Got the Green Card!!

[arondello 0]

We just received my wife's green card in the mail yesterday, after sending in our forms on December 31, 2007. After all the horror stories about dealing with the USCIS, we found it to be a rather smooth process. The interview was nerve-racking, but it turned out all right in the end.

After this experience, the few pieces of advice I'd offer to others are these:

1. Double, triple, quadruple-check your forms before you send them in, each of you separately, so you don't leave ANYTHING out. We were missing the letter from the sponsor's employer, which you need in addition to the W-2, but they let it slide, saying that not all interviewers would let it slide.

2. Organize the packet very well, with every form paper clipped separately, and with a cover letter which clearly lays everything out.

3. Bring as much proof of your legit marriage to the interview as possible! That's the most important thing. We had a letter from our priest, which was very helpful, it seemed. Photos of the two families together, photos of you doing important things together, like celebrating holidays, are all good. At least one piece of important addressed info with both names on it (bank statement, lease, utility bill).

4. Use this great website to get feedback and advice. It was a superb resource for us, and helped us get through successfully. Thanks to all of you.