AOS Interview Timeline
- Thread starter ari4u
- Start date
fuzzynomad
Registered Users (C)
Green Card FINALLY !
Update on my case -
Had an interview yesteday and it lasted all of 7 minutes - a bit of an anti-climax considering the build-up - arrived early at the Newark location; had some coffee in the cafeteria on the second floor and trudged upstairs to the 13th floor - room 1300 - (aren't all those 13s a bit disconcerting for the prospective immigrant?). Minor security check and verification outside to see if we had a legit appointment for the day. Allowed inside and directed to one of 3-4 windows. Fairly occupied waiting area - some 35-45 people and fairly globally represented). Slipped the all-important notice to the lady on the other side of the window and was asked if I had an attorney. Replied in the negative (crossed my mind to mention the access I had to all the attorneys on this forum
as the reason why I did not need one to be present for my interview, but on second thoughts let that pass). Then was asked to take a seat.
Observed that officers kept walking up to the ladies behind the window and picking up notices and announcing the names on a PA system. Following the announcement, the officer appeared at an adjacent door and personally ushered in the immigrant and family (and their attorneys, if present). Seemed to be based on interview times and NOT on a first-come-first serve basis. Got my call in about 10-12 minutes.
THe other side of the door was office space with several cubicles. Several interviews were in process. Seemingly a very relaxed, friendly environment. Our officer walked in and held up his hand and said "Repeat after me - I swear to tell the truth". We mumbled accordingly. There were a couple of chairs in the cubicle across his desk (which was completely covered with several stacks of files) which we eased into.
He confirmed our names from the huge file that represented all the document-flow between me and the USCIS for 2005, and then requested to see our drivers licenses, passports. He added that he would need my EAD and my spouse's citizenship papers.
I commenced retrieving documents from the huge repository of originals and copies that I had carried into the interview. Placed these retrieved documents atop the stacks of files on his desk. He reviewed them and asked us the following questions:
1. Where did you meet (open question)
2. How long have you known each other (again, to neither of us in particular)
3. What is your current salary (posed separately to both of us)
4. Current employment status (again, asked us both)
Point to note - our driver licenses', passports, my EAD and my spouse's citizenship papers were the only documents asked for. Not a single additional document!
Confirmed to a passing colleague that he would be ready to get some coffee in 5 minutes! Gave us first indication that this won't be long. Gave us opening to make polite conversation regarding coffee in the cafeteria. Gave him complete liberty to hold forth on the joys of coffee and how there was a coffee-connossieurs delight across the street (1000 coffee flavors - est. in 1838, the only retail outlet of a coffee collector, visited by the whos who in govt. circles!, etc.)
All the while, he kept working efficiently. Filling out all the "For Office Use only" sections on paperwork already in his possession. Turned to his computer - went online to the USCIS site and verified information on the application and added some of his own. Stamped, sealed, signed the paperwork that he was modifying.
Finally, he turned to my passports - 'cleansed' it of all the other visas that were active - 10 yr business visa, H1-b etc. All these were voided. My EAD that he retained, was stapled to my file in his possession.
And THEN, at approximately, 8:44 a.m. EST, he stamped my passport!! Approval of permanent residency was finally here! Was informed that this was valid for a year, but the card would follow in a month or so. Stamped a conditional provision (because the marriage was for less than 2 years). Signed it.
And that was it. We shook hands. He wished us luck. We exited. Caught him on our way out. He was on his way for coffee! Creating backlog by taking a break between every case, he explained with a I just
So folks end of an odyssey. Hopefully. Good luck to all of you and ari4u, thanks for maintaining this link. This was the only indicator that seemed to give some reasonable date insights! Incidentally, online, my case status has made no movement since 6/29/05. Not even updated to suggest that an interview is scheduled!! So much for online, automated status updates...
My Time Line:
Chicago Lockbox
I-130/485/765 - Receipt Date: 04-08-2005
I-130/485/765 - Notice Date: 04-13-2005
Finger Print & Biometrics Date : 6/15/2005
EAD received: 6/21/2005
FP&Bio recvd. by USCIS and resumption of processing: 6/29/2005
DO: Newark
Category: USC spouse
Interview: 12/21/05
Passport stamped: 8:44 a.m. EST - 12/21/05
Project duration: ~330 days
# RFE's: 2
Filing fees: ~750 dollars
Miscellaneous costs: ~400 dollars
Stamp in Passport:
Update on my case -
Had an interview yesteday and it lasted all of 7 minutes - a bit of an anti-climax considering the build-up - arrived early at the Newark location; had some coffee in the cafeteria on the second floor and trudged upstairs to the 13th floor - room 1300 - (aren't all those 13s a bit disconcerting for the prospective immigrant?). Minor security check and verification outside to see if we had a legit appointment for the day. Allowed inside and directed to one of 3-4 windows. Fairly occupied waiting area - some 35-45 people and fairly globally represented). Slipped the all-important notice to the lady on the other side of the window and was asked if I had an attorney. Replied in the negative (crossed my mind to mention the access I had to all the attorneys on this forum
as the reason why I did not need one to be present for my interview, but on second thoughts let that pass). Then was asked to take a seat. Observed that officers kept walking up to the ladies behind the window and picking up notices and announcing the names on a PA system. Following the announcement, the officer appeared at an adjacent door and personally ushered in the immigrant and family (and their attorneys, if present). Seemed to be based on interview times and NOT on a first-come-first serve basis. Got my call in about 10-12 minutes.
THe other side of the door was office space with several cubicles. Several interviews were in process. Seemingly a very relaxed, friendly environment. Our officer walked in and held up his hand and said "Repeat after me - I swear to tell the truth". We mumbled accordingly. There were a couple of chairs in the cubicle across his desk (which was completely covered with several stacks of files) which we eased into.
He confirmed our names from the huge file that represented all the document-flow between me and the USCIS for 2005, and then requested to see our drivers licenses, passports. He added that he would need my EAD and my spouse's citizenship papers.
I commenced retrieving documents from the huge repository of originals and copies that I had carried into the interview. Placed these retrieved documents atop the stacks of files on his desk. He reviewed them and asked us the following questions:
1. Where did you meet (open question)
2. How long have you known each other (again, to neither of us in particular)
3. What is your current salary (posed separately to both of us)
4. Current employment status (again, asked us both)
Point to note - our driver licenses', passports, my EAD and my spouse's citizenship papers were the only documents asked for. Not a single additional document!
Confirmed to a passing colleague that he would be ready to get some coffee in 5 minutes! Gave us first indication that this won't be long. Gave us opening to make polite conversation regarding coffee in the cafeteria. Gave him complete liberty to hold forth on the joys of coffee and how there was a coffee-connossieurs delight across the street (1000 coffee flavors - est. in 1838, the only retail outlet of a coffee collector, visited by the whos who in govt. circles!, etc.)
All the while, he kept working efficiently. Filling out all the "For Office Use only" sections on paperwork already in his possession. Turned to his computer - went online to the USCIS site and verified information on the application and added some of his own. Stamped, sealed, signed the paperwork that he was modifying.
Finally, he turned to my passports - 'cleansed' it of all the other visas that were active - 10 yr business visa, H1-b etc. All these were voided. My EAD that he retained, was stapled to my file in his possession.
And THEN, at approximately, 8:44 a.m. EST, he stamped my passport!! Approval of permanent residency was finally here!
Was informed that this was valid for a year, but the card would follow in a month or so. Stamped a conditional provision (because the marriage was for less than 2 years). Signed it. And that was it. We shook hands. He wished us luck. We exited. Caught him on our way out. He was on his way for coffee! Creating backlog by taking a break between every case, he explained with a
I just So folks end of an odyssey. Hopefully. Good luck to all of you and ari4u, thanks for maintaining this link. This was the only indicator that seemed to give some reasonable date insights! Incidentally, online, my case status has made no movement since 6/29/05. Not even updated to suggest that an interview is scheduled!! So much for online, automated status updates...
My Time Line:
Chicago Lockbox
I-130/485/765 - Receipt Date: 04-08-2005
I-130/485/765 - Notice Date: 04-13-2005
Finger Print & Biometrics Date : 6/15/2005
EAD received: 6/21/2005
FP&Bio recvd. by USCIS and resumption of processing: 6/29/2005
DO: Newark
Category: USC spouse
Interview: 12/21/05
Passport stamped: 8:44 a.m. EST - 12/21/05
Project duration: ~330 days
# RFE's: 2
Filing fees: ~750 dollars
Miscellaneous costs: ~400 dollars
Stamp in Passport:
Last edited by a moderator:
Interview experience in Charlotte
Hello Guys,
Sorry it took me a while to write my experience.Our appointment was at 1.15pm and we were seated at 12.35pm.
My name was called after about an hour and we followed the lady officer to her office.She asked us to remain standing raise our right hands and swear to tell the truth,we did.She offered us seats and got down to business.She was very nice,straight forward,serious and really officious.
She asked first for our drivers licences,matched our addresses and gave it back to us.She then went on straight to ask me if i have left the country since i came in?If my birthdate was correct?the questions on the 485 form all to which i answered NO.
She asked me for my SS card wrote something down and handed it back to me.Next she asked if we worked I answered yes and handed over my employer's letter and paystubs,she looked at them and asked for my hubby's,we told her he was self employed and worked for himself,she said I need proof so we gave her the 2004 tax returns.She did not like that we checked 'married filing separately,she kept asking why why why...we told her I had not got a job then so there was no way I could file any taxes at all.She said 'ok,i am going to ask you(that is myself)to fill out I-864A,cos I want to consider your income as well'(my salary is quite good,so I am guessing that may have been why,dunno for sure).I filled it out and handed it over to her.
She said 'ok,do u have any other documents to show me today?'I gave her my originals and she asked if i had copies,i said yes and handed them over to her.She took them and started to look one after the other,as she was looking she asked how we met,we told her and said she said 'i assume that is when u began dating',my hubby and I looked at each other n began laughing kind of trying to picture again our courtship she caught that and smiled too.
She began to punch the copies and put them in my file i didnt realise until then I had so much docummens with me and it seemed not to end as she kept filing them and i thought my file would not be able to close,as she did this,she talked to us about her home state and other stuff,she was a real nice lady,i must say.Then she said 'okay..I need the telephone number of your landlady'(it was not on the lease,we subletted our apartment from an individual not a company)she said they just gave them a notice indicating they shd make sure there is telephone number on the lease,that other couples compalined too that no one told them and she said well it is brand new notice to the officers and she apologises but she has to follow procedure.
She said everything else was okay and she only needed that but we couldn't remember the number so she gave me an envelope and said 'write in there your landlady's name,address n telephone number and send it back to me.The sooner i get it the sooner you will get your receipt but le tme go ahead and print it so you can see what it will look like(she went and printed me my receipt) and said"this is what you will get in the mail when i receive the envelope back.I will explain to you what is written here.And once you get this from me,your green card will come three weeks after that.This will be the date on your green card which is today's date regardless of when i receive the envelope i sent to you,this will be the date on your card.You are to file form I-751 between September 22 2007 and December 22 2007,failure to do this will result in deportation proceedings.'
Then she went on to say,"Now let me tell you more about your card,have you heard anything about conditional green card before?' i said,yeah i read about it on the internet,she said 'ok,let me explain'.and she went on to explain what we already know about less than 2 yr marriage etc etc.She gave me a lot of tips what documents to send in during that period and how the process is done and why some couples are called for interview and others are not at that time.She asked me if i had any relatives in the US.Then she said that will be all.we thanked and her and she wished us happy holidays.
I came out with mixed feelings.Please guys let me know what you really think.Cos i am kinda wondering.I do not know what to think.
Why didn't she ask for my passport and EAD,even just to look at them?
If I wasn't approved,would she have told me on the spot or how does it go when people are not approved?
Two things she said keep ringing in my head'I cannot make a decision today' 'Your green card will have today's date on it regardless of when i receive the envelope i gave to you'One statement sounds like no approval and the other sounds like approval.
I'll appreciate all your input.thanks.
Hello Guys,
Sorry it took me a while to write my experience.Our appointment was at 1.15pm and we were seated at 12.35pm.
My name was called after about an hour and we followed the lady officer to her office.She asked us to remain standing raise our right hands and swear to tell the truth,we did.She offered us seats and got down to business.She was very nice,straight forward,serious and really officious.
She asked first for our drivers licences,matched our addresses and gave it back to us.She then went on straight to ask me if i have left the country since i came in?If my birthdate was correct?the questions on the 485 form all to which i answered NO.
She asked me for my SS card wrote something down and handed it back to me.Next she asked if we worked I answered yes and handed over my employer's letter and paystubs,she looked at them and asked for my hubby's,we told her he was self employed and worked for himself,she said I need proof so we gave her the 2004 tax returns.She did not like that we checked 'married filing separately,she kept asking why why why...we told her I had not got a job then so there was no way I could file any taxes at all.She said 'ok,i am going to ask you(that is myself)to fill out I-864A,cos I want to consider your income as well'(my salary is quite good,so I am guessing that may have been why,dunno for sure).I filled it out and handed it over to her.
She said 'ok,do u have any other documents to show me today?'I gave her my originals and she asked if i had copies,i said yes and handed them over to her.She took them and started to look one after the other,as she was looking she asked how we met,we told her and said she said 'i assume that is when u began dating',my hubby and I looked at each other n began laughing kind of trying to picture again our courtship she caught that and smiled too.
She began to punch the copies and put them in my file i didnt realise until then I had so much docummens with me and it seemed not to end as she kept filing them and i thought my file would not be able to close,as she did this,she talked to us about her home state and other stuff,she was a real nice lady,i must say.Then she said 'okay..I need the telephone number of your landlady'(it was not on the lease,we subletted our apartment from an individual not a company)she said they just gave them a notice indicating they shd make sure there is telephone number on the lease,that other couples compalined too that no one told them and she said well it is brand new notice to the officers and she apologises but she has to follow procedure.
She said everything else was okay and she only needed that but we couldn't remember the number so she gave me an envelope and said 'write in there your landlady's name,address n telephone number and send it back to me.The sooner i get it the sooner you will get your receipt but le tme go ahead and print it so you can see what it will look like(she went and printed me my receipt) and said"this is what you will get in the mail when i receive the envelope back.I will explain to you what is written here.And once you get this from me,your green card will come three weeks after that.This will be the date on your green card which is today's date regardless of when i receive the envelope i sent to you,this will be the date on your card.You are to file form I-751 between September 22 2007 and December 22 2007,failure to do this will result in deportation proceedings.'
Then she went on to say,"Now let me tell you more about your card,have you heard anything about conditional green card before?' i said,yeah i read about it on the internet,she said 'ok,let me explain'.and she went on to explain what we already know about less than 2 yr marriage etc etc.She gave me a lot of tips what documents to send in during that period and how the process is done and why some couples are called for interview and others are not at that time.She asked me if i had any relatives in the US.Then she said that will be all.we thanked and her and she wished us happy holidays.
I came out with mixed feelings.Please guys let me know what you really think.Cos i am kinda wondering.I do not know what to think.
Why didn't she ask for my passport and EAD,even just to look at them?
If I wasn't approved,would she have told me on the spot or how does it go when people are not approved?
Two things she said keep ringing in my head'I cannot make a decision today' 'Your green card will have today's date on it regardless of when i receive the envelope i gave to you'One statement sounds like no approval and the other sounds like approval.
I'll appreciate all your input.thanks.
fuzzynomad
Registered Users (C)
Separate RFE's - one more of an intial rejection of the papers filed - had combined the 315 and 70 dollar checks for my 485 and fingerprinting. And then one related to my birth certificate and medical forms. Affidavits in lieu of a birth certificate required an accompanying letter with a detailed explanation on the missing birth certificate...hope that helps...
NCgirl
NCGirl , I think you are good to go !! Since the lady told you that they have to verify the tel number of the landlord/lady . I guess she will make her decision after she confirms that the lease is real and the landlady is the owner.
Congrats and what a chritmas gift...
NCGirl , I think you are good to go !! Since the lady told you that they have to verify the tel number of the landlord/lady . I guess she will make her decision after she confirms that the lease is real and the landlady is the owner.
Congrats and what a chritmas gift...
vikas_chopra
Registered Users (C)
AOS interview cancelled
I recd a letter from USCIS that my Cleveland interview is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. I am assuming that they will tranfer the case to Charlotte DO.
Ari, Please move my name from Cleveland DO to Charlotte DO in the timeline.
Thanks
I recd a letter from USCIS that my Cleveland interview is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. I am assuming that they will tranfer the case to Charlotte DO.
Ari, Please move my name from Cleveland DO to Charlotte DO in the timeline.
Thanks
vikas_chopra said:
needurhelp
Registered Users (C)
Please add my timeline - Parents
I 130, I 485, I 765
RD: 12/13/2005
ND: 12/19/2005
DO: Atlanta
I 130, I 485, I 765
RD: 12/13/2005
ND: 12/19/2005
DO: Atlanta
Last edited by a moderator:
vikas_chopra
Registered Users (C)
Charlotte DO
I received a letter from immigration cancelling the Feb 3rd Cleveland
interview.
I scheduled an appointment at Charlotte based immigration office. Infact it was a pleasent surprise. The officer was very helpful and patient. He explained, as per jurisdiction rules, since I moved to Charlotte, the interview will be in Charlotte. To my question regarding when the case may be scheduled, he couldnot give an estimate. However, He did explain that he expected heavy scheduling at Charlotte in next 3-4 months as Charlotte DO plan to hire 10 extra persons at Charlotte immigration. He was hopeful that I
will be interviewed before expected travel dates (May 2006 End).
I received a letter from immigration cancelling the Feb 3rd Cleveland
interview.
I scheduled an appointment at Charlotte based immigration office. Infact it was a pleasent surprise. The officer was very helpful and patient. He explained, as per jurisdiction rules, since I moved to Charlotte, the interview will be in Charlotte. To my question regarding when the case may be scheduled, he couldnot give an estimate. However, He did explain that he expected heavy scheduling at Charlotte in next 3-4 months as Charlotte DO plan to hire 10 extra persons at Charlotte immigration. He was hopeful that I
will be interviewed before expected travel dates (May 2006 End).
vikas_chopra said:
Interview.
Hello everybody:
GOOOOOOD NEEEEWS.
The appointmen was yesteryday in ATLANTA. We went there the night before scouted the area for parking and all entrance and other stuff. Next morning got there a bit ahead of time parked behind the building and walk to the door to realize that there is a parking garage literary in front of the main entrance. We paid 7 bucks for about an hour or parking. The rates on the front parking garage were the same but you will just have to cross the road instead of walking around the building.
Security stopped us the whole empty your pockets and metal detector bit x-ray my duffle bag and told us to go down the hall. Now at the VERY END of the hall are the elevators that will take your to the second floor. The doors almost open to the waiting room. We put our notice in a tray and take a seat officers (male/female) come from doors all around the room calling names. Severeal couples were called and after talking to the officer at the door were they were called to you could hear. "WELL I'LL SEE IF I CAN FIT YOU AFTER I'M DONE WITH MY NEXT INTERVIEW BUT I'M ON A SCHEDULE" Some of this couples were missing a lawyer some were missing a spouse....
Next my name is called, we are escorted to an office. The officer asked for our ID's and my passport. Verified info typed something asked us to stand up said his name and had us swear, all while holding his badge in front of us. Asked me If I had filed other documents with INS in the past I said yes asked my wife to leave the room with him came back bit after asked all the drugs arrests, human rights questions. Then he asked me about my wife's job looked at some pages he had marked in my file asked me for her job verification, stamped some stuff in my file typed something else. Asked for my EAD's my physical. Asked me how many kids did I have? after that the name. Then showed me a page in my file and asked me if I that was my signature I said yes. Told me to get my passport out of the leather case I carry it in, looked at my previous entries stamps. Got to an empty page Stamped it 3 times Prossed I-551 stamp valid for ________ ( they write how long) signed his stamp and the third one was a date stamp. Congratilations, you can apply for your citizenship in 3 years, types something else in his pc asked if I had any questions and that was it. We walked out my wife was back in the waitng room witha hint of panic in her face the officer told me to go and put away all that paperwork back home and said bye.
My wifwe said he asked her about her job and the date of our marriage. and showed her the way out. We were out of the building and back in the car by 8:45 am...
SO EVERYBODY cheer up usually the immigration officer that take acare of inteviews are very short of words but straigth to the point and the rude ones stay at the door next to the metal detectors and sometimes in the waiting rooms....
Now I just checked my case online and says: The status for this Receipt Number cannot be found at this time in this automated system. Please check your case receipt number to see if it is correct. If you have questions or concerns about your case status, please contact the National Customer Service Center.
But I received an e-mail that says:
"On December 29, 2005, after approving your application, we ordered you a new card.
Your card will be mailed to you as soon as it is ready.
If you have any questions call coustumer services at..."
So hopefully will be on the mail soon and I will not worry about any other forms for another 1094 days
ENJOY
THANKS FOR THIS FORUM AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Hello everybody:
GOOOOOOD NEEEEWS.
The appointmen was yesteryday in ATLANTA. We went there the night before scouted the area for parking and all entrance and other stuff. Next morning got there a bit ahead of time parked behind the building and walk to the door to realize that there is a parking garage literary in front of the main entrance. We paid 7 bucks for about an hour or parking. The rates on the front parking garage were the same but you will just have to cross the road instead of walking around the building.
Security stopped us the whole empty your pockets and metal detector bit x-ray my duffle bag and told us to go down the hall. Now at the VERY END of the hall are the elevators that will take your to the second floor. The doors almost open to the waiting room. We put our notice in a tray and take a seat officers (male/female) come from doors all around the room calling names. Severeal couples were called and after talking to the officer at the door were they were called to you could hear. "WELL I'LL SEE IF I CAN FIT YOU AFTER I'M DONE WITH MY NEXT INTERVIEW BUT I'M ON A SCHEDULE" Some of this couples were missing a lawyer some were missing a spouse....
Next my name is called, we are escorted to an office. The officer asked for our ID's and my passport. Verified info typed something asked us to stand up said his name and had us swear, all while holding his badge in front of us. Asked me If I had filed other documents with INS in the past I said yes asked my wife to leave the room with him came back bit after asked all the drugs arrests, human rights questions. Then he asked me about my wife's job looked at some pages he had marked in my file asked me for her job verification, stamped some stuff in my file typed something else. Asked for my EAD's my physical. Asked me how many kids did I have? after that the name. Then showed me a page in my file and asked me if I that was my signature I said yes. Told me to get my passport out of the leather case I carry it in, looked at my previous entries stamps. Got to an empty page Stamped it 3 times Prossed I-551 stamp valid for ________ ( they write how long) signed his stamp and the third one was a date stamp. Congratilations, you can apply for your citizenship in 3 years, types something else in his pc asked if I had any questions and that was it. We walked out my wife was back in the waitng room witha hint of panic in her face the officer told me to go and put away all that paperwork back home and said bye.
My wifwe said he asked her about her job and the date of our marriage. and showed her the way out. We were out of the building and back in the car by 8:45 am...
SO EVERYBODY cheer up usually the immigration officer that take acare of inteviews are very short of words but straigth to the point and the rude ones stay at the door next to the metal detectors and sometimes in the waiting rooms....
Now I just checked my case online and says: The status for this Receipt Number cannot be found at this time in this automated system. Please check your case receipt number to see if it is correct. If you have questions or concerns about your case status, please contact the National Customer Service Center.
But I received an e-mail that says:
"On December 29, 2005, after approving your application, we ordered you a new card.
Your card will be mailed to you as soon as it is ready.
If you have any questions call coustumer services at..."
So hopefully will be on the mail soon and I will not worry about any other forms for another 1094 days
ENJOY
THANKS FOR THIS FORUM AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Last edited by a moderator:
Humberto said:
humberto, congrats on your approval!
i haven't been able to locate interview experiences from people that were sponsored by brothers/sisters of USC. if anyone had an interview based on brothers or sisters sponsoring them i would appreciate it if you shared that with me. thank you in advance. best of luck to everyone that will have their interview soon.
Update my timeline pls
Interview letter received on Dec.31st ND Dec.23 for March 9, 2006 at Tampa DO. Let me add, no LUD, no e-mail, no online message since November at I-485.
I am still waiting for AP, I must travel in January-February, but definitely I will be back for the interview date.
Good luck to all!
Interview letter received on Dec.31st
ND Dec.23 for March 9, 2006 at Tampa DO. Let me add, no LUD, no e-mail, no online message since November at I-485.I am still waiting for AP, I must travel in January-February, but definitely I will be back for the interview date.
Good luck to all!