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Extremely Bad Interview Experince - Fairfax, VA

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Thailand
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Hi VJers,

Me and my wife Renu had our adjustment of status interview this past Monday February 1st at the Fairfax Office in Virginian. It was a complete nightmare and me and my wife are still depressed over it. I was debating on even writing this post in case it could jeopardize our case but the experience was just so disheartening and unbelievable that I needed to vent and find if anyone else had a experience like this. For added context i'm adding some background.

Background:

I'm a 35 year old male (USC) and my wife is 32 Thai national. I was honorably discharged from the Unite States Navy in 2011 after nearly 10 years of service and decide to do a lifelong dream of mine to discover my roots in my mothers native country of Thailand. (I am half Thai) This is where I met Renu and we lived together happily for 1 year in Bangkok until my language VISA was up and I moved back stateside. I started the K1 process shortly after returning. She was approved and in March 2013 she arrived. (that process was seamless) We had a traditional Thai wedding ceremony at a local Buddhist temple (monks and a lot of chanting) the following month in April. Most my family and friends showed up to this event, however, do to illness and living in Florida my parents could not make it. (My dad and mom have been married for 40+ years, mother is Thai) Renu got her SSN right afterwards and we submitted AOS package. This last two years being married to Renu and living in the United States have been the best times of my life. We traveled all over the the states, discovering new things about the country I love with a foreigners' perspective is so refreshing. Being relatively close in age and understanding each others cultural norms life has been great. My loving wife is the sweetest person I know and everyday I cherish waking up next her. She embraced America faster than I thought, from Football Sundays to Netflix and chill nights, so many priceless wonderful memories. Knowing all this can be taken away and she can be sent home at the discretion of one single individual is so sickening...

The interview:

After nearly a year after we submitted our AOS package and her biometrics, we finally got the notice in early January for the interview for February 1st. (Prior to receiving that noticed, 6 months ago we received a letter suggesting we might not need a interview, I guess things changed) We then started getting our ducks in order; all necessary paperwork, pictures, tax forms etc. We researched interview preparation on forums here and the internet. We don't have a lawyer (in hindsight now I think i should have) but after reading how painless some of the interviews people have had on here and armed with truth that our marriage is bonafide I felt confident we would come out golden. Boy was I wrong. We arrived about a hour before our set time. We dressed in business casual (tie and slacks for me, business skirt and blouse for her) We wanted to be respectful to this immigration process. Guess this wasn't needed because when we arrived in the waiting room everyone else was dress in casual street cloths or traditional Islamic attire. The majority of other couples there seemed to be Hispanic and Arabic. IO's began calling out names, and greeting people with handshakes and smiles. We thought that was a good sign, as we didn't know what to expect. Finally a older African-American man arrived and called out my wife's name, as we approached he quickly turned his back on us and said "follow me," no handshake or greeting given. "Uh oh" I said to myself. No biggie, he is a professional and he has got a important job to do right?

We arrive in his office and I see all sorts of "Support the Troops" flyers hanging in his office. "Here we go," I say to myself in relief. He swore us in and then said " Ok, show me what you got." We quickly started off with our ID's, her SSN card, my tax forms and joint accounts etc. He begins going over everything and then bam he spots my drivers licence has a different address then one provided in our AOS application.I didn't update my drivers licence when we moved. I apologized and said I would get that corrected right away. He just shook his head. I began asking me about my military background and why do I get 50% veteran disability compensation. "What you breathing in all the paint fumes on the ship make you disabled" he said with a smirk and snarky laugh. Wait, what was this an act? This guy being a douche bag for show? Was that necessary? "Keep calm, Chuck, be respectful and relax. These guys are professional interrogators," I said to myself. He then questions my employers letter which states "yearly income of up to $75,000 per year with bonuses." "This is fraudulent, you only made $65,568 according to your 2014 tax return" he said and then tosses letter back to me. I wanted to interject and explain the "up to" part but I quickly decided against it. Damn, why didn't I bring a lawyer? Things get worst. He starts in on my time in Thailand and what I did for a year there. "I wanted to meet my half-brother that I've never met and discover my mothers roots," I responded. "Yeah right, uh huh, Roots huh" he said snidely smiling while shaking his head, as if implying I went to Thailand for more nefarious reasons. He then questions why I moved around so much when I first arrived back from Thailand. I told him I needed to find a suitable place to bring Renu and at the time I had a room mate so in 2013 I moved to this current address upon anticipation of Renu's arrival. "Wait!, back up, back up, start over!" he said. "You just told me you lived there for 13 years!" Wait, what?? "Sir, I never said that, I said I moved there in 2013,"I responded back. I mean how does he not know this, he was aware I was in Thailand in 2011-2012 and before that stationed in San Diego and Seattle from our earlier conversation about my military experience. Where the hell he get 13 years??? Was he just messing with me? He seemed annoyed and dismissive to all my answers to his questions. A lot of condescending remarks made by him after each response I gave.

After about 30 minutes of making me feel like dirt, He the started in on Renu which maybe because language barrier or her calm demeanor but his response to her answers didn't seem as snarky. He did make her cry though when asked about her son living away in Denmark with his wealthy Thai father. " What were you a unfit mother? Is that why your ex-husband has full custody?"...Damn was that necessary? We had a logical explanation for that which I will not say here. He seemed satisfied with her answer, thank god.

He asked for our photos. we brought a whole album (about 50 photos) of the past 4 years together. In beginning of the album is about 20 wedding photos and he had a confused look on his face when viewing through these first couple pages of the photo album. "That's a traditional Thai wedding" I say just to give context on what he is looking at. "I know what traditional is" he replied back. He points to random people in all our albums, we identify them all. He stops and ask when last time I saw my mother and did Renu come with. I tell him about our trip to Florida last year in February 2015. "March Charlie, march" Renu chimes in. He snaps at her "You be quiet, i'm asking him, so you Shhh" he does the shhh finger thing to her. At this point im completely deflated and emotionally drained, this interview is not going as expected. He continues with more questions where I fumble with the answers and at one point I stop him and apologize and saying this new for us and i'm nervous " Why you nervous?? It's just us in this room, you been through this before being in the military, you should know a green card is not guaranteed." my heart sank when he said this....what is he implying? I knew he had a job to do and were where just another case number for him but this interview was our life and our future.

Finally the nightmare situation came to a end and he said " You guys don't have enough evidence, we will send you something in the mail." he said with a triumphant smile of having just tormented two people.He told us to pick 5 photos from our album and he will make copies. He lives the room and I glance over at my Renu, "we just got unlucky" I say but when I see her watery eyes I'm devastated. There's a look on her she gives me that I've never seen before. It was the look of failure, she didn't need to say anything. She just stared into my eyes, I failed her, this was my responsibility and I failed her, I failed us. I looked down.

Captain douche comes back in hands us our photos and looks at me with a stern look and says "you need to get your life together" before escorting us out. The ride home we were both quiet. I started thinking it over in my head of what went wrong and how could I have prepared better etc. I know this is my fault. I should have taken this more seriously. I don't know why I was so confident. When we get home, Rae goes straight to the bedroom and collapse crying. I start drinking. 17 beers in and I wake up middle of the night vomiting. She wakes later to find me drunkly weeping on the sofa. She joins me "don't cry, chaleee they can't take us apart" she says..I tell her "sorry baby, I failed you," we fall asleep uncertain of our future. Lives beholden to the all mighty United States Immigration Department. One of the worst days of my life.

Our happy little life is shattered and our future uncertain now. So frustrating that one person and one interview can change your life forever. My question is, has anybody else experienced this? Should we plan for the worst? Hopefully i'm over-reacting? Sorry for the long post...

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Cyprus
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Not sure what letter he was talking about sending you, perhaps an RFE for co mingled items such as joint bank account, credit card accounts,

her name on your utility bills, lease, joint car title, car insurance, joint health insurance, life insurance naming each other as beneficiary etc etc etc....

Sorry this guy was so rude and apparently on a power trip.

I can relate to you feeling so badly because it took us 5 years to come together, a K1 denial after 16 months in AP and we had to start over.

He is finally here and we are pending AOS.

Don't worry, things will work out for you both, if you get denied then you file again but meanwhile generate some co mingled evidence.

They are real sticklers for ROC so prepare now for that as well.

Cheer up !

Spoiler

 

I-129F Sent : 3-31-2014, NOA2: 4-6-2014

NVC Received : some dinkelsberry yehoo in the house of clingons send our petition to the wrong consulate.

Consulate Received : July 30,2014 Transfer to right embassy complete.

Interview Date : Oct 22, 2014

Interview Result : AP , requesting another PC (not expired) and certified divorce decree (was submitted)Stokes interview via phone for petitioner 4 hrs after interview.

Oct 23 email notification visa approved.
Visa Received : Nov. 3 , 2014 VISA IN HAND.

US Entry : Nov. 21, 2014

Marriage : Dec 27, 2014

AOS send : May 12, 2015, received May 14, 2015 USPS priority

Email &text : May 18, 2015, check cashed May 19,2015, return receipt May 21, 2015 stamped USCIS Lockbox, NOA1 (3x) May 22,2015

Biometrics : June 1, 2015 letter received for appointment June 8, 2015, successful walk-in June 1, 2015

RFE : June 12, 2015 for income not meeting guideline. Income does ( ! ) exceed guideline.

RFE response : June 26, 2015 returned with a boat load full of financial evidence.

UPDATE: July 5, 2015 updated on all 3 cases, RFE received June 30, 2015.

Service request : Aug 12, 2015, letter received that it will be processed within 90 days from receipt of RFE.

UPDATE: Aug 24, 2015, EAD card being produced/ordered. ( 102 days from AOS receipt day and 55 days from RFE response received.) Thank you Jesus !

Emails : Aug 24, 2015, EAD approved, EAD card ordered.

I-797 EAD/AP approval notice received : Aug 27, 2015

EAD/AP combo card mailed : Aug 27, 2015, EAD/AP combo card received: Aug 31, 2015

Renewal application send for EAD/AP : May 31,2016 (AOS pending over 1 year). Received June 2, 2016,Notice date June7, 2016, emails,texts, NOA1 hard copy

Service request for pending AOS April 21, 2016, case not assigned yet.
Service request for pending AOS June 14, 2016, tier 2 said performing background checks.
Expedite request for EAD/AP Aug 3, 2016, Aug10 notification >request was received, assigned, completed. RFE letter requesting evidence for expedite, docs faxed Aug18

*Service request for I-485 Aug 3, 2016, Aug11 notification> request was assigned. Service request Dec 2, 2016.
AOS Interview letter received Aug 12, 2016

AOS Interview September 21, 2016.

Second Biometrics appointment letters received for EAD and AOS on Aug 15, 2016 for Aug 17 ( 2 day notice).

Second Biometrics completed Aug 17, 2016

Third Biometrics appointment letter received Aug 19, 2016 for Sept. 1, 2016. WTH ?!

EAD/AP (renewal) approval Aug 22, 2016, NOA2 received Aug 25, 2016

Renewal EAD in production notification text and online, expedite successful 4 days after RFE request response was faxed, Aug25mailed,Aug29received.

Sept. 21 Interview, 2 hour interview, we were separated and asked about 50 questions each for an hour each. IO was firm but professional, some smiles.
Several service requests made, contacted Senator and Ombudsman. Background checks still pending.
July 21, 2017 HOME VISIT.  Went well. Topic thread in AOS forum.
Waiting to skip ROC and get 10 yr GC due to over 2 year while pending AOS
AOS APPROVED Oct. 4, 2017 * Green card in hand Oct 13, 2017 !!!!!

First K1 denied after 16 month of AP. Refiled. We are a couple since 2009. Not a sprint but a matter of endurance.

 

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Thailand
Timeline

Thank you Ebunoluwa, for the kind words. Wow they denied your k1? Man I couldn't even begin to imagine if that happened to us. You guys have a strong relationship, good luck with the interview! In hindsight I should have been more prepared. At the moment i'm adding more joint accounts. Which I find silly consider you can log on a computer and randomly put any name on your utilities account. I thought pictures would be more hard evidence than both names on our water bill. We do have joint lease, phone and bank account but apparently that wasn't enough.So discouraging though to see people who clearly take advantage of the system get green cards on the spot but real relationships like ours having to go through a painful timely process. Sorry, what is "ROC"? lol clearly can tell I'm not as prepared as I thought...

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Filed: L-1 Visa Country: Nigeria
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First red flag I see and it isn't related to immigration at all. You were honorably discharged after ten years. Most people if they stay past eight, why get out at ten when you are only seven or eight years from either an early out or retirement. He, being prior military, probably started speculating that something happened during your career.it could have been a medical discharge but you wrote honorable. No doubt he had your 214 though.

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Cyprus
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Thank you Ebunoluwa, for the kind words. Wow they denied your k1? Man I couldn't even begin to imagine if that happened to us. You guys have a strong relationship, good luck with the interview! In hindsight I should have been more prepared. At the moment i'm adding more joint accounts. Which I find silly consider you can log on a computer and randomly put any name on your utilities account. I thought pictures would be more hard evidence than both names on our water bill. We do have joint lease, phone and bank account but apparently that wasn't enough.So discouraging though to see people who clearly take advantage of the system get green cards on the spot but real relationships like ours having to go through a painful timely process. Sorry, what is "ROC"? lol clearly can tell I'm not as prepared as I thought...

Also do wills and power of attorney.

ROC = Removing of Condition 2 years (minus 3 months) after you get the green card.

Always stay ahead of the process, during K1 read all about AOS, during pending AOS prepare for ROC and then citizenship.

Subscribe to the posts from forums to get a feel for the needed evidence and flow of things.

I have this feeling that you will get a letter of approval, let me know if I am right ! Usually what you had is enough for AOS (but not for ROC) so I don't know

why the IO acted like that unless he played a taunting game with you guys and you will be approved not RFE'ed. They know you can't have

too much evidence showing co mingling if she hasn't been here long.

Spoiler

 

I-129F Sent : 3-31-2014, NOA2: 4-6-2014

NVC Received : some dinkelsberry yehoo in the house of clingons send our petition to the wrong consulate.

Consulate Received : July 30,2014 Transfer to right embassy complete.

Interview Date : Oct 22, 2014

Interview Result : AP , requesting another PC (not expired) and certified divorce decree (was submitted)Stokes interview via phone for petitioner 4 hrs after interview.

Oct 23 email notification visa approved.
Visa Received : Nov. 3 , 2014 VISA IN HAND.

US Entry : Nov. 21, 2014

Marriage : Dec 27, 2014

AOS send : May 12, 2015, received May 14, 2015 USPS priority

Email &text : May 18, 2015, check cashed May 19,2015, return receipt May 21, 2015 stamped USCIS Lockbox, NOA1 (3x) May 22,2015

Biometrics : June 1, 2015 letter received for appointment June 8, 2015, successful walk-in June 1, 2015

RFE : June 12, 2015 for income not meeting guideline. Income does ( ! ) exceed guideline.

RFE response : June 26, 2015 returned with a boat load full of financial evidence.

UPDATE: July 5, 2015 updated on all 3 cases, RFE received June 30, 2015.

Service request : Aug 12, 2015, letter received that it will be processed within 90 days from receipt of RFE.

UPDATE: Aug 24, 2015, EAD card being produced/ordered. ( 102 days from AOS receipt day and 55 days from RFE response received.) Thank you Jesus !

Emails : Aug 24, 2015, EAD approved, EAD card ordered.

I-797 EAD/AP approval notice received : Aug 27, 2015

EAD/AP combo card mailed : Aug 27, 2015, EAD/AP combo card received: Aug 31, 2015

Renewal application send for EAD/AP : May 31,2016 (AOS pending over 1 year). Received June 2, 2016,Notice date June7, 2016, emails,texts, NOA1 hard copy

Service request for pending AOS April 21, 2016, case not assigned yet.
Service request for pending AOS June 14, 2016, tier 2 said performing background checks.
Expedite request for EAD/AP Aug 3, 2016, Aug10 notification >request was received, assigned, completed. RFE letter requesting evidence for expedite, docs faxed Aug18

*Service request for I-485 Aug 3, 2016, Aug11 notification> request was assigned. Service request Dec 2, 2016.
AOS Interview letter received Aug 12, 2016

AOS Interview September 21, 2016.

Second Biometrics appointment letters received for EAD and AOS on Aug 15, 2016 for Aug 17 ( 2 day notice).

Second Biometrics completed Aug 17, 2016

Third Biometrics appointment letter received Aug 19, 2016 for Sept. 1, 2016. WTH ?!

EAD/AP (renewal) approval Aug 22, 2016, NOA2 received Aug 25, 2016

Renewal EAD in production notification text and online, expedite successful 4 days after RFE request response was faxed, Aug25mailed,Aug29received.

Sept. 21 Interview, 2 hour interview, we were separated and asked about 50 questions each for an hour each. IO was firm but professional, some smiles.
Several service requests made, contacted Senator and Ombudsman. Background checks still pending.
July 21, 2017 HOME VISIT.  Went well. Topic thread in AOS forum.
Waiting to skip ROC and get 10 yr GC due to over 2 year while pending AOS
AOS APPROVED Oct. 4, 2017 * Green card in hand Oct 13, 2017 !!!!!

First K1 denied after 16 month of AP. Refiled. We are a couple since 2009. Not a sprint but a matter of endurance.

 

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Thailand
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First red flag I see and it isn't related to immigration at all. You were honorably discharged after ten years. Most people if they stay past eight, why get out at ten when you are only seven or eight years from either an early out or retirement. He, being prior military, probably started speculating that something happened during your career.it could have been a medical discharge but you wrote honorable. No doubt he had your 214 though.

Tomy,

Your probably right on why he kept questioning my military time now I think of it. I don't think he was prior Navy but maybe army. I was Honorably discharged, says it on my DD214. I didn't start medical process until right before I got out at TAPS. I was Mass Communications specialist for the Navy, because of my rate I had to sign up for 5 years initially. (Bootcamp, A school and Sea Duty) Then I reenlisted for 2 years at shore duty, I then signed up for only additional 3 years again. In hindsight I miss the Navy and wish I would have stayed in. The prospect of more money and no more Sea time changed my mind. He did ask this in the beginning (Why didn't you just stay in he asked?) which I thought was odd at the time but now looks like maybe he was judging my character?

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Jordan
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Tomy,

Your probably right on why he kept questioning my military time now I think of it. I don't think he was prior Navy but maybe army. I was Honorably discharged, says it on my DD214. I didn't start medical process until right before I got out at TAPS. I was Mass Communications specialist for the Navy, because of my rate I had to sign up for 5 years initially. (Bootcamp, A school and Sea Duty) Then I reenlisted for 2 years at shore duty, I then signed up for only additional 3 years again. In hindsight I miss the Navy and wish I would have stayed in. The prospect of more money and no more Sea time changed my mind. He did ask this in the beginning (Why didn't you just stay in he asked?) which I thought was odd at the time but now looks like maybe he was judging my character?

He should have been focusing on ROC and not on your military career. As Ebo stated, get as much evidence as you can and have it ready for the RFE letter. I wish you the best,


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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Cyprus
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Tomy,

Your probably right on why he kept questioning my military time now I think of it. I don't think he was prior Navy but maybe army. I was Honorably discharged, says it on my DD214. I didn't start medical process until right before I got out at TAPS. I was Mass Communications specialist for the Navy, because of my rate I had to sign up for 5 years initially. (Bootcamp, A school and Sea Duty) Then I reenlisted for 2 years at shore duty, I then signed up for only additional 3 years again. In hindsight I miss the Navy and wish I would have stayed in. The prospect of more money and no more Sea time changed my mind. He did ask this in the beginning (Why didn't you just stay in he asked?) which I thought was odd at the time but now looks like maybe he was judging my character?

Why you chose to get out early has no bearing on whether you have a bona fide relationship or not. It's about as relevant as the color of your underwear.

Spoiler

 

I-129F Sent : 3-31-2014, NOA2: 4-6-2014

NVC Received : some dinkelsberry yehoo in the house of clingons send our petition to the wrong consulate.

Consulate Received : July 30,2014 Transfer to right embassy complete.

Interview Date : Oct 22, 2014

Interview Result : AP , requesting another PC (not expired) and certified divorce decree (was submitted)Stokes interview via phone for petitioner 4 hrs after interview.

Oct 23 email notification visa approved.
Visa Received : Nov. 3 , 2014 VISA IN HAND.

US Entry : Nov. 21, 2014

Marriage : Dec 27, 2014

AOS send : May 12, 2015, received May 14, 2015 USPS priority

Email &text : May 18, 2015, check cashed May 19,2015, return receipt May 21, 2015 stamped USCIS Lockbox, NOA1 (3x) May 22,2015

Biometrics : June 1, 2015 letter received for appointment June 8, 2015, successful walk-in June 1, 2015

RFE : June 12, 2015 for income not meeting guideline. Income does ( ! ) exceed guideline.

RFE response : June 26, 2015 returned with a boat load full of financial evidence.

UPDATE: July 5, 2015 updated on all 3 cases, RFE received June 30, 2015.

Service request : Aug 12, 2015, letter received that it will be processed within 90 days from receipt of RFE.

UPDATE: Aug 24, 2015, EAD card being produced/ordered. ( 102 days from AOS receipt day and 55 days from RFE response received.) Thank you Jesus !

Emails : Aug 24, 2015, EAD approved, EAD card ordered.

I-797 EAD/AP approval notice received : Aug 27, 2015

EAD/AP combo card mailed : Aug 27, 2015, EAD/AP combo card received: Aug 31, 2015

Renewal application send for EAD/AP : May 31,2016 (AOS pending over 1 year). Received June 2, 2016,Notice date June7, 2016, emails,texts, NOA1 hard copy

Service request for pending AOS April 21, 2016, case not assigned yet.
Service request for pending AOS June 14, 2016, tier 2 said performing background checks.
Expedite request for EAD/AP Aug 3, 2016, Aug10 notification >request was received, assigned, completed. RFE letter requesting evidence for expedite, docs faxed Aug18

*Service request for I-485 Aug 3, 2016, Aug11 notification> request was assigned. Service request Dec 2, 2016.
AOS Interview letter received Aug 12, 2016

AOS Interview September 21, 2016.

Second Biometrics appointment letters received for EAD and AOS on Aug 15, 2016 for Aug 17 ( 2 day notice).

Second Biometrics completed Aug 17, 2016

Third Biometrics appointment letter received Aug 19, 2016 for Sept. 1, 2016. WTH ?!

EAD/AP (renewal) approval Aug 22, 2016, NOA2 received Aug 25, 2016

Renewal EAD in production notification text and online, expedite successful 4 days after RFE request response was faxed, Aug25mailed,Aug29received.

Sept. 21 Interview, 2 hour interview, we were separated and asked about 50 questions each for an hour each. IO was firm but professional, some smiles.
Several service requests made, contacted Senator and Ombudsman. Background checks still pending.
July 21, 2017 HOME VISIT.  Went well. Topic thread in AOS forum.
Waiting to skip ROC and get 10 yr GC due to over 2 year while pending AOS
AOS APPROVED Oct. 4, 2017 * Green card in hand Oct 13, 2017 !!!!!

First K1 denied after 16 month of AP. Refiled. We are a couple since 2009. Not a sprint but a matter of endurance.

 

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Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: China
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~Moved from Fam,-based AOS to Fam,-based AOS Progress Forum~

Completed: K1/K2 (271 days) - AOS/EAD/AP (134 days) - ROC (279 days)

"Si vis amari, ama" - Seneca

 

 

 

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Filed: L-1 Visa Country: Nigeria
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Why you chose to get out early has no bearing on whether you have a bona fide relationship or not. It's about as relevant as the color of your underwear.

While what you say is how the world should work... BUT generally as soon as a veteran starts talking to another veteran about time in service, they will ask (usually) did you retire or how long were you in for. Unfortunately when people hear something over eight years but not retirement, medical retirement, or medical discharge, they sometimes start wondering what happened, especially if the person is young. The guy probably judged him before he walked in the door and then saying things like finding roots and traveling all over didn't help. It isn't fair. It isn't right but sometimes that is life. BUT you are probably just delayed. You still have recourse. You are a veteran.

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
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Why you chose to get out early has no bearing on whether you have a bona fide relationship or not. It's about as relevant as the color of your underwear.

It has a bearing if the person interviewing has a problem with a discharge or drawing funds. If he was former military also that could have been all it took. You're forgetting that this one person makes the decision, they can use any excuse they want to deny so to say it has no bearing isn't a realistic assessment.

OP either this guy didn't like you from the beginning or there is something else going on. Sounds like a pretty shitty experience, I think you did what you could so don't get down on yourself. I'll be totally honest and devils advocate if I were giving an interview and found out you make 70k and get some kind of pay from the government for military disability type thing I might be a little upset myself. I don't really know how that system works, just saying that's the take I got from reading what you wrote.

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Vietnam
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Drinking 17 beers isn't very useful. Seriously get your stuff in order and I don't see how having a lawyer would have helped your situation except wasting money.

What happened would have happened regardless. Wait for RFE and respond with everything they ask and more.

Remember stay calm and cool - their job is to be a pain in the ###.

Edited by cyclone27

ROC Timeline

Service Center: Vermont

90 Day Window Opened....08/08/17

I-751 Packet Sent..............08/14/17

NO1 Dated.........................

NO1 Received....................

Check Cashed....................

Biometrics Received..........

Biometrics Appointment.....

Approved...........................

 

IR-1/CR-1 Visa

I-130 NOA1: 22 Dec 2014
I-130 NOA2: 25 Jan 2015
NVC Received: 06 Feb 2015
Pay AOS Bill: 07 Mar 2015
Pay IV Bill : 20 Mar 2015
Send IV/AOS Package: 23 Mar 2015
Submit DS-261: 26 Mar 2015
Case Completed at NVC: 24 Apr 2015
Interview Date: 22 Sep 2015
Visa Approved: 22 Sep 2015
Visa Received: 03 Oct 2015 

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Cyprus
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While what you say is how the world should work... BUT generally as soon as a veteran starts talking to another veteran about time in service, they will ask (usually) did you retire or how long were you in for. Unfortunately when people hear something over eight years but not retirement, medical retirement, or medical discharge, they sometimes start wondering what happened, especially if the person is young. The guy probably judged him before he walked in the door and then saying things like finding roots and traveling all over didn't help. It isn't fair. It isn't right but sometimes that is life. BUT you are probably just delayed. You still have recourse. You are a veteran.

I am not a novice in how the world should work and doesn't work.

Especially with a 5 year immigration ordeal behind me not to mention my own naturalization before that.

This is not a CO gone rogue at an embassy with super powers of personal discretion,

this is a rude IO assigned to adjudicate AOS at USCIS and therefore it does not matter if he thinks OP should have stayed in the military longer, that is not the reason for not being approved on the spot. He can dislike whoever walks through his door but he better have a damn good reason if he doesn't

approve them. Now a K1 applicant could have been refused, returned and that is the end of it it but we are talking adjustment of status here.

OP lacked some co mingling evidence and IO will either issue an RFE or send an approval letter.

Thousands of people look for their roots and travel and that is also not a reason for any suspicion of a non bona fide marriage whatsoever.

I totally disagree.

Spoiler

 

I-129F Sent : 3-31-2014, NOA2: 4-6-2014

NVC Received : some dinkelsberry yehoo in the house of clingons send our petition to the wrong consulate.

Consulate Received : July 30,2014 Transfer to right embassy complete.

Interview Date : Oct 22, 2014

Interview Result : AP , requesting another PC (not expired) and certified divorce decree (was submitted)Stokes interview via phone for petitioner 4 hrs after interview.

Oct 23 email notification visa approved.
Visa Received : Nov. 3 , 2014 VISA IN HAND.

US Entry : Nov. 21, 2014

Marriage : Dec 27, 2014

AOS send : May 12, 2015, received May 14, 2015 USPS priority

Email &text : May 18, 2015, check cashed May 19,2015, return receipt May 21, 2015 stamped USCIS Lockbox, NOA1 (3x) May 22,2015

Biometrics : June 1, 2015 letter received for appointment June 8, 2015, successful walk-in June 1, 2015

RFE : June 12, 2015 for income not meeting guideline. Income does ( ! ) exceed guideline.

RFE response : June 26, 2015 returned with a boat load full of financial evidence.

UPDATE: July 5, 2015 updated on all 3 cases, RFE received June 30, 2015.

Service request : Aug 12, 2015, letter received that it will be processed within 90 days from receipt of RFE.

UPDATE: Aug 24, 2015, EAD card being produced/ordered. ( 102 days from AOS receipt day and 55 days from RFE response received.) Thank you Jesus !

Emails : Aug 24, 2015, EAD approved, EAD card ordered.

I-797 EAD/AP approval notice received : Aug 27, 2015

EAD/AP combo card mailed : Aug 27, 2015, EAD/AP combo card received: Aug 31, 2015

Renewal application send for EAD/AP : May 31,2016 (AOS pending over 1 year). Received June 2, 2016,Notice date June7, 2016, emails,texts, NOA1 hard copy

Service request for pending AOS April 21, 2016, case not assigned yet.
Service request for pending AOS June 14, 2016, tier 2 said performing background checks.
Expedite request for EAD/AP Aug 3, 2016, Aug10 notification >request was received, assigned, completed. RFE letter requesting evidence for expedite, docs faxed Aug18

*Service request for I-485 Aug 3, 2016, Aug11 notification> request was assigned. Service request Dec 2, 2016.
AOS Interview letter received Aug 12, 2016

AOS Interview September 21, 2016.

Second Biometrics appointment letters received for EAD and AOS on Aug 15, 2016 for Aug 17 ( 2 day notice).

Second Biometrics completed Aug 17, 2016

Third Biometrics appointment letter received Aug 19, 2016 for Sept. 1, 2016. WTH ?!

EAD/AP (renewal) approval Aug 22, 2016, NOA2 received Aug 25, 2016

Renewal EAD in production notification text and online, expedite successful 4 days after RFE request response was faxed, Aug25mailed,Aug29received.

Sept. 21 Interview, 2 hour interview, we were separated and asked about 50 questions each for an hour each. IO was firm but professional, some smiles.
Several service requests made, contacted Senator and Ombudsman. Background checks still pending.
July 21, 2017 HOME VISIT.  Went well. Topic thread in AOS forum.
Waiting to skip ROC and get 10 yr GC due to over 2 year while pending AOS
AOS APPROVED Oct. 4, 2017 * Green card in hand Oct 13, 2017 !!!!!

First K1 denied after 16 month of AP. Refiled. We are a couple since 2009. Not a sprint but a matter of endurance.

 

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Cyprus
Timeline

It has a bearing if the person interviewing has a problem with a discharge or drawing funds. If he was former military also that could have been all it took. You're forgetting that this one person makes the decision, they can use any excuse they want to deny so to say it has no bearing isn't a realistic assessment.

OP either this guy didn't like you from the beginning or there is something else going on. Sounds like a pretty shitty experience, I think you did what you could so don't get down on yourself. I'll be totally honest and devils advocate if I were giving an interview and found out you make 70k and get some kind of pay from the government for military disability type thing I might be a little upset myself. I don't really know how that system works, just saying that's the take I got from reading what you wrote.

His financial income of course has a bearing and it exceeds the amount required. Unless his income sources are not legal there is no issue.

No, they can NOT use any excuse they want to deny, again this is adjusting status with a IO,not dealing with a rogue CO.

Spoiler

 

I-129F Sent : 3-31-2014, NOA2: 4-6-2014

NVC Received : some dinkelsberry yehoo in the house of clingons send our petition to the wrong consulate.

Consulate Received : July 30,2014 Transfer to right embassy complete.

Interview Date : Oct 22, 2014

Interview Result : AP , requesting another PC (not expired) and certified divorce decree (was submitted)Stokes interview via phone for petitioner 4 hrs after interview.

Oct 23 email notification visa approved.
Visa Received : Nov. 3 , 2014 VISA IN HAND.

US Entry : Nov. 21, 2014

Marriage : Dec 27, 2014

AOS send : May 12, 2015, received May 14, 2015 USPS priority

Email &text : May 18, 2015, check cashed May 19,2015, return receipt May 21, 2015 stamped USCIS Lockbox, NOA1 (3x) May 22,2015

Biometrics : June 1, 2015 letter received for appointment June 8, 2015, successful walk-in June 1, 2015

RFE : June 12, 2015 for income not meeting guideline. Income does ( ! ) exceed guideline.

RFE response : June 26, 2015 returned with a boat load full of financial evidence.

UPDATE: July 5, 2015 updated on all 3 cases, RFE received June 30, 2015.

Service request : Aug 12, 2015, letter received that it will be processed within 90 days from receipt of RFE.

UPDATE: Aug 24, 2015, EAD card being produced/ordered. ( 102 days from AOS receipt day and 55 days from RFE response received.) Thank you Jesus !

Emails : Aug 24, 2015, EAD approved, EAD card ordered.

I-797 EAD/AP approval notice received : Aug 27, 2015

EAD/AP combo card mailed : Aug 27, 2015, EAD/AP combo card received: Aug 31, 2015

Renewal application send for EAD/AP : May 31,2016 (AOS pending over 1 year). Received June 2, 2016,Notice date June7, 2016, emails,texts, NOA1 hard copy

Service request for pending AOS April 21, 2016, case not assigned yet.
Service request for pending AOS June 14, 2016, tier 2 said performing background checks.
Expedite request for EAD/AP Aug 3, 2016, Aug10 notification >request was received, assigned, completed. RFE letter requesting evidence for expedite, docs faxed Aug18

*Service request for I-485 Aug 3, 2016, Aug11 notification> request was assigned. Service request Dec 2, 2016.
AOS Interview letter received Aug 12, 2016

AOS Interview September 21, 2016.

Second Biometrics appointment letters received for EAD and AOS on Aug 15, 2016 for Aug 17 ( 2 day notice).

Second Biometrics completed Aug 17, 2016

Third Biometrics appointment letter received Aug 19, 2016 for Sept. 1, 2016. WTH ?!

EAD/AP (renewal) approval Aug 22, 2016, NOA2 received Aug 25, 2016

Renewal EAD in production notification text and online, expedite successful 4 days after RFE request response was faxed, Aug25mailed,Aug29received.

Sept. 21 Interview, 2 hour interview, we were separated and asked about 50 questions each for an hour each. IO was firm but professional, some smiles.
Several service requests made, contacted Senator and Ombudsman. Background checks still pending.
July 21, 2017 HOME VISIT.  Went well. Topic thread in AOS forum.
Waiting to skip ROC and get 10 yr GC due to over 2 year while pending AOS
AOS APPROVED Oct. 4, 2017 * Green card in hand Oct 13, 2017 !!!!!

First K1 denied after 16 month of AP. Refiled. We are a couple since 2009. Not a sprint but a matter of endurance.

 

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