Great Update..
Hi all,
Boy, Do i have an update for all of you !! And the news is that this past thrusday (6/26) I was interviewed and approved and the passport was stamped right there.
The interview though simple, was much more than I expected. About 20-25 minutes long. Was asked the usual questions like name, address, employment etc.
Was asked to submit copies tax returns for previous 3 years, original of employment letter, they checked my baby's birth certificate and copies of bank statements. So basically, you have to prove your employment and marrige if your spouse too is on the application.
My advice to all of you is dont take your interview for granted because even though the questions are simple enough, the intention behind the interview is to check that you are divulging TRUE information, especially after you have been given the oath.
I say this because i feel that the IIO deliberately calls out incorrect information during the interview only to check that you are listening and you will correct them with the TRUE information. It happened for me more than once when the IIO spoke out wrong DOB and Employer name, and when I corrected her, she had a wicked smile as if saying " I almost got you there".
The IIO herself was very very courteous and understanding. she didnt mind our 3 month old screaming and poohing during the interview. I have to admit she presented a very different picture of BCIS. One that is very nice to see and hear so I will give full marks to whoever hired her at BCIS !!
For those who are married and filing as primary/secondary applicant, dont forget to take a notarized I-134 (Affidavit of Support). I had to get it at the last moment and once again the IIO was exceptionally understanding in giving me the time (about 3 hrs) to submit it.
From what I heard from Houston office is that they take about 24 months since RD to process a I-485.
I had some special help from my US Congressman, who had made numerous inquiries on my behalf since last 8 months. His intervention is what got the appropriate attention to my application. Please do not hesitate to contact your government representative if you feek that your application is just biting dust in some stingy corner at BCIS.
I am told that the actual cards take 2-6 months to arrive. And for that I can wait. I can only thank GOD for giving me the strength to carry my fight through to US congressman and BCIS and eventually getting us (me + wife) there.
For those of you who are still in the pipeline, act with the knowledge that your applications deserve the attention because they are "right" in every sense and goes by the laws laid down. If you're convinced that you're on the right side and are still being denied justice, stand up and be counted.
