Classic "LOST FILE" scenario???

[Bryan n Christine 0]

OK, I gotta ask the experts on this one. Last Monday (8/17) I received an email notification that my file had been sent to an off-site storage facility. I made a few calls to the call center where no one could tell me that was true. In fact they always told me it was "in processing". Today (8/24) I got another email saying it was back at the processing center (VSC) and was now "Reopened" and "...will be put into process based on the date we reopened this case." My original NOA1 was Jan 16. Is there something I can do to get my file put on top of the list? I have no idea why it was listed as closed, nor was I informed it was closed. I even had one of my Senators inquire on the status when it hit the 6 month period (7/16), his office said it was at the top of the list and should soon be processed. On 7/22 and 7/23 USCIS website showed it had been touched.Then nothing, so when the VSC processing time was updated to "5 months" from the "December 30" a few weeks ago, I had my Congressman and the other Senator make inquiries. They both told me 2 weeks ago that my petition was in the processing section, and to allow 30 - 45 days. That was 2 weeks ago.

Any of you "old-timers" got any good dope on how I can get things going?

Thanks in advance!

[amykathleen2005 441]

I don't know what to tell you, but I wish you luck in your approval.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

OK, I gotta ask the experts on this one. Last Monday (8/17) I received an email notification that my file had been sent to an off-site storage facility. I made a few calls to the call center where no one could tell me that was true. In fact they always told me it was "in processing". Today (8/24) I got another email saying it was back at the processing center (VSC) and was now "Reopened" and "...will be put into process based on the date we reopened this case." My original NOA1 was Jan 16. Is there something I can do to get my file put on top of the list? I have no idea why it was listed as closed, nor was I informed it was closed. I even had one of my Senators inquire on the status when it hit the 6 month period (7/16), his office said it was at the top of the list and should soon be processed. On 7/22 and 7/23 USCIS website showed it had been touched.Then nothing, so when the VSC processing time was updated to "5 months" from the "December 30" a few weeks ago, I had my Congressman and the other Senator make inquiries. They both told me 2 weeks ago that my petition was in the processing section, and to allow 30 - 45 days. That was 2 weeks ago.

Any of you "old-timers" got any good dope on how I can get things going?

Thanks in advance!

Something very fishy going on there. Files aren't usually closed unless something happened. For example, if they sent an RFE and you didn't respond to it. Have you moved since filing the petition? Any other way you might have missed some correspondence from them?

[Bryan n Christine 0]

Nope, been in the same house for 11 years, the only thing I can think of is someone misplaced it when my Senator made the inquiry. I hope he can help get us back to the top... after 7 months, being told another 5 months just to get NOA2! Very disheartening. I thought I read somewhere that a request to expedite could be filed when USCIS makes a mistake... Anyone know anything about that?

[thepizzadude 26]

Nope, been in the same house for 11 years, the only thing I can think of is someone misplaced it when my Senator made the inquiry. I hope he can help get us back to the top... after 7 months, being told another 5 months just to get NOA2! Very disheartening. I thought I read somewhere that a request to expedite could be filed when USCIS makes a mistake... Anyone know anything about that?

Yes they have that available if they mess up but the link on the USCIS website to that info is broken...

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0000ecd190aRCRD

Here is the link maybe the problem will clear up soon...

Here is from the VSC service center page:

Case Services

If you believe that there is a problem with a case that you have filed, you have moved, or if you are in need of other services, please call our toll free customer service number, at 1-800-375-5283. Customer service can help you with a variety of services for a case that is pending or completed.

Requesting Emergency Processing

We normally process the cases in the order in which they are received. Because we want to be fair to our customers, we will only consider taking a case out of its normal order and processing it ahead of other cases if there is a genuine emergency. You may be able to request expedited handling of your case if you can demonstrate that you are or will be subject to one of the following, emergency situations:

? Severe financial loss to a company or individual

? A personal emergency situation.

? A Humanitarian situation.

? Your application was submitted by a nonprofit organization in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States.

? Your application is relevant to a Department of Defense or National Interest Situation. In this case, the request for expedited processing must come from an official U.S. government entity and indicate that a delay will be detrimental to our government.

? USCIS made an error in processing your application.

? Your application represents some other compelling interest of the US government.

If you believe that your situation may meet one of the emergency situations above and you are ready to file your application or petition, file the case by express mail, include the request for expedited processing, and include the supporting documentation. The address for this purpose is:

USCIS

Vermont Service Center

75 Lower Welden

St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

Edited August 25, 2009 by thepizzadude

[TBoneTX 45,288]

What a bummer... NORMAL processing intervals are frustrating enough.

Others have provided good ideas. I recommend calling the Misinformation Line again and immediately requesting escalation to an immigration officer (IO) -- cutting off the Customer Disservice representative before he/she goes into the irritating canned script. You'll receive the usual flak, but state (truthfully) that the rep is required to escalate you when you so request.

When the IO answers, gush appreciation -- "I'm so glad to have reached you! I know that you're kind enough to help me," or similar. (The IOs are probably abused or feel unappreciated.) Then, explain your situation as you have to us, and ask, "Can you please tell me where on the floor my file is now, and can you please send an e-mail to the proper person to have it hand-carried to the appropriate Division?"

The IO will appreciate this over-and-above knowledge of the "system," and he/she will certainly respond positively. You can also learn during this time whether there indeed was a glitch (such as an RFE that never reached you, or similar). Let us know what results for you, si man!

[Bryan n Christine 0]

Well gang, Here is what happened today. I called the Service Center line, and politley dismissed the "Service Rep", and spoke to an IO. Ms Mc****. I wasn't gushy, just polite and to the point. She asked me to hold while she accessed and reviewed ther file. When she returned, she asked if I had requested "Accelerated Processing". I said no, but I had asked one of the call center rep's about the financial hardship aspect, and what the procedure entailed. Apparently the youn lady had applied for the Acceleration on my behalf... that explained the denial leter I received. I had called the Service Center when I get the denial letter, and they said not to worry, since I did not want to persue that avenue anyway. But apparently my file was put in the wrong pile when the Acceleration denial was stamped on it, and was filed as a denied petition... hence the trip to storage. The IO then went on to tell me that I was pretty much stuck for 30 days from the referral request I filed last week (which got someone to notice it was improperly handled as a denied petition), because the system will only allow one referral in a 30 day period. She then gave me a "special" email address that I could use to ask for more details as to what actually happened.

I immediately called my Senator's Office, and spoke to the staffer who had helped me before. when I explained what happened, she said she would speak to the Senate Liaison Officer at the VSC and find out what she could and call me when she had any real info. I was a bit down at this point thinking I was being blown-off again. Buyt at about 1:42, she called me back and said "I promised I'd call with what I found out, so her you go... As of 1:30, your I129F was approved."!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all the comments and support.

BKB

[Stephen + Elisha 92]

Well gang, Here is what happened today. I called the Service Center line, and politley dismissed the "Service Rep", and spoke to an IO. Ms Mc****. I wasn't gushy, just polite and to the point. She asked me to hold while she accessed and reviewed ther file. When she returned, she asked if I had requested "Accelerated Processing". I said no, but I had asked one of the call center rep's about the financial hardship aspect, and what the procedure entailed. Apparently the youn lady had applied for the Acceleration on my behalf... that explained the denial leter I received. I had called the Service Center when I get the denial letter, and they said not to worry, since I did not want to persue that avenue anyway. But apparently my file was put in the wrong pile when the Acceleration denial was stamped on it, and was filed as a denied petition... hence the trip to storage. The IO then went on to tell me that I was pretty much stuck for 30 days from the referral request I filed last week (which got someone to notice it was improperly handled as a denied petition), because the system will only allow one referral in a 30 day period. She then gave me a "special" email address that I could use to ask for more details as to what actually happened.

I immediately called my Senator's Office, and spoke to the staffer who had helped me before. when I explained what happened, she said she would speak to the Senate Liaison Officer at the VSC and find out what she could and call me when she had any real info. I was a bit down at this point thinking I was being blown-off again. Buyt at about 1:42, she called me back and said "I promised I'd call with what I found out, so her you go... As of 1:30, your I129F was approved."!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all the comments and support.

BKB

Awesome! Glad to see that the IO and your senator's office were able to get things back on track for you!

[thepizzadude 26]

Congratulations, now keep checking the USCIS website to see if it shows approved and look for the email approval notice...if you don't get it soon call them back over and over.

I would bug the heck out of them til I got the NOA2.