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| Los Angeles CA |  Review on January 21, 2020: |
Deanna&Mark
Rating:  | Review Topic: Adjustment of Status
We parked across the street at the Los Angeles Mall for $17 (expensive, but very convenient parking). Then we arrived to the federal building 2 hours early. There is the main entrance to the building, but as we approached with our appointment letter, we were told by a security guard to go to the door for immigration services which is around the corner. So we waited in a short line, showed an officer our appointment letter, went through airport-like security screenings. Once we were through, we took the elevator up to the 8th floor and checked in at the reception window. There in the waiting room, Mark (beneificiary) was called up to take a picture and his fingerprint about 10 minutes in. Then he sat back down with me and we waited an hour and half until our appointment time came (2:45). Finally, an officer came out, called Mark's name, and we followed her to her office. She left the door open and we sat down where she began asking Mark very basic questions (what's your name, what's your parents' names, when did you get married, what's your address). She asked to see his birth certificate and his vaccination records. Then she asked Mark the yes/no questions listed on the I-485 form. Finally, she asked us how we met and if we had any evidence to present. I gave her some photos from our wedding, pictures with Mark and my family, our medical insurance plan, joint bank statement, etc.) She asked if that was it and I said yes - which made me nervous that maybe I didn't provide enough evidence. Then she told us to go wait in the waiting room for 10 mins while she reviews and makes her decision. After a VERY long 10 minute wait, she came out and approached us. She said congratulations, you have been approved. Please remember to remove the conditions 90 days before your card expires. And that was it. The officer was kind of intimidating - she showed no emotion, interest, or care throughout the 20-25 min process which had us second-guessing things during the wait, but overall, the interview was very basic and felt like more of a formality. I think they train the officers to remain indifferent and have you sweat it out a little. I think what I can advise others if they go to this particular office is come early, bring a good amount of evidence but no need to over-do it, and just be genuine when answering the questions. It feels less like an interrogation and more like a routine list of questions. I think we freaked out way more than we should've!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #27842