Reaching USCIS

[JL & ML 20]

Hi there,

 

We're in the final stages of I-485; biometrics appointment coming up very soon. Just wondering if anyone else has actually used USCIS's 1-800 number. The computer you have to speak with before getting to an agent has extremely limited capabilities. If you say "Speak with an agent," the computer says "I can help you, etc." but of course, it can't really; responses are extremely basic (why the heck else would I be calling unless I needed to speak with someone about a series of very specific questions?). If you ask anything specific, the computer has no idea what to respond and trails off with a bunch of generic information you can easily look up online in two minutes. If you say "Speak with an agent" more than two or three times, the computer says, "I'm sorry, but it looks like I won't be able to help you today. I am ending this call." I tried three different times this morning, to no avail. Frustrating, to say the least.

 

I did get through to an agent a few months ago; I was placed on hold for no more than fifteen minutes. I don't remember how I got past this dragon of a computer guarding the entrance (which was obviously placed there intentionally to make it as difficult as possible for anyone to reach a live person), nor what sequence I used, but something worked. Does anyone have any tips? Has anyone had a similar experience? What worked for you?

 

Thanks!

[KULtoATL 1,551]

In one of the ROC threads, someone suggested to say Infopass and set an appointment so that the system would patch you through. The member said it works for them every time. I've never tried so cannot be 100% sure.

 

Is there something in particular that perhaps our forum could help with?  

[JL & ML 20]

Thank you very much - I will definitely try that.

 

I will post the question on a forum, just in case! Indeed that might help.

[Loren Y 2,755]

If you haven't done biometric yet, I think you are not near the end of the process. My wife did her biometric screening 3 weeks after filing AOS, then it was 8 more months until interview. How long ago did you file the 485? And this was before all the covid-19 started. Not AOS is taking minimum of 12 months in most places. Usually more like 16-18 months. Some have been waiting over 2 years.

[JL & ML 20]

I suppose it's not the end in terms of time, but it's the second-last step before the interview/EAD, whichever comes first.

 

Yes, when I spoke with the agent a few months ago, she told me the current wait time for I-765 was six to nine months, while I-485 wait times were currently set at twelve to thirty-six months.

 

We filed our I-485 and I-765 in the first days of May. My biometrics appointment is set for December 24th, so a few weeks from now.

Edited December 7, 2020 by JL & ML

[Loren Y 2,755]

12 minutes ago, JL & ML said:

I suppose it's not the end in terms of time, but it's the second-last step before the interview/EAD, whichever comes first.

 

Yes, when I spoke with the agent a few months ago, she told me the current wait time for I-765 was six to nine months, while I-485 wait times were currently set at twelve to thirty-six months.

 

We filed our I-485 and I-765 in the first days of May. My biometrics appointment is set for December 24th, so a few weeks from now.

Wow, that shows you how far behind they are. Took you 7 months to get the bio metrics letter, back in 2019 when I filed for my wife we received the letter 3 weeks after filing, and appointment was about 32 days after filing, but back then we did an early walk-in the day after we received the letter, but that was back when an early walk-in was possible, I doubt you could do that now. Looks like the agent was in the ball park, most ead/ap cards have been taking 7 months from what I have seen on VJ recently. You can check the processing times of your ASC center with this link...

 

https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

 

Benefit is it looks like you are in Detroit, and they were pretty quick before covid. Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, were processing AOS in about 4 months. I almost used a address I had in Detroit back when we filed to speed things up, we would just fly in for interview, because Vegas was showing 12-14 months back then, but it only took us about 9 months total.

Edited December 7, 2020 by Loren Y

[Gak 24]

4 hours ago, JL & ML said:

I suppose it's not the end in terms of time, but it's the second-last step before the interview/EAD, whichever comes first.

 

Yes, when I spoke with the agent a few months ago, she told me the current wait time for I-765 was six to nine months, while I-485 wait times were currently set at twelve to thirty-six months.

 

We filed our I-485 and I-765 in the first days of May. My biometrics appointment is set for December 24th, so a few weeks from now.

My timeline is similar to yours. I filed mine in May and took me a long time to get a biometrics appointment. 

 

I faced this issue during the first week of October when I tried to submit an expedite request for my EAD. 

 

I yelled "'tier 2" multiple times and it worked but also the best way to contact an agent is through Emma. It's super quick and easy.

[rohjas 5]

19 minutes ago, Gak said:

My timeline is similar to yours. I filed mine in May and took me a long time to get a biometrics appointment. 

 

I faced this issue during the first week of October when I tried to submit an expedite request for my EAD. 

 

I yelled "'tier 2" multiple times and it worked but also the best way to contact an agent is through Emma. It's super quick and easy.

Hi...I'm planning to Expedite my EAD due to a job offer. Could you tell me what was the timeline for the Expedited EAD and what was the evidence you submitted?

[Bluewaters 288]

On 12/7/2020 at 9:03 AM, Loren Y said:

If you haven't done biometric yet, I think you are not near the end of the process. My wife did her biometric screening 3 weeks after filing AOS, then it was 8 more months until interview. How long ago did you file the 485? And this was before all the covid-19 started. Not AOS is taking minimum of 12 months in most places. Usually more like 16-18 months. Some have been waiting over 2 years.

I waited almost 2 years before getting my Green card. 

Dec 31,2018 - USCIS received AoS package 

Dec 1,2020 - Had GC interview 

 

Waiting can be frustrating and intimidating, especially when others are getting their cases processed. And you are stuck with EAD or ready to be scheduled for an interview. 

 

But the good news is that when your marriage get pass 2 years before they schedule your interview, you are due for a 10 years green card instead of 2 years conditional green card. 

 

Hold on tight and be hopeful, which either way, things will work out. 

I have been through it so I understand you all. 

[Gak 24]

On 12/7/2020 at 1:00 PM, rohjas said:

Hi...I'm planning to Expedite my EAD due to a job offer. Could you tell me what was the timeline for the Expedited EAD and what was the evidence you submitted?

you can check my timeline from my profile

 

I sent a copy of my job offer letter and that was it. It was approved less than 24 hours