AOS Approval/Review

[Camo 5]

GC arrived in the mail over this past weekend. So, it’s true. I’m Greene.

Therefore, we decided to write our review of what occurred @ AOS interview on 06/15/2012 – 1300

Background.

2006-7 AOS to F-1 and then met GF (Now my wife)

2008 Started Dating

2011 Married

03/30/12 Package sent

06/23/12 GC in Hand

We got to the office about 45 minutes before our scheduled time. Wore an office shirt and slacks (Looked like a BOA cashier) while my spouse had a skirt suit. We rolled into the Power building (USCIS) and went through security; similar to that in the airport and other government offices. No food or drinks allowed; including bottle of water (transparent bottle).

We were directed to the 2nd floor where some secretary-like ladies took our appointment letter; then we were told to find somewhere to sit in the lobby. Sat there while News of the current Administration’s new Immigration proposal was featured on CNN. Though, I am not an illegal but I was happy to hear the news regarding the proposal. Sign of good outcome?

20-25 mins past our interview scheduled time, we heard my first name called by an African America lady. Went straight to her, greeted her and attempted to ask how her day was. She barely responded or answered appropriately which wasn’t a biggie to us. After all, she is only doing her JOB. We were then directed to her office. As usual, stand up and raise your hand……………. Gave her my passport, EAD, I-94, our DLs, our SS, etc. Before furthering, a call came in. She answered it for like 2 - 5mins before returning to verify our IDs. No word yet and no sign of toying or joking from this IO. OMG, she means business despite our youthful, innocent and wife’s pretty face. (Lol!!!just kidding) Who cares???

Eventually, IO directed her 1st question to me..

To me: She asked all the information in the form I-130, Petition for Alien relative (filled by the USC/my spouse). However, when she got to question 15 (related to me/non-USC), which was Name & address of present employer? Then, she asked me how come I live in one city (with my wife) and then drive to work in a different city (about 1hr 45mins drive)? I tried to explain myself for about 2 mins but it wasn’t sufficient enough due to anxiety and been tensed- causing me to forget rationales for that. Well, my wife politely asked if she could talk. IO gave her the go head. Thank God, my wife took over from where I stopped. After about another 5 - 10 mins of explanation, she seems convinced and then shifted her attention to my wife. IO asked exact same questions like what’s your husband’s name, his DOB, married before, FIL, MIL etc. As you know, she crossed every answered question with a red pen.

Then she asked how we met? I started off telling our stories for another 5 mins while IO gazed at my wife who was looking at me as I narrated our long history. From time, to date, to location and what type & color of clothes wore for our 1st date and so on. Then, wife chipped in and continued the story.

Enough story, IO asked what document we brought to prove our marriage is bonafide. One after the other, we passed her these docs and freely narrated the history/event involve. Below were the docs offered/showed.

**IRS : Jointly filed

Apartment lease

**My Water, Power, Cable Bill

**Cell phone bills: My Work and cell# highlighted on wife’s billing, usage details and analysis

**Current Automobile Insurance

**Account with highlights: Joint, Individual (highlighted were billed in both cities for both of us), Wife’s Credit Card (highlighted were the bill paid for my emergency around my work city)

Proposed cruise within and outside the US

Tickets to Sporting games with FIL and Photos

Hotel reservations

**Letter from inlaws from beginning of our relationship till today – date of our marriage

Stapled Receipts

School work sheet/assignment

Recent Photos: Games, mini vacay and etc

Health Card

Wedding album (she was surprised to see that the courthouse/JOP allowed so much folks into the courthouse for our wedding = Favor)

NOTE: ** = There were the documents she kept.

If you notice, she didn’t request originals of our marriage license, birth certificates and so on.. Could it have been because we submitted Colored-copies of our documents and certified copy of marriage license along at the beginning of the process (I-485, I-130 etc) ?

While she looked at these docs, she expressed disappointment with the Oklahoma City Thurder for losing their 2nd Home game to Miami Heats the previous night. We spoke a lil bit on that and other NBA team. More so, she wanted to know a little bit about my career, my college, etc. With IO showing some personal side of herself, we never saw her smile or loosen up. Good job IO.

At this level, I was feeling a little ok that we have showed and proved ourselves. Then she asked, can you proof to me that your marriage is legit and not for immigration purpose. After so much talking, I decided to leave this for my wife. My wife started talking of what we have been through and so on……

IO: I still need to go through your documents again before I can determine your approval or request for more evidence/document. I will send you guys a mail (via post) if I need any additional documents or you shall see receive your GC in 2-3weeks.

Me: Really? I thought to myself, since we are here, why do you need to waste money/time asking for more docs ? Wife silently told me to chill out and just listen to what she was saying. OK.

Then IO started talking about the 2 yrs ROC if she decides to approve us. This point, she stood up and walked towards the calendar to explain the severity of not filing for ROC within the 90 days, how to prepare for another more intense interview for the ROC, and so on. Holly molly, she had been serious through the interview but at this point, she was super serious. "This is real serious, cos the lawyer can't help" was one of her statements; though we had no lawyer's help through the process.

IO then asked if we had anything else to give her. We looked and said nothing more. She gave back my I-94, passport (didn’t cancel the US Visa), EADs, DLs and so on. Asked if she was going to take my I-94, EAD…. She declined and said, she remembers everything we showed her. Aight then..

She walked us out, swing by to make copy of wife’s DL (since I gave her my colored copy)

As we drove home, I kept asking my wife what she thought regarding an approval or RFE? My wife spoke with confident that we were approved. Got home an hour later and as we were about to get some rest…................... there we go --->

Text msg buzz/alert on my wife’s Blackberry while at the same time, I heard the email alert/buzz on all of my electronic devices. Rushed to my cell to check what the buzz was for… Surprise, it’s from USCIS titled “Card/ Document Production.”

I’m Shock and Awe…… Thank God, IO and VJC. Updated both In laws of the great news. We won’t have done this if not for GOD and vjc family. We thank you for the depth of our hearts. We’ll like to point out these folks.

Little_My, ceadsearc, Harpa Timsah, Maria TH, misswiss, ChrisPG, Chimcham, MrsNotBonJovi, skul teacher and many more: Thank you for sharing your knowledge and guidance.

MikeX, Aimee K and Basee: Be strong, please never give up hope. Soon, the outcome will be great.

Hypnos: you’re an inspiration to us all.

[Hypnos 6,576]

You didn't state it in the post but people should be aware you interviewed at the Dallas (Irving) USCIS office.

Thanks for posting this write-up, I have been looking forward to reading it.

Congratulations again on your approval.

I look forward to heading there on the 10th and hopefully my experience will mirror yours.

[GCPony 14]

Funny, but when my wife heard Obama's decision to grant amnesty, she was furious! She's worked long and hard to get into America and thought he's being cynical and a panderer during an election year.

I'm now forever banned from voting Democrat

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Funny, but when my wife heard Obama's decision to grant amnesty, she was furious! She's worked long and hard to get into America and thought he's being cynical and a panderer during an election year.

I'm now forever banned from voting Democrat

Remind her those people are only getting 2-year EADs and that she is way better off as a real Permanent Resident. Also, your wife would not be eligible since she didn't come to the US before she was 16. Also remind her Obama is still president. When should a president stop doing stuff so s/he won't appear to pander?

Anyway, a hearty congrats Camo!

[ibee 7]

CONGRATULATIONS Camo! Thanks for the detailed review! I chuckled at the few times your wife covered you

Funny, but when my wife heard Obama's decision to grant amnesty, she was furious! She's worked long and hard to get into America and thought he's being cynical and a panderer during an election year.

I'm now forever banned from voting Democrat

Please, also remind her that the Deferred Action is NOT amnesty or anything close to it... and it has no loophole to EVER be amnesty. And he is being cynical during election year??? What about all those years he tried to push immigration reform?

Sorry, Camo, don't mean to steer away from your success but this is one thing I cannot be silent about...

[SOflaherty 40]

Funny, but when my wife heard Obama's decision to grant amnesty, she was furious! She's worked long and hard to get into America and thought he's being cynical and a panderer during an election year.

I'm now forever banned from voting Democrat

If it were an amnesty those people would be allowed to file for the same benefits your wife is getting, but they are not. They only get to not be deported if picked up, and they are able to file for a work permit. That's it. No legal way to get a drivers license in most states, etc.

[Little_My 463]

Congratulations! It's a great feeling when that email message comes.. I'm happy to hear you found the advice and help on these forums useful! Now just breathe, enjoy the feeling, and enjoy the next 2 years -90 days

[Camo 5]

You didn't state it in the post but people should be aware you interviewed at the Dallas (Irving) USCIS office.

Thanks for posting this write-up, I have been looking forward to reading it.

Congratulations again on your approval.

I look forward to heading there on the 10th and hopefully my experience will mirror yours.

Apologies for the delay again. Thanks; I am positive your interview will result into success/approval.

[chimcham 18]

Congrats Camo!! All the best!

[twonightowls 1]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing the experience!

[Camo 5]

Congratulations! It's a great feeling when that email message comes.. I'm happy to hear you found the advice and help on these forums useful! Now just breathe, enjoy the feeling, and enjoy the next 2 years -90 days

Thank you Little_my. Surreal..

Congratulations and thanks for sharing the experience!

You're welcome..

Congrats Camo!! All the best!

Thanks Chimmy.. Congrats to you too.

ROC in March '14

[Camo 5]

CONGRATULATIONS Camo! Thanks for the detailed review! I chuckled at the few times your wife covered you

Please, also remind her that the Deferred Action is NOT amnesty or anything close to it... and it has no loophole to EVER be amnesty. And he is being cynical during election year??? What about all those years he tried to push immigration reform?

Sorry, Camo, don't mean to steer away from your success but this is one thing I cannot be silent about...

Ibee, thank you much.. The complementary qualities of our marriage tend to show off during time of need (not only for the interview).

Remind her those people are only getting 2-year EADs and that she is way better off as a real Permanent Resident. Also, your wife would not be eligible since she didn't come to the US before she was 16. Also remind her Obama is still president. When should a president stop doing stuff so s/he won't appear to pander?

Anyway, a hearty congrats Camo!

10xxxx