I had our interview two days ago at the Raleigh-Durham office. Schedule was at 1PM and we got there about 30 minutes early before the line got long and area too busy. We were asked to sit down for a bit as it was still too early to check-in. Around 5 min before 1, everyone who had a schedule for 1PM was asked to line up for check-in. We were given a number and was asked to go to the 2nd floor for the actual interview. We waited around 20 min before we were called in, which was a good thing cause it gave me time to nurse my baby (we took our almost 2 month old baby with us and left our 2 year old super monster toddler at home with a friend lol). I believe we were the second couple to be called in. I noticed most people who came had lawyers with them which made me extra nervous because we did not hire one. Also, the audio sound calling in the numbers could barely be heard so it's best to always pay attention to the screen.
The interviewer was nice and courteous, introduced himself, swore us in and asked us to take a seat. I believe the first question he had was to confirm if my USC husband was adopted because he is asian but has an American last name. lol. He then turned to me and asked me how hubby and I met. I might have said too much cause I could feel my husband rolling his eyes next to me. The interviewer just smiled (I tend to say a lot when I'm nervous ) I believe the best tip is not to say a lot and just answer what was asked. Next was just confirming details of what we wrote on the application forms and those background yes/no questions on the i-485. Hubby joked who would say yes to those questions, interviewer laughed and agreed but said he is just covering himself and have to ask those. lol. He then asked about our kids and confirmed my last entry to the US. I was a nervous wreck because I overstayed my visit visa but he didn't ask why, only asked when was my last entry. He then said he was going to recommend us for approval. I couldn't believe it and might have excitedly said "Reallllyyy?!" So there it was, interview lasted about 10-15 minutes including small talks we had after about having 2 small kids. My online status didn't change until 24 hours after to "New Card is Being Produced". There has not been any update to our I-130 though, it still says "Case was Received". Is this normal?
Takeaways from my interview experience:
- It doesn't hurt to over prepare like I did, but don't get too stressed out and read too much about horror stories online. As long as your marriage is real and you are honest about the stuff you wrote in your forms, there is nothing to be too nervous about. Everything will work out in the end.
- Just answer what is asked, don't talk too much. LOL
- Always best to arrive early to avoid long queues.
- Bring your kid! If you have one, it helps. Not sure about bringing more than one though, might depend on their age. We decided on not taking our 2 yr old with us as he can be a bit too much to deal with. Although I saw lots of toddlers running around there too.
mrshoon got a reaction from psynix in November 2017 AOS