Good news and bad news from the interview:
The bad news is that the officer wanted to see the original BC and Diploma.
The good news is that he let my wife come first thing next monday with the original documents.
Things I observed from the interview:
- The interview took place in the officer's office, not some special interview/interrogation room. There were thick stacks of case folders to the side. This made me feel better because the interview was done in a place the officer was comfortable in.
- The very first thing he had us do was to raise out right hands and do an oath to tell the truth. This little act is significant because while lying is not a crime, lying under oath is.
- Both our file folders were marked "Special Handling DV" in very large letters on the cover. This might have something to do with my putting a neon yellow piece of paper on top of my files, requesting an expedite due to the time-sensitive nature of DV.
- The officer that handled our case seemed to be experienced and meticulous. He knew what matters and what doesn't. This worked in our favor because I knew that all our papers were in order (except for the late originals). No amateur hour there, no request for unnecessary crap.
- Since her current status depends on mine (she's my H-4), then he wanted proof that I am still working, thus still in status. He asked for a paystub, but I gave him something better: an employment verification letter from my employer, which satisfied him.
- We both were asked the standard yes/no questions (registered to vote, arrests, terrorism, etc.). He was kind enough to explain that it's standard, he asks these questions to every single GC applicant so if the gov't later finds out you're a terrorist or war criminal, they can revoke your GC / citizenship based on your lying on the application.
- He personally had an interest in world religions, so he asked questions around this topic, which I think also served to verify that we did get married.
- He took a look at our marriage license and made a copy. He actually looked it up on the state department's website about how a marriage certificate from our country supposed to look like.
- He was basically friendly; he attempted to do a little humor here and there, but I was just too high strung to reciprocate with my own. I couldn't risk offending him with a stupid joke. At one point he even suggested that we visit the nearby Chicago library for its view of lake Michigan.
All in all it went well. I'm quite confident that we'll be approved as soon as my wife shows him her original documents next week.