Phoenix September 2017 AOS Filer

[Coleslaw 3]

Just wanted to let you guys know we filed in Phoenix in September 2017 for my wife's green card.

 

We had the interview last Tuesday, it went well, they asked a ton of questions. The officer was very friendly, went down page 10 of I-485 and asked all those questions, then how we met, about our history, etc. We brought all the pictures of us together from the beginning of our relationship until now, those helped to tell the story. We also brought the deed to our home, insurance statement, car title, bank statements, and last 2 years of tax paperwork. At the end of the interview he said he would be recommending her I-485 for approval, and printed out a letter stating that. 

 

We were expecting the green card to take another 2-3 weeks to get there, but we got it in the mail yesterday.

 

We couldn't be happier that we get to visit family back home again. The last 2 years was tough especially for my wife not being able to see most of her family back home.

[Derek & Cece 27]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I also live in Phoenix and will be going through this process at some point with my fiance. Any particular reason why it took over 18 months to get your interview? Is that pretty standard for Phoenix?

[Coleslaw 3]

Just now, Derek & Cece said:

Thanks for sharing your experience. I also live in Phoenix and will be going through this process at some point with my fiance. Any particular reason why it took over 18 months to get your interview? Is that pretty standard for Phoenix?

 

That seems to be the pattern lately. When we first started looking into it in the summer of 2017, we thought she would have her green card within 6-8 months, but it seems like they're really backed up.

 

On her application we got a notice in March of 2018 that she was ready to be scheduled for an interview.

[Derek & Cece 27]

Did you apply for Advance parole or a work permit? We were planning to do that when we file our AOS knowing how long this all takes.

Edited April 24, 2019 by Derek & Cece
Typo

[Coleslaw 3]

Just now, Derek & Cece said:

Did you apply for Advance parole or a work permit? We were planning to do that when we file out AOS knowing how long this all takes.

We did not apply for advanced parole. We did apply for the work permit, my wife had it about 3 months after we submitted the application.

 

We also applied for an extension of the work permit back in August, they never sent us another work authorization card. Luckily the expired one was good for another 180 days after the expiration date (that's if you submitted another application to extend it)

[Lil bear 4,201]

17 minutes ago, Derek & Cece said:

Did you apply for Advance parole or a work permit? We were planning to do that when we file our AOS knowing how long this all takes.

With the longer processing time for the AOS, and that the AP fee is waived, applying for the AP

even if you never use it seems a wise decision 

[Derek & Cece 27]

8 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

With the longer processing time for the AOS, and that the AP fee is waived, applying for the AP

even if you never use it seems a wise decision 

I thought I read somewhere that AP would only be granted for emergency situations? Or is it like the WP where anyone can apply and get it?

[Lil bear 4,201]

6 minutes ago, Derek & Cece said:

I thought I read somewhere that AP would only be granted for emergency situations? Or is it like the WP where anyone can apply and get it?

The I131 is used for several reasons. The emergency travel need is not applicable for those doing AOS.