October 2023 - AOS Filers

[eatplaysleep 8]

On 5/26/2024 at 9:23 AM, R3411y said:

If you don't mind me asking, what did you ask/state was your issue when contacting your senator's office? I was thinking of going that route, but unsure what to put down as my "issue". We filed on 09/29/23 and still no updates besides our biometrics appt in November of last year.

I just laid it out honestly and asked for help. He hasn’t seen his family in two years and his mother had been having some health issues and that he has been unable to work and it was beginning to take a toll on the family finances and relationship. 
 

I didn’t try to come up with anything extraordinary — just pled for humanity. 
 

I don’t know for certain if the request to my senator is what did the trick or not but it was pretty convenient how quickly everything suddenly happened almost immediately after doing so. 

[C2NYC 9]

Today we received notice that our case was transferred to our local field office.

 

They are also asking for a I-693 Medical. For context our DS-3025 was not marked complete for some reason after the exam. In the FAQ for the 693 it says if a medical exam was performed prior to entry (and less than 1 year), then a medical exam is not needed but that a confirmation / translation of vaccine updates is required if the DS was not filled out correctly.

 

Is it safe to just perform the full 693 or thoughts on having them translate the vaccine portion? 

 

Also I assume the next step is interview if it is at our local office.

[SaraClaire11 139]

APPROVED!!! 🥳

 

Good news! We were approved yesterday at our AOS interview! Here's how it went:

 

Showed up 15 minutes early, walked in through security (we left our cell phones in the car) put our belongings in a bin and walked through a metal detector - instructed to head upstairs. There was only one other couple in the waiting room. We placed out appointment letter in a bin at the desk and sat down. About 10 minutes later a man came out with our appointment letter and asked me to follow him. My husband stayed in the waiting room. The man advised he would be back for him in 20 minutes. 

 

I followed the man to his office and there was another man sitting in there (maybe he was training) and was placed under oath immediately. Then he asked for my ID I gave him my passport with my state issued driver license inside. He wished me a happy belated birthday (May 26th) and asked if we did anything special. I told him what we did but explained that last year I went to Ecuador to visit my then fiance for my 40th.

 

We made small talk and he asked if I had brought any additional documents I handed him my entire binder and explained that much of what was requested was sent in with the application, he looked at the copies of our photos, from our wedding day and other events over the last 9 months since he arrived. He kept the photos, the copy of of lease agreement, all the documents pertaining to him being my beneficiary and on my medical insurance, all the paystubs and employment verification. He was very nice and handed everything else in the binder back to me. He asked if I had any questions. I asked him about the EAD and why we we never approved. He explained that once we are approved today we will have our GC in 10 days and not need the EAD anymore.

 

I was escorted out and my husband was invited back alone, he was in there for about 15-20 minutes. The man interviewing him started in English and switched to Spanish which my husband is fluent in. He was asked a little about our marriage but a ton of questions about if he was ever involved in gang activity, trafficking, prostitution and all kinds of crazy things. He told my husband congrats you have been approved and he walked out. We didn't get a piece of paper or a notice but my app did update a couple hours later to "New Card Being Produced" so I am very relieved and happy and can't wait for it to arrive in the mail! 

[ThailandR 54]

9 hours ago, SaraClaire11 said:

APPROVED!!! 🥳

 

Good news! We were approved yesterday at our AOS interview! Here's how it went:

 

Showed up 15 minutes early, walked in through security (we left our cell phones in the car) put our belongings in a bin and walked through a metal detector - instructed to head upstairs. There was only one other couple in the waiting room. We placed out appointment letter in a bin at the desk and sat down. About 10 minutes later a man came out with our appointment letter and asked me to follow him. My husband stayed in the waiting room. The man advised he would be back for him in 20 minutes. 

 

I followed the man to his office and there was another man sitting in there (maybe he was training) and was placed under oath immediately. Then he asked for my ID I gave him my passport with my state issued driver license inside. He wished me a happy belated birthday (May 26th) and asked if we did anything special. I told him what we did but explained that last year I went to Ecuador to visit my then fiance for my 40th.

 

We made small talk and he asked if I had brought any additional documents I handed him my entire binder and explained that much of what was requested was sent in with the application, he looked at the copies of our photos, from our wedding day and other events over the last 9 months since he arrived. He kept the photos, the copy of of lease agreement, all the documents pertaining to him being my beneficiary and on my medical insurance, all the paystubs and employment verification. He was very nice and handed everything else in the binder back to me. He asked if I had any questions. I asked him about the EAD and why we we never approved. He explained that once we are approved today we will have our GC in 10 days and not need the EAD anymore.

 

I was escorted out and my husband was invited back alone, he was in there for about 15-20 minutes. The man interviewing him started in English and switched to Spanish which my husband is fluent in. He was asked a little about our marriage but a ton of questions about if he was ever involved in gang activity, trafficking, prostitution and all kinds of crazy things. He told my husband congrats you have been approved and he walked out. We didn't get a piece of paper or a notice but my app did update a couple hours later to "New Card Being Produced" so I am very relieved and happy and can't wait for it to arrive in the mail! 

Congratulations.  Let's hope when we go next Friday for my wife's interview we have similar luck

[SaraClaire11 139]

11 hours ago, ThailandR said:

Congratulations.  Let's hope when we go next Friday for my wife's interview we have similar luck

Wishing you the best of luck! Let us know how it goes!

 

The app updated again today and now our status says our case was approved as of yesterday. Already been looking into the I-751 and what's needed to remove conditions in 2 years. 

[rierose 15]

On 5/31/2024 at 5:30 PM, smashtic said:

Today we received notice that our case was transferred to our local field office.

 

They are also asking for a I-693 Medical. For context our DS-3025 was not marked complete for some reason after the exam. In the FAQ for the 693 it says if a medical exam was performed prior to entry (and less than 1 year), then a medical exam is not needed but that a confirmation / translation of vaccine updates is required if the DS was not filled out correctly.

 

Is it safe to just perform the full 693 or thoughts on having them translate the vaccine portion? 

 

Also I assume the next step is interview if it is at our local office.

 

Hi, I had this exact thing happen to me last week, also with the NYC field office.

I was positive that by DS-3025 was filed out correctly and that there was not a need to redo the medical examination. I made a cover letter where I explained everything and quoted the I-693 instructions underscoring why I did not need to file the form. I printed out the DS-3025 and the email which they sent to me. Then I went down to the office in person and was able to speak to multiple officers who were all luckily very accommodating and understanding.

This morning (i.e., two days after my visit), I got the approval notice.

 

I'm not sure if I was just lucky or why I got the approval so quickly after, but they were surprised by the fact that I showed up in person and said it underscored that I just wanted to do everything by the book and had good intentions. So, I'd highly recommend you trying to do the same, of course if your DS-3025 was marked not complete it complicates things. Our cases must've just arrived at the same time and gotten the same message

[XinTing 13]

Updates:

green card approved on 5/31. we originally submitted adjustment of status early October 2023. Did not get work auth or advanced parole prior to green card even though we submitted the application - luckily it isn’t needed anymore! 
 

On 5/31 I noticed a new status update of “your card is being produced”, then a few hours later it switch to case approved! 
 

Our RFE arrived at the Vermont field office 5/17, in under two weeks we got approved!

 

Our RFE was mainly to have the vaccine portion updated since my husband’s country didn’t offer the required vaccinations and also an issue with his birth certificate (even though the certificate was official and authenticated by the government, the authentication date was 2021, not at the time of his birth because that’s not standard where he is from) - we ended up submitted affidavits from older family members who could attest to his birth and that he is who he says he is, as well as school records from primary to college. We also sent in evidence of joint finances even though it was not requested - an immigration lawyer recommended we do this at the time of RFE. 
 

so for anyone about to start the process - get the vaccine portion of the medical redone (usually this is a cheaper fee if just for vaccines)  if you weren’t able to get them in your home country; if you do not have a birth certificate authenticated from time of your birth, get at least two family members to submit affidavits (both original language and translated - these need to be notarized). Submit evidence of shared finances, lease agreements, health insurance, etc. 
 

glad to hear others have interviews on the way and are/were approved! 

[mw & rg k1 636]

On 6/1/2024 at 12:13 PM, SaraClaire11 said:

Wishing you the best of luck! Let us know how it goes!

 

The app updated again today and now our status says our case was approved as of yesterday. Already been looking into the I-751 and what's needed to remove conditions in 2 years. 

I made a post a while back about I-751 removal of conditions.
Even started a word doc and let me tell you that it was already hard to find correct photos for our story.

Our doc is already up to ~35 pages and I check in on it every 2 weeks or so to see what I need to add (or remember to take photos to add).
Orginized with a table of contents in front and then page after page of proof points.

Here is our current table of contents for reference.
Will is started and in process ... Not sure if I will kep gift receipts 
But the general list came from that link I submitted to this group chat.

 

Evidence of CoHabitation (showing both names)

    Association document to property showing both names…………………………….………24

    Mortgage or loan document showing both names…………………………………..………..21
    Lease agreement showing both names……………………………..…………………….10, 24
    Voided or Canceled checks………………………………………………………….….……9, 17

    Property and Car insurance………….………………………….………………………….10, 22

Evidence of CoHabitation (showing same address)

    Driver’s Licenses, IDs, Gov’n Docs……..…………………..…5, 18, 20, 24-25, Attachments
    Bank Statements ………………………………………………..…………………..…………..17

    Utility bills ………………………………………………………………………..…………...11, 34

    Health and other insurance policies……………………………….….……….…..………12, 22

    Correspondence from friends, family………………………….….……………..…………26-28

    Affidavits from friends, family, neighbors, landlords………….….…..……..…………Attached

 

Evidence of Commingling of Finances (Joint Finances)

    Bank statements………………………………………………………….…….…….…….……17

    Canceled checks and Credit………..…………………..…….………….……..………9, 17, 19

    Loan statements…………………………………………………….…….…………..…………21

    Health, life, property, auto insurance statement……………………….…...….…………12, 22

    Utility bills………………………………………………………………….……..……...……11, 34

    Tax Returns Married filing Jointly…………………....……2023 & 2024 Transcripts Attached

    Ownership of property…………………………….…..…………………………………………21

    Family matters including wills, etc.………….….…..……………………….…………………??

 

Evidence of intimacy

    Photos of couple’s wedding, honeymoon………..…………….………………………2-5, 30,x

    Photos of vacation………………………………….………………………..………13-14, 29-31

    Photos of family dinners/activities……………………………….…………8, 13-14, 25, 29, 31

    Photos of holidays…………………………………..…………..……………………8, 13, 14, 31

    Travel Itineraries and hotel bookings…………………..………………………………13, 27-32

    Photos of vacations or trips ………………………………….………………5, 8, 13, 14, 29-32
    Photos of international family visit trips…………………..………………….…………3, 29, 30

    Tickets to events both attended……………………………….……….…….5, 9, 15, 23-25, 31

    Gift Receipts……………..…………………………………………….……………

    Evidence of in-law communication……………………..…..…………………3, 7, 8, 25, 27-28

    Joint Accounts…………………….….………………………9-12, 15-17, 19, 21-22, 24, 33-34      
    Social Media Records………………………….7, 27-28 (and many of the photos within doc)

 

Attachments

    IRS Tax Filings 2023 & 2024,          Brazil Recognition of wedding (Apostilled)

    Affidavits (Person 1 & Person 2), Religious Certificate of Wedding (in Brazil)   

[ThailandR 54]

On 6/1/2024 at 12:13 PM, SaraClaire11 said:

Wishing you the best of luck! Let us know how it goes!

 

The app updated again today and now our status says our case was approved as of yesterday. Already been looking into the I-751 and what's needed to remove conditions in 2 years. 

Today was the day for the wife's GC interview at the USCIS field office. Arrived at 6:30 am, 15 minutes before the time on the Appointment letter. Walked in through security after being screened and then upstairs we went. Checked in with the Check-in desk, wife then had her photo taken and index finger prints done. I was told the Agent would be out and would take me back first. Waited about 30 minutes and then the Agent came out and called my name.. into the Agents office I went, was sworn in, and then spent the next 45 minutes  yes 45 minutes being asked questions regarding this sponsorship and then about my prior one done over 10 years ago.  They were concerned about the age gap, but in the end after giving all my evidence the agent was pleased and took me back out to the waiting area. The agent then had my wife follow back and 10 minutes later they both walked out together with my wife smiling.  The agent told us we were approved and the card should be in the mail in about 2 weeks.  My w8fe sa8d she was asked just 6 questions, the first regarding how my children felt about me marrying a younger woman. My wife answered the same way I did, that age was irrelevant to them as long as we were happy and they can see we are. The other question was about why her daughter did not come with us and it was explained that the father wanted the daughter to make her own decision when she turned 14. The remaining questions were about how we met, how long we have been together, and if I had told her about my ex-wife and why we divorced.

 

At the end of the day, we'll 8:30 am, we left with my wife being very happy and smiling.   

 

Still no change in the App.

[SaraClaire11 139]

15 minutes ago, ThailandR said:

Today was the day for the wife's GC interview at the USCIS field office. Arrived at 6:30 am, 15 minutes before the time on the Appointment letter. Walked in through security after being screened and then upstairs we went. Checked in with the Check-in desk, wife then had her photo taken and index finger prints done. I was told the Agent would be out and would take me back first. Waited about 30 minutes and then the Agent came out and called my name.. into the Agents office I went, was sworn in, and then spent the next 45 minutes  yes 45 minutes being asked questions regarding this sponsorship and then about my prior one done over 10 years ago.  They were concerned about the age gap, but in the end after giving all my evidence the agent was pleased and took me back out to the waiting area. The agent then had my wife follow back and 10 minutes later they both walked out together with my wife smiling.  The agent told us we were approved and the card should be in the mail in about 2 weeks.  My w8fe sa8d she was asked just 6 questions, the first regarding how my children felt about me marrying a younger woman. My wife answered the same way I did, that age was irrelevant to them as long as we were happy and they can see we are. The other question was about why her daughter did not come with us and it was explained that the father wanted the daughter to make her own decision when she turned 14. The remaining questions were about how we met, how long we have been together, and if I had told her about my ex-wife and why we divorced.

 

At the end of the day, we'll 8:30 am, we left with my wife being very happy and smiling.   

 

Still no change in the App.

Congrats! That is great news! 45 mins is a bit long but you were successful and that's all that matters! 

[SaraClaire11 139]

Yesterday we received our I-797 approval notice and today my husbands green card arrived in the mail!!!

 

What a relief!!!

[ThailandR 54]

I-797 approval notice was uploaded today on the USCIS website,  we also received an Email notifying us of a status change.  Now to await the arrival of the GC in the mail.  7 months and 6 days from the day the AOS was received. Not to bad when it also included having to interview.wiahing everyone else still in tge process the best of luck.

[ThailandR 54]

Update. 

Today the case status changed to Card was produced.  Now to wait for it to arrive in the mail. My wife is so excited, and I am happy this first ordeal is done. Next up in 2 years to do the Removal of Conditions procedure and at the same time apply for her citizenship.

[ThailandR 54]

GC arrived today in the mail  so my wife is now officially a Permanent Resident, well that's what the card says at least.

[mw & rg k1 636]

1 hour ago, ThailandR said:

GC arrived today in the mail  so my wife is now officially a Permanent Resident, well that's what the card says at least.

 

Remember, get that document started ASAP ... you'll be amazed just how hard it is already to dig up photos in just this short time