military-wife

So I had my AOS interview on 20 Oct 2015, at Las Vegas USCIS office at 9.25am. We were there on time, got called to do the fingerprint and photo then sat back and waited for about 15 mins for my interview. My name was called and my husband and I followed the immigration officer to the room. Can't remember the officer's first name but I think his last name was Mazzam or something like that. He was an old white man and very nice. We took an oath before taking our seats. In front of him he had all the files I sent over the past year. First thing he asked was my ID so I showed him my passport then he asked if I have a SSN and EAD (which I got them 2 months ago) so he can update our file. He also asked my husband for his ID and if he's still working at the same company and how long. Then he asked me those questions like terrorism, criminal history, etc. which I said 'no' to all. He asked if we brought some photos which I did and it's a mini size photo album with 23 photos to be exact including 8 wedding photos, 8 photos of us together and 7 group photos of friends and family. He liked that I had photos of my in-laws and husband's friends. I asked him if he wants a copy of our marriage certificate and he said 'no it's fine...where did we get married?' I said 'downtown vegas'. Then he wanted some other evidence like documents/letters that has both our names on it. We didn't have a lot but we explained to him that I'm currently not working hence why my name is not on any bills/rent etc, and we live with my bro-in-law and all utility bills are under his name. I think he understood our situation so he said 'that's ok'.

These are just some of the things I brought to my interview and gave copies to the IO:

1. Copy of lease agreement under my husband's name only.

2. Copy of husband's bank statements for 3 months but he later added me to his account (now joint account). However, I didn't get my debit card on time (bank screwed up) and latest statement didn't have my name on it so we provided a letter from our bank confirming that it's a joint account.

3. Copy of car insurance, although both our names on it I'm only listed as his spouse and not covered on the policy. We explained this to the officer that they wouldn't add me because I don't have a driver's license.

4. Copy of mobile phone plan under my husband's name; online plan/profile under my name.

5. Copy of joint gym membership.

6. Copy of vet bills with both our names on it.

He did ask for the rent transactions but we told him my husband has another account (not a joint account) from another bank which is the same bank as our landlord so it's convenient when paying the rent and for that bank statements we didn't think about bringing it since we have the lease agreement. The officer said 'it's ok then'. He also asked (which makes sense) if our joint bank statements we provided had any transactions that was spent on female stuff related such as women's clothes, nail salon etc. we said 'no'. I told him that I don't really need to buy clothes because I have too many and majority of the time we use cash (which is true) so he said 'that's fine'. He asked if there's anything else we want to add so I said 'we have cards from our family' but he didn't want those. In their eyes it's probably not a strong evidence. I could tell he wanted us to give him more evidence but at the same time I think he also understands that it's quite hard to have all these things when only one of us is working and we're still settling down and I've only been here under a year. There's really nothing else we could do but just explain our situation. I brought all the required documents like a bunch of them with me and even made copies of every single one of them but he only needed the ones that had both our names on it. He asked if we have any questions which we said 'no'. He then gave us a paper and explained to us how the permanent resident card works and we have to remember to file a form 90 days before it expire and that we'll also get something in the mail within 5 weeks etc. He didn't exactly say I was approved even though it was kinda obvious and he said his supervisor will make the decision even though he said 'we're good'. It was actually kinda funny how he said it. I've read on this forum that they take the i-94 during the interview process but the officer didn't take mine so I'm not sure if that's good or bad? So that's one thing I forgot to ask the officer.

Overall, my interview went well and only lasted about 15-20 mins. Oh and we weren't asked about how we met, what's his mother's name or any of those Q&A thing. My husband and I weren't nervous at all and just relieved that we're done with the interview.

My advice to anyone who's preparing for their interview is to bring as much evidence as you can. Most important thing is to bring copies of any joint account that you have ie. bills, bank statements (incl rent transactions if u can), lease, insurance, phone plan just to name a few. Joint gym membership and vet bills def help too especially if you don't have enough joint accounts. In regards to the photos, def include group photos with the in-laws and friends, I think Immigration officers likes that.

So later that day, I checked my case status online and got this message:

"Welcome Notice Was Mailed"

On Oct 20, 2015, we registered your permanent resident status and mailed you a Welcome Notice for Receipt Number MSCXX. Please follow the instructions in the notice. Your new permanent resident card should arrive by Dec 19, 2015, after this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address."

YAY!! WE GOT APPROVED!!!

Thanks for the advice! once I get my SSN, we will get a joint account and i'll get my U.S. driver's license so he can add me to his insurance.

We also have gym membership for both of us.. the contract says I am paying so.

Our phone bill is under my husband's name, but I have my own number and he does too.

So I think we are great.. the only thing we have to get done is the lease to have under both of our names.

EAD update :

On October 30, 2015, we ordered your new card for Receipt Number MSC*****, and will mail it to the address you gave us. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

YAY!! How long does it take to get it? 2 weeks?

Yeah I'm not asking about getting SSN. I have one since 4 years ago and I changed to my married name about 2 weeks after getting married (before filing AOS). I was asking if the DHS authorization was getting removed after EAD or Green Card. I think it's Green Card, since you're not a legal resident until you get your Green Card.

Think you're right.

I've heard the same thing.. they will give you your SSN if you have a EAD.

Where in Virginia do you live if you don't mind me asking?

Norfolk, VA

Thank you for the quick replies! I’ve never gotten an RFE and generally our whole process has been very smooth and satisfying. We sent our initial application for the K1 at the end of April and she arrived in the USA at the beginning of August. So I just try to get everything done on time and correctly. Anyway, we hope she can receive an AP for a possible trip outside the USA at end of January. Is this feasible? Is the real marriage certificate needed for the AP? Currently, the marriage certificate should be available on November 6. But I wanted to send everything in by Monday to get a bit extra time and hope for the AP to be approved by end of January… henceforth my dilemma.

Can't you get a certified copy at your court house? It usually is pretty quick... within a couple of days your marriage is registered in the system. That's what happened to us. We got a certified copy right away from the court and we didn't get any RFE.

I suggest that you file it ASAP because the process itself (AP, EAD, etc.) takes a lot of time. I'm already over 2 months in and no EAD or interview.

Use the new address. that's what we did and they didn't ask any question when I did my biometrics.

As for the marriage certificate, you can just go to your court and get a certified copy. That's what we did.

Oh I know! Trust me I know. I'm super bored too. ?

I wish you lived in Virginia so we could hang out.. I don't know anyone lol

Hi military-wife, I'm also military wife lol

Anyways, I've heard stories where some people don't get EAD. But don't worry, you'll have interview soon!

I heard some do not get the EAD until their interview is approved. I hope that is not my case. I really want to work. I am super bored... you know how it is with our husband working long hours and duty

Some people said on this forum that EAD can still be issued even before the interview since it's two separate process... not sureee about that. We'll see.

Hello! It's a bit funny, was typing my post here that I haven't receive any updates until my app notified me that my case is 'Ready to be scheduled for an Interview' , I'm glad atleast I know now that my case is moving...But still no changes on my EAD/AP status(Case Was Received). Hope it will update soon also! Now 71 days from case received...

I've been on the "ready to be scheduled for an interview" since October 1st.. so you should be expecting to wait at least a month.

Me too for the EAD status It's been on case received since August 25th.

Good news is that it should happen any day now. I got my approved EAD on the 63rd or 64th day so hang in there, it's on its way!

Did it update on USCIS case status? or did you receive an email/text? I've heard some never received an update.. they just received the notice by mail.

64 days since file AOS and still no EAD not even an update

I've had that happen to me twice! USCIS do monitor the forums but I don't think that has anything to do with case updates, more than likely mere coincidence.

Just waiting on my SSN now. I'm in this weird point in my life where I've had to start again at the age of 28 after having had such a well paying and respected job but also wanting to start a family. So I've decided to take my expertise and put together my own business. I just need to look into what I need to register for, and start making a plan of it! This also gives me that bit more flexibility to visit family too, as it seems the US holiday/vacation policies aren't as generous as those from the UK. My mother is upset enough that I'm going to be permanently residing here, let alone that I wouldn't be able to visit all too often for lack of time off.

Same here! I am going to have to start from the bottom.. I had good job back in Canada, well-paid, great benefits...

I would call the 1-800 number to ask if it is legit.

Although consulates do things differently, I received a letter with the website address....

I wouldn't take the chance.. They are probably going to ask you for personal information, even though they won't ask you to pay.

I think you are next! Although the status changed this morning it says that the card was ordered on 10/23/15. It also says it in the case history below. I've checked the status online everyday and it was never updated. Your good news is coming! I know it!!!

Case History

• 10/23/2015

  

  We ordered your new card.

• 08/24/2015

  

  We received your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization .

My I-765 hasn't been updated too since August 25th. I heard that sometimes it doesn't get updated until a few days after they send the actual notice.

I woke up this morning and checked my husband's case status online at 7:10. The status hadn't changed. At 7:30 I received 2 text alerts that my case was updated. I logged back in the USCIS site to check for the EAD and the status changed to: "New card is being produced". My husband and I are sooooo happy! Our application was received on August 24th.

We have very similar timelines. Hopefully it means I am next in line...

Hello everyone !! this forum has been a great help through this long process.

This is my TL:

08/05 Documents sent (Chicago Lock Box)

08/10 -PriorityDate- Mails received.

(Day 22) 09/02 Biometrics done

(Day 60) 10/10 Notice of approval EAD

(Day 70) 10/20 EAD in the mail

The wait between the biometrics appointment and the EAD approval was eternal, but it is finally here !!

After 2 days of receiving my EAD I went to the Social Security office and request my SS Card smoothly. The officer told me that it would come in the mail within two weeks.

Now the waiting for the appointment for the green card begins. bI have not had any RFE but my case has not changed since the first day (Fingerprints fee and your case was accepted recieve)

I'm from Houston and my case went to the office MSC.

I hope my TL is useful for something. I want to know who are in a similar situation.

Any early August fillers already have their interview appoiment?

Anybody from Houston has his/her interview soon?

Thank you and good luck!!

Congrats! I am a late august filer and still no update on EAD card, since Biometrics in September. I expect it to take at least 2 more weeks the wait is so long for the EAD.

Since October 1st, my status says that I'm ready to be schedule for an interview....

that's pretty cool!!

Congrats!

It's always so frustrating seeing people with similar submission/NOA dates as you having their cards in hand and you're still sitting there waiting...

ME TOO

I submitted AOS late August and someone with a similar timeline got their card.

If you guys received your EAD, I should be receiving mine soon. We filed late August... either today or next week.

they are both right. It takes at least 90 days to get the EAD. Don't apply for a job if you do not have a EAD, they will not hire you without proof that you can legally work.

I sent my AOS form in August and I am still waiting on my EAD. It's been over 60 days now...

Wait, don't they send us the interview date in the mail? I read that we aren't allowed to book our own interview, that the national visa center does it for us. I'm also on this step (waiting for my packet in the mail) so now I'm pretty confused/concerned.

No they do not send you an interview date in your packet. The packet will tell you what to gather for the interview and where to schedule an interview.

The only time that they schedule the interview for you is during the AOS process...

There will be another status update when they mail the interview notice, you don't need to keep anxiously checking your mailbox before then. That one will say

Great! Thanks so much !

As of October 1, 2015, we are ready to schedule your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status, Receipt Number MSC****, for an interview. We will schedule your interview and send you a notice. Please follow any instructions in the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

Hi

USCIS updated our i-485 status saying they will be sending us a notice with an interview date. I've been constantly checking our mail box and we haven't received it. It's been over 2 weeks since update. Our address is the same (I did my biometrics in September and it was correct). Should I be worried I didn't receive it?

Also, is this a message that they send to all AOS applicants? even those who get an interview waiver?

Thanks