sf intrvw approval, ciba pls update

aliens

Registered Users (C)
Went to SF interview.

  Got my passport stamped today. The whole
  interview takes less than 20 minutes.
  Here are a few highlights:

  * Arrived at SF 630 Sansome office 1 hr
    before scheduled time. Use the door w/o
    lines (as suggested by attorney), went
    straight to 2nd floor (interview floor),
    put in the notice letter into 200B\'s door
    slot, and wait...
  * Arround 5 minute over scheduled time, name
    was called. A senior, authorative looking
    officier was in charge.
  * Gave finger print and signature on a form,
    sworn to tell nothing but truth.
  * Went through standard questions: ever a
    criminal, communist, etc. (w/ all no answers)
  * Asked to give a brief description of job (at
    the same time tiering away I-94s from passport).
  * Asked ONLY documents mentioned in notice, latest
    tax returns and W2. Not even employment letter
    or anything else. All those heavy lifting of
    extra documents turn out to be wasted :)
  * At the end, officer said "There seem to be no
    problem with your case. I am going to approve it.
    There is one more step, for which I have to request
    a Visa number for you. As the Visa status is \'current\',
    that is not a problem either. To save both us time, I
    will issue a temporary passport stamp valid for one
    year. Please be aware that it is still possible should
    I find anything wrong that I will call you back to
    cancel that stamp, but for your case, I don\'t see that
    happening..." (at that moment, I couldn\'t care less about
    those "legal conditional" crap, I just wanted to see the
    stamp in his hand meet the page of my passport...)

   Came out pretty much happy. A bit amazed by how premative the
   "stamp" really is... Is that it? Is that what holding me for
   all these years? Oh well, I am glad it is finally over.

   Now I should sit back and wait for the real thing to come.
   My details are on ciba\'s list: interview(token: aliens).
       EB2 China
     PD03/97, ND/RD10/99, Transfer12/2000, Interview/approved04/9/2001

   A few extra notes:
   * I don\'t bother to ask what cause the transfer. From the experience,
     I think it is just bad luck + quality control
   * The officer is not as "friendly" by any standard, but I was happy
     to have him, no nonsense, just give me the approval I need :)
   * Whole process takes less than 20 minutes, no complication

   At the end, I want to wish everyone best of luck. I think I am by
   no means lucky when it comes to application process speed, but
   I am glad that I finally come through without much complications.

   I\'d be more than happy to answer any question or offer any more
   details if necessary.

   Many thanks, especially to Ciba,for the excellent community service
   to the otherwise helpless "american aliens" like ourselves. In the
   journey of life, we made many friends. I believe this could be
   one of the lengthiest, most pain-taking one. Thanks all, for the
   support, though we\'ve never met...

   Best,
   --aliens
 
No Title

added details:

 One more thing, I remembered Ciba mentioned that
 my attorney is supposed to receive a letter from
 INS w/r/t my transfer. As of today, the attorney
 did NOT receive any of such letter. The ONLY
 way I would know about the interview prior to the
 interview date is the interview notice.

 I found out about the transfer by calling CSC
 in Dec/2000. I called off-hour (around 8pm to
 listen to automated messages). After that, I
 went personally to SF INS to check if files
 are received.
 
 So, I guest calling CSC to check status did help
 a bit. But calling off-hour would be as useful
 in getting the status.

 --aliens
 
No Title

Congratulations, aliens, and thanks for a great post. I uploaded
your messages to the website and also posted it to isn.org right
after I got home so folks can share the good news.

It is very strange that your attorney did not receive a tranfer
notice. But what the hack? It does not matter any more. I
wish you the best in the future. Enjoy your freedom.

ciba
 
No Title

It really is the most torturing experience that has ever happened to most of us. But there is this light constanting blinking at the other end.

Congratulations!
 
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