hon08

I wish I knew about this forum topic earlier so I could have kept updating!

Background: I came in 1997 on a tourist visa & my father had a work visa. We kept renewing until around 2004, my dad's company was unable to sponsor him because of company layoffs. Our visa expired that year and my parents made the decision to overstay and they were able to work on the social security numbers given to them. I met my husband in 2005, our freshman year. We were best friends until 2008 when we started dating and we got married in 2014 on our 6 year anniversary!

3/11/2015- Filed our marriage based AOS papers to Phoenix lockbox (I-485, I-130, I-765)

3/13/2015- AOS arrived

3/19/2015- Received the AOS receipt for all three, was transferred to National Benefits Center

3/28/2015- Biometrics appointment notice

4/9/2015- Biometrics appointment

4/13/2015- Ready to be scheduled for interview

5/22/2015- EAD approved on 5/22/2015

5/28/2015- Card mailed

6/1/2015- EAD received

6/2/2015- Filed for SSN

6/3/2015- Interview scheduled

6/9/2015- SSN received

7/8/2015- Interview/Approved!

Our interview was at the Chatsworth location in California. We arrived at the time of our appointment because of morning traffic (the office is an hour away from us). I was so nervous. My feet couldn't stop tapping and I was wondering what kind of questions the officer would ask and my husband kept laughing at me because he'd never seen me like that before. I was so nervous because I looked up people's experiences and they ask you some fairly simple questions but sometimes they pop out with some random ones and it's like.. do you really know your spouse's favorite food and why his favorite color is his favorite color? Hahah. And some of the questions you know but haven't really thought about in a while because they're questions you ask on the first date like favorite number, color, or even what their clothing size is. Hahah. We ended up waiting 2.5 hours because they were so backed up with marriage interviews. There were a few people that were in and out but they were there solo or just for an infopass appointment. We finally got called and luckily, our officer seemed pretty easygoing.

He walked us into the back and asked us to stay standing so we could say the oath then asked us to be seated. He looked at our application and first asked some small background stuff such as requesting to see originals of papers we've turned in (birth certificates and such) then proceeded to first ask me questions about what I wrote on my AOS application and confirmed everything. Then he asked my husband about what he wrote on his petition application. That was fairly smooth but then he said was going to ask us a few questions about each other.

He started by asking me how we met and then asking my husband who introduced us to each other. He asked him how he proposed and then asked both of us how we told our family. We told him that both sides basically knew it was going to happen soon but that my husband told his family separately and we told my family together. He started looking on the applications and asked us about each other such as what each other's parents names are, our previous addresses, birthdays, etc. He asked my husband where I've previously worked and he forgot one so that made me nervous but our officer laughed it off. Then he asked about our daughter who is almost 2 and asked to see her birth certificate again. He wanted to know if we had any other supporting documents such as a lease, rental agreement, joint bank accounts, etc. and I told him that we didn't have any of those because I didn't think it was legal since I didn't have a social security number and he said, "Yeah, I'm not even sure what the law is but it's good you told me that. It's just something we have to ask for further proof." I said I had some bills that were mailed to us at the same address and he took those, then I gave him a scrapbook I had of us with some details of each picture. He looked through them and said he had seen most of them in the package but he took a few from our earlier days of dating and asked if he could make a copy.

He told us that since we didn't have any accounts together or anything with both of our names, it would've had to go into further review but because of our daughter, he said it "weighed heavily". He turned on his computer and said, "I have to do something first and update your files for a second." and I was honestly pretty sure he was going to schedule us for another interview or something. It really seemed like he was debating on approving us. Then his printer turned on and some papers came out. He grabbed it and said, "Okay, well you're gonna rece-- wait, first of all, you're approved!" And my husband and I looked at each other and I just said OMG! and we both smiled as our officer kinda just giggled at us. Then he told me about the conditional green card, filing to remove conditions 90 days before it expires, being eligible to file for citizenship in 3 years (it would've been 5 if we weren't married), and the estimated time it'll take to receive the green card. He walked us to the copy machine and we were just talking shop for less than 5 minutes and he shook our hands, said congratulations, and we were on our way!

I cried in the car because it's been a long journey and I've always felt like I was unable to do certain things because of 9 little numbers or a stamp in my visa and now it was finally possible. I was and still am so relieved. My husband was the one who brought up filing for a green card after getting married and supported everything i do ever since i told him about my situation back in our high school days. We are very blessed and happy to know that there's no chance of me getting separated from him and our baby girl =)

wow...thank you for sharing..

I had my interview yesterday..... First I was late because of my hard head husband who didn't want to use the GPS. anyway got there about seven minutes after my interview appointment... Got to the security who check my appointment notice then send me to the appointment checking wind.ow. wait about 15 minutes or more then a immigration officer came out an call my name. We ( Me, Husband and Baby) went back to his office sat for about 2 minutes while he look through my file then he ask for my passport. Look through my passport then continue to look through my file. Then he ask

IO: When did I got married?

Me: July 14, 2014

IO: Why did we get married in Brooklyn If we live in New Jersey?

Me: Because I was spending time with my great grand father.

then he ask for my I-94... continue to type and check my file. then he ask a few questions from the I-485. After which I notice he had stamp APPROVED on my file but still had us sit there a few more minutes before he said EVERYTHING LOOK GOOD YOU SHOULD RECEIVED YOUR CARD IN TWO WEEKS.

P.S I did not submit any evidence so I was surprise he didn't ask for anything....

Congrats!

Congrats!

Thanks kash

Congrats

thank you..Good luck too

It's not 30 days though. It's 60 days. They said we'll received it by August 30th and we had our Interview last June 30th.

Hi Kabayan..Congratulations! Anyway,did you receive your GC now?

Congratulations!

Thank you Bandaria..you are right with your previous post regarding your interview..they ask no further documents as long as you submitted everything right and complete....

Congratulations!!!

Thank you and good luck to your journey too.

Hi,

I just want to share this one link regarding the Social Security Admin's requirement when an Alien's status changes. This might be helpful to us March filers

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211510 = RM 10211.510 Actions Required When an Aliens Status Changes

Also on this one,https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025 Thanks for this Kabayan..

RM 10211.025 Evidence of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status for an SSN Card

A. Policy for evidence of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status

Aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence must submit evidence of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status; this includes conditional, temporary, and alternate LPR status described in this section. Aliens who submit evidence of LPR status are issued unrestricted SSN cards (without a legend) provided the evidence requirements for an SSN are met.

Hi,

I just want to share this one link regarding the Social Security Admin's requirement when an Alien's status changes. This might be helpful to us March filers

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211510 = RM 10211.510 Actions Required When an Aliens Status Changes..Thanks for this Kabayan...

Also on this one,https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025 Thanks for this Kabayan..

RM 10211.025 Evidence of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status for an SSN Card

A. Policy for evidence of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status

Aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence must submit evidence of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status; this includes conditional, temporary, and alternate LPR status described in this section. Aliens who submit evidence of LPR status are issued unrestricted SSN cards (without a legend) provided the evidence requirements for an SSN are met.

Hi,

I just want to share this one link regarding the Social Security Admin's requirement when an Alien's status changes. This might be helpful to us March filers

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211510 = RM 10211.510 Actions Required When an Aliens Status Changes

Also on this one,https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025

RM 10211.025 Evidence of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status for an SSN Card ......Thanks for this Kabayan..

A. Policy for evidence of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status

Aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence must submit evidence of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status; this includes conditional, temporary, and alternate LPR status described in this section. Aliens who submit evidence of LPR status are issued unrestricted SSN cards (without a legend) provided the evidence requirements for an SSN are met.

thanks for that Kabayan..Sorry for the multiple posting above..I do not know what happened..

Hello

I got my ead/ap card a while ago and soon i will be leaving the country for 2 months. Do I need any other documentation besides the card and passport? Like should i carry the interview waiver letter or the marriage certificate or anything else?

Thanks!

Hi, the combo card itself is good enough to travel..but to ease yourself from worries then it's better to have everything at hand.. Good luck and enjoy your vacation..

Congrats!

thanks Kash!

Congrats!

Thank you?

Our AOS Interview together with my K2 went well and got an "on the spot" Approval yesterday in SFO..The IO didn't ask any additional papers/documents from us, even though I brought all that was listed in the notice, well, it's better prepared then...We were just ask all about bio page of our I-485 form.. My husband was ask about our wedding date only and where he work, it was a only a 20 minute interview..I just want to say, Thank you to all the members/moderators who have responded to my queries here..from the very start of my journey as K1, VJ forums have been a great help to me as my source and have been my guide by everyone's experience posted here..Special mention to HANK and GREENBAUM..who never fail to reply people who needs help in their K1 Visa Journey..I am Loving my Life here in the U.S. with my Husband and Children, Got a Good Job..A little Savings, A new Car, A Credit Card and Great Neighborhood/People around me..Can't even feel homesick now...God is Great..and I am very thankful for all the blessings...next step is ROC after 2 years..Again, Thanks VJ Family!!!

UPDATE with my AOS INTERVIEW... "Approved on the Spot"..The IO didn't ask any document from us, not a single thing.He just ask basic questions from the form I-485..my Husband was ask too..just the bio questions about himself and date of our Marriage..that's all..Thanks VJ family..Good luck to those who are scheduled for their interview and to the rest of March Filers, Good Luck..Special Mention to my Kabayan ----- Sweet01 for being supportive on this thread..Good luck to your new job too Kabayan,,(Salamat)...I am now enjoying my payroll for 4weeks now, got a little savings, a new car and a credit card...I thank God for all the blessings..

I have a question about the EAD process. My EAD was approved on May 20 and I received my card on May 29. I applied for a new SSC because the of the name change on June 1. Yesterday, I received a letter from the SSA telling me that EAD approval has not been updated in their system yet. Does anyone know how long this takes, or do I need to call the USCIS? I would like to get my US drivers license because I am not covered under the car insurance with my international license and I would like to have an ID finally. But without the SSC they cannot issue my driver's license. Thanks for your help!!

Hi, I received my EAD May 30.. Went to SSA office after 2 weeks.. I got my new card now..under my married name..

SSN update..: Got my new card today under my Married Name.. Yey..time to go to DMV..? At last..

Thank you! Yes, just be prepared with whatever they asked for, and be confident in yourselves Good luck and tell us how it goes!

Thank you so much! Wow, it's such a good feeling. Though I am still desperately waiting for some "official" notice of approval- and since the case status hasn't been updating for most people lately, I guess that means the welcome letter.

About the SSN- I mentioned it offhand to the IO at the interview, and he told me not to worry about updating that till I become a citizen now! And since it is in my married name, I guess I won't do it. Because it says valid "with DHS verification" and my greencard is just that! ...Right?

I will share it here for sure..As I am adjusting my K1 w/ a K2 derivative..btw you said they asked no document from you? That's great! Maybe when you submitted your AOS ,you have supplied them all that is needed..I hope they won't be asking from me more too..as me and my petitioner has a son now..and been living together for 14 years..before we got married..yay! Staying positive..???

Ok, I arrived in March 2013. I was way out of status when I applied in April of 2015.It states on their website that you must present the I94 even if expired, along with your noas. Im in south Florida, I guess it might be different bin other states. I will be forwarding you the link

Yes,maybe some rules in other state may vary, I'm not quite sure about it, but California is different..they are so strict..I'm not familiar with anything here since I am only here in U.S. . for only about 6 months now,whatever they say I am just following them, and sharing my experience as what I had been through,some members might find it similar if they are here in California too..By the way,are you adjusting from K1 visa status too?

SSA letter received in mail today,it says that I will receive my new card for name change after 2 Weeks..I went there 10 days after I received my EAD card..What a relief..now I can take my DMV written test when my new card arrive under my married name..?

Hi guys! Just got back from my AOS interview

It went great! The Interviewing Officer was a really nice gentleman and he barely asked us any questions about our marriage.

First we verbally went over the obligatory questions in part 3 of the I-485.

After that he just asked us when and where we met, which led to a long discussion about Minneapolis and how great a city it is.

Basically aside from that he just went over my file which he had on hand and just told us that everything looked good, and that we should look for the official approval on the USCIS case status website later in the day, and expect the green card soon.

So, yay!

In conclusion:

Things we took with us to the interview:

EVERYTHING.

Things he asked to see:

NOTHING. Not one single thing.

Congrats!!! And thanks for sharing..I hope my upcoming Interview will go as well as yours..

If I may add my little bit. I went to DMV with just passport, I94 and NOAs. It wasn't a hassle. I did my written and driving test, passed and received my pemit. They told me the original will be delivered as soon as DHS does their checks. The permit I have is for a year. I had drivers licence before from my home country.

maybe you applied for it earlier when you arrived here in the U.S., and 60 days before your 1-94 expires, it's not the same case if you are applying for DL and the 90 days as K1 visa expired..If I only knew that before then I would have been the same as you,cause I have a valid drivers license from my home country too..I've been twice rejected at DMV - 1st my 1-94 did not qualify for the remaining 60 days period...and 2nd attempt was my SSN name didn't match with my EAD..SSN in maiden and EAD in married name..they told me to come back once I have fixed my name change for SSN..

RFE too they said will receive a decission June 14 .

June 15 I called them and ask what happen why the date was gone they just said wait for 30 days and gave me a request no.

But then June 15 in the afternoon I received a notice of potential waiver letter dated "june 11,2015"

So i'm thinking maybe that's why they took off the date because they sent me the letter already .. just wait for a few days maybe that's what happened to you too

and USCIS and CEAC website was having technical difficulties,Updates and approvals lately are coming in the mail without an online update.

That's not what happened to me.

SSN card I received now still have restrictions even if I went there with EAD card to update my name .

.no problems with the restrictions as long as you have you have your EAD, what is important is the name should match with SSN and EAD..(that's what DMV wants when I went there to take written exam)..because some of K1's availed their SSN before they got married..lucky to those who have applied in their married name..less burden..

Thank you for sharing this with us! This is exactly what I wanted to know. I even started a topic with this thing.

So,I need to go to SSA office first then! I was wondering if I should go to DMV first.

Do you think I can go to SSA right away?its been 11days since my EAD was approved. The card was delivered on June 19th though. I heard I have to wait for 2weeks so that SSA can verify my EAD info. Please correct me if I am wrong ! Thank you!!!

hi, yes give at least 2 weeks before you go to SSA for name change, then wait for your SSN new card to arrive under your married name before going to DMV..they need to match with your name in your EAD..Good luck!

You're welcome kabayan yes just positive vibes always you can do this

kabayan, how about your Joint Account? Was it in your married name? We applied at Chase Bank cause that is his bank here ever since, the bank allowed us to have joint acct. but they put may maiden name on it..Because my SSN is in my maiden name and didn't match it with EAD..they were looking for another name under my married name and good thing Bank of America isn't that complicated enough to have a name change, I just did mine an hour before We went to Chase..So even if I had the Married Name in my statement for Bank of America they still put my Maiden name in our Joint Account...Well, they may have different rules to follow, I hope this will be fine to show in our interview..the only Bank in my Married name is in Bank of America cause that's where my voided check for my payroll goes and a Credit Card of Bank of America in my married name..what do you think kabayan?

DMV update.. I was not allowed to get written test because the name in my SSN card is not in my Married Name, EAD card should match with SSN card.. So I need to go back to SSA for name change, once I have the new SSN card that's the time I will be entertained again at the DMV office..

For those who just got their EAD and your name in your SSN is in your maiden name, you have to go back to SSA office to get a new card without any restrictions written on it, for name change bring along with you your Marriage Contract..they will verify your status with DHS and will get a reply from SSA after 2-4weeks...once verified you will received new SSN card, with the same number but name will be under your married name and no more restrictions written on it..

Hi hon08,

Take a deep breath and relax you can do this Regarding your W2s, your husband can ask for it on his past employers and have them faxed it over or your husband can check it online on adp.com if his previous company has it. Actually on our interview, the Officer did not looked for it not even my more than 200+ pictures. God Bless

hi kabayan... thanks for your reply..I hope they will not really look for the originals.. Before the original copies were lost, I have few extra photocopy of his last 2 years w2, we have tried to ask from his company a copy of it hoping we could get another Original copy but they gave us a photocopy instead,maybe once the original is lost then duplicate copy will always be in photocopy,,,,careless me,???the only original I have on hand is his W2 2014..I am praying We can get through...positive vibes..??? thanks again