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DV 2017 AOS Only

Bluefox said:
PhD student here and getting paid and insured by the school. I got the GC last year and there was no interuption in either of them.
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Thanks for the reply. I honestly don't see why any interruptions would happen. All I think about is that the international student office might have made a mistake. I will just inform them and make sure that they keep my insurance.
 
Hello Mom,

Today my wife and I did the interview. The officer did not ask for anything exept the passports and photos of our wedding. Then she wanted to approve our case and she noticed that KCC has not informed them about the availability of our visa. She went and asked her boss and came back. She said it seems like this happens all the time. She said I will follow up with them. She emailed them while we were there and said we leave and she will call us back and will update us. Then as soon as we left she called me and said "I hold on to your documents and I will keep calling them, within a week ot better say next three days it should complete and I'll be able to request your visa and then approve your case. As soon as I get, I will call you again and approve it". I saw that this has happened to some other non-Iranian applicant in the forum. How long does this process usually take? My case number was current in October. However, since I had changed my address and my FO was changed, I assumed that the previous FO had requested my visa from KCC, but the new FO had not done that part and now they noticed that they should do it. Is that right? each FO should request it from KCC separately?
 
Ali Amiri said:
Hello Mom,

Today my wife and I did the interview. The officer did not ask for anything exept the passports and photos of our wedding. Then she wanted to approve our case and she noticed that KCC has not informed them about the availability of our visa. She went and asked her boss and came back. She said it seems like this happens all the time. She said I will follow up with them. She emailed them while we were there and said we leave and she will call us back and will update us. Then as soon as we left she called me and said "I hold on to your documents and I will keep calling them, within a week ot better say next three days it should complete and I'll be able to request your visa and then approve your case. As soon as I get, I will call you again and approve it". I saw that this has happened to some other non-Iranian applicant in the forum. How long does this process usually take? My case number was current in October. However, since I had changed my address and my FO was changed, I assumed that the previous FO had requested my visa from KCC, but the new FO had not done that part and now they noticed that they should do it. Is that right? each FO should request it from KCC separately?
Click to expand...

It's unpredictable how long it may take KCC you send over your case file to your FO. It could be a matter of days or weeks. You can call KCC yourself about once a week to find out if they've sent over your case file to your FO. The FO with jurisdiction over the AOS petition is responsible for requesting the KCC file.
 
Hi everyone,
I finally received my GC today! I wanted to thank Mom and the moderators on this forum for the tremendous support and time you take to answer every question we AOSers have. I’m glad I came across this forum - you made the process so much easier.

To help fellow AOSers who are still going through the process, I want to share my interview experience that I had last week. I did run into a minor complication so hopefully you can learn from my experience.

A little background about my case:
  • Case number current: January
  • AOS package received by Chicago lockbox: Dec 2, 2016
  • Biometrics: Jan 9, 2017
  • Interview: March 1, 2017

What I did:
  • Brought all the documents (original and copies) that were submitted in AOS package, weighed more than 5lbs!
  • Arrived at the FO 15 min earlier than appointment time but security was pretty slow so by the time I checked in, I was 5 min away from my appointment.
  • Receptionist took my interview notice and told me to have a seat. The IO will call you by name.
  • Waited for 10 min then IO came and we proceeded to his office. I noticed that my IO was fairly young compared to the other IOs.
  • Did oath. IO started the interview by asking for my ID (I gave him my driving license) and passport. He made copies of those.
  • We went through pretty much all of the questions on the I-485 form, including the yes/no ones. He was checking if my answers matched.
  • IO asked when I submitted my AOS package.
  • When we were done with the questions, he took some time on his computer, printed something, and left the room for a while (5-10 min).
  • IO came back and expressed his concerns that I might have filed my AOS too early. He said the early filing was bothering him, otherwise he would approve my petition on the spot since my case is straightforward (not married, no kids, went to college in the US, employed, and earning stable income).
  • I mentioned to him about the Early Filing Policy Memorandum - that I filed according to the memo and I attached a copy of it on my package. IO said he is aware of it but he was not convinced. He was concerned about the fact that the Chicago Lockbox received my AOS package at the beginning of Dec while my number was current in Jan. He thought Dec 2 was too early. I pointed out that the Chicago Lockbox did accept my application with no problem and he said he was doing his due diligence as Chicago Lockbox might make mistake too. My impression was that he didn’t really understand how Visa Bulletin works with the advanced notification part and early filing memo.
  • Since IO had time, he wanted to review the memo again while I was there. He printed out a copy and went over the examples but still was unsure so he finally told me that he would have his supervisor take a look at my application. I said sure, hoping that the supervisor has more experience with DV AOS and will approve my application. I also told him to show his supervisor my cover letter as a written evidence since I did write in my cover letter, “My package is being submitted on the basis of the Diversity Visa cut-off number listed on the Advanced Notification section of the December 2016 Visa Bulletin. My case number will be current in January 2017. The USCIS Policy Memorandum of August 9th, 2013 (hereby attached) supports my early filing.”
  • After making sure he got my point, I finally left. I felt uneasy about the whole situation but I was sure that I did everything properly (I followed the AOS guide carefully from the forum - how can it be wrong?).
  • About 3 hours later, I checked my email and got my CPO notification so the supervisor must have approved it! I got my approval notice on my inbox 12 hours later.
  • 2 days later, another email came notifying that they have mailed my card. The card arrived at my door step exactly a week after the interview.

Highlights:
  • Make sure to bring all the documents with you. Copies of the AOS package and originals. I carried over 5 lbs of documents but IO only wanted to see my driving license and passport but it’s always good to have everything with you just in case
  • Arrive at least 30 min early at the building. Going over security might take forever depending on the hour
  • Make sure you really understand the DV and AOS process. My IO was still young and I think he didn't have a lot of experience adjudicating DV applications. Good thing I was familiar with the early filing memo so I was able to argue my case and show him that I did everything properly. Include the memo and a cover letter mentioning the memo in your package and that you’re submitting your package “on the basis of the Diversity Visa cut-off number listed on the Advanced Notification section of the *** Visa Bulletin. My case number will be current in ***.”

Sorry for the very long post! I didn’t have a splendid interview experience but thankfully everything worked well at the end. I think this was also a learning experience for the IO; I did educate him on the early filing memo after all. I hope this helps those who are preparing for the interview. Good luck and I wish everyone smooth sailing process!
 
blueeypie said:
Hi everyone,
I finally received my GC today! I wanted to thank Mom and the moderators on this forum for the tremendous support and time you take to answer every question we AOSers have. I’m glad I came across this forum - you made the process so much easier.

To help fellow AOSers who are still going through the process, I want to share my interview experience that I had last week. I did run into a minor complication so hopefully you can learn from my experience.

A little background about my case:
  • Case number current: January
  • AOS package received by Chicago lockbox: Dec 2, 2016
  • Biometrics: Jan 9, 2017
  • Interview: March 1, 2017

What I did:
  • Brought all the documents (original and copies) that were submitted in AOS package, weighed more than 5lbs!
  • Arrived at the FO 15 min earlier than appointment time but security was pretty slow so by the time I checked in, I was 5 min away from my appointment.
  • Receptionist took my interview notice and told me to have a seat. The IO will call you by name.
  • Waited for 10 min then IO came and we proceeded to his office. I noticed that my IO was fairly young compared to the other IOs.
  • Did oath. IO started the interview by asking for my ID (I gave him my driving license) and passport. He made copies of those.
  • We went through pretty much all of the questions on the I-485 form, including the yes/no ones. He was checking if my answers matched.
  • IO asked when I submitted my AOS package.
  • When we were done with the questions, he took some time on his computer, printed something, and left the room for a while (5-10 min).
  • IO came back and expressed his concerns that I might have filed my AOS too early. He said the early filing was bothering him, otherwise he would approve my petition on the spot since my case is straightforward (not married, no kids, went to college in the US, employed, and earning stable income).
  • I mentioned to him about the Early Filing Policy Memorandum - that I filed according to the memo and I attached a copy of it on my package. IO said he is aware of it but he was not convinced. He was concerned about the fact that the Chicago Lockbox received my AOS package at the beginning of Dec while my number was current in Jan. He thought Dec 2 was too early. I pointed out that the Chicago Lockbox did accept my application with no problem and he said he was doing his due diligence as Chicago Lockbox might make mistake too. My impression was that he didn’t really understand how Visa Bulletin works with the advanced notification part and early filing memo.
  • Since IO had time, he wanted to review the memo again while I was there. He printed out a copy and went over the examples but still was unsure so he finally told me that he would have his supervisor take a look at my application. I said sure, hoping that the supervisor has more experience with DV AOS and will approve my application. I also told him to show his supervisor my cover letter as a written evidence since I did write in my cover letter, “My package is being submitted on the basis of the Diversity Visa cut-off number listed on the Advanced Notification section of the December 2016 Visa Bulletin. My case number will be current in January 2017. The USCIS Policy Memorandum of August 9th, 2013 (hereby attached) supports my early filing.”
  • After making sure he got my point, I finally left. I felt uneasy about the whole situation but I was sure that I did everything properly (I followed the AOS guide carefully from the forum - how can it be wrong?).
  • About 3 hours later, I checked my email and got my CPO notification so the supervisor must have approved it! I got my approval notice on my inbox 12 hours later.
  • 2 days later, another email came notifying that they have mailed my card. The card arrived at my door step exactly a week after the interview.

Highlights:
  • Make sure to bring all the documents with you. Copies of the AOS package and originals. I carried over 5 lbs of documents but IO only wanted to see my driving license and passport but it’s always good to have everything with you just in case
  • Arrive at least 30 min early at the building. Going over security might take forever depending on the hour
  • Make sure you really understand the DV and AOS process. My IO was still young and I think he didn't have a lot of experience adjudicating DV applications. Good thing I was familiar with the early filing memo so I was able to argue my case and show him that I did everything properly. Include the memo and a cover letter mentioning the memo in your package and that you’re submitting your package “on the basis of the Diversity Visa cut-off number listed on the Advanced Notification section of the *** Visa Bulletin. My case number will be current in ***.”

Sorry for the very long post! I didn’t have a splendid interview experience but thankfully everything worked well at the end. I think this was also a learning experience for the IO; I did educate him on the early filing memo after all. I hope this helps those who are preparing for the interview. Good luck and I wish everyone smooth sailing process!
Click to expand...

And that is how to play the game! Nothing beats being fully prepared when you show up for the interview. Some may say you were over prepared, I call it adequately prepared!

Congratulations and thank you for coming back to share your interview experience. Be sure to update the Timeline spreadsheet if you haven't done so already.
 
blueeypie said:
Hi everyone,
I finally received my GC today! I wanted to thank Mom and the moderators on this forum for the tremendous support and time you take to answer every question we AOSers have. I’m glad I came across this forum - you made the process so much easier.

To help fellow AOSers who are still going through the process, I want to share my interview experience that I had last week. I did run into a minor complication so hopefully you can learn from my experience.

A little background about my case:
  • Case number current: January
  • AOS package received by Chicago lockbox: Dec 2, 2016
  • Biometrics: Jan 9, 2017
  • Interview: March 1, 2017

What I did:
  • Brought all the documents (original and copies) that were submitted in AOS package, weighed more than 5lbs!
  • Arrived at the FO 15 min earlier than appointment time but security was pretty slow so by the time I checked in, I was 5 min away from my appointment.
  • Receptionist took my interview notice and told me to have a seat. The IO will call you by name.
  • Waited for 10 min then IO came and we proceeded to his office. I noticed that my IO was fairly young compared to the other IOs.
  • Did oath. IO started the interview by asking for my ID (I gave him my driving license) and passport. He made copies of those.
  • We went through pretty much all of the questions on the I-485 form, including the yes/no ones. He was checking if my answers matched.
  • IO asked when I submitted my AOS package.
  • When we were done with the questions, he took some time on his computer, printed something, and left the room for a while (5-10 min).
  • IO came back and expressed his concerns that I might have filed my AOS too early. He said the early filing was bothering him, otherwise he would approve my petition on the spot since my case is straightforward (not married, no kids, went to college in the US, employed, and earning stable income).
  • I mentioned to him about the Early Filing Policy Memorandum - that I filed according to the memo and I attached a copy of it on my package. IO said he is aware of it but he was not convinced. He was concerned about the fact that the Chicago Lockbox received my AOS package at the beginning of Dec while my number was current in Jan. He thought Dec 2 was too early. I pointed out that the Chicago Lockbox did accept my application with no problem and he said he was doing his due diligence as Chicago Lockbox might make mistake too. My impression was that he didn’t really understand how Visa Bulletin works with the advanced notification part and early filing memo.
  • Since IO had time, he wanted to review the memo again while I was there. He printed out a copy and went over the examples but still was unsure so he finally told me that he would have his supervisor take a look at my application. I said sure, hoping that the supervisor has more experience with DV AOS and will approve my application. I also told him to show his supervisor my cover letter as a written evidence since I did write in my cover letter, “My package is being submitted on the basis of the Diversity Visa cut-off number listed on the Advanced Notification section of the December 2016 Visa Bulletin. My case number will be current in January 2017. The USCIS Policy Memorandum of August 9th, 2013 (hereby attached) supports my early filing.”
  • After making sure he got my point, I finally left. I felt uneasy about the whole situation but I was sure that I did everything properly (I followed the AOS guide carefully from the forum - how can it be wrong?).
  • About 3 hours later, I checked my email and got my CPO notification so the supervisor must have approved it! I got my approval notice on my inbox 12 hours later.
  • 2 days later, another email came notifying that they have mailed my card. The card arrived at my door step exactly a week after the interview.

Highlights:
  • Make sure to bring all the documents with you. Copies of the AOS package and originals. I carried over 5 lbs of documents but IO only wanted to see my driving license and passport but it’s always good to have everything with you just in case
  • Arrive at least 30 min early at the building. Going over security might take forever depending on the hour
  • Make sure you really understand the DV and AOS process. My IO was still young and I think he didn't have a lot of experience adjudicating DV applications. Good thing I was familiar with the early filing memo so I was able to argue my case and show him that I did everything properly. Include the memo and a cover letter mentioning the memo in your package and that you’re submitting your package “on the basis of the Diversity Visa cut-off number listed on the Advanced Notification section of the *** Visa Bulletin. My case number will be current in ***.”

Sorry for the very long post! I didn’t have a splendid interview experience but thankfully everything worked well at the end. I think this was also a learning experience for the IO; I did educate him on the early filing memo after all. I hope this helps those who are preparing for the interview. Good luck and I wish everyone smooth sailing process!
Click to expand...
That was great, Thank you for explaining the detail it was very fascinating to read it. Congratulations from me
 
Hello every one,

Thank you for this opportunity to ask questions and share experiences.

Today I did my interview. The officer did not ask me the common question for DV interview such as how can I support my self since I am student. however, my husband is working and he submit letter of his job with I-485.

Since many applicants are concerned about requesting visa from department of state. The same thing happened to me today.

I just want to know is it a positive sign when the officer request to release visa. In case of denial do the officer request visa either?
 
I am 2017 selectee from Syria, I have been in the States since 2012 and I have a work permit (EAD). After the travel ban, Would you recommend that I apply for adjustment of Status at this time since am already inside the States or there is a better option such as waiting for a more time?
 
Wendpanga said:
Hello mom,
the bulletin for May just came out and it only says "current" for certain regions. What does it mean?
Click to expand...

Current means that there are NO more visas available for that region. If your number is higher that the cut-off number showed in the month before, I am sorry but that is it for your region.
 
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Feras-alep said:
I am 2017 selectee from Syria, I have been in the States since 2012 and I have a work permit (EAD). After the travel ban, Would you recommend that I apply for adjustment of Status at this time since am already inside the States or there is a better option such as waiting for a more time?
Click to expand...

Since the 2 options you have is applying for AOS here inside US or going back to your country and doing the process through the Embassy, with this travel ban going on, if I was in your shoes I won't leave US and I would do it from here through AOS. Depending on when is your case current, because as you should know, AOS is a slower process. Because if you leave, even though you get the GC they can ban your entry... I don't know. That is what I would do, but it is totally up to you choosing AOS or CP.:confused:

Or are you asking about applying now or waiting some time to see if everything calms downs? In that case, sadly, but I don't think that the situation is going to be solved in a while, so the sooner you apply the better, that way they can go ahead and do your background check and everything... 6 months until the end of FY 2017 yet...
 
Last edited:
Wendpanga said:
Hello mom,
the bulletin for May just came out and it only says "current" for certain regions. What does it mean?
Click to expand...

It means KCC believe there are enough visas for every remaining applicant.

Every AOS case (other those those from the 4 countries "excepted" in the bulletin) can now submit their I-485 package (if people choose to take advantage of the early filing policy). For CP, every remaining case (again, other those those from the 4 countries "excepted" in the bulletin) can now expect an interview to be scheduled IF their DS260 is processed.
 
CountryGirl said:
Current means that there are NO more visas available for that region. If your number is higher that the cut-off number showed in the month before, I am sorry but that is it for your region.
Click to expand...
Really? I never understood what does current mean in this case but for some reason I always thought that it's the opposite, meaning that any number is qualified for an interview. I don't know really but let's hope it doesn't mean that any number higher than the cut off number for the previous month is not eligible for interview anymore.
 
Hi mom,

As many others today, my wife (principal applicant; CN: AS6xxx) and I (co-applicant) found out that our region is going to be current on May. We live in the US since 2005 and plan on applying for AOS. I read your AOS spreadsheet and noted that you mentioned cases where the FOs denied petitions of AOS packages that were submitted prior to the month being "current" (i.e., May in our case). Is it something you think worth trying at all, or better playing it safe and waiting until the end of April before submitting it? I am asking that since the main benefit that I can see is completing the process a month or so earlier.

Thanks!
 
mira88 said:
Really? I never understood what does current mean in this case but for some reason I always thought that it's the opposite, meaning that any number is qualified for an interview. I don't know really but let's hope it doesn't mean that any number higher than the cut off number for the previous month is not eligible for interview anymore.
Click to expand...

NO NO NO.

Not really. Read my response.
 
santassaf said:
Hi mom,

As many others today, my wife (principal applicant; CN: AS6xxx) and I (co-applicant) found out that our region is going to be current on May. We live in the US since 2005 and plan on applying for AOS. I read your AOS spreadsheet and noted that you mentioned cases where the FOs denied petitions of AOS packages that were submitted prior to the month being "current" (i.e., May in our case). Is it something you think worth trying at all, or better playing it safe and waiting until the end of April before submitting it? I am asking that since the main benefit that I can see is completing the process a month or so earlier.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Denials for early submissions DURING the year (as opposed to prior to the year starting) are rare and I think in every case the denials have been reversed once the rules are explained to the FO.
 
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