Thursday 31 May 2012

The BIG interview

Lets cut to the chase about the interview yesterday - I passed! Although I'm not sure "passed" is the correct word. I'm not getting deported, I'm allowed to stay in the USA. 

And now to the details;

So we are know I was dreading the interview - I had no real idea what would happen and searching google resulted in seeing them question everything from what you did last night, to details about your partner and your sex life. I made sure to fill my folder with everything they mentioned in the letter that we were required to take, I had our photobook, cards, photographs, official documents and letters. Everything filed, everything ready. I was beyond nervous.

Our appointment was at the nearest Homeland Security building which for us is on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. The process was similar to the one I underwent at the American Embassy in London - you let them know you're there and you wait in a huge room resembling an airport lounge with loads of screens with numbers and letters. We had to wait for my name to be called and met with the guy that was doing our interview who led us to his office. After swearing we'd tell the truth he went straight into pronouncing he'd gone through my K-1 forms yesterday [that's that huge envelope of the original paperwork dating back from January 2011 with Joe's original application, my London medical stuff and things from the embassy which I handed over at the Detroit airport] and that he was happily giving me a Green Card. Just like that. 

The waiting room where we had to wait prior to the interview - resembling an airport lounge. On the upper walls [which you can just see] they had the names and dates of famous immigrants to America - from Bob Hope to Einstein. Image source.

In five minutes he'd double checked my biographical information, talked about that we can't yet go to Canada until I actually receive my card, took a copy of the marriage certificate and said thank you for coming. 

Now I know some people who have issues with immigration and how lax it is may have issues with this process especially knowing I'm getting a green card out of it. I did think there would have been more questions, but considering the process as a whole and this being the end of the journey - we'd already handed in a lot of photographs, copies of boarding passes and been through one interview previously. Maybe it's because I'm British and not from a country they worry about. I'm glad they didn't tackle us down and question everything about our relationship because as I've said before everyone one's relationship is different. This is just our and this was our case of immigration - it might not be the same for everyone so please bare that in mind. 

So what's next? In the short term we're off to celebrate with a meal at the weekend and we need to actually wait for my green card in the post. We're off to spend the rest of the year working out where we want to live/settle down - as you know I'd love that to be in Chicago. A lot of this is dependant on things out of our control - if the economy continues to suck in the UK [or if Cameron's still in charge] then maybe we'll stay here. And its also dependent on who's living in the White House come November, I think Romney cuts could hit us hard. But who knows - I still need to get a job first. In the long run I can apply for American Citizenship in three years - it might take me that long to decide! 


Finally I want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone of you that has ever wished us luck, not only for yesterday but from the very start regarding long distance relationships, moving, visa's to the wedding. You all really are the best!

51 comments:

  1. Congratulations! I'm glad it was all easy in the end, hope you have a lovely time celebrating!

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  2. So so pleased for you! Congratulations :)

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  3. So pleased for you both Rachael.

    C
    xxx

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  4. Congratulations honey, so happy for you :) xxx

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  5. that's really great news! sounds like an exciting journey, i'm so happy to see a ldr dream come true :)

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    Replies
    1. Aw thank you - it was hard work at times and in all it took us ages to get to the end but i'm glad we did and we stuck with it!

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  6. I'm thrilled for you both, I'm going to toast the pair of you when I've opened the wine later. That waiting room looks hideously scary, well done for surviving and getting through the horrid ordeal. xxx

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    1. Yey! Thank you Vix, those rooms always remind me of waiting at the Drs/Hospital, it's awful and feels like everyone is watching you!

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  7. Wow seems like such an ordeal, just sitting in that waiting room must have been nerve racking enough! I'm so glad it's finally over and you have the green card. You both must be thrilled xxx

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    1. Yeah those waiting rooms aren't the nicest of places!

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  8. I'm so glad, Rachael. I know I couldn't go through all that stress, I get worked up enough just moving house.

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    1. I think this has really tested us and we came out the other side. Although saying that I'm sure I'll get stressed moving!

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  9. i'm so glad everything worked out for you two! such a beautiful love story! xxx

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  10. I am so happy for you Rachael and I'm happy it was so easy!

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    1. Thank you - I was a little oddly disappointed that he didn't want to see any of the evidence i'd organised though hahah!

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  11. Such brilliant news! This has really brought a smile to my face and I'm so, so glad this major worry is behind you and now all you have to do is wait for the card! :-) Congratulations lovely

    Jem xXx

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    1. It probably won't feel real till the card turns up and its mine! So glad it's all sorted though - can just stop worrying about what paperwork to file next and where stuff is going. I feel now that I can finally properly settle in always use to be worried it could be taken away.

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  12. Fantastic! Congratulations, enjoy celebrating x

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    1. Thank you! Hopefully we'll get up to some fun stuff at the weekend.

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  13. Wahoo well done! If I have any say over the UK, Cameron will be gone! Minging waste of space!!

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    1. Hahah true true - was trying to register as an overseas voter this afternoon when I saw that the next election isn't due really till 2015. That's depressing!

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  14. Congrats! You must be glad to have that weight off your shoulders. :)

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  15. That's so exciting, congratulations :)

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  16. Aw, congratulations. I glad it wasn't as harrowing as you thought it would be, and now you have an exciting future ahead of you. x

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    1. So am I! Was picturing us being there at least an hour or two - not in and out in 30 mins!

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  17. Congrats, this is really great news hun :) I'm so glad things are working out for you! :D

    Charlee
    http://charmedcharlee.blogspot.com
    xx

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  18. Yay! So pleased all turned out well! Congratulations :)

    Caroline
    Caroline's Catwalk

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  19. I'm a new follower so not all clued up on the background story, but from this post alone I can tell how much this means for you and so happy for you that (this tiny part of it at least) was relatively painless! good luck choosing somewhere to settle!

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    1. Thanks for the follow and the congrats! Exciting where to work out where to settle!

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  20. I'm so happy for you.Hug!

    I'm not sure about Chicago as a place to settle down.
    There is a lot of crime and murders there and gang killings.
    But it don't seem like much of our country is safe anymore.

    Whoever wins the election...cuts will need to be made. We are broke!
    We need real jobs and a roaring economy that supports them.
    Wishing you all the best.
    Love, Joann xoxo

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    1. Well Chicago probably has a better crime rate then Detroit. Plus it has a far better public transport system which for me is really important because I don't drive. Both me and Joe really loved that city and there was just so much we could do there over and over. But politically most countries are broke - that's just how they work. It's who the cuts really help are the issue - the richer or the poor.

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  21. SEEEEEEEEEEEE! I knew you would be fine!!! Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations! :) and a huge hug from me to you!

    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

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  22. Congratulations!!! That is so exciting. I am so happy for you :]

    COME TO CHICAGO!! Yes ^ in some bad parts of the city there are bad things that go on, but there is in every city. You just need to avoid those areas... My mom and I drive to shows in the city at night all the time, my brother lives and goes to school there, I lived there for a semester and never felt unsafe. I am biased though because I grew up right outside of Chicago and am desperately trying to move back there myself. Haha - I don't know where I am going with this other than Chicago is my favorite city.

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  23. Oh sending a big happy squirrel hug. yay yay yay. Congratulations to you both.
    Eeeekkkk that waiting room is yucky scary.
    Love v

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  24. I'm SO HAPPY for you both!!! Yay you finally be able to do some of the things you have been waiting to do like see Canada. xxx

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  25. Argh, congratulations!!! So pleased for you.

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  26. So happy for you. I'm glad the worrying is over! x

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  27. Congrats!! That's fabulous news :) Scarlett x

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  28. Congratulations - great news! Enjoy celebrating this weekend.
    X

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  29. first off, your blog is so cute!!!!
    secondly, congrats on getting to stay :)
    third, i hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend
    ♥ Anna
    :)

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