Calling USCIS for NOA1 hardcopy missing

[Alex&Mari 0]

Hi everyone.

I decided to call USCIS customer services (1-800-375-5283) because I haven’t received my I-797 notification (NOA1 hardcopy). First, a guy asked me what type of application was and if I had the receipt number, if I was the petitioner or beneficiary, and which is my service office. After answering, he notified me that my status was on "initial review" and I should wait until arrive in the mail any notice. I told him my situation that I had not received I-797 (NOA1 hardcopy) and I wanted to check why. The guy informed me that he going to put me to another officer who could help me. I waited a few seconds and a woman answered, asking my name, receipt number and my alien number. I told her I don’t have any and she said "Fine ". Also, asked for my fianceé's name and date of birth. She told me that my status was in "initial review"... (same as the first guy) and if I have any questions. I told her I had not received my I-797 hardcopy. Immediately, she checked and asked my address. By telling my address, she replied me that it was not. Then, I said my residential address and she said that was correct and that they sent my notification in that address. I told her that I typed on a separate sheet and even use post it! the explanation that my home address is NOT the same as the mailing address. She gave me no excuse, just said the same thing and add to not be worry that they gonna re send it in my "new " direction.

She asked me if I had another question and I told her that I would like to corroborate that information was correct in the I-797 (names and beneficiary’s country). Kindly she gave me the information and everything was OK thanks to God. She even asked if I had more questions and told me if I do not get the NOA1 harcopy in two weeks to call back.

I wrote this first experience calling USCIS, for two reasons. First, for those who are in a situation like mine, I recommend to CALL. No reason to take so long to receive NOA1 harcopy and Yes they CAN reissued.

Second, I wonder why the forms are asked to add an explanatory sheet with extra information (if required) if they do not read it?

I noted with this that they go directly to the forms and do not verify the extra information added (at least in my case). Thanks to everyone for this wonderful site and my advice is to call for any doubt, even when here is provided valuable information. Not everything here is said and each case is unique. Thanks a lot. Happy journey.

Edited May 25, 2011 by Alex&Mari

[* Kristin * 49]

Just curious.. but on the form, you did specify something like 'Please see supplement sheet' so they would know to look for it, right? You didn't just complete the form and disregard a mention of the sheet? If you did the latter, that might be why they didn't give it attention.

All the best on the rest of your journey!

Hi everyone.

I decided to call USCIS customer services (1-800-375-5283) because I haven’t received my I-797 notification (NOA1 hardcopy). First, a guy asked me what type of application was and if I had the receipt number, if I was the petitioner or beneficiary, and which is my service office. After answering, he notified me that my status was on "initial review" and I should wait until arrive in the mail any notice. I told him my situation that I had not received I-797 (NOA1 hardcopy) and I wanted to check why. The guy informed me that he going to put me to another officer who could help me. I waited a few seconds and a woman answered, asking my name, receipt number and my alien number. I told her I don’t have any and she said "Fine ". Also, asked for my fianceé's name and date of birth. She told me that my status was in "initial review"... (same as the first guy) and if I have any questions. I told her I had not received my I-797 hardcopy. Immediately, she checked and asked my address. By telling my address, she replied me that it was not. Then, I said my residential address and she said that was correct and that they sent my notification in that address. I told her that I typed on a separate sheet and even use post it! the explanation that my home address is NOT the same as the mailing address. She gave me no excuse, just said the same thing and add to not be worry that they gonna re send it in my "new " direction.

She asked me if I had another question and I told her that I would like to corroborate that information was correct in the I-797 (names and beneficiary’s country). Kindly she gave me the information and everything was OK thanks to God. She even asked if I had more questions and told me if I do not get the NOA1 harcopy in two weeks to call back.

I wrote this first experience calling USCIS, for two reasons. First, for those who are in a situation like mine, I recommend to CALL. No reason to take so long to receive NOA1 harcopy and Yes they CAN reissued.

Second, I wonder why the forms are asked to add an explanatory sheet with extra information (if required) if they do not read it?

I noted with this that they go directly to the forms and do not verify the extra information added (at least in my case). Thanks to everyone for this wonderful site and my advice is to call for any doubt, even when here is provided valuable information. Not everything here is said and each case is unique. Thanks a lot. Happy journey.

[Angela M. 2]

Hi everyone.

I decided to call USCIS customer services (1-800-375-5283) because I haven’t received my I-797 notification (NOA1 hardcopy). First, a guy asked me what type of application was and if I had the receipt number, if I was the petitioner or beneficiary, and which is my service office. After answering, he notified me that my status was on "initial review" and I should wait until arrive in the mail any notice. I told him my situation that I had not received I-797 (NOA1 hardcopy) and I wanted to check why. The guy informed me that he going to put me to another officer who could help me. I waited a few seconds and a woman answered, asking my name, receipt number and my alien number. I told her I don’t have any and she said "Fine ". Also, asked for my fianceé's name and date of birth. She told me that my status was in "initial review"... (same as the first guy) and if I have any questions. I told her I had not received my I-797 hardcopy. Immediately, she checked and asked my address. By telling my address, she replied me that it was not. Then, I said my residential address and she said that was correct and that they sent my notification in that address. I told her that I typed on a separate sheet and even use post it! the explanation that my home address is NOT the same as the mailing address. She gave me no excuse, just said the same thing and add to not be worry that they gonna re send it in my "new " direction.

She asked me if I had another question and I told her that I would like to corroborate that information was correct in the I-797 (names and beneficiary’s country). Kindly she gave me the information and everything was OK thanks to God. She even asked if I had more questions and told me if I do not get the NOA1 harcopy in two weeks to call back.

I wrote this first experience calling USCIS, for two reasons. First, for those who are in a situation like mine, I recommend to CALL. No reason to take so long to receive NOA1 harcopy and Yes they CAN reissued.

Second, I wonder why the forms are asked to add an explanatory sheet with extra information (if required) if they do not read it?

I noted with this that they go directly to the forms and do not verify the extra information added (at least in my case). Thanks to everyone for this wonderful site and my advice is to call for any doubt, even when here is provided valuable information. Not everything here is said and each case is unique. Thanks a lot. Happy journey.

I am glad that worked for you. I had two people tell me that they cannot reissue a hardcopy. That makes me want to call back and tell them off... lol...okay maybe not but you get me. This just proves that they don't know what is going on and what they can and cannot do...so disappointing.

[Alex&Mari 0]

Just curious.. but on the form, you did specify something like 'Please see supplement sheet' so they would know to look for it, right? You didn't just complete the form and disregard a mention of the sheet? If you did the latter, that might be why they didn't give it attention.

All the best on the rest of your journey!

Hi Yes, I placed a neon Post it! and a tab in where I specified the supplement sheet with VERY IMPORTANT information about Part A Item #2. The extra sheet was before the second sheet of the I-129 form. Also, I mentioned the supplement sheet in the cover letter. Thanks for your reply

[Alex&Mari 0]

I am glad that worked for you. I had two people tell me that they cannot reissue a hardcopy. That makes me want to call back and tell them off... lol...okay maybe not but you get me. This just proves that they don't know what is going on and what they can and cannot do...so disappointing.

I know how you feel but be positive and call. I waited too much to call. Maybe it works this time for you, too. Is important to verify names and beneficiary's country. Yes, girl, just do it!

Edited May 25, 2011 by Alex&Mari

[gandacel 7]

We never got the hard copy of our NOA1. My fiance called USCIS and they said we'll be fine without it. I have not seen anything about needing your NOA1. Do call if you don't receive your NOA2, that's the notice that's important.

[Alex&Mari 0]

We never got the hard copy of our NOA1. My fiance called USCIS and they said we'll be fine without it. I have not seen anything about needing your NOA1. Do call if you don't receive your NOA2, that's the notice that's important.

Congrats in your NOA2 Yes, I know the most important is NOA2 but like someone told me Why to take risks and don't use a few minutes of your day and call? What happen if they wrote the wrong country and you never know it until NOA2? Some countries take a long time to get an interview than others. I don't know if that happens, could affect my case in some way delaying the process. So, I never know what to expect dealing with USCIS. That convinced me to call and ask for the hardcopy. Also, if I had not called, I wouldn't know they had the wrong address, maybe I wouldn't receive NOA2, neither. So, I think the call was the best thing I did, to avoid possible future problems in that matter. NOA1 hardcopy shows more information (as names and country of the beneficiary) than a simple text message. By text message I got the receipt number, call me old fashioned, but a "real" notice in where I can check that information is right, give me a sense of comfort and security.

Happy day

[* Kristin * 49]

There is something nice about receiving the hard copy in the post

I liked the email update.. but it was nice to have that 'official' paper.

I know what you mean

All the best.

Congrats in your NOA2 Yes, I know the most important is NOA2 but like someone told me Why to take risks and don't use a few minutes of your day and call? What happen if they wrote the wrong country and you never know it until NOA2? Some countries take a long time to get an interview than others. I don't know if that happens, could affect my case in some way delaying the process. So, I never know what to expect dealing with USCIS. That convinced me to call and ask for the hardcopy. Also, if I had not called, I wouldn't know they had the wrong address, maybe I wouldn't receive NOA2, neither. So, I think the call was the best thing I did, to avoid possible future problems in that matter. NOA1 hardcopy shows more information (as names and country of the beneficiary) than a simple text message. By text message I got the receipt number, call me old fashioned, but a "real" notice in where I can check that information is right, give me a sense of comfort and security.

Happy day

[gandacel 7]

Congrats in your NOA2 Yes, I know the most important is NOA2 but like someone told me Why to take risks and don't use a few minutes of your day and call? What happen if they wrote the wrong country and you never know it until NOA2? Some countries take a long time to get an interview than others. I don't know if that happens, could affect my case in some way delaying the process. So, I never know what to expect dealing with USCIS. That convinced me to call and ask for the hardcopy. Also, if I had not called, I wouldn't know they had the wrong address, maybe I wouldn't receive NOA2, neither. So, I think the call was the best thing I did, to avoid possible future problems in that matter. NOA1 hardcopy shows more information (as names and country of the beneficiary) than a simple text message. By text message I got the receipt number, call me old fashioned, but a "real" notice in where I can check that information is right, give me a sense of comfort and security.

Happy day

That's true, better be safe than sorry hope you have a smooth (and short) journey!