Approved - A ray of hope for fellow VWP overstays

[Perplexi 4]

Hey guys!

Just wanted to quickly stop by and leave an update on my situation.

Today my hubby and I went in for our interview for AOS. I was an overstay VWP applying for adjustment last year.

I had been married to my husband since stupidly deciding on a whim to marry him instead of leaving the country and applying from home. Love certainly makes us do crazy things sometimes...

Anyhow, days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. Before I knew it, it had been almost 1.5 years of living here out of status before I actively applied for my I-485, I-130, etc.

I applied September 2010, and today, February 10th, I was officially approved a 10 year green card with the option to apply for naturalization in 3 years.

My husband and I are honestly so happy, ecstatic and relieved for this to all finally be over. After 6 years of being in a relationship and not knowing how things would play out between us, and 2 years of fearing the worst for the decisions we made while I've been here... we finally have a positive outcome.

There are a lot of people who I'm sure will judge our choices and perhaps even think we don't deserve to be together and have a happy outcome. However, I just wanted to say I feel blessed to know that our genuine, loving marriage can continue on smoothly and we can settle down together without fearing the possibility of being ripped apart by visa issues the next day. It's a huge weight off our relationship and I couldn't ask for anything more wonderful.

Just wanted to leave this update for the fellow VWP overstays who were also waiting for a decision. There's still hope. Keep your chin up and please don't give up. <3

Edited February 11, 2011 by Perplexi

[Perplexi 4]

PS: As far as the interview went - the lady interviewing us was lovely. She wanted to hear about how we met, how often we had traveled to see each other, when we did the above, etc. She also wanted to see all our joint assets. (I'm on my husbands health insurance, car insurance, and tax forms - but not lease, bank accounts, and I had no evidence on me to support the fact that I'm also the beneficiary of his life insurance even though I am.) She also looked through our pictures (we had some through the duration of our relationship, as well as a small wedding album from when we had a 'real' wedding later in 2009 with both our families and friends present). Overall the interview lasted about half an hour, and the interview went quite pleasantly despite the early worry about the lack of joint assets we had on the table.

Lastly, the lady also mentioned that when it comes down to applying for naturalization, it's good to prepare in advance by putting aside joint bills, letters, etc... every few months to show ongoing joint assets and an ongoing relationship coming up to applying for citizenship. She said 'it's about quality rather than quantity' when it comes to the evidence, so something for us all to keep in mind and prepare for if we're looking ahead at that hurdle. I am personally looking at dual-citizenship for when we decide to have kids. My husband and I are still up in the air over whether we wish to head to Australia or remain here in USA. It's good to keep your options open!!!

[rosie's baby 5]

This is wonderful news. Thank you for sharing the positive outcome - reassuring for so many others in overstay VW.

[trillium13 84]

Congrats! Nice to hear that some are being approved.

[Krikit 1,164]

Moving from Process to Progress.

[Myopia 93]

Hey guys!

Just wanted to quickly stop by and leave an update on my situation.

Today my hubby and I went in for our interview for AOS. I was an overstay VWP applying for adjustment last year.

I had been married to my husband since stupidly deciding on a whim to marry him instead of leaving the country and applying from home. Love certainly makes us do crazy things sometimes...

Anyhow, days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. Before I knew it, it had been almost 1.5 years of living here out of status before I actively applied for my I-485, I-130, etc.

I applied September 2010, and today, February 10th, I was officially approved a 10 year green card with the option to apply for naturalization in 3 years.

My husband and I are honestly so happy, ecstatic and relieved for this to all finally be over. After 6 years of being in a relationship and not knowing how things would play out between us, and 2 years of fearing the worst for the decisions we made while I've been here... we finally have a positive outcome.

There are a lot of people who I'm sure will judge our choices and perhaps even think we don't deserve to be together and have a happy outcome. However, I just wanted to say I feel blessed to know that our genuine, loving marriage can continue on smoothly and we can settle down together without fearing the possibility of being ripped apart by visa issues the next day. It's a huge weight off our relationship and I couldn't ask for anything more wonderful.

Just wanted to leave this update for the fellow VWP overstays who were also waiting for a decision. There's still hope. Keep your chin up and please don't give up. <3

Thank you for your service to the Visa Overstayer Program community

Noone should judge anyone but it is nice to see that there are those who are able to successfully adjust with no problems in spite of the old "7 circuits" and "imminent memo" talk that often strikes fear into heart.

Congrats on the 10 year GC. Thats the most awesome part about it all to me. No more USCIS until you naturalize.

Go you!

[Frank_kay 0]

CONGRATULATIONS! Must be such a relief!

[cookieandcream 10]

congratulations!!!!

why didnt you apply sooner?

[lynJer 7]

NOW THATS THE WAY TO DO IT.....

Easy as!!! no silly K1 rubbish....Well done...and such a lovely story