DECEMBER 2010 AOS Filers

[kaboom 2]

my cases are available to check on uscis.gov web site!!!! )

check yours!

[jpcanon 0]

I cross fingers you won't get it!

Strange, but all emails I've got (on AOS/EAD) are with 'USCIS Acceptance Confirmation' subject but package was sent to Chicago and RFE came from Lee's Summit.

Is it NBC?

Here is some info I found that may help clarify:

What used to be called Missouri Service Center is now the National Benefits Center. It is located in Lee's Summit, MO.

All (no matter where in the country you live) applicants' AOS paperwork goes to the National Benefits Center (NBC) at Lee's Summit, MO after being cleared through the Chicago Lockbox. Despite it being called NBC, they still use case numbers starting with MSC. NBC handles the approval of EAD and AP. An applicant's AOS paperwork (I-485) could sit there at NBC for a while before being sent to either their local field office or to California Service Center. If the applicant's I-485 paperwork is sent to CSC they'll mostly likely not have an interview (not guaranteed). If it's transferred to their local office, they will have an interview.

[kiwirst 39]

Here is some info I found that may help clarify:

What used to be called Missouri Service Center is now the National Benefits Center. It is located in Lee's Summit, MO.

All (no matter where in the country you live) applicants' AOS paperwork goes to the National Benefits Center (NBC) at Lee's Summit, MO after being cleared through the Chicago Lockbox. Despite it being called NBC, they still use case numbers starting with MSC. NBC handles the approval of EAD and AP. An applicant's AOS paperwork (I-485) could sit there at NBC for a while before being sent to either their local field office or to California Service Center. If the applicant's I-485 paperwork is sent to CSC they'll mostly likely not have an interview (not guaranteed). If it's transferred to their local office, they will have an interview.

Good info there thanks. Is there any knowledge of when the case gets transferred to the local office? I am assuming that there is a process they use to decide who gets transferred locally or if it stays in the Chicago office. I would also guess that all K-1 AOS applications will need an interview as they are marriage based & need personal verification in the form of an interview

[kiwirst 39]

my cases are available to check on uscis.gov web site!!!! )

check yours!

I checked, nothing yet =(

This waiting is a killer, especially when you can't work or even look for work.

[kaboom 2]

I checked, nothing yet =(

This waiting is a killer, especially when you can't work or even look for work.

To say - I do understand you - is to say nothing...

I was so used to work but since October (moving to USA month) - N O T H I N G!

Only job opportunities research and blah...

This was kind of interesting - December job trend research by Simply Hired (here)

And so far - we have no predictions, right? When EAD might be issued... March/April?

[kiwirst 39]

I'm not even sure where my case is right now. The USCIS site has some good info, but my local office trends have not been updated since Oct so I can't even say how many are even there!

As for work, I'm hoping & praying I can get this EAD as soon as, its hard speaking with recruiters & companies when they say let us know your start date & you can't give them anything.

Stay strong is about all we can do right?

[slangofoil 50]

Good info there thanks. Is there any knowledge of when the case gets transferred to the local office? I am assuming that there is a process they use to decide who gets transferred locally or if it stays in the Chicago office. I would also guess that all K-1 AOS applications will need an interview as they are marriage based & need personal verification in the form of an interview

Nothing stays at the "Chicago office". Everything is sent to NBC in Lee's Summit, MO after being received at the lockbox. Chicago is just a clearing house of sorts where applications are routed.

Also, the info was specifically for K-1s, so no, not all K-1 AOS applicants need an interview. Some get their I-485 sent to CSC and are approved without interview. There are MANY people on VJ who got green cards without an interview. No one really knows how NBC makes the decision of which applications get sent to CSC and which get sent for an interview at a local office, but it at least partially is likely to do with how backed up the applicant's local office is.

[kiwirst 39]

Nothing stays at the "Chicago office". Everything is sent to NBC in Lee's Summit, MO after being received at the lockbox. Chicago is just a clearing house of sorts where applications are routed.

Also, the info was specifically for K-1s, so no, not all K-1 AOS applicants need an interview. Some get their I-485 sent to CSC and are approved without interview. There are MANY people on VJ who got green cards without an interview. No one really knows how NBC makes the decision of which applications get sent to CSC and which get sent for an interview at a local office, but it at least partially is likely to do with how backed up the applicant's local office is.

Now that would be a true blessing to not even need an interview, fingers crossed that happens. Otherwise its waiting as patiently as possible.

[lovetimhortons 1]

Hi everyone. I'm a K1 from Canada, now married, and filed for AOS/EAD/AP mid December, and received hard copies of NOAs for AOS/EAD/AP Dec 23rd in mail (with email notifications 4 days after package received @ Chicago Lockbox). I have not heard anything yet re: biometrics. Have been checking the mail every day, and the last "touch" on the uscis website was Dec 21st.

I realize I'm definitely still within the normal timeframe, but was wondering when biometrics is officially "late." Does anyone know? Basically, when should I contact someone, and what is the best number/email to use? Looks like other K1s from Canada have received/done their biometrics who are also December AOS filers.

Getting a bit of cabin fever in the meantime!

[thatbritishlass 2]

Hi everyone. I'm a K1 from Canada, now married, and filed for AOS/EAD/AP mid December, and received hard copies of NOAs for AOS/EAD/AP Dec 23rd in mail (with email notifications 4 days after package received @ Chicago Lockbox). I have not heard anything yet re: biometrics. Have been checking the mail every day, and the last "touch" on the uscis website was Dec 21st.

I realize I'm definitely still within the normal timeframe, but was wondering when biometrics is officially "late." Does anyone know? Basically, when should I contact someone, and what is the best number/email to use? Looks like other K1s from Canada have received/done their biometrics who are also December AOS filers.

Getting a bit of cabin fever in the meantime!

A biometrics appointment would 'normally' be issued within 30 days of your NOA1. Once that time frame expires you could reasonably call USCIS to enquire. It really depends on how busy your local biometrics field office is

You say you got your hard copy NOAs around the 23rd December so I would imagine your receipt date is around the 17th? So no need to worry just yet once 30 days have been and gone call the customer service centre number listed on the USCIS website and they should be able to give you more information.

[slangofoil 50]

Hi everyone. I'm a K1 from Canada, now married, and filed for AOS/EAD/AP mid December, and received hard copies of NOAs for AOS/EAD/AP Dec 23rd in mail (with email notifications 4 days after package received @ Chicago Lockbox). I have not heard anything yet re: biometrics. Have been checking the mail every day, and the last "touch" on the uscis website was Dec 21st.

I realize I'm definitely still within the normal timeframe, but was wondering when biometrics is officially "late." Does anyone know? Basically, when should I contact someone, and what is the best number/email to use? Looks like other K1s from Canada have received/done their biometrics who are also December AOS filers.

Getting a bit of cabin fever in the meantime!

It doesn't matter where the applicant is from. It matters where you live now. Where are you located? I think if it's been 30 days since NOA without a bio letter, then USCIS will open a service request if you call.

But it really depends on where you live/where your local ASC is. People in Dallas, TX have been waiting over 90 days. In Alexandria, VA it's been running 40-60 days. I called at 40 days and luckily the letter had just been sent.

[lovetimhortons 1]

Great, thanks for the replies!! That's good to know.

Does later biometrics have any "supposed" significance one way or the other (ie, headed to CSC vs headed for interview or RFE)? Or is it purely a function of how busy the local CIS office is?

We are just trying to coordinate some travel plans in March/April (within the country, of course) so wanted to see how long we'd have to wait to see if we have to do the interview or not.

Off to the gym to combat cabin fever!

[thatbritishlass 2]

Great, thanks for the replies!! That's good to know.

Does later biometrics have any "supposed" significance one way or the other (ie, headed to CSC vs headed for interview or RFE)? Or is it purely a function of how busy the local CIS office is?

We are just trying to coordinate some travel plans in March/April (within the country, of course) so wanted to see how long we'd have to wait to see if we have to do the interview or not.

Off to the gym to combat cabin fever!

Your appointment date for biometrics is really only dependent on how busy your local office is and is independent of whether you get an RFE or sent to CSC. There is no hard or fast pattern to who gets lucky and goes to CSC. Some people get RFEs before biometrics, some get them after - some wait ages for biometrics and never get an RFE.

Unfortunately there is no way to predict - you just have to sit and wait, frustratingly!

If it was me I would go ahead and continue to make plans - you'd be pretty unlucky if your interview fell while you were away

[britnick77 0]

Can anyone inform me how to search to see if my case has been "touched"

I received a confirm email, and the money was taken out of my account on Nov 30th. I sent further evidence in 2 weeks ago, but still no bio. As you can imagine this is very stressful, I dont know what to do

Edited January 10, 2011 by britnick77

[lovetimhortons 1]

Create an account on the uscis website and add the case numbers you were given for AOS/EAD/AP to your account. The "touch" date is basically is the "last updated" date in the table you see. You can sign up for email updates, but I don't think you receive email notifications for "touches," only for more major events...can someone please confirm this, thanks

Miss Jess: thanks for the further info. I'll try giving them a call once 30 days has passed. Calling them doesn't slow down the process does it?

Can anyone inform me how to search to see if my case has been "touched"

I received a confirm email, and the money was taken out of my account on Nov 30th. I sent further evidence in 2 weeks ago, but still no bio. As you can imagine this is very stressful, I dont know what to do