I-485 Interview - Worst hour and a half of my life!

Question

Ok - so long story short - I got caught with this horrid officer yesterday. I thought we had a strong case, there were enough pictures to fill two albums, and we answered questions succinctly and politely. She asked nothing about our intimate lives, but everything about our families (which is a touchy subject because he can't travel to his homeland, so I haven't met his folks - and I don't speak to my family).

So she said that there wasn't enough paperwork with both our names on it to prove we were married. We had a couple of things - but honestly he moved in with me and I was well established - and he just got his SS card just 3 months ago - between work and school - I just hadn't gotten around to changing everything.

She gave us ONE DAY to change our cable, electric, gas and lease over to both our names, which is impossible because things like this take a few days to approve and change. And she also wants date of first entry into the US - when my husband was 6 - and he is now 33!! We didn't expect that question either...so she wants copies of his father's passport - from 27 years ago.

Is this normal for a 485 interview!!!???

And the ONE DAY issue - is that how long they give you to switch an entire life around and get documents from a foreign country??!!!

Answer 1

they normally give 30-87 days when requesting addtional evidence. you should request that they do a home interview, where they come by your house and inquire with the neighbors about your relationship. as far as the date of entry if he entered legally then he just needs to provide the document that proves his date of entry, if he entered illegaly then he just needs to prove that he was physically present in the u.s. before 12/21/2000.  if you get denied you can file an appeal or motion to reopen and reconsider.  

Answer 2

Did you go with a lawyer?  Appeal the case.  They WILL look at it again.  

In the meantime, continue putting bill, addresses, accounts, etc in both your name.

Answer 3

Its normal, and the one day is completely doable. Just walk in to the cable, electric, gas and leasing office explain the situation and they will help you out.

Answer 4

your lucky you got a I-485 interview

my family has been waiting a year and a half for ours.

and our lawyer said that it would come in less than a year.

Answer 5

One day is enough to add his name into your accounts for everything. It took me 2 hours on the phone to add my husband's name to all the bills and 15 minutes at the bank with my husband to add his name to my account. Make sure that you get statment from them that his name is added.

You don't want to waste precious day by complaining about requests. According to USCIS, you had plenty time to prepare all between the time you filed AOS to the interview, which many of people would prepare for the interview. But now is better than never though. Immigration Officer could have just denied his AOS which happens often than you think. Just be patient and summit all the proofs that she requested and  I think your husband may have chance getting approved. The biggest obstacle at the moment seems to be the fact that he entered US without inspection, meaning illegally. Wish you all the best!

Answer 6

You should have been keeping up-to-date records of all these things. The proof is on you. The officer is being gracious in giving you time to pull your records together.