What is an initial screening?

[simplylaura 0]

I received a letter in the mail today that said:

This is an initial screening. Your application(s)/petition(s) is/are being returned to you for the following reason(s):

The fee of $545 for your application/petition is correct and your application/petition is being processed. Your check or money order, in the amount of $545 is being returned to you. See attachment for actual notice.

It also came with the I-797C Notice of Action that told me to wait for a biometrics appointment. The notice also said that my conditional status has been extended for a year. I'm just confused. Why did they send my check back to me? Is this how things are supposed to be done? Note, I have my 2 yr green card and I'm self petitioning for the 10 yr green card since my husband and I had a divorce. Can anyone tell me what this initial screening is and what I'm supposed to do with my returned check? Thanks.

initial_screening_notice.pdf

[lawrencetoland 3]

This is strangest thing I have ever seen. I would make an infopass appointment. It looks like you have your extension letter but I would find out just to be sure.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Wierd. That just doesn't make sense - your fee is correct your application is being processed your fee is being returned to you? Hmmm, maybe they are doing it for free. You didn't by any chance include two cheques? (I know, silly question, but hey that is the only thing that would make that sentence make sense). Maybe it is INFOPASS time.

[jamieswith 0]

Wierd. That just doesn't make sense - your fee is correct your application is being processed your fee is being returned to you? Hmmm, maybe they are doing it for free. You didn't by any chance include two cheques? (I know, silly question, but hey that is the only thing that would make that sentence make sense). Maybe it is INFOPASS time.

Maybe the guys in the mailroom finally lost it lol

[simplylaura 0]

Now I'm starting to worry since it seems like this is not part of the normal process. Doesn't seem like anyone has experienced this before. I'm still hoping someone out there will tell me they got this same letter too. Here's hoping.

[cherr1980 1]

Is the letter came from your Service Center or from your District Office?

I received a letter like that before...but it came from my District Office but it was not saying anything about "returning my fee", just that my case was going to be process soon, but that was after I went for an INFOPASS.

USCIS for sure DOES like money!!! that's the first thing that they do, take your money out.

For whatever reason did you checked something about "fee waiver" or call about something like that? or somebody in your behalf? I know the questions sounds silly but really...

Now I'm starting to worry since it seems like this is not part of the normal process. Doesn't seem like anyone has experienced this before. I'm still hoping someone out there will tell me they got this same letter too. Here's hoping.

[simplylaura 0]

It's weird but I saw that my check was cashed today, AFTER they already sent it back to me. Oh well, I'm not going to try and figure it out. I'm just glad to know that they have my money and everything is good. Thanks everyone.

[Marilyn. 340]

was the check stamped on the back, like it had been processed at a bank..??