Phoning CRIS as opposed to checking online

[chantpleure 0]

Is there a difference? I've had a lot of trouble with our tax refund this year and whenever I call the IRS to ask about it they go to the exact same website I have access to to look up information. Would it be the same with calling up USCIS to ask about my case?

When I look at my case online there has been no activity since Jan 21st 2009 yet in that time I've received a RFE and my EAD, I'd like to know if my AP is forthcoming but don't want to waste time phoning them if all they can do is look at the same information I have access to.

[Shelly&Jay 0]

I would try calling. Someone else mentioned that once the menu starts push 123 to get an operator. Can it hurt to try? At least they may be able to tell you if it's being processed.

Good luck,

Shelly

[Kittykisses73 1]

We have received a biometrics appointment letter and an RFE and ours shows it hasn't been touched since the day they received it.

I call the USCIS number that they list on the web site, but I always push the number for the address change cause that always gets me a person

Good luck

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Remember that the person you speak to when you call the 1-800 number is not an immigration official - he/she is a call center employee reading off of the computer screen or a script. They basically have access to the same information on screen that you do. You 'may' be able to get them to 'escalate' your call to an actual immigration official who does have access to more information. Whether you will succeed in doing so is the question. Certainly you can give it a try.

The online status is not always updated - it very much seems to be a hit and miss situation. There are some people who have received their green cards and their on line status is still saying 'application pending' and the file was never 'touched' according to the online account.

Edited April 24, 2009 by Kathryn41