Adjustment of Status - I-485

Good afternoon.

I've been a reader of the this forum for a while now and its been a great help! Thank you to everyone that has posted here.

Now, its my turn to hopefully help out.

My wife and stepsons PD was 12/23/15. Of course it took 14 mos before we finally got called for our interview here in Houston. But let me preface it with some of our own personal experience and advise .

1. We did hire a lawyer. It really helped out even after I read a ton of other forums online. When we met she advised us we need to fill out several more forms before she could submit them. I-765 for my son. When I asked why? she stated Its not just for the work permit but for a Social Security card. I didn't know that. Then the g-325 for me and of course the medical exams for both of them. Once we had all that she filled out the forms and sent them in.

2. Yes my wife and step son did have to get another set medical exams. DO NOT GO TO YOUR INTERVIEW WITHOUT A NEW ONE IF THE ONE YOU SUBMITTED IS MORE THAN A YEAR OLD! I cant stress the importance of this. It doesnt matter that USCIS took more than a year to process your I-485. As our lawyer stated "The burden of proof is on us. Not the government." This is the U.S. Government you are dealing with not some store where you can argue you had the wrong price or the ad was wrong. These are the folks that sent Al Capone to prison for tax evasion! (well not this division but I hope you understand my point)

3. Also I've seen other posts asking "whom or where can they get the least expensive exam in Houston?" After their 2nd medical exam this is really a loaded question. But I will post later why I believe this a loaded question.

4. DRESS TO IMPRESS!! This is the most important interview of your life!! This is my personal belief. Don't treat it as if its a trip to the local grocery store or even another day at the job! Much less look like you just rolled out of bed. Or threw on what ever you grabbed that morning. Its a matter of showing respect and that you are serious with what about what is about to take place. My wife thought I was nuts when we went and spent 400 on two new suits for me, new pants and shirts for my stepson (who is 10) and a new business suit for her. I even told her I didn't want her to show up with the "wet hair look" that she normally uses. She did end up doing hair in a very professional manner that morning. Even my son asked me if he could wear a tie too when we were getting dressed. I'm glad I put one on him that way were all color coordinated. (I'll explain why later.)

4. Remember your manners and show the Immigration Officer due respect regardless of how they are treating you during the interview! I am a US citizen (30+ years) I am asking my government for "permission" to grant my wife and stepson permanent residency. Yes its my right to ask this permission. Its not a RIGHT the government just grants. So every yes and no question the IO asked we answered "Yes sir" or "No sir". Finally when he said everything looks good I''ll go ahead and approve both. My wife and I said "Thank you sir". All three of us and even our lawyer shook his hand before and after the interview. As we walked out the door next to booth 14. I turned one more time to the IO and again looked him straight in the eye, gave him a firm handshake and told him thank you very much, sir. He smiled and said you are welcome!

5. BREATHE and relax during your interview and be confident. If everything is in order and you have nothing to hide. You will do great! Also sit up in the chair, don't slouch.

Well, here goes. We received our letters on Jan 3 that my wife and sons interview had been scheduled for Feb 1 at 715am and 8am at the Houston center. (we live in houston) Turns out the location was right around the corner from where I work. So I was able to see exactly where the office was located so I wouldnt get lost that morning and could have a few alternate routes planned before hand in case of traffic or other.

We met with our lawyer a week after we got our interview letters. She also asked to meet our son for the 1st time (hes 9). We took her copies of our joint bank statements, electricity bill, proof of our employment history and how much we make, the most current IRS transcript, and proof of my citizenship plus all my old US passports including the one from my home country that I arrived with showing my A number. Also I don't have a naturlization certificate since they didn't issue certs for minors in 1983 when I became a citizen with my parents. However I was able to provide other proof. When I told our lawyer where I found my parents proof of citizenship. She fell over. I found it online using one of the more popular "ancestry" websites. Then she went over the interview questions and what to expect. She also asked me to have copy of my mortgage, plus anything else that would help. Plus pictures. When my wife asked if she should bring a photo album. Our lawyer told us, no. But to bring the pictures organized by date, event, and write that info on the back of each picture and whom is in each picture. (This turned out to be critical during the interview) Lastly she asked us to wait for her to arrive before we turned in our interview appointment letters at the check-in desk.

We did as she asked and we brought copies for the morning of the interview. Plus our own from what was on the letter as a just in case.

The morning of the interview we arrived at the immigration office at 650a. We left our cell phones in the car and took our paperwork with us. They have a security line just like the one at the airport. Since we travel a lot we knew drill. When the gal working the security line asked us to please turn off our cell phone, my wife answered "we didnt bring them." she okay. We each grabbed a tray put our coats, belts and bags in each one. As we were about to take off our shoes the gentlemen on the other side told us, you can keep your shoes on and come thru please.

When you go thru security the check in desk is right in front of you. There was a lady and man working there. The lady asked if she could help us. I answered her "were here for our immigration interview. But we'd like to wait for our lawyer if thats okay?" She responded "sure have a seat over to your left." Needless to say the look on both of their faces were "wow. someone came really dressed up today." As we walked thru the waiting area to find a seat I understood why.

Almost everyone there was not as dressed up as we were. There were folks in tee shirts and jeans and tennis shoes or polo shirts. Only one or two older couples were dressed nicely, but the gentlemen didn't have ties on. Then we saw one couple walk in hand their letter in and they both looked like they had just gotten out of bed. (we saw them later get called over to the door by booth 14) The only ones besides us that were dressed up were the lawyers. Of course everyone was just looking at us. My wife even said, I could have come dressed as business causal. I reminded her again. "no. this is way to important to look were not taking this seriously."

Our lawyer arrived at 710 and met us. She even commented on our attire. We went over the info she asked for the new sealed medical exam then the pictures. She said the pictures were perfect. (we did notice other couples there waiting with their albums as well.) Once she was satisfied everything was in order we checked in.

As we were waiting to be called I pointed out to my wife that a couple that had been called ahead of us was just separated for their interview. I saw the lady walk out and take a seat. she didnt look very happy at all.

Then at 730a they called my wifes name. So we proceed to the door next to booth 14. The gentleman that met us at the door asked whom is "Ms." She said good morning, I am Ms. He turned to look at me and my son and was floored by how the three of us were dressed. (1st impression) All he could say was follow me please. It wasn't until we were halfway down to his office he finally turned and said I'm Mr... I'll be doing your interview this morning. We both said Thank you, its a pleasure to meet you. Then he took us to his office. (DRESS TO IMPRESS!!)

Its a small office, with four chairs. My wife and I sat down in the two in front, with me to the IOs left and my wife to his right. The lawyer sat right behind my wife and our son right behind me. Then the lawyer handed him our pile of supporting documentation.

The IO asked us to stand and swore in. Then asked for our ID's. We just handed him our drivers licences. He didnt ask for our passports. Then asked us to take a seat. I noticed that both my wifes and sons files where on his desk as I recoginized thier A numbers. I slid my chair next to my wife and took her arm in mine and we turned and smiled at each other. (we sat like that for the rest of the interview) He asked if we wanted the interview in Spanish or English? My wife spoke up and stated, English, please. He turned to me and I stated English as well please. He took note that I was spoke perfect english. Before he asked our lawyer handed him the new medical exams. The IO stated awesome. thank you!

Now the interview formally started.

He started with me asking me my full name, date of birth, home address, place of birth. Then wifes full name, date of birth, home address, place of birth. Then he asked my wife the same questions.

Then he asked me how did we meet. So my wife turned to me and smiled as she knows I love telling our love story. I took a breath and told the agent our story. We noticed he was taking notes. I even made a small joke with the IO that you know how difficult it is for us guys to ask a lady out. He smiled and nodded yes. Then he stopped me, he aplogized, that if it seemed he wasnt paying attention, he was just writing information down. I said no need to aplogize I understand you are just doing your job. (RESPECT) He smiled and said thank you. Please continue. So I did. I told him the rest of the story.

After I was done he turned and asked my wife, you arrived on a tourist visa, correct? She repiled yes. Then I stated to the IO why I asked her to stay and not go back why we changed our wedding plans. Even if it meant me working two jobs. At that point he grabbed the pile of paperwork we handed in and looked at my pay stubs and must have thought. "wow. this guy is crazy for her. especially with what his making"

Then he asked me if I knew her parents. I stated yes, sir. He asked me their names. I told him. Then he asked my wife the same questions. At that point she stated "I'll go ahead and approve both I-130s" We both said, Thank you sir. (RESPECT)

Then he moved on the Yes/No questions. (Which are on the i-485) He started with my wife. When he go the question about if youve every been a "working lady" he stopped looked at me and apologized and stated I have to ask. I smiled and told him I understand, sir. Its your job no need to apologize. (RESPECT) My wife just chuckled and we put the IO at ease. So he continued down the yes/no questions. The IO even paused a couple of times and just had that look on his face, what a stupid question, before he asked it. We just chuckled and went on. At then end he opened her medical exam looked it over and stated it all looks good. Then he went to my sons I-485 and stated since hes a minor I'm not going to ask him any questions. He looked at my wife I'll ask you since your his mom. The only question he asked her what address does your son live. Then he just checked off the yes/no questions and looked at his medical exam.

Then he pulled out my I-130 and asked me where and when was I naturalized. I told him it was thru my parents. Which immigration court and what year it took place. The IO stated "wow not many people know their own info in that detail. Needless to say I was ready for him to ask me for proof. But he didn't.

He asked for the pictures. My wife pulled out the pictures (150+) from the box and handed them over. Again the IO just smiled and chuckled. I told him they are all in chronological order. The IO started looking thru them and pulled two we had taken right before we had gotten our hair cut together and after. Then he stopped and asked which are the wedding pictures. My wife said they are the ones with the big paper clip. The IO pulled that stack out, handed my wife the rest back and started looking at them. He looked at the back and noticed she had written the info our lawyer told us. He even asked about the "selfie" our photographer took of him and us. He asked if he could keep all the wedding pictures. I answered "of course. we love sharing our pictures." He took those and then handed back the two other pictures.

At that point he made a few more notes then turned, looked at us and stated "Everything is in order. So I'll go ahead and approve both your I-485s right now." YES!!!! We both answered thank you very much sir. I leaned forward and put my hand out to shake his and we shook hands. I took him a little by surprise with that, he said again, you're very welcome. (RESPECT)

Then he stated, "Of course since you've been married less than two years, they will only be valid for two years. So on Nov 2019 you will have submit the paperwork to have the conditions removed. Then if you wish a year later you can put in the paperwork to have your wife and son become citizens."

He turned to his computer asked my wife how was my sons name spelled. The he printed two letters showing we had been approved and their green cards will be arriving in two to three weeks. Then he asked any questions? We both we all smiles now and said no sir. The IO said congratulations and walked us out. Again before we walked into the main lobby once again shook his hand and told him thank you very much.

Of course with the big smiles on our face everyone was looking at us. Our lawyer told us, see I told you both you had nothing to worry about. It was an easy case for the IO and me. She told us to make sure we dont forget to set our calendars for Nov 2019 and if she hasnt retired expect a call before then from her reminding us.

When we walked out of the building my wife asked me what time it was. I looked at disbelief at my watch. I said 825am. I told her that didnt seem like an hour!! More like 30 minutes!! When we got back to our car and checked our cell phones, my wife had gotten the text your new cards are being produced. I checked the uscis website and it also said the same thing.

I'm sorry this has been so long winded. But I wanted provide as much helpful info as possible to everyone here in IAH and across the country. The waiting, anxiety, and stress was difficult at times. So we feel like a weight has been lifted off us.

 We do Thank God, we had a great lawyer and helped us put all the paperwork in order, the IO was very professional, courteous, kind and friendly.

As I told my wife on the drive back home. This was the hard part. Removing the conditions, then the citizenship test will be a piece of cake. Now to decide where we are going to take our 1st international trip to?