Green Card Approved! Our AOS Interview Journey in Orlando, Florida

It feels surreal to write this because after a long journey of paperwork, waiting, and prayers, I can finally say my green card is officially approved! Completing the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process is one of the biggest milestones in any immigrant’s journey. After months of gathering documents, waiting endlessly, and feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, I got my green card approved and I can share with you our AOS interview journey in Orlando, Florida.

For those preparing for their own interview, I’m sharing not just our timeline, but exactly what happened on our interview day. I hope this helps others who are in the same path.

Our Immigration Journey Timeline

July (Mid) 2023: My husband and I met.
Nov 10–18, 2023: We went on a trip to the Philippines to introduce him to my family & friends.
Nov 11, 2023: He proposed in Manila.
Jan 15, 2024: He submitted the I-129F Petition.
May 3, 2024: USCIS approved the petition.
July 18, 2024: I attended my K1 visa embassy interview and received a 221g Administrative Process notice.
Oct 15, 2024: We contacted our Florida Congressman for help with the 221g.
Nov 1, 2024: The visa was ready for pickup.
Nov 7, 2024: I arrived in the USA (Port of Entry).
Nov 21, 2024: We got married.
Nov 27, 2024: We submitted the AOS along with my Work Authorization Permit.
Jan 6, 2025: I attended my biometrics appointment.
Jan 8, 2025: USCIS approved my Work Permit (EAD).
Aug 27, 2025: We had our AOS interview and got my Green Card Approved.
Sept 3, 2025: USCIS produced my Green Card.
Sept 6, 2025: USPS delivered my Green Card to our mailbox.

Day of Our Green Card Interview at USCIS Orlando

Our interview took place at the USCIS Orlando Field Office (6680 Corporate Centre Boulevard).

4:30 AM: We woke up early to avoid being late for the more than an hour drive.
6:00 AM: We arrived at the office. While waiting outside, I reviewed all the I-485 security and eligibility questions. Thirty minutes later, I finished just in time to line up.
Security Orientation: A USCIS security officer gave us a quick orientation about what to do inside, what is allowed and what’s not. We were third in line.
Security Check: Officers verified our appointment notice and IDs, scanned our bags (similar to TSA at the airport), and sent us to the reception area.
Reception: A staff member collected our appointment notice, took my photo and fingerprints, and gave us a number. We sat and waited until called.

My nerves were sky-high, and I realized later that my husband felt just as nervous, but his calm demeanor hid it.

Inside the Interview Room

When our number was called, an officer escorted us into a private office. He confirmed our names and birth dates, then noticed our binder of documents.

He complimented our organization, saying it stood out from other couples who bring unorganized stacks of papers. That small compliment calmed my nerves. The officer remained friendly and non-intimidating throughout, keeping the interview light. He preferred an open discussion, allowing both of us to answer freely instead of addressing us individually.

Questions the Officer Asked

Where we met – How we started our relationship, when we realized we liked each other, and why we decided to be together.
My husband’s work and children – Questions about his job and his kids.
Meeting my husband’s ex – Whether I had met his kids’ mom and how we got along.
Travel – Where we traveled together since I arrived in Florida.
My dynamic with the kids – How we play games, walk the dogs, and eat outside together.
Cars – Which of us drives which vehicle according to our driving insurance which has two vehicles registered.

Evidence of Our Relationship

After personal questions, the officer asked for proof of our marriage. We presented:

House lease with both our names on it
Joint tax return
Health insurance covering me under my husband
Other insurances listing both of our names (Life, dental, etc.)
Photo album documenting our daily life and key events since marriage

We also prepared bank statements, pay stubs, work verification letters, birth certificates, travel records (I-94), and passports but the officer didn’t ask for them.

When the office was looking at our photo album, he smiled at pictures of our three adorable huskies and commented on how cute they were. My husband and I joked afterward that the dogs might have helped win him over. He scanned our documents, saved in his computer, returned them, and finally approved my case, confirming he saw our relationship as genuine and well-documented.

I felt a mix of shock and joy. I asked about my green card ID timeline. He explained it usually takes about a week, but to safely allow 15–30 days.

Approval Notification & Green Card Delivery

That day, I checked my USCIS online account repeatedly. Nothing appeared that evening.

Aug 28, 2025: USCIS sent the official approval notification.
Sept 3, 2025: The system confirmed my green card was produced.
Sept 6, 2025: USPS delivered my green card to our mailbox.

Holding my green card for the first time filled me with happiness and relief. After such a long journey, we finally did it!

Tips for a Successful AOS Interview

Based on our experience, here’s what helped us:

Arrive early – Gives you time to relax.
Review I-485 questions – Be ready to answer security and eligibility questions.
Organize your documents – A clean, labeled binder impresses officers.
Bring solid evidence – Lease/mortgage, joint tax returns, insurances, joint bills, and photos are essential.
Stay calm and genuine – Answer honestly; officers sense sincerity.
Bonus tip: Include cute pets in your photo album—they might charm your officer.

Final Thoughts

From meeting in 2023 to receiving my green card in 2025, our journey has been long, emotional, and unforgettable. Every challenge strengthened our bond.

If you’re on this path, stay focused, organized, and persistent. One day, you will hold your green card in your hands and know it was all worth it.

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