So Erin and I finally had our immigration interview for her green card today. Went off mostly without a hitch. Our interview actually started pretty much on time considering this is the federal government we're talking about here and the interviewer looked like some fresh-out-of-college dude. Interview itself was relatively quick. We first had to show him our IDs (passport for Erin, driver's license for me) and marriage license. He just asked Erin a few questions about me: how we met, where I went to school, where I worked, and where I used to work. And then asked me even fewer questions: which school Erin originally received her I-20 for and whether or not she was working. He would specifically address the questions to either Erin or I and the other person couldn't help answer the question. Fortunately, that wasn't much of an issue.
He then asked if we had any documents to show that we were living together and such which I didn't have since we really don't have any. I guess I could have brought a copy of our apartment lease but I was too lazy to try to dig that up from my big and unorganized documents bin the night before. =p Then he asked if we had any pictures of us that we could show him. Big geek that I am I whipped out my Powerbook and offered to show him a ton of stuff in iPhoto. He just laughed and said that was alright, he didn't have time for me to set it up. Even though it wouldn't really have taken all that long.
So contrary to what the interview request form said, I didn't really need to bring my tax returns and birth certificates and whatnot. Joint documents and photos they definitely are interested in seeing however. Although not that strict about it; but that may differ between interviewers.
Anyway, after all was said and done, he removed the I-94 entry form in Erin's passport and stamped it with an I-551 which allows her to travel and work until we receive her temporary green card (3-6 months). However, the whole ordeal isn't quite over with yet. 90 days before the expiration of the temporary green card, we have to apply for her permanent green card. And they won't even remind us to do so so I'll have to make sure that I mark the date down in my Treo so we don't forget it. Anyhoo, at least this much is done with... Next step, getting her a social security number. That shouldn't be too difficult. =)
