Successful Interview
Apr 24th 2003, 9:07 pm
#1
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,228
Successful Interview
Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the Arlington, VA office today. On top of that, all background checks were already done and my wife has her passport stamp.
FYI, it was a J1 (no 2 year rule) to PR and my wife is French (I think that may have something to do with the background checks going a bit quicker).
I almost do not want to call it an interview, as we really never were asked any questions. Its was SO damm easy. We brought with us:
-Both our passports, her I-94
-INS Letters, EAD card
- 2000-2002 taxes (just my turbo tax copies)--they only took the 2002
- Marriage Certificate
- Her Brith certificate, plus translation
- 1 joint phone bill
- 2 joint bank statements
- Copies of actual credit cards with our names on them (he did not need this)
- 2002 W2s (both of us)
- Letters of employment for both of us
- 3 letters from those who know us, all notarized
- About 20 pictures of our families together (in the US and France) and our wedding. They never touched these
ThHe interview was scheduled for 11:45 (got there at 11:30) but we were not seen until 1:30 (whew). Went in, got her fingerprint first. Then to the examiners office. After asking for her passport, I-94 and letters of employment for both us the next thing he asked for was 3 years of my W2s. UH OH! The one thing I did not bring. I guess I assumed they still had those with the Affidavat of Support. I mumbled that I did not have them, that the letter was not clear. He said, ok and never asked again.
He then asked if we had moved. We had and gave him the new address. We then spoke for 5 minutes about how we live near a bar he likes. I was pretty relaxed at this point, since he seemed to like us.
He then asked how long we had been married. This was the only read question asked. After that, he was stapling and typing for a while. He then told us if we had 10 minutes he would see if the background check came through so he could give her the passport stamp. BAMM! That means we passed.
So, he went online and got the first background check up right away. He mentioned that a private company did a background check based on the Biographical form (G-?). That was a surprise for me, I thought it was the FBI who did that check. Then it took about 10 more minutes to find the results of a second background check. All came back clear and he stamped the passport and promised the green card in 3 to 6 months. WOOHOO. We gave him the EAD back, got notification on the two year rule, and we were out of there in 15 minutes flat.
Thanks to everyone who provided advice on this NG. It was really helpful in the end.
Mark
PS: Rete, yes I will put this on the interview website tomorrow (-:
FYI, it was a J1 (no 2 year rule) to PR and my wife is French (I think that may have something to do with the background checks going a bit quicker).
I almost do not want to call it an interview, as we really never were asked any questions. Its was SO damm easy. We brought with us:
-Both our passports, her I-94
-INS Letters, EAD card
- 2000-2002 taxes (just my turbo tax copies)--they only took the 2002
- Marriage Certificate
- Her Brith certificate, plus translation
- 1 joint phone bill
- 2 joint bank statements
- Copies of actual credit cards with our names on them (he did not need this)
- 2002 W2s (both of us)
- Letters of employment for both of us
- 3 letters from those who know us, all notarized
- About 20 pictures of our families together (in the US and France) and our wedding. They never touched these
ThHe interview was scheduled for 11:45 (got there at 11:30) but we were not seen until 1:30 (whew). Went in, got her fingerprint first. Then to the examiners office. After asking for her passport, I-94 and letters of employment for both us the next thing he asked for was 3 years of my W2s. UH OH! The one thing I did not bring. I guess I assumed they still had those with the Affidavat of Support. I mumbled that I did not have them, that the letter was not clear. He said, ok and never asked again.
He then asked if we had moved. We had and gave him the new address. We then spoke for 5 minutes about how we live near a bar he likes. I was pretty relaxed at this point, since he seemed to like us.
He then asked how long we had been married. This was the only read question asked. After that, he was stapling and typing for a while. He then told us if we had 10 minutes he would see if the background check came through so he could give her the passport stamp. BAMM! That means we passed.
So, he went online and got the first background check up right away. He mentioned that a private company did a background check based on the Biographical form (G-?). That was a surprise for me, I thought it was the FBI who did that check. Then it took about 10 more minutes to find the results of a second background check. All came back clear and he stamped the passport and promised the green card in 3 to 6 months. WOOHOO. We gave him the EAD back, got notification on the two year rule, and we were out of there in 15 minutes flat.
Thanks to everyone who provided advice on this NG. It was really helpful in the end.
Mark
PS: Rete, yes I will put this on the interview website tomorrow (-:
Apr 24th 2003, 9:15 pm
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2003
Location: Minnesota - you betchya!
Posts: 355
that is good news. COngrats!
Apr 24th 2003, 9:18 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 160
Re: Successful Interview
Originally posted by DCMark
Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the Arlington, VA office today.
Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the Arlington, VA office today.
By the way, what's the name of that bar? It might not be a bad idea to stop by the night before the interview and buy any BCIS officials present a couple tequilas.
Apr 24th 2003, 9:56 pm
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,041
Re: Successful Interview
Congratulations!!!! It is so nice that your wife got the stamp right away!
God, we can not wait for ours....
Caroline
God, we can not wait for ours....
Caroline
Apr 24th 2003, 10:13 pm
#6
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,392
Re: Successful Interview
My congratulations on your success. Like with most BCIS/US Consulate interviews, it is anti-climatic. And thanks for putting your experience on Kamya. Much appreciated.
Rete
Rete
Originally posted by DCMark
Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the Arlington, VA office today. On top of that, all background checks were already done and my wife has her passport stamp.
FYI, it was a J1 (no 2 year rule) to PR and my wife is French (I think that may have something to do with the background checks going a bit quicker).
I almost do not want to call it an interview, as we really never were asked any questions. Its was SO damm easy. We brought with us:
-Both our passports, her I-94
-INS Letters, EAD card
- 2000-2002 taxes (just my turbo tax copies)--they only took the 2002
- Marriage Certificate
- Her Brith certificate, plus translation
- 1 joint phone bill
- 2 joint bank statements
- Copies of actual credit cards with our names on them (he did not need this)
- 2002 W2s (both of us)
- Letters of employment for both of us
- 3 letters from those who know us, all notarized
- About 20 pictures of our families together (in the US and France) and our wedding. They never touched these
ThHe interview was scheduled for 11:45 (got there at 11:30) but we were not seen until 1:30 (whew). Went in, got her fingerprint first. Then to the examiners office. After asking for her passport, I-94 and letters of employment for both us the next thing he asked for was 3 years of my W2s. UH OH! The one thing I did not bring. I guess I assumed they still had those with the Affidavat of Support. I mumbled that I did not have them, that the letter was not clear. He said, ok and never asked again.
He then asked if we had moved. We had and gave him the new address. We then spoke for 5 minutes about how we live near a bar he likes. I was pretty relaxed at this point, since he seemed to like us.
He then asked how long we had been married. This was the only read question asked. After that, he was stapling and typing for a while. He then told us if we had 10 minutes he would see if the background check came through so he could give her the passport stamp. BAMM! That means we passed.
So, he went online and got the first background check up right away. He mentioned that a private company did a background check based on the Biographical form (G-?). That was a surprise for me, I thought it was the FBI who did that check. Then it took about 10 more minutes to find the results of a second background check. All came back clear and he stamped the passport and promised the green card in 3 to 6 months. WOOHOO. We gave him the EAD back, got notification on the two year rule, and we were out of there in 15 minutes flat.
Thanks to everyone who provided advice on this NG. It was really helpful in the end.
Mark
PS: Rete, yes I will put this on the interview website tomorrow (-:
Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the Arlington, VA office today. On top of that, all background checks were already done and my wife has her passport stamp.
FYI, it was a J1 (no 2 year rule) to PR and my wife is French (I think that may have something to do with the background checks going a bit quicker).
I almost do not want to call it an interview, as we really never were asked any questions. Its was SO damm easy. We brought with us:
-Both our passports, her I-94
-INS Letters, EAD card
- 2000-2002 taxes (just my turbo tax copies)--they only took the 2002
- Marriage Certificate
- Her Brith certificate, plus translation
- 1 joint phone bill
- 2 joint bank statements
- Copies of actual credit cards with our names on them (he did not need this)
- 2002 W2s (both of us)
- Letters of employment for both of us
- 3 letters from those who know us, all notarized
- About 20 pictures of our families together (in the US and France) and our wedding. They never touched these
ThHe interview was scheduled for 11:45 (got there at 11:30) but we were not seen until 1:30 (whew). Went in, got her fingerprint first. Then to the examiners office. After asking for her passport, I-94 and letters of employment for both us the next thing he asked for was 3 years of my W2s. UH OH! The one thing I did not bring. I guess I assumed they still had those with the Affidavat of Support. I mumbled that I did not have them, that the letter was not clear. He said, ok and never asked again.
He then asked if we had moved. We had and gave him the new address. We then spoke for 5 minutes about how we live near a bar he likes. I was pretty relaxed at this point, since he seemed to like us.
He then asked how long we had been married. This was the only read question asked. After that, he was stapling and typing for a while. He then told us if we had 10 minutes he would see if the background check came through so he could give her the passport stamp. BAMM! That means we passed.
So, he went online and got the first background check up right away. He mentioned that a private company did a background check based on the Biographical form (G-?). That was a surprise for me, I thought it was the FBI who did that check. Then it took about 10 more minutes to find the results of a second background check. All came back clear and he stamped the passport and promised the green card in 3 to 6 months. WOOHOO. We gave him the EAD back, got notification on the two year rule, and we were out of there in 15 minutes flat.
Thanks to everyone who provided advice on this NG. It was really helpful in the end.
Mark
PS: Rete, yes I will put this on the interview website tomorrow (-:
Apr 24th 2003, 10:31 pm
#7
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: Successful Interview
Originally posted by DCMark
Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the Arlington, VA office today. On top of that, all background checks were already done and my wife has her passport stamp.
Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the Arlington, VA office today. On top of that, all background checks were already done and my wife has her passport stamp.
Apr 25th 2003, 2:14 am
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2002
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 230
Excellent!
Hopefully that means my husband's background check will be done since we are roughly a month behind you. I will make sure to get the three years of W-2 together.
By the way, speaking of affidavits, where they a help? Did he just take all the info from you and file it or only take what he needed?
Keep us posted on when you actually receive the green card!
Congradulations, keep your fingers crossed for us on May 20th.
Hopefully that means my husband's background check will be done since we are roughly a month behind you. I will make sure to get the three years of W-2 together.
By the way, speaking of affidavits, where they a help? Did he just take all the info from you and file it or only take what he needed?
Keep us posted on when you actually receive the green card!
Congradulations, keep your fingers crossed for us on May 20th.
Apr 25th 2003, 1:17 pm
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Successful Interview
"DCMark" wrote
> Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the
> Arlington, VA office today. On top of that, all background checks were
> already done and my wife has her passport stamp.
Congrats.
> to the examiners office. After asking for her passport, I-94 and
> letters of employment for both us the next thing he asked for was 3
> years of my W2s. UH OH! The one thing I did not bring. I guess I
I had those but, ironically, they didn't ask for them!
Andy.
--
I'm not really here - it's just your warped imagination.
> Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the
> Arlington, VA office today. On top of that, all background checks were
> already done and my wife has her passport stamp.
Congrats.
> to the examiners office. After asking for her passport, I-94 and
> letters of employment for both us the next thing he asked for was 3
> years of my W2s. UH OH! The one thing I did not bring. I guess I
I had those but, ironically, they didn't ask for them!
Andy.
--
I'm not really here - it's just your warped imagination.
Apr 25th 2003, 1:43 pm
#10
Account Closed
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 206
Re: Successful Interview
Originally posted by DCMark
Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the Arlington, VA office today. On top of that, all background checks were already done and my wife has her passport stamp.
FYI, it was a J1 (no 2 year rule) to PR and my wife is French (I think that may have something to do with the background checks going a bit quicker).
I almost do not want to call it an interview, as we really never were asked any questions. Its was SO damm easy. We brought with us:
-Both our passports, her I-94
-INS Letters, EAD card
- 2000-2002 taxes (just my turbo tax copies)--they only took the 2002
- Marriage Certificate
- Her Brith certificate, plus translation
- 1 joint phone bill
- 2 joint bank statements
- Copies of actual credit cards with our names on them (he did not need this)
- 2002 W2s (both of us)
- Letters of employment for both of us
- 3 letters from those who know us, all notarized
- About 20 pictures of our families together (in the US and France) and our wedding. They never touched these
ThHe interview was scheduled for 11:45 (got there at 11:30) but we were not seen until 1:30 (whew). Went in, got her fingerprint first. Then to the examiners office. After asking for her passport, I-94 and letters of employment for both us the next thing he asked for was 3 years of my W2s. UH OH! The one thing I did not bring. I guess I assumed they still had those with the Affidavat of Support. I mumbled that I did not have them, that the letter was not clear. He said, ok and never asked again.
He then asked if we had moved. We had and gave him the new address. We then spoke for 5 minutes about how we live near a bar he likes. I was pretty relaxed at this point, since he seemed to like us.
He then asked how long we had been married. This was the only read question asked. After that, he was stapling and typing for a while. He then told us if we had 10 minutes he would see if the background check came through so he could give her the passport stamp. BAMM! That means we passed.
So, he went online and got the first background check up right away. He mentioned that a private company did a background check based on the Biographical form (G-?). That was a surprise for me, I thought it was the FBI who did that check. Then it took about 10 more minutes to find the results of a second background check. All came back clear and he stamped the passport and promised the green card in 3 to 6 months. WOOHOO. We gave him the EAD back, got notification on the two year rule, and we were out of there in 15 minutes flat.
Thanks to everyone who provided advice on this NG. It was really helpful in the end.
Mark
PS: Rete, yes I will put this on the interview website tomorrow (-:
Well we did it. We successfully passed the AOS interview at the Arlington, VA office today. On top of that, all background checks were already done and my wife has her passport stamp.
FYI, it was a J1 (no 2 year rule) to PR and my wife is French (I think that may have something to do with the background checks going a bit quicker).
I almost do not want to call it an interview, as we really never were asked any questions. Its was SO damm easy. We brought with us:
-Both our passports, her I-94
-INS Letters, EAD card
- 2000-2002 taxes (just my turbo tax copies)--they only took the 2002
- Marriage Certificate
- Her Brith certificate, plus translation
- 1 joint phone bill
- 2 joint bank statements
- Copies of actual credit cards with our names on them (he did not need this)
- 2002 W2s (both of us)
- Letters of employment for both of us
- 3 letters from those who know us, all notarized
- About 20 pictures of our families together (in the US and France) and our wedding. They never touched these
ThHe interview was scheduled for 11:45 (got there at 11:30) but we were not seen until 1:30 (whew). Went in, got her fingerprint first. Then to the examiners office. After asking for her passport, I-94 and letters of employment for both us the next thing he asked for was 3 years of my W2s. UH OH! The one thing I did not bring. I guess I assumed they still had those with the Affidavat of Support. I mumbled that I did not have them, that the letter was not clear. He said, ok and never asked again.
He then asked if we had moved. We had and gave him the new address. We then spoke for 5 minutes about how we live near a bar he likes. I was pretty relaxed at this point, since he seemed to like us.
He then asked how long we had been married. This was the only read question asked. After that, he was stapling and typing for a while. He then told us if we had 10 minutes he would see if the background check came through so he could give her the passport stamp. BAMM! That means we passed.
So, he went online and got the first background check up right away. He mentioned that a private company did a background check based on the Biographical form (G-?). That was a surprise for me, I thought it was the FBI who did that check. Then it took about 10 more minutes to find the results of a second background check. All came back clear and he stamped the passport and promised the green card in 3 to 6 months. WOOHOO. We gave him the EAD back, got notification on the two year rule, and we were out of there in 15 minutes flat.
Thanks to everyone who provided advice on this NG. It was really helpful in the end.
Mark
PS: Rete, yes I will put this on the interview website tomorrow (-:
Kimberly
Apr 25th 2003, 3:53 pm
#11
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 27
congratulations
Hi Mark:
Congratulations on successful interview.
My wife has her AOS interview in Arlington in a few months. How long before the interview were your wife's fingerprints taken at the support center? Just wondering how much time between this and all background checks being completed.
Thanks for any info
Congratulations on successful interview.
My wife has her AOS interview in Arlington in a few months. How long before the interview were your wife's fingerprints taken at the support center? Just wondering how much time between this and all background checks being completed.
Thanks for any info
