help: after AOS interview just got a paper that said "pending background checks"

[usclovesukc 0]

My husband and I (I'm the USC) just had our I-485 interview last week, which wasn't exactly the best experience we've ever had, but we survived. At the end, we were given a sheet of paper that said they couldn't make a decision on our case pending completion of the background checks. Now, all over this site, I see entries such as "Interview: Approved pending background checks!" in people's timelines, but I'm having a hard time finding anyone who experienced what we did, our IO didn't tell us yes OR no, just that they couldn't make a decision...yet. Is this a bad sign? If we had "failed" somehow to prove our bonefide marriage, would they have denied us right after the interview? I know we are close to the end of the process, but we just crazy to have this over and done with so we can get on with our married lives (at least until we have to file for removal of conditions). thanks for any help received!

[Empress of Groovy 373]

My husband and I (I'm the USC) just had our I-485 interview last week, which wasn't exactly the best experience we've ever had, but we survived. At the end, we were given a sheet of paper that said they couldn't make a decision on our case pending completion of the background checks. Now, all over this site, I see entries such as "Interview: Approved pending background checks!" in people's timelines, but I'm having a hard time finding anyone who experienced what we did, our IO didn't tell us yes OR no, just that they couldn't make a decision...yet. Is this a bad sign? If we had "failed" somehow to prove our bonefide marriage, would they have denied us right after the interview? I know we are close to the end of the process, but we just crazy to have this over and done with so we can get on with our married lives (at least until we have to file for removal of conditions). thanks for any help received!

I don't think it's anything to be concerned about (aside from the additional wait). My husband's case took quite some time to be approved because of the name check delay (see my timeline), and I think I was guilty of using wording similar to "approved pending background check." It really depends on what wording the IO decides to use. The guy who interviewed us specifically said that he approved the case but that a final decision could not be made until the background check cleared. I think he put it that way so that we wouldn't worry or think that something else had to be done. He was careful to tell us that there was nothing we could do and that there was no way of knowing how long it would take.

In your case, my guess is that if the IO wanted additional information or thought something was amiss, you would have been told this specifically. Perhaps IOs are being more careful about how they word things these days--people get excited when they hear "approved!" but then end up waiting for eons (as in our case).

Anyhoo, it sounds like you guys are fine. I hope that your wait isn't too long. And your timing is good re: the new FBI name check 180-day rule.

Edited March 31, 2008 by Big Agnes!

[Mandysbaby 0]

I might not be of much help, but my husband is currently waiting for his name check to clear as well. At the end of our interview we did not recieve the same paper as you did. The lady gave hubby a paper about removing conditions in 2 years. She never outright said "yes or no". She said "At this time I can not approve your case b/c you your name check hasn't clear". I took it as a good sign that she gave him the paper out removal of conditions though.

[funkyab 0]

Too much Bla Bla....

You are fine... If they want more they will request it. Might be a pain in the as$ but you are all good...

[Cécy 44]

There is a thread for people with interview pending on name chek, right here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6694 Some people in it might have had an experience similar to yours.

[motu 5]

Same thing happened to my wife. There was no 'yes' or 'no' answer - nothing but the file has to be approved or words to that effect. We received the approval notice in couple weeks and the green card in 4 or 5 weeks. Its normal - and some people do get stuck in name-check hell for a long time. Good Luck