Three months after our initial application, my (USC) wife and I had our interview in Los Angeles this morning, and we left 15 minutes later holding my 'Welcome to America' approval notice. Got to say, it couldn't have gone any better.
The official asked to see proof-of-relationship docs (had joint credit card, car insurance, checking account and health insurance documents with me, and copies of all which I left for him). He asked how we met, where we live, what I've been doing in the States (I've been here on an I visa for nearly 7 years) and a few very basic questions.
He asked for ID, he asked to see photos (showed him our wedding album), he asked for our '05 tax returns (we just filed jointly this year) and he was extremely nice, jovial and very polite. During the interview he primarily addressed my wife, and then he said congrats and that I should receive my Green Card within around 10 days, though he added most people are receiving them within a week.
He then took away my Advance Parole notice and my Employment Authorisation document (which both just arrived, one of them just last Friday!) and said that if I had an emergency and had to leave the country before my card arrived, I was to go back to his office for a stamp. (He didn't actually stamp my passport, and he voided my existing visa).
He then reminded me that I'd have to submit an I-751 form in 21 months (we've only been married 9 months) with related proof-of-relationship documents to remove the two year condition.
And that was it. I know elsewhere on this forum there's been some post-interview delays in actually getting the card, so I'll post again if/when it arrives.
Just want to thank everyone here on the forum - it's been a really valuable resource. I decided to do this process without a lawyer, and the advice I picked up here was always swift and accurate. I should also mention that I also purchased on-line a do-it-yourself kit for $50, which was EXTREMELY useful. It contained re-writable PDFs of all the forms, with clear instructions of how to fill them in and what to send with them. (available from www.usavisanow.com)
Below's my timeline... like I said, I'll be back with an update when I have the Green Card in my hands.
Thanks once again...
________
March 31, '06 - mailed applications (I-130, I-864, G-325, I-131, I-485) to Chicago lock box.
April 8, '06 - received receipts for all of above.
April 18, '06 - Received notification of Biometrics appointment, which was for...
April 19, '06 - Had biometrics done.
May 20, 2006 - Receive notification of interview date.
June 26, '06 - Advance parole notice arrives.
June 30 - Employment authorisation notice arrives.
July 3 - Interview and approval.
The official asked to see proof-of-relationship docs (had joint credit card, car insurance, checking account and health insurance documents with me, and copies of all which I left for him). He asked how we met, where we live, what I've been doing in the States (I've been here on an I visa for nearly 7 years) and a few very basic questions.
He asked for ID, he asked to see photos (showed him our wedding album), he asked for our '05 tax returns (we just filed jointly this year) and he was extremely nice, jovial and very polite. During the interview he primarily addressed my wife, and then he said congrats and that I should receive my Green Card within around 10 days, though he added most people are receiving them within a week.
He then took away my Advance Parole notice and my Employment Authorisation document (which both just arrived, one of them just last Friday!) and said that if I had an emergency and had to leave the country before my card arrived, I was to go back to his office for a stamp. (He didn't actually stamp my passport, and he voided my existing visa).
He then reminded me that I'd have to submit an I-751 form in 21 months (we've only been married 9 months) with related proof-of-relationship documents to remove the two year condition.
And that was it. I know elsewhere on this forum there's been some post-interview delays in actually getting the card, so I'll post again if/when it arrives.
Just want to thank everyone here on the forum - it's been a really valuable resource. I decided to do this process without a lawyer, and the advice I picked up here was always swift and accurate. I should also mention that I also purchased on-line a do-it-yourself kit for $50, which was EXTREMELY useful. It contained re-writable PDFs of all the forms, with clear instructions of how to fill them in and what to send with them. (available from www.usavisanow.com)
Below's my timeline... like I said, I'll be back with an update when I have the Green Card in my hands.
Thanks once again...
________
March 31, '06 - mailed applications (I-130, I-864, G-325, I-131, I-485) to Chicago lock box.
April 8, '06 - received receipts for all of above.
April 18, '06 - Received notification of Biometrics appointment, which was for...
April 19, '06 - Had biometrics done.
May 20, 2006 - Receive notification of interview date.
June 26, '06 - Advance parole notice arrives.
June 30 - Employment authorisation notice arrives.
July 3 - Interview and approval.
