eoyn

Hey guys,

Very briefly, I first applied to adjust my status in October, my Biometrics appointment came up a couple of days after Sandy hit New York City, and was postponed a further month. Well, finally the big day has come. I am married to an American citizen. I am so nervous! I have prepared everything that I could, 134 photographs of us together through our 8 year relationship. Various other proofs, my Lawyer seems to think I am golden, but there are a few little issues, but I think I have got it under control. Today is my birthday too, so would be a very nice birthday present. If I am granted the Green card though, it will only be a provisional 2yr one, as my marriage is 1 month shy of 2yrs. Will this make a difference in the interview? I read somewhere that it might not be as intense, as I will have to go through another interview in 2 years. Anyways, wish me luck everyone, 24hrs time I will be in front of my IO. I'll update tomorrow. Have a wonderful day everyone,

Ian

PS I am going to the New York City office.

civilservant

Good luck, but you wont have to go for another interview in 2 years for removal of conditions. The only other interview in the entire process will be the naturalisation in a few years time.

jeffreyhy

No.

Regards, JEff

jeffreyhy

How so? The OP writes that the marriage is still less than 2 years old. Unless the case officer agrees to put the case aside, and delay approval for another month, the PR status will be conditional.

Regards, JEff

civilservant

I was under the (perhaps mistaken) impression that the removal of conditions was a formality that did not involve an interview, if thats not the case ive learnt something today!

jeffreyhy

Removal of conditions is not a formality. Often it is done without an interview, but sometimes an interview is done.

Regards, JEff

craig_sp

Hi Ian! Good luck to you for tomorrow!

I live in New York too. I applied for my AOS back in September and did my biometrics in early October. I have heard nothing about an interview as yet. I hope they get around to me soon!

All the best to you! Looking forward to hearing how it goes! :-)

ian-mstm

Not "provisional"... "conditional". The two terms are not interchangeable. A conditional PR has the full rights and responsibilities of a non-conditional PR.

Ian

eoyn

Hey guys,

Here is my report in full:

Background story:

Came over on the VWP for 85 days in 2006. Fell in love with my girlfriend, and she asked me to stay. At that time, she had no passports and could not leave the country. She only had her GC. We got married in April 2011. So, I overstayed my VWP for 5 years, my biggest concern however was that I had a DUI in 2000 in Baltimore, while I was in college. Before anyone flames me for trying to cheat the system or whatever, I had no intention of going down this path when I came over in 2006. So, I was a VWP overstay with a DUI conviction.I hired a very good Lawyer to assist me in my case. I'm writing this in the hope that others in a similar situation can take heart.

Interview:

Arrived 30 min early at the Long Island City office in NYC. My lawyer was already there and we went up to the waiting room. I was a bundle of nerves. We waited for 20min before my name was called. The IO was a small lady of Asian descent. Very professional and not at all threatening. She asked to see originals of documents submitted. While she was looking at her paperwork, she started asked me all the question. Where did we meet? How many times have I visited the US. Have I met my wife's parents? Then she suddenly turned to my wife and asked about my siblings and parents and the longer version of how we met, as my wife was explaining this, she asked to see proof of marriage. I had joint bank statements and credit card, and our last 3 leases for the 5 years I have lived here ( miracle I could find them ). She noticed how nervous I was and jokingly asked the lawyer what horrible stories he had told me. We all laughed. Then came i-485 question time. No to everything, except for being arrested. When she asked me and I said yes, she nodded, as if she was expecting me to say no. I explained what happened to me and showed the original court disposition. Then it was photo time! 134 photos, she looked through them all, made some jokes about some as we explained each pic. Then the wedding pics, she asked if I could select 2 for her to keep.

Then she showed me and my lawyer this form and said that she could not decide at that moment, as the DUI case would have to be run by her supervisor. She said I would have an answer in 90 days. Not once did the overstay get mentioned, so if any others out there are worried about that, don't stress to much, however I did have proof that I intended to leave before the 90 days were up.

That was it! 20min tops! I got home and checked the USCIS website and APPROVED!!! Green card in production!!! I am so happy and relieved. I can start my life now. I haven't been home in 6 years, so August, here I come South Africa. Basically, very professional and courteous. I stressed over nothing, however that stress made me super prepared for any contingency.

Good luck to all you out there. Patience and being prepared is the key here, and I am sure many of you will not have some of the problems I did.



Ian

jeffreyhy

What was this "proof"? Just curious. Congratulations. Regards, JEff

eoyn

Hey Jeff,

In 2005 I bought a house in South Africa to live in, I have the deed with me. I am renting it out at the moment. Also, I had a letter of employment from my job in South Africa stating that, well, I had a job that I was going back to. This is all true, I was going back. But life took another path. But as I mentioned, this was not mentioned at all. I am assuming, at least in New York, overstays are forgiven no matter how long it is.

I brought everything with me to the interview, but my wife convinced me to leave behind the kitchen sink.

jeffreyhy

Thanks, and three cheers for your wife!

Congratulations again.

Regards, JEff

ian-mstm

I believe you stressed appropriately... things could easily have gone the other way!


I would advise people to never make that assumption.


Congratulations!

Ian

StephieFaith83

Congratulations! The two years goes so fast. Good luck

tallguy

Congratulations.....I have mine in 2 weeks time