Atlanta, GA Interview Experience August 8th, 2007
I haven't posted my experience anywhere else, so, I am going to post it right here. I wanted to post it right away, so I wouldn't forget any details.
Me and my husband live in Montgomery, AL. So we had to drive from AL to Atlanta, GA for the interview. Our appointment was scheduled at 12:30 (noon). Even though we left 4 hours before the appointment, we made it like 10 minutes before 12:30
(because we totally forgot about the time change - in GA is one hour less than in AL). So remember that, if you are traveling from a different time-zone to your appointment.
We entered they building at 12:15 and went through security (they had a metal detector). Went up to the 3rd floor which is for Adjustment of Status cases. Went to to the window and man took my interview notice and used a machine to stamp the date and time on it. He also checked our name on a list of interviews for the day and told us to sit down and wait at the other end of the room, right in front of a door (which lead to the interviewing area) and a TV. There was a lot of people on the side of the room where the window (and the man) where, but on the side where we where supposed to go sit and wait, there weren't as many. There where about 5 couples, and other 5 parties with kids, moms, dads, etc... some with lawyers and some not. We didn't have a lawyer.
I went to use the bathroom and as I was walking back, Officer P. G. H. (blond lady, with long straight hair) came out of the Interviewing Area and called my name, we followed her into her office, (the first one on the left) she said we could sit down. My husband asked if he should close the door behind him, and she said yes.
She asked for our Driver Licenses, my husband gave her his, I asked if my Military ID was ok, she said yes. Then she asked if I had my Drivers Licence i said yes, but that it was expired. She said to take it out as well. She then asked for my passport. We gave all of this to her, and then we were sworn in.
She already had my A-File (Alien File, folder full of documents I sent to the USCIS Office in Chicago, IL).
The first thing she started asking to me where ALL the questions in Part 3 (Processing Information) of the I-485 form. EACH and EVERY one of them. (The 'have you ever committed any crime, been arrested, been a prostitute, etc...) She asked ALL of them, to which I answered all "NO".
She asked me my name, my birth date and place, my mother's and father's name. When and where did I first and last entered the US, and under what status.
She asked for my original birth certificate, my husband's, and our marriage document, and compared them to her copies.
I was confident when she was asking me this questions, because I thought she was going to ask my husband these questions about me. Then, she asked my husband a couple of questions about his taxes and about his pay, which weren't clear to her (My husband is in the military, and it was kind of confusing). So I was a bit nervous at this point, because I thought my husband was giving conflicting answers. But after she was clear on the subject, she moved on.
She asked if I worked or if I went to school, to which I answered both "No". (I didn't have a work permit yet, or a social security number, and my student visa was expired / out of status).
She didn't ask us anything about our marriage, how did we meet, she didn't even ask us for our marriage date. She asked us if we had ever been married before and/or if we had any children. She asked my husband if this was the first time he had ever filed a petition for alien relative.
She then asked for any other documents we wanted to give her. I gave her bank statements with both our names on them. Health Insurance documents, receipts with both our names on it. A contract, which she found interesting of a breeder where we just bought a puppy together, and she started talking about the breed, and said she had had one (Siberian Husky). I didn't give her any pictures, even though we had a scrapbook, some other pictures and even love letters. She didn't ask for anything else.
She printed the 'Section 216 Notice' and gave it to us to read, and sign. this notice basically explains what you have to do AFTER you get your PROVISIONAL Green Card. At this point I had a feeling I was approved, because why else would she give us this notice?.
She took my I-94 and did not return it. She didn't stamp my passport, I guess it was because it is expired. But then again, sometimes, they don't stamp it, even if it's not expired.
She then printed a letter of approval and gave it to me, and she said I should have my Resident Card within 2 weeks, or 2 months.
I didn't ask about the FBI name check, because I have no idea what it is, I just read about it in here. But I guess she would've said something, right?
We asked her if she wanted to see a picture of the puppy, just for fun, and she said yes, and talked about his two blue eyes, etc...
Then I said thank you, we shook hands, and we left.
That's it! I'm approved.
When I got home, I had my Employment Authorization Card waiting for me in the mailbox and e-mails on m y inbox saying that I was approved and the approval notices where mailed, and that I should receive my Green Card within 60 days.
Well, this was my experience and I hope it helps. I will post anything else that I can remember.
QUESTIONS:
1- What is all this FBI Name Check thing? If the Officer didn't say anything, should I worry?
2- I just got my EAD, and I read I could apply for SSN, went to website and downloaded application. But, can I get a new Drivers License with the EAD as well, or do I need to wait for the Green Card?
3- Is there anything else I need to do?
4- Can I go to school and work once I have the EAD? or do I need to get also the SSN? or do I need to wait for the Green Card?
