Biometrics, Interview & State Change

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Hello all

I had a qn regarding interview, biometrics and state change.

Basically, right now we're in Texas, scheduled to move back to Iowa in March-ish (sometime in March before 31 March).

All paperwork we send will be put under the Texas address of course (we're hoping to mail it out before we leave), but my question is, what happens if we move before the biometrics are scheduled or rather, while those letters are "in transit" or something.

For instance, what if I get a letter in Feb saying biometrics or interview in March? Do I have to call up and say "we'll be in Iowa by then?" or what? Or do you think it would be best to wait until after we've moved?

March 11 is the 180 day line, and I would really like to apply before then to ensure I can still use AP safely as my father has a form of leukaemia and is getting on in years, and I want to be sure I'm safe in case something happens **knock on wood**

I know it's POSSIBLE to change address of course, but I have to admit I haven't seen anything about changing states, or changing in general, and the effect it has on biometrics and interview bookings. Is there a "buffer zone" of time? For instance will I be waiting say a month at least (from sending in to getting things booked) so we have time to move and change addresses on the system before I need to stress out about changing those appointments? Has any HAD to change those appointments and had any issues? Or people with experience at changing able to pass on their wisdom?

Thanks to all in advance

Edited January 11, 2010 by Vanessa&Tony

[VanessaTony 3,567]

**Oops. June 9 2010 is my 180 day mark.. it's late... sorry Ignore all references to apply "in time" 'cause I sure hope it's in the next month or so and not waiting till JUNE!! lol

Thanks again

[Nich-Nick 3,355]

Your bio appointment will depend on how busy the local office is and when an appointment was available. I received my appointment letter for one of the Houston offices 7 days after getting the NOA1 hard copy in the mail. The appointment was just over two weeks away from when the letter was received.

I have a spreadsheet of UK AOS filers which covers about 50 people all over the US and the whole year 2009. If you count from the date on the NOA1 (not when received in mail) to the actual bio date, the average was 29 days. Most were in that range with some being in the 16-17 day range. The longest was 112 days, but it seemed to have gotten lost in the shuffle and when she finally called to ask about it, she was given a bio appointment almost immediately. Many people do an earlier "walk in" to an office once they have the appointment letter to show they have been authorized to have biometrics.

About 75% of the filers, all K1s, were transfered to California and had no interview. The odds are in your favor that you won't have to worry about an interview being scheduled in Texas when you need it in Iowa. There have been people who despite changing their address, had their GC mailed to their old address and then returned back to USCIS. When you move, just make sure you follow up perhaps with a phone call 2-4 weeks later to make sure they have your correct address.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Thank you for taking time to reply!

Depending on when we send it in, to when we move, if I get the letter for biometrics on a date AFTER we've moved I might do walk-in like you suggested to get it out of the way.

Interview, well, guess we'll just see what happens.

Thanks again

[Nich-Nick 3,355]

The fingerprinting (biometrics) are done at Application Support Centers (ACP) and not necessarily at the big immigration offices. The Houston one we went to was in a run down strip shopping center. It was small with just a few customers inside. You will need photo id, but your appointment letter will explain that. Here is a link to find the nearest ACP to your zip code. That should be the office that they will assign you to for biometrics.

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...office_type=ASC

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Oooo thank you again! Another link to add to my "stock pile" of helpful links