M.A.C

Hello woke up this morning and email notification was waiting for me One is on it's way. Now just waiting for interview letter

01/28/2009 - Married

11/01/2010 - I-130 I-485 I-765 filed

11/08/2010 - Received at Chicago address Fed Ex delivered

11/14/2010 - Received Hard Copy NOA's

11/14/2010 - Biometrics appointment scheduled for December 7th

11/17/2010 - Touch

12/07/2010 - Successful Biometrics walk in

01/17/2011 - Email notification - Card/ Document Production

Congrats .... what notification was it about ? EAD ??

When I went to do my biometrics [per the scheduled appointment, not a walk in] they stamped and initialed my biometrics notice in several places. They told me that that was basically a "receipt" for the biometrics and would serve as documentation and evidence that my biometrics were in fact done if there was ever any dispute with USCIS about that.

I would imagine that, if you brought you biometrics notice to the walk-in, and they stamped and initialed it, you now have documentation and evidence that your biometrics were done and done properly, that you can show if USCIS try to RFE or NOID you for not showing up to your scheduled biometrics appointment.

Just the same, USCIS is a simple creature, and it's best not to do anything that can confuse it. [Government agencies have a tendency to do random, psychotic, horrendously inconvenient things when they become confused. They're like mentally retarded dragons that way.] It's virtually always best to follow their procedures and keep their scheduled appointments unless there is absolutely no alternative. That walk-in biometrics sessions are possible is a good thing, but why risk confusing them if you don't have to?

Thanks for the advice. I do have the receipt and I'll send it to them in case they'll be sending me some RFE or NOID (God Forbid) .... You're right that one should keep it simple .... but I was very desperate as I need my AP ASAP .... but I didn't get any LUD or update on my case after the walk in biometrics .... I'm hoping for some miracle during this week .... otherwise I would have no time

The reason most people do a walk in biometrics is because they are NOT available the day they are scheduled so it seems rather ridiculous to say come the day they were originally scheduled when you have already done them early. You have proof that they were done - your stamped Biometrics letter.

Just a reminder as well that when you call the "Mis-Information Line" you are not speaking to an immigration employee - you are speaking to a call center employee who has been given scripts of basic information and has the same level of access to computer files as you do for you USCIS account. They can't tell you anything more than you see on your screen and they are notorious about providing misleading and incorrect information - sometimes seriously so. If they are faced with a situation they can't address through their scripted responses they do one of two things - either tell you to wait XXX days and check back, or preferably refer you to an actual immigration official. That 2nd level person you speak to does have access to more computer information about your file and generally has a much better understanding of the immigration process. So, on a whole you are wise to take anything you are told by a 1st level call center employee who answers the phone with a huge grain of salt. You can call the line 5 times in a row, speak with 5 different people and get 5 different answers - and there is a good chance that none of them will be right.

If you have serious concerns and are not able to get to speak with an actual immigration official (one of the call center employee's job responsibilities is to run interference between the public and those trying to contact actual immigration staff by dealing with the basic information. Some of them don't realize when it isn't basic information that is needed or make a decision that what you are asking isn't important enough for them to forward you on) - then make an infopass appointment at your local USCIS office and arrange to speak directly to an actual immigration officer.

Thanks for your detailed reply .... I do have a proof and I can send it in future if god forbid they need to ask me about that ....

hey all, just joined today...My package was sent out on 4th November 2010 and now I'm waiting for my EAD and interview appt, good luck everyone!

Welcome to the board

I filed the first week of november and already had my biometrics, and I have the interview week (tue 18th). I am SO NERVOUS!!!

I will write a review and let everybody know how it went. It seems the process its pretty fast up here in Maine

Good luck everybody!

Hey, At least you got the EAD! Mine is not even in production yet, but hopefully I'll get the greencard soon so I can start working!

Yeh .... Good luck

This is ridiculous! Why do we have computers and cell phones and so much new technology if we don't know how to use it?

Why should you have to go again when they clearly have you in their computers that you have completed your biometrics???

I would have asked to speak with a supervisor, because what was the point to do a walk in biometrics then? I live 1,3min to the biometrics place...i would be pissed of if that would happen to me.

I realised lately that when you call uscis not everyone knows the same information...some say something some say something different...

You're right .... Whenever you call USCIS they've different stories to tell .... Plus the worst thing is that mostly the representative is not ready to pass your call to his/her supervisor ....

My point is exactly the same why do you do WALK IN if you've to worry about it later ?? But what can we do .... I was more afraid because USCIS's representatives told me that things can get worse if I do not go there on my day of appointment .... !!

Nah I would not go either, I did a walk in after my original appointment as I requested another date and sent the letter as soon as I got my appointment letter. I never heard anything back so on 22nd Dec we drove 2 hours for a walk in, thank God it was slow and had it done no problem. Thing is when I showed them my original appointment letter and they checked the system they could not even find my appointment which was November 19. OMG

SO with all that said got it done and have received AP and EAD and on USCIS status I am still under review for AP and and post decision for EAD which means it is approved lol SO you tell me.

Thanks Barbara ..... At least I'm feeling much relaxed after reading your story .... My AP is still in initial review and my EAD was approved last month on the 15th .... I'm waiting for my AP as it's my sister's marriage on the 29th Jan back at my home ..... I hope I get it before that !!

I am almost in the same situation with you. did a walk in on the 28th, no touch since the 18th, original appointment is tomorrow

Today I got to talk to someone( other than the 1st line customer service rep). I was originally calling to have some clarifications about the RFE I received, and asked him if he could check my records to see if they have my biometrics. He said yes it shows that I was there on the 28th and they recorded everything. He told me there is no need to go tomorrow, however in some cases, if the computer doesn't pick up that I was there, it might generate a letter, saying that I missed the appointment and reschedule another one. He insisted on telling me that that was just a generic letter and it might not even get to me because the person mailing the computer generated letter , might pay attention and not mail it.

But he say to be on the safe side, to keep my stamped biometrics letter (aka receipt), and if I receive a letter, send them a copy of the receipt with the letter and it will fix the issue

Hope that helps

Thanks a lot .... Yes, it did .... I'm not going !!

Dear Fellow members,

So I applied for AOS and LPR on 10 December 2010 I recieved NOA 1's on the 17th DEC, on 23rd Dec I recieved Biometrics appointment letter dated for 18 January 2011, I did a succesful walk-in on 7 january 2011. Looking at similiar timelines I noticed that touches appear very soon after biometrics. Nothing has been 'touched' since 17 December 2010. We are now in a position where we will be purchasing a house and have to movein on 1st March 2010. With My wifes salary alone we will battle to make the mortgage, and my income provided I can get a job will help us survive. I know that I may be a little premature but obviously circumstances have changed and i am starting to stress.

Any Ideas anyone???

Same is my problem .... I did a walk in and my appointment is for 14th Jan ..... Didn't see any update after the successful walkin ....

My wife did a walk-in the day after we got her letter. When they stamped the letter during the walk-in, the gentleman who did the biometrics said that that was our proof that we'd completed the biometrics. We did NOT go back, and we successfully adjusted.

The whole point of the walk-in is to avoid going on your appointment date. As HappyRs said, I've never heard of anyone going a second time after a successful walk-in. Don't bother going back.

Good luck!

AJ

I saw in your timeline that you had a LUD on the date you did your WALK IN .... But in my case I DIDN'T .... I had no updates after 19th Nov :'(

I did a walk in biometrics on the 27th of Dec which was originally scheduled for 14th Jan 2011 .... I contacted USCIS at that time to check if they've it in their records, they told me YES they had it in their records .....

Now, just to be on the safe side I contacted USCIS again as the original appointment is for tomorrow - and the supervisor told me that despite they've the record on their system I should SHOW UP tomorrow and tell them that I've already got the biometrics done (I've the original biometrics paper stamped by the AOS guy and he took my fingerprints, picture and signature) .... Because the computer would not know that I've got my biometrics done that's why the computer will keep sending me the biometrics appointments letter .... Now, please advise me what should I do ?? Should I go or not ??

I dont think it should be a problem. When you get your new address just make sure to update the info. I recently move and I updated my info with NVC and the USCIS. They sent me a confimation letter of the address change.

Can they ask about it in the interview that why did I mention a different address on my papers ??

The address currently on my AOS application is of my friend's (Maryland) and I live in Virginia ..... The problem that I can not change my address on USCIS's site is that my landlady is very stubborn and never gave me the mail box key ..... So, obviously, I can't trust her with my mails ..... that's why I gave my friend's address so that I know that my mails are SAFE ..... Now, as I'm awaiting my interview call and AP ..... I wanted to ask if this is going to cause any problem ..... BTW I'll be moving to a new place by the end of January on the completion of 6 months contract with my landlady ..... And then by the end of Jan or beginning of Feb I'll be able to change the address (should I change it or should keep the same address of my friend)..... Kindly, let me know if it is going to cause any problem ?? If in interview USCIS asks me about this ..... should I tell them the truth ?? Thanks ....

My case is nearly identical to yours pingwins, just my walk in was a little earlier, and nothing has been touched since 11/17/10 same as you.....

my local office is NYC, was wondering what yours is??

I just wish the interview letter would come

My case is similar to you guys too .... I filed on the 3rd of Nov ..... Got my EAD last month .... but no touches on AP and 485 after 11/19 ..... Did WALK IN Biometrics on the 27th Dec .... but no soft lud after that ...... is it normal ?? M desperately waiting for my AP as well as I've travel plans at the end of this month

I'm not sure that they will give you expedite on your AP if you keep trying, since they refused you 3 times already stating that it does not meet their criteria for expedite.

Should I try again ??

Hi, I filed my case early in Nov' 10 and still have not heard anything about my AP.... I need to travel to my home country on urgent basis as my dad will be going through an eye cataract surgery .... And being the eldest daughter I would like to be there at the time of surgery ....

Now, here's a brief history of what I've done so far to get an AP ....

1) Called USCIS TWICE to expedite the AP request ..... Received emails from them saying that they do not find my request to be fulfilled at the time .....

2) Wrote my senator a letter, told him the whole situation and he was kind enough to send them a letter explaining my situation but I just spoke to her secretary and she told me that they refused it saying it's not an emergency situation according to their critarian.

NOW, I've 2 ways:

1) Ask for a letter from the doctor of my dad and send the request again through the senator (that's what her secretary also suggested me)

2) Get an infopass appointment and show them the letter from the doctor ....

Which one should I go for?? My dad has already lost his right eye's eyesight as a result of a cataract sugery which turned out complicated for him as he's a diabetic patient. Secondly, my sister is also getting married on the end of Jan .... My dad's surgery is on the 18th .... Is there ANY way I can get AP ??? I'm desperately waiting for it

I would appreciate any suggestions regarding this problem ..... Thanks VJ guys ....

wow ...... congrats

So, after calling the uscis several times things have started to move- in a very fast manner. Four days after i complained to a supervisor about my problem i got my rfe and 4 days later after that- yesterday i got my biometrics letter for next week. Chances are it's just a coincidence...but i like it!

On the biometrics letter the apartment number is incorect again, but i put my name on the mail box so the post man figure it out this time ...

I wish to all still waiting for biometrics to have patience...but just to be on the safe side after a month after you got your NOA i would call to make sure they have everything right. It could be a simple mistake- like mine, and it was their mistake but that is only hurting you either who's mistake it is.

Good luck to you all!!!!

congrats

All, had a successful walkin for biometrics today at Charleston WV office. As a Virginia resident, I was expecting to have to trek up to Northern Virginia (4 hrs!) but Charleston is a much easier jaunt at only 2.5 hours.

The office was empty and I walked straight in with no waiting and eventually* got everything completed.

*It turns out I have shallow fingerprint ridges, so the fingerprinting computer and I were not getting along well. Apparently if you are a heavy computer user (engineer here!) this happens quite a bit. So for those of you who want to be in and out in 10 minutes, buy some Corn Huskers lotion and apply it every day for two weeks before getting biometrics taken. It took me 45 minutes of printing and reprinting to get the computer to finally accept my prints.

Anyway, nice to have this out of the way! Roll on EAD and AP!

Congrats

Congrats

We went to local USCIS office today to see if they have walk-in times but they told us they don't. We told them we have a scheduling conflict with our Jan 6th appt so they did it today.

I did a walkin at Alexandria, VA ASC .... Checked with USCIS, they say they've it in their records .... but now my question is do I need to be worried that it was done in alexandria, va although it was scheduled for baltimore,md ??

Alexandria ASC is usually where people whose cases are going to be the processed by the Washington DC/Fairfax VA field office go for biometrics. The Baltimore ASC is where people whose cases are going to be processed at the Baltimore field office go. There's no reason, AFAIK, that you can't go to a different ASC for the fingerprints, but your field office is still Baltimore, so how fast you get your interview letter, etc. are based on how quickly the Baltimore field office is processing. (Just throwing it out there because most timelines you see here where people got their biometrics done at Alexandria ASC are based on the DC field office, so their timelines for EADs and interview letters won't give you much of an idea of what to expect despite being the same ASC you used.)

Thanks for explaining ..... But isn't it that my application is being processed at Lincoln, Nebraska .... And my another question would be Baltimore ASC would have my biometrics record or not ?? Thanks .....

I've filed my AOS on the 3rd of Nov, and did receive the receipts .... I called USCIS to expedite the process for my AP but unfortunately they denied it .... Now, I've two option in front of me

1) Contact local congressman

2) Infopass Appointment

Contact Local Congressman:

I've one problem in contacting local congressman which is I live in Alexandria but the address I've given to USCIS is of Baltimore, MD ..... The reason for that is that my roommate is very uncooperative and for the past 6 months she has never given me the key for the mailbox although she gives me my mail .... But obviously, I can not believe her for my USCIS mail ..... So, the mail comes at my brother's address in Baltimore which is way more safe ....

Now, my question is 1) how to contact the congressman ? (2) Which congressman should I contact Alexandria where I live or Baltimore which is in USCIS's record ?? (3) If anyone has any experience of contacting congressman office if you can explain your experience with them ....

Infopass Appointment

Have any one tried it? What is the procedure and how effective it is ?? Secondly, I want to go on medical grounds as my dad lost his eye sight for the right eye in a cataract surgery and he has to go through another cataract surgery for his left eye .... He's 67 and a diabetic patient .... Is it a strong reason to get an AP ??

Please do let me know which way is more effective and how quickly can I get an AP ?? Thanks so much ......

I don't think it matters where you got it done, but I would assume how fast it moves from there is going to be based on your local field office (Baltimore) and not the one where Alexandria is based off of (DC).

What does that exactly mean ..... couldn't get ya ....

I called yesterday to USCIS and they told me that they do have my biometrics record in their system that I got it done on the 27th Dec ....

It's all computerized. USCIS got your biometrics results. You don't need to do anything but wait. Sometimes updates don't even show up for months. Trust me.

Thanks Bob ... You're right .... I just contacted them and have spoken to a supervisor and she told me that they do have this information that I went yesterday to do my biometrics in their record - so, I do not need to worry about anything or to go on the orginally scheduled appointment date ...

nothing? anyone?

No idea ... Why don't you call USCIS and talk to a SUPERVISOR, tell him/her the situation and see what happened ??