Jeff

My wife and I (USC) had our AOS interview last week. The interview went
well, everything was in order, and we had all the forms with us except for
my wife's vaccination records. Fortunately there were copies in our large
file that the INS has accumulated since we started this process with our K-1
application back in Dec. 2001.

Anyway, after the INS officer asked us some questions and took our
employment verification records and my last 3 years of tax returns, she
asked us a few questions about how we met, our wedding and how many guests
we had, how much it cost, location etc. She thumbed through the first few
pages of our wedding album and asked my wife who some of the people were.
Then she excused herself for a few minutes. When she came back, she said
that their "system" for performing background checks was "unavailable" and
that she couldn't complete the process at that time. She gave us a form
letter titled "ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS NOTICE" with a box checked which says
"An additional review of your case is required before a determination can be
made as to your eligibility". I asked when the background check would be
done, and she said "in the near future". I asked if that meant 2 weeks, 2
months, 6 months or more(?) and she said if we didn't hear something within
6 months to contact her in writing (not possible to call them).

Just wondering if others have had a similar experience? Should we be
concerned? I've heard how these things can get delayed for months (or
years).

Thanks,
Jeff & Vivi
Filed for K-1 12/2001 (CSC)
K-1 Received 12/17/2001
1st NOA - 1/25/2002
K-1 Issued 3/12/2002
Married 6/2/2002
Applied for AOS (and AP) 6/15/2002
AOS Interview 1/8/2003 (currently on hold pending additional review)