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My green card application got approved yesterday. It was via my marriage with my army man. :-) We got married last year.
A little bit of background about me: I came to the US under Student F-1 visa in 2007, got my OPT in 2012 then got my work visa (H-1B) in 2013. I met my husband a few months after graduation. We dated for about 1 1/2 years then we got married. I work 180 miles from him so we only got to see each other on weekends. I moved with him only a few weeks ago, after I received my EAD.
I would like to share my journey to encourage everyone that if your marriage is legit, then there is really nothing to worry about!
May 22 - Application packet mailed (I-485, I-130, Advanced Parole and EAD application, etc.) --> review your paperwork 10 times if you do not have a lawyer. I probably overdid it but it was definitely beneficial in the end. Include as much paperwork as possible to prove eligibility of marriage. If possible, file your joint tax return first before sending in your application. My friend was asked to send their joint tax return for RFE. They waited 7 months before they got a schedule for an interview. The process will take longer if your packet is not complete. So my advice: review, review, review!
May 26 - USCIS received my application
June 5 - I received my Biometrics appointment notice.
June 26 - Biometrics done
August 7 - Contact address updated online.
August 11 - I called USCIS to follow-up on my EAD and Advance Parole status.
August 12 - I received an e-mail from USCIS saying my case is now being reviewed.
August 21 - USCIS mailed my EAD/Advance Parole Card
August 24 - EAD/Advance Parole card received
August 25 - Request for Interview received
September 29 - Interview day; Green card approved right on the spot. Interview was very simple. The immigration officer just verified my address and signature. My husband and I brought a bunch of paperwork but the interviewer only asked for my ID and passport and my husband's ID. He asked the following questions:
1. How do you like being an army wife?
2. How did you meet?
3. Has your husband taught you how to shoot yet?
4. Are you a terrorist, communist, etc.? (basically, common security questions)
The rest was small talk. :-)
There you go, I hope this shed some light.
God bless you all!
A little bit of background about me: I came to the US under Student F-1 visa in 2007, got my OPT in 2012 then got my work visa (H-1B) in 2013. I met my husband a few months after graduation. We dated for about 1 1/2 years then we got married. I work 180 miles from him so we only got to see each other on weekends. I moved with him only a few weeks ago, after I received my EAD.
I would like to share my journey to encourage everyone that if your marriage is legit, then there is really nothing to worry about!
May 22 - Application packet mailed (I-485, I-130, Advanced Parole and EAD application, etc.) --> review your paperwork 10 times if you do not have a lawyer. I probably overdid it but it was definitely beneficial in the end. Include as much paperwork as possible to prove eligibility of marriage. If possible, file your joint tax return first before sending in your application. My friend was asked to send their joint tax return for RFE. They waited 7 months before they got a schedule for an interview. The process will take longer if your packet is not complete. So my advice: review, review, review!
May 26 - USCIS received my application
June 5 - I received my Biometrics appointment notice.
June 26 - Biometrics done
August 7 - Contact address updated online.
August 11 - I called USCIS to follow-up on my EAD and Advance Parole status.
August 12 - I received an e-mail from USCIS saying my case is now being reviewed.
August 21 - USCIS mailed my EAD/Advance Parole Card
August 24 - EAD/Advance Parole card received
August 25 - Request for Interview received
September 29 - Interview day; Green card approved right on the spot. Interview was very simple. The immigration officer just verified my address and signature. My husband and I brought a bunch of paperwork but the interviewer only asked for my ID and passport and my husband's ID. He asked the following questions:
1. How do you like being an army wife?
2. How did you meet?
3. Has your husband taught you how to shoot yet?
4. Are you a terrorist, communist, etc.? (basically, common security questions)
The rest was small talk. :-)
There you go, I hope this shed some light.
God bless you all!
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