Hi everyone,
I am looking for guidance from anyone who has experienced something similar.
My spouse’s H-4 extension (I-539) was approved on Aug 5, 2025.
USCIS case status shows that the approval notice (I-797A) was mailed, but we never received it.
We only received the I-797C (receipt/notice).
The H-4 EAD (I-765) filed concurrently was approved and EAD card was received successfully.
What we have done so far:
Filed an e-Request for non-delivery (Jan 15, 2026) → no response
Attorney filed a second e-Request (Feb 20, 2026)
USCIS provided a response date of March 24, 2026, but:
No response received
Attorney followed up with USCIS twice → told that both service requests are still pending
USCIS did not provide any timeline
Current USCIS stance (per attorney):
If the notice is not returned as undeliverable by USPS, USCIS may require filing Form I-824 to request a duplicate
I-824 processing times are ~12–15 months
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My Questions:
Has anyone successfully gotten USCIS to reissue an I-797A through service requests or escalation (Tier-2 / supervisor) when it was not returned by USPS?
Is it normal for USCIS to keep service requests open without response beyond SLA?
Were you eventually forced to file I-824, or did escalation work?
Any success with congressional inquiry or ombudsman in similar cases?
If you filed I-824:
Did you file yourself or through an attorney?
Any faster-than-posted timelines?
I would appreciate any kind help in this situation. It feels like we are being "punished" for negligence on behalf of USCIS.
Thanks,
Vivek
