finally case# but no hard copy

[philabride 0]

Our first package was sent in March and got missing. The second one was sent in the first week of July and check was cashed in the beginning of August. We got a case# from the check so I checked our case status on-line. It just says we received your case on July 30 and mailed you a letter with instructions....ect. We have not got that letter (NOA1?) yet. Do they still cash your check even if they return your package for missing documents? or check cashed is still a big relief even without NOA1?

[RonnieKris 26]

YES.. same here. Cashed the check, then later the hard copy. I think it was about eight days or so later. NOA1 is meaning they have your file, and it is in the process. Also the amount of the check is correct; it does not mean all the info in your file is correct. When it is assigned to an adjudicator, you will see a change on the date at USCIS. That is considered a 'touch'.

[KimandRuss 0]

The payments are processed by one department and then they are stored.

btw.. a 'touch' can mean everything or nothing. It does not mean your case was sent to an adjuticator. It could simply mean you were stored away in a box until an adjutictor is ready for that new box.

This Q & A by a former adjuticator should help you understand the process better.