July 2009 Family Based Filers - Post Here
- Thread starter SpanishGirl
- Start date
SpanishGirl
Registered Users (C)
My interview experience: The moment you all have been waiting for!
We arrived at 8:15am, and got in at 10:25am (our appnt was at 8:30am). They were backed up with many people waiting. We walked into the office and the interviewer asked if I still had my maiden name or husbands name. I answered my maiden name. He said please take a seat. He introduced himself and asked my husband a question right away:
Interviewer: Sir, why were you divorced on June 8th and married to Rachel on June 16th? And why did you get a divorce?
Husband: I was separated for 1 year before I met Rachel but I kept my ex wife on my insurance because she was in school. We dated for 6 years and got married because it was the right thing to do.. but we just really weren't meant to be. We ended on good terms though.
Interviewer: Ummm... sooo you kept her on while you and Rachel were together? That sounds weird. Rachel why were you with a married man who had his ex on his insurance? Didn't you find that odd?
Me (Rachel): His ex has Lupus and needed his insurance, and I know health care is different in the US than Canada. Canada is more affordable so I knew his ex needed his help or she would have paid $4,000 a month or more.
Interviewer: Perfect that's the answer I was looking for. Thank you
Where and when did you meet?
Me: Cancun Mexico 1.5 years ago.
Interviewer: Awesome. Rachel do you want to change your last name now or later? Its much easier now. And have you ever been aressted for drugs, or anything I need to know about?
Me: Later, I want to graduate university with my maiden name on the certificate. And no I have never been arrested .. my dads a cop and would kill me.
Interviewer: Haha Ok sounds good! Yeah I wasn't the best kid, I did some pretty bad things as a kid.
Me: Why don't you share them with us (haha)
Interviewer: Well this one time....
He told us this long story and we all laughed. We talked and joked about sports and the weather in Florida, and then he stamped my passport saying congratulations! He took my advance parole and said you are now able to travel and your green card will be mailed shortly. Its a 2 year green card since you were married for under 2 years. You need to file for another form in 1.5 years. Just stay married and keep doing what your doing!
He also asked for 1-2 documents showing joint accounts. I gave him our contract for a house we bought, visa statements, phone bills and joint car insurance. He put them all in a file that he said someone will recover in 2 years when we come back for our other interview.
He did not ask for any other records or any photos.. not how we got engaged, if we had wedding photos, who was at our wedding, If I came in to the US intending to marry my husband. Nothing. The interview was quick and simple.
My advice:
1)IF YOU ARE LEGIT... THEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO BE WORRIED ABOUT. My husband was nervous and you could tell, I was totally fine and cracking jokes. It was me who saved my husband when talking about his ex-wife's reason for needing his insurance. Relax and tell the whole truth!! The truth cannot hurt! At one point the interviewer was very serious and looked right at my husband, which made my husband forget his words almost. Breath, relax, sit back and be calm and always make eye contact. Pretend its an interview for a job you REALLY WANT! It is the interviewer job to catch you off guard. But remember, you have nothing to hide, so tell give him answers!
2)Be a few minutes early. You may get called in right away or you may have to wait 2 hours... either way its better to be a bit early. Make sure your work knows your at an appnt that may take a long time. My husband was very very late for work.
3) Dress PROFESSIONAL. I was in heals with black pants and a blouse. My husband wore a suit. We looked serious and .. I think it helped us. There were a couple people in scrubs.. and it didn't look very good. I think you will be taken more seriously if you are dressed nice.
4) BE A COUPLE.. Don't be afraid of affection. My husband and I were holding hands and talking to eachother, we looked married! there were other couple in the same waiting room for the same reason as us.. and they looked sooo awkward. Not talking, very nervous and just looked fake. This is just my advice. Pretend your out for dinner together. Be a couple and act like one
5)DO NOT volunteer any information, even if you "think" it will help you. Answer only what he is asking.
Thanks to everyone for your help during this!!!! It is very much appreciated. 3 months and this part if over. We feel very blessed.
We arrived at 8:15am, and got in at 10:25am (our appnt was at 8:30am). They were backed up with many people waiting. We walked into the office and the interviewer asked if I still had my maiden name or husbands name. I answered my maiden name. He said please take a seat. He introduced himself and asked my husband a question right away:
Interviewer: Sir, why were you divorced on June 8th and married to Rachel on June 16th? And why did you get a divorce?
Husband: I was separated for 1 year before I met Rachel but I kept my ex wife on my insurance because she was in school. We dated for 6 years and got married because it was the right thing to do.. but we just really weren't meant to be. We ended on good terms though.
Interviewer: Ummm... sooo you kept her on while you and Rachel were together? That sounds weird. Rachel why were you with a married man who had his ex on his insurance? Didn't you find that odd?
Me (Rachel): His ex has Lupus and needed his insurance, and I know health care is different in the US than Canada. Canada is more affordable so I knew his ex needed his help or she would have paid $4,000 a month or more.
Interviewer: Perfect that's the answer I was looking for. Thank you
Where and when did you meet?
Me: Cancun Mexico 1.5 years ago.
Interviewer: Awesome. Rachel do you want to change your last name now or later? Its much easier now. And have you ever been aressted for drugs, or anything I need to know about?
Me: Later, I want to graduate university with my maiden name on the certificate. And no I have never been arrested .. my dads a cop and would kill me.
Interviewer: Haha Ok sounds good! Yeah I wasn't the best kid, I did some pretty bad things as a kid.
Me: Why don't you share them with us (haha)
Interviewer: Well this one time....
He told us this long story and we all laughed. We talked and joked about sports and the weather in Florida, and then he stamped my passport saying congratulations! He took my advance parole and said you are now able to travel and your green card will be mailed shortly. Its a 2 year green card since you were married for under 2 years. You need to file for another form in 1.5 years. Just stay married and keep doing what your doing!
He also asked for 1-2 documents showing joint accounts. I gave him our contract for a house we bought, visa statements, phone bills and joint car insurance. He put them all in a file that he said someone will recover in 2 years when we come back for our other interview.
He did not ask for any other records or any photos.. not how we got engaged, if we had wedding photos, who was at our wedding, If I came in to the US intending to marry my husband. Nothing. The interview was quick and simple.
My advice:
1)IF YOU ARE LEGIT... THEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO BE WORRIED ABOUT. My husband was nervous and you could tell, I was totally fine and cracking jokes. It was me who saved my husband when talking about his ex-wife's reason for needing his insurance. Relax and tell the whole truth!! The truth cannot hurt! At one point the interviewer was very serious and looked right at my husband, which made my husband forget his words almost. Breath, relax, sit back and be calm and always make eye contact. Pretend its an interview for a job you REALLY WANT! It is the interviewer job to catch you off guard. But remember, you have nothing to hide, so tell give him answers!
2)Be a few minutes early. You may get called in right away or you may have to wait 2 hours... either way its better to be a bit early. Make sure your work knows your at an appnt that may take a long time. My husband was very very late for work.
3) Dress PROFESSIONAL. I was in heals with black pants and a blouse. My husband wore a suit. We looked serious and .. I think it helped us. There were a couple people in scrubs.. and it didn't look very good. I think you will be taken more seriously if you are dressed nice.
4) BE A COUPLE.. Don't be afraid of affection. My husband and I were holding hands and talking to eachother, we looked married! there were other couple in the same waiting room for the same reason as us.. and they looked sooo awkward. Not talking, very nervous and just looked fake. This is just my advice. Pretend your out for dinner together. Be a couple and act like one
5)DO NOT volunteer any information, even if you "think" it will help you. Answer only what he is asking.
Thanks to everyone for your help during this!!!! It is very much appreciated. 3 months and this part if over. We feel very blessed.
Last edited by a moderator:
I've been thinking about your interview and wishing u luck all day. Im glad all went smooth for u and hubby. Congrats, and don't be a stranger to us now!
diegowarrior
Registered Users (C)
Hey Congratulations Spanish Girl!! and thanks for all your help and info!
SpanishGirl
Registered Users (C)
I've been thinking about your interview and wishing u luck all day. Im glad all went smooth for u and hubby. Congrats, and don't be a stranger to us now!
I will not be a stranger!!
, I am addicted to this forum lol. If you have any other questions (anyone) Ill do my best to answer them.Thanks for everyone's congrats!!
Good luck to ALL of you who have your interview soon. You will all be in my prayers!
SpanishGirl
Registered Users (C)
SpanishGirl
Registered Users (C)
Jackolantern
Registered Users (C)
Congrats SpanishGirl! Welcome to the USA!
bellalondon
Registered Users (C)
Congratulations Spanish Girl! Thank you for keeping us in the loop with your experience. It has really helped put things in perspective!
SpanishGirl
Registered Users (C)
You guys are all really great. Even though we speak online and I've never met any of you, you all were the ones who made my process happen. Answering questions and helping me. Thanks
If any of you are in the Florida area private message me. Only if your not a creep haha!!!
If any of you are in the Florida area private message me. Only if your not a creep haha!!!
my interview experience: The moment you all have been waiting for!
we arrived at 8:15am, and got in at 10:25am (our appnt was at 8:30am). They were backed up with many people waiting. We walked into the office and the interviewer asked if i still had my maiden name or husbands name. I answered my maiden name. He said please take a seat. He introduced himself and asked my husband a question right away:
interviewer: sir, why were you divorced on june 8th and married to rachel on june 16th? And why did you get a divorce?
husband: i was separated for 1 year before i met rachel but i kept my ex wife on my insurance because she was in school. We dated for 6 years and got married because it was the right thing to do.. But we just really weren't meant to be. We ended on good terms though.
interviewer: ummm... Sooo you kept her on while you and rachel were together? That sounds weird. Rachel why were you with a married man who had his ex on his insurance? Didn't you find that odd?
me (rachel): his ex has lupus and needed his insurance, and i know health care is different in the us than canada. Canada is more affordable so i knew his ex needed his help or she would have paid $4,000 a month or more.
interviewer: perfect that's the answer i was looking for. Thank you
where and when did you meet?
me: cancun mexico 1.5 years ago.
interviewer: awesome. Rachel do you want to change your last name now or later? Its much easier now. And have you ever been aressted for drugs, or anything i need to know about?
me: later, i want to graduate university with my maiden name on the certificate. And no i have never been arrested .. My dads a cop and would kill me.
interviewer: haha ok sounds good! Yeah i wasn't the best kid, i did some pretty bad things as a kid.
me: why don't you share them with us (haha)
interviewer: well this one time....
He told us this long story and we all laughed. We talked and joked about sports and the weather in florida, and then he stamped my passport saying congratulations! He took my advance parole and said you are now able to travel and your green card will be mailed shortly. Its a 2 year green card since you were married for under 2 years. You need to file for another form in 1.5 years. Just stay married and keep doing what your doing!
He also asked for 1-2 documents showing joint accounts. I gave him our contract for a house we bought, visa statements, phone bills and joint car insurance. He put them all in a file that he said someone will recover in 2 years when we come back for our other interview.
he did not ask for any other records or any photos.. Not how we got engaged, if we had wedding photos, who was at our wedding, if i came in to the us intending to marry my husband. Nothing. The interview was quick and simple.
my advice:
1)if you are legit... Then you have nothing to be worried about. My husband was nervous and you could tell, i was totally fine and cracking jokes. It was me who saved my husband when talking about his ex-wife's reason for needing his insurance. Relax and tell the whole truth!! The truth cannot hurt! At one point the interviewer was very serious and looked right at my husband, which made my husband forget his words almost. Breath, relax, sit back and be calm and always make eye contact. Pretend its an interview for a job you really want! It is the interviewer job to catch you off guard. But remember, you have nothing to hide, so tell give him answers!
2)be a few minutes early. You may get called in right away or you may have to wait 2 hours... Either way its better to be a bit early. Make sure your work knows your at an appnt that may take a long time. My husband was very very late for work.
3) dress professional. I was in heals with black pants and a blouse. My husband wore a suit. We looked serious and .. I think it helped us. There were a couple people in scrubs.. And it didn't look very good. I think you will be taken more seriously if you are dressed nice.
4) be a couple.. Don't be afraid of affection. My husband and i were holding hands and talking to eachother, we looked married! There were other couple in the same waiting room for the same reason as us.. And they looked sooo awkward. Not talking, very nervous and just looked fake. This is just my advice. Pretend your out for dinner together. Be a couple and act like one
5)do not volunteer any information, even if you "think" it will help you. Answer only what he is asking.
Thanks to everyone for your help during this!!!! It is very much appreciated. 3 months and this part if over. We feel very blessed.
congratulations!
SpanishGirl Congratulations!!!
Our AOS interview was the same day and in the morning like yours.
It lasted almost 1 hour and my green card was approved. Although we were prepared for all sorts of questions, interviewer haven't asked us any tricky or weird questions. She just made sure that all the information given in our filed forms was correct. She went with us through our I-130 and I-485 applications asking questions to confirm that all vital data such as current and past residence addresses at which lived together, our social security numbers, dates of birth, date of marriage, etc. was correct. She also made sure that I have complied with my 2-year home residency requirement for my previous J1 status. She canceled my expired J1 visa and valid B1/B2 visa with big handwritten note CWOP, which means Canceled Without Prejudice. As soon as she confirmed that my 2-year HRR was already met between my trips to US and my home country, she approved AOS application and said to expect 10-year green card in the mail within 3 weeks. Lady who interviewed us was very professional and courteous. It was a very pleasant interview experience and one couldn't ask for anything better than this.
Our AOS interview was the same day and in the morning like yours.
It lasted almost 1 hour and my green card was approved. Although we were prepared for all sorts of questions, interviewer haven't asked us any tricky or weird questions. She just made sure that all the information given in our filed forms was correct. She went with us through our I-130 and I-485 applications asking questions to confirm that all vital data such as current and past residence addresses at which lived together, our social security numbers, dates of birth, date of marriage, etc. was correct. She also made sure that I have complied with my 2-year home residency requirement for my previous J1 status. She canceled my expired J1 visa and valid B1/B2 visa with big handwritten note CWOP, which means Canceled Without Prejudice. As soon as she confirmed that my 2-year HRR was already met between my trips to US and my home country, she approved AOS application and said to expect 10-year green card in the mail within 3 weeks. Lady who interviewed us was very professional and courteous. It was a very pleasant interview experience and one couldn't ask for anything better than this.
Last edited by a moderator: