A few AOS questions

[kyleers 0]

Hi everyone,

I thought I understood everything, but after reading many AOS timelines, I have become confused about the AOS process, which leads me to a few questions. My understanding was that we send Russell's application to the Chicago Lockbox (we did that on the 18th--expecting Russell's NOA any day now), then Chicago sends it to our district office in Phoenix, and then Phoenix send us the biometrics letter, we get biometrics done, then he gets his EAD card in the mail and eventually his interview letter and he gets his interview done and then gets his green card.

But my first question is, when we get the NOA1, does that simply mean that a. Chicago has acknowledged that they have the application, or b. does that mean that Chicago got the application and sent it to our district office in Phoenix, and that Phoenix has our file and sent us an NOA1? I wasn't clear as to whether Chicago or Phoenix sent me the NOA1.

Second, if it's Chicago that sends me the NOA1, how do I know when our case gets to Phoenix? Or is it simply that we get the NOA1, and only hear from USCIS again when I get the biometrics letter (and then eventually the interview letter)?

Third, I'm pretty sure that we can check our case status online for AOS. How about EAD? And what sort of updates do they give you (or is it mostly just a "touch" here and there and then eventually 'You've been approved')?

Lastly, and this is my biggest confusion: I have been reading a lot of timelines and have searched around this site, but I don't understand where Service Centers are involved in the AOS/EAD process. Some people whose timelines I read never mention a Service Center at all, while others mention that their case was transferred to the California Service Center and that they are experiencing an ungodly waiting time. I haven't read anywhere in the FAQ on here that a service center was involved. I thought it just went from Chicago Lockbox to your district office and that was it. If someone could explain in what situations the CSC or any other SC gets involved with the AOS/EAD process I would appreciate all of your question-answering.

Thanks!

Kylee

[gimygirl 0]

kyleers ...

also check out: London Embassy Graduates thread ... there are a lot of us there going through AOS or who have already gone through.

like everything else ... don't over analyze!!!! you'll drive yourself crazy!

[Nikita2Charles 32]

The 1st NOA just means they have received your application, which is good news, then if you register with the uscis site you can keep an update of your case status.

The service center will foward your case to your local ins office, they will send you the letter and date to go for the Biometric

All three applications will be updated online, it start with an MS##EAD

485 Adjustment of status

131 for AP if you have applied for one

765 for the EAD

As for timeline you can check the online status of your ins office having juridiction of your case, that can give you an idea when they will process your papers.

With USCIS you can never know for sure, sometimes things move really fast at time it seems like they hit a brick all, the main thing is to be patient and stay upbeat.

Good luck on the rest of your journey

[

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

these FAQ may help

http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/nbc/faq.htm

http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/nbc/aboutus.htm

[rebeccajo 14]

Assume you realize most people file 3 petitions at same time (if they want to be able to travel or work) -AOS, EAD and AP. All three go to Chicago.

Chicago send the EAD and AP to Missouri (the National Benefit Center) and NBC processes them. Your EAD and AP approvals comes from NBC.

AOS is forwarded to your district office. You can look it up on USCIS.gov. Your interview will be there.

[annelizabeth 1]

Being transferred to California service centre is a 'good thing'. It was a measure introduced as a way of clearing up some of the backlog at some district offices. It would appear that they transferred cases that were seen as uncomplicated and that those people have been approved without having to have an interview.

Previously, AOS could take typically 1-2 years, but I got mine in 4 months (2 months after being transferred to CSC). More recent transferrals have been even quicker.

[kyleers 0]

Hi!

Thanks for your responses guys--I get it now.

Of course, I have two more questions now!

One, once my husband gets his I-551 stamp (and/or green card), does that mean he can leave the US without AP? I know permanent residents can, and I'm assuming conditional permanent residents have the exact same rights (except that their green card is only 2 years). Also, I know that any amount of time can be (mis)construed by the gov't as abandoning residency here (depending on the situation), but what "official" length of time can you be gone from the USA before you need a reentry permit. Is it 6 months? We'd never leave for that long (probably just a month at most to go visit family) but I just want to know what the rule is.

And two, I just read in another thread that someone submitted a G325-A + 2 passport photos for the beneficiary AND the USC. Does the USC need one? I never read anywhere that they do, so I didn't submit a G325-A/2 passport photos for myself (the USC), and I'm wondering if we're going to get an RFE now!! Oops.

Thank you!

Kylee

[annelizabeth 1]

I don't remember putting in photos for the USC....... but I don't have my copy in front of me just now. I remember having to get a zillion photos of myself!