AOS Interview

[cqhk]

We had our AOS interview on Tuesday 03May05. It was in the morning, and we prepared pretty well, thanks to the information shared here. We had items in two bags. My computer bag contained the passports and most copies of the paperwork needed. The other bag contained a few other copies, the wedding pictures, her GUZ album, and the other books she took to the GUZ interview.

 

We actually caught a break during our interview. I didn't realize that I only had the comptuer bag, until we were sitting in front of the IO. After she swore us in, we took our seats and it was then that I realized I only had the computer bag. I also realized that I never brought the other bag with us, so it wasn't in the car either.

 

The IO asked first for Helen's ID and passport. We showed her the EAD ID, and Helen's passport. She asked for my passport as well. For some reason I stuck it in the other bag. I told her I didn't have it. She asked me for some evidence that I was a US citizen or a legal permanent resident. Luckily I had my birth certificate in the computer bag. I gave her the BC, and she asked me to prove I was the baby on the BC. lol, I literally laughed and she said she wasn't kidding. So I produced my CDL. She asked me if I was Hawaiian, and she noted that I was just two months older than she was.

 

She had a folder on her desk, which she later identified as the folder that was taken from us at POE. She pulled out a much smaller folder, which she later identified as our AOS application. She thumbed through it. She was mentally thinking about what she needed from us. Then she asked for our pictures. Needless to say, I turned beet red, looked at Helen, and said, "Kuuipo, I forgot the second bag. I only have the computer bag." I then told the IO that I had forgotten the second bag and I let her know what it contained. She told us that if we couldn't meet the minimal requirements for the interview, which would include at least 1 picture of the two of us together, then we'd have to reschedule and that would put us back another few months because AOS appointments were booked solid for the next few months. We told her that we had hundreds of wedding pictures on the laptop and hundreds of pictures of us during our visits together, etc. She told us they were useless, because she needed at least 1 picture to put on the file. Helen had a picture in her wallet of the two of us together from 2002. The IO took it, and said ok that passes the picture requirement.

 

Now prove to me that you're married. I tried to give her the marriage certificate, but she said it was only proof that we had a ceremony, she wanted proof that we live together etc. I gave her our health insurance cards, which she photocopied. I showed her our joint check book that has both our names on the checks, and she ripped out a deposit slip stating that Health Insurance and Joint Checking account were enough.

 

She thumbed through the AOS application. She said the Support Document was ok, but she needed my last three pay stubs. Luckily those were in the computer bag, because I just photocopied them the night before at Kinko's. She said the tax paperwork was fine, I submitted the IRS transcripts for 2001-2003, a photocopy of 2004 return, and the 2004 W-2. She didn't ask for the 2001-2003 W-2s, which was lucky because I didn't have them in my computer bag, they were at home.

 

I was a little embarrassed for seeming so unprepared, especially with all the info received from CFL. I was so nervous and sweating bullets, while the whole time Helen was calm and smiling. We held hands. At one point I was so nervous fumbling around digging through my computer bag, that I just put my keys down by my feet. I didn't want the keys getting in my way while I was digging into the pockets of the computer bag.

 

After getting the items she wanted, the IO then asked, "How did you meet?" Helen without hesitation began to tell her about the first time we met. After Helen was done, I added a few comments of my own about the fateful encounter. It made the IO smile. I was still embarassed about forgetting the second bag at home, and I was sweating bullets still.

 

She then asked, "When did you decide to do this?" Helen didn't understand what she meant by "this", but she said, "For sure we decided to have this interview so I can get the green card as soon as possible." I just chimed in, "We've been in the process for two and a half years."

 

The IO asked, "So how long have you known each other?" I said, "We've know each other for almost five years."

 

The IO asked, "When did you meet?" Helen said, "Every year, he came to visit me at least once a year, sometimes twice if he could." I said, "Yes we visited in person every year, and we first met in 2000. We also decided to get married soon after we met. The when and where was based on Helen being in school."

 

The IO stated that she needed to ask Helen some questions. The questions I remember are:

-Have you ever been arrested in the United States or in any other country for criminal acts?

Helen laughed and said, "For sure no way."

-Have you ever been deported?

Helen said, "No."

-Have you ever supported or helped smuggle someone into the US illegally?

Helen said, "Oh no."

-Have you ever engaged in prostitution either in the United States or abroad in any other country?

Helen said, "Oh my goodness, no way. Never do that."

IO asked two more questions that I've forgotten at this time.

 

Each time Helen answered a question she circled the "No" on the worksheet she had in front of her. She paraphrased the questions that she asked from the AOS application.

 

She also stamped, date stamped, and initialed a checklist she had with her. Everything she took from us she added to the folder that contained her worksheets and the AOS application.

 

She told us she was finished and that normally this is when she tells us we passed, but unfortunately she couldn't pass us until the CIA check has been received. She stated that Helen's fingerprints' check were great and came back very fast, she was surprised how fast they received the check back. She said it could be up to 4 months before the CIA sends the check back to them. The IO gave us a print out with instructions on how to find out the results of our CIA check. She told us that they generally send out a letter notifying us when the CIA check comes back. If we don't hear from them after 4 months, then email the address on the printout or use infopass.

 

She asked us if we had any questions, and I told her about the problem we were having trying to get an ID and DL, because the DMV needed to confirm identity with SS, who in turn confirms status with INS. She told me that all we needed to do was show them the marriage certificate and the original SS card. She said any check they do should easily be done within a few weeks. I told her that the SS officer said Helen's status wasn't in the computer, and that she couldn't issue a name change until the status was confirmed. She checked her computer, and apparently the screen has section where the POE office information wasn't present. She said she wasn't sure if it was ever input or not, but that wasn't something they could do. She said the POE office needed to input that information. She said the SS office could easily get status through post mail to the downtown INS office. She said it usually takes a few weeks. I packed up the the computer bag, and she walked us out.

 

On the way out, I asked her if the checks being done by the CIA were similar to the ones done before during our process. She stated that they are seperate entities and each is required to do a background check on the applicant. She said what was done at the embassy is different, but similar. She didn't know much else, other than their background check was being done by the CIA. She said we walked in our application and got what they call a "short interview" because it was scheduled shortly after the application was submitted. She said it usually takes four months from the time of application until the time the CIA sends back the check. We thanked her and left.

 

lol. We got out to the car and I realized I left my keys on the floor of her office where I put them. We went back to get them. I got back to the waiting area window for appointments when the Security person was walking out behind the window and I yelled, "Those keys are mine." lol. He laughed at me, then the IO came out and I thanked her for finding my keys. I was so embarassed, just beet red and dripping in sweat. lol.

 

The IO was firm, but very nice and obviously gave us some leniency in regards to the proof we turned in. I don't think our interview was video taped. We passed other IOs interviewing people and the camera's were set up on the table. We didn't see any cameras.

 

Now we just wait for the CIA to send back the check.

[tonado]

Congrats.

[Trigg]

We had our AOS interview on Tuesday 03May05. It was in the morning, and we prepared pretty well, thanks to the information shared here. We had items in two bags. My computer bag contained the passports and most copies of the paperwork needed. The other bag contained a few other copies, the wedding pictures, her GUZ album, and the other books she took to the GUZ interview.

 

We actually caught a break during our interview. I didn't realize that I only had the comptuer bag, until we were sitting in front of the IO. After she swore us in, we took our seats and it was then that I realized I only had the computer bag. I also realized that I never brought the other bag with us, so it wasn't in the car either.

 

The IO asked first for Helen's ID and passport. We showed her the EAD ID, and Helen's passport. She asked for my passport as well. For some reason I stuck it in the other bag. I told her I didn't have it. She asked me for some evidence that I was a US citizen or a legal permanent resident. Luckily I had my birth certificate in the computer bag. I gave her the BC, and she asked me to prove I was the baby on the BC. lol, I literally laughed and she said she wasn't kidding. So I produced my CDL. She asked me if I was Hawaiian, and she noted that I was just two months older than she was.

 

She had a folder on her desk, which she later identified as the folder that was taken from us at POE. She pulled out a much smaller folder, which she later identified as our AOS application. She thumbed through it. She was mentally thinking about what she needed from us. Then she asked for our pictures. Needless to say, I turned beet red, looked at Helen, and said, "Kuuipo, I forgot the second bag. I only have the computer bag." I then told the IO that I had forgotten the second bag and I let her know what it contained. She told us that if we couldn't meet the minimal requirements for the interview, which would include at least 1 picture of the two of us together, then we'd have to reschedule and that would put us back another few months because AOS appointments were booked solid for the next few months. We told her that we had hundreds of wedding pictures on the laptop and hundreds of pictures of us during our visits together, etc. She told us they were useless, because she needed at least 1 picture to put on the file. Helen had a picture in her wallet of the two of us together from 2002. The IO took it, and said ok that passes the picture requirement.

 

Now prove to me that you're married. I tried to give her the marriage certificate, but she said it was only proof that we had a ceremony, she wanted proof that we live together etc. I gave her our health insurance cards, which she photocopied. I showed her our joint check book that has both our names on the checks, and she ripped out a deposit slip stating that Health Insurance and Joint Checking account were enough.

 

She thumbed through the AOS application. She said the Support Document was ok, but she needed my last three pay stubs. Luckily those were in the computer bag, because I just photocopied them the night before at Kinko's. She said the tax paperwork was fine, I submitted the IRS transcripts for 2001-2003, a photocopy of 2004 return, and the 2004 W-2. She didn't ask for the 2001-2003 W-2s, which was lucky because I didn't have them in my computer bag, they were at home.

 

I was a little embarrassed for seeming so unprepared, especially with all the info received from CFL. I was so nervous and sweating bullets, while the whole time Helen was calm and smiling. We held hands. At one point I was so nervous fumbling around digging through my computer bag, that I just put my keys down by my feet. I didn't want the keys getting in my way while I was digging into the pockets of the computer bag.

 

After getting the items she wanted, the IO then asked, "How did you meet?" Helen without hesitation began to tell her about the first time we met. After Helen was done, I added a few comments of my own about the fateful encounter. It made the IO smile. I was still embarassed about forgetting the second bag at home, and I was sweating bullets still.

 

She then asked, "When did you decide to do this?" Helen didn't understand what she meant by "this", but she said, "For sure we decided to have this interview so I can get the green card as soon as possible." I just chimed in, "We've been in the process for two and a half years."

 

The IO asked, "So how long have you known each other?" I said, "We've know each other for almost five years."

 

The IO asked, "When did you meet?" Helen said, "Every year, he came to visit me at least once a year, sometimes twice if he could." I said, "Yes we visited in person every year, and we first met in 2000. We also decided to get married soon after we met. The when and where was based on Helen being in school."

 

The IO stated that she needed to ask Helen some questions. The questions I remember are:

-Have you ever been arrested in the United States or in any other country for criminal acts?

Helen laughed and said, "For sure no way."

-Have you ever been deported?

Helen said, "No."

-Have you ever supported or helped smuggle someone into the US illegally?

Helen said, "Oh no."

-Have you ever engaged in prostitution either in the United States or abroad in any other country?

Helen said, "Oh my goodness, no way. Never do that."

IO asked two more questions that I've forgotten at this time.

 

Each time Helen answered a question she circled the "No" on the worksheet she had in front of her. She paraphrased the questions that she asked from the AOS application.

 

She also stamped, date stamped, and initialed a checklist she had with her. Everything she took from us she added to the folder that contained her worksheets and the AOS application.

 

She told us she was finished and that normally this is when she tells us we passed, but unfortunately she couldn't pass us until the CIA check has been received. She stated that Helen's fingerprints' check were great and came back very fast, she was surprised how fast they received the check back. She said it could be up to 4 months before the CIA sends the check back to them. The IO gave us a print out with instructions on how to find out the results of our CIA check. She told us that they generally send out a letter notifying us when the CIA check comes back. If we don't hear from them after 4 months, then email the address on the printout or use infopass.

 

She asked us if we had any questions, and I told her about the problem we were having trying to get an ID and DL, because the DMV needed to confirm identity with SS, who in turn confirms status with INS. She told me that all we needed to do was show them the marriage certificate and the original SS card. She said any check they do should easily be done within a few weeks. I told her that the SS officer said Helen's status wasn't in the computer, and that she couldn't issue a name change until the status was confirmed. She checked her computer, and apparently the screen has section where the POE office information wasn't present. She said she wasn't sure if it was ever input or not, but that wasn't something they could do. She said the POE office needed to input that information. She said the SS office could easily get status through post mail to the downtown INS office. She said it usually takes a few weeks. I packed up the the computer bag, and she walked us out.

 

On the way out, I asked her if the checks being done by the CIA were similar to the ones done before during our process. She stated that they are seperate entities and each is required to do a background check on the applicant. She said what was done at the embassy is different, but similar. She didn't know much else, other than their background check was being done by the CIA. She said we walked in our application and got what they call a "short interview" because it was scheduled shortly after the application was submitted. She said it usually takes four months from the time of application until the time the CIA sends back the check. We thanked her and left.

 

lol. We got out to the car and I realized I left my keys on the floor of her office where I put them. We went back to get them. I got back to the waiting area window for appointments when the Security person was walking out behind the window and I yelled, "Those keys are mine." lol. He laughed at me, then the IO came out and I thanked her for finding my keys. I was  so embarassed, just beet red and dripping in sweat. lol.

 

The IO was firm, but very nice and obviously gave us some leniency in regards to the proof we turned in. I don't think our interview was video taped. We passed other IOs interviewing people and the camera's were set up on the table. We didn't see any cameras.

 

Now we just wait for the CIA to send back the check.

Now this is the kind of info I needed. AOS interview in three weeks and you listed at least three things I would not have brought.

 

Good stuff man!!

[oregonknl]

Wow,

 

I think AOS must either be in transition nation-wide, (very possible) --- or it is significantly different region to region.

 

Fei's interview was on April 4 here in Portland, and she wasn't asked any of these questions. The IO had a huge file on us, all together, and the one similarity that I see in your post was asking for pictures together, (which I didn't bring either) ---- but he then flipped through the file and found some that I had submitted earlier in the process, so that passed. Also the proof of marriage came up, but after I produced a marriage certificate, that was all that was necessary... no proof that we were living together required...

 

The only questions asked of Fei: 1) May I see your Chinese passport? 2) Can you hand me those papers as they come out of the printer?

 

Also totally unclear what this CIA thing is ---- Fei got her "Welcome to America" letter: "Permanent resident status has been registered." letter last week ---issued 23 days after the interview...

[ghall20]

Wow,

 

I think AOS must either be in transition nation-wide, (very possible) --- or it is significantly different region to region. 

 

Fei's interview was on April 4 here in Portland, and she wasn't asked any of these  questions.  The IO had a huge file on us, all together, and the one similarity that I see in your post was asking for pictures together, (which I didn't bring either) ---- but he then flipped through the file and found some that I had submitted earlier in the process, so that passed.  Also the proof of marriage came up, but after I produced a marriage certificate, that was all that was necessary... no proof that we were living together required... 

 

The only questions asked of Fei: 1)  May I see your Chinese passport?  2) Can you hand me those papers as they come out of the printer? 

 

Also totally unclear what this CIA thing is ----  Fei got her "Welcome to America" letter:  "Permanent resident status has been registered."  letter last week ---issued 23 days after the interview...

we were not asked for pictures together.. All I had to show was my Oregon DL. All she had to show was Oregon ID; passport. EAD, and S/S card... She had to wait for CIA clearence but it was completed by the time we had her sons AOS--two weeks later.. Both visas were stamped with temp/ green card.

 

I had chimed in several times with answeres to questions that they were asking wife/son and didn't get slapped or anything... sometimes I would rephrase the question in words I knew they would understand. (no backhand there either).

[warpedbored]

Bing was asked some of the same questions like "have you ever voted in an election, helped someone enter the country ilegally, been convicted of a crime?" The prostitute question wasn't asked but I know of someone here in Portland that was asked that. That in my opinion is highly offensive and should not be asked.

[Guest aosnow]

prostitution is simply one of the bases upon which someone can be excluded. Asking the question does not cast aspersions on the person asked, in my view. It is all a matter of perspective, but it need not be any more offensive that a chest xray.

[david_dawei]

prostitution is simply one of the bases upon which someone can be excluded. Asking the question does not cast aspersions on the person asked, in my view.  It is all a matter of perspective, but it need not be any more offensive that a chest xray.

I wonder if the medical exam for the P4 does a blood test for AIDS? Although the prostitution question cuts to the chase about 'carrier' concerns. I agree that the question should not be constructed as offensive.. it simply is part of their job to ask certain questions.

[Trigg]

prostitution is simply one of the bases upon which someone can be excluded. Asking the question does not cast aspersions on the person asked, in my view.  It is all a matter of perspective, but it need not be any more offensive that a chest xray.

I wonder if the medical exam for the P4 does a blood test for AIDS? Although the prostitution question cuts to the chase about 'carrier' concerns. I agree that the question should not be constructed as offensive.. it simply is part of their job to ask certain questions.

I have a copy of my wifes med exam. I'm not sure why they gave it to her but if you are really interested in knowing what they test for I can translate it (not from Chinese but from Latin/medical language.

[david_dawei]

prostitution is simply one of the bases upon which someone can be excluded. Asking the question does not cast aspersions on the person asked, in my view.  It is all a matter of perspective, but it need not be any more offensive that a chest xray.

I wonder if the medical exam for the P4 does a blood test for AIDS? Although the prostitution question cuts to the chase about 'carrier' concerns. I agree that the question should not be constructed as offensive.. it simply is part of their job to ask certain questions.

I have a copy of my wifes med exam. I'm not sure why they gave it to her but if you are really interested in knowing what they test for I can translate it (not from Chinese but from Latin/medical language.

I've heard about your laogonghua... I'll leave it to the medical professionals...

[oregonknl]

HA HA ~!

 

GREAT point David!

 

I'm sure when Trigg is done splainin' thins' to the IO, he'll be ready to to call it a day!

 

"ok, ok, you pass~! "

[Trigg]

HA HA ~! 

 

GREAT point David!   

 

I'm sure when Trigg is done splainin' thins' to the  IO, he'll be ready to to call it a day!

 

"ok, ok, you pass~! "

Ya gots it crect Kim. I'm gonna be 'splainin' my ass off. They may never wanna have nothin' 'splainded agin!!

 

Oh, David, it's Frank that speaks laogonghua. I speak Chicobilly!

[david_dawei]

HA HA ~!  

 

GREAT point David!    

 

I'm sure when Trigg is done splainin' thins' to the  IO, he'll be ready to to call it a day!

 

"ok, ok, you pass~! "

Ya gots it crect Kim. I'm gonna be 'splainin' my ass off. They may never wanna have nothin' 'splainded agin!!

 

Oh, David, it's Frank that speaks laogonghua. I speak Chicobilly!

man.. all these Yinghanhua dialects are killing me !!!

[cosmiclobster]

CQHK: THANKS for your very descriptive account of your interview. Ours will be coming along someday and I really appreciate the insight!

 

But I do think I'll pass on the chicobillyish laogonghua and the 'splanin -

pig latin and chinglish is gud enuf fer me!

[cqhk]

Since I read accounts on CFL and other personal sites I found goggling "AOS Interview" of others being asked all the questions from the AOS application, I told Helen prior to the interview that the question of prostitution might come up. Before the interview she said it was an absurd question and that she would get very upset at the IO if they asked her something like that. After a few discussions over a period of a few weeks, Helen finally understood that the IO wasn't belittling her. I sort of understand why they would ask such a question in person to the applicant, but I don't totally understand it. I did ask Helen how she felt about that question after the interview, and Helen said it was stupid that's why she laughed at the IO. Helen in no way resembles a prostitute, and if that was the insinuation, I'd be the first to put my fist in that person's face man or woman.

 

As far as the CIA background check. I did some research on the web, and there was a time a few years ago when people were being told after they passed the AOS interview that they would have to come back again after the CIA check was done to receive the stamp and the temp. green card. I read one person's account on a personal timeline/site that her husband was told to do the same. Right now, I guess we'll wait for a month before I start writing emails to the address they gave us. And, when I have the time, I'm scheduling a walk-in on infopass.

 

Right now my beef is with the SS. They still haven't given us the name change for Helen's SS card. Without the name change, we can't get a DL or a state ID in her married name. All DL and state ID are checked against the SS databank to make sure undocumented aliens aren't getting DL or ID.

 

I went to the SS office the other day with the marriage certificate and the original card (maiden name). I spoke to the same person who didn't really help us the first time we applied for the name change. This time I wasn't in the mood for the attitude she gave us the last time. She told me that they didn't have the approval of status from INS. I told her it's already been five weeks and the letter she gave us the last time told us it would be four weeks. She told me there wasn't anything she could do, and that it was INS fault not her's. I told her that we just came from an INS interview and they told us all SS needed was the marriage certificate and the original card(maiden name). She snapped back at me, "They can't tell us how to do our job. Now our conversation is over. Have a nice day."

 

That is when I got angry, but I think I did a good job of holding it in. I admit I raised my voice to her, and everyone in that office that day could vouch for that, but I never yelled at her. I told her that I wanted a phone number of the INS office they're communicating with or an address so I could figure what the hell was going on, since I just came from an INS office and was told wedding certificate and original card is all I needed to change the name. She tried to cut me off, but I kept talking over her. The whole office got quiet, you could hear a pin drop. I believe I have a good temper, but this really pissed me off when she told me that she couldn't give me the information because the INS office won't talk to me. I never swore at her, but I let her know how they (SSA) were inconveniencing me. I let her know how frustrated I was and how upset I was that they couldn't do something as simple as a name change since I have the same documents I had when we got the original card, and now we have a marriage certificate. She then told me that my wife wasn't an american citizen and that new regulations within their department state that they must get status approval from INS each and every time an non-citizen applies for any change to the SSN.

 

I was very frustrated and I knew she was scared, who wouldn't be, so I just got up and left. That poor security guy was just as scared as she was. At least he knew not to stand directly behind me. I had my eye on him anyway, because I knew my actions were causing some concern. I'm pretty sure they had every camera in the place focused on me. I shouldn't have lost my temper like that. To my credit, I didn't use any profanity while discussing my frustration at how I was being assisted. I really didn't accomplish much, accept making Helen feel uncomfortable and making everyone in the office be quiet. I'll go back in a week and ask to speak to the supervisor.

 

The name change didn't go as smoothly as I thought it would. The original SSN application in Helen's maiden name was very easy. We just showed them Helen's visa, and they took a copy of the I-94 and visa page. We got the SS card in Helen's maiden name in one week.

 

As far as the AOS interview, we hand delivered on 31Mar05 the last day hand deliveries were taken. We lucked out and got an Infopass for that day. Still not sure why they didn't get the CIA check check back before our interview. The IO said it takes about 4 months from time of filing, and our interview was six weeks after the filing. I'll check up on them in a month. I'm contemplating contacting the senator's office again. They weren't much help the last time, but maybe they'll be this time.