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This forum helped me so much..huge APPRECIATION especially to those who contributed in the below thread. Because of these experiences and stories, it literally became my guide to building my application and preparing for the interview.
>> https://www.immihelp.com/forum/adjus...interview-tips <<
Here is my story of my interview process in hope that it can assist others - just like how the experiences shared on this forum have helped me.
Background: Came on tourist visa in Feb this year then 2 weeks later, my wife and I decided to elope. Applied for AOS based on marriage: Filed I-130, I-1485 & I-765 in May. Interview scheduled for September, approved on the spot. I used a combination of different Table of Contents I found here and formulated my own ToC that best suited our situation. I chose to front load my application with tons of evidence gathered from the tips thread and it paid off for me especially since we opted to file ourselves without legal representative.
We had prepared two folders to bring with us to the interview. One was all of our original documents (proof of identity, marriage cert, photos, paystubs, taxes, joint documents, etc) and the other one was copies of documents, ready to submit in our interview (most recent bills, photos, paystubs, new lease, etc). I even brought copies of our applications along with copies of all the evidence we submitted. We brought about 50 photos including our scrapbook. Overall, interview lasted about 20-30 mins.. the waiting part before the interview felt longer than the actual interview itself.
About half hour after our scheduled time, the IO called us into the interview room. He started it off with us swearing on oath and then we sat down. He asked if my wife wants to still sponsor me (she said yes of course!) and then he asked if we wanted to change our last names and we said no, he informed us that if we wanted to later on, we could do it at the naturalization process. He asked to see our passports and birth certificates and verified both of our names, DOB, place of birth, current address. We had moved after our application submission and so we updated our new address online. He asked us how long ago did we move from our previous to our current address. Then I presented him with a copy of our change of address confirmation mail and he jotted it down.
He asked whether we filed taxes jointly this year and he also asked me twice in different times whether I was working and what was my profession. He requested for my sealed I-693 form and he opened it up, looked at it and put it in our file. He then asked me about 10-12 yes/no I-485 questions. He asked us how we met, and how we are liking the city we live in. I felt that the start of the interview was very professional then his tone became more of a conversational manner so that made us feel less nervous for the rest of the interview. He asked if we had any other questions and I asked if he needed any other documents that we had gathered for the interview and he said no because he had everything he needed.
He asked who prepared the documents and I said it was a team effort by my wife and I. He asked if we had any professional help and I said no. He then complimented us on our application and said he was really impressed because it looked like something an attorney would send (Major props to those who have shared their T of C!!). I thanked him for recognizing the effort and he said he wished all applications were this organized because they are very busy and so it really helps them out with the process.
I asked about my EAD and he said no longer needed it because he is going to approve our case as soon as we leave the building. My heart sank to my stomach and I wanted to jump in the air for joy but I kept my composure. IO gave us the interview result notice that says my case is being held for review but said I'll be receiving my GC in the mail within 10 business days, give or take. He congratulated us and said that my GC will be conditional and will expire within 2 years of issuance. He told us the procedure to remove the conditions and to ensure we do it within 6 months to 90 days before it expires to avoid any complications in getting my full PR. He then told me to sign my I-1485 application to complete the process.
My signature below has my process timeline, from PD to GC. I’m definitely grateful that I was able to get the GC in my hands within 4 months. I remember that I obsessively looked at the USCIS case tracker every day for the first 2 weeks but then I realized that by doing that won’t change the pace of the process and that I may as well enjoy my summer with my wife and trust the process instead of stressing too much. Of course that’s easier than done but once I tapered myself off with checking the tracker, it became easier to let it just be. Plus, I received notifications via email whenever the tracker updated.
A few suggestions:
1. FRONT LOAD your application with as many evidence of joint documents as you can.
2. Use Table of contents to organize the evidence (I used 3 major sections: evidence of cohabitation, evidence of comingling of finances, and evidence of relationship)…Each relationship is different so don’t stress too much if you read that someone had something you don’t have. You can only provide evidence based on YOUR unique relationship. Use the tips thread and read examples of what others have provided…there were things we had but I didn’t think of providing as evidence.
3. Use a cover letter for each application submitted, I used a sample from https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...733#post582733
4. Use USCIS’s Form Filing tips (https://www.uscis.gov/forms-filing-tips) This helped me organize each application packet.
5. Create a relationship timeline - this is a great source for the officers to get a glimpse of the authenticity your relationship (plus I had so much fun going down memory lane with my wife!
)
6. Make copies of everything you submitted (even if it’s not requested at the interview, it’s just so much better to be over prepared)
7. For the interview, read the interview notice and ensure you have everything requested (to my surprise, IO didn’t request for any updated documents BUT having those prepared made us feel confident and ready for the interview because we know we had anything and everything with us)
8. Make sure you and your partner get familiarized with the folders and all the documents you are bringing
9. Go over some relationship questions with your partner, have fun with it!
10. Answer IO’s questions honestly and succinctly (don’t trap yourself by going in great detail that is not required but provide enough to answer the question)
11. Make sure you eat before the interview - you can't predict how long it the entire interview process will take until you’re in it so trust me, you’ll need the energy plus you don’t want to sit in the office with your stomach growling lol!
12. BREATHE and Trust the process...Everything works in divine timing. This is our journey to practice PATIENCE….i know it’s easier said than done but looking back, I wish I did not stress as much as I did haha.
13. Share your experiences and stories here to help others and pay it forward
Huge thanks again to all that have contributed their experiences and thanks to you if you have managed to read this all! Your time WILL come! <3
>> https://www.immihelp.com/forum/adjus...interview-tips <<
Here is my story of my interview process in hope that it can assist others - just like how the experiences shared on this forum have helped me.
Background: Came on tourist visa in Feb this year then 2 weeks later, my wife and I decided to elope. Applied for AOS based on marriage: Filed I-130, I-1485 & I-765 in May. Interview scheduled for September, approved on the spot. I used a combination of different Table of Contents I found here and formulated my own ToC that best suited our situation. I chose to front load my application with tons of evidence gathered from the tips thread and it paid off for me especially since we opted to file ourselves without legal representative.
We had prepared two folders to bring with us to the interview. One was all of our original documents (proof of identity, marriage cert, photos, paystubs, taxes, joint documents, etc) and the other one was copies of documents, ready to submit in our interview (most recent bills, photos, paystubs, new lease, etc). I even brought copies of our applications along with copies of all the evidence we submitted. We brought about 50 photos including our scrapbook. Overall, interview lasted about 20-30 mins.. the waiting part before the interview felt longer than the actual interview itself.
About half hour after our scheduled time, the IO called us into the interview room. He started it off with us swearing on oath and then we sat down. He asked if my wife wants to still sponsor me (she said yes of course!) and then he asked if we wanted to change our last names and we said no, he informed us that if we wanted to later on, we could do it at the naturalization process. He asked to see our passports and birth certificates and verified both of our names, DOB, place of birth, current address. We had moved after our application submission and so we updated our new address online. He asked us how long ago did we move from our previous to our current address. Then I presented him with a copy of our change of address confirmation mail and he jotted it down.
He asked whether we filed taxes jointly this year and he also asked me twice in different times whether I was working and what was my profession. He requested for my sealed I-693 form and he opened it up, looked at it and put it in our file. He then asked me about 10-12 yes/no I-485 questions. He asked us how we met, and how we are liking the city we live in. I felt that the start of the interview was very professional then his tone became more of a conversational manner so that made us feel less nervous for the rest of the interview. He asked if we had any other questions and I asked if he needed any other documents that we had gathered for the interview and he said no because he had everything he needed.
He asked who prepared the documents and I said it was a team effort by my wife and I. He asked if we had any professional help and I said no. He then complimented us on our application and said he was really impressed because it looked like something an attorney would send (Major props to those who have shared their T of C!!). I thanked him for recognizing the effort and he said he wished all applications were this organized because they are very busy and so it really helps them out with the process.
I asked about my EAD and he said no longer needed it because he is going to approve our case as soon as we leave the building. My heart sank to my stomach and I wanted to jump in the air for joy but I kept my composure. IO gave us the interview result notice that says my case is being held for review but said I'll be receiving my GC in the mail within 10 business days, give or take. He congratulated us and said that my GC will be conditional and will expire within 2 years of issuance. He told us the procedure to remove the conditions and to ensure we do it within 6 months to 90 days before it expires to avoid any complications in getting my full PR. He then told me to sign my I-1485 application to complete the process.
My signature below has my process timeline, from PD to GC. I’m definitely grateful that I was able to get the GC in my hands within 4 months. I remember that I obsessively looked at the USCIS case tracker every day for the first 2 weeks but then I realized that by doing that won’t change the pace of the process and that I may as well enjoy my summer with my wife and trust the process instead of stressing too much. Of course that’s easier than done but once I tapered myself off with checking the tracker, it became easier to let it just be. Plus, I received notifications via email whenever the tracker updated.
A few suggestions:
1. FRONT LOAD your application with as many evidence of joint documents as you can.
2. Use Table of contents to organize the evidence (I used 3 major sections: evidence of cohabitation, evidence of comingling of finances, and evidence of relationship)…Each relationship is different so don’t stress too much if you read that someone had something you don’t have. You can only provide evidence based on YOUR unique relationship. Use the tips thread and read examples of what others have provided…there were things we had but I didn’t think of providing as evidence.
3. Use a cover letter for each application submitted, I used a sample from https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...733#post582733
4. Use USCIS’s Form Filing tips (https://www.uscis.gov/forms-filing-tips) This helped me organize each application packet.
5. Create a relationship timeline - this is a great source for the officers to get a glimpse of the authenticity your relationship (plus I had so much fun going down memory lane with my wife!
)6. Make copies of everything you submitted (even if it’s not requested at the interview, it’s just so much better to be over prepared)
7. For the interview, read the interview notice and ensure you have everything requested (to my surprise, IO didn’t request for any updated documents BUT having those prepared made us feel confident and ready for the interview because we know we had anything and everything with us)
8. Make sure you and your partner get familiarized with the folders and all the documents you are bringing
9. Go over some relationship questions with your partner, have fun with it!
10. Answer IO’s questions honestly and succinctly (don’t trap yourself by going in great detail that is not required but provide enough to answer the question)
11. Make sure you eat before the interview - you can't predict how long it the entire interview process will take until you’re in it so trust me, you’ll need the energy plus you don’t want to sit in the office with your stomach growling lol!
12. BREATHE and Trust the process...Everything works in divine timing. This is our journey to practice PATIENCE….i know it’s easier said than done but looking back, I wish I did not stress as much as I did haha.
13. Share your experiences and stories here to help others and pay it forward
Huge thanks again to all that have contributed their experiences and thanks to you if you have managed to read this all! Your time WILL come! <3
. wondering how on earth Chicago office was doing Interview in 4 months time !!!
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