Adjustment of status - Chicago City office interview

[Ann and Meet 95]

Hello Everyone, 

We had our interview for my Fiance's green card today at the Chicago USCIS office. Everything went great. She was happy with everything and she said you guys look happy together. But, after the interview she gave us a notice that said reason for continuance and checked case is being held for review. She said to expect something within a couple of weeks. I was so stressed out after that because I didn't expect them to not approve same day when we provided everything and interview went well. I have read that they do this a lot now, where they give you a case being held for review after interview. Did others experience this? Is it a common practice at the Chicago field office. I got the feeling that get the interviews done throughout the day and later review files and approve then. Any insights because I was really hoping they would approve it today. Thank you. 

[RaptureSongbird 533]

I know it's hard to process not getting an approval the day of the interview but I wouldn't worry about it too much.  When we had our interview last year in Chicago we were not approved on the spot, didn't even receive any paperwork from the interviewer, and had no other further updates until 3 weeks later when our account status finally changed to Card Being Produced.  So, I understand your worry but, at this point, it's just going to be another round of waiting until Card Being Produced.  In our case the delay was because our interviewer didn't receive any of our K-1 documentation before our interview so she had to request that paperwork along with making some corrections on our case (initial case reviewer stated we needed an I-130 completed but it was not needed since it was a K-1).  So, you may have received the held for review for this reason or, like you stated, they complete the interviews throughout the day and do final approvals later in the day.  Unfortunately the best advice I can give is just to wait and keep checking for updates.

[MeghanK 629]

I assume you meant your spouse's interview? 

[Ann and Meet 95]

1 minute ago, MeghanK said:

I assume you meant your spouse's interview? 

Yes, my spouse's interview. We both were there she asked me a few things and him the regular things. Not too many questions asked from us. Basically she asked him for his date of birth, where he works, the yes/no questions at the end of application. When we met. Not too many questions. She didn't even ask him to verify my date of birth or anything. She was happy with everything finished with us in like 15 mins.  Asked for like 10-15 pictures of us. I was just shocked when she gave us the being reviewed notice. I was about to cry when we came out, so much so, I left our whole file outside the office. Thankfully, the police officer outside picked it up and they called us. Oh my god 4 trips back and forth. But, yeah that was what happened. 

[Ann and Meet 95]

17 minutes ago, RaptureSongbird said:

I know it's hard to process not getting an approval the day of the interview but I wouldn't worry about it too much.  When we had our interview last year in Chicago we were not approved on the spot, didn't even receive any paperwork from the interviewer, and had no other further updates until 3 weeks later when our account status finally changed to Card Being Produced.  So, I understand your worry but, at this point, it's just going to be another round of waiting until Card Being Produced.  In our case the delay was because our interviewer didn't receive any of our K-1 documentation before our interview so she had to request that paperwork along with making some corrections on our case (initial case reviewer stated we needed an I-130 completed but it was not needed since it was a K-1).  So, you may have received the held for review for this reason or, like you stated, they complete the interviews throughout the day and do final approvals later in the day.  Unfortunately the best advice I can give is just to wait and keep checking for updates.

Thank you so much. I am hoping it will not take too long after this. I just want this to be done so we can move on with our life. Here in Chicago, the DMV won't even let him take the written test to get his driver license without green card, so I was really heartbroken after we were handed that notice. 

[RaptureSongbird 533]

22 minutes ago, Ann and Meet said:

Thank you so much. I am hoping it will not take too long after this. I just want this to be done so we can move on with our life. Here in Chicago, the DMV won't even let him take the written test to get his driver license without green card, so I was really heartbroken after we were handed that notice. 

Gotta love how the Illinois DMV won't even follow their own guidelines; a green card is not a required document and many other options can be used in its place.  I know why they want the green card, because they will date his driver's license expiration date the same date as his green card as a 2 year conditional resident, and then he'll have to pay a renewal fee in 2 years after you get your ROC NOA1 to get a new license with a new date.  Then, of course, since that letter will only extend the validity by 18-months, he'll have to pay an additional renewal fee when his 10 year green card arrives to get the standard 4 year license.  It's just a way for them to make this process even more difficult while also getting additional fees.

[arken 4,197]

48 minutes ago, RaptureSongbird said:

Gotta love how the Illinois DMV won't even follow their own guidelines; a green card is not a required document and many other options can be used in its place.  I know why they want the green card, because they will date his driver's license expiration date the same date as his green card as a 2 year conditional resident, and then he'll have to pay a renewal fee in 2 years after you get your ROC NOA1 to get a new license with a new date.  Then, of course, since that letter will only extend the validity by 18-months, he'll have to pay an additional renewal fee when his 10 year green card arrives to get the standard 4 year license.  It's just a way for them to make this process even more difficult while also getting additional fees.

I doubt the dmv operates that way thinking of making money bu asking for GC. What if the GC they wanted has 10 year validity? 

It all depends on what was presented to them in place of GC.

Edited July 23, 2019 by arken

[Ann and Meet 95]

47 minutes ago, arken said:

I doubt the dmv operates that way thinking of making money bu asking for GC. What if the GC they wanted has 10 year validity? 

It all depends on what was presented to them in place of GC.

Yeah, not sure. We took everything else that we had including our marriage certificate, notice of I-485 received, his social, i-94. But, they were like no, you don't have the green card yet and the K-1 visa you came here on is already expired. One of the employees who worked there even said that is no true, but the main manager or whoever, just wouldn't listen. I was so disheartened and left.  I have read some locations in Illinois don't ask for green card, some do. We were thinking abt going again with work permit but then our interview came, so we thought let's just wait until we get the approval lolz. 

[arken 4,197]

9 minutes ago, Ann and Meet said:

Yeah, not sure. We took everything else that we had including our marriage certificate, notice of I-485 received, his social, i-94. But, they were like no, you don't have the green card yet and the K-1 visa you came here on is already expired. One of the employees who worked there even said that is no true, but the main manager or whoever, just wouldn't listen. I was so disheartened and left.  I have read some locations in Illinois don't ask for green card, some do. We were thinking abt going again with work permit but then our interview came, so we thought let's just wait until we get the approval lolz. 

Yeah,  a valid i94 or EAD is what was needed. But yeah, like you said, go after getting GC.

 

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x173.pdf

[RaptureSongbird 533]

5 minutes ago, Ann and Meet said:

Yeah, not sure. We took everything else that we had including our marriage certificate, notice of I-485 received, his social, i-94. But, they were like no, you don't have the green card yet and the K-1 visa you came here on is already expired. One of the employees who worked there even said that is no true, but the main manager or whoever, just wouldn't listen. I was so disheartened and left.  I have read some locations in Illinois don't ask for green card, some do. We were thinking abt going again with work permit but then our interview came, so we thought let's just wait until we get the approval lolz. 

Exactly, unfortunately all DMVs in Illinois do not operate the same or to established protocols.  I have personally seen immigrants/valid visa holders, including my husband, discriminated against at Illinois DMVs because of their status.  There are several DMVs in this state where it is not advised for immigrants/valid visa holders to take their driving tests because they are notorious for failing people in these categories.  So, yes, I do think that some DMVs here do make the process more difficult for immigrants and are focused on getting as much money out of the process as possible.

[Ann and Meet 95]

On 7/23/2019 at 2:21 PM, RaptureSongbird said:

Exactly, unfortunately all DMVs in Illinois do not operate the same or to established protocols.  I have personally seen immigrants/valid visa holders, including my husband, discriminated against at Illinois DMVs because of their status.  There are several DMVs in this state where it is not advised for immigrants/valid visa holders to take their driving tests because they are notorious for failing people in these categories.  So, yes, I do think that some DMVs here do make the process more difficult for immigrants and are focused on getting as much money out of the process as possible.

hi, I see you had your interview etc in Chicago? Did you have the same experience where they said we will review your case. She told us maybe a couple of weeks ( to get approval I guess). But, I get so stressed out. Interview went so well, she said you guys look very happy together etc. So, we are waiting. 

[Ann and Meet 95]

Just wanted to Update everyone. On August 2nd, the case status changed to new card is being produced. Thank God.