Appointment 10.15

arrived at facility 9.30, guard and check-in person at desk mewled about us being early, but didn't really care

Wife managed to set off the metal detector with who knows what. waited until 11, 11.15 ish, the pager went off, we walked to the desk, and were pointed at the AO, whom we followed through some corridor, into his office, where we were shown two chairs and were asked to make ourselves comfortable.

The officer started by telling us that he will speak slowly if it is necessary (thanks, I think we're good, sir) and went on to explain that this interview has two parts, one to go over the documents, second to see if we're actually qualified to do this.
He pretty much raced through all the questions, "your name is, you were born, here's the medical", I did my best just to keep up with the yessirring and thatsrighting.

OK, that was it, now to the second part, have you ever been in trouble with the police (well, I was pulled over for speeding once and got a warning; he got a good laugh at that), have you committed any hate crimes or words to that effect (you're only asking this because I'm German, I mock-moped, at which I received a well-deserved punch from the wife. truth is I was about to lose my shit right there at this point.) Asked a little about the affidavits we had.
Asked can you show me anything that shows me your life together? Out come the photobooks, he commented/asked about a few pictures, we replied appropriately.

Well, it seems everything is in order, you are quite obviously happily married, you are approved, congratulations. let me explain (card in 3 weeks, I-751 etc).

shook hands, wandered back down the corridor. at which point we grinned like a bunch of maniacs while about ready to bawl our heads off.

haha! That made me chuckle - thanks!
Looking forward to getting to that stage!

This is what got you approved, y'know! Congratulations.

Ian

Ian's right the punch did it. When I snapped at Jim during our interview that rewarded us with a chuckle from the DO who said now I know you are married.

Congratulations and please tell your captive audience which district office you interviewed at.

There were also a few trick questions and a test. Nobody who's really actually married will fail them. Most people wouldn't even notice.

The question as to why and how I managed to overstay a VWP for nine freaking years in first place never even came up. But I do not recommend this way to anybody. Rather do it the proper way. You only get one shot at it at this singular event where it's in the power of one person to tell you to GTFO and don't come back, ever or OK, have a merry life. Quite terrifying.

Oh, and the interview took place in Irving, TX at the USCIS facility on Campus Circle Drive.

Congratulations, Kar98!


What kind of 'trick' questions? A test?

Nine years? No wonder your English is so good!