Green Card received after 8 mths, is this normal?

[PhilH930]

Hello all. I married an American citizen in May 2006. I filed all the relevant paperwork thereafter, and later that year received my work authorization and travel parole. I was told to anticipate a long wait for the green card. No problem I thought, I have the documents I need until then.

Well, in early February my green card arrived along with the welcome letter for permenant residence. I was shocked that i came so quickly. Furthermore, I did not have to go to any interviews for the green card. I did however attend a security check for my work authorization and travel parole, which included finger prints, photo and some paperwork. Perhaps this served as the green card interview?

Either way, I was curious as to whether anyone has had a similar experience with the process being this fast? They only issued my green card for 2 years; i hope on renewal to get a 10 year one.

Finally, does this now supersede my work authorization and travel parole? I hope so, as I don't want to have to apply to travel out the country again now that I have my green card. Furthermore, besides a passport and green card, is it necessary to take out any other documents when traveling?

 

[frederic]

Congratulation Phil - 8 months seems like a fast time, but there are others here who have more experience with with the marriage based process here. We went through the employment based process and the whole process from PERM to 485 approval took about 11 months, but then both my wife and I are from 'rest of the world' non-retrogressed countries.

As for travel and work, the Green Card overrules the EAD and AP - basically, you can archive them. For travel, all you need is your Green Card and your passport. No more going to consulates, getting stamps etc.