Got Approved....sharing our experience
Guys,
We got approved at the LA DO office this morning and wanted share our experience.
Our appt was scheduled for 9:35 am and we got in the waiting room at 9am. Submitted the appt letter to a lady and waited for our names to be called. I would say 8 out of 10 pple had their lawyers with them. I used my lawyer to file the paperwork but saw no point bringing him for the interview paying $650 extra. However, we consulted with the lawyer last week to prep for the interview.
Anyways, our name was called out finally at 10:10am. Officer Rios called our names and led us to his office room. He introduced himself first and swore us before we took our seat. First thing he asked us what is our relationship? Then he asked for IDs and docs showing both our names to establish our relationship. We only had joint bank a/c statement and car insurance contract stating both our names.
While I was taking them out from the folder, the IO started asking questions to my wife....name, age, address, when we got married, place of birth etc. The questions did not follow any patterns but most sounded like straight cut details from the forms filed. He ticked off and wrote small comments after each answers.
Then he turned to me. Double checked some details right from the forms. I provided him with the social security number which was not mentioned when we filed the forms. He took a note of that. He then moved to the legendary "no" questions.
He then started talking our home country and how we had good shrimps from there. He started numerous questions regarding our home country and was just talking off the records. While talking to us, he was filling out numerous internal forms. Through the edge of my eye, I saw him signing off on the welcome letter. He also attached the evidence we provided, my EAD card, and photocopies we provided to the file. He then took my social security card, my wife's DL and some docs and asked us to wait...he is gonna be back soon.
When he returned he said congrats, smiled, you have been approved and you will receive your card in 2-3weeks. I asked him should we celebrate.....he said....yeah just dont get too drunk. We thanked him and smiled.
Voluntarily, i asked him so there is no issue with my namecheck? He replied back what is that and having an expression that he doesnt have any clue what i am talking. He laughed and said sounds like you are not happy with the good news I gave you?
He said ok since its a concern for you, let me double check. He then spent around 7-10 mins on his computer completing different forms online. He then turned and said you are all set.
He said congrats....welcome to the US to me, shook our hands and said you can celebrate now. He gave us the welcome letter and another instruction page detailing about the 2-yr conditional GC. We thanked him back and left the office.
The officer was in his 50s-60s from Philipino, very polite and friendly. When we came out, we realize that we were inside for almost 40 mins. Most of that time he spent writing down.
So, in a nut shell it was lengthy but a pleasant experience.
