Dont worry about the confirmation letter until a few weeks before your interview, then you can call again and ask them to send it to you. I sent my papers into KCC on May 2nd and got the email on October 4th! Be patient for now, it will come.
DV 2014 AOS Only
- Thread starter Sm1smom
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EAD Card
Spice2013, Did you get your EAD Card yet?
A friend who went through employer based I-485 recently received her EAD before the biometrics appointment last month. I have not heard this happening for DV based 485.
And good luck on the interview tomorrow.
Thanks.
Spice2013, Did you get your EAD Card yet?
A friend who went through employer based I-485 recently received her EAD before the biometrics appointment last month. I have not heard this happening for DV based 485.
And good luck on the interview tomorrow.
Thanks.
Thanks Spice. & Good Luck with your interview.
Spice2013, Did you get your EAD Card yet?
A friend who went through employer based I-485 recently received her EAD before the biometrics appointment last month. I have not heard this happening for DV based 485.
And good luck on the interview tomorrow.
Thanks.
EAD is optional in DV applications, in EB application you get EAD before GC, thats my understanding.
I did not apply for work or travel authorization.
Spice2013, Did you get your EAD Card yet?
A friend who went through employer based I-485 recently received her EAD before the biometrics appointment last month. I have not heard this happening for DV based 485.
And good luck on the interview tomorrow.
Thanks.
Interview Experience at Norfolk VA
I had my interview this morning at the Norfolk VA office. My appointment was at 9AM and I was called at 9:10AM. The lady who interviewed me was very pleasant and made a lot of small talk. She swore me in and then asked about my country and my current studies and why I chose the school I did. She seemed very fascinated by it and while that was relaxing, I just kept thinking when is the actual interview going to start.
She definitely took time to go through all my documents before my interview because she told me about conversations she had that morning with her coworkers about my country and my case. Also, the first 'official' question she asked me was whether I had proof that my graduate assistant contract would be extended past December. that was apparently the only thing she had an issue with regarding my case. I explained to her that my school does this on a semester to semester basis so they couldn't give me paperwork for that far ahead and she had no issues with this answer. I did provide a very detailed employment verification from 2008 to 2013, which she accepted. She then wanted to know all about my plans after I get my degree. the whole thing was like a casual conversation, though I was careful not to say anything that might turn the casual conversation into an interrogation.
Anyway she then said, more to herself than me, "Now what I'm I supposed to get from you again..." Flipping through the large folder of documents I had sent in the I-485 packet. I handed her my drivers license and passport as these were the only things the interview letter asked me to bring and she said "Oh, yes, thanks" as if she really didnt need them. she didn't look at them. it was really weird how little she wanted from me. She did not ask for any other documents (birth certificate etc).
Then she asked me the questions on the I-485 form - all of them. We spent several minutes going over the spelling of my second name and whether it was one word or two, but she said it shouldn't be a problem either way. She stressed on one question from the 'yes/no' section though, I guess because I am an engineer with a PhD - "whether I plan to sell government secrets to foreign countries". She also asked about my scholarships when we came to the question about if I had ever received aid from the government. I explained that the scholarships I have received are from the organizations I listed on the form or from the university benefactors, never from the federal government. she said ok. she ticked everything off with a red pen after I answered and made additional notes too.
It was basically over after that because she started telling me that she didn't see any issues preventing me from getting a GC. She told me she would recommend it and I should wait 6-8 weeks for the card. she also said i need to check online, because once my status says 'card production' I should get the card 10 days later or contact them.
However, after explaining all this, she said she still had some things to review about the case. she handed me a letter which said that my case was being held for review and that they would contact me if they needed anything else from me, otherwise they will mail me a final decision.
I am a bit confused because the IO did not take my I-94 card like many others said their IO did at the interview. She didnt offically say I was approved, yet the last thing she told me was she hoped to see me in 6 years for the citizenship interview so I could work for the government with my engineering degree.
the whole thing lasted about 30 minutes (due to small talk and computer problems) and was not at all difficult - i just wish i knew for sure I was approved.
There has been no change to my status change on the USCIS website as yet.
I had my interview this morning at the Norfolk VA office. My appointment was at 9AM and I was called at 9:10AM. The lady who interviewed me was very pleasant and made a lot of small talk. She swore me in and then asked about my country and my current studies and why I chose the school I did. She seemed very fascinated by it and while that was relaxing, I just kept thinking when is the actual interview going to start.
She definitely took time to go through all my documents before my interview because she told me about conversations she had that morning with her coworkers about my country and my case. Also, the first 'official' question she asked me was whether I had proof that my graduate assistant contract would be extended past December. that was apparently the only thing she had an issue with regarding my case. I explained to her that my school does this on a semester to semester basis so they couldn't give me paperwork for that far ahead and she had no issues with this answer. I did provide a very detailed employment verification from 2008 to 2013, which she accepted. She then wanted to know all about my plans after I get my degree. the whole thing was like a casual conversation, though I was careful not to say anything that might turn the casual conversation into an interrogation.
Anyway she then said, more to herself than me, "Now what I'm I supposed to get from you again..." Flipping through the large folder of documents I had sent in the I-485 packet. I handed her my drivers license and passport as these were the only things the interview letter asked me to bring and she said "Oh, yes, thanks" as if she really didnt need them. she didn't look at them. it was really weird how little she wanted from me. She did not ask for any other documents (birth certificate etc).
Then she asked me the questions on the I-485 form - all of them. We spent several minutes going over the spelling of my second name and whether it was one word or two, but she said it shouldn't be a problem either way. She stressed on one question from the 'yes/no' section though, I guess because I am an engineer with a PhD - "whether I plan to sell government secrets to foreign countries". She also asked about my scholarships when we came to the question about if I had ever received aid from the government. I explained that the scholarships I have received are from the organizations I listed on the form or from the university benefactors, never from the federal government. she said ok. she ticked everything off with a red pen after I answered and made additional notes too.
It was basically over after that because she started telling me that she didn't see any issues preventing me from getting a GC. She told me she would recommend it and I should wait 6-8 weeks for the card. she also said i need to check online, because once my status says 'card production' I should get the card 10 days later or contact them.
However, after explaining all this, she said she still had some things to review about the case. she handed me a letter which said that my case was being held for review and that they would contact me if they needed anything else from me, otherwise they will mail me a final decision.
I am a bit confused because the IO did not take my I-94 card like many others said their IO did at the interview. She didnt offically say I was approved, yet the last thing she told me was she hoped to see me in 6 years for the citizenship interview so I could work for the government with my engineering degree.
the whole thing lasted about 30 minutes (due to small talk and computer problems) and was not at all difficult - i just wish i knew for sure I was approved.
There has been no change to my status change on the USCIS website as yet.
You have no idea how helpful it is to have this kind of support - knowing a bunch of people were rooting for me via the internet! thanks!!
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Congratulations are in order Spice regardless of the fact that your I-94 wasn't collected or the fact that she did not out rightly indicate "approved" at the end of the interview. Sounds like she's not quite experienced with DV so she needed to go over it with her supervisor. You will most likely noticed a status change online by this evening or in the next couple of days. So congrats!!!
P.s. she was supposed to look at your picture ID at the beginning o the interview to confirm you're the right person.
P.s. she was supposed to look at your picture ID at the beginning o the interview to confirm you're the right person.
Birahi_kancha
Registered Users (C)
I also agree with Sm1smom. You should see the status change soon. We all are praying for you. I have one question if you are on mood to answer
. Did you have I-134 from for financial support? Did she ask you about that? Seems like she asked you about the continuous employment after December. I may face the same dilemma when I have my interview sometime next year. I may not have job offer for Fall 2014 if my interview is schedules sometime in summer. And since I am a teaching assistant I may not have any employment during coming summer. If I am not employed during summer my yearly income will go down to 16K from 22K and in that case I may definitely need I-134 since I am married. What do you think? Or any other experienced person in this awesome thread.To me the officer seems to be unfamiliar with DV. The two most important documents for DV are the birth certificate (indicating country of birth, thus country of chargeability in most cases) and the high school diploma or above (indicating level of education).
You were in status, as SEVIS must have clearly indicated so. Even though your on-campus employment is per semester, only an idiot would think that a PhD in engineering is in danger of filing for food stamps.
The question about your scholarship funding was to see if you could be subject to HRR, as most federal government-funded scholarships to foreigners are tied to that requirement.
I think you're home free. I can't imagine anything that would trip you up. Congratulations in advance.
You were in status, as SEVIS must have clearly indicated so. Even though your on-campus employment is per semester, only an idiot would think that a PhD in engineering is in danger of filing for food stamps.
The question about your scholarship funding was to see if you could be subject to HRR, as most federal government-funded scholarships to foreigners are tied to that requirement.
I think you're home free. I can't imagine anything that would trip you up. Congratulations in advance.
that's great news Sm1smom. I am so anxious about it!
I think she checked what I looked like from the copies and such before coming out to meet me because when she came out she didnt randomly call my name, but walked up to me and introduced herself. While that is not proper ID I guess it was enough for her.
I think she checked what I looked like from the copies and such before coming out to meet me because when she came out she didnt randomly call my name, but walked up to me and introduced herself. While that is not proper ID I guess it was enough for her.
Of course I am in the mood to answer - have to keep the cycle going by sharing my experience!
I did not have the I-134 form because my income is above the poverty level. I also have some savings to go along with it and no debt so I felt ok about showing that I could support myself.
However, I have been continuously employed for several years and got an official employment verification from school showing all my employment, hours and wages since I started school. It also showed my annual income from 2008 to 2013. If you can get something like that it would be good because the IO said it was very helpful for her. There was also an official letter from my department head stating that I was a valuable student employed in the department. I think that helped prove that they intend to keep me funded.
If I were you I would get the form I-134 since you do not work summers. In my opinion, since you have not been continuously employed asking the IO to believe that you will get employment from the school is a stretch. I took that chance because I showed that I always had a graduate assistantship and, even though the school will not provide proof that I will have one in January, the trend shows that it is highly likely. I also provided my W2 from an internship which shows that after I graduate I can and will most likely have a good paying job.
I have also read of people who had the I-134 filled out just in case the IO asked for it, so it wont hurt.
I did not have the I-134 form because my income is above the poverty level. I also have some savings to go along with it and no debt so I felt ok about showing that I could support myself.
However, I have been continuously employed for several years and got an official employment verification from school showing all my employment, hours and wages since I started school. It also showed my annual income from 2008 to 2013. If you can get something like that it would be good because the IO said it was very helpful for her. There was also an official letter from my department head stating that I was a valuable student employed in the department. I think that helped prove that they intend to keep me funded.
If I were you I would get the form I-134 since you do not work summers. In my opinion, since you have not been continuously employed asking the IO to believe that you will get employment from the school is a stretch. I took that chance because I showed that I always had a graduate assistantship and, even though the school will not provide proof that I will have one in January, the trend shows that it is highly likely. I also provided my W2 from an internship which shows that after I graduate I can and will most likely have a good paying job.
I have also read of people who had the I-134 filled out just in case the IO asked for it, so it wont hurt.
I also agree with Sm1smom. You should see the status change soon. We all are praying for you. I have one question if you are on mood to answer
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Hexa, thanks so much for clarifying those things!
I was so confused about the scholarship questions and the concern that she placed on my financial situation, even after I provided so much proof. I feel better about it after hearing from you.
I think you guys are right about her inexperience (she did say that she had recently held another post in immigration and had only just returned to doing these interviews - and she couldn't remember how the system worked on the computer).
She kept looking at the copies I has sent in the AoS packet instead of checking my originals. Like she would check the spelling of my second name from the copy of my BC and not ask for the original I had brought. It was strange but I did feel like she felt that I had sent in a lot of information and so she didn't need any more - one of the first things she said when we walked into her office was that my case looked really good.
thanks to the instructions on this forum and Sm1smom, I guess I answered all her questions before even getting there.
thanks for the advice and well wishes Hexa!!!!!!!!
I was so confused about the scholarship questions and the concern that she placed on my financial situation, even after I provided so much proof. I feel better about it after hearing from you.
I think you guys are right about her inexperience (she did say that she had recently held another post in immigration and had only just returned to doing these interviews - and she couldn't remember how the system worked on the computer).
She kept looking at the copies I has sent in the AoS packet instead of checking my originals. Like she would check the spelling of my second name from the copy of my BC and not ask for the original I had brought. It was strange but I did feel like she felt that I had sent in a lot of information and so she didn't need any more - one of the first things she said when we walked into her office was that my case looked really good.
thanks to the instructions on this forum and Sm1smom, I guess I answered all her questions before even getting there.
thanks for the advice and well wishes Hexa!!!!!!!!
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Britsimon
Super Moderator
Difficult to fight the system mid stream - you are probably gonna have to take whatever they want to dish out. Sorry.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Do you care to shed more light on what's going on with your CS and the medical exam?
Well, I typed the whole story, and then told myself nobody should post such a long message to a forum and then decided not to post.
Maybe I was just unnecessarily too upset and maybe already in a bad mood for the slow AS progression.
I will have to wait for the insurance claims to see how much this whole thing cost me (I have a high deductible plan).
and then decided not to post.Maybe I was just unnecessarily too upset and maybe already in a bad mood for the slow AS progression.
I will have to wait for the insurance claims to see how much this whole thing cost me (I have a high deductible plan).
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