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Posted

We had our interview scheduled for this afternoon at the LA local office. While each case is unique, I hope my summary below helps:

We parked in the $4 lot (one fare for the whole day and the cheapest by far) which is on Almeida street, a few minutes away from the office (which is on Los Angeles Street).

We got to the interview about 40 mins early because I'd read sometimes that there was often a long line for security into the building but it ended up taking only a few minutes. We got upstairs and handed our interview letter to the security officer. We waited in the waiting room with a whole lot of other couples and families for more than one hour, but the security officer was extremely friendly and we weren't worried - everyone seemed to have been waiting for a while. They called out the names when it was one's turn to be interviewed, so one should listen out/pay attention.

The room was a little chilly so it's worth bringing a cardigan, if you are like me, and freeze everywhere. We also brought our books to read as we'd heard the wait could drag on.

We were called in by our IO - an older gentleman. He seemed reasonably friendly, smiled and led us to his office. I expected something dreary but it was a nice, comfortable set up. He had our file open on his desk (God - did I send in that huge lot of paper!!!) and seemed to know our file well. He asked us to swear in first and then asked for our IDs and hubby's Californian DL.

He then said he had to ask me a few questions and asked very basic ones (address, date of birth) and asked for a copy of my birth cert and then our marriage cert. He talked to the hubby about his teaching and his research a bit, and chatted about my work/job search and the origin of my name. Then asked us if we'd been married before (no), any kids (no) and then asked to see our album (which is a HUGE thing and was now lying on his desk). He flipped through the photos and commented on how much he liked them. He then took our passports, made copies, came back and said he had one more case to close up and could we wait out for a few minutes while he finished our paperwork.

Literally, five minutes later, he came out, bearing our acceptance letter (I think this is usually sent in the mail a few days later because we also go the envelope it goes in!) That was it!!! Even my hubby, who thought it would be smooth, admitted this was easier than expected! I asked about the FBI name checks and the IO seemed puzzled but then said oh yes, everything's fine, and that my card would be with me in 90 days. My passport wasn't stamped and I was not asked to either show or hand back my EAD. I did not clarify but I'm assuming we are getting the 2yr conditional card.

Looking back, I'd say this in general: we prepared our intial paperwork really well thanks to VJ and just googling what people had done. We also sent in tons of evidence showing our long history together and our marriage and how we were intertwined in our friends and families' lives (six affidavits, four pages of photocopied/printed photos, bank statements, shared credit cards, our wedding invite etc). I think this helped a lot. We also sent in all three years of the hubby's taxes, as much financial info as we could etc. But we didn't go overboard with the paperwork either - for example, we sent in copies of the first pages of our passports but not the whole passports. We also sent a very clear cover letter, laying out the sectioning of our application.

The wedding album (which we only carried to the interview) definately helped - the photos clearly showed everyone important to us being present there on that day. The IO did ask if it cost a lot (which I thought was an interesting question and maybe implied that if one did such a big thing one must be truly married???)

For the interview itself, we made copies of everything we'd sent in (an extra set to give to the IO if he was missing something) and brought originals and up-to date financial info and had everything organised in separate sections. While none of this was needed in the end, it made us/me feel much more comfortable and in control. And when we unpacked our three folders worth, we could easily/quickly handed the IO what little paperwork he asked to see; it just made everything run smoothly.

I think we acted really naturally and I know we were not really tense at all. I can't explain this because I'm always anxious, but I really felt we had done our best and we are in love/a TRUE couple so we had to just believe everything would be ok.

Lastly, in terms of general (and hopefully NOT condescending) suggestions, and as another VJ poster once kindly advised me: dress neatly but do not over dress, be organised with your folders etc, and do not be so tense that you can't interact with your partner.

And of course, we got a professional but friendly officer!!!!

Not sure how much this helps as each case is so different... but for people in LA, a little bit more practical information: the Federal building has a nice coffee shop in its lobby, esp. if you get there really early and want a place to sit and gather your thoughts. I think you can bring a cup of coffee up with you (though maybe food would be an issue/not advised). Also, the bathrooms are close to the waiting room, in case you need to go, like I did, just before we were called in!

We had our cell phones with us but switched off, though most of the lawyers in the room had theirs on and one person even spoke on his/her phone for quite some time. Reading material is highly suggested by me as it seems to be an office with long wait times.

I want to say a big thank you to VJ-ers - those who answered questions of mine, the May filers, who were a real emotional support and to the general posters, all the info helped in some manner. Good luck to all those out there starting the process and waiting for interviews.

Cheers, Cardamom

Naturalization:

06 July 2011 - finally mailed of N-400 package. Not sure why I sat on my #### for about a year...

11 July 2011 - NOA and 23 Aug 2011 - Biometrics (rescheduled at my request; initial one Aug 3)

25 Oct 2011 - Interview - Approved

15 Dec 2011 - OATH DATE - US Citizen!!!

Removal of Conditions:

27 Aug 2009 mailed RoC documents and check (GC expires 09/21/09)

28 Aug 2009: NOA receipt date - received letter in mail on Sept 1 2009 (from ESC)

25 Sept 2009: Biometrics appt - quick, easy...done

01 Oct 2009: Green Card approval - Letter of Approval received Oct 5, 2009 from CSC 06 Oct 2009: Perm GC in mail; Resident since 21 Sept 2007

Adjustment of Status:

1 May 2007 Mailed AoS package:

9 May 2007 NoA date [day 6] 15 May NoA for Biometrics [day 12]

6 June Biometrics Exam [day 34]

6 July - EAD CARD production ordered - WOO HOO!!! [day 73]

26 July - EAD card received in mail [day 83] 30 July - Interview notice received in mail [day 87]

21 September - GREEN CARD INTERVIEW -- Approved!!!!! Acceptance letter handed to us - waiting for GC in mail... [day 140]

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: India
Timeline
Posted (edited)

Great details, thanks! :D:thumbs:

And CONGRATS on the approval! :dance: :dance:

Edited by ELW

***Nagaraju & Eileen***
K1 (Fiance Visa)
Oct 18, 2006: NOA1
Feb 8, 2007: NOA2
April 13, 2007: INTERVIEW in Chennai -Approved
May 25, 2007: USA Arrival! EAD at JFK
June 15, 2007: Married
AOS (Adjustment of Status)
June 21, 2007: AOS/EAD Submitted
Sept 18, 2007: AOS Interview - APPROVED!!
ROC (Removing of Conditions)
June 23, 2009: Sent in I-751 packet
Sept 11, 2009: APPROVED!!
Sept 18, 2009: Received 10-year Green Card!

Naturalization
July 15, 2010: Sent N-400 packet
July 23, 2010: NOA Notice date
Oct 15, 2010: Citizenship Interview - Passed!
Nov 15, 2010: Oath Ceremony in Fresno, CA
Nov 24, 2010: Did SSN and Applied for Passport
Dec 6, 2010: Passport Arrives
Dec 7, 2010: Sent for Indian Passport Surrender Certificate
Dec 27, 2010: Surrender Certificate Arrives
Jan 3, 2011: Sent for Overseas Citizenship of India Card
March 1, 2011: Received OCI card!

Divorce

Feb 2015:​ Found out he was cheating (prostitutes / escorts)

​May 2015: Divorce Final

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Jordan
Timeline
Posted

Congratulations ! And Nice Post! :dance:

بســــم اللـــــه الــــرحمـن الــــرحــــيم

My N-400 timeline, I hope it will help - Local Office (Chula Vista Field Office - San Diego)

10/01/2010: Application was sent.

10/04/2010: Application was received.

10/06/2010: Email received "Application has been received" & Noticed Date.

10/07/2010: "Touch"

10/08/2010: "Touch" & Check was Cashed

10/09/2010: NOA1 Received via mail.

10/22/2010: Status Changed Online "Request for evidence" It was for Biometrics.

10/25/2010: Request for evidence recieved "Biometrics Notice".

11/18/2010: Biometrics date ==> 11:00AM. Biometrics was taken On time.

12/03/2010: "Yellow Letter" Received.

12/06/2010: "Touch" Case Moved to "Testing and Interview".

12/08/2010: Interview Letter received via mail.

01/13/2011: Interview Date. Done, " Thanks To ALLAH, I Passed the Test.

01/18/2011: Oath Letter was Sent.

01/20/2011: Oath Letter Recieved via mail.

01/28/2011: Oath Date. ==> Done, I am a U.S. Citizen

01/31/2011: Applied for a U.S. Passport Book, And, U.S. Passport Card.

02/25/2011: Passport Book's Received.

02/26/2011: Passport Card's Received.

02/28/2011: Certificate Of Naturalization's Returned.

Game Over.

Posted

CONGRATS CARDAMON!!!!! on the successful AOS interview!!!!! AGREED nice post!!!!

Fellow May filer

****Removal of Conditions ****

7/13/09 Sent I-751 application VSC

7/16/09 Package arrived at VSC at 2:08pm signed by D. Renaud

7/24/09 Rcvd I-797C, NOA from VSC

7/29/09 Rcvd Biometric letter...biometrics appt 8/18/09

11/24/09 Rcvd ROC approval ltr...dated 11/18/09

12/04/09 Rcvd 10 yr Green Card in mail

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
Timeline
Posted

CONGRATULATIONS :dance: Thanks for sharing :thumbs::thumbs:

USCIS

06-28-2011-Mailed I-130

07-03-2011-NOA1

12-08-2011-NOA2

NVC

12-19-2012-NVC Received Case

01-06-2012-Case Number

01-25-2012-Case Completed

02-21-2012-Medical

03-06-2012-Interview--APPROVED

03-13-2012-VISA RECEIVED

03-16-2012-POE ATL

ROC

02/24/2014-Mailed I-751

02/26/2014-Package Received

02/28/2014-NOA1 Hard Copy

02/28/2014-Check Cashed

03/25/2014-Biometrics Appt

06/04/2014-RFE Sent more info back on 07/29/2014

09/04/2014 ROC Approved

Posted

Congratulations,

I got a quick questions. Do they seperate you two in the different room or just in the same room together on the Interview? Thnx.

My K1 Time Line

AOS Quest: Completed :=)

06-08-2007: AOS Package Sent

06-12-2007: AOS Package Recieved

06-19-2007: Check Cashed

06-22-2007: NOA1 in the Mail

06-26-2007: Biometrics Appoinment Received 7-14-2007

07-14-2007: Biometrics Appointment

10-29-2007: AOS interview - still need to wait for FBI name check.

02-27-2008: Notice mailed welcoming the new permanent resident

02-28-2008: Card production ordered

03-04-2008: Approval notice sent

03-07-2008: Green Card received

05-07-2008: California ID received (took almost a year to get it)

Being a Dad Quest: :=)

06-05-2008: My lovely baby girl arrived.

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: India
Timeline
Posted
I got a quick questions. Do they seperate you two in the different room or just in the same room together on the Interview? Thnx.

Interviews are done with the couple together in the room, sitting side by side. :yes:

***Nagaraju & Eileen***
K1 (Fiance Visa)
Oct 18, 2006: NOA1
Feb 8, 2007: NOA2
April 13, 2007: INTERVIEW in Chennai -Approved
May 25, 2007: USA Arrival! EAD at JFK
June 15, 2007: Married
AOS (Adjustment of Status)
June 21, 2007: AOS/EAD Submitted
Sept 18, 2007: AOS Interview - APPROVED!!
ROC (Removing of Conditions)
June 23, 2009: Sent in I-751 packet
Sept 11, 2009: APPROVED!!
Sept 18, 2009: Received 10-year Green Card!

Naturalization
July 15, 2010: Sent N-400 packet
July 23, 2010: NOA Notice date
Oct 15, 2010: Citizenship Interview - Passed!
Nov 15, 2010: Oath Ceremony in Fresno, CA
Nov 24, 2010: Did SSN and Applied for Passport
Dec 6, 2010: Passport Arrives
Dec 7, 2010: Sent for Indian Passport Surrender Certificate
Dec 27, 2010: Surrender Certificate Arrives
Jan 3, 2011: Sent for Overseas Citizenship of India Card
March 1, 2011: Received OCI card!

Divorce

Feb 2015:​ Found out he was cheating (prostitutes / escorts)

​May 2015: Divorce Final

Posted
Congratulations,

I got a quick questions. Do they seperate you two in the different room or just in the same room together on the Interview? Thnx.

As ELW has confirmed, we sat side by side BUT, we did notice that there were two couples who went in together and in each case, one half (we think the USC) was sent out to wait while the other half stayed in and was questioned further. In one case, a laywer was present, he also came out and seemed to be annoyed with the USC. Not sure if this is normal...We were about 15 cases in the waiting room and for all the rest, two went in and two came out - no separations. Hope this helps!

Naturalization:

06 July 2011 - finally mailed of N-400 package. Not sure why I sat on my #### for about a year...

11 July 2011 - NOA and 23 Aug 2011 - Biometrics (rescheduled at my request; initial one Aug 3)

25 Oct 2011 - Interview - Approved

15 Dec 2011 - OATH DATE - US Citizen!!!

Removal of Conditions:

27 Aug 2009 mailed RoC documents and check (GC expires 09/21/09)

28 Aug 2009: NOA receipt date - received letter in mail on Sept 1 2009 (from ESC)

25 Sept 2009: Biometrics appt - quick, easy...done

01 Oct 2009: Green Card approval - Letter of Approval received Oct 5, 2009 from CSC 06 Oct 2009: Perm GC in mail; Resident since 21 Sept 2007

Adjustment of Status:

1 May 2007 Mailed AoS package:

9 May 2007 NoA date [day 6] 15 May NoA for Biometrics [day 12]

6 June Biometrics Exam [day 34]

6 July - EAD CARD production ordered - WOO HOO!!! [day 73]

26 July - EAD card received in mail [day 83] 30 July - Interview notice received in mail [day 87]

21 September - GREEN CARD INTERVIEW -- Approved!!!!! Acceptance letter handed to us - waiting for GC in mail... [day 140]

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: India
Timeline
Posted

Interesting Cardamom. I have heard that couples are separated if there is a second interview needed, like if there was any trouble or missing papers in the first interview that require a second interview; that is when the ask all the personal questions to determine if it is a valid relationship (what did you have for breakfast, what side of the bed do you sleep on, etc.).

***Nagaraju & Eileen***
K1 (Fiance Visa)
Oct 18, 2006: NOA1
Feb 8, 2007: NOA2
April 13, 2007: INTERVIEW in Chennai -Approved
May 25, 2007: USA Arrival! EAD at JFK
June 15, 2007: Married
AOS (Adjustment of Status)
June 21, 2007: AOS/EAD Submitted
Sept 18, 2007: AOS Interview - APPROVED!!
ROC (Removing of Conditions)
June 23, 2009: Sent in I-751 packet
Sept 11, 2009: APPROVED!!
Sept 18, 2009: Received 10-year Green Card!

Naturalization
July 15, 2010: Sent N-400 packet
July 23, 2010: NOA Notice date
Oct 15, 2010: Citizenship Interview - Passed!
Nov 15, 2010: Oath Ceremony in Fresno, CA
Nov 24, 2010: Did SSN and Applied for Passport
Dec 6, 2010: Passport Arrives
Dec 7, 2010: Sent for Indian Passport Surrender Certificate
Dec 27, 2010: Surrender Certificate Arrives
Jan 3, 2011: Sent for Overseas Citizenship of India Card
March 1, 2011: Received OCI card!

Divorce

Feb 2015:​ Found out he was cheating (prostitutes / escorts)

​May 2015: Divorce Final

 
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