RJ5254
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Posts posted by RJ5254
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Hello Everyone - just an update on this from my previous post back in January 2009.
My wife did have her biometrics done on 1/10/09 - however, she received a letter about a week later telling her the fingerprints did not come out properly, so they scheduled her to do it again a week later.
Then we waited..
Til today (5/4/09), I decided to check the USCIS website for status (since I have my wife's confirmation number), and it stated the following:
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Application Type: CRI89, PETITION TO REMOVE CONDITIONS OF PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS RECEIVED
Current Status: Card production ordered.
On April 30, 2009, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you receive the card, call customer service. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register.
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Nice! So we do not have to send over additional evidence or go for an interview. Very happy - so we are just waiting for her 10 year GC.
So we mailed the I-751 Application on or about 12/10/08. Biometrics was scheduled for 1/10/09. She had to RE-take it about two weeks later. Application was being processed by the Vermont Service Center. And the online status states that her Card is in production as of 4/30/09 - so overall, it took approximately 5 months!
Good luck everyone!
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Hi RJ5254,
Thanks for your reply in explaining to me what an "extended form" of the NYS marriage license is. I never knew such existed, and what other information it included in it. Did it cost you more to have this extended version, or is it just the same price as the regular version of the marriage certificate?
I probably won't need one at this time for passport purposes (as I won't be renewing my Canadian passport that expires this week..lol...). And for now, I only have the regular shorter version of the NYS marriage certificate (that's the only version that they gave me, 10 mins later after I got married and went directly to register for it..lol..). I submitted that shorter standard one with my I-751 application and for other purposes and haven't had any problems with it before. But nevertheless, it's good to know that this longer extended version of the NYS marriage certificate exists, just in case I do need it for future other purposes.
Good luck too, on the rest of your immigration journey.
Ant (Still waiting at the VSC, Still waiting for Baby...)
Hi ANTandDThe "Extended Form" Marriage License is nothing more than the standard Marriage License, but has the names of the Witnesses on the license. In addition, it states how many times you and your spouse have been married.
The only reason I had a copy of the "extended" license was because my wife needed to change her name on her Passport. So, I decided to send a copy of it with the I-751 application.
AntND - the price was the same. I think it was $35-$45 dollars.
Good luck as well.
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This is the government we are dealing with. They can't even seem to delete an old married name from my tax records despite certified marriage cert, copy of ss card and license. (I just got a letter today saying it will take 45 days to research my request! No wonder the goverment is broke! Just hit backspace 5 times and save...sheesh
) I'd send anything listed on the I751 guide just to be sure!Hi ANTandD
The "Extended Form" Marriage License is nothing more than the standard Marriage License, but has the names of the Witnesses on the license. In addition, it states how many times you and your spouse have been married.
The only reason I had a copy of the "extended" license was because my wife needed to change her name on her Passport. So, I decided to send a copy of it with the I-751 application.
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I find this website very helpful, and only want to do my part in helping out. Just wanted to list the evidence we sent for our I-751 application.
Brief synopsis - My wife (from Tourist to Student Visa) and I (US Born Citizen) married in Nov. 2006. Applied for Green Card shortly thereafter, and received stamp of approval in Feb. 2007, which would expire Feb 2009. 90 days prior to expiration of her 2 year green card commenced on Nov. 2008. We mailed the application (I-751) to remove conditions in December 2008.
Here is the list of items we sent out (including the payment of $545) to the VSC.
• Copies of my wife’s passport, green card, social security card, and NYS Learner’s Permit
• Copies of my cancelled and current passport, and NYS Driver’s License
• Copy of our Marriage Certificate (Extended Form)
• Two sworn affidavits by our U.S. citizen mothers, attesting to our relationship & marriage.
• Copy of Joint IRS Tax Transcripts tax statement for 2006 and 2007
• Copy of our 2007-2008 Joint Tax Stimulus Rebate Check and documentation
• Copy of our Joint Lease on our apartment (November 2007 thru October 2008). Note: As of November 2008, we are still living in the same apartment on a month-to-month lease agreement
• Employment Letter stating my wife is my primary beneficiary on my life insurance and 401K policy
• Copies of recent bank statements and verification letter stating we have a joint checking/savings account
• Copy of our car insurance policy along with a verification letter from our provider
• Copies of our joint credit cards
• Copy of our health insurance cards with a verification letter from our provider
• Copies of recent cable and cell phone bills showing a joint status
• A copy of our frequent flyer miles cards, itinerary, boarding pass receipts, airline and hotel reservations for our vacation in December 2007
• A copy of an itinerary of a “planned” vacation in May 2008. This trip was later cancelled due to the pregnancy of my wife. Attached is the doctor’s note and letter I submitted to the airline requesting for a full refund of our airline tickets
• Birth certificate and photos of our newborn baby son – born in November 2008
• Photos of us together with friends and families
By the end of Dec 08, We received a notice indicating the application was received, and my wife was granted a one year extension on her GC. Funny thing is that they spelled her name wrong on the receipt. So, I had that taken care of by calling the toll-free number on the receipt and speaking with a rep. They fixed it, and said it would take 45 days. About a week later, we received a letter indicating the change has been made. At the same time we received a letter for her biometrics appt set for 1/10/09.
That's where we stand now. Hopefully all goes well. By what I've been reading and there are no issues, we are anticipating to receive her new card by the end of the year 2009.
Happy New Year all!
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You know what, I have been thinking about my response here regarding your concern. I remember watching a show by Michael J. Gurfinkel, a well known Immigration Lawyer in the Philippines, that once a beneficiary dies, the petition ends at well and can not be transferred including the applican't derivatives.
My sincerest condolences to the whole family
Thank you for the condolences - Our family flew back to the Philippines to attend the funeral. Gurfinkel did help one of my friends who was featured on his show and Wowowee.... hopefully he can help our case. Thanks.
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I sure heard that the only time that the application is revoked is if when the petitioner dies, but not the beneficiary. I have this link found directly from US Embassy in Manila website.
Petitioner has died: When a petitioner dies, the visa petition filed for a family member is automatically revoked and returned to the Immigration Service office where it was filed. Beneficiaries may request the reinstatement of the petition for special humanitarian reasons but this should be done through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants may contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security office at U.S. Embassy Manila for more information about reinstatements for special humanitarian reasons of visa petitions. Attempts to conceal a petitioner's death will only jeopardize an application and may render applicants permanently ineligible to enter the United States. Note: If a petitioner has passed away and the USCIS reinstates the petition, a new I-864 Affidavit of Support will be required from a new sponsor.
RandyandRina,
Thank you for your information. I read online that it the petition is revoked once the applicant passes away, and they are unable to grant visas to the applicant's derivatives.
Good luck on your interview!
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My aunt in the Philippines was petitioned thru siblings about 20+ years ago. The application finally went thru and my aunt and her 10-12 year old son were already prepared to migrate over early 2008. Paperwork was already in place, and they were already to pick up their passports next week.
Unfortunately, my aunt suddenly passed away last night. This obviously voids her application... However, does that jeopardize (or void) any chances of her 10 year old son migrating here? What are the chances that he has the opportunity to migrate here on his mom's application?
Thoughts please.
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Correct... the stamp acts as a temporary green card until you receive your physical card....
The stamp actually reads that you are authorized to work....
Thank you for he great report on the interview. So you say that with the stamp only on the passport, your wife was authorized to work, even before she receives the actual green card? -
Physical Green Card arrived and in hand via snail mail on 2/28/07....
After reading so many entries, I decided to post an entry on my Wife's AOS experience....Background:
Wife (Came to the US in 2000 via B-2 Visa, changed to F-1 Student Visa in 2001)
Me (Born here, US citizen)
We started dating in 5/02
Wife graduated in 11/02 - fell out of status
Proposed to her on 7/05, Got married in 11/06.
We Filed paperwork (with the assistance of an attorney) on 12/6/06. We filed the I-485, I-765, I-130. On the Week of 12/18, we received receipts indicating they have received our applications and the checks i issued (three separate letters). The same week, we received a letter for my wife to do her BIOMETRICS for the I-485 and I-765. That was scheduled on 1/6/07.
During the Week of 1/15/07, we received a letter for the ‘initial interview for adjustment’ in Garden City. This was scheduled for 2/13/07 @ 1:30PM.
In preparation for the interview, this is the Evidence I prepared: Two separate binders (one for original documents, and the other being exact copies). All placed in sheet protectors. I sorted out the binders according to what evidence they asked for as per the Initial interview letter… (I-864, birth certificate, USCIS documents, then our evidence about our relationship, etc.) I included the following relationship proof: Joint documents (credit cards, insurance policy, cable/cell phone bill, bank letters/statements) We brought our wedding album, small albums my wife made with pictures from the time before we were married, loose photos of our honeymoon, cards/letters we sent to one another when we were dating, our wedding invitation, wedding cards we received from friends/family, joint checkbook), honeymoon itinerary and boarding passes...
We had the interview in Garden City, NY. We got to the area at about 11:45AM (we were early because we did not know what the parking situation was out there). But, it turned out they had a huge parking lot where you can park for free (so we decided to go around and about first).
We went back to the USCIS office at about 12:30. We went thru the doors, went thru metal detectors and were told immediately to check in at the first window on the right. The officer stamped the interview letter, placed it in a box, and told us to sit in the back area. There were a lot of people, many couples, and some individuals with their families and kids. Then at about 1:15PM, an officer came down and started calling a series of names. My wife's name was called, and were told to form a single line. They would then escort us to the second floor.
When reaching the second floor, we were told to sit in the ‘red/pink’ chairs and waited again for her name to be called. We were called at about 1:50PM. The DAO led us thru what looked like a maze to his office. Once getting into his office, he swore us in. He looked over the file which he already had. He asked to place our ID on his desk (I placed my drivers license and passport, my wife placed her passport). He started asking my wife if she worked (she did not work), when did she come to the US and if she ever left the US (no). He wanted to see a copy of her I-20. We offered to provide him a copy of her diploma (which he kept). He asked her about what she studied and what degree she got. He asked to see our birth certificates. He asked me if I was born here (yes), he asked me what kind of work I did, and we started talking about the specific job I do at my office. Then he asked us how long we were married. (it was coming close to three months). He asked to see our original marriage certificate. Then he asked my wife some personal questions about our relationship, such as what are some things that you like about your husband (she said I was a funny guy, LOL – and how we like video games, how we are active church members). He then commented and said, “that’s a good thing” (about me being funny).
Then he wanted to see evidence of our relationship – joint documents, pictures, etc. I provided copies of joint bank account statements (with a letter from the bank), cable bill and cell phone bill which had both our names on it. I also had a letter from my health insurance provider that we shared the same policy. He wanted to see my employment letter. I then interjected and said that I also have updated Affidavit of Support I-864, with a copy of my latest 2006 tax return showing that I was going to file “married”. (My initial affidavit of support had me filing Single.) I also gave him photocopies of joint credit cards and statements, photocopies of our health policy cards and dental plan policy. He then wanted to see the lease to our apartment, I gave him a copy and I told him I got the place before we got married. He asked when we moved in too. I told him I signed the lease in November, but we did not move in until December. He questioned why I did not put my wife's name on the lease – OOPS... I really did not have an answer and told him that I should have put her on there. I will definitely do that when I need to renew the lease. (afterwards, I realized why i didnt put her on the lease - it was because I had a better credit record, while she didnt - so i figured it would help in getting the apartment). I thought that by saying I signed that before we officially got married would explain it. It wasnt a big deal though... he brushed it off and moved on.
We then showed him pictures – wedding pictures, and pix from before and after we were married (mostly pix from our honeymoon). He looked thru our wedding album, and pointed out to one picture to ask who it was. Then he asked to keep two pictures, which we chose – they had to be pictures where we were the only two posing and were facing the camera. Then he looked at our other small albums – we had pictures when we went to the Car Show in Manhattan, and that he has gone to many shows as well – he even asked “hey, I’ve never seen you guys there!”. (Jokingly). He then browsed thru some loose photos from our honeymoon (we printed them from our digital camera). He wanted to know where we went, etc...
Then he asked my wife the usual questions on the I-765 – are you a prostitute? Do you practice polygamy? Communist Party? Etc….. Afterwards, we kinda had a chuckle about it, and he said, "yeah, i know but its part of the process".
Afterwards, he said “ok, I am going to approve your application”. And explained she would receive a temporary green card stamp in her passport. He took my wife’s I-94 and her passport, and told us to wait downstairs (near the window where we intitially checked in) in the waiting room. He said that he was going to review the files with someone, and once done, it will be stamped and we would pick it up in the waiting area. He said it would take about an hour. He specifically said sit near the window where we checked in. We said our thanks to him and went downstairs to wait.
It was about 2:20PM when we left his office and started waiting downstairs. At about 3:10PM, a lady over the loudspeaker asked that if anyone who is waiting for a passport to please come to a specific window. My wife was the first one in line (she was first because the DAO told us to sit near the window). You had to show a form of ID to get your passport (my wife showed our marriage license). They gave her the passport, and explained the stamp… It acts like a temporary green card. The lady said the card would arrive in 5 weeks. The temp green card is valid for two years. It also showed that she was authorized to work. In addition there was a stamp showing the date as to when he status was changed (2/13/07). The lady then provided my wife a sheet stating what would be next in this whole process. Since we were married for less than 3 years, we would have to apply to change her status 2 years after 2/13/07 (which would be 2/13/09) – and that we could not apply until 90 days before that day (which is 11/12/08). She explained that USCIS will not remind us and that it is our responsibility to remember to apply. Afterwards, we said thanks and left the place.
Overall, from the time we set foot into our attorney’s office to the day she received the I-551 stamp – it was about 70 days total……. I'm even surprised how fast it took.. We were told by our attorney that it would take 3 months to get the EAD, then 9-10 months until we get the actual interview. I guess it works different for everyone. Per the USCIS online status check, the latest status says that the welcome letter was sent, and it would take about 60 days to get the physical green card (which is actually more than what the lady told us of about 5 weeks).
It was an experience and definitely time consuming to get all your documents together, but in the end it will pay off – for as long as youre honest, you’ll have nothing to worry about. A great pre -Valentine’s Day gift.
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Ahh.... ok... i'm assuming it would not be a problem.
For me (i was the petitioner) showed the DAO Officer my passport and drivers license for ID purposes. Same goes for My Wife (who was the one getting sponsored) - it was her form of ID. However, she had her passport stamped with I-551 stamp after being approved. I don't think the DAO would stamp and expired passport - so I would suggest getting it renewed somehow.Yeah.... those fees really kill you!
Our interviewer wanted us to show him our original passports, birth certificates, marriage contract, drivers license.... he gave them all back to us. However, to be prepared just in case if he wanted to keep something for his records, I made sure i had a photocopy of each document. ]
re the USC needing to provide a passport, does it matter if it is expired? I assume it is for ID purposes. Just realized that my H's is expired, sigh ...another fee to take care of???
cheers!
oops, you misunderstood me...my passport is fine, I am the beneficiary, I meant if my husband's (the USC's) passport is expired, does it matter if he is only using it for ID purposes..
sorry for the confusion.
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For me (i was the petitioner) showed the DAO Officer my passport and drivers license for ID purposes. Same goes for My Wife (who was the one getting sponsored) - it was her form of ID. However, she had her passport stamped with I-551 stamp after being approved. I don't think the DAO would stamp and expired passport - so I would suggest getting it renewed somehow.
Yeah.... those fees really kill you!
Our interviewer wanted us to show him our original passports, birth certificates, marriage contract, drivers license.... he gave them all back to us. However, to be prepared just in case if he wanted to keep something for his records, I made sure i had a photocopy of each document. ]
re the USC needing to provide a passport, does it matter if it is expired? I assume it is for ID purposes. Just realized that my H's is expired, sigh ...another fee to take care of???
cheers!
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They actually had all the files. Most of them were photocopies of our birth certificate, marriage contract, forms we had filled up, etc....
However, I assume they would like to see the "ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS" (like the original birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc...) so that everything is authentic. If it says to bring the documentation, then i suggest bringing them just to be safe. To be safe, make photocopies of everything that you intend to bring. Regarding photographs - be prepared to give the DAO officer two or three pictures of you guys - preferably wedding pictures of you two, alone and looking directly into the camera lens. The DAO officer wil eventually place the pictures into your file.
Our interviewer wanted us to show him our original passports, birth certificates, marriage contract, drivers license.... he gave them all back to us. However, to be prepared just in case if he wanted to keep something for his records, I made sure i had a photocopy of each document.
Thank you for sharing your experience and congratulations !I will soon have my interview too. For the AOS application, I have already sent most of the papers asked for the interview (like the birth certificates etc...) . I wonder why I have to bring them again to the interview, do they have the files we sent previously and the documentation?
Do they give you back the originals after the interview?
Thanks
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Thanks for all the congrats!
Welcome letter and I-130 approval letter arrived via snail mail on 2/20/07.
After reading so many entries, I decided to post an entry on my Wife's AOS experience....Background:
Wife (Came to the US in 2000 via B-2 Visa, changed to F-1 Student Visa in 2001)
Me (Born here, US citizen)
We started dating in 5/02
Wife graduated in 11/02 - fell out of status
Proposed to her on 7/05, Got married in 11/06.
We Filed paperwork (with the assistance of an attorney) on 12/6/06. We filed the I-485, I-765, I-130. On the Week of 12/18, we received receipts indicating they have received our applications and the checks i issued (three separate letters). The same week, we received a letter for my wife to do her BIOMETRICS for the I-485 and I-765. That was scheduled on 1/6/07.
During the Week of 1/15/07, we received a letter for the ‘initial interview for adjustment’ in Garden City. This was scheduled for 2/13/07 @ 1:30PM.
In preparation for the interview, this is the Evidence I prepared: Two separate binders (one for original documents, and the other being exact copies). All placed in sheet protectors. I sorted out the binders according to what evidence they asked for as per the Initial interview letter… (I-864, birth certificate, USCIS documents, then our evidence about our relationship, etc.) I included the following relationship proof: Joint documents (credit cards, insurance policy, cable/cell phone bill, bank letters/statements) We brought our wedding album, small albums my wife made with pictures from the time before we were married, loose photos of our honeymoon, cards/letters we sent to one another when we were dating, our wedding invitation, wedding cards we received from friends/family, joint checkbook), honeymoon itinerary and boarding passes...
We had the interview in Garden City, NY. We got to the area at about 11:45AM (we were early because we did not know what the parking situation was out there). But, it turned out they had a huge parking lot where you can park for free (so we decided to go around and about first).
We went back to the USCIS office at about 12:30. We went thru the doors, went thru metal detectors and were told immediately to check in at the first window on the right. The officer stamped the interview letter, placed it in a box, and told us to sit in the back area. There were a lot of people, many couples, and some individuals with their families and kids. Then at about 1:15PM, an officer came down and started calling a series of names. My wife's name was called, and were told to form a single line. They would then escort us to the second floor.
When reaching the second floor, we were told to sit in the ‘red/pink’ chairs and waited again for her name to be called. We were called at about 1:50PM. The DAO led us thru what looked like a maze to his office. Once getting into his office, he swore us in. He looked over the file which he already had. He asked to place our ID on his desk (I placed my drivers license and passport, my wife placed her passport). He started asking my wife if she worked (she did not work), when did she come to the US and if she ever left the US (no). He wanted to see a copy of her I-20. We offered to provide him a copy of her diploma (which he kept). He asked her about what she studied and what degree she got. He asked to see our birth certificates. He asked me if I was born here (yes), he asked me what kind of work I did, and we started talking about the specific job I do at my office. Then he asked us how long we were married. (it was coming close to three months). He asked to see our original marriage certificate. Then he asked my wife some personal questions about our relationship, such as what are some things that you like about your husband (she said I was a funny guy, LOL – and how we like video games, how we are active church members). He then commented and said, “that’s a good thing” (about me being funny).
Then he wanted to see evidence of our relationship – joint documents, pictures, etc. I provided copies of joint bank account statements (with a letter from the bank), cable bill and cell phone bill which had both our names on it. I also had a letter from my health insurance provider that we shared the same policy. He wanted to see my employment letter. I then interjected and said that I also have updated Affidavit of Support I-864, with a copy of my latest 2006 tax return showing that I was going to file “married”. (My initial affidavit of support had me filing Single.) I also gave him photocopies of joint credit cards and statements, photocopies of our health policy cards and dental plan policy. He then wanted to see the lease to our apartment, I gave him a copy and I told him I got the place before we got married. He asked when we moved in too. I told him I signed the lease in November, but we did not move in until December. He questioned why I did not put my wife's name on the lease – OOPS... I really did not have an answer and told him that I should have put her on there. I will definitely do that when I need to renew the lease. (afterwards, I realized why i didnt put her on the lease - it was because I had a better credit record, while she didnt - so i figured it would help in getting the apartment). I thought that by saying I signed that before we officially got married would explain it. It wasnt a big deal though... he brushed it off and moved on.
We then showed him pictures – wedding pictures, and pix from before and after we were married (mostly pix from our honeymoon). He looked thru our wedding album, and pointed out to one picture to ask who it was. Then he asked to keep two pictures, which we chose – they had to be pictures where we were the only two posing and were facing the camera. Then he looked at our other small albums – we had pictures when we went to the Car Show in Manhattan, and that he has gone to many shows as well – he even asked “hey, I’ve never seen you guys there!”. (Jokingly). He then browsed thru some loose photos from our honeymoon (we printed them from our digital camera). He wanted to know where we went, etc...
Then he asked my wife the usual questions on the I-765 – are you a prostitute? Do you practice polygamy? Communist Party? Etc….. Afterwards, we kinda had a chuckle about it, and he said, "yeah, i know but its part of the process".
Afterwards, he said “ok, I am going to approve your application”. And explained she would receive a temporary green card stamp in her passport. He took my wife’s I-94 and her passport, and told us to wait downstairs (near the window where we intitially checked in) in the waiting room. He said that he was going to review the files with someone, and once done, it will be stamped and we would pick it up in the waiting area. He said it would take about an hour. He specifically said sit near the window where we checked in. We said our thanks to him and went downstairs to wait.
It was about 2:20PM when we left his office and started waiting downstairs. At about 3:10PM, a lady over the loudspeaker asked that if anyone who is waiting for a passport to please come to a specific window. My wife was the first one in line (she was first because the DAO told us to sit near the window). You had to show a form of ID to get your passport (my wife showed our marriage license). They gave her the passport, and explained the stamp… It acts like a temporary green card. The lady said the card would arrive in 5 weeks. The temp green card is valid for two years. It also showed that she was authorized to work. In addition there was a stamp showing the date as to when he status was changed (2/13/07). The lady then provided my wife a sheet stating what would be next in this whole process. Since we were married for less than 3 years, we would have to apply to change her status 2 years after 2/13/07 (which would be 2/13/09) – and that we could not apply until 90 days before that day (which is 11/12/08). She explained that USCIS will not remind us and that it is our responsibility to remember to apply. Afterwards, we said thanks and left the place.
Overall, from the time we set foot into our attorney’s office to the day she received the I-551 stamp – it was about 70 days total……. I'm even surprised how fast it took.. We were told by our attorney that it would take 3 months to get the EAD, then 9-10 months until we get the actual interview. I guess it works different for everyone. Per the USCIS online status check, the latest status says that the welcome letter was sent, and it would take about 60 days to get the physical green card (which is actually more than what the lady told us of about 5 weeks).
It was an experience and definitely time consuming to get all your documents together, but in the end it will pay off – for as long as youre honest, you’ll have nothing to worry about. A great pre -Valentine’s Day gift.
-
After reading so many entries, I decided to post an entry on my Wife's AOS experience....
Background:
Wife (Came to the US in 2000 via B-2 Visa, changed to F-1 Student Visa in 2001)
Me (Born here, US citizen)
We started dating in 5/02
Wife graduated in 11/02 - fell out of status
Proposed to her on 7/05, Got married in 11/06.
We Filed paperwork (with the assistance of an attorney) on 12/6/06. We filed the I-485, I-765, I-130. On the Week of 12/18, we received receipts indicating they have received our applications and the checks i issued (three separate letters). The same week, we received a letter for my wife to do her BIOMETRICS for the I-485 and I-765. That was scheduled on 1/6/07.
During the Week of 1/15/07, we received a letter for the ‘initial interview for adjustment’ in Garden City. This was scheduled for 2/13/07 @ 1:30PM.
In preparation for the interview, this is the Evidence I prepared: Two separate binders (one for original documents, and the other being exact copies). All placed in sheet protectors. I sorted out the binders according to what evidence they asked for as per the Initial interview letter… (I-864, birth certificate, USCIS documents, then our evidence about our relationship, etc.) I included the following relationship proof: Joint documents (credit cards, insurance policy, cable/cell phone bill, bank letters/statements) We brought our wedding album, small albums my wife made with pictures from the time before we were married, loose photos of our honeymoon, cards/letters we sent to one another when we were dating, our wedding invitation, wedding cards we received from friends/family, joint checkbook), honeymoon itinerary and boarding passes...
We had the interview in Garden City, NY. We got to the area at about 11:45AM (we were early because we did not know what the parking situation was out there). But, it turned out they had a huge parking lot where you can park for free (so we decided to go around and about first).
We went back to the USCIS office at about 12:30. We went thru the doors, went thru metal detectors and were told immediately to check in at the first window on the right. The officer stamped the interview letter, placed it in a box, and told us to sit in the back area. There were a lot of people, many couples, and some individuals with their families and kids. Then at about 1:15PM, an officer came down and started calling a series of names. My wife's name was called, and were told to form a single line. They would then escort us to the second floor.
When reaching the second floor, we were told to sit in the ‘red/pink’ chairs and waited again for her name to be called. We were called at about 1:50PM. The DAO led us thru what looked like a maze to his office. Once getting into his office, he swore us in. He looked over the file which he already had. He asked to place our ID on his desk (I placed my drivers license and passport, my wife placed her passport). He started asking my wife if she worked (she did not work), when did she come to the US and if she ever left the US (no). He wanted to see a copy of her I-20. We offered to provide him a copy of her diploma (which he kept). He asked her about what she studied and what degree she got. He asked to see our birth certificates. He asked me if I was born here (yes), he asked me what kind of work I did, and we started talking about the specific job I do at my office. Then he asked us how long we were married. (it was coming close to three months). He asked to see our original marriage certificate. Then he asked my wife some personal questions about our relationship, such as what are some things that you like about your husband (she said I was a funny guy, LOL – and how we like video games, how we are active church members). He then commented and said, “that’s a good thing” (about me being funny).
Then he wanted to see evidence of our relationship – joint documents, pictures, etc. I provided copies of joint bank account statements (with a letter from the bank), cable bill and cell phone bill which had both our names on it. I also had a letter from my health insurance provider that we shared the same policy. He wanted to see my employment letter. I then interjected and said that I also have updated Affidavit of Support I-864, with a copy of my latest 2006 tax return showing that I was going to file “married”. (My initial affidavit of support had me filing Single.) I also gave him photocopies of joint credit cards and statements, photocopies of our health policy cards and dental plan policy. He then wanted to see the lease to our apartment, I gave him a copy and I told him I got the place before we got married. He asked when we moved in too. I told him I signed the lease in November, but we did not move in until December. He questioned why I did not put my wife's name on the lease – OOPS... I really did not have an answer and told him that I should have put her on there. I will definitely do that when I need to renew the lease. (afterwards, I realized why i didnt put her on the lease - it was because I had a better credit record, while she didnt - so i figured it would help in getting the apartment). I thought that by saying I signed that before we officially got married would explain it. It wasnt a big deal though... he brushed it off and moved on.
We then showed him pictures – wedding pictures, and pix from before and after we were married (mostly pix from our honeymoon). He looked thru our wedding album, and pointed out to one picture to ask who it was. Then he asked to keep two pictures, which we chose – they had to be pictures where we were the only two posing and were facing the camera. Then he looked at our other small albums – we had pictures when we went to the Car Show in Manhattan, and that he has gone to many shows as well – he even asked “hey, I’ve never seen you guys there!”. (Jokingly). He then browsed thru some loose photos from our honeymoon (we printed them from our digital camera). He wanted to know where we went, etc...
Then he asked my wife the usual questions on the I-765 – are you a prostitute? Do you practice polygamy? Communist Party? Etc….. Afterwards, we kinda had a chuckle about it, and he said, "yeah, i know but its part of the process".
Afterwards, he said “ok, I am going to approve your application”. And explained she would receive a temporary green card stamp in her passport. He took my wife’s I-94 and her passport, and told us to wait downstairs (near the window where we intitially checked in) in the waiting room. He said that he was going to review the files with someone, and once done, it will be stamped and we would pick it up in the waiting area. He said it would take about an hour. He specifically said sit near the window where we checked in. We said our thanks to him and went downstairs to wait.
It was about 2:20PM when we left his office and started waiting downstairs. At about 3:10PM, a lady over the loudspeaker asked that if anyone who is waiting for a passport to please come to a specific window. My wife was the first one in line (she was first because the DAO told us to sit near the window). You had to show a form of ID to get your passport (my wife showed our marriage license). They gave her the passport, and explained the stamp… It acts like a temporary green card. The lady said the card would arrive in 5 weeks. The temp green card is valid for two years. It also showed that she was authorized to work. In addition there was a stamp showing the date as to when he status was changed (2/13/07). The lady then provided my wife a sheet stating what would be next in this whole process. Since we were married for less than 3 years, we would have to apply to change her status 2 years after 2/13/07 (which would be 2/13/09) – and that we could not apply until 90 days before that day (which is 11/12/08). She explained that USCIS will not remind us and that it is our responsibility to remember to apply. Afterwards, we said thanks and left the place.
Overall, from the time we set foot into our attorney’s office to the day she received the I-551 stamp – it was about 70 days total……. I'm even surprised how fast it took.. We were told by our attorney that it would take 3 months to get the EAD, then 9-10 months until we get the actual interview. I guess it works different for everyone. Per the USCIS online status check, the latest status says that the welcome letter was sent, and it would take about 60 days to get the physical green card (which is actually more than what the lady told us of about 5 weeks).
It was an experience and definitely time consuming to get all your documents together, but in the end it will pay off – for as long as youre honest, you’ll have nothing to worry about. A great pre -Valentine’s Day gift.
I-751 Application / Evidence
in Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion
Posted
Yes - you mail the application, then you get a notice to come in for fingerprinting. This is the "biometrics" appointment. The letter explains where you need to go to take the prints.
As for the evidence, you need to prove you are in a bonifide relationship, so I feel whatever evidence I can submit would be fine. Download the INS application and it explains what the INS is looking for. I also read some of the threads on this website and saw what other people sent in. That helped a lot.