Aos Experience
We've used this forum as well as VJ, and have learned a lot. We would like to give back to this community by giving a detailed account of our AOS in the hope that others can benefit from our experience.
I posted this detailed account in VJ, but I will re-post here.
OUR MANTRA
"No Mistakes" and "Nothing Left to Chance"
INITIAL PREPARATION STAGE
My son (USC) petitioned for my adjustment of status from L1 to Legal Permanent Resident. We decided to hire an immigration lawyer to do the leg work because we were time-constraint. We also believe that if you are sick, you see a doctor. If you want a smooth AOS, you hire a good immigration lawyer.
From the get-go, we decided to be proactive and be two to three steps ahead in terms of preparation. We told our lawyer that we want to avoid an RFE situation, and that we want to work fast.
We gave the lawyer *COMPLETE* information and *COMPLETE* supporting documents. We insisted to personally check all application forms before he mails them to the Chicago lock box. Because of this proactive stance, we were able to catch and correct several crucial mistakes the lawyer made when typing the application forms thereby preventing possible RFEs. We ask the lawyer for a complete copy of every document that we signed, and copies of all supporting documents he mailed to USCIS.
SUPPLIES BOUGHT AT OFFICEMAX
1. Zipper expanding file + 8 pocket portfolio made by "It's Academic"
2. Several Manila folders
3. Pandaflex Classification Folder -->
http://tinyurl.com/zzs6y
4. Avery Write On Tabs Series 1614X -->
http://tinyurl.com/f9a23
5. OfficeMax binder clips
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
We kept *All* original documents in a separate Manila folder and used a binder clip (We did not punch holes and use Acco fasteners for the originals)
1. Birth certificates of son and father
2. Marriage certificate of father
3. Divorce decree
4. Son's certificate of citizenship
5. L1 documents
We then used the Avery Write On Tabs removable adhesive to label each original document for easy handling so we don't have to fumble around if the immigration officer should ask for a specific supporting document. It will also impress the hell out of the interviewer. You score major points because you are demonstrating that you are well-prepared and very organized, thereby making the interviewer's job a little easier.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (IN CASE INTERVIEWER WANTS COPIES)
We used the Pandaflex Classification Folder and punched holes on all copies of supporting documents and used the built-in fasteners. This particular Pandaflex has one divider and 4 fasteners. We again used the Avery Write On Tabs removable adhesive to label each document for easy handling.
Front Divider (Son)
1. I-130
-- son's certificate of citizenship
-- son's birth certificate
-- photocopy of son's DL and SS#
2. Affidavit of Support
-- son's W2 for 2005
-- son's ITR 2005
-- son's letter of employment
-- son's 8 months pay stubs
Back Divider (Father)
1. G-325
-- photocopy of father's DL and SS#
2. I-485
-- I-94 front and back
-- 1st page of passport with the biographical data and picture
-- US non-immigrant visa
-- port of entry stamp
-- father's birth certificate
-- father's marriage certificate
-- father's divorce decree
3. I-693 and Supplemental Form
-- copies of various medical and lab tests
SECONDARY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (IN CASE INTERVIEWER WANTS COPIES)
We organized secondary supporting documents in separate Manila folders and used the Avery Write On Tabs for each folder for designation. We placed these labeled folders into the Zipper expanding file + 8 pocket portfolio:
1. NOAs, biometric letter with stamp, copy of interview appointment letter
1. Pictures of father and son through the years
2. Cards that son gave to father through the years
3. Copy of son's school records, i.e. grade sheets, immunization records as a child, etc.
4. Father's ITR (2003, 2004, 2005) in case interviewer asked for proof that father paid US taxes.
5. Copies of divorce papers, legal filings, etc.
6. Copies of father's education papers and advanced degrees in case interviewer asked for father's educational qualifications.
The above is perhaps overkill, but we wanted to be prepared for anything.
INTERVIEW PRACTICE WITH LAWYER
One week before the interview, we had a practice session with our lawyer. He grilled us about the information we gave in the various forms. It is strongly advised to memorize all pertinent information like the names, addresses, dates in the I-485, I-130, and G-325.
INTERVIEW TIPS
Our lawyer gave us valuable tips:
1. Be cordial and respectful to the District Adjudication Officer (DAO)
2. Establish eye contact with the interviewer when answering questions
3. Establish that you entered the country legally.
4. Establish appropriate relation with your child or parent
5. Relax and keep your hands on your lap, and *NOT* on interviewer's desk.
6. Do not cover your mouth when you speak
7. Your answers must be straight and to the point unless asked to explain.
8. Do not volunteer information unless specifically asked.
9. Give only the document(s) specifically asked by the interviewer.
10. Do not volunteer document(s) that the interviewer *DID NOT* ask.
11. Take a shower, wear fresh and appropriate clothes, use mouth wash, apply Binaca breath freshener, *DO NOT* wear perfume *OR* wear very, very light perfume (if you must)
12. Treat this like a job interview where you present yourself in the best possible light. After all, this is just *THE MOST IMPORTANT INTERVIEW OF YOUR LIFE*
FINAL PREPARATION BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Our interview was scheduled at 10:30 a.m., September 12, 2006
1. We did a final document check two days before the interview
2. My son and I did a final mock-up interview to make sure he knew what his father's complete name is, date of birth, place of birth, etc.
3. We stayed in a hotel (3 miles from the USCIS District Office) the day before the interview
4. We drove by the USCIS District Office the day before the interview (to get acquainted with the route so we won't get lost and miss our appointment).
5. We ate dinner at a fantastic seafood restaurant and just relaxed and enjoyed the company of my son.
6. We set our alarm clock so we can wake up 3 hours before the interview.
7. We asked the hotel desk clerk for a wake-up call in case our alarm clock screws up.
8. We slept early.
9. We woke up 3 hours before the interview, took our showers, shaved, brushed teeth, used mouth wash, wore our interview clothes, and looked sharp.
10. We ate a full breakfast.
11. Brushed teeth again, used mouth wash, applied Binaca breath freshener, and off we went to our appointment with destiny.
12. We arrived at the USCIS District Office 30 minutes before the interview.
THE INTERVIEW
Called in at 10:25 a.m. (5 minutes earlier). Our District Adjudication Officer (DAO) was a pleasant young lady, probably in her mid to late 20s (good sign).
She invited us to her office. We walked through a long and winding hall with several small offices (interview rooms). All offices have their doors opened, and we could see and hear the interviews going on inside as we walked by.
1. When we were inside the interviewer's office, I introduced myself, my son (USC), and my lawyer
2. DAO administered the oath for us to tell the truth, and nothing but ....
3. DAO offered our seats and asked for our IDs. We gave her our DLs and passports
4. She took my I-94 and attached it to our file.
5. She shuffled through our file and asked to see the original birth certificate of my son (USC). She returned it immediately after merely glancing at it.
6. She asked if my name is xxx, and I said "yes."
7. She asked if my current address is xxx, and I said "yes."
8. She asked if my phone number is xxx, and I said "yes."
9. She asked me when I entered the country, and I gave her the month and year.
10. She asked if I've ever been out of the country since my last entry, and I said "No, I've stayed in the US continuously for xxx number of years."
11. She asked one question from the I-485 whether I received public assistance in the United States from any source, blah, blah, blah, and I answered "no."
12. She then excused herself and went out of the room with my file. My lawyer told me that the DAO probably went to get the approval from her supervisor.
13. She came back after 2 minutes, shook my hands, and congratulated me saying that I was approved, and my green card should arrive in one to two weeks.
14. I asked the DAO if it would not terribly inconvenience her to stamp my passport with the I-551. She said they don't stamp passports anymore.
15. Our lawyer quickly interjected that he would like to request an "Approval Notification Letter" for his files. The DAO hesitated a bit, but then proceeded to type in her computer a modified form letter, printed two copies, gave one to my lawyer, and one to me.
Kudos to our great lawyer for his quick thinking because he sensed that I badly wanted the I-551 stamped in my passport for peace of mind while waiting for my green card.
After giving us the letter, she stood up signifying that the interview was over. We stood up, shook her hand, said our thank-you, and made a hasty retreat (lest she changes her mind). We were all grinning from ear to ear like Cheshire cats as we exited the building.
What a GREAT DAY !!!
CONCLUDING STATEMENT
Our interview lasted ten (10) minutes. The interviewer only asked to see one piece of original document, which was my son's birth certificate. She only asked one (1) question from the I-485 "no" list.
It was rather an anti-climactic and uneventful interview which was short and sweet. I was absolutely shocked and dumbfounded because the interview was very short and smooth. I turned to my lawyer and gasped --> "That's it ???"
After two months of high anxiety and sleepless nights, my future was decided in 10 minutes. But I was not about to complain.
I believe that several factors contributed to our fast and smooth AOS:
1. Meticulous attention to detail; not leaving anything to chance.
2. Being two to three steps ahead; asking ourselves what could possibly go wrong, and doing corrective measures.
3. Anticipate possible interviewer questions by thinking like one.
4. Being on top of, and taking control of the situation during our initial document preparation stage.
5. Submission of *COMPLETE* information and *COMPLETE* supporting documentation.
6. Prayers to God and abiding faith in Him after our application packet was mailed to the Chicago lock box because at that point, it was already out of our control.
7. A little bit of luck.
America is still the greatest country on earth. People come here from all over the world because it offers better opportunities and better future for us and our children. When you set foot in this country, it feels like being reborn.
America is a beacon of hope for those who experience persecution, for those who yearn to be free, for those who strive to be the best, and to be among the best.
However, I will not forget my heritage nor will I forget the country where I came from. I shall share the richness of my culture, and I shall contribute my talents to this country so that America will remain strong and vibrant.
There is no such thing as Irish-American, Italian-American, Chinese-American, Mexican-American or any hyphenated American. As far as I'm concerned, I am an American, plain and simple (albeit a citizen-candidate).
I am proud to be an American (to-be). This is my country now.
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I strongly advise everybody to request for the
"Approval Notification Letter" for your peace of mind if
the interviewer won't stamp your passport with the I-551.
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EXHIBIT A --> COPY OF THE APPROVAL NOTIFICATION LETTER
Name: xxxx
Address: xxxx
APPROVAL NOTIFICATION
Class: IRO as of 09/12/06
A No.: xxxx
Date Approved: 09/12/06
Your application for adjustment of status to that of a permanent resident has been approved, OR the conditions on your residence have been removed. The card production facility is in the process of producing your Permanent Resident Card (I-551). You should receive your I-551 card within a short period from the date of this notice. This letter does not convey any benefits and may not be used for legal purposes; it is merely a notification of action and an advisement that card production has been initiated.
You should NOT travel outside the United States unless you receive your new Permanent Resident Card.
You must notify the USCIS if you change your address. Your card will not be forwarded in the mail should you change your address. If you do no receive your card within sixty days you may schedule an INFOPASS appointment at
www.USCIS.gov to inquire into the status of the card.
Your legal representative has been provided with a copy of this letter.
Sincerely,
xxxx
District Director
