Ciba, feel free to post this on your site, if appropriate. Thanks!!!
My I-485 application was approved this morning during the interview. Finally the long wait is over. I started applying for the GC 4 years ago, initially under regular labor certification, then under RIR. My case was transferred to the local office in May 2001 and I got the interview notice in October 2001 (don\'t have the exact dates handy, sorry).
The stressing part of my interview was over in the first 5 minutes. My lawyer and I analyzed my file after the transfer, came up with possible reasons for it and put together a big file to explain them. We have an unusual familial situation, however we were never out of status or otherwise break the law. We sent the file to the INS in September and it was part of the bigger I485 file. The immigration officer told us that it is unusual for EB cases to get an interview. He then proceeded to examine all the papers, explained the reason for the interview and we cleared that issue at once.
We then proceeded with the regular questions: name, birth date, the 3x questions of the I485 file. We spent close to one hour in his office going through what seems to be a regular routine - there is really very little time given how many papers have to be shuffled around.
At one point the officer could not locate a set of pictures and I promptly extracted a backup copy from my file. Later in the interview the pictures showed up.
He took our fingerprints and signatures and stamped our passports.
Overall it was a very positive experience and a nice way to finish our long ordeal. I will support the view of other posters to this thread: if you did not do something illegal and you can keep your job long enough you should not worry about your greencard. Your file will eventually make it to the end of the INS processing pipe. Do all your home work (preparing the file and then the regular follow-ups) and be prepared for various likely/unlikely scenarious, but do not forget to enjoy your life during the wait
Quick note: as of November 2001, the first part of the parking lot in the back of the INS office is closed. You may be able to find a parking space in the front of the office, however it is easier to drive to the very next crossing street, turn right and park in the second half of the parking (still open). You then have to walk back to the ins office for a couple of minutes.
Good luck!
My I-485 application was approved this morning during the interview. Finally the long wait is over. I started applying for the GC 4 years ago, initially under regular labor certification, then under RIR. My case was transferred to the local office in May 2001 and I got the interview notice in October 2001 (don\'t have the exact dates handy, sorry).
The stressing part of my interview was over in the first 5 minutes. My lawyer and I analyzed my file after the transfer, came up with possible reasons for it and put together a big file to explain them. We have an unusual familial situation, however we were never out of status or otherwise break the law. We sent the file to the INS in September and it was part of the bigger I485 file. The immigration officer told us that it is unusual for EB cases to get an interview. He then proceeded to examine all the papers, explained the reason for the interview and we cleared that issue at once.
We then proceeded with the regular questions: name, birth date, the 3x questions of the I485 file. We spent close to one hour in his office going through what seems to be a regular routine - there is really very little time given how many papers have to be shuffled around.
At one point the officer could not locate a set of pictures and I promptly extracted a backup copy from my file. Later in the interview the pictures showed up.
He took our fingerprints and signatures and stamped our passports.
Overall it was a very positive experience and a nice way to finish our long ordeal. I will support the view of other posters to this thread: if you did not do something illegal and you can keep your job long enough you should not worry about your greencard. Your file will eventually make it to the end of the INS processing pipe. Do all your home work (preparing the file and then the regular follow-ups) and be prepared for various likely/unlikely scenarious, but do not forget to enjoy your life during the wait
Quick note: as of November 2001, the first part of the parking lot in the back of the INS office is closed. You may be able to find a parking space in the front of the office, however it is easier to drive to the very next crossing street, turn right and park in the second half of the parking (still open). You then have to walk back to the ins office for a couple of minutes.
Good luck!