CarpiDiem

update:Greencard received on Friday the 13 th

Good or bad omen, remains to be seen.

Even if I want to believe you, but I still cannot fathom your seeming whirlwind romance of just a few days, ending in marriage to somebody you hardly knew. It seems that you successfully circumvented the immigration system, and basically got away with it.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't believe in love at first sight. I believe that you marry because of consuming and passionate love. But to love someone, your have to know them. And to know them, you have to invest time and effort.

I believe in the definition of true love by an obscure French writer who said that ....

"True love cannot be found where it does not truly exist,

nor can it be hidden, where it truly does."

But who am I to judge you? It is between you and your conscience.

Nevertheless, I hope your marriage will be successful, if in fact it is based on true love.

Furthermore, it is my hope that you keep your big mouth shut, keep your nose clean, and keep your prejudices to yourself. After all, you only have a conditional green card, and you don't want to risk deportation.

I also think that the people that helkp you here do a good job but sometimes lack a bit of faith. what i mean is i read so many times that you have to get a lawyer that its not recommended doing the AOS route instead of K1/K3 visa retunr to your country road. i know these advices are meant in good thought bur can disenrourage young couples that dont have money for a lawyer or are simply unsure. im glad we went this road and it work with no hassle to all couples out there and ponder if they wanna dare to to AOS from visitor, student ot whatever visas i can honestly say: " if your intentions were clean not to come to stay and you have a relationship that works, try it!"

Andreas,

In my opinion, I think it is IRRESPONSIBLE and DANGEROUS to OPENLY ENCOURAGE and ADVISE people to do B2 then AOS.

You got lucky that the immigration officer did not question or failed to question your immigration intent considering that you entered the country with a B2, found somebody in just a few days, then decided to permanently stay just 3 weeks after you met. On the other hand, it could be love at first sight. And if it is, then congrats.

However, the question whether to do B2 then AOS versus K1/K3 is a hotly debated subject in VJ.

I now have mixed feelings regarding this issue, but I certainly would not OPENLY ENCOURAGE and ADVISE people to try the B2 to AOS route like what you did.

Let people decide privately what their best course of action should be, taking into consideration their unique circumstances, and whether or not they want to take the risk.

If you feel he has oversteped the mark then you can allways report him....

Kezzie

Report him to who???

Immigration???

VJ Admin???

Not gonna do that. Let Andreas make a public apology and refrain from insulting the racial sensitivities and sensibilities of many VJ members.

If he is not willing to do that, then he should just shut his mouth, and keep his racial bias and opinions to himself.

While I would never condone any racial comments this is a public forum and as in all walks of life there are people who are rasist and they are just as entitled to their opinions as the rest of us....

For anyone to be amazed that there are people on here who hold these rasist views is very naive.... do what we should all do and ignore them....

Kezzie

It is NOT naive to be amazed when Andreas posted these RACIAL COMMENTS in a public forum like VJ.

VJ is a multiracial and multicultural world-wide forum with many inter-country and interracial couples who are happily married and settled in the US. VJ is NOT the forum to spout RACIAL COMMENTS.

If Andreas is a RACIST, then he should keep his RACIAL BIAS to himself, and NOT come to VJ to proselytize to VJ members and readers his RACIST VIEWS.

Yes, you are correct to say that everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but Andreas SHOULD take his RACIST VIEWS elsewhere, and NOT flaunt it in this VERY public forum.

@CarpiDiem

i was only commenting on the fact that it made a difference that we were different, stood out of the mass. thats all. not racist or anything, just the facts are that marriages from mexico, asia etc are more often "assembled" to get into the us than one few ones from European countrys. Just look at a waiting room or the official numbers.

Andreas_and_Tracey,

Southern California, and particularly Los Angeles County (where you live) has a large immigrant community with people from all over the world. A great number of those immigrants are Hispanics, and a lesser number are Asians, Iranians, Armenians, East Indians, and some East Europeans. Go ask your wife.

I should point out to you that

1. NOT ALL HISPANICS ARE MEXICANS

2. NOT ALL ASIANS ARE CHINESE

I'm simply amazed by your narrow-minded bigotry resulting in sweeping generalizations like .....

"just the facts are that marriages from mexico, asia etc are more often "assembled" to get into the us than one few ones from European countrys. Just look at a waiting room or the official numbers."

Where exactly did you get your facts that these marriages are "assembled?"

Show us a copy of the "official numbers" of your so-called "facts."

Since YOU live in multiracial and multicultural Los Angeles County, you should have known that the "waiting room" will be filled with people who are not necessarily "tall white Guy from Germany" and "It seeme dlike it in the waiting room because we were the only white folks there."

If you had your interview, say in Kansas or North Dakota, then perhaps you will see more White couples and a few interracial ones in the "waiting room."

UNSOLICITED ADVICE

1. Since you are living in Los Angeles County, you ought to take a CULTURAL SENSITIVITY CLASS.

2. If you don't want to, then keep your RACIAL BIAS to yourself.

3. Don't drive to East Los Angeles and make racial comments to the folks living there.

The did not even want to see our wedding album or any pics at all. When we shows her the Bills she already fondeled with my Passport (I 94 removed, Visa cross out) and said "your not visiting no more", she did not seem very interested or maybe we were so believable. Maybe me beeing a tall white Guy from Germany convinced her more than the fiftysecond Asian/white couple etc. It seeme dlike it in the waiting room because we were the only white folks there.

Am I reading this correctly, or is this guy making a BLATANT RACIST statement ????

UNBELIEVABLE !!!!

My K1 visa processing took 3 months

My AOS is approved in 3 months also

I think I am lucky

I've read many fast AOS approvals in this forum and other forums lately, my case included. So, there is a little bit of hope for those in the process of applying and/or waiting.

Our timeline:

July 5, 2006 mailed the AOS application

July 11, 2006 received NOA

September 12, 2006 interview and approval

It took about **62 days** from the NOA to LPR approval, which is surprisingly fast.

Ladies and Gents,

I found this article which may explain why AOS approvals are a little bit faster except for some District Offices.

Nearly 1 million applications will still be pending at the start of October, according to this report, including those that USCIS considers outside its control because they are awaiting feedback from other agencies such as the FBI, or information or documents from applicants.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. Immigration Agency Speeding Up Procedures

Reuters

Friday, September 15, 2006; 8:16 PM

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said on Friday it will meet its goal of reducing the average wait time for immigration services to six months by the end of September.

The agency formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service also said the total number of pending cases that exceeded the six-month wait period fell from 3.8 million in January 2004 to 1.1 million in July this year.

"It really is a Herculean achievement that we've been able to achieve this," Emilio Gonzalez, the agency's director told reporters.

Nearly 1 million applications will still be pending at the start of October, said Michael Ayetes, director of USCIS field operations.

But the agency considers these outside its control because they are awaiting feedback from other agencies such as the FBI, or information or documents from applicants, Ayetes said.

In July 2001, President George W. Bush asked the agency to establish a six-month standard from start to finish for processing immigration applications.

Three main types of services still face backlogs, Ayetes said. They include relative petitions, in which a U.S. citizen asks for the naturalization of a relative, requests for permanent residence and asylum applications.

The offices with the biggest numbers of backlogs are New York, Miami and Atlanta, he added.

Crystal Williams of the American Immigration Lawyers Association said USCIS holds some responsibility for the nearly 1 million applications it says are outside the agency's control.

"They have become faster and they've made progress ... but in many cases they are generating these numbers by sending unneeded requests for extra documentation (to applicants)," she said.

Williams added the agency should also establish procedures to get information from other agencies faster.

Aww, you guys! Look, my hackles raised up a bit at the subject line too, but this guy gave an AWESOME detailed report and his heart is clearly in the right place.

While not everyone can expect the same results, why not applaud his achievement? I haven't seen a lot of similar contributions here in ages.

And you're going to split hairs over him feeling American? (ok, I've probably done it myself in the past) I think it is a nice piece of perspective for all those who are only coming to the US because of their love; with all the troubles our country is having and facing at the moment, it is still a place that others can admire.

Carpi, thanks for your post and Welcome to America, man!

Meauxna,

Thanks for your kind words, and thanks for welcoming me.

I've been living in America for several years as an L1 visa holder. I became an LPR as of last Tuesday. I'm very comfortable with American culture and consider myself as fully assimilated.

Some countries in Europe, and most countries in the Muslim world hate America's foreign policy and its administration, but not necessarily the American people. They've made that distinction clear.

But in spite of the tense world situation and America's tarnished image abroad, some of these not-so-friendly countries want to send their kids to America to live and go to school, which I think is very ironic. Just recently, Saudi Arabia sent 15,000 students to the US to study, and most of these students came with paid scholarships provided by the Saudi royal family.

So, I think America is both admired and loathed.

Hey, I just thought he maybe really thought he was a citizen now.

I'm glad he got done and dusted. I guess I'm whiney. Sorry.

Becky and Wes,

I never carried the illusion that just because I became LPR that I'm already a US citizen. I'm fully aware that it will take me 5 years to become a US citizen.

I would like to reiterate that even if I'm just an LPR right now, I feel in my heart that I'm an American. It is a privilege to be granted LRP status, but it is a greater privilege to be granted US citizenship. I know I have to earn it in the next five years.

CarpiDiem - its not quite that simple with some people, because becoming a US citizen doesn't always mean giving up your original nationality. For example being from the UK I can't lose my UK citizenship, even if I get US citizenship. I can hold both passports and live permenantly in both countries, so do I consider myself an American or an Englishman?

dr_lha,

I think the answer to your rhetorical question whether to consider yourself an American or Englishman is in your heart.

You are one of the lucky groups who have the privilege of dual citizenship. I guess "jenn3539" is correct to say that you can be both. And in your case, you are both an American and an Englishman legally.

I was just reacting to "Boiler's" statement that he will *NEVER* consider himself an American even if he naturalizes, and that an additional passport makes no difference to him.

It is my belief that "when you are in Rome, you do what the Romans do."

If "Boiler" is currently enjoying the bounty that America has given him, i.e. food on his table, free education for his kids, free medical emergency care (through his county), etc., then I see no reason why he should not appreciate the privilege of considering himself an American (if and when he naturalizes).

The general idea of LPR and eventual citizenship (if you so chose) is to assimilate and feel loyal to the country that gave you this privilege and this bounty.

To me, it seems that "Boiler" is saying --> "Splendid America for letting me stay and enjoy everything you have to offer. BUT no thanks, I won't assimilate and will NEVER be loyal to you."

This is a very nice post, however I'll echo other statements that the time it takes to get a green card is most likely more dependant on your Name Check and which is your District Office, than which binder type you use for the application.

However, I'd say your post is certainly useful advice for avoiding RFEs.

You do what you have to do for the things you can control, like making sure you submitted correct information and complete supporting documents to avoid RFEs. You can also do your interview preps.

However, I fully agree with you that once you application is submitted, you are entirely dependent upon the bureaucratic red tape, i.e. FBI name check and the location of your District Office.

I've read somewhere that President Bush directed DHS and USCIS to process applications in six months. The artificial deadline is supposedly October 2006. If I'm not mistaken, the federal budget approved by Congress for this year has trickled down to DHS and USCIS in terms of additional manpower. That is probably the reason why I'm reading a lot of AOS cases in this forum and others that have been adjudicated faster..... my case included.

The FBI name check is entirely another animal. Hopefully with this year's approved budget, it will help the FBI install and update to a more powerful matching software and more powerful computers to speed up the name checks. After all, isn't it true that FBI checks 1 million names a month ???

A process of crunching numbers and data like that would require almost like a supercomputer with a very sophisticated matching software that could include a lot of variables.

It absolutely pays to be prepared.

And there is absolutely nothing you can do to prevent delays due to FBI security clearance. Yours must have been complete.

There is no foolproof method.

We're glad you like us. Welcome to America. But you're not an American till you naturalize.

I truly symphatize with your plight. It is heart-wrenching that you've done absolutely everything right, but still the government has put you and Wes through this FBI name check hell. It is unjustified and wrong.

I've read an article about a group of lawyers who initiated a class action suit in behalf of their clients who experienced unjustified delays in their FBI name checks. I'm not certain if they call it a "Mandamus" or something like that.

I agree that there is no fool-proof method even if you've prepared to the ying-yang. However in my case, I probably over-prepared and it was overkill. But I did what I had to do on the things I can control, like document preparation, interview preps, etc.

Once the application was mailed to the Chicago lock box, I lost control, and I was at the mercy of USCIS and the FBI name check like everybody else.

Most of my close relatives are US citizens. My deceased father was a US citizen. My son is a US citizen and currently in active duty as a military officer. I encouraged my son back then to join the military to serve his country. As a parent, it was not easy for me to offer my only child to the service of this country, knowing that he will be in harm's way. But even though I'm not technically an "American," I felt that it was the patriotic thing to do.

Although I'm an LPR, but in my heart, I consider myself an American. It is only a matter of time (5 years) before I am officially one.

You say to use a Lawyer but you needed to pick up several crucial mistakes.

You use the analogy of a Doctor, I would be very worried if I needed to pick up a Doctors mistake.

I did not use a Lawyer, saw no need, but everybody needs to make their own call depending on their circumstances.

I do not consider myself an American, and will never do so, even when I have naturalised, you are what you are, an additional passport makes no difference.

We decided to hire a lawyer because we were time-constraint.

Our objective was to avoid RFEs and further delays. The crucial mistake (in my mind) that the lawyer made was not typing --> Jr. --> after my last name.

Some people may say this is trivial, but when it comes to FBI name check, this is crucial.

My father and I have the same name. He was a US citizen but he died a few years ago. We had a strained relationship even from the start. Therefore, sponsoring me back then was out of the question.

In hindsight, by instructing my lawyer to add "Jr." after my last name in the application forms, I believe I averted the dreaded delay in the FBI name check.

Not considering yourself an American even if you naturalize is your prerogative. But in my opinion, if you decide to naturalize, you are making a conscious decision to become one. If you are what you are, and you don't feel like you are an American, then just maintain your LPR status and not lose your native identity.

Correct Pandaflex link

http://tinyurl.com/zzs6y

Our case is not K1 or K3 but AOS for father, and USC son as petitioner. This site has been a tremendous resource and help to us, and we would like to give back to this community by sharing our experience in the hope that others can profit from it.

OUR MANTRA

"No Mistakes" and "Nothing Left to Chance"

INITIAL PREPARATION STAGE

My son (USC) petitioned for my adjustment of status from L1 to Legal Permanent Resident. We decided to hire an immigration lawyer to do the leg work because we were time-constraint. We also believe that if you are sick, you see a doctor. If you want a smooth AOS, you hire a good immigration lawyer.

From the get-go, we decided to be proactive and be two to three steps ahead in terms of preparation. We told our lawyer that we want to avoid an RFE situation, and that we want to work fast.

We gave the lawyer *COMPLETE* information and *COMPLETE* supporting documents. We insisted to personally check all application forms before he mails them to the Chicago lock box. Because of this proactive stance, we were able to catch and correct several crucial mistakes the lawyer made when typing the application forms thereby preventing possible RFEs. We ask the lawyer for a complete copy of every document that we signed, and copies of all supporting documents he mailed to USCIS.

SUPPLIES BOUGHT AT OFFICEMAX

1. Zipper expanding file + 8 pocket portfolio made by "It's Academic"

2. Several Manila folders

3. Pandaflex Classification Folder --> http://tinyurl.com/zehnv

4. Avery Write On Tabs Series 1614X --> http://tinyurl.com/f9a23

5. OfficeMax binder clips

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

We kept *All* original documents in a separate Manila folder and used a binder clip (We did not punch holes and use Acco fasteners for the originals)

1. Birth certificates of son and father

2. Marriage certificate of father

3. Divorce degree

4. Son's certificate of citizenship

5. L1 documents

We then used the Avery Write On Tabs removable adhesive to label each original document for easy handling so we don't have to fumble around if the immigration officer should ask for a specific supporting document. It will also impress the hell out of the interviewer. You score major points because you are demonstrating that you are well-prepared and very organized, thereby making the interviewer's job a little easier.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (IN CASE INTERVIEWER WANTS COPIES)

We used the Pandaflex Classification Folder and punched holes on all copies of supporting documents and used the built-in fasteners. This particular Pandaflex has one divider and 4 fasteners. We again used the Avery Write On Tabs removable adhesive to label each document for easy handling.

Front Divider (Son)

1. I-130

-- son's certificate of citizenship

-- son's birth certificate

-- photocopy of son's DL and SS#

2. Affidavit of Support

-- son's W2 for 2005

-- son's ITR 2005

-- son's letter of employment

-- son's 8 months pay stubs

Back Divider (Father)

1. G-325

-- photocopy of father's DL and SS#

2. I-485

-- I-94 front and back

-- 1st page of passport with the biographical data and picture

-- US non-immigrant visa

-- port of entry stamp

-- father's birth certificate

-- father's marriage certificate

-- father's divorce decree

3. I-693 and Supplemental Form

-- copies of various medical and lab tests

SECONDARY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (IN CASE INTERVIEWER WANTS COPIES)

We organized secondary supporting documents in separate Manila folders and used the Avery Write On Tabs for each folder for designation. We placed these labeled folders into the Zipper expanding file + 8 pocket portfolio:

1. NOAs, biometric letter with stamp, copy of interview appointment letter

1. Pictures of father and son through the years

2. Cards that son gave to father through the years

3. Copy of son's school records, i.e. grade sheets, immunization records as a child, etc.

4. Father's ITR (2003, 2004, 2005) in case interviewer asked for proof that father paid US taxes.

5. Copies of divorce papers, legal filings, etc.

6. Copies of father's education papers and advanced degrees in case interviewer asked for father's educational qualifications.

The above is perhaps overkill, but we wanted to be prepared for anything.

INTERVIEW PRACTICE WITH LAWYER

One week before the interview, we had a practice session with our lawyer. He grilled us about the information we gave in the various forms. It is strongly advised to memorize all pertinent information like the names, addresses, dates in the I-485, I-130, and G-325.

INTERVIEW TIPS

Our lawyer gave us valuable tips:

1. Be cordial and respectful to the District Adjudication Officer (DAO)

2. Establish eye contact with the interviewer when answering questions

3. Establish that you entered the country legally.

4. Establish appropriate relation with your child or parent

5. Relax and keep your hands on your lap, and *NOT* on interviewer's desk.

6. Do not cover your mouth when you speak

7. Your answers must be straight and to the point unless asked to explain.

8. Do not volunteer information unless specifically asked.

9. Give only the document(s) specifically asked by the interviewer.

10. Do not volunteer document(s) that the interviewer *DID NOT* ask.

11. Take a shower, wear fresh and appropriate clothes, use mouth wash, apply Binaca breath freshener, *DO NOT* wear perfume *OR* wear very, very light perfume (if you must)

12. Treat this like a job interview where you present yourself in the best possible light. After all, this is just *THE MOST IMPORTANT INTERVIEW OF YOUR LIFE*

FINAL PREPARATION BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Our interview was scheduled at 10:30 a.m., September 12, 2006

1. We did a final document check two days before the interview

2. My son and I did a final mock-up interview to make sure he knew what his father's complete name is, date of birth, place of birth, etc.

3. We stayed in a hotel (3 miles from the USCIS District Office) the day before the interview

4. We drove by the USCIS District Office the day before the interview (to get acquainted with the route so we won't get lost and miss our appointment).

5. We ate dinner at a fantastic seafood restaurant and just relaxed and enjoyed the company of my son.

6. We set our alarm clock so we can wake up 3 hours before the interview.

7. We asked the hotel desk clerk for a wake-up call in case our alarm clock screws up.

8. We slept early.

9. We woke up 3 hours before the interview, took our showers, shaved, brushed teeth, used mouth wash, wore our interview clothes, and looked sharp.

10. We ate a full breakfast.

11. Brushed teeth again, used mouth wash, applied Binaca breath freshener, and off we went to our appointment with destiny.

12. We arrived at the USCIS District Office 30 minutes before the interview.

THE INTERVIEW

Called in at 10:25 a.m. (5 minutes earlier). Our District Adjudication Officer (DAO) was a pleasant young lady, probably in her mid to late 20s (good sign).

She invited us to her office. We walked through a long and winding hall with several small offices (interview rooms). All offices have their doors opened, and we could see and hear the interviews going on inside as we walked by.

1. When we were inside the interviewer's office, I introduced myself, my son (USC), and my lawyer

2. DAO administered the oath for us to tell the truth, and nothing but ....

3. DAO offered our seats and asked for our IDs. We gave her our DLs and passports

4. She took my I-94 and attached it to our file.

5. She shuffled through our file and asked to see the original birth certificate of my son (USC). She returned it immediately after merely glancing at it.

6. She asked if my name is xxx, and I said "yes."

7. She asked if my current address is xxx, and I said "yes."

8. She asked if my phone number is xxx, and I said "yes."

9. She asked me when I entered the country, and I gave her the month and year.

10. She asked if I've ever been out of the country since my last entry, and I said "No, I've stayed in the US continuously for xxx number of years."

11. She asked one question from the I-485 whether I received public assistance in the United States from any source, blah, blah, blah, and I answered "no."

12. She then excused herself and went out of the room with my file. My lawyer told me that the DAO probably went to get the approval from her supervisor.

13. She came back after 2 minutes, shook my hands, and congratulated me saying that I was approved, and my green card should arrive in one to two weeks.

14. I asked the DAO if it would not terribly inconvenience her to stamp my passport with the I-551. She said they don't stamp passports anymore.

15. Our lawyer quickly interjected that he would like to request an "Approval Notification Letter" for his files. The DAO hesitated a bit, but then proceeded to type in her computer a modified form letter, printed two copies, gave one to my lawyer, and one to me.

Kudos to our great lawyer for his quick thinking because he sensed that I badly wanted the I-551 stamped in my passport for peace of mind while waiting for my green card.

After giving us the letter, she stood up signifying that the interview was over. We stood up, shook her hand, said our thank-you, and made a hasty retreat (lest she changes her mind). We were all grinning from ear to ear like Cheshire cats as we exited the building.

What a GREAT DAY !!!

CONCLUDING STATEMENT

Our interview lasted ten (10) minutes. The interviewer only asked to see one piece of original document, which was my son's birth certificate. She only asked one (1) question from the I-485 "no" list.

It was rather an anti-climactic and uneventful interview which was short and sweet. I was absolutely shocked and dumbfounded because the interview was very short and smooth. I turned to my lawyer and gasped --> "That's it ???"

After two months of high anxiety and sleepless nights, my future was decided in 10 minutes. But I was not about to complain.

I believe that several factors contributed to our fast and smooth AOS:

1. Meticulous attention to detail; not leaving anything to chance.

2. Being two to three steps ahead; asking ourselves what could possibly go wrong, and doing corrective measures.

3. Anticipate possible interviewer questions by thinking like one.

4. Being on top of, and taking control of the situation during our initial document preparation stage.

5. Submission of *COMPLETE* information and *COMPLETE* supporting documentation.

6. Prayers to God and abiding faith in Him after our application packet was mailed to the Chicago lock box because at that point, it was already out of our control.

7. A little bit of luck.

America is still the greatest country on earth. People come here from all over the world because it offers better opportunities and better future for us and our children. When you set foot in this country, it feels like being reborn.

America is a beacon of hope for those who experience persecution, for those who yearn to be free, for those who strive to be the best, and to be among the best.

However, I will not forget my heritage nor will I forget the country where I came from. I shall share the richness of my culture, and I shall contribute my talents to this country so that America will remain strong and vibrant.

There is no such thing as Irish-American, Italian-American, Chinese-American, Mexican-American or any hyphenated American. As far as I'm concerned, I am an American, plain and simple (albeit a citizen-candidate).

I am proud to be an American. This is my country now.

##########################################################

I strongly advise everybody to request for the

"Approval Notification Letter" for your peace of mind if

the interviewer won't stamp your passport with the I-551.

##########################################################

EXHIBIT A --> COPY OF THE APPROVAL NOTIFICATION LETTER

Name: xxxx

Address: xxxx

APPROVAL NOTIFICATION

Class: IRO as of 09/12/06

A No.: xxxx

Date Approved: 09/12/06

Your application for adjustment of status to that of a permanent resident has been approved, OR the conditions on your residence have been removed. The card production facility is in the process of producing your Permanent Resident Card (I-551). You should receive your I-551 card within a short period from the date of this notice. This letter does not convey any benefits and may not be used for legal purposes; it is merely a notification of action and an advisement that card production has been initiated.

You should NOT travel outside the United States unless you receive your new Permanent Resident Card.

You must notify the USCIS if you change your address. Your card will not be forwarded in the mail should you change your address. If you do no receive your card within sixty days you may schedule an INFOPASS appointment at www.USCIS.gov to inquire into the status of the card.

Your legal representative has been provided with a copy of this letter.

Sincerely,

xxxx

District Director

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TIME LINE

July 5, 2006 mailed I-130, I-485, I-693/S, affidavit, supporting docs

July 11, 2006 received NOA for I-130 and I-485 (day 6)

July 19, 2006 received biometrics appointment letter (day 14)

July 27, 2006 received interview appointment letter (day 22)

August 03, 2006 actual biometrics/fingerprinting (day 29)

September 12, 2006 day of interview (day 69)

***** APPROVED and waiting for the green card *****

PROCESSING TIME FROM START TO FINISH: 69 days