Hey Everyone!
We got approved in Atlanta today. Everything went really well, but anyways I wanted to share my experience with all of you:
Left from Alabama at 7:30 AM. Took us about Two hours to get there.
The DO is a 3 story building with the USCIS logo and name... impressive and yet scary.
We entered they building at 11:23 AM and went through the security (metal detector and x-rays) Make sure you empty your pockets!
Went to the 3rd floor and it is all for Adjustment of Status cases. Went to to the window and a nice lady took my interview notice and used a machine to stamp the date and time on it. She also checked our name on a list of interviews for the day.
We were told to wait, and so we did for about 1 hour.
There were quite a few other couples, and some family groups. Some lawyers too. Mostly the people with lawyers seemed clueless about immigration stuff and not prepared (did not bring enough evidence with them).
Anyways, after waiting.... Officer J. B. called us to his office. He mispronounced my last name so I corrected him . He asked us to sit down (did not matter where) and asked for our IDs (Passports, SSN Cards, Driver Licenses). We gave them to him and we were sworn in. (Raise your right hand and say that everything you are about to answer is the truth).
Then the officer pulled out my A-File (Alien File, folder full of documents including the envelope I used to mail back the RFE).
He started asking my wife her address, place of birth, phone number, social security number. Then he asked me the same questions, basically he was reading of the I-130. And making sure we were who we said we are.
Then he asked me how I entered the country. Where? What visa?. I answered and told him about traveling on AP.
I must admit I was a bit nervous at first. But after the few initial questions we all relaxed. Specially after telling him about our ordeal with secondary inspection and almost missing our flight last night.
He kept pressing on me, about my SSN (which I do not have) and where do I work (I do not work yet). He asked me twice. He also asked me my parents first names. And asked us both if our signatures were the ones on each of the forms.
He asked my wife how she met me, and if she had filed to sponsor another immigrant before, asked her how long she knew me before we got married and asked us both (more than once) if we had even been married/had children ANYWHERE else in the planet. He asked me if I had ever filed for residency or benefits. Also asked If I ever had been in removal proceedings (deportation).
He seemed to have a problem with the I-864, because my wife's (sponsor) income last year was wayyyy under the poverty guidelines. But I had an employment letter and pay stubs ready (she got a new job January this year, so we now meet the poverty guidelines by a long shot now).
He then asked for any joint documents and I produced them. He did not even look at them. I told him we did not have many things together (Except for Apartment Lease, Car Title, Netflix Subscription, Water Bill -that i pay-, Joint Bank accounts). Because I do not have a SNN = no credit = no bills on my name.
I told him we had lots of pictures, but he said it was OK he did not need to see them.
Then he asked me EACH and EVERY one of the "have you ever" (been a terrorist, killed someone, etc) and "do you plan to" (practice espionage, practice polygamy, overthrown the US government, etc) Questions... NO KIDDING, He asked ALL of them. To which I answered all "NO".
He said "Well, you guys are the first EASY case I have had today" and that made my day!
Then he got his keys and UNLOCKED a drawer and produced the Approval Stamp. He did not stamp my passport and I did not ask. It was interesting that they LOCK the stamp in a drawer!
He stamped forms in two places, inside my A-file and asked me for my AP document. Asked me If I planned to travel again, and I said December. He said I should have my Resident Card within 1 month, so I would not need it anymore and he took it! He did not take my I-94 (Paroled) from my passport.
So I dared to ask: "Does that mean that I cleared the FBI name check?" and he said "Yeah! everything cleared for you!" and I thought YAY!
He was getting up to make copies of everything and I told him "I already got copies made for you" he smiled and sat down, and said "You were really WELL PREPARED" (So I advice you, make copies of everything you bring and produce it only when asked. Have it organized with tabs, so you can find it quickly.)
He printed out something signed it, and put it on my A-file and told me that concludes the interview! I asked him so I just wait for the mail right? Shook his hand and we left.
That was it! We were approved. We of course kept our composure until we got on the elevator, and then we hugged and kissed .
Now, He did not say ANYTHING about the Conditions on my Permanent Residency, nor mentioned anything about the 2 years card, or I-751. Which makes me wonder... did I get a 10-year card?! even though we have been married for 4 months and 1 day?
But that was my experience! I hope it helps you all. Thank you so much for your prayers and support! and Do not worry, I will stay in touch!
I have had no LUDs or Emails yet. But I will keep you all posted!.
Prae.- Resident
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