We had our interview today
9:00am sharp we submitted our forms in 2nd floor, room 200 San Jose, CA office.
9:05 we were called in for the interview.
Everything was straight to the point. We sat in the front, the kids in the back (and then on the floor, and then on us, and back to the chairs....)
We swore to tell the truth and the interview started.
The officer was VERY thorough. He started with the DV winner - looked through every page, confirmed dates and wanted originals of almost everything we submitted. Then he moved to the spouse.
When he got to the children applications things started to go wary. We never got appointment for Biometrics for the kids (did not know we had to). The officer said that this is their mistake and immediately printed out appointment letters. He said that children under 14 are required to give a picture and index finger (if possible) - which will be used for the Card it self. He can approve the application - juveniles do not need to pass any FBI screening prior to approval.
Officer continue to review documents, and at the last moment he asks for I-134. WOW, where did that come from? I consulted a lawyer, forums, etc and was under the impression we do not need one since we are bringing enough support for our financial abilities.
The officer showed me that in the appointment letter it says that we need I-134 for minors (or adults that do not work). I told him that I thought we did not need one, obviously we can support the kids, the lawyer said, bla bla bla.
He said he believes us, but he needs the forms never the less.
I asked him if he can give us the form and we fill it in his office - surprisingly enough he agreed. what a relief !!!
So, I filled the form (one for each child, did not give any additional papers since the officer knew our case, and signed it in front of the officer).
I was sure we get our passport signed - but NO...
We were told that there is still some work to do - Officer wants to review everything again, apply for Visa number from State Department, and only then he can approve the case. He believes it will be today, but ...
We left the appointment, one hour later, half happy half concerned.
8:00pm - I got and email from CRIS (Case Status Information for Receipt Number @(#$) - informing me that my I-485 was approved today and that a congratulation letter was mailed today. YEY.
Only - I got only 2 such emails... (for spouse and me). What about the kids?
I logged to the system, tried to track kids application (was not able to track it until today, but today I was finally successful). System says:"Current Status: Interview completed, but case under review"
What the heck is that??? So we wait ... Do biometrics for the kids next week and wait wait wait
All in all, process was FAST, about 6 weeks from the time I submitted application to approval (well, for some of us...).
9:00am sharp we submitted our forms in 2nd floor, room 200 San Jose, CA office.
9:05 we were called in for the interview.
Everything was straight to the point. We sat in the front, the kids in the back (and then on the floor, and then on us, and back to the chairs....)
We swore to tell the truth and the interview started.
The officer was VERY thorough. He started with the DV winner - looked through every page, confirmed dates and wanted originals of almost everything we submitted. Then he moved to the spouse.
When he got to the children applications things started to go wary. We never got appointment for Biometrics for the kids (did not know we had to). The officer said that this is their mistake and immediately printed out appointment letters. He said that children under 14 are required to give a picture and index finger (if possible) - which will be used for the Card it self. He can approve the application - juveniles do not need to pass any FBI screening prior to approval.
Officer continue to review documents, and at the last moment he asks for I-134. WOW, where did that come from? I consulted a lawyer, forums, etc and was under the impression we do not need one since we are bringing enough support for our financial abilities.
The officer showed me that in the appointment letter it says that we need I-134 for minors (or adults that do not work). I told him that I thought we did not need one, obviously we can support the kids, the lawyer said, bla bla bla.
He said he believes us, but he needs the forms never the less.
I asked him if he can give us the form and we fill it in his office - surprisingly enough he agreed. what a relief !!!
So, I filled the form (one for each child, did not give any additional papers since the officer knew our case, and signed it in front of the officer).
I was sure we get our passport signed - but NO...
We were told that there is still some work to do - Officer wants to review everything again, apply for Visa number from State Department, and only then he can approve the case. He believes it will be today, but ...
We left the appointment, one hour later, half happy half concerned.
8:00pm - I got and email from CRIS (Case Status Information for Receipt Number @(#$) - informing me that my I-485 was approved today and that a congratulation letter was mailed today. YEY.
Only - I got only 2 such emails... (for spouse and me). What about the kids?
I logged to the system, tried to track kids application (was not able to track it until today, but today I was finally successful). System says:"Current Status: Interview completed, but case under review"
What the heck is that??? So we wait ... Do biometrics for the kids next week and wait wait wait
All in all, process was FAST, about 6 weeks from the time I submitted application to approval (well, for some of us...).
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