AOS on VWP Club

[missing_ron 3]

I thought I would start a thread for those of us who got married after entering the U.S. on the VWP and have cases pending. Like many others, we knew the risks and took the leap anyway -- I would be happy to share the details of our reasons privately. You may share your story if you wish. I'm hoping to hear from those who successfully passed their AOS interviews after coming in on the VWP, but primarily, to keep hopes high for those of us who are tired of reading posts about how screwed we are. We can swap advice on how to prepare for our interviews, advice on field offices, etc. Who's with me?

[trillium13 84]

We were VWP adjusters with long overstay, so we don't really quite fit but I just thought I would stop in.

Also married a German.

[ValerieA 350]

Good idea for a thread! There's been a lot of questions about this lately. I know, I know, I don't belong here. Sigh. I'll pack up my toys and find people who want to play with me.

Seriously, good luck to all of you AOSing from VWP!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

aww Valerie, don't take your dollies and go home!

But I concur! Good idea for a thread and good luck!

[Bl@ckRoSe 0]

I'm with you on this!

[missing_ron 3]

We were VWP adjusters with long overstay, so we don't really quite fit but I just thought I would stop in.

Also married a German.

Trillium, how did your interview go? Can you lend any advice to those of us worried about going in on VWP?

I'm with you on this!

Welcome, black rose!

Good idea for a thread! There's been a lot of questions about this lately. I know, I know, I don't belong here. Sigh. I'll pack up my toys and find people who want to play with me.

Seriously, good luck to all of you AOSing from VWP!

Thanks Valerie, we appreciate the support!

[missing_ron 3]

aww Valerie, don't take your dollies and go home!

But I concur! Good idea for a thread and good luck!

Harpa, my in-laws are retired and living in Israel part-time (father-in-law is Israeli.) Shana tova tikatevu!

[trillium13 84]

Trillium, how did your interview go? Can you lend any advice to those of us worried about going in on VWP?

Here is a link to my review, not sure if it will end up going to it or to the review page, but anyway, it's there.

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?trim=no&cty=Dallas%20TX&cnty=&page=3&dfilter=5

We were certainly terrified, but in the end it was all fine. We were never once asked about the intent or the (long!) overstay. It was quick and painless, really. The IO was quite interested in our photos, or seemed to be.

I know that things are changing now in some areas as far as VWP overstayers. More in certain circuits than others, it seems. Apparently they have started denying many more of them than in years past. I'm glad we adjusted when we did, we were scared enough. There are a few threads running on this topic right now.

I do know of someone who within the last month was approved easily, even with long overstay.

There seems to be some "stigma" here on this board when it comes to this, with some members anyway. Personally I think everyone is different and no way is "better". Anyone who tries to adjust from VWP takes on a great deal more stress and uncertainty, it's not just the "easy way out". If you're dealing with an overstay like we were, it's the only way.

I remember not long ago some poster on here being batshiat crazy about it. She had a lot of bitterness issues, apparently, and tried to rip some people apart for going the "easy route". It was sort of embarrassing to watch.

Anyway, don't let people like that bother you, but my advice to anyone trying to adjust from VWP would be to please weigh the risks carefully! In all honesty, if we could have done it any other way, we would have, just to avoid the anxiety. But people do it successfully all the time.

Good luck to all! We are starting to get ROC things together here.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Harpa, my in-laws are retired and living in Israel part-time (father-in-law is Israeli.) Shana tova tikatevu!

Shana tova to you too!

[Myopia 93]

I am getting my paperwork together in order to send mine in this month. What a daunting task. All these years I never really thought I would adjust. It has been quite the ride. Good luck to everyone on this journey. It isnt easy.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Missing_ron, any update on your case?

[missing_ron 3]

Missing_ron, any update on your case?

We received an RFE last week, which we had expected, because we hadn't sent the medical exam form with the original package. So that went out Friday. I expect it to take a few more weeks to receive notice of a biometrics appointment. Will keep you posted. My husband's parents came to visit for 10 days over Rosh Hashana, which was really nice. Since they split their time between Israel and Germany, we don't get to see them often. I was really sad to see them go, I felt like we got a lot closer.

[*Yankee Love* 15]

We were about to go that Route,.. but in the end i convinced him, to rather have a 5 months wait, then maybe never seeing each other again from a BAN

[missing_ron 3]

We were about to go that Route,.. but in the end i convinced him, to rather have a 5 months wait, then maybe never seeing each other again from a BAN

We can't be banned -- my husband didn't overstay. Worst thing that can happen is that he'll go home and then file for a visa to return. The K-1 is the way to go if you are planning ahead to get married.

[Deb y Her 0]

We had our AOS interview yesterday and were approved in less than 20 minutes. Now we are waiting on the biometrics.

The interviewer asked me what where my intentions when I came to the US and why did I decide to stay. Then asked me some questions on the I485 form and then asked my wife some questions on the I130. Then asked both of us some questions about how we met and asked to see some pictures. Then asked if we had any evidence, we handed car insurance and bank account with both our names, that was enough.

I wish everyone adjusting from VWP an easy path as ours.

My best advice to all:

You just got married and you belong together so relax and be positive. Adjusting from the VWP is legal and you are not doing anything wrong. Regard paperwork as what it is... paperwork. We lost many hours of sleep worrying about all this and the interview was less than 20 min of friendly talk.

Finally: I'm not a lawyer and I don't know nothing about anything. I just write about our experience, I hope someone finds it helpful.

Met in Oct 2009

visit USA on VWP 2010-05-13

Got Married! 2010-07-31

Sent AOS package 2010-08-09

rcvd in chicago 2010-08-09

auth. stay expired 2010-08-12

NOAs Sent 2010-08-17

I 131 approved 2010-09-28

AOS Interview 2010-10-05

Walk in Biometrics 2010-10-05