...has finally come to an end. I can't find the original thread from two years ago, but a recap for those who remember. I submitted applications for the OH and step daughters in, as I recall, Feb of 2007. Due to circumstances I was still resident in Canada but that was really no issue. I was entitled to file for them but AOS could not be granted until I had relocated to domicile in the U.S.

Interview in May, I think, of 2007. Quite an interrogation, but not bad. Result, a letter telling me to notify USCIS when I had domiciled in the U.S. to reschedule an interview. Everything remained as it was pending my informing them of relocation.

Intended to relocate at the end of 2007 but issues with my daughters UNI applications delayed that process, and I also ended up needing minor surgery.

January 2008 received a notice of interview, but I was in Peru and we had to reschedule.

Interview in July 2008. Still not relocated and file sent to California, for some odd reason. We then received notice file was later transferred elsewhere but I can't recall where.

Nov 2008 notified USCIS I was now here permanently , interview scheduled for Feb 12, 2009. Today.

Attended interview, provided proof of domicile, updated I864 and an I864a, tax returns for 2009 etc.

Passports stamped, green cards on the way.

I have to say that the Tampa office was awesome, in my opinion. They were very patient with us and understanding of our situation. What was interesting was that when I was sitting in the interviewers cubicle a manager (I assume) came up and asked him "Is this the landed immigrant case?" Referring to my landed immigrant status in Canada, which I had to surrender. He said yes, and she patted me on the shoulder, smiled and said "We know all about you and are ready for you today."

On the lawyer side of it, we had already paid close to $3K to a lawyer whose total contribution was two brief meetings in her office and attending, in silence, two interviews that had to be rescheduled. She never had to file any of the application forms as I had done that already. I must say that that task was accomplished with the gentle, guiding hands of a few folks here, and it was much appreciated.

So she basically had to do nothing much. She sent two letters that I am aware of. One when I was in Peru, to reschedule, and another to transfer the files back to Tampa when I relocated. On the last one she failed to ask for all three files. She left one of the daughters off and I had to call and tell her to send another letter A.S.A.P When we advised her that I was here, she announced that it would cost another $1,500 just to attend interview. (She charged $500 the last time. I guess inflation is worse than I thought.) We declined and went alone. We couldn't afford it, and clearly did not need to pay so much to have her sit there doing nada. She also never advised me that I should prepare an updated I864, which I figured out on my own, and which was asked for at interview.

Anywho...the delays were worth it, married over 2 years...so 10 year green Cards.


Thanks to all who gave good advice when I was struggling with the application process.

Hooray! Congratulations on the good news!

Rene

I nkow you may have forgotten Dakota, but this is a *marriage based* case so I moved you.

Congratulations to the fam! Can't believe everyone's finally settled.. you guys had the Americas covered there for a while!
(and I heard, er saw, er heard about your little op. trust all is well no, and no pictures, thank you. )

Thanks. My memory isn't what i used to be. lol. Surely you've seen the pictures already.

Thanks

Congratulations, but canada misses you!

Well... it's about time! Congratulations to you all.

Ian

Thanks ... tis about time.