AOS Approved

[shikarnov 7]

Finally had our interview at the Dallas office. It took forever to actually get into the interview room, but once there it was a pretty simple process. The woman going through all the documents to make sure everything was there. And then she did some fact checking of what we had in our documents. "What's your social security number?" "What's your address?" "Phone number?" etc.

She only asked for the most basic of evidence. In spite of us having brought a stack of copies and originals and photography, she just glanced over our bank statements and wanted to see our marriage certificate. She checked our IDs, and took back Ira's employment authorization card.

Then she said, "And now I'm going to ask you some personal questions." At this point, I figured we were going to get into the horror story territory, but the questions were ridiculously impersonal. "Are you a terrorist or affiliated with any terrorist organization?" "Are you now or have you ever been a member of a communist party or organization?" etc. She didn't ask a single question that I would consider in any way invasive.

In the end we got approved for a 2-year Green Card (if we'd waited until the end of June, we could have gotten the 10-year card right then and there). It'll take 4-6 weeks to arrive in the mail.

[Martyshk 137]

Very nice, congrats!

[mox 298]

Cool, congratulations!

[sivad 0]

Finally had our interview at the Dallas office. It took forever to actually get into the interview room, but once there it was a pretty simple process. The woman going through all the documents to make sure everything was there. And then she did some fact checking of what we had in our documents. "What's your social security number?" "What's your address?" "Phone number?" etc.

She only asked for the most basic of evidence. In spite of us having brought a stack of copies and originals and photography, she just glanced over our bank statements and wanted to see our marriage certificate. She checked our IDs, and took back Ira's employment authorization card.

Then she said, "And now I'm going to ask you some personal questions." At this point, I figured we were going to get into the horror story territory, but the questions were ridiculously impersonal. "Are you a terrorist or affiliated with any terrorist organization?" "Are you now or have you ever been a member of a communist party or organization?" etc. She didn't ask a single question that I would consider in any way invasive.

In the end we got approved for a 2-year Green Card (if we'd waited until the end of June, we could have gotten the 10-year card right then and there). It'll take 4-6 weeks to arrive in the mail.

congratulations to you both,we are about ready to file for aos now.

[slim 1,514]

Allright!

I always like how they ask if you're a terrorist. "Well, I used to be but now I'm retired." Come on.

[1HappyGuy 45]

They actually asked if she was a communist? Must have been an old questionnaire.

I think its rather interesting that after going through the exhausting process of the K-1 visa that the really important interview about permanent status is done in 15 minutes or less. I remember when we had the interview that I was uneasy that it was over so quickly. I was sure something was wrong. Well, at least my wife was able to shop in the Russian stores in Sacramento and spend lots of money on home goods.

[clueless_in_usa 8]

Finally had our interview at the Dallas office. It took forever to actually get into the interview room, but once there it was a pretty simple process. The woman going through all the documents to make sure everything was there. And then she did some fact checking of what we had in our documents. "What's your social security number?" "What's your address?" "Phone number?" etc.

She only asked for the most basic of evidence. In spite of us having brought a stack of copies and originals and photography, she just glanced over our bank statements and wanted to see our marriage certificate. She checked our IDs, and took back Ira's employment authorization card.

Then she said, "And now I'm going to ask you some personal questions." At this point, I figured we were going to get into the horror story territory, but the questions were ridiculously impersonal. "Are you a terrorist or affiliated with any terrorist organization?" "Are you now or have you ever been a member of a communist party or organization?" etc. She didn't ask a single question that I would consider in any way invasive.

In the end we got approved for a 2-year Green Card (if we'd waited until the end of June, we could have gotten the 10-year card right then and there). It'll take 4-6 weeks to arrive in the mail.

Lucky you!

My wife is worried. The Biometrics happened two months ago and to-date she has not received EAD or AP. Interview is scheduled, so I guess that we will have to sort everything out then and there.

It seems that they do not believe in a bonafide marriage because we do not have any commingling of assets (she cannot work yet, so she has no assets).

[shikarnov 7]

Thanks, everybody, for the congratulations, and the support over this process. Next step is the removal of conditions, and then maybe even citizenship. It's amazing how long all this really takes.

Allright!

I always like how they ask if you're a terrorist. "Well, I used to be but now I'm retired." Come on.

Yeah, I know, LOL. I had the same reaction, but stifled it during the interview. Somehow I didn't think that was the time to point out the lunacy of the question.

They actually asked if she was a communist? Must have been an old questionnaire.

Yup. That was a real question. Maybe she was Joe McCarthy reincarnated.

I think its rather interesting that after going through the exhausting process of the K-1 visa that the really important interview about permanent status is done in 15 minutes or less. I remember when we had the interview that I was uneasy that it was over so quickly. I was sure something was wrong. Well, at least my wife was able to shop in the Russian stores in Sacramento and spend lots of money on home goods.

It is interesting how this works. Neither of the two interviews that we've had (first for the K1, and now this) were long at all. The K1 interview annoyed me because they were being jerks about her age, but in terms of actual questions relevant to the legitimacy of our relationship or to the security of the US -- nothing. I'll never understand the reason for all these bureaucratic hoops if all they really care about is that you pay your fee and sign on all the appropriate dotted lines.

Lucky you!

My wife is worried. The Biometrics happened two months ago and to-date she has not received EAD or AP. Interview is scheduled, so I guess that we will have to sort everything out then and there.

It seems that they do not believe in a bonafide marriage because we do not have any commingling of assets (she cannot work yet, so she has no assets).

My wife doesn't work either. What I brought with me were bank statements and checks that showed both our names, a bunch of mail in either or both of our names to show cohabitation, a few bills, our old apartment lease with both our names on it, and later the deed to the house we ( I ) bought that's in both of our names. And, of course, pictures -- especially with friends and family. I don't think you need to have a lot to show a legitimate relationship. Times are tough for everybody. I don't even wear a wedding band (why spend $500 on that when I could pay for half a month's mortgage?), which I was sure would be an issue raised, but it wasn't.

My advice: just have your documentary ducks in a row, bring copies of everything, keep your case uber organized. They seem to appreciate that effort very much (I can only guess it doesn't happen that often). I had about 20 folders, each labeled "Original" and "Copy for USCIS to keep" filled with all the forms filed, our NOAs, our photographs (which were labeled), greeting cards from family, official identification documents (marriage and birth certificates, passports, translations etc -- for both of us), and more. Everything that could be brought, was brought, and with copies for the interviewer to keep.

Good luck!

[SuperDuper! 230]

Finally had our interview at the Dallas office. It took forever to actually get into the interview room, but once there it was a pretty simple process. The woman going through all the documents to make sure everything was there. And then she did some fact checking of what we had in our documents. "What's your social security number?" "What's your address?" "Phone number?" etc.

She only asked for the most basic of evidence. In spite of us having brought a stack of copies and originals and photography, she just glanced over our bank statements and wanted to see our marriage certificate. She checked our IDs, and took back Ira's employment authorization card.

Then she said, "And now I'm going to ask you some personal questions." At this point, I figured we were going to get into the horror story territory, but the questions were ridiculously impersonal. "Are you a terrorist or affiliated with any terrorist organization?" "Are you now or have you ever been a member of a communist party or organization?" etc. She didn't ask a single question that I would consider in any way invasive.

In the end we got approved for a 2-year Green Card (if we'd waited until the end of June, we could have gotten the 10-year card right then and there). It'll take 4-6 weeks to arrive in the mail.

Do they hold it against you if you are a member of Putin's Politburo Posse?

[shikarnov 7]

Do they hold it against you if you are a member of Putin's Politburo Posse?

There was no mention of Putin, United Russia, or involvement in those brainwashing Nashi camps (although, "Sex for the Motherland" doesn't sound like such an awful idea to me -- but that's off topic).

Edited March 21, 2010 by shikarnov