Green card interview went well, but no decision - file being held for review

[camgol]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I had our green card interview yesterday in Long Island City, NY. Everything went really well -- the Immigration Officer didn't seem to question at any point the legitimacy of our marriage, didn't ask any other suspicious questions, and we offered plenty of evidence of our relationship and marriage (wedding photos, joint lease, joint bank accounts, home insurance, utility bill on both names). So towards the end we were pretty sure my green card would be approved on the spot. But he just handed us a letter that said our file was being held for further review, that we would be notified by mail of the decision, and we should wait 60 days before inquiring about the case status. He didn't say anything else. We weren't asked for any further evidence and the box for 'background checks' was not checked on the letter. The box that was checked just said: 'your file is being held for further review before a decision can be made'.

Our lawyer told us not to worry about it, that the interview went perfectly, and we should have patience. But as you can imagine, we were a bit deflated by how the interview ended, as we were hoping for my passport to be stamped on the spot (this is what we thought happened after successful green card interviews) and the officer didn't say anything at all at the end besides handing us that letter. Can anyone tell me if this is normal for green card applications that get approved? Is this the new standard procedure, at least in New York? How long should we expect to wait until we get the approval notice by mail, and then the GC? Thank you very much!

[StrikerI]

What a coincidence!! We were also in Long Island City on June 21. We had a morning appointment. Interview generally went well and the officer verbally said "you should get your card soon" but then followed up at our departure with "I have not made a decisions yet" She did not take our I94 or EAD which we found odd. We got the same notice saying that the file is being held for further review, etc. I know a lot of people get approval texts / emails the same day or the day after.

She also wrote in the passport that the I485 application is pending, etc. I hope we get approved soon!!

[camgol]

What a coincidence!! We were also in Long Island City on June 21. We had a morning appointment. Interview generally went well and the officer verbally said "you should get your card soon" but then followed up at our departure with "I have not made a decisions yet" She did not take our I94 or EAD which we found odd. We got the same notice saying that the file is being held for further review, etc. I know a lot of people get approval texts / emails the same day or the day after.

She also wrote in the passport that the I485 application is pending, etc. I hope we get approved soon!!

Thanks, it's good to hear from others who went through the same thing. Our officer didn't take my I-94 or EAD either. I just wish he gave us more information at the end -- maybe it's against their rules to conclude an interview saying that you've been recommended for approval when there are still some administrative steps left (some supervisory approval, maybe), but he could have at least given us a hint or something. Also, it would be great to know what the usual wait time is, beyond what they say on that paper -- I really hope they don't usually take as long as 60 days. Good luck with getting the approval soon!

[StrikerI]

Here is my full interview experience: Good to at least know we have similar experience.

____________________________________________________________ ______

Just concluded the interview. Appointment was 8AM in Long Island City and we got there at around 7AM. Sat in first floor waiting room for nearly an hour before our lawyer arrived when we then proceeded to the second floor.

Waited nearly another 1.5 hours before we were called. The IO was a mid age African American. She asked for all original ID’s which our lawyer furnished. The IO made sure to check the Driver Licenses to make sure the addresses match. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having matching state ID’s. This is probably the number 1 red flag if the addresses do not match!!!!

She then started asking my wife (the beneficiary) the following:
 Her name
 Date of birth
 My name
 My date of birth
 Home Address

My wife was super nervous and got my birthday wrong by accident but then was quick to correct herself.

She then continued to ask

 How we met?
 Description of our first date and what happened afterwards.
 When we got married and who was present at the ceremony and also how we celebrated. We told her we had a simple civil wedding but will have a grander one soon. She asked how many people present at civil ceremony and how many are expected at the bigger reception
 She asked whether I have met my wife’s dad and then whether my wife has met my parents.
 She then asked how often we meet each other’s parents.

After that she started to ask my wife how she came to the country, what she does for a living and then what I do for a living. After that she asked for pictures and presentation of documents; we prepared:

 2012 Joint taxes with state tax refund check in our joint name
 Updated pay stubs showing married status
 My work emergency contact and change of status
 Retirement and Investment Account beneficiary form
 Joint bank account statements. I showed the first one and the most recent 2-3 statements.
 Auto insurance statement
 Health insurance and usage summary showing both of our names
 Joint cell phone statement
 Wedding vendors invoices

She asked how long I have lived in my place and when I responded nearly a decade, she said “no wonder you didn’t add her to your house deed.” She then started going through the photo album page by page (we have a 400 picture album in chronological order starting from the first party that we met at to present day). She went page by page and seemed impressed. She then just asked for one picture to keep and we gave her a picture of my wife’s parents and us celebrating my wife’s birthday.

After that we were done and she said we should be getting the card soon. I then excitedly asked “are we approved?” and then she said “I don’t see any reason not to.” She handed back our ID’s and I-94. Our lawyer asked her whether she needed our I-94 and she cryptically said “I don’t need it this time but maybe another time.” She then wrote “status pending” in my wife’s passport and handed us a sheet of paper saying our file was due for further review and we will receive response in mail. We were a bit taken back by the I-94 exchange / comment but not dwell on it too much as plenty of other posters here have experienced the same thing.

She then escorted us out and. 20 minutes later she gave us a heart attack as she called us as we had just driven away indicating that we needed to return ASAP. Our hearts dropped. Our lawyer called back and it turns out she forgot to ask us the I-485 “yes / no” questions so we had to U-turn and return back.

Went through the entire security sequence all over again and then waited nearly 45 minutes before she called us back in. She apologized profusely. I told her our lawyer was not able to return and she said that’s fine as our lawyer knows what this is for. She asked for my Naturalization Certificate and then asked my wife each and every I-485 “Yes / No” questions and then said we were done. She then escorted us and wished us a nice weekend.

So I am back at work know hoping to get the approval text / email. Will keep the forum updated.

[camgol]

No update from USCIS as of Wednesday morning. I know that many people get the approval within two weeks or so, but it's a bit demoralizing to see so many other stories of people getting approved on the spot, or a few hours after their interview.

[StrikerI]

From this forum and other immigration forums, I gathered four Long Island City interviewees from June 20 and June 21 including you and me. One had his passport stamped the day of the interview as he asked for it. He got the card production notification yesterday. The other three (including you and me) are pending this hot Wednesday morning. I certainly hope our cases will be approved within a few weeks.

I have to admit that I also feel a bit demoralized. But what can we do? We are completely at their mercy and operating on their timeline.

[jacaest]

case review at chicago

Hi guys I am in the same situation my interview of AOS was on june 19 and the interview went really good and it last for 55 minutes. The officer was a very nice black lady and she didn't ask very personal questions. At the end she didn't took my i94 or EAD and said we will be reciving a decision in the mail. But heavnt received any thomg yet. Update me of you giys recive any thing .

[grandmaB]

Here is my full interview experience: Good to at least know we have similar experience.

____________________________________________________________ ______

Just concluded the interview. Appointment was 8AM in Long Island City and we got there at around 7AM. Sat in first floor waiting room for nearly an hour before our lawyer arrived when we then proceeded to the second floor.

Waited nearly another 1.5 hours before we were called. The IO was a mid age African American. She asked for all original ID’s which our lawyer furnished. The IO made sure to check the Driver Licenses to make sure the addresses match. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having matching state ID’s. This is probably the number 1 red flag if the addresses do not match!!!!

She then started asking my wife (the beneficiary) the following:
 Her name
 Date of birth
 My name
 My date of birth
 Home Address

My wife was super nervous and got my birthday wrong by accident but then was quick to correct herself.

She then continued to ask

 How we met?
 Description of our first date and what happened afterwards.
 When we got married and who was present at the ceremony and also how we celebrated. We told her we had a simple civil wedding but will have a grander one soon. She asked how many people present at civil ceremony and how many are expected at the bigger reception
 She asked whether I have met my wife’s dad and then whether my wife has met my parents.
 She then asked how often we meet each other’s parents.

After that she started to ask my wife how she came to the country, what she does for a living and then what I do for a living. After that she asked for pictures and presentation of documents; we prepared:

 2012 Joint taxes with state tax refund check in our joint name
 Updated pay stubs showing married status
 My work emergency contact and change of status
 Retirement and Investment Account beneficiary form
 Joint bank account statements. I showed the first one and the most recent 2-3 statements.
 Auto insurance statement
 Health insurance and usage summary showing both of our names
 Joint cell phone statement
 Wedding vendors invoices

She asked how long I have lived in my place and when I responded nearly a decade, she said “no wonder you didn’t add her to your house deed.” She then started going through the photo album page by page (we have a 400 picture album in chronological order starting from the first party that we met at to present day). She went page by page and seemed impressed. She then just asked for one picture to keep and we gave her a picture of my wife’s parents and us celebrating my wife’s birthday.

After that we were done and she said we should be getting the card soon. I then excitedly asked “are we approved?” and then she said “I don’t see any reason not to.” She handed back our ID’s and I-94. Our lawyer asked her whether she needed our I-94 and she cryptically said “I don’t need it this time but maybe another time.” She then wrote “status pending” in my wife’s passport and handed us a sheet of paper saying our file was due for further review and we will receive response in mail. We were a bit taken back by the I-94 exchange / comment but not dwell on it too much as plenty of other posters here have experienced the same thing.

She then escorted us out and. 20 minutes later she gave us a heart attack as she called us as we had just driven away indicating that we needed to return ASAP. Our hearts dropped. Our lawyer called back and it turns out she forgot to ask us the I-485 “yes / no” questions so we had to U-turn and return back.

Went through the entire security sequence all over again and then waited nearly 45 minutes before she called us back in. She apologized profusely. I told her our lawyer was not able to return and she said that’s fine as our lawyer knows what this is for. She asked for my Naturalization Certificate and then asked my wife each and every I-485 “Yes / No” questions and then said we were done. She then escorted us and wished us a nice weekend.

So I am back at work know hoping to get the approval text / email. Will keep the forum updated.

What a very helpful and detailed description on how your interview went. Glad to hear that you got yours on the spot. Thank you for listing the things you showed the IO. It gave me the idea of printing out an invoice for the wedding flowers [I did not have any other wedding vendors; we just had a civil ceremony as well]. Thanks again!

B

[StrikerI]

To Grandma,

Even though the officer said those things during the interview, we still have yet to receive any notification about approval so we are still waiting. Will keep everyone updated here.

[mosummers]

Same Situatuon.

No update from USCIS as of Wednesday morning. I know that many people get the approval within two weeks or so, but it's a bit demoralizing to see so many other stories of people getting approved on the spot, or a few hours after their interview.

HI Camgol. Recently just came across this forum. I have a similar case as yours. I was wondering if you've had any luck concerning your status? I think i'm slowly loosing my mind with the thoughts of "what ifs" as per my own situation. I would be glad if you could take out time to reply. Thank you.

[camgol]

HI Camgol. Recently just came across this forum. I have a similar case as yours. I was wondering if you've had any luck concerning your status? I think i'm slowly loosing my mind with the thoughts of "what ifs" as per my own situation. I would be glad if you could take out time to reply. Thank you.

Hi mosummers -- Unfortunately no news yet from USCIS three weeks after the interview. Did you have your interview in New York City? It seems that all three field offices in the NYC area have backlogs, and cases like ours are quite common. Roaming around these Green Card forums, I've learned of quite a few other cases in the same situation: the interview went very well (some people were even told explicitly that they'd be recommended for approval), but they have yet to get the final decision weeks after the interview. Some people have been waiting for two months... There isn't really any reason to worry about the final outcome -- if there had been any actual problems with your case, they would have been raised at the interview. I haven't heard of any case like ours that didn't end in an approval. Again, if something could have gone wrong with our cases, it would have been before or at the interview. But I fully understand your frustration and anxiety. What should have been a nice ending to our Green Card story (an easy interview, a decision on the spot, maybe a "Welcome to America" from the officer) turned into an excruciatingly long wait after the interview, with no idea whatsoever about why didn't get a decision on the spot and when we will actually get the decision.

- - - Updated - - -

Hi mosummers -- Unfortunately no news yet from USCIS three weeks after the interview. Did you have your interview in New York City? It seems that all three field offices in the NYC area have backlogs, and cases like ours are quite common. Roaming around these Green Card forums, I've learned of quite a few other cases in the same situation: the interview went very well (some people were even told explicitly that they'd be recommended for approval), but they have yet to get the final decision weeks after the interview. Some people have been waiting for two months... There isn't really any reason to worry about the final outcome -- if there had been any actual problems with your case, they would have been raised at the interview. I haven't heard of any case like ours that didn't end in an approval. Again, if something could have gone wrong with our cases, it would have been before or at the interview. But I fully understand your frustration and anxiety. What should have been a nice ending to our Green Card story (an easy interview, a decision on the spot, maybe a "Welcome to America" from the officer) turned into an excruciatingly long wait after the interview, with no idea whatsoever about why didn't get a decision on the spot and when we will actually get the decision.

I forgot to say that this is not only a New York City thing. I've seen similar stories from many other places in the US. But NYC seems to have particularly many cases like ours, with long delays after the interview.

[mosummers]

Thank you

Hi Camgol. Thanks so much for your reply. I felt some sort of relief after reading your reply. Three weeks is a long time.. Mine has just been a few days and I've been so paranoid. I actually live in California. The IO took my EAD and I-94. I have no idea what that means. So, i'm home waiting on the mail guy daily (lol)and doing nothing. I tend to frustrate my husband a lot. Well, I hope this week brings us both good news. I wish I could travel home, that is the most frustrating part. Well, C'est la vie. Thanks so much for taking out time to reply. I would definitely stay in touch.

[StrikerI]

To MoSummers,

I think that's a great sign that your EAD and I94 were taken. Your approval should be coming shortly. Hopefully you don't end up getting stuck in the same garbage that Camgol and I are going through as we are now on day #25 post interview. Some of our fellow NYC brethren waited 50-70 days post interview to get the decision.

[jacaest]

no respond

Damn ...guys my interview was on June 19 2013. And it's 28 days I heavnt heard anything from them , my online status is still on saying that ''' my interview is schedule for June 19'' man it's too frustrating stay in touch guys ,... Thanks

[mosummers]

Fingers crossed

Thanks Striker. Fingers crossed. I would definitely keep you guys updated.

To MoSummers,

I think that's a great sign that your EAD and I94 were taken. Your approval should be coming shortly. Hopefully you don't end up getting stuck in the same garbage that Camgol and I are going through as we are now on day #25 post interview. Some of our fellow NYC brethren waited 50-70 days post interview to get the decision.