You can ask Emma the date already)
DV 2021 AOS Only
- Thread starter Sm1smom
- Start date
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Meanwhile two agents told you earlier on August 18th your case file was with the NBC and not your FO, right? Clear evidence as to why you folks shouldn’t be attaching too much importance to what the agents say regarding where your case file is at, which I’ve covered a couple of times in the past.
teitake
Member
Last night I prepared the Congressional Inquiry form provided on my Conngressman's website to take it to his office this morning.
I just checked my case status now and it says the new card is being produced. I don't understand what happened between yesterday afternoon and this morning but it seems I'm getting the card soon.
Thank you everyone for the help.
I just checked my case status now and it says the new card is being produced. I don't understand what happened between yesterday afternoon and this morning but it seems I'm getting the card soon.
Thank you everyone for the help.
raphael1899
Well-Known Member
Congratulations!!!Interview Completed - New Card Is Being Produced (San Diego)
9:05 - Security check
9:15 - Waiting room
10:15 - 10:30 - Interview
Interview questions / requests:
1) Provide passports and DL (no other documents were asked for)
2) Ask if I graduated (Y)
3) Changed address
4) How many visas have I had in the past (2)
5) Last arrival date
6) What organizations have I been a part of
7) 20 Y/N questions
8) What do I plan to do after I get the GC
The IO was a very sweet lady that was very excited for me. She said she wanted to approve my case on the spot before we even started the interview. She also spent 5 minutes explaining to me:
1) the rights of an LPR
2) that I could naturalize 5 years from today
3) and to wait to be a USC before sponsoring anyone as it's a faster process (even though I did not mention any plans to do so).
My IO threw in a couple of "trick" questions so everyone should pay attention during their interview. I believe these questions are just asked to make sure you are paying attention and that you're not blindly following a "script". For example, the IO asked:
1) "So if I'm correct, you were not part of any organizations, is that right?" (I was part of one)
2) She rephrased a Y/N question that turned my original answer, "no", into a "yes" answer (it was very subtle)
It was basically just a little play of words, but nothing anyone can't handle so as long as you're paying attention. All in all, great experience.
My sincerest thanks to @Sm1smom and @SusieQQQ for your help and contributions to the forum. You both have made this process that much easier, and I am truly grateful for both of you!
...and I couldn't have done it without my friends @raphael1899, @Milz, and @Blade_
SusieQQQ
Well-Known Member
“A couple of times” lol
ishmog
Well-Known Member
Today me (STEM OPT student) and my wife (primary applicant) had our interview at 10:15 in Tampa FO. We came 30 minutes before. We have received just one IL with my wife being listed in it. Before the entrance, the guardian asked our last names and my name was also listed in his list. So, no worries for those of you who didn’t receive IL for all family members.
There were just a few people in the office, no lines at all. We were waiting around 20 minutes and IO called our line number. He navigated us to his office, asked us to rise right hands, and asked are we going to say the truth. Then he mentioned that we have a DV case and asked for our IDs. We provided both passports and driver's licenses.
Btw we were super prepared. We reviewed all the dates, family members, traveling and visa histories. I triple-checked all the documents multiple times. And read lots of interview cases in this forum. The only things that the officer asked were name, date of birth, and very easily formulated Y/N question. So, he didn’t use that complicated wording from I-485. We just answered no to all of these questions (that are true answers). The question where he was super concentrated “Have we received any visa denials”. We mentioned that we were approved for our tourist visas first and then student visas. No denials. In the end, I was even a little bit disappointed that there were no questions about marriage, traveling, student life, work, or anything else.
Then he asked do we have any questions. I mentioned that after submission of the case I had received a new EAD card for my STEM OPT and I have it with me. He didn’t need it. Btw I prepared all the documents and took them with me. I got my new Employment Verification Letter, new I-20, new bank statements, car and insurance documents. Nothing was asked. We haven’t sent the I-134 form with our original document.
I also asked him about our background check. We made a walk-in in Orlando 5 days before the interview. Tampa ASC doesn’t accept any walk-ins. At least there was no luck for us. He said he has some information, but he didn't mention what kind of information. I didn’t like his answer and that he lost his smile answering it. Most likely it was just my imagination but I immediately remembered an extended background check for Russian citizens mentioned in the forum.
He said he needs to do some background checks and we can check our statuses online. I checked my case when I got home. The status was updated to “New card is being produced”. It seems like a good sign, but I think I will calm down only when I will hold a green card in my hands. Hopefully, it will be soon.
It is also important to mention that I prepared all the documents mentioned in the spreadsheet and send them with my package. Thanks to the spreadsheet and of course to this forum. Special thanks to @Sm1smom! You are amazing! You motivate people to be a better representation of themselves.
Sorry for such a long one, but in the end just one piece of advice for future applicants. DO NOT READ THIS FORUM! I mean do not read it too much. The forum is the best and it has the answers to 99% of the questions (use the search button, most likely your case is not unique), but believe me you will save so many nerves not reading every single new message on it, monitoring the progress of other applicants, thinking that something is wrong with your case, not enough time to process, so on and so forth. But if you got to this point most likely my advice doesn’t work for you. And you are already stuck with monitoring the forum and found this message.
One more thing, for more than a month after receiving NOA I didn’t have any updates on my case. Emma conversations don’t help at all. Just general answers. And actually, sometimes they can make you even more confused as different agents may provide different information. One day I decided to call USCIS and the agent recommended me to submit an expedite request. I mentioned option 1 (lost of income), which was not exactly true, but it was required to select one of the options. After 5 days my online status was updated to expedite request was received. And a week later we received our bio and a couple of days later interview letter. I have no idea did expedite help to receive these letters. Just wanted to mention that.
I will keep you updated.
Good luck to all current applicants and future ones! And special luck to @ishmog. I used your posts to prepare my docs. Do not stress too much. I believe in you!
Congratulations to you and your wife and thank you for your words of encouragement
. Hopefully I'll get the IL soon. I wish you guys the best in this new adventure.
ishmog
Well-Known Member
Congrats man! I'm glad it that it finally happenedInterview Completed - New Card Is Being Produced (San Diego)
9:05 - Security check
9:15 - Waiting room
10:15 - 10:30 - Interview
Interview questions / requests:
1) Provide passports and DL (no other documents were asked for)
2) Ask if I graduated (Y)
3) Changed address
4) How many visas have I had in the past (2)
5) Last arrival date
6) What organizations have I been a part of
7) 20 Y/N questions
8) What do I plan to do after I get the GC
The IO was a very sweet lady that was very excited for me. She said she wanted to approve my case on the spot before we even started the interview. She also spent 5 minutes explaining to me:
1) the rights of an LPR
2) that I could naturalize 5 years from today
3) and to wait to be a USC before sponsoring anyone as it's a faster process (even though I did not mention any plans to do so).
My IO threw in a couple of "trick" questions so everyone should pay attention during their interview. I believe these questions are just asked to make sure you are paying attention and that you're not blindly following a "script". For example, the IO asked:
1) "So if I'm correct, you were not part of any organizations, is that right?" (I was part of one)
2) She rephrased a Y/N question that turned my original answer, "no", into a "yes" answer (it was very subtle)
It was basically just a little play of words, but nothing anyone can't handle so as long as you're paying attention. All in all, great experience.
My sincerest thanks to @Sm1smom and @SusieQQQ for your help and contributions to the forum. You both have made this process that much easier, and I am truly grateful for both of you!
...and I couldn't have done it without my friends @raphael1899, @Milz, and @Blade_
ishmog
Well-Known Member
Congrats man! Enjoy the American dream* INTERVIEW COMPLETED @ 26 FEDERAL PLAZA NYC *
Hi all
I am thrilled to report that my interview went well this morning, and my green card was approved!
Massive thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences in this forum, and taken the time to answer my questions (especially Sm1smom). Following the Q&A and the AOS Spreadsheet has seriously kept me sane throughout this whole process.
Below is a summary of my interview experience @ 26 Federal Plaze NYC, in case it helps anyone else to prepare too...
- My interview was scheduled for 9.55am. The Interview Letter (IL) said not to arrive more than 15 mins before the interview. I arrived 20 mins before and went through the security screening process in the marquee attached to 26 Federal Plaza. It was just like a normal airport screening but without the long wait, only took around 2 mins to get through it. Then came the super weird part - after I went through the metal detector, one of the guards nearby asked me if I had an Instagram account. I said no, that I wasn't on social media anymore as I was wasting too much time on it (which is true!). He said he had wanted to look me up on social media and contact me. I tried to keep a straight face as I wasn't sure if the question was actually part of the security screening process or if he was just plain hitting on me, but I didn't stick around to find out and headed straight inside the entrance
- My interview was on the 7th floor. You need to take a "C" block elevator to reach that floor. When I got to the 7th floor I checked in w/ security at the first waiting room near the elevators. The security guard asked to see my IL, and my phone if I had one on me. I pulled my phone out and was asked to power it off in front of her and to keep it powered off during my visit.
- I joined another line nearby and waited until I was called up to a desk by a different officer. I was asked for my IL and Passport, and the officer scanned the 2nd (pointer) finger on my left and right hand. He then asked me to take my mask off and took a photo. He returned my Passport and IL (which now had a handwritten ticket number on it too) and gave me a bright green sign w/ a room number on it. He told me to go to the numbered waiting room down the hall.
- The security guard at the next waiting room took the green sign off me and told me to take a seat. The seats in the waiting room were placed far apart, there was hand sanitizer, and everyone remained fully masked. Most people wore smart casual clothes. I waited for 5-10 mins before the IO entered the room and called out my name. He apologized for being late and said he wouldn't be ready for another 15 minutes or so. I told him it wasn't a problem and he thanked me. He also commented on the tote bag I was carrying, saying "oh and I love that you're a MET member!" (it was just a free tote bag that I'd been given when I signed up for membership at the Metropolitan Museum a few years ago). Maybe he's a member too? Anyway, I felt like things were off to a good start, he seemed really polite and friendly.
- About 15 mins later the IO returned and asked me to follow him to his office. We exited through a door off the waiting room and headed down a hallway to his office. There were 4 chairs lined up a few feet away from his desk and we were separated by a huge plastic screen. Both of us remained fully masked during the interview.
- The IO asked for my Passport and my IL. I had a 1-inch thick folder containing all my documents open on my lap (tabbed so I could locate anything quickly). I could see he had a clipboard w/ my I-485 on top and presumably the rest of my submission docs underneath. He said the interview for a DV visa is pretty straightforward and that he would ask me some questions from the form and we would sign off on it afterward. He assumed since I had only filed my paperwork in June that nothing would have really changed at my end, and I agreed. I said I had originals of all the documents submitted in my package (birth cert, high school cert, etc) plus my most recent paystubs (June, July, August) if he needed to see them. He only asked for copies of my most recent paystubs. I confirmed that he had received my medical exam and biometrics (he said biometrics are on the system a few hours after being taken). He then started going through the basic questions on the form (e.g. full name, DOB, birthplace, parents names, current job title, address, marital status, kids, etc) before moving onto the declaration/security questions. When he got to the question about whether I've ever been arrested I said "No" and he asked why I had ticked "Yes" on the form. I explained I had received a minor traffic citation many years ago but had never been arrested. We discussed how the citation had occurred (and he said it would not impact my application), and moved onto the remaining Y/N questions. Then I signed the form. The IO printed off a "Notice of Interview Results" form and gave it to me, and explained he had checked the box "Your case is being held for review" because he still needed time to run through the file and update the system. He knew the DV deadline was Sept 30 and said I would definitely receive a final decision by then, and ideally he would be in a position to make a decision today. If approved, he said a welcome letter would be sent to me, followed by a GC a few weeks later. I asked him what would happen if I needed to travel anywhere between now and receiving the card. He said in some circumstances (typically emergencies) they can grant permission to travel before receipt of the card by putting a stamp in the passport. He asked if there was any reason I might need to travel urgently in the coming weeks. I explained a company had been trying to hire me for a project that could involve overseas travel in the next few weeks but that I couldn't commit to the project until I knew my GC status (this is true). Then I went into a lot more detail about the company and the role and why it was particularly time-sensitive. He totally got it and said, "well I may be able to help you with that if you could stay another half hour or so". I said that would be AMAZING, and I was happy to wait as long as he needed me to. He kept my Passport and I headed back to the waiting room.
- I returned to the waiting room and tried not to do a little happy dance. When the IO returned with my Passport stamped, he congratulated me on becoming a permanent resident and said the stamp in my passport could be used to prove work authorization and to allow me to travel for the next 12 months. He said once I get the card I should always travel with that instead of just showing the Passport stamp. He also suggested I reach out to the Social Security office and ask what I needed to do to have a new SS Card issued without restrictions (as my current SS Card has a notation on it saying I can only work subject to DHS authorization). I thanked him again and said I was so grateful for the opportunity. He said best of luck with the new project and we parted ways
- I checked my online case status when I got home and it had changed from "Fingerprint fee received" to "New card is being produced". I am honestly still pinching myself and plan to have a celebratory cocktail or two tonight to celebrate!!!
- I will update the AOS spreadsheet with a link to this interview experience and the date I receive the Welcome Letter and physical Green Card in the coming weeks.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
ishmog
Well-Known Member
I'm F-1 as well. The I-134 form will tell you which part you (the beneficiary) should fill out and which part your sponsor will fill out.
In my case, my uncle was my sponsor. He also gave me his bank statements, job income details and W-2 as supporting evidence.
Read the i-134 instructions before you and your sponsor fill out the form.
ishmog
Well-Known Member
You can't be your own sponsor lol. Your sponsor should be a U.S citizen and has sufficient income to prove that you will NOT become a public charge and that he will take that responsibility in case you need financial help.. So that you don't seek social security benefits.
Welcome101
Member
Hello @Sm1smom and forum members
I recieved an email from USCIS today at 5:46 am saying that "We have taken an action on your case" However, if I follow the link and login to my account, i see the same case status "Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed"
Please can anyone help me see the action taken or is this just a normal email that everyone gets after completing their interviews?
I recieved an email from USCIS today at 5:46 am saying that "We have taken an action on your case" However, if I follow the link and login to my account, i see the same case status "Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed"
Please can anyone help me see the action taken or is this just a normal email that everyone gets after completing their interviews?
you should wait from 1 to 2 days. or could try to ask emma if she has some updates
SimonTemplar86
Member
interview scheduled for 15 September at 145 PM based on emma
jasperrrr.c
Active Member
Same here.
Sarah Nayomi
Member
I had my interview yesterday. I'm on F1 Visa. I put my mother as my sponsor. (She is a US citizen) But my interview officer (Atlanta, GA) said that I don't need any sponsor and he put an X mark on my sponsor letter. I'm a graduate assistant and attached my bank balance statement to my AoS package. That's it. Since he didn't have my KCC file with him, he said he would approve my case within 3-4 days. If that didn't happen, he gave me his work phone number to call me next Wednesday. US sponsor is not a must if you have a proof for your own financial stablity.
Welcome101
Member
From my understanding, your case status shows "New card is being Produced" but mine just indicated that "Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed"
Anyway let's hope for the best
Hey guys, for the interview, my letter states to bring the last two months of paystubs. Is that the previous two months from my IL date or the date of interview? My interview is Sep 8th.
My i485 included the last 3 months of paystubs up until I sent the package on July 1st. I get paid every two weeks. Should I include all paystubs since then (July/Aug/Sep) or just August and September paystubs? My workplace was closed for two weeks due to a covid outbreak so I won't have a paystub for that period for the first two weeks of July.
My i485 included the last 3 months of paystubs up until I sent the package on July 1st. I get paid every two weeks. Should I include all paystubs since then (July/Aug/Sep) or just August and September paystubs? My workplace was closed for two weeks due to a covid outbreak so I won't have a paystub for that period for the first two weeks of July.
Welcome101
Member
Okay. Thanks for the suggestion.