Got my LPR Passport stamp/Green Card today! W00t!!!

Not a simple case, but two criminal convictions. Here is the
rundown for people who might be interested.

1978: Two convictions for shoplifting in England. Sentences
were UKL35 fine for one, and two years conditional
discharge for the other.

1986: Visited US for first time, on B1-B2 visa for my company.
Company filled in application form, and asked me just to
sign, so I missed questions about convictions.

1986-1988: Travelled extensively to US on B1-B2 (total of about
16 months in US.

1989: Joined company who wanted me to work in US for two years.
Had to apply for H1B myself, and noticed conviction
question. Went to US Emmassy in London, had B1-B2 cancelled
without prejudice. H1B granted after four weeks, with waiver.

1989-1990: Worked in NJ and CA. No problems getting in or out.
Never had even one secondary, in 12 entries to US.

1991: Started work for new company, who bought another company
located in Bothell, WA in 1999.

2000: Visited US in July on new B1-B2 (every time from now on I
got a secondary, at Washington Dulles, Vancouver BC and at
SeaTac). Flying out of SeaTac met lady who is now my wife.

2001: Visited US in April, PoE: Vancouver (to Seattle).

June: became engaged.

July: asked for transfer to Bothell office. Approved Sep,
and H1B visa application started by company.
Visited US in October. PoE: Seattle.

Boxing Day: travelled to Seattle.

2002: Visa granted late April (on a Friday). Following Wednesday
moved to Redmond, WA (NO! I **don't** work for Microsoft :-)

June: Visited Portugal. Passport, with H1B, plus social security
card, plus WA state drivers license stolen. This was a *very*
busy time, and I will relate more details of how I got my
passport in Lisbon and a replacement visa in London in a
period of two days if anyone is interested...

September: got married in WA state.

2003: November: company announced closure of Bothell office.

December 19: filed for AOS. Attorney told us to file I-601
at same time, although the INS said we should file the I-601
later. Also applied for AP.

2004: March. Visited Seattle INS office per 90-day rule for EAD.
EAD refused, with comment from INS officer that "90-day
rule does not apply to Seattle office". Had already turned
down three or four jobs because no EAD, so got very worried.
Called attorney on day EAD denied. Attorney called District
Manager of INS. EAD issued next day.

October. Attorney called INS to see where application was. No
information available.

December. Attorney called again. Notified that I was undergoing
background checks.

2005: January: received appointments for ASC (fingerprints) and AOS
interview.

January 28. Fingerprints.

February 18: AOS interview. Lasted 20-25 minutes. **Very**
relaxed, and humorous at times! Adjudicating officer had
clearly decided in advance that so long as she was satisfied
the marriage was genuine, Green Card would be issued, which
it was. Didn't show photographs or anything other than SOME
joint documents: bank statements, car insurance and registration
health care, utility bills (power and phone) and one joint
credit card. Very surprised (and pleased) at how easy it was.

Anyway, it's a HUGE relief to have it out the way.

I am more than happy to answer any questions: I would love to help
anyone who might be worried about the process: yes, my crimes were
minor, but it was still a worry.

My overriding piece of advice though (rules 1-10 inclusive): get a
good attorney.

Off to Canada tomorrow for a day trip!!!

Re-w00t!!!

Nettlebed