AOS interview yesterday -same sex

[sp1 8]

I am sorry, I have only posted a couple of times, but I will fill out my timeline soon (hopefully today)

Anyway, we had our interview yesterday.

First let me say, we had no fraud factors. We are similar in age, my spouse had never been in the US before she began to visit me, she had never overstayed any visas,etc.

We had an early morning appointment (750am). We arrived at 0730, went through security, and sat down in a room full of empty chairs.

Promptly at 0800 we were called to the back. We went into an office with our interviewer. I had a giant stack of documents.

Our interviewer was pretty stern, but at the same time not rude.

We were sworn in.

The interviewer began to ask questions of my russian spouse, but was quickly underwhelmed by my spouse's english, and asked if we needed a translator. I said "she doesn't need one, and anyway we don't have one". Because my spouse is fine with english. But maybe the cadence of the interviewer wasn't good for her. Anyway, quickly the interviewer became frustrated again, and picked up the phone to order a translator.

They kept the interviewer on the phone too long so the interview resumed.

After that it went pretty smoothly. The packet questions were asked, (have you ever been arrested? been a prostitute? etc.) They were asked in the sequence from the aos packet. Then each one was checked off in red pen "no".

The interviewer asked a few questions of my spouse. Why were you married before? Why did that marriage fail?

Then she asked me how we met. She asked me to pronounce the airport in Moscow where i flew...

I found the questions to be "tricky", but only if you are not telling the truth. Had i not been to moscow, which has 4 major airports, I could have chosen the wrong one, nevermind how to pronounce it.

Then we were asked about what evidence we had. I showed our bank account, cell phone family plan with records and bills, our medical insurance on my employers plan and a pet adoption record with our joint names.

I began to show photos, but The interviewer quickly said "i have already seen those! dont show me the ones you already sent!" so, I started showing some new ones, which were taken and kept, to be placed with our file.

Finally, the interviewer said "okay--I am approving your case." and then she stamped our file, with a big stamp.

I was relieved and excited of course, but i was weary that i had heard wrong So the interviewer repeated ..."you are approved, you are now a lawful permanent resident"

YES!

The process was about 35 minutes or so.

As for my thoughts,

I front loaded a lot of evidence, and i feel it did help. I saw many people say it doesn't, but the fact that our interviewer said "don't show me those photos that you already sent" indicates that our file was already viewed and sort of an opinion is formed at bit beforehand. Also, the file that was on the desk was about 4-5 inches thick!!

Good luck everyone!

[Marco&Bettina 502]

Congrats!

[NYCruiser 423]

I am sorry, I have only posted a couple of times, but I will fill out my timeline soon (hopefully today)

Anyway, we had our interview yesterday.

First let me say, we had no fraud factors. We are similar in age, my spouse had never been in the US before she began to visit me, she had never overstayed any visas,etc.

We had an early morning appointment (750am). We arrived at 0730, went through security, and sat down in a room full of empty chairs.

Promptly at 0800 we were called to the back. We went into an office with our interviewer. I had a giant stack of documents.

Our interviewer was pretty stern, but at the same time not rude.

We were sworn in.

The interviewer began to ask questions of my russian spouse, but was quickly underwhelmed by my spouse's english, and asked if we needed a translator. I said "she doesn't need one, and anyway we don't have one". Because my spouse is fine with english. But maybe the cadence of the interviewer wasn't good for her. Anyway, quickly the interviewer became frustrated again, and picked up the phone to order a translator.

They kept the interviewer on the phone too long so the interview resumed.

After that it went pretty smoothly. The packet questions were asked, (have you ever been arrested? been a prostitute? etc.) They were asked in the sequence from the aos packet. Then each one was checked off in red pen "no".

The interviewer asked a few questions of my spouse. Why were you married before? Why did that marriage fail?

Then she asked me how we met. She asked me to pronounce the airport in Moscow where i flew...

I found the questions to be "tricky", but only if you are not telling the truth. Had i not been to moscow, which has 4 major airports, I could have chosen the wrong one, nevermind how to pronounce it.

Then we were asked about what evidence we had. I showed our bank account, cell phone family plan with records and bills, our medical insurance on my employers plan and a pet adoption record with our joint names.

I began to show photos, but The interviewer quickly said "i have already seen those! dont show me the ones you already sent!" so, I started showing some new ones, which were taken and kept, to be placed with our file.

Finally, the interviewer said "okay--I am approving your case." and then she stamped our file, with a big stamp.

I was relieved and excited of course, but i was weary that i had heard wrong So the interviewer repeated ..."you are approved, you are now a lawful permanent resident"

YES!

The process was about 35 minutes or so.

As for my thoughts,

I front loaded a lot of evidence, and i feel it did help. I saw many people say it doesn't, but the fact that our interviewer said "don't show me those photos that you already sent" indicates that our file was already viewed and sort of an opinion is formed at bit beforehand. Also, the file that was on the desk was about 4-5 inches thick!!

Good luck everyone!

Congrats. I am curious. Is this an AOS following a K1 Visa/Wedding Interview? You mention you front loaded the application. For the AOS I-485 they dont ask for photos etc. Just the Wedding Certificate. Can you elaborate? We are a same sex couple too

David

[Dohan 133]

Thanks for sharing your experience and congratulations on being approved! It's interesting, most people on VJ say not to submit photos for initial AOS but I am glad you said that it's fine. I always thought photos are helpful.

[jessicatran05 5]

We are same sex couple too. We had our AOS interview on the 10th of this month. Our interviewer was very nice, my wife is not that fluent in English as well but the questions requires simple answers, such as what is our address, my wife's father and mother names, my birth date. My interviewer was a very nice lady, we have this impression that she was very friendly and patience. So that right away, put relieve to our interview. She then asked me a few questions about how we met, the trip I took to see her, how often I go, where was my wedding, what is my wedding date etc.

She then told me that she did not see any issues with our application and that it is approved. However, she didn't stamp her passport saying that they don't do that often anymore. Only with emergency case with travel plans will they do that. We are in a hurry to travel, so it doesn't really matter that her passport is not stamped. It would have been nice to have some proof . But currently our green card is ordered for production, so I think we will get our green card soon.

[sp1 8]

Congrats. I am curious. Is this an AOS following a K1 Visa/Wedding Interview? You mention you front loaded the application. For the AOS I-485 they dont ask for photos etc. Just the Wedding Certificate. Can you elaborate? We are a same sex couple too

David

Sorry for the confusion....I front loaded the initial K1 visa package. And at least in my case, the interviewer had thoroughly reviewed everything prior to the interview.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from Fam.-based AOS to Fam.-based AOS Progress Forum~

[RICARDO4EVA2 194]

Good to hear...

[Calikitkat 16]

I am sorry, I have only posted a couple of times, but I will fill out my timeline soon (hopefully today)

Anyway, we had our interview yesterday.

First let me say, we had no fraud factors. We are similar in age, my spouse had never been in the US before she began to visit me, she had never overstayed any visas,etc.

We had an early morning appointment (750am). We arrived at 0730, went through security, and sat down in a room full of empty chairs.

Promptly at 0800 we were called to the back. We went into an office with our interviewer. I had a giant stack of documents.

Our interviewer was pretty stern, but at the same time not rude.

We were sworn in.

The interviewer began to ask questions of my russian spouse, but was quickly underwhelmed by my spouse's english, and asked if we needed a translator. I said "she doesn't need one, and anyway we don't have one". Because my spouse is fine with english. But maybe the cadence of the interviewer wasn't good for her. Anyway, quickly the interviewer became frustrated again, and picked up the phone to order a translator.

They kept the interviewer on the phone too long so the interview resumed.

After that it went pretty smoothly. The packet questions were asked, (have you ever been arrested? been a prostitute? etc.) They were asked in the sequence from the aos packet. Then each one was checked off in red pen "no".

The interviewer asked a few questions of my spouse. Why were you married before? Why did that marriage fail?

Then she asked me how we met. She asked me to pronounce the airport in Moscow where i flew...

I found the questions to be "tricky", but only if you are not telling the truth. Had i not been to moscow, which has 4 major airports, I could have chosen the wrong one, nevermind how to pronounce it.

Then we were asked about what evidence we had. I showed our bank account, cell phone family plan with records and bills, our medical insurance on my employers plan and a pet adoption record with our joint names.

I began to show photos, but The interviewer quickly said "i have already seen those! dont show me the ones you already sent!" so, I started showing some new ones, which were taken and kept, to be placed with our file.

Finally, the interviewer said "okay--I am approving your case." and then she stamped our file, with a big stamp.

I was relieved and excited of course, but i was weary that i had heard wrong So the interviewer repeated ..."you are approved, you are now a lawful permanent resident"

YES!

The process was about 35 minutes or so.

As for my thoughts,

I front loaded a lot of evidence, and i feel it did help. I saw many people say it doesn't, but the fact that our interviewer said "don't show me those photos that you already sent" indicates that our file was already viewed and sort of an opinion is formed at bit beforehand. Also, the file that was on the desk was about 4-5 inches thick!!

Good luck everyone!

We are same sex couple too. We had our AOS interview on the 10th of this month. Our interviewer was very nice, my wife is not that fluent in English as well but the questions requires simple answers, such as what is our address, my wife's father and mother names, my birth date. My interviewer was a very nice lady, we have this impression that she was very friendly and patience. So that right away, put relieve to our interview. She then asked me a few questions about how we met, the trip I took to see her, how often I go, where was my wedding, what is my wedding date etc.

She then told me that she did not see any issues with our application and that it is approved. However, she didn't stamp her passport saying that they don't do that often anymore. Only with emergency case with travel plans will they do that. We are in a hurry to travel, so it doesn't really matter that her passport is not stamped. It would have been nice to have some proof . But currently our green card is ordered for production, so I think we will get our green card soon.

Congratulations, guys!!! Enjoy your GC!!! Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences with us!

[G Walters 136]

Congrats

[Karam and Jamie 44]

Sorry for the confusion....I front loaded the initial K1 visa package. And at least in my case, the interviewer had thoroughly reviewed everything prior to the interview.

I'm confused. So, for AOS and Green Card interview we have to bring a bunch of evidence? UGH, what a pain. I need to start adding my husband to some things like utility bills or credit cards. So far only joint bank account.

Sorry for the confusion....I front loaded the initial K1 visa package. And at least in my case, the interviewer had thoroughly reviewed everything prior to the interview.

I'm confused. So, for AOS and Green Card interview we have to bring a bunch of evidence? UGH, what a pain. I need to start adding my husband to some things like utility bills or credit cards. So far only joint bank account.

[HannahAndLeslie 4]

I am sorry, I have only posted a couple of times, but I will fill out my timeline soon (hopefully today)

Anyway, we had our interview yesterday.

First let me say, we had no fraud factors. We are similar in age, my spouse had never been in the US before she began to visit me, she had never overstayed any visas,etc.

We had an early morning appointment (750am). We arrived at 0730, went through security, and sat down in a room full of empty chairs.

Promptly at 0800 we were called to the back. We went into an office with our interviewer. I had a giant stack of documents.

Our interviewer was pretty stern, but at the same time not rude.

We were sworn in.

The interviewer began to ask questions of my russian spouse, but was quickly underwhelmed by my spouse's english, and asked if we needed a translator. I said "she doesn't need one, and anyway we don't have one". Because my spouse is fine with english. But maybe the cadence of the interviewer wasn't good for her. Anyway, quickly the interviewer became frustrated again, and picked up the phone to order a translator.

They kept the interviewer on the phone too long so the interview resumed.

After that it went pretty smoothly. The packet questions were asked, (have you ever been arrested? been a prostitute? etc.) They were asked in the sequence from the aos packet. Then each one was checked off in red pen "no".

The interviewer asked a few questions of my spouse. Why were you married before? Why did that marriage fail?

Then she asked me how we met. She asked me to pronounce the airport in Moscow where i flew...

I found the questions to be "tricky", but only if you are not telling the truth. Had i not been to moscow, which has 4 major airports, I could have chosen the wrong one, nevermind how to pronounce it.

Then we were asked about what evidence we had. I showed our bank account, cell phone family plan with records and bills, our medical insurance on my employers plan and a pet adoption record with our joint names.

I began to show photos, but The interviewer quickly said "i have already seen those! dont show me the ones you already sent!" so, I started showing some new ones, which were taken and kept, to be placed with our file.

Finally, the interviewer said "okay--I am approving your case." and then she stamped our file, with a big stamp.

I was relieved and excited of course, but i was weary that i had heard wrong So the interviewer repeated ..."you are approved, you are now a lawful permanent resident"

YES!

The process was about 35 minutes or so.

As for my thoughts,

I front loaded a lot of evidence, and i feel it did help. I saw many people say it doesn't, but the fact that our interviewer said "don't show me those photos that you already sent" indicates that our file was already viewed and sort of an opinion is formed at bit beforehand. Also, the file that was on the desk was about 4-5 inches thick!!

Good luck everyone!

We are same sex couple too. We had our AOS interview on the 10th of this month. Our interviewer was very nice, my wife is not that fluent in English as well but the questions requires simple answers, such as what is our address, my wife's father and mother names, my birth date. My interviewer was a very nice lady, we have this impression that she was very friendly and patience. So that right away, put relieve to our interview. She then asked me a few questions about how we met, the trip I took to see her, how often I go, where was my wedding, what is my wedding date etc.

She then told me that she did not see any issues with our application and that it is approved. However, she didn't stamp her passport saying that they don't do that often anymore. Only with emergency case with travel plans will they do that. We are in a hurry to travel, so it doesn't really matter that her passport is not stamped. It would have been nice to have some proof . But currently our green card is ordered for production, so I think we will get our green card soon.

Congrats guys!!! We are yet to have our interview

[zuluweta 250]

Congrats. I am curious. Is this an AOS following a K1 Visa/Wedding Interview? You mention you front loaded the application. For the AOS I-485 they dont ask for photos etc. Just the Wedding Certificate. Can you elaborate? We are a same sex couple too

David

In my AOS interview, the immigration officer asked me if my US citizen spouse has met my family so I said yes. He then asked for a picture proof of that so thank goodness I had a picture as proof. I brought many more pictures and the officer seemed to be interested in pictures that showed us together with other family members.