in our folder. Then he took a picture of me (for identification purposes he said) and fingerprints of both index fingers. Then he said we'd go through the form to confirm the data. He asked me pretty much all the question from I-485: my full name, date of birth, previous names, address and work history, names of my parents, number of marriages and children, my wife's full name and date of birth. During that he asked me if I was working since I arrived. I said no, and he asked, "How do you guys pay for stuff?". My wife said that she's working full-time, and he seemed to be pleased with the answer. Then he went through all the yes/no questions. When I answered he was crossing out every point all this time. After that he signed the form and asked me for another signature. 

 

After this part he asked how we met. We told the whole story from our first message till our days. He asked when exactly we started dating and if the website we met on was a dating site. Then he was like "Okay, I see you brought some papers for me, let's see them". He was only interested in relationship proofs, he didn't asked for any additional financial papers or of what was already submitted - so no birth certificates/marriage certificates/ SSNs. He took the vet bills with both our names on it. It was the only type of bills we had - before that we told him we're living on the land owned by my wife's dad, so he was fine with us not giving any utility bills. Also he added to our case the print out of phone bill that shows that I'm added to the family plan, copies of wedding/Christmas card sent to both of us and a letter from the insurance company that shows me as dependent. Then he flipped through our photo album (approx. 60 photos since our first meeting till Christmas). He asked about people in a few of the pictures, then asked where our wedding ceremony took place. There was a cute moment when he saw a picture of us with our puppy and was like "Oh is it your dog?? Okay, now you're all the way in." Oh and also at some point he asked what field I want to work in.

 

That was it. He said, "Now you can relax, I'm gonna approve your case" and asked me if I'd like to get a stamp in my passport that will serve as a temporary Green Card. Of course I said yes (I feel more secure with this stamp haha). He said he'd bring it in about 15 minutes downstairs, so we waited there for him. The I-551 stamp says it's employment authorized and valid for 2 months. We left the building and were in the car at 11.00 (interview was scheduled for 10.30). Last night my status changed twice - first to "Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed" and then in a couple hours to "New card is being produced".

 

So overall it was a VERY easy and pleasant experience. I hope everyone waiting will ave their interviews soon and as nice as mine!

@KatziGuthmann was your application expidited? I'm much more in the dark about the green card, EAD, and AP process  than I was with the initial I-129F filing. I guess it's cause this application is field office specific. We share the same field office, Seattle. In fact my husband and I live down the road from the office (so lucky:) In any case it seems that you filed about 15 days before us. If that's the case, is there reason to think that I'll have my interview soon as well? 

 

Also to everybody here, is there a way to do a search for those people/profiles on VJ who have gone to interviews at a specific field office?

[KatziGuthmann 171]

3 minutes ago, J&B said:

@KatziGuthmann was your application expidited? I'm much more in the dark about the green card, EAD, and AP process  than I was with the initial I-129F filing. I guess it's cause this application is field office specific. We share the same field office, Seattle. In fact my husband and I live down the road from the office (so lucky:) In any case it seems that you filed about 15 days before us. If that's the case, is there reason to think that I'll have my interview soon as well? 

 

Also to everybody here, is there a way to do a search for those people/profiles on VJ who have gone to interviews at a specific field office?

My application wasn’t expedited, I have no idea why it went through so fast. I wasn’t expecting it until next Christmas. I’m not complaining though! 😄

[icanbenobody 187]

1 hour ago, KatziGuthmann said:

Hello, dear Berries! I'm here to share my interview experience.

It was yesterday, on January 15th in Seattle, WA. It was very easy and we got approved at spot.

 

We arrived 40 minutes earlier, went through security check (they most likely will ask you to take your shoes off - pretty much like in an airport), then got our number (it was 52) and went upstairs where the interview rooms are. We heard numbers 34 and 35 called and were sure to get stuck for a couple hours. But we were called next, about 5 minutes before our scheduled time.

 

The officer was very nice and really made the interview to not feel as such an official thing. At first we swore to tell the truth, only truth and nothing but truth. Then he asked us for our passports and IDs since he saw them in our folder. Then he took a picture of me (for identification purposes he said) and fingerprints of both index fingers. Then he said we'd go through the form to confirm the data. He asked me pretty much all the question from I-485: my full name, date of birth, previous names, address and work history, names of my parents, number of marriages and children, my wife's full name and date of birth. During that he asked me if I was working since I arrived. I said no, and he asked, "How do you guys pay for stuff?". My wife said that she's working full-time, and he seemed to be pleased with the answer. Then he went through all the yes/no questions. When I answered he was crossing out every point all this time. After that he signed the form and asked me for another signature. 

 

After this part he asked how we met. We told the whole story from our first message till our days. He asked when exactly we started dating and if the website we met on was a dating site. Then he was like "Okay, I see you brought some papers for me, let's see them". He was only interested in relationship proofs, he didn't asked for any additional financial papers or of what was already submitted - so no birth certificates/marriage certificates/ SSNs. He took the vet bills with both our names on it. It was the only type of bills we had - before that we told him we're living on the land owned by my wife's dad, so he was fine with us not giving any utility bills. Also he added to our case the print out of phone bill that shows that I'm added to the family plan, copies of wedding/Christmas card sent to both of us and a letter from the insurance company that shows me as dependent. Then he flipped through our photo album (approx. 60 photos since our first meeting till Christmas). He asked about people in a few of the pictures, then asked where our wedding ceremony took place. There was a cute moment when he saw a picture of us with our puppy and was like "Oh is it your dog?? Okay, now you're all the way in." Oh and also at some point he asked what field I want to work in.

 

That was it. He said, "Now you can relax, I'm gonna approve your case" and asked me if I'd like to get a stamp in my passport that will serve as a temporary Green Card. Of course I said yes (I feel more secure with this stamp haha). He said he'd bring it in about 15 minutes downstairs, so we waited there for him. The I-551 stamp says it's employment authorized and valid for 2 months. We left the building and were in the car at 11.00 (interview was scheduled for 10.30). Last night my status changed twice - first to "Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed" and then in a couple hours to "New card is being produced".

 

So overall it was a VERY easy and pleasant experience. I hope everyone waiting will ave their interviews soon and as nice as mine!

This is so fascinating. Im october filer and my case went too fast too. i had my interview before you but we're not approve on the spot IO just gave us a copy of piece of paper of recommendation of approval..my status still "interview was completed and case must review"

 

Question: is your ead/ap status online says "CASE IS CLOSE CASE RECEIVED BENEFITS BY OTHER MEANS" before or after your status became card being produce?

 

Thanks

[J&B 52]

14 minutes ago, KatziGuthmann said:

My application wasn’t expedited, I have no idea why it went through so fast. I wasn’t expecting it until next Christmas. I’m not complaining though! 😄

 

14 minutes ago, KatziGuthmann said:

My application wasn’t expedited, I have no idea why it went through so fast. I wasn’t expecting it until next Christmas. I’m not complaining though! 😄

That's what I thought. There is only one other person from the Seattle area that filed in September that also had their interview already. I am also expecting my interview to be around Christmas this year, but hopefully I get lucky too. 

 

My status has not changed on the app since I filed, not even after boimetrics. I did however receive an email notice on December 10th that the last status update to my case was made on November 26th. Do not know what that even means. 

[KatziGuthmann 171]

1 hour ago, icanbenobody said:

This is so fascinating. Im october filer and my case went too fast too. i had my interview before you but we're not approve on the spot IO just gave us a copy of piece of paper of recommendation of approval..my status still "interview was completed and case must review"

 

Question: is your ead/ap status online says "CASE IS CLOSE CASE RECEIVED BENEFITS BY OTHER MEANS" before or after your status became card being produce?

 

Thanks

My ead/ap status didn't change, it still says "Fingerprint review was completed" for ead and "Case was received" for ap. I think they might stay the same and never change, online status is quite an unreliable source, I think..

[icanbenobody 187]

33 minutes ago, KatziGuthmann said:

My ead/ap status didn't change, it still says "Fingerprint review was completed" for ead and "Case was received" for ap. I think they might stay the same and never change, online status is quite an unreliable source, I think..

My status just change to:

 

Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service

On January 16, 2019, the Post Office picked up mail containing your new card for Receipt Number MSC***. We mailed your card to the address you gave us. The tracking number assigned is ***. You can use your tracking number at www.USPS.com in the Quick Tools 

[icanbenobody 187]

34 minutes ago, KatziGuthmann said:

My ead/ap status didn't change, it still says "Fingerprint review was completed" for ead and "Case was received" for ap. I think they might stay the same and never change, online status is quite an unreliable source, I think..

I think we should not rely too much with online status update..mine didnt update to APROVED after case must be reviewed and just now its said card was pick up by usps.

[KatziGuthmann 171]

39 minutes ago, icanbenobody said:

My status just change to:

 

Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service

On January 16, 2019, the Post Office picked up mail containing your new card for Receipt Number MSC***. We mailed your card to the address you gave us. The tracking number assigned is ***. You can use your tracking number at www.USPS.com in the Quick Tools 

Yayyy! Congrats! You see, no trust in online status..

[icanbenobody 187]

6 minutes ago, KatziGuthmann said:

Yayyy! Congrats! You see, no trust in online status..

I know right!

The IO seems gave us plenty of time to surprise us for the green card within a week.

 

Thanks

[streanor 405]

Congratulations @KatziGuthmann!!!!

Thank you for sharing your experience, it doesn't sound so bad at all! You must be over the moon!

[KatziGuthmann 171]

16 minutes ago, streanor said:

Congratulations @KatziGuthmann!!!!

Thank you for sharing your experience, it doesn't sound so bad at all! You must be over the moon!

We are! Thank you!