Hi guys, thanks for sharing your experiences. A little brief of my case:
I arrived in USA in June/2016 with visa B1/B2. I was planning to travel with my American girlfriend who lives here (we have been dating since 2013). While I was here I lost my contract in Brazil and decided to stay. We got married in September/17. I applied in Montana. It was 4 months since I sent the forms until I get the card.
I applied by myself, reading all the information at USCIS website and this forum. I can tell you, it is possible and it is not difficult to do this by yourself. You must pay attention to all the details and check all the forms/docs before send them. Dates:
11/09/16 – Forms sent I-130, I-485, I-765, I-864, G-1145, G-325A, I-693,
11/10/16 – Forms arrived and PD date
11/25/16 – Text message and email with the case numbers
11/25/16 – Checks cashed
11/28/16 – Form I-797C received by mail, on line update about the fee acceptation and the notification about the National Benefits Center location is working on my case.
12/09/16 – Bio schedule for 12/23/16
12/23/16 – Bio done
01/23/17 – interview schedule for 02/23/17
01/26/17 – Letter about the interview arrived
02/10/17 – EAD being produced
02/15/17 – EAD mailed
02/20/17 – EAD arrived
02/23/17 – Interview done and IO told us the case was approved. Website update 15 minutes after interview with the message: “New card is being produced”. The next day the message was “Case was approved”
The interview: We arrived to the office 25 minutes earlier and we waited for about 1 hour to start. The IO was very nice and gentle, talking in a very friendly way. He checked our originals passport and explained we would have 2 parts, one just the immigrant and another for the couple. He asked us to stand up and swearing to tell the truth. After, He asked questions related with the I-485 form (my name, BO, address, my father’s name, my mother’s name, my wife’s name, her BO, last day I got in USA, wedding date) and all the “yes” and “no” questions”. The first part ended. Following, He asked to us how the relationship started and we answered with all details. We told him about first date, second date, trips to Brazil, wedding, etc. Questions ended. Then He asked for copies of join bank account statements, joint credit cards, joint insurance, EAD and facebook pages. He didn’t see any pictures and others documents I had. He said I was approved and I will have my card next week (probably).
Medical exam: I did all my exam and submitted with all the forms. However, if your process take a long time (more than a year), it is better don’t send it and bring it at the interview, avoiding renew your exam (it expires in 1 year).
I am so happy!
02/27/17 – Card was mailed to me
02/30/17 – Card arrived
Thanks for all of you guys and this amazing website with all those information.
Good luck to all!