FAQs: US Visa & Social Media: What you need to know about new screening policies and their impact
Release Date
08/01/2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual that will enhance the capability to screen and vet family-based immigrant visa petitions. This update explains requirements and adjudication of these petitions, including eligibility criteria, filing, interviews, and decisions.
PLEASE CONFIRM THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WITH THE U.S. CONSULATE CLOSEST TO THE PLACE OF RESIDENCE IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY. LAWS ARE SUBJECT TO FREQUENT CHANGES
This policy memorandum (PM) provides guidance for properly assigning priority dates in those instances where a petitioner requests that the priority date from a separate, previously filed petition, be applied to a later filed family-based second-preference “B” petition (F2B) or seeks adjustment of status in the F2B category, based upon an originally-filed family-based second-preference “A” petition (F2A) pursuant to Public Law 107-208, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
So, we had our interview in Tampa. We waited for about an hour and begin to get worried when people arriving after us started to get called in. Eventually after waiting for an hour we were called. the officer was nice and courteous. He asked for our ID's then a few questions about how and when we came about living on this planet. Then he
The interview took place @ 11:45 a.m. but we had been there for over an hour. There were at least another 50 couples waiting and as some couples left new couples would arrive, so the room had about 100 people waiting at all times.
The questions I had - I am very grateful.
Now to the story about my interview experience today: My appointment was at 1:30PM but we arrived there at 1:05PM and we were called in like 5minutes later. The officer was very nice and he started off by making small talk about how deep my voice was when I answered him. This was as we walked down the hallway towards his office.
Hey guys just wanted to share my experience with everyone.I arrived 45 minutes early,didn't get called in until 30 minutes after my scheduled time.Anyway the officer was very polite,which put my wife and myself at ease,we were not nervous,just extremely anxious and ready to get it over with.First thing that was asked for was our id's(dl's) and my wife's proof of citizenship,next we swore to tell the truth.After that we were asked together where do we live,how many people live with us,how long have we lived there.Next came the infamous No questions and of course I answered no to all.A
Guys,
We got approved at the LA DO office this morning and wanted share our experience.
Our appt was scheduled for 9:35 am and we got in the waiting room at 9am. Submitted the appt letter to a lady and waited for our names to be called. I would say 8 out of 10 pple had their lawyers with them. I used my lawyer to file the paperwork but saw no point bringing him for the interview paying $650 extra. However, we consulted with the lawyer last week to prep for the interview.
11:15 Went through security then directed to the appropriate waiting room;
There were other couples, and I must say the office really looked busy as there were many IO’s. Well I assumed they were at the rate in which families being interviewed were going in and out.
Our chance came eventually and we were called in by a fine lady, whose first thing was to swear us in. She appeared like she wanted to laugh through some of the proceedings although she kept a serious look.
Some of the questions asked;
We are back from San Antonio and I was APPROVED!!!!
Hey Everyone!
We got approved in Atlanta today. Everything went really well, but anyways I wanted to share my experience with all of you:
Left from Alabama at 7:30 AM. Took us about Two hours to get there.
The DO is a 3 story building with the USCIS logo and name... impressive and yet scary.
We entered they building at 11:23 AM and went through the security (metal detector and x-rays) Make sure you empty your pockets!
My wife got FTJ IV visa stamped in her passport in Chennai. EB3 - PD 4/30/2001.
Below is the process, in her words, she went thru:
Medicals:
Called two days ahead for a 10.00 AM appointment with "Lister METROPOLIS Laboratory Research Center Pvt. Ltd" and a 4.00 PM appointment with "Dr. Mathai Thomas".
Flew in from Hyderabad to Chennai, had in-flight breakfast, took a taxi from airport to the Lab, 30 min ride.