Our Journey Through the U.S. Green Card Process: A Personal Story

When my husband and I decided to navigate the challenges of the U.S. immigration system, we knew it would require patience and diligence. My husband, a native-born American citizen and freelancer, and I, an Australian citizen born in China, had been married for less than a year and were excited about our new baby. Here, I’m sharing our timeline and insights to help those embarking on a similar journey. 😊

Timeline of Our Green Card Application Process

• 2/14: Underwent a medical examination.
• 2/19: Received the medical report.
• 2/24: Submitted the I-130 application online; receipt issued.
• 2/25: Mailed all necessary materials for I-485, I-864, and I-765.
• 3/5: Received receipts for other submitted forms.
• 3/8: Received biometrics appointment notice.
• 3/28: Attended biometrics appointment.
• 4/27: Work permit approved; received a few days later with a 5-year validity.
• 5/15: Attended interview; no decision made on the same day.
• 5/19: Online status updated to show approval.
• 5/27: Received the Green Card with a 2-year validity.

Preparing the Documentation

The most daunting form for me was the I-864 Affidavit of Support, primarily because my husband’s income was below the guideline, making sponsorship difficult. To my relief, I learned that if the applicant’s income meets the requirements, they can sponsor themselves. I recommend including a cover letter to help organize your materials and ensure nothing is left out. Additionally, I found immense help from YouTube influencer Kseniya, who creates in-depth videos for filling out each form and even provides cover letter templates. 📄

The Interview Experience

During our one-hour interview, our officer was incredibly accommodating. The first half focused on the I-130 application, where both my husband and I could answer questions together. The second half involved the I-485, requiring me to answer alone while my husband stayed by my side. They primarily asked questions based on our forms, especially for the I-485—essentially walking through the entire application. Some queries involved the details of how we met, specifics about our wedding (I even shared photos!), and the names of each of our parents (I had to rely on my husband to remember his father’s name!). Overall, there were no tricky or invasive questions, and we were allowed to remain together throughout the process, unlike some experiences I’d heard about.

Final Thoughts

For those still waiting, stay strong! I believe our relatively swift process was partly due to the fact we have a child born in the U.S., which verified our marriage’s authenticity. Additionally, my long work history here demonstrated that I wouldn’t become a burden on the government. We’ve also had friends who faced longer waits despite having strong job credentials, highlighting how each case can vary. Wishing everyone the best of luck on their journeys! 🌟