F-1 Student 2010 Filers

[samurai18 0]

I found these tips somewhere on this website and I just wanted to share them with everyone who is sweating bullets over their upcoming interview.

Worried about that scheduled marriage-based green card interview? Not sure what to expect from your examiner?

• Your burden is to prove (1) your believability (hint: being prepared is important!); and (2) genuineness of your marriage, as evidenced by children if any, joint tax returns, bills at a common living address, cross life-insurance policies, co-mingling of financial assets, wedding and other photos, and length of the relationship. USCIS relies on documents, documents, documents.

• Producing few documents may mean trouble. If you and your spouse live in different cities, you should produce airline itineraries, emails, exchanged cards, photos, and any other viable written documentation of your "commuting marriage."

• If the foreign spouse paid the American spouse to marry and be sponsored for the green card, then the green card will be denied. If there is a big age difference between spouses, expect to be grilled. If either spouse has been married multiple times, expect the same.

• According to the Field Adjudicator's Manual consulted by examining USCIS officials, the following are signs of a "sham marriage:" Large disparity of age; inability of petitioner and beneficiary to speak each other's language;vast difference in cultural and ethnic background;family and/or friends unaware of the marriage; marriage arranged by a third party; marriage contracted immediately following the beneficiary's apprehension or receipt of notification to depart the United States; discrepancies in statements on questions for which a husband and wife should have common knowledge; no cohabitation since marriage; beneficiary is a friend of the family; petitioner has filed previous petitions in behalf of aliens, especially prior alien spouses.

• If the alien spouse’s English is poor, take a translator.

• If the alien spouse has been arrested or convicted of a crime, don’t even think about attending the interview without procuring certified copies of all relevant police and court records and having them carefully examined by an experienced immigration lawyer. USCIS will require you to produce those same certified criminal records. So you might as well complete this task early!

• Men should wear slacks and collared shirts. Women should wear dresses of appropriate style and length or pant suits.

• Take all your identification documents, including the foreign spouse’s EAD and passport. Take an original and legible photocopy of all proof-of-marriage documents so you can put your hands on them quickly if asked, without fumbling.

• Leave cell phones and other electronic devices in your car.

• Early-morning appointment? Good sign. The USCIS examiner will have lots of other appointments. He will want to get you out the door. Most MBGC interviews end happily after less than 15 minutes.

• Afternoon appointment? Potentially a bad sign. The examiner may have spotted holes in your pre-filed paperwork or other defects. Could be a lengthy interview.

• Your attitude is the most important thing you will take into your interview. Preparation breeds confidence breeds optimism, enhancing your approval chances. This is not the same as plastering a smile on your face or ostentatiously holding hands.

• Listen carefully to the examiner. If you do not understand a question, ask the examiner to repeat it. Do not guess at answers. Do not volunteer information.

• At the start of the interview, you and your spouse will be sworn in. The examiner may turn on a video camera. He or she will ask you to be seated.

• Your examiner may or may not disclose his or her name. Get it! Ask politely. Have the examiner repeat the name if you did not hear it. Write it down or commit it to memory! This will be critical if your green card is denied.

• Young examiners may feel they have the most to prove. They may be overly-zealous, discourteous or even hostile. This is the exception. If it happens, shrug it off. Don’t get angry! To the contrary: Take a breath, stay calm, pause, and consider your answers even more carefully. Remember: Examiners have big caseloads and big pressure. They must make important decisions quickly. And they are often lied to.

• Expect the first minutes of your interview to be devoted to “housekeeping.” The examiner will ask for ID documents and may ask either spouse to confirm entries on the I-130, I-485 and G-325A forms. So memorize the most important info on those forms before the interview. Most critical: Date of your marriage, date of spouse’s admission into the U.S., and dates you began living together at your current and any earlier addresses.

• If the alien spouse is a Middle East male, expect tough questioning or worse.

• If you and your spouse are separated during the interview, you have a credibility problem. Typical treatment: The examiner may point to a wall calendar and ask both spouses (separately) how they spent the last seven days and where they spent the last seven nights. Either spouse may be asked to write down the other’s name and/or the name of the spouse’s parents, with correct spelling.

• If an examiner is convinced that the primary purpose of a marriage is to secure a green-card, he may accuse the U.S. spouse of “committing a crime” by filing green card paperwork for the foreign spouse. The trouble will “go away” if the spouse withdraws the I-130 petition. Or, the examiner may threaten an “ICE investigation.” Don’t give in to this bullying – and you should welcome an ICE investigation if your marriage is genuine.

• If the examiner approves the green card, the alien spouse’s passport will be stamped. Expect the green card to arrive by mail about two weeks later – unless the alien spouse remains tied up in lengthy “security checks” or USCIS lacks your correct address. The latter is your responsibility.

• If the examiner denies the green card, you will have the chance to renew the application before an immigration judge.

Good Luck to you all!!!!!

Hey icepeck!! Great info... Thanks for sharing that, it is very useful.

[SweetApple08 2]

I just realized that in my Form G-325, I did not put my CPT (paid internship) under the work history, it was a couple of months just right before graduation. I am getting worried if that's gonna be an issue with my application, I totally forgot about it (I have the I-20 authorizing the CPT with payment). Any feedback on this???

[besaangel 17]

I found these tips somewhere on this website and I just wanted to share them with everyone who is sweating bullets over their upcoming interview.

Worried about that scheduled marriage-based green card interview? Not sure what to expect from your examiner?

• Your burden is to prove (1) your believability (hint: being prepared is important!); and (2) genuineness of your marriage, as evidenced by children if any, joint tax returns, bills at a common living address, cross life-insurance policies, co-mingling of financial assets, wedding and other photos, and length of the relationship. USCIS relies on documents, documents, documents.

• Producing few documents may mean trouble. If you and your spouse live in different cities, you should produce airline itineraries, emails, exchanged cards, photos, and any other viable written documentation of your "commuting marriage."

• If the foreign spouse paid the American spouse to marry and be sponsored for the green card, then the green card will be denied. If there is a big age difference between spouses, expect to be grilled. If either spouse has been married multiple times, expect the same.

• According to the Field Adjudicator's Manual consulted by examining USCIS officials, the following are signs of a "sham marriage:" Large disparity of age; inability of petitioner and beneficiary to speak each other's language;vast difference in cultural and ethnic background;family and/or friends unaware of the marriage; marriage arranged by a third party; marriage contracted immediately following the beneficiary's apprehension or receipt of notification to depart the United States; discrepancies in statements on questions for which a husband and wife should have common knowledge; no cohabitation since marriage; beneficiary is a friend of the family; petitioner has filed previous petitions in behalf of aliens, especially prior alien spouses.

• If the alien spouse’s English is poor, take a translator.

• If the alien spouse has been arrested or convicted of a crime, don’t even think about attending the interview without procuring certified copies of all relevant police and court records and having them carefully examined by an experienced immigration lawyer. USCIS will require you to produce those same certified criminal records. So you might as well complete this task early!

• Men should wear slacks and collared shirts. Women should wear dresses of appropriate style and length or pant suits.

• Take all your identification documents, including the foreign spouse’s EAD and passport. Take an original and legible photocopy of all proof-of-marriage documents so you can put your hands on them quickly if asked, without fumbling.

• Leave cell phones and other electronic devices in your car.

• Early-morning appointment? Good sign. The USCIS examiner will have lots of other appointments. He will want to get you out the door. Most MBGC interviews end happily after less than 15 minutes.

• Afternoon appointment? Potentially a bad sign. The examiner may have spotted holes in your pre-filed paperwork or other defects. Could be a lengthy interview.

• Your attitude is the most important thing you will take into your interview. Preparation breeds confidence breeds optimism, enhancing your approval chances. This is not the same as plastering a smile on your face or ostentatiously holding hands.

• Listen carefully to the examiner. If you do not understand a question, ask the examiner to repeat it. Do not guess at answers. Do not volunteer information.

• At the start of the interview, you and your spouse will be sworn in. The examiner may turn on a video camera. He or she will ask you to be seated.

• Your examiner may or may not disclose his or her name. Get it! Ask politely. Have the examiner repeat the name if you did not hear it. Write it down or commit it to memory! This will be critical if your green card is denied.

• Young examiners may feel they have the most to prove. They may be overly-zealous, discourteous or even hostile. This is the exception. If it happens, shrug it off. Don’t get angry! To the contrary: Take a breath, stay calm, pause, and consider your answers even more carefully. Remember: Examiners have big caseloads and big pressure. They must make important decisions quickly. And they are often lied to.

• Expect the first minutes of your interview to be devoted to “housekeeping.” The examiner will ask for ID documents and may ask either spouse to confirm entries on the I-130, I-485 and G-325A forms. So memorize the most important info on those forms before the interview. Most critical: Date of your marriage, date of spouse’s admission into the U.S., and dates you began living together at your current and any earlier addresses.

• If the alien spouse is a Middle East male, expect tough questioning or worse.

• If you and your spouse are separated during the interview, you have a credibility problem. Typical treatment: The examiner may point to a wall calendar and ask both spouses (separately) how they spent the last seven days and where they spent the last seven nights. Either spouse may be asked to write down the other’s name and/or the name of the spouse’s parents, with correct spelling.

• If an examiner is convinced that the primary purpose of a marriage is to secure a green-card, he may accuse the U.S. spouse of “committing a crime” by filing green card paperwork for the foreign spouse. The trouble will “go away” if the spouse withdraws the I-130 petition. Or, the examiner may threaten an “ICE investigation.” Don’t give in to this bullying – and you should welcome an ICE investigation if your marriage is genuine.

• If the examiner approves the green card, the alien spouse’s passport will be stamped. Expect the green card to arrive by mail about two weeks later – unless the alien spouse remains tied up in lengthy “security checks” or USCIS lacks your correct address. The latter is your responsibility.

• If the examiner denies the green card, you will have the chance to renew the application before an immigration judge.

Good Luck to you all!!!!!

Great job

[Briggi 0]

Here is my story. .it is a little bit long, but stay with me.

I entered US in 2006 as F1 and went to school in IL. I met my husband in 2007 while I was still in IL and he was in IN. We had a distance relationship for a year, then I decided to transfer to a school in IN in 2008. I moved to his house and have lived with him for almost 2 years. We were enaged in Dec 2009. I graduated last month(MAY) and we had a wedding ceremony right after the graduation. I was glad that my family was able to attend the wedding from oversea and now the pain process comes. . .

Before I graduated, I applied for a job and got a offer. The company would let me start my job on July 1, I went ahead and paid $340 to apply for OPT in late April. The reason I did it was that I would like to make some income rather than sit at home and wait for the AOS result. My husband supported my decidion because we needed the money to do the immgration process.

NSC received my application on Apr 29, check cashed May 10, the last time NSC touched my case is May 14, I also requested to correct my name on the receipt on May 28 and they confirmed the change on Jun 1. I know some student who applied in Feb/Mar have already received with OPT confirmation & EAD within 4-5 weeks, but I think I hit the peak time while ton of international graduates have applied as the same time as me. I feel no hope. . . cause I only got one month . . and I dont know what to say to my future employee to postpone my start date (I already signed the offer letter. . and hope the company would not sue me or anything)

Also, I talked to my husband and we decided to start the AOS process because hell know when the EAD will arrive after AOS paperwork and we both don't want me to be out of job after OPT.

I have most of the paperwork filled out, my husband and I are just waiting for the Tax transcripts to fill out #24 & 25 on I-864, my vaccinnation record that is sent (last Friday) from my home country to arrive at my house that I can make an apportment to do the CS check. Other than that, we got everything covered.

Here are the questions. . .

1) Should I apply for AOS(I-130, I-485, G-325A & etc) BEFORE I receive my OPT's EAD?

2) If I did, would I still able to start working by using my OPT's EAD while waiting for AOS process?

3) Will I able to update my A number & SNN after I file AOS and get OPT'S EAD?(Because if I file AOS before I have my OPT's EAD, I will have to leave blank at SSN & employment related question)

4) Should I apply for AOS AFTER I receive my OPT's EAD?

5) If I did would I still able to work by using my OPT's EAD while waiting for AOS process?

6)After I get my OPT'S EAD, will I know the # of my SSN immediately at the SSA and hv the # to fill the AOS along with other forms? (Or I need to wait the SSN card arrive to be able to know the my actual number?)

Please give you suggestion and thanks so much!!

[icepeck 1]

Here is my story. .it is a little bit long, but stay with me.

I entered US in 2006 as F1 and went to school in IL. I met my husband in 2007 while I was still in IL and he was in IN. We had a distance relationship for a year, then I decided to transfer to a school in IN in 2008. I moved to his house and have lived with him for almost 2 years. We were enaged in Dec 2009. I graduated last month(MAY) and we had a wedding ceremony right after the graduation. I was glad that my family was able to attend the wedding from oversea and now the pain process comes. . .

Before I graduated, I applied for a job and got a offer. The company would let me start my job on July 1, I went ahead and paid $340 to apply for OPT in late April. The reason I did it was that I would like to make some income rather than sit at home and wait for the AOS result. My husband supported my decidion because we needed the money to do the immgration process.

NSC received my application on Apr 29, check cashed May 10, the last time NSC touched my case is May 14, I also requested to correct my name on the receipt on May 28 and they confirmed the change on Jun 1. I know some student who applied in Feb/Mar have already received with OPT confirmation & EAD within 4-5 weeks, but I think I hit the peak time while ton of international graduates have applied as the same time as me. I feel no hope. . . cause I only got one month . . and I dont know what to say to my future employee to postpone my start date (I already signed the offer letter. . and hope the company would not sue me or anything)

Also, I talked to my husband and we decided to start the AOS process because hell know when the EAD will arrive after AOS paperwork and we both don't want me to be out of job after OPT.

I have most of the paperwork filled out, my husband and I are just waiting for the Tax transcripts to fill out #24 & 25 on I-864, my vaccinnation record that is sent (last Friday) from my home country to arrive at my house that I can make an apportment to do the CS check. Other than that, we got everything covered.

Here are the questions. . .

1) Should I apply for AOS(I-130, I-485, G-325A & etc) BEFORE I receive my OPT's EAD?

2) If I did, would I still able to start working by using my OPT's EAD while waiting for AOS process?

3) Will I able to update my A number & SNN after I file AOS and get OPT'S EAD?(Because if I file AOS before I have my OPT's EAD, I will have to leave blank at SSN & employment related question)

4) Should I apply for AOS AFTER I receive my OPT's EAD?

5) If I did would I still able to work by using my OPT's EAD while waiting for AOS process?

6)After I get my OPT'S EAD, will I know the # of my SSN immediately at the SSA and hv the # to fill the AOS along with other forms? (Or I need to wait the SSN card arrive to be able to know the my actual number?)

Please give you suggestion and thanks so much!!

1) Should I apply for AOS(I-130, I-485, G-325A & etc) BEFORE I receive my OPT's EAD?

Yes you can. You just have to state it on the EAD appilcation that you have a pending OPT's EAD application pending.(Form I-765 Number 11)

2) If I did, would I still able to start working by using my OPT's EAD while waiting for AOS process? YES

3) Will I able to update my A number & SNN after I file AOS and get OPT'S EAD?(Because if I file AOS before I have my OPT's EAD, I will have to leave blank at SSN & employment related question)

You will be assigned different A number. Even if you put the A number on the OPT's EAD on the AOS application, they will still assign you a different A number. You will be able to update your social security number at the time of your AOS interview.

4) Should I apply for AOS AFTER I receive my OPT's EAD?

You can send in the AOS application whenever you are ready.It can be before or after the approval of your OPT's EAD.

5) If I did would I still able to work by using my OPT's EAD while waiting for AOS process?

Yes.

6)After I get my OPT'S EAD, will I know the # of my SSN immediately at the SSA and hv the # to fill the AOS along with other forms? (Or I need to wait the SSN card arrive to be able to know the my actual number?)

You will be able to know your social security number after 48-72 hours after applying for your ss number. But you will have to go back to the SSA office for it.

[Briggi 0]

1) Should I apply for AOS(I-130, I-485, G-325A & etc) BEFORE I receive my OPT's EAD?

Yes you can. You just have to state it on the EAD appilcation that you have a pending OPT's EAD application pending.(Form I-765 Number 11)

2) If I did, would I still able to start working by using my OPT's EAD while waiting for AOS process? YES

3) Will I able to update my A number & SNN after I file AOS and get OPT'S EAD?(Because if I file AOS before I have my OPT's EAD, I will have to leave blank at SSN & employment related question)

You will be assigned different A number. Even if you put the A number on the OPT's EAD on the AOS application, they will still assign you a different A number. You will be able to update your social security number at the time of your AOS interview.

4) Should I apply for AOS AFTER I receive my OPT's EAD?

You can send in the AOS application whenever you are ready.It can be before or after the approval of your OPT's EAD.

5) If I did would I still able to work by using my OPT's EAD while waiting for AOS process?

Yes.

6)After I get my OPT'S EAD, will I know the # of my SSN immediately at the SSA and hv the # to fill the AOS along with other forms? (Or I need to wait the SSN card arrive to be able to know the my actual number?)

You will be able to know your social security number after 48-72 hours after applying for your ss number. But you will have to go back to the SSA office for it.

Thank you for your reply.

I checked my case, it has been updated today, not sure is from the name change or what. But at least they looked at my case.

T

[icepeck 1]

I had my AOS interview today-8am at the Oklahoma City Field Office.

We entered the USCIS building at 7.45am, went through security. We waited for about 30 minutes before we were called in. Our interviewer who was an elderly man asked us to follow him into his office.

To my surprise he asked for my I-94 and passport, both our IDs, took the I-94 out and add it to his file before we were sworn in with our right hands raised.

He then asked me our address,phone number, place of birth and ticked off on the forms as I answered. He then turned to the I-485 and asked me if the usual 485 questions to which I answered no to all.

He asked me how I came into the states and I told him F1 and he asked if I am still in school to which I replied yes. He then asked what I was studying, name of my school and copy of my I-20.

He turned to my wife and asked to describe our first meeting, whether she loves me, about the wedding, name of our church and the head pastor name.

He then asked me to describe how i proposed to her which i did. He then asked to see our wedding pictures and other documents in support of our marriage. We gave him Renewal lease, electric and cable bills, bank accounts,health,car and life insurance, and letter from my employer. He then asked me to give him about 5 pictures from my wedding pictures to add to our file.

He then said "that's it we are done. Thank you and let me walk you guys to the exit door." What? Nothing like you are approve or to be expecting something in the mail in 30 days. He did not give us any paper after the interview. We left the building not knowing whether to be happy or not.

No updates or touches on my I-485. Haven't received any text or email yet. Is this normal? Do any of you guys think we will be schedule for another interview? The IO did not give me back my I-94- That's the only thing i am happy about.

[1234 0]

I had my AOS interview today-8am at the Oklahoma City Field Office.

We entered the USCIS building at 7.45am, went through security. We waited for about 30 minutes before we were called in. Our interviewer who was an elderly man asked us to follow him into his office.

To my surprise he asked for my I-94 and passport, both our IDs, took the I-94 out and add it to his file before we were sworn in with our right hands raised.

He then asked me our address,phone number, place of birth and ticked off on the forms as I answered. He then turned to the I-485 and asked me if the usual 485 questions to which I answered no to all.

He asked me how I came into the states and I told him F1 and he asked if I am still in school to which I replied yes. He then asked what I was studying, name of my school and copy of my I-20.

He turned to my wife and asked to describe our first meeting, whether she loves me, about the wedding, name of our church and the head pastor name.

He then asked me to describe how i proposed to her which i did. He then asked to see our wedding pictures and other documents in support of our marriage. We gave him Renewal lease, electric and cable bills, bank accounts,health,car and life insurance, and letter from my employer. He then asked me to give him about 5 pictures from my wedding pictures to add to our file.

He then said "that's it we are done. Thank you and let me walk you guys to the exit door." What? Nothing like you are approve or to be expecting something in the mail in 30 days. He did not give us any paper after the interview. We left the building not knowing whether to be happy or not.

No updates or touches on my I-485. Haven't received any text or email yet. Is this normal? Do any of you guys think we will be schedule for another interview? The IO did not give me back my I-94- That's the only thing i am happy about.

Icepeck,

I think you're just fine. It sounds like a well gone interview. My interview was on the 2nd, which was a day before yours, and I did not get any email notifications or touches on the website until this morning. You'll probably get it tomorrow. I know it's nerve-racking. I was the same way yesterday.

[besaangel 17]

Hey guys, got my interview letter today...

[besaangel 17]

Icepeck,

I think you're just fine. It sounds like a well gone interview. My interview was on the 2nd, which was a day before yours, and I did not get any email notifications or touches on the website until this morning. You'll probably get it tomorrow. I know it's nerve-racking. I was the same way yesterday.

Whats up with them not telling whether you were approved or not- very odd...

[besaangel 17]

anymore updates???

[Briggi 0]

This is a very good post and please post if you have any update.

I am on OPT now and started doing the small things before file AOS.

EAD --- It's here and will be expired July 2011. I believe the latest to file AOS for me is Jan/Feb 2011 to ensure I will have the new EAD before my OPT's EAD expired. But my husband and I believe we will file the paper work these couple months.

SSN --- After I got my OPT's EAD, I went to SSA to apply for a SSN and changed and last name in the same day, I went back to the SSA and got the SSN printout that my number is available in the system. (I see people could not change their last name on SSN got the GC because the name dismatched or sth.)

DL --- I also went to change name on my driver license and they issued me a paper that they will send me the new card in mail. I also called my Auto insurance to update my info. I used my I-20 to do that because it gives me a longer time.

Work --- I started working a few days ago and hopefully I will save enough money at the end of this month. I thought I have enough, but after reading other people stories, I was not sure if I had enough for the CS because they could charger from $ 50 to $1,000 depend on what I have missed.

Bills --- I called the gas, water, & etc company to try to put my name in my husband's accounts, but they needed me to bring my SSN & ID to the office to do the changes in person.

Banks --- I have 2 joint-accounts with my husband and I only need to update my name & SSN after I get the actual cards in mail.

I have all the forms filled out (beside the I-693) and now just collecting the evidence to file AOS.

This is my story so far. . .

Edited August 5, 2010 by Briggi

[icepeck 1]

I haven't seen much updates under this topic for sometime now. I figured we all are enjoying the benefits of being greened. Anyway, good luck to you all and God willing we shall meet here again in two years-for those with CR6. It has been a stressful journey but it's worth it. Stay blessed!!!

[mwfiler 0]

////Hi all, did any of you work while you were waiting for your AOS using your EAD through OPT?

Yes, OPT EAD was used until it expired (12/31) and then there was a short few days where my husband couldn't work until he received his new EAD from the AOS application. Timing is key here.

Hi,

I came as a student and my visa expired in June 2010. However, my OPT expires in Sept 2010. So in the i-485 do I say current USCIS status F-1 visa holder and expires June 2010 or use my OPT end date, Sept 2010?

Also, did you use the A# that is on the OPT EAD on your application or just stick to i-94 and Social Security number when asked?

Thanks!!!

I haven't seen much updates under this topic for sometime now. I figured we all are enjoying the benefits of being greened. Anyway, good luck to you all and God willing we shall meet here again in two years-for those with CR6. It has been a stressful journey but it's worth it. Stay blessed!!!

Hi,

I came as a student and my visa expired in June 2010. However, my OPT expires in Sept 2010. So in the i-485 do I say current USCIS status F-1 visa holder and expires June 2010 or use my OPT end date, Sept 2010?

Also, did you use the A# that is on the OPT EAD on your application or just stick to i-94 and Social Security number when asked?

Thanks!!!

Hi,

I came as a student and my visa expired in June 2010. However, my OPT expires in Sept 2010. So in the i-485 do I say current USCIS status F-1 visa holder and expires June 2010 or use my OPT end date, Sept 2010?

Also, did you use the A# that is on the OPT EAD on your application or just stick to i-94 and Social Security number when asked?

Thanks!!!

[Briggi 0]

Finally, I filed my AOS package today. I didn't send the I-765 form since I already have the EAD from OPT (With maiden name.) My card is good till July 2011 so there is no reason for me to apply one now. I went through every single paper that I am confident with my paperwork. The only thing I am a little bit worried now is my band statements because I was out of work for a few months, so my statements balance went down month after month while my husband's were kept on a certain level of balance. I hope the band statements will not bring up any problem during the process.

Briggi