I know I haven't been on here recently and if some of you remember, I've applied for my AOS via marriage. Well, I just wanted to update that I recently received my permanent resident card!
Thank you all who were supportive and encouraging during this tumultuous time. It's bittersweet. I'm hoping and praying for something good to come for immigration.
Here's my experience if you're applying to AOS via marriage:
The whole thing took almost 11 months for me, from the day I submitted my application to when I received my card. Please ensure you're getting married in good faith. I've been in a relationship with my husband for almost 9 years now.
Preparation for interview:
The location I was having my interview was backlogged so it took several months before I received my notice for interview (it is a case-by-case basis). My case was straight forward, I overstayed my visa when I was a minor. During the time I was waiting for an interview, I gathered documents and a photo album.
1) Have original documents from copies you submitted. (Birth certificate, passport, EAD, etc.)
2) If you're renting or own your home-- show lease or DEED with both names on it.
3) Insurance cards (health insurance, life insurance, car insurance, etc.)
4) Have a picture album fill it with pictures you have together. ( I placed them from beginning of relationship to recent pictures)
5) Current joint filed taxes
6) Any documents with both your names in it. It's better to have it than not to have it. (There's certain things that I had which the IO didn't want or need, like receipt of trip together with both our names on it)
- Familiarize yourselves (you and your spouse) with the documents you submitted, especially the G325A and the I485 forms.
-I used an accordion folder to put all these documents in.
Interview:
*This is based on our experience*
After checking in, I waited for a few minutes before my husband and I were called in. The IO who interviewed us was a man and he was very strict. It made me nervous when I wasn't before. We went into his office which my husband and I swore in. Asked us to produce passport (current & previous), I94, birth certificate, Social Security card, and ID. Started asking us questions about our names, birthdates, how we met. Parents names and where they live. Who was at the wedding, when and where we were married. Just answer truthfully and if you can't remember something, be honest and say I don't remember/Don't know. Don't try to guess or make something up. Then after giving documents and answering questions he asked me the questions in the I485 form that you answer "no" to. He took a few pictures from the album. The whole thing took more than 30 min, I would say. He handed me a paper saying that it is still under review and if they need something, they will RFE, have a 2nd interview, or receive something in the mail (i.e. Green Card). When I left I was doubting myself because my husband and I are confident in our relationship and its legitimacy, so we didn't go over the information. It's always wise to review and still prepare regardless of how comfortable/confident you feel.
Maybe a week or less, I received a notice in the mail welcoming me to the US and soon after my GC was in the mail.
It's sad to say but I'm closing this chapter of my life, as this is my "farewell" for now. I'll still be lurking and answering anyone's questions but I won't be on as much. I hope this was helpful and good luck to everyone!