Biometrics question

[katie & sifa 25]

Ok, I may be just in panic mode and people will tell me to relax...but I don't want to find out what happens if you don't show up for your biometrics appointment!

Literally everyone I have followed here on VJ that filed their AOS in May has received their biometrics appointment letter, usually within a week or less of filing the paperwork. My husband & I filed on May 10, NOA was May 17. I realize we are well within processing times, but since everyone else has gotten theirs I'm concerned. We also recently got a new mail carrier, and while our last one was aware that my husband lives here, apparently he never added his name to the mailbox, just always delivered his mail. His name has been added now, but I am extremely paranoid that the letter was returned to USCIS somewhere in there due to this change of mail carrier.

I have tried calling the post office (they could only tell me that unless the name is in the mailbox, it will probably be returned, and that we have had a rotating cast of mail carriers lately since they are trying to find someone to permanently replace ours, so the likelihood we could speak to a mail carrier who might remember returning the letter is low). I called USCIS national line and spoke to someone who clearly doesn't know what he's talking about, since he said that the online system will update and tell us when the letter has been mailed. I called a random Dallas USCIS office (can't find a number for the actual Irving office we will have to go to!) and they could only tell me to call the national line...

So I guess my question is this: does anyone have any experience not receiving the letter/not showing up to biometrics because you didn't know about it? Is there ANY WAY to find out if/when my husband's appointment is, of if it has even been scheduled? According to the timelines I have seen here, most people who filed around the same time as us have biometrics in the next week or two...I'd really prefer not to miss it. Any advice? Or am I just being a big paranoid freak?

[payxibka 10,045]

it depends on how busy YOUR local ASC office is... they schedule about three weeks out.... As soon as your number comes up they will schedule. You cannot base your experience on anyone else other than those using YOUR ASC office... it is just they way it is

[katie & sifa 25]

it depends on how busy YOUR local ASC office is... they schedule about three weeks out.... As soon as your number comes up they will schedule. You cannot base your experience on anyone else other than those using YOUR ASC office... it is just they way it is

That's really helpful - thank you! I wasn't sure how it worked, and no one I talked to on the phone could tell me if the national office or the local office scheduled the appointments (of course, why would I expect them to be helpful??) So we'll just keep an eye out & hope it comes soon...

[moroccogirlny 100]

Give it at least a month from the first NOA.

[katie & sifa 25]

Give it at least a month from the first NOA.

Thanks - I am just a natural born worrier. Probably not the greatest trait in the whole immigration journey, I realize

[Vivi6 12]

Thanks - I am just a natural born worrier. Probably not the greatest trait in the whole immigration journey, I realize

I was in the EXACT same situation. Everybody got the notice but me and 1 other person in the March forum. My NOA1 was on 04/02. So, on 04/29 I called USCIS, pressing the keys as if my case was out of their processing times so that I could talk to a person. The lady was nice and put in a service request for me. Sure enough, when I got home (I was out all day with my husband) the letter was there! I felt silly, but I was just upset it was taking so long! AND my appointment was for 05/24...so far away! But I walked in on 05/03, and the office was EMPTY (which made me wonder...why so long to send the letter???). It did in the end expedite my process, because I got my interview notice before the originally scheduled appointment, as you can see in my signature! So my advice is, give it until Monday, and if it's not there call on Tuesday. As soon as you get the letter, do a walk in, I saw other people from your area and it should not be a problem!

Good luck!

Edit: I just saw your NOA is May 17th. Maybe wait all of next week before you call- although I am pretty sure you will receive the letetr sometime next week!

Edited June 4, 2010 by Vivi6

[Mrs. Gil 1]

We're also located here in Dallas. We sent everything off and got our NOA around the end of April. We only just received the letter about the biometrics appointment maybe 2-3 weeks ago. It's scheduled for June 7th. Yours may not have come yet.

[Mrs. Gil 1]

We're also located here in Dallas. We sent everything off and got our NOA around the end of April. We only just received the letter about the biometrics appointment maybe 2-3 weeks ago. It's scheduled for June 7th. Yours may not have come yet.

Also, I looked to see if the Dallas office does walk-ins, but everything I saw was by appointment only. If I see differently on Monday, I'll let you know!

[rnqueen 0]

hey KATIE I AM IN THE SAME SITUATION AS YOU..I MAILED MY APPLICATION MAT 10TH NOA IS MAY 17TH..I CAM TO THIS FORUM TO ASK THE SAME EXACT QUESTION..THANK GOD I SAW YOUR POST..I FEELL BETTER NOW KNOWING I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE...PPLS KEEP US UPDATED..I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN I GET MINE...BTW I AM IN NYC~~~

[payxibka 10,045]

Also, I looked to see if the Dallas office does walk-ins, but everything I saw was by appointment only. If I see differently on Monday, I'll let you know!

but walkins can only be done if you have the biometrics notice in your hands... otherwise the ASC does not know what to do with you

[katie & sifa 25]

We feel so relieved knowing we're not alone!! Thanks especially Mrs. Gil - I am anxious to hear how your appointment goes! I'll update when we get the letter.

[mdupreez 0]

I called in on day 30 and my Biometrics appointment letter arrived that same day. Staff in Austin were fantastic and I went the following day and in and out in under 15 minutes. If you call in under 30 days they will not assist you.

[Noel194 53]

We file I-485 131 765 on May 13, 2010 Noa recieved May 19 still no biomatrics too

[Mrs. Gil 1]

Ok quick update because I took the day off and now we're headed to the pool!

Biometrics appointment was super quick and easy. We got there an hour early and they didn't say anything about our appointment time. They just wanted to see the letter. After checking in, we didn't even make it to the waiting chairs before they called his number. (Side note: I spent 2 1/2 hours at social security today for myself, a citizen!) At the application support center, there was no line and just one form to fill out. I would suggest to try to go as soon as you get that letter. I feel like we delayed things a month by not knowing that we could go early. At worst, they tell you no, right? It's right off of 635 between Dallas and Garland so it's easy to get to. Good luck!

[katie & sifa 25]

Ok quick update because I took the day off and now we're headed to the pool!

Biometrics appointment was super quick and easy. We got there an hour early and they didn't say anything about our appointment time. They just wanted to see the letter. After checking in, we didn't even make it to the waiting chairs before they called his number. (Side note: I spent 2 1/2 hours at social security today for myself, a citizen!) At the application support center, there was no line and just one form to fill out. I would suggest to try to go as soon as you get that letter. I feel like we delayed things a month by not knowing that we could go early. At worst, they tell you no, right? It's right off of 635 between Dallas and Garland so it's easy to get to. Good luck!

Thanks for the update! We will definitely try to do a walk in, thanks for posting your experience.