Hi Guys,
Sorry for the long delay in reporting my experience at NWD. As mentioned earlier, my interview was on July 7.
I arrived the previous week and went to Dr. Chawla (Prithviraj Rd) for the medicals. I actually went first to the one in Bhikajicama and was extremely unimpressed with the infrastructure and the unfriendliness of the staff. Dr. Chawla's clinic was much better and fairly painless. I recommend getting there as early as possible (reservations mean nothing as it is truly first come first serve). All-in, it took about 3 hours there, and then you have to go to Greater Kailash to get your X-Ray. I went on Wednesday morning and recd my medical package on Saturday morning.
For Photos, i went to Kumar studios in South Extension, and that took 5 mins as he knew exactly how to execute.
On the day of the interview, I arrived 15 mins before my scheduled time (9am) and was inside by 9:05. After submitting my interview letter, my wife and I sat till 11:45. We were then called to the window where the lady asked for the reqd documents one at a time. I was then told to go to the cashier, pay and return with the receipt. After submitting the receipt, we were again told to sit down.
We were then called at 1:50pm for the "interview". The interview began with the words "All your paperwork is complete, congratulations, as of this moment, you are both permanent residents". He then went on with some pleasantries and general questions about how long I have been in New York, what field of work I am in, what company etc.
He then asked me to pay up at the courier services counter and we were done. The interview was on Wed (july 7), and we received our IVs via courier on Fri (July 9) morning.
My wife and I then entered the country seperately, though both at JFK (NY). I came in on July 17, went straight to the citizens and perm res line. When my turn came, I submitted the sealed envelope. The officer opened it, stamped the passport and escorted me to the back room. There I waited 5 mins before being called further inside where I signed a form and gave my fingerprint. I was given my passport with a one year stamp. All in, it took 10 mins from start to finish.
My wife had an exact, and equally easy entry.
Exactly 9 days later, I recd my welcome letter (saying I would get the card within 3 months) and my new social security card (no longer saying "not valid for employment).
Surprisingly, 3 days later, i recd my actual Card in the mail from the Texas center!!
My wife went through the same process a week later!! Her physical green card took 16 days instead of 12 to arrive.
We are all done and have finally come to the end of a very long journey!!
I wish all of you the very best, and hope all of your experiences are as expedited, and as stress-free as mine.
Cheers!
