suesue

Forgot to mention..... when we got to POE, they were only going to give me an additional 4 months, as I'd already spent 2 months of the year in the US.... but I asked to speak to a senior person...... got sent to the dreaded '2nd interview room' , pleaded with a very nice officer, who went through all my 'ties to home' and was allowed another 6 months!!!!

I think owning property in the US helps!

I transfered a large sum of money for a house purchase from the UK via HSBC....... it wasn't easy..... I had to speak to the call centre, my branch, my business manager ( who's never there!!)and her assistant to book a good exchange rate..... and it cost me twenty pounds!!!!

I was told I could do all this very easily at my local HSBC (Great.... I live in Georgia, my nearest branch is Florida!!!)

I ended up taking all my funds out of HSBC and transferring them to a local US bank....... much less hassle!!!!!

When I first came to the US with my USC husband, I came on a visa waiver..... and was told in no certain terms at the POE in Detroit that I had better not think of staying.... and make sure I left before the 90 days..... which we did (hubby came too!!) But... while we were here, we applied for the I129 and I130, thinking that we can sit in the Uk and wait for an interview.

But, as I had already bought a house in the US, we decided I should apply for a B2 and come back, to work on the house.

I applied for B2, thinking I may not get it because of pending 129 and 130. The IO in London approved the B2, saying "you'll be back before your K1 visa interview anyway"

I showed a lot of proof of ties to the UK., bank account, family, home address, and job.... the IO was satisfied with that.

The interview was very easy... even though I was very nervous!!

My husband is also retired. If you're planning to marry, maybe you should do it sooner rather than later, immigration IMHO is easier for a spouse.

GRIFF... I wish you all the best..... it all went very smoothly for me......go for it!!!

We had our interview in Atlanta on 22nd August..... got approved pending FBI check !!

We were expecting a long wait.........

Just got an e-mail update...... CARD PRODUCTION ORDERED!!!!!

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

I had my AOS inteview, have been approved, pending the FBI namecheck.

Can somebody please tell me how the AP works?? I have 2 sheets of paper with photographs... do I just need to show themat POE on my return, if I travel, do they question me, do they take one away, why do I have 2 ??

We're planning a trip soon, and I'd like to be stress-free on my return!!

Suesue,

Thats nice and positive thinking. Appreciate that Well I had an H-1B Visa before and I could work, live and travel as well. But there is an additional charm in the "green card" itself, I mean when you get the card in hand. But anyways enjoy and congrats

Thw way I see it, Basab, I'm allowed to stay here, work, travel, etc.,and somewhere on somebody's computer I'm approved.... and hopefully I won't have to go for any more nerve-racking interviews or fill in pages of never ending forms, that's good enough for the time being.

But yes, I agree, it's not the same as having the card in hand, but in my perception it's the next best thing!!!

Thanks for all your good wishes, guys!!!

Basab, I'm really not too worried about the namecheck......It'll come when it's ready!!!

As the IO pointed out , I can work, travel, and live in the US,same as if I had a greencard....and even if my greencard doesn't arrive until November 2008, it will then be unconditional, as we'll have been married 2 years!

Mr A. The IO also told me there's a huge backlog of FBI checks, and it might come tomorrow.... might come in 2 years..... but don't worry, as we're basically through the process..............So don't worry, my friend!!

I won't be losing any sleep over it!!!

Congrats!!!!!!!!! Time to celebrate!!!!!!!! hehe

Congrats..... I also got approved this morning in Atlanta....... just waiting for FBI namecheck now , then I'm home and dry!!!!

We hardly slept last night..... really nervous...... our AOS interview was at 9.30 this morning!!!

Arrived with only 10 minutes to spare, despite leaving the house an hour earlier than we needed to, (Underestimated the commuter traffic!!)

Waited until 9.40, and got called in by IO, a Mr Abraham, young, black, very nice and friendly.....put us at ease immediately!!! Swore us in,

Asked us both a few personal questions (birthday of spouse, home address, children, etc.) Asked how long we had been married, asked my husband for tax returns, etc.

We both felt very relaxed.... unexpectedly so!!!

Then Mr Abraham told me I had been approved, but my FBI namecheck hadn't been cleared yet.

I asked him exactly what my status is.... He showed me a big red APPROVED stamped on my forms, and told us everything was OK and we should just go home and wait for the greencard.

I asked how long the FBI check should take, and Mr.A said it didn't matter...... I have EAD and advance parole....... so don't worry about anything!!!

I walked out of the office feeling as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders... I don't think it's sunk in yet!!!

I feel so...cheated

So there are several brits close or in Atlanta...Any good pubs Kaiser?

I spent my first 2 months in GA in Woodstock.... am now staying in Acworth!!

I just checked my online status...... can't see anywhere it says 'last updated'!!!

Sorry to be so dopey..... what am I missing???

Hi.... I'm new to this forum....

Been reading timelines..... what does the term 'touched' mean??

Yes.... me!!! Have had change of status i485 in for a few weeks...... had biometrics appointment last week..... just eagerly waiting for an interview now.