Question about transportation and biometrics

[amishbaby 407]

Hi, I have a question about biometrics and adjustment of status. I currently don't have a vehicle and don't have too many people to rely on for transportation to and from places. I have people that would take me to close places nearby, but not far locations. So my question is, even though it's pretty far from now, what would happen if I can't get to my appointment on the exact scheduled day for biometrics? Like say, I got someone to agree to give me a ride but they couldn't give me the ride to the appointment on the exact day of my appointment? Would they let me reschedule to a day they could take me, or would they allow me to come earlier than my appointment day? I am just looking into this because I know there isn't any local USCIS offices. I live in the 18224 area and the only close offices to me are in Philadelphia, which is about a 2 hour drive. I have one in York, which is a 2 hour drive. And one in Pittsburgh, which is a 4 hour drive. I have none that's about 30 mins to an hour and I know that none of my friends or family will probably give us a ride when we need it.  But my basic question is, do they work with you when you have transportation issues? Anyone in Pennsylvania or anyone who experienced something similar have anything they can offer? I mean if I have to take a greyhound bus when the time comes I can probably do that. Only thing is
the money I would have to spend for the buses and then a taxi to get us there would be expensive. I know it's far from now, but I like to look into everything (lol it's something I have a problem doing.) Thanks to those who can help... I mean it wouldn't be so hard and I would have this figured out if they had closer USCIS application centers but they're all far from me. 

 

I guess my other question is, is the bio-metrics the same day as the adjustment of status interview when it comes time to him adjusting his status? I'm guessing they are on separate dates, and if they are, are they at the same location or different locations? I just want to know what to expect... kinda scares me... thanks again.

 

Edited April 7, 2017 by amishbaby

[KierenHby 899]

Buses, local trains are cheaper. Or a car rental; a compact car is cheaper than AOS fees. 

[evapaula 230]

Biometrics and interview are on different days, and when they send the biometrics appointment, they'll be specific about which center you're scheduled at. 

 

[amishbaby 407]

1 hour ago, KierenHby said:

Buses, local trains are cheaper. Or a car rental; a compact car is cheaper than AOS fees. 

I saved up all the money for the fees, so I'm good on that. But I guess I am going to have to try and scavenge up even more extra cash just in case I have to try and go that route... I have to check into a train. Don't think we have them. But I think I will figure it out when the time comes. I will just save up some extra cash. I so far found two possible services. Amtrak would get me there the same day, but Greyhound would take like 8 hours so if I took Greyhound I would have to get a hotel so that's more money. I'm thinking Amtrak would be the best, but I will tackle it as the time comes.

 

Thanks. 

[amishbaby 407]

1 hour ago, evapaula said:

Biometrics and interview are on different days, and when they send the biometrics appointment, they'll be specific about which center you're scheduled at. 

 

Do you know if the appointments are normally in the AM or could they do the appointments in the afternoon? 

[evapaula 230]

You could call the closest USCIS office and find out - in my experience, it was morning both times so far (9-11), and I know they don't stay open late

 

 

[AMW 6]

2 minutes ago, amishbaby said:

Do you know if the appointments are normally in the AM or could they do the appointments in the afternoon? 

This depends entirely on the office you are sent to. Our office is huge and we were told appoints are scheduled all day. A friend said her office in another state only did morning appointments.

 

Also, most biometrics letters are sent (on average) about a month ahead of time. Plan to take a bus or train but you may also have time to possibly find a ride when you find out the actual date. 

 

As far as biometrics and AOS interview locations - most likely they will be in the same office. Unless something happens and your case is transferred. But likely the same office, on different dates - at least you'll be familiar with the travel process for AOS time 

[f f 725]

as you know by the fees immigration is not cheap. if you miss the apointments they can use that as reason for denial.I would recommend getting a single day rental on a car. they usually cost less than 30 bucks if you reserve it in advance. gas would be another ten or twenty so ever thing for under 50. once you get the biometrics done they will send you the work authorization if you applied for it and then you guys have another income which should help out with the interview apointment, they usually are at different locations.

 

 

good luck

[amishbaby 407]

1 hour ago, AMW said:

This depends entirely on the office you are sent to. Our office is huge and we were told appoints are scheduled all day. A friend said her office in another state only did morning appointments.

 

Also, most biometrics letters are sent (on average) about a month ahead of time. Plan to take a bus or train but you may also have time to possibly find a ride when you find out the actual date. 

 

As far as biometrics and AOS interview locations - most likely they will be in the same office. Unless something happens and your case is transferred. But likely the same office, on different dates - at least you'll be familiar with the travel process for AOS time 

OK, that's really good. For some reason I was thinking they only give you a short notice. If I don't have a short notice, I should definitely have it figured out. That would be the goal, to find someone like a friend or family to take me to the appointment. I'll probably ask my aunt or uncle before a friend though, as other people are hard to trust for situations like this. But worst case scenario, I'll take about $300 with me for each trip if I have to take a bus or something. 

 

That's good they're most likely in the same offices. That will make things a bit easier on me. 

 

Yeah, that's why I am looking into the travel now. I want to be prepared and not have any last minute surprises!  

[amishbaby 407]

1 hour ago, f f said:

as you know by the fees immigration is not cheap. if you miss the apointments they can use that as reason for denial.I would recommend getting a single day rental on a car. they usually cost less than 30 bucks if you reserve it in advance. gas would be another ten or twenty so ever thing for under 50. once you get the biometrics done they will send you the work authorization if you applied for it and then you guys have another income which should help out with the interview apointment, they usually are at different locations.

 

 

good luck

That's a good idea. A rental car. I didn't even think about that. Thanks for the suggestion. 

[KierenHby 899]

1 hour ago, amishbaby said:

That's a good idea. A rental car. I didn't even think about that. Thanks for the suggestion. 

 

2 hours ago, KierenHby said:

Buses, local trains are cheaper. Or a car rental; a compact car is cheaper than AOS fees. 

 

[Ontarkie 14,279]

~~Moved to AOS Family, from K1 P&P - As the OP's questions are about AOS.~~

[amishbaby 407]

1 hour ago, KierenHby said:

 

 

Lol I have massive ADHD which I haven't started taking meds for yet. I overlook stuff here and there. I see you mentioned it now. I fixated on the bus and the train thing a bit and didn't notice what you said about the rental. 

[amishbaby 407]

Fortunately they have GPS systems because I wouldn't have a clue on how to get there. 

[p-ana 933]

If you go to this page, https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=ASC scroll down and put your zip code where stated, you can find out which asc you'll need to go on your biometrics appointment.

 

Although I have a license from my home country, I've never driven here, my husband travels for work all the time and I don't really have anyone close to rely on so I had to get out there and find a way. I took an uber, a train and a bus to get to my asc appointment, same to get back. I only had a 10 day notice before the appointment.

 

You can do it! Don't fear and you start planning out things from now is the right thing to do. 

 

Best set of luck in your journey

Edited April 8, 2017 by p-ana
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