Adjustment of Status - I-485

TIMELINE:
11/02/2015: Applications mailed (I-130, I-485, I-765)
11/04/2015: Applications received at Chicago Lockbox
11/10/2015: Checks cashed
11/14/2015: Biometrics notice sent
11/16/2015: Biometrics notice received
12/02/2015: Biometrics appointment
12/04/2015: RFE
12/07/2015: RFE Notice Received (outdated i-864 version, copy of nonimmigrant visa)
01/08/2015: RFE Response Sent
01/25/2015: RFE Received
02/16/2016: EAD card delivered
03/08/2016: Case ready to be scheduled for an interview
04/04/2016: Interview date notice received
05/09/2016: Interview at 8am
05/09/2016: Case approved

We came to the interview prepared with an album and then an accordion with joint bank statements, house HUD, birth certificates, car titles, car insurance cards, verification of employment letters, paystubs, honeymoon flight confirmations, hotel confirmation, save the date, and tax returns.

INTERVIEW:
We arrived at 7:45am and were called in at 8am by the officer conducting the interview. He said hello shook our hands, asked for the interview notice and led us to his office. He swore us in and then grabbed my packet (it was everything I had turned in). He asked to see all my previously issued EADs, visas, SSN card and drivers license. He asked my husband for his passport and drivers license. He forgot his wallet at home and so he asked for anything with his name and address on it. I showed him a bank statement and he said that was fine.

He started flipping through the packet and told us "I will point to the person I want to answer the questions. Please do not answer for each other." He asked my husband to state my name, DOB, place of birth and address. He then asked me the exact same questions about him. Then he asked when and where we were married. He asked for our marriage license. Then he asked why there weren't any witnesses on our marriage license. I explained we went to the court by ourselves and the JOP said we did not need witnesses to which he replied "interesting." Then he looked at our pictures that I originally turned in printed on paper. He didn't care much for them. He asked if where we were living was a house and for how long. My husband replied, "yes, since Nov 2014." He asked if we had house stuff and I handed him the HUD, appraisal notice and mortgage interest statement. He made a comment on our new appraisal "I hate these." We laughed and said so did we. He then asked if we had any children, we said no. He said "almost two years married and no children? why not?" I said we wanted to wait a little longer. He then asked why I hadn't changed my last name. I explained I was waiting to go through the immigration process so it wouldn't get confusing and I wouldn't have to add any "other names" to applications. He responded "it's actually easier. I can pencil it in right here, right now if you'd like me to." I said ok. He then told my husband "I believe you are a married couple. I am approving your petition. Don't disappoint me." My husband chuckled and said ok.

He then turned to me and said "your part is coming up and it's gonna be way harder." and he smiled. He asked for both of our birth certificates. He proceeded to ask me 'yes/no' questions. I answered everything and he said we were done. He then asked if we were familiar with the conditional residency green card. I said yes. So he handed us a paper that said we would be issued that and he told us we'd have to apply 90 days before it expires. He said congratulations and walked us out.

Overall he was very nice and polite. You should not be nervous or have fear if you are a legit couple. Good luck to everyone as you continue waiting for this process to be over. Your time will come soon. Be patient. God bless! :)