Receipt number question

[ThatAnneGirl 4]

My receipt number on my i797 NOA1 starts with MSC. Is this normal??

Also, my A# is the same as I was given 15 years ago, before I 'abandoned' my status. Any ideas as to whether this is good, bad or neutral??

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Normal. MSC is the code for the National Benefits Center (NBC) which used to be called the Missouri Service Center.

It's good they connected you to your old file. Your A# should be the same your whole life (until you obtain citizenship if you choose to).

[ThatAnneGirl 4]

Normal. MSC is the code for the National Benefits Center (NBC) which used to be called the Missouri Service Center.

It's good they connected you to your old file. Your A# should be the same your whole life (until you obtain citizenship if you choose to).

Thank you! That give me peace of mind.

[grrrrreat 109]

My receipt number on my i797 NOA1 starts with MSC. Is this normal??

Also, my A# is the same as I was given 15 years ago, before I 'abandoned' my status. Any ideas as to whether this is good, bad or neutral??

Interesting backstory--did you have to abandon in 2003 because you had been living outside of the U.S. for more than a year? Also, there's nothing wrong with entering on a tourist visa and then adjusting status, but if you represented that you did not have immigrant intent during the B2 process, and you did, that could be a problem. Try to figure out how to explain what made you want to stay here once you came.

I'm honestly a little surprised you got in with a visitor visa. If I were the border officer, I would probably guess you intended to immigrate based on your marriage and your prior LPR status. You may have gotten a little lucky!

Also, if you're planning to work in the US or travel outside before your GC comes in, you need to file an application for an Employment Authorization Document and Advance Parole. They are forms I-131 and I-765. They are free if you include a copy of your NOA1 that you got back for the I-485. Do not leave the country without getting Advance Parole or your adjustment of status will be abandoned, again!

Edited April 18, 2012 by grrrrreat

[ThatAnneGirl 4]

Interesting backstory--did you have to abandon in 2003 because you had been living outside of the U.S. for more than a year? Also, there's nothing wrong with entering on a tourist visa and then adjusting status, but if you represented that you did not have immigrant intent during the B2 process, and you did, that could be a problem. Try to figure out how to explain what made you want to stay here once you came.

I'm honestly a little surprised you got in with a visitor visa. If I were the border officer, I would probably guess you intended to immigrate based on your marriage and your prior LPR status. You may have gotten a little lucky!

Also, if you're planning to work in the US or travel outside before your GC comes in, you need to file an application for an Employment Authorization Document and Advance Parole. They are forms I-131 and I-765. They are free if you include a copy of your NOA1 that you got back for the I-485. Do not leave the country without getting Advance Parole or your adjustment of status will be abandoned, again!

Yes, it was because of living outside the US.

When I applied for the visa (2-3 years ago), I had not intentions of immigrating. We visit the US often, and always leave again. This time, circumstances are different. Thanks for the info about the AP and EAD - I'll look into it, even though I have no intention of working (Stay at home mum) or traveling until this is all worked out. I'm not gonna go through all this a third time! I have learned my lesson the *very* hard way.

[grrrrreat 109]

Yes, it was because of living outside the US.

When I applied for the visa (2-3 years ago), I had not intentions of immigrating. We visit the US often, and always leave again. This time, circumstances are different. Thanks for the info about the AP and EAD - I'll look into it, even though I have no intention of working (Stay at home mum) or traveling until this is all worked out. I'm not gonna go through all this a third time! I have learned my lesson the *very* hard way.

Makes sense. Once you have a GC, consider applying for a re-entry permit, which allows you to travel outside of the U.S. for up to two years (as long as you keep your residence in the U.S.)