how long to receive AP after approval?

[dburnt 59]

I mailed my I485, with the travel and work forms on September 28. My NOA1s are dated the 1st and 3rd or October. On October 25, I requested an expedite of the I-131 due to a medical emergency at home. I got an RFE for additional details from the doctors the following week, which I replied to immediately (note that for some stupid reason, everything they do is by USPS and so takes a week to arrive). After a few calls, I was finally approved for AP on November 18 (last Tuesday). My case for the I-131 shows approved on November 18 (we will mail your notice), and the I-765 shows "my card was sent to me".

With this good news, I booked my flights (medical emergency after all) and it is booked for Friday. Sadly, I have not yet received anything in the mail. I called yesterday, and was told there was nothing to be done, but I could try going into the field office. I did that this morning - and was told...A) their systems were down due to storms yesterday (convenient since there happened to not be a soul in the entire building the day before Thanksgiving), and B) even if they could get into the system, it would take a couple of days to process. I pointed out that it was already processed and approved, I just needed another copy of the notice...and was told it still takes a couple of days to type and print that out.

So, my questions are...

1. Does it normally take long to receive either the card or the approval notice? What is normal?

2. How does anyone justify this type of service for medical emergencies? All I can say is, thank goodness my mother made it over the hurdle in the meantime and hasn't died. It is appalling to me that this is acceptable service.

Note that I did try to book an appointment with them weeks ago and there are no appointments showing available for another 2 weeks still...At this point, I will have to cancel my flights since I will not risk my status by leaving without paperwork in hand.

[G Walters 136]

What does the status on the USCIS site say for you. They include the USPS tracking number. have you tracked the Mail with the card. If I am not mistaken the cards are printed and sent from an area that was hit by the Snow storms last week this could have delayed the mail. What does the tracking of your package say.

[hmh33 117]

It's a personal choice of course, but if I were in that situation, I would fly. You've been notified that the AP was approved, and that's what counts. I wouldn't do it for a less emergent situation.