Our interview is on Friday! Some questions before we go

[Lonla 0]

Hey all,

 

Long time lurker, first time poster.  My wife and I have our big interview this coming Friday (in 2 days), were nervous and excited all at the same time!

 

Were adjusting from my VWP entry, she is a USC, in Los Angeles, at the main Los Angeles office.  We filed in October of last year, EAD arrived in april, and we received our notice about 6 weeks ago in the mail for our interview. This forum was a huge help in allowing us to self file so thank you to all!

 

However I have some questions based on the interview notice we were mailed.

 

a) We’ve heard the normal stories of people being separated.  If this happens, do they do this straight away, or do they call you in together for the basics, then separate you? If so, how long are you usually separated for?

 

b) The notice says we must bring with us a completed I-864 unless already submitted. Now we submitted this in our initial package - however the interview notice says to also bring tax returns and W2s for the most recent year, letters from current employer with pay and hours etc.  The latter we never have to provide when we originally submitted. Do we still need to bring this, or do we ignore the request for most recent W2 and letter from employer, because we submitted an I-864 before (even though then we didn’t have to submit this letter?

 

c) My wife received an accepted a new job 2 weeks ago and has begun said new job. Will this cause any problems? (She was my only sponsor for I-864) - should we bring anything extra because of this?

 

d) It mentions I need to bring my birth certificate.  I submitted a copy when we applied and I have another copy at home; but searching today I’m struggling to find it. My hope is I find it - but if something crazy happens where I don’t - should I be worried?

 

e) When we submitted our entire package, we also made an exact duplicate of the package we sent the USCIS. Should I bring this with me?

 

f) It says to bring the original and copy of each supporting document. Is this every single document in the package we sent - or just the supporting documents for proof of bonafide marriage?

 

And also, is there anything else? Anything we’ve missed, anything else we should be aware of?

 

Thank you in advance! This should help calm our nerves!

[mnk 62]

Be prepared and bring everything, but offer only what they ask for.

 

B & C: If you submitted the I-864 when you filed, that should have included at least the latest year tax return. Bring your tax return and W-2's. Your wife (sponsor) just changed jobs. That's important. After two weeks, she may not have a even a pay stub yet to prove income. Does she have an offer letter? Bring it. For extra preparedness, fill out a new I-864 with her new employment information.

 

D, E, F: If you made a copy of the package you sent, just bring that. Then you have copies of all the forms you filled out and the supporting documents. As far as the birth certificate, it is a good a idea to bring the originals for everything that you sent a copy of. If you can't find it for the interview, it shouldn't be a problem. I'd be more worried about having lost my birth certificate in general.

 

I brought all of this, but didn't use it. I (USC sponsor) also changed jobs during the process. I became self-employed no less, so that usually has a higher burden for proof of income. But the IO did not request any additional copies of things we sent or any new evidence of bonafide marriage. All she did was update any changes (address, employment info) by handwriting on the original forms she had in her file. The only originals she looked at were our passports, and the only new documents she took were copies of our state drivers licences (not originally submitted with the packet).

 

Every IO is different, and every couple is different. Since you already have most of this, (copy of packet sent, and you should have your tax returns and W-2s), it's better to bring it and not need it. I wouldn't worry too much about the things that you may not have now. If they do ask for something you don't have, you will have the opportunity to submit it after the interview. If they do ask for something, then you have it! The questions the IO has can be cleared that day, and then your approval isn't delayed by waiting on additional documents.

Edited June 20, 2019 by mnk

[Boris Farage 353]

Nothing to add about specifics but I found my experience with the Los Angeles office to be excellent the times I had to attend an interview there (AOS and citizenship). Very professional crew they have there, be honest and straightforward and it will pay off for you. I even got a smile from the IO at the end of my citizenship interview. Best of luck to you both. 

 

As a side note, the parking garage is rather dank and depressing if you're going to park there. Make sure to lock up your vehicle and hide valuables. Don't want to spoil what should be a happy day for you.

[junkmart 320]

13 hours ago, Lonla said:

Hey all,

 

Long time lurker, first time poster.  My wife and I have our big interview this coming Friday (in 2 days), were nervous and excited all at the same time!

 

Were adjusting from my VWP entry, she is a USC, in Los Angeles, at the main Los Angeles office.  We filed in October of last year, EAD arrived in april, and we received our notice about 6 weeks ago in the mail for our interview. This forum was a huge help in allowing us to self file so thank you to all!

 

However I have some questions based on the interview notice we were mailed.

 

a) We’ve heard the normal stories of people being separated.  If this happens, do they do this straight away, or do they call you in together for the basics, then separate you? If so, how long are you usually separated for?

 

b) The notice says we must bring with us a completed I-864 unless already submitted. Now we submitted this in our initial package - however the interview notice says to also bring tax returns and W2s for the most recent year, letters from current employer with pay and hours etc.  The latter we never have to provide when we originally submitted. Do we still need to bring this, or do we ignore the request for most recent W2 and letter from employer, because we submitted an I-864 before (even though then we didn’t have to submit this letter?

 

c) My wife received an accepted a new job 2 weeks ago and has begun said new job. Will this cause any problems? (She was my only sponsor for I-864) - should we bring anything extra because of this?

 

d) It mentions I need to bring my birth certificate.  I submitted a copy when we applied and I have another copy at home; but searching today I’m struggling to find it. My hope is I find it - but if something crazy happens where I don’t - should I be worried?

 

e) When we submitted our entire package, we also made an exact duplicate of the package we sent the USCIS. Should I bring this with me?

 

f) It says to bring the original and copy of each supporting document. Is this every single document in the package we sent - or just the supporting documents for proof of bonafide marriage?

 

And also, is there anything else? Anything we’ve missed, anything else we should be aware of?

 

Thank you in advance! This should help calm our nerves!

Per suggestions on VJ, I took a complete copy our entire package, including forms and evidence. We also took the originals for things like birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc, along with extra copies in case the IO wanted to keep any. You may not be asked for any of it, but it is better to be prepared.