confused after biometric appointment, help!!!

[nwei 0]

I got my biometric appointment on July 18,2008 in Atlanta office. After having the finger print done, the officer told me that I could expect my 10 year green card in 2 weeks. But now, after almost 2 month, I haven't heard anything from them again. I called the USCIS, and was told that the biometric appointment was only the first step to go. It doesn't mean that my case has been approved. But I swear that the officer in the Atlanta office told me that I can go home and wait for my card through the mail! Anyways, I was wondering what I should do now. Should I just wait to hear from them? How long will it take to get an interview letter or an approval letter after the biometric appointment? My old green card already expired and the one year extension will only cover me until next February and I want to travel abroad sometime at the end of this year. But I don't feel comfortable travel without my new green card. Any suggestions? Thank you!!!!

[HashBrown25 0]

I got my biometric appointment on July 18,2008 in Atlanta office. After having the finger print done, the officer told me that I could expect my 10 year green card in 2 weeks. But now, after almost 2 month, I haven't heard anything from them again. I called the USCIS, and was told that the biometric appointment was only the first step to go. It doesn't mean that my case has been approved. But I swear that the officer in the Atlanta office told me that I can go home and wait for my card through the mail! Anyways, I was wondering what I should do now. Should I just wait to hear from them? How long will it take to get an interview letter or an approval letter after the biometric appointment? My old green card already expired and the one year extension will only cover me until next February and I want to travel abroad sometime at the end of this year. But I don't feel comfortable travel without my new green card. Any suggestions? Thank you!!!!

I was just a day ahead of you on Biometrics. I did mine at Des Moines, IA CIS office. Though I was hoping it (GC) would be faster than the Processing Dates posted for California Service Center, I do not/did not expect to receive it in two or even 3 weeks. I have not received any Interview Appointment either as of this time. I check my Case Status Online every day to make sure I do not miss any activity on my account.

I had traveled back to my country with less than a month left to the Green Card's expiry date and I did not have any problem with that. The near to expire Green Card is backed by the I-797C, Notice of Action - that states "Your conditional resident status is extended for a period of one year. During the one-year extension you are authorized employment and travel."

[Dakine 26]

Squeaky wheel gets ALL the attention! Especially when there are millions of wheels on the same track!

[AussieDude 0]

I got my biometric appointment on July 18,2008 in Atlanta office. After having the finger print done, the officer told me that I could expect my 10 year green card in 2 weeks. But now, after almost 2 month, I haven't heard anything from them again. I called the USCIS, and was told that the biometric appointment was only the first step to go. It doesn't mean that my case has been approved. But I swear that the officer in the Atlanta office told me that I can go home and wait for my card through the mail! Anyways, I was wondering what I should do now. Should I just wait to hear from them? How long will it take to get an interview letter or an approval letter after the biometric appointment? My old green card already expired and the one year extension will only cover me until next February and I want to travel abroad sometime at the end of this year. But I don't feel comfortable travel without my new green card. Any suggestions? Thank you!!!!

The officer probably thought you were renewing your green card rather than removing your conditions. If you're removing your conditions, you can expect to wait 1-3 months (CSC) or 3-9 months (VSC) to get your new card, barring any interviews/RFEs etc.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

The officer probably thought you were renewing your green card rather than removing your conditions. If you're removing your conditions, you can expect to wait 1-3 months (CSC) or 3-9 months (VSC) to get your new card, barring any interviews/RFEs etc.

I agree that this is probably what happened. Since your local office is Atlanta, your file is waiting in VSC. Expect to hear something about 10 months after you submitted your application. It may be a bit longer but is unlikely to be any shorter time.

Edited September 12, 2008 by Kathryn41

[nwei 0]

Thank everyone who replied my post. But I'm still confused... sorry! So you all said it was normal that I hadn't heard anything back from USCIS after the biometric appointment which was 2 month ago, right? So what should I expect now? I mean is there a possibility that I still need an interview?

[Not Available 0]

Thank everyone who replied my post. But I'm still confused... sorry! So you all said it was normal that I hadn't heard anything back from USCIS after the biometric appointment which was 2 month ago, right? So what should I expect now? I mean is there a possibility that I still need an interview?

All the biometrics appointment was for was to get your fingerprints. And yes, two months is normal to not have heard anything. The officer must have misunderstood you. Yes of course there is a possibility you will still need an interview. Your biometrics does not mean your application for your green card is now done and they are ordering it for you, its just the beginning.

You may want to do some research.

[antda 13]

Hi Nwei,

I think the officer must have gotten confused when they said that you should expect your card in 2 weeks after the biometrics, as that is definitely not the case at the VSC. The only thing you can do now is wait for awhile, until your 10 yr green card arrives, as according to current processing times, it will be about a 10month wait or so for the VSC approval. There is no interview at this stage, unless a) there is something wrong with your case or B) it's a random quality-control/lottery that you're called. Meanwhile, still be prepared for an itnerview, just in case they do ask you for one (no need to schedule one). You can still travel with your expired green card, extension letter, and foreign passport. As well, you can get an I-551 stamp in your unexpired foreign passport too, which works like the extension letter. If in doubt, you can wait until you get your 10yr green card in order to travel.

By the way, since you're also at the VSC, you can add your name and information to the following message thread list: "VSC I-751 Status List" (look for the last updated list on the last page), so you can see and post your progress too, for all VJers on this same long-wait at the VSC. Thank you.: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=110056

Hope this helps. Good luck on your immigraiton journey.

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC...)

I got my biometric appointment on July 18,2008 in Atlanta office. After having the finger print done, the officer told me that I could expect my 10 year green card in 2 weeks. But now, after almost 2 month, I haven't heard anything from them again. I called the USCIS, and was told that the biometric appointment was only the first step to go. It doesn't mean that my case has been approved. But I swear that the officer in the Atlanta office told me that I can go home and wait for my card through the mail! Anyways, I was wondering what I should do now. Should I just wait to hear from them? How long will it take to get an interview letter or an approval letter after the biometric appointment? My old green card already expired and the one year extension will only cover me until next February and I want to travel abroad sometime at the end of this year. But I don't feel comfortable travel without my new green card. Any suggestions? Thank you!!!!

Edited September 19, 2008 by AntandD

[ChinaBabe 1]

Hi Nwei,

Welcome to the waiting list. We've all been waiting for months already. good luck.

[walls1010 3]

Don't panic VSC is just too slow just keep on checking your case status online....goodluck!