John and Janay

On 1/28/2019 at 11:51 AM, Tilde333 said:

Thank you so much!! I am currently putting the finishing touches on the binder for TOMORROW! We are certainly nervous, but we have a 1 year old daughter to bring with as evidence I will post a super detailed update and review after tomorrow.   

Hey guys! How did it go?! Waiting on your good news! 😀

18 hours ago, emekus94 said:

LOL
They honestly asked us like 5 questions?

1) How did we meet? 

2) how long did we date before marriage

3) Were we married before? Nope

4) Any children before? Nope
5) Verify address (we moved from Texas so they wanted to make sure it was all up to date)

Then they asked my husband the yes/no (are you a criminal) questions. Except IO didn't ask them one by one. He like picked 5 or so and asked those and then that was that.

 

Then he said "anything else y'all wanna add as evidence?"
I had a stack of stuff for evidence, which I made from the letter checklist (the ones that applied to us). So am like "uhhhhh... do you want anything in particular or like the entire folder?" They took the entire folder.

I brought copies and originals of everything so they took the copies. 

 

We spent more time for the guy to get his printer working than actually anything else. lol

IO had to make copies of our passports, license, etc

 

He took our EAD card, gave us a letter telling us about ROC and sent us outta there. 
 

That’s awesome. I was wondering if I should make a separate folder to give to them so I’m not fumbling with his VJ binder we have lol. 

Congratulations again! 

We’re a little nervous because John got arrested for drunk in public a few months back but his court date isn’t until February. We’re on edge on what to do because it’s a good chance his charges will be dismissed but worried it’ll delay GC approval. 

Anyone have any experience with this? The lawyer we spoke to said it shouldn’t conflict things but so much depends on the IO that day 

3 hours ago, RLA said:

Yes, my online status changed to "approved" during the night after the interview, and the card arrived a week later.  It's not as green as the name would suggest. 

That’s awesome! So glad it was a quick turnaround! Congratulations!!! 

2 hours ago, Ani924 said:

I love the sense of comradery in this group. Good luck @John and Janay and @Tilde333on your interviews this week!! Ours is just around the corner. I am low key terrified and so excited at the same time 😬 keep me updated  😄😆

Oh yes! It sure eases some of the anxiety knowing others are in it with us! ThAnks and good luck to you too! 

5 hours ago, emekus94 said:

Hey y'all
We had our green card interview yesterday (Friday). Approved on the spot. Got a notice this morning that card is being produced.
It has been a long and crazy journey as most of you have experienced but we are grateful and thankful Hallelujah- Praise God!

If you have any questions about the interview or what we did, please let me know.

Thank you all for being awesome!

 

Congratulations 🎊🎉!!! 

What questions did they ask? Did they ask for any documents or did you just give them a folder with everything on the letter checklist? Tell us everything lmao 

On 1/17/2019 at 11:51 AM, RLA said:

So my interview was last week.  Guess it is time to report back how it went: 

 

There is a parking garage right behind the building, $7.  One can also take the metro, Orange Line.  Unlike with the place where they do the biometrics appointments, here one has to go through airport level security to get in, even take one's shoes off.  I'd not have worn my winter boots if I had known that.  No coffee allowed inside, unfortunately. 

 

Inside there is a government standard waiting area with water fountains, rest rooms, and TV screens.  They were showing HGTV, which made for a pleasant distraction.  Another way to pass the time is people-watching with one's spouse, especially playing spot-the-lawyer.  You can also play on your phone, despite all the signs prohibiting the use of electronic devices.  Nobody seems to care, and I spotted one kindle and several phones out in the open.

 

We had to wait about 40 minutes beyond our appointed time.  However, that does not seem to be normal, as our officer apologized and even attempted some kind of vague explanation.  The interview itself was short and almost pleasant.  There was only one real question ("How did you meet?").  The rest of the time was spent rattling through the potential ineligibilities ("Did you ever participate in genocide?  Do you plan to overthrow the U.S. government? …") and taking fingerprints and a photo again.  Our officer didn't even ask for additional supporting evidence, but he took copies when we offered them.  He had to check with his supervisor, otherwise he would have approved us on the spot.  I was allowed to keep my EAD card. 

 

All in all I felt that this was a bit of a waste of time, both for the officer and for us.  Under the old rules we would probably have been approved without an interview.  

Thank you so much for this. Our interview is 31 January and we’re super excited and equally nervous. Fingers crossed it goes well and easy. 

So so did they approve your case? Any update on when your card will come? 

7 hours ago, emekus94 said:

Update your timeline with your EAD/AP timeline. That will help.

 

Based on your NOA for AOS, you're an end of July filer (which I assume is when you did travel and employment)

I was a mid july filer and was just approved.

We both seem to be on the slower end of things. Just hang on. It will come

 

Don’t know how I missed this announcement lol but CONGRATULATIONS 🎉 

On 12/21/2018 at 2:32 PM, Ani924 said:

Omg congrats on your interview! That was quick, good holiday news! Now I’m waiting on our status to update haha 🤗

Thanks!!! Keep me updated 😀

Got notification that we’re scheduled but haven’t got the date yet. I’m assuming February but hoping for January 😀

On 11/14/2018 at 5:46 AM, John and Janay said:

Hey guys...got our combo card in the mail yesterday annnnnddddd John’s name is misspelled. Lord help us if we have to wait another 4 months for a replacement card! 

On 11/14/2018 at 10:36 AM, emekus94 said:

 

I swear-
this has happened more times in the older threads than I can count!

 

Hang in there girl.

I think the last few I saw were relatively painless to fix. Almost there!

Ok so quick update: After fighting with USCIS about who’s fault it was that his name was spelled incorrectly..we were finally ready to send John’s combo card back to be corrected. Had envelope signed and sealed on the way to the post office and my phone starts exploding with notifications. Emails, text messages, app notifications. Look at my phone and STATUS CHANGED TO INTERVIEW SCHEDULED!!!! Yay!!  

We’re in the Washington DC office where processing times were 10-24 months. We definitely weren’t expecting this anytime soon. But we’ll sure take it! 

John was able to find a job. He explained the misspelling and no problems there, but we dared not to travel with it. So we’re home for the holidays. But it’s ok. Staycations aren’t horrible. But Carnival in Brazil has our name written alllllllll over it! 

Thanks everybody for being so positive and upbeat. We were so bummed and I feel sorry for the agents that were on the other end of the phone when I called lol but all is well now. 

All interview tips and tricks are welcomed  

On 11/27/2018 at 6:09 PM, Ana Maria said:

Interview today in Charlotte.

Approved!

On the spot.

Finally can relax.....put the process to rest for a while.

 

Good luck to all!

Happy Holidays

Ana and Joe

@Ana MariaCongratulations Friends!!! So happy for you! 

3 hours ago, Ani924 said:

What! What’s your pd?! Congratulations! That was quick, looks like dc office os moving forward!! We’re in the same field office, keep me updated once you get your interview date ☺️☺️

They’re coming down the pipe! You’re next! 

Hey guys...got our combo card in the mail yesterday annnnnddddd John’s name is misspelled. Lord help us if we have to wait another 4 months for a replacement card! 

1 hour ago, lesliem said:

Hello! I got a combo card but my AP status online never changed. I just got the approval notices for both EAD and AP in the mail, then received the combo card in about 4 business days.

Thanks! They both changed this afternoon to “case was approved”. Super excited!!! Looks like we’re going to Brazil for Christmas 😀

10 hours ago, Fredd said:

Hi, i just got my approval notice today for EAD and AP. i am just curious about my AP it has a separate approval notice and says that they will mail Travel Document separately. does this mean it will be separate to my EAD cARD? i thought it will be on my EAD Card as a combo card. or maybe, the notice they sent me are just for formality?

 

Thanks

I would think it’s a formality and the card would still be a combo card. How did you get your notice for approval? Email, text, mail? 

Hi everyone! As of midnight last night I received a text message from the old USCIS website (which is weird because that site has never updated for us. Our K1 application still says received there lol) saying “new card being produced” for the EAD as of 11/5. Exciting! However, no changes to the AP status. It still says “application received” on both online portals and the app. My question is, should we be worried that the AP wasn’t approved? Or is this a case of the website playing tricks with our emotions lol. Anybody experience the same thing with the EAD/AP? 

Hey everyone, we got a random “still working on your case” email this morning. Does that mean someone touched our case today? Lol Why send an email saying...no update? I check the site everyday...I know there’s no update.

On 9/19/2018 at 11:27 AM, Ana Maria said:

FYI...We received online notice Friday 9/14 that our case is ready to be scheduled for interview....so far notice has not come in the mail, we're waiting.

Biometrics were completed on 8/30.  (North Carolina - Charlotte)

Congratulations @Ana Maria you guys will be sailing through to your interview soon! I might just have to ask to use your address soon  VA/DC is moving at snails pace and that's being generous. 

On 9/19/2018 at 7:27 AM, JasonGG said:

Woke up this morning to an email saying there was a change in our status.  Logged on to USCIS and it said my wife and daughter's green card interview was scheduled!  I am shocked we could get an interview so quickly at the Baltimore office (filed in July and biometrics August 9).  The website doesn't say what the date is, just that a letter will be sent.  Hopefully this is not a mistake!

 

Jason

Congratulations! @JasonGG

2 hours ago, Jiga said:

Does any Baltimore July filers got EAD or interview date.

@Jiga @JasonGG has his interview date and they are in the baltimore area. 

On 9/18/2018 at 11:02 AM, Firebread said:

Okay delay in responding but it is done according to the zipcode

Okay got it. So in that case we'll be at Fairfax. Any movement for you on the EAD/AP card? 

21 hours ago, RenataIzo said:

hahaha. I wish New Orleans had a thread so I could complain as well! hahaha We're close tho! I've lived in Houston before! How did y'all find out about the 12 officers? hahaha I want to FOIA the office here and get some questions answered! New Orleans is a pretty strange, inconsistent office. There's not enough data on VJ to try to understand what's the average time people are getting their interviews scheduled.

Oi! Hey there, my home town is near New Orleans. I was actually thinking of changing our address from VA/DC to NOLA in hopes of getting an interview sooner. But seems like you're in the same boat as us here. The VA information on VJ is slim unless its in regards to citizenship. So I'm kind of in the dark as to when things will move or if we'll get an interview. Just mentally hoping for christmas. But in the meantime there's plenty to do in New Orleans to keep busy. Its my favorite city in the world and I've been a lot of places. Enjoy! I miss it. 

48 minutes ago, DPP123 said:

It's not a bad idea lol.  
I wish I knew someone in Raleigh NC or Charleston SC  

 

 

You and me both! Any of our NC/SC filers who already have an interview date willing to share their address? lol 😆 

39 minutes ago, emekus94 said:

I think there was a discussion of this same thing at another forum. LOL
I don't ever remember what people decided to do. Should have paid more attention! haha

personally, it sounds like an absolute hassle remembering these addresses
Especially if the goal is citizenship and all the paperwork-- who knows what they would ask at each stage!

lol Well it’s good to know that I’m not the only one who’s thinking of ways to get over on USCIS lol I’d love to know if it actually worked 

So just sitting here thinking of ways to beat the system.

Currently my parents live in Mississippi. Which has a MUCH faster timeline of course. What if I updated our address to my parents’ home and just fly to our interview when it comes? 

Legally would that be so wrong lol 

kidding but not kidding Hmmmmmm

21 hours ago, Tilde333 said:

We are DC filers, PD July 9 and status on everything is still "Case Was Received"

Hey, we're also DC filers! Don’t worry about the status updates. Some get them some don’t. Our K-1 status still says “case was received”.

which website are you using to check your status? Have you done your biometrics appt yet? 

6 hours ago, tammyjb said:

Yes it does! And now the next waiting begins! Congrats!

Thank goodness! That was the part that was really giving me the anxiety. Thanks!

On 8/28/2018 at 8:06 PM, Emaillo said:

Hello! I filed an AOS+EAD+AP in July! 
I just moved to DC area and my status changed to "Ready to schedule an interview"

Do you now how long it takes to schedule the interview (Virginia-Washington Office)?

Thanks!

It seems pretty typical that we're in for at least a 7-10 month wait on the interview dates. BUT, we could get lucky who knows. Its a gamble really. 

On 8/30/2018 at 5:54 PM, Firebread said:

Hello, Question? How do you know if you are the Virginia office?.

Honestly I was wondering the same thing. How do we know if we're Fairfax office or DC metro office? 

10 minutes ago, Tilde333 said:

Hi July filers! So our NOA is for July 9th 2018 and my husband had biometrics on July 31st.  We have bills that are past due and he won't be able to use his driver's license when his I94 expires in 3 months.  Do you think we can expedite his EAD?  

@Tilde333 I think thats valid evidence that you'll need to expedite based on financial hardship. I'd say go for it!

We're in Woodbridge Va so I can vouch that the public transportation, or the lack there of, this area is the worst I've ever seen and don't get me started on the job market! Good luck! 

3 minutes ago, emekus94 said:

Attention to details. LOL

Oh yea. If it's not hyphenated, I promise you 60% of America will mess that up ALL the time.
I had many friends with the paternal/maternal thing and they just ended up hyphenating so things like this don't keep happening

Yea I thought about hyphenating my maiden and his paternal last name. But I heard its a headache when doing official documents and official signatures. So I just let it go. lol 

Our status changed today to "ready to schedule for interview" YAY!

Now for the wait lol hard for my brain to understand how it could be in 30 days or in 30 months lol USCIS sure knows how to keep us on pins and needles.

So does this mean that we in the clear of an RFE?