Just to close the loop on the message posted below about our difficulties with the AOS - today, Olya returned to the INS office and in less than 5 minutes was given the I-551 stamp.
What this now means is that Olya is a "Conditional Permanent Resident." The I-551 stamp in her passport is valid for one year and represents her rights to work (no EAD required now) and her ability to re-enter the US (no Advanced Parole document required). The physical "Green Card" will take (we are told) several months to arrive - but the I-551 stamp accomplished the same thing.
The 'Green Card', when it does arrive, is good for 2 years. In 18 months - with approximately 6 months to go prior to expiration of the "Temporary Green Card" - we will file with the INS to lift the conditions. Assuming it is approved - she will then receive the Permanent Green Card - good for 10 years.
For those of you that may be wondering about what Amerikanka wrote down below, the INS has implemented a pilot program at a few of their local INS field offices (Detroit and Dallas - that I know about - maybe others), in which the AOS is granted the same day as it is filed (assuming the interview itself is successful).
This represents an enormous savings in both time and money because you do not have to file for EAD nor for Advanced Parole - and, of course, you do not have to wait for the interview which is betwen 12 and 24 months at most field offices.
One other point for consideration. Our AOS interview was held 14 months (roughly) after we were married and applied for AOS. *If* the interview - for whatever reason - had been held *after* 24 months had elapsed from the date we were married - she would have received a NORMAL Green Card good for 10 years - NOT with "Conditional" Status. Makes me wonder if we should have found some reasons to delay the interview so that it passed the 24 month barrier. If anyone has tried this - I'd be interested in hearing your experiences (first-hand only --smile--).
Cheers!
- Dan
