At last it is over - the wait and agony of many years!
First, I want to thank this spectacular group and everyone who have shared their views and ideas... this forum has been a great asset for everyone appearing for CP.
Last stage of my Green Card experience went through a tough ride and we saw a lots of tipsy turvy roads.
Here is my journey of the GC:
Mar 2003 - Applied for labour.
May 2006 - Applied for I-140.
June 2006 - I-140 got approved.
November 2006 - Applied for CP
June 13th - Interview scheduled in Mumbai. My wife and I get into a severe a Motor Vehicle Accident just before going to India. My wife is injured badly and we had to cancel the trip to India.
July 16th - Interview rescheduled in Mumbai. We couldnot travel because of her injuries.
Next interview scheduled for 24th September.
September 12th - We reach India late night.
September 13th - We had not received the updated appointment letter by the time we left for India, so went for collecting it from US consulate. Could not collect as I did not realise that the traffic will be so bad, and missed the 9.00 to 11.30 AM window. Then, I decided to go to the VFS so that atleast they can check I have all the documents. VFS person was very polite and he said that I have all the docs, however today is the last date to submit the documents for 24th September interview. He can not take the document because we were not having the updated appointment letter.
September 14th - Today we had to go for the Medical Test to Breach Candy. Staff was very nice - but the hospital itself was not so nice ... way inferior to the expectation we had in mind. We started from our home at 5 in the morning to beat the traffic - this time we really "beat" the traffic - reached there at 6.00 AM and had to wait for 1.30 hours before the medical test started. Was done with X-Ray and blood test by 9.30. They asked us to come back at 11.30 to meet with doctor for vaccination etc. I ran to the US consulate to get the appointment letter.... waited in the queue for 30 mins. Got the letter and rushed to the VFS. VFS clerk now said you have passed the last date for this interview and he will have to check with supervisor. Kept my fingers crossed, and he came back after 10 mins and said that it is ok for them to take the packet today. At last docs are submitted. I am given the receipts. Then we came back to meet the doctor. We were given the vaccinations. Collected the report at 3.00 PM.
Sep 24th - Reached the consulate at 6.30 AM. Waited in car till 7.00 and by that time a huge line was formed. An indian officer called all the immigrant visa cases and created a new line of almost 20 - 30 people. Got in by 8.15 AM.
First an indian officer called us around 8.45 AM - looked at all papers patiently. Then said that mine Birth Certificate from Indian Consulate is not acceptable and I need to get one from local municipal.
Around 9.30 AM, An American Officer called for the interview, and cracked some jokes.
Also asked which university did I go on the USA for Masters? I replied.
He said all papers are fine and your visa is approved. However, you need to provide Birth Certificate from India for visa to be issued.
I asked our parents to send an affidavit in place of Birth Certificate. My father sent the document by Bluedart courier company on Sep 24th, but recieved the courier only on 29th. What a poor service and timeliness provided by Indian courier companies!! However my cousin in Mumbai had provided the affidavit on 27th realising that we may not get the courier at time.
Sep 27th - Submitted the BC and passports agin to VFS and paid the courier fees.
Sep 28th (Friday) - US consulate was not issuing visa today.
October 1st - Reached the VFS for collecting passport at 3.30. The stars and stripes lounges closes at 4.00 so waited outside for an hour. At 5.00 PM we all went inside to collect the visa. The officer called my token and said that your visa is not issued yet. I was panicking by now as I had no idea why there is a delay and I already had overstayed in Mumbai.
October 2nd - Gandhi Jayanti and everything is closed today.
October 3rd - Reached the VFS for collecting passport at 3.30. The stars and stripes lounges closes at 4.00 so waited outside for an hour. At 5.00 PM we all went inside to collect the visa. At last I was called for collecting passport and was said that the visa was approved.
October 6th - Traveled back to the USA. My POE was Boston. There was huge line of both Non-immigrants and US citizens/PRs in the same queue (Because of some reason there was only one line for both of them). An officer asked the citizens and PRs to come forward. We also came out and went to the immigration officer. He asked which company has sponsored my visa. Then he did the finger scanning and said Welcome to the USA. And then we went to the seconday inspection, where we were the only people. The officer took our finger impressions and asked to sign a form. Then we proceeded to the custom.
Please let me know if you will need any details.
Thanks you guys again for all your help.
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