• Hello Members, This forums is for DV lottery visas only. For other immigration related questions, please go to our forums home page, find the related forum and post it there.

DV 2019 AOS Only

Hello @Sm1smom , @SusieQQQ and fellow 2019 AOSers,

I have my Green Card Interview tomorrow (!!!!), and wanted to ask for any final advice anyone may want to quickly share with me about the interview process itself?

Everyone's accounts of their experience, both current and past years have been very informative but just wanted to see if there's any specific things perhaps pertaining to their questioning that may be helpful. Perhaps in regards to intentions if you were granted a GC, or why you entered the DV Lottery. Given I'm on an E3, I figure it's best to to play like I had no intentions of immigrating upon entering, but decided to do so after having lived in the country for some time and heard of the DV Lottery. And secondly if I get accepted, I would continue with my current employer and place of residence - basically maintain the same life lived on the current visa. These responses seem as though they would be appropriate and common.

Any little advice pertaining to those would be most helpful and appreciated.

Thanks! :)

Congratulations on getting the much anticipated IL.

As for how to handle potential questions - the only thing you need to do is truthfully answer any question your IO might ask. I would say don’t do anything like “play like you had no intention of immigrating” which to me is akin to trying to fib one’s way through. Just truthfully answer any and all questions asked, it’s easier to remember whatever you say now years down the road should your case file ever come under scrutiny.

All the best tomorrow!
 
@Sm1smom @Nichk

Thank you kindly for your responses. Honest and truthful answers are the only way I would go about responding to the IO's questioning. Was just curious whether they ask those kind of questions.

Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly and the best possible outcome is granted! :)

I'll be sure to update you all on it post-interview. Can't believe it's finally come! Crazy thing is that it's at 6:30am - Guess I'm the first interview of the day as the office opens at 6:30 too. :)
 
After months of delays and hurdles, my green card has finally arrived! Thank you to everyone who helped answer my questions.

My CN was current in January but I didn't get my IL until late April (Los Angeles). My interview was on May 7 and they asked basic questions that were on the i-485, nothing much else. What was interesting is that they had prepared a "needs further processing" letter before I ever sat down. They took my 2018 tax returns and gave me the letter, telling me it could take up to 120 days for me to hear back. I was worried at this point because so many others were approved on the spot. I didn't want to wait for 120 days! Well, 3 hours after my interview, I looked on the USCIS case updates site and it said my card was now in production. Phew! It arrived exactly one week later!
 
Hi Sm1smom,
I am new to this forum and Brit directed me to this. I am in US under F1 and I have submitted only my DS260 by now. I have not asked to submit any documentation or ESC website doesnt have a new letter. I was requested by KCC to contact USCIS to confirm if I am eligible to AOD after my CN becomes current. I am trying to contact them today and if possible I will pay the fee. What is the next step?
Thank you for your time.
 
Hi Sm1smom,
I am new to this forum and Brit directed me to this. I am in US under F1 and I have submitted only my DS260 by now. I have not asked to submit any documentation or ESC website doesnt have a new letter. I was requested by KCC to contact USCIS to confirm if I am eligible to AOD after my CN becomes current. I am trying to contact them today and if possible I will pay the fee. What is the next step?
Thank you for your time.
Check out the spreadsheet on the first page of this thread. It's seriously the best and has pretty much all the information you need about AOS! Reading it from beginning to end was what made me understand the process and all the documents I needed. Mom is a queen for having put together and maintained this spreadsheet.
 
Hey there,
I have a question regarding the Affidavit of support, My friend who is a US citizen is willing to support me in sponsoring the document, however, she says that she has also filed this document for her husband 2 years ago. Is it possible for a single person to sponsor 2 different individuals? Is there something we need to look out for? Or can she sponsor me with no issues?
 
Hey there,
I have a question regarding the Affidavit of support, My friend who is a US citizen is willing to support me in sponsoring the document, however, she says that she has also filed this document for her husband 2 years ago. Is it possible for a single person to sponsor 2 different individuals? Is there something we need to look out for? Or can she sponsor me with no issues?

It is fine as long as her income is sufficient to cover both of you being sponsored.
 
Hello @Sm1smom @SusieQQQ @Nichk and everyone else who has helped me along the way.

I had my interview this morning, and was approved on the spot! Feel so lucky! I was handed a signed letter stating that my AOS was approved!!
_ _ _

I'll go into detail as to how the Interview went (in particular for anyone who may have to attend the 300 N Los Angeles St. Field Office in DTLA).

My appointment was scheduled for 6:30am, which weirdly is also when the Office opens. I got downtown and parked my car early and arrived a bit before 6am. There was quite a bit of a line forming outside already - maybe 20-30 people. As it approached 6:30am, a security guard separated the line into two, my side being people with 6 o'clock appointments (this is what I vaguely overheard but am not 100% on). The then wait time to actually get into the building took a bit longer due to the slow security check for each person but I made it to the Waiting Room sometime around 7am. I gave my interview letter to the person at the window, and was told the officer would call me by name.

After waiting maybe 5-10 minutes, I was called in. The man was rather nice, friendly and approachable. As I entered the room, I was instructed to raise my hand and swear under oath. Then he asked for my Identification Documents (gave my Passport and US Drivers License). Then he asked for my Birth Certificate, which he examined and checked off having seen the original. Here was when I noticed he had my submitted application in front of him, and he was crosschecking the original documents with the submitted copies. He then asked if I still work for the same employer and what the company is, to which I explained what the company does along with what my role is. He then asked for my Educational Documentation - High School Certificate and University Degree (I also had one other certificate I supplied in my application so I gave the original of that too). He then asked when was my last Point of Entry into the US. I had made a slight mix-up error on my application in regards to the location of the last point of entry. So after telling him the date, I made a comment about the location being wrong on the I-485 form. It didn't seem to be a big deal as he didn't address it any further. It also didn't seem like he amended the form but I'm sure he appreciated me informing him of the error all the same. He then went through a good portion of the Security Questions. Ticking them off as I answered. And once finished he asked me what my mailing address was and if it was still the same.

This brought me to what ended up being the very end where he printed out a letter to which he stamped and signed, and informed me that my application had been approved and that I should expect my Green Card in the mail in around 2 weeks time. He gave me back my documents, escorted me out of the room, and asked me to wait in the waiting room whilst he took copies of my Identification Documents. He gave them back, congratulated me and I was off! Overall a very quick process, and one which could have been much more complicated, which I'm grateful it wasn't.

I hope this event description helps anyone in doubt. It's undeniably nerve-racking but try to remain calm, and answer all of the questions briefly and concisely. Also I cannot recommend the Spreadsheet enough! I went over it a lot last night, and really double checked all of my documents. Having them sorted and easily accessible will be very helpful, so prepare to the best of your ability. Also as noted in the Spreadsheet, memorize dates - particularly Point of Entry, but also employment dates and anything else appropriate. I had no idea what they were going to ask, so I tried to have as much on hand and memorized as possible.

I'll report back when my Green Card actually arrives. As of now I was notified via SMS that my case had been updated and on the Online Portal, it states 'New Card is being Produced'.

Huge THANK YOU to @Sm1smom @SusieQQQ and everyone else for being so helpful and generous with their time and knowledge! This resource was incredibly valuable and so much so that I know my experience would have been drastically differently if I was without it.

Much love!! :)
 
Hi Mom,

I am looking to send my package this week.. Would the KCC address be different if I sending it by Fedex vs USPS?
Cheers
 
Hello @Sm1smom @SusieQQQ @Nichk and everyone else who has helped me along the way.

I had my interview this morning, and was approved on the spot! Feel so lucky! I was handed a signed letter stating that my AOS was approved!!
_ _ _

I'll go into detail as to how the Interview went (in particular for anyone who may have to attend the 300 N Los Angeles St. Field Office in DTLA).

My appointment was scheduled for 6:30am, which weirdly is also when the Office opens. I got downtown and parked my car early and arrived a bit before 6am. There was quite a bit of a line forming outside already - maybe 20-30 people. As it approached 6:30am, a security guard separated the line into two, my side being people with 6 o'clock appointments (this is what I vaguely overheard but am not 100% on). The then wait time to actually get into the building took a bit longer due to the slow security check for each person but I made it to the Waiting Room sometime around 7am. I gave my interview letter to the person at the window, and was told the officer would call me by name.

After waiting maybe 5-10 minutes, I was called in. The man was rather nice, friendly and approachable. As I entered the room, I was instructed to raise my hand and swear under oath. Then he asked for my Identification Documents (gave my Passport and US Drivers License). Then he asked for my Birth Certificate, which he examined and checked off having seen the original. Here was when I noticed he had my submitted application in front of him, and he was crosschecking the original documents with the submitted copies. He then asked if I still work for the same employer and what the company is, to which I explained what the company does along with what my role is. He then asked for my Educational Documentation - High School Certificate and University Degree (I also had one other certificate I supplied in my application so I gave the original of that too). He then asked when was my last Point of Entry into the US. I had made a slight mix-up error on my application in regards to the location of the last point of entry. So after telling him the date, I made a comment about the location being wrong on the I-485 form. It didn't seem to be a big deal as he didn't address it any further. It also didn't seem like he amended the form but I'm sure he appreciated me informing him of the error all the same. He then went through a good portion of the Security Questions. Ticking them off as I answered. And once finished he asked me what my mailing address was and if it was still the same.

This brought me to what ended up being the very end where he printed out a letter to which he stamped and signed, and informed me that my application had been approved and that I should expect my Green Card in the mail in around 2 weeks time. He gave me back my documents, escorted me out of the room, and asked me to wait in the waiting room whilst he took copies of my Identification Documents. He gave them back, congratulated me and I was off! Overall a very quick process, and one which could have been much more complicated, which I'm grateful it wasn't.

I hope this event description helps anyone in doubt. It's undeniably nerve-racking but try to remain calm, and answer all of the questions briefly and concisely. Also I cannot recommend the Spreadsheet enough! I went over it a lot last night, and really double checked all of my documents. Having them sorted and easily accessible will be very helpful, so prepare to the best of your ability. Also as noted in the Spreadsheet, memorize dates - particularly Point of Entry, but also employment dates and anything else appropriate. I had no idea what they were going to ask, so I tried to have as much on hand and memorized as possible.

I'll report back when my Green Card actually arrives. As of now I was notified via SMS that my case had been updated and on the Online Portal, it states 'New Card is being Produced'.

Huge THANK YOU to @Sm1smom @SusieQQQ and everyone else for being so helpful and generous with their time and knowledge! This resource was incredibly valuable and so much so that I know my experience would have been drastically differently if I was without it.

Much love!! :)

Congrats on the approval!
 
Hi Mom,

I am looking to send my package this week.. Would the KCC address be different if I sending it by Fedex vs USPS?
Cheers

AOS package goes to the Chicago Lockbox, not KCC:

USCIS Chicago Lockbox

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
PO Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120

For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
 
Hello @Sm1smom @SusieQQQ @Nichk and everyone else who has helped me along the way.

I had my interview this morning, and was approved on the spot! Feel so lucky! I was handed a signed letter stating that my AOS was approved!!
_ _ _

I'll go into detail as to how the Interview went (in particular for anyone who may have to attend the 300 N Los Angeles St. Field Office in DTLA).

My appointment was scheduled for 6:30am, which weirdly is also when the Office opens. I got downtown and parked my car early and arrived a bit before 6am. There was quite a bit of a line forming outside already - maybe 20-30 people. As it approached 6:30am, a security guard separated the line into two, my side being people with 6 o'clock appointments (this is what I vaguely overheard but am not 100% on). The then wait time to actually get into the building took a bit longer due to the slow security check for each person but I made it to the Waiting Room sometime around 7am. I gave my interview letter to the person at the window, and was told the officer would call me by name.

After waiting maybe 5-10 minutes, I was called in. The man was rather nice, friendly and approachable. As I entered the room, I was instructed to raise my hand and swear under oath. Then he asked for my Identification Documents (gave my Passport and US Drivers License). Then he asked for my Birth Certificate, which he examined and checked off having seen the original. Here was when I noticed he had my submitted application in front of him, and he was crosschecking the original documents with the submitted copies. He then asked if I still work for the same employer and what the company is, to which I explained what the company does along with what my role is. He then asked for my Educational Documentation - High School Certificate and University Degree (I also had one other certificate I supplied in my application so I gave the original of that too). He then asked when was my last Point of Entry into the US. I had made a slight mix-up error on my application in regards to the location of the last point of entry. So after telling him the date, I made a comment about the location being wrong on the I-485 form. It didn't seem to be a big deal as he didn't address it any further. It also didn't seem like he amended the form but I'm sure he appreciated me informing him of the error all the same. He then went through a good portion of the Security Questions. Ticking them off as I answered. And once finished he asked me what my mailing address was and if it was still the same.

This brought me to what ended up being the very end where he printed out a letter to which he stamped and signed, and informed me that my application had been approved and that I should expect my Green Card in the mail in around 2 weeks time. He gave me back my documents, escorted me out of the room, and asked me to wait in the waiting room whilst he took copies of my Identification Documents. He gave them back, congratulated me and I was off! Overall a very quick process, and one which could have been much more complicated, which I'm grateful it wasn't.

I hope this event description helps anyone in doubt. It's undeniably nerve-racking but try to remain calm, and answer all of the questions briefly and concisely. Also I cannot recommend the Spreadsheet enough! I went over it a lot last night, and really double checked all of my documents. Having them sorted and easily accessible will be very helpful, so prepare to the best of your ability. Also as noted in the Spreadsheet, memorize dates - particularly Point of Entry, but also employment dates and anything else appropriate. I had no idea what they were going to ask, so I tried to have as much on hand and memorized as possible.

I'll report back when my Green Card actually arrives. As of now I was notified via SMS that my case had been updated and on the Online Portal, it states 'New Card is being Produced'.

Huge THANK YOU to @Sm1smom @SusieQQQ and everyone else for being so helpful and generous with their time and knowledge! This resource was incredibly valuable and so much so that I know my experience would have been drastically differently if I was without it.

Much love!! :)

Congratulations :)
 
Hi Sm1smom,
I am new to this forum and Brit directed me to this. I am in US under F1 and I have submitted only my DS260 by now. I have not asked to submit any documentation or ESC website doesnt have a new letter. I was requested by KCC to contact USCIS to confirm if I am eligible to AOD after my CN becomes current. I am trying to contact them today and if possible I will pay the fee. What is the next step?
Thank you for your time.

Document submission to KCC is not required for AOS.

Go through the AOS process spreadsheet which is linked to the first post on page one of this thread. It has the step by step guidance on what you need to do.
 
It is fine as long as her income is sufficient to cover both of you being sponsored.
Thank you for your reply. So, she'll have to have a annual income of $26,662, as she is supporting 2 people making it a household of 3,
as listed on the USCIS website? Or am I mistaken?
 

Attachments

  • poverty level.png
    poverty level.png
    26.3 KB · Views: 23
I just received a call from USCIS to tell me that my interview has been scheduled and that the notice letter will arrive in the mail in a few days. I was surprised because I haven't seen anyone being called before but FYI if you're in the DC area, you may get a call instead of a letter first! My interview is in less than 2 weeks :)
 
@Sm1smom

I had an employment-based process in progress before I was selected for the lottery: my PERM has been approved recently and my company's lawyers received the certified PERM document.
Now they are getting ready to file I-485/I-140 together and mentioned that the package have to be accepted by the end of October (end of the 6 months PERM).

1. Do you expect that filing the employment-based AOS can cause delay? I read somewhere in this forum that the IO might want to check other filings as well and it could cause some delay.
2. What happens to this AOS + petition if I get approved by the DV based AOS?

To be honest, I don't really want an employment-based GC if the lottery one works, mainly because it comes with one main drawback - I owe my company a number of years AFTER receiving the GC or package + lawyers fees from this point.
I have been transparent from the beginning with my company telling them that I filled my DV AOS already and they give me the option to start the employment based filing when I want to.
My idea is to tell them to start that process only if I did not have my interview scheduled at the end of August - I just did the bio appointment this week so I can get an interview in the next 3 months if all goes well.

Thanks!
 
Hi Mom and dear members,

I received my green card today)))) yay, what a relief, have been waiting for this moment 5 years since coming to the US. I played DV lottery 8 times))
Mom, there are no words to describe how grateful Iam to you, for youe support, advice and most importantly awesome spreadsheet)) if I didnt find this forum a year ago, I would end up having a lawyer and who knows how the process ended. Thank you thank you Mom)) needless to say that you run this forum and answer all the questions for free. You truly help hundreds of people. I am also thankful to you that every time I was panicking you told me to keep patient

Even though, I was not approved on spot, it took two weeks for the status to be changed. Also, the officer who interviewed me seemed to have knowledge about dv lotteries as he informed me that he would need a file from KCC to make a final decision and it would take 30days.

I wish everyone to have a successful interviews and get the green cards
 
Hi Mom and dear members,

I received my green card today)))) yay, what a relief, have been waiting for this moment 5 years since coming to the US. I played DV lottery 8 times))
Mom, there are no words to describe how grateful Iam to you, for youe support, advice and most importantly awesome spreadsheet)) if I didnt find this forum a year ago, I would end up having a lawyer and who knows how the process ended. Thank you thank you Mom)) needless to say that you run this forum and answer all the questions for free. You truly help hundreds of people. I am also thankful to you that every time I was panicking you told me to keep patient

Even though, I was not approved on spot, it took two weeks for the status to be changed. Also, the officer who interviewed me seemed to have knowledge about dv lotteries as he informed me that he would need a file from KCC to make a final decision and it would take 30days.

I wish everyone to have a successful interviews and get the green cards
Congrats!
 
I just received a call from USCIS to tell me that my interview has been scheduled and that the notice letter will arrive in the mail in a few days. I was surprised because I haven't seen anyone being called before but FYI if you're in the DC area, you may get a call instead of a letter first! My interview is in less than 2 weeks :)

Not unusual for some FOs to call. @damo1089, DV2019 selectee (now a LPR) did get a call also about his interview date.
 
Top