HELP with biometrics dilemma

[Strycek 7]

Reposting this in the General thread

First of all,

Is it normal to have to complete biometrics on two separate occasions? We just got a notice yesterday to come in for the I-485 biometrics on August 1st. My wife completed her biometrics for the EAD/AP several months ago. The problem is, we will be out of the country from July 20th - August 3rd. We tried to do walk in biometrics this morning in Chicago (4853 N Broadway), but the private security guy said they were short-staffed and couldn't complete them. When we told him our situation, he crossed out the 8/1 date on the notice with red pen, and told us to come back on Monday 8/6 when we're back. He didn't enter this into any system, he just wrote it on the notice. How is this in any way official????

We called USCIS, and they seemed to think that the application support centers are free to govern themselves, but the notice to appear for biometrics clearly states, "If you fail to appear as scheduled, you application will be considered abandoned"!!!

If my wife tries to enter the country on the 3rd with Advanced Parole, won't her status show that she failed to appear for her biometrics on the 1st?

She's going to try to go back on lunch today and get some sympathy. My other plan of attack is to make a copy of the notice, mark the box requesting a reschedule, and mail it along with an explanation to the address provided.

I would be much more comfortable leaving the country knowing that we have explained our situation and have officially requested a rescheduling of the biometrics. Hopefully she will be able to complete them today and the point will be moot, but I need some suggestions in case that doesn't work.

Please help!

[ceadsearc 516]

Usually it's all done at once though I've heard of cases where, in error, they didn't take the biometrics for everything. However, biometrics are supposed to be good for 15 months. I wouldn't trust skipping it.

I would do one of two things, or both if you can:

1. Call USCIS back again. Ask to speak to a tier 2 representative. This will be an immigration officer. The person who initially answers the phone is a call center representative. They don't have all the answers. If they refuse to transfer you, insist or call back until you get someone who will.

2. Try a walk-in at another location. Biometrics can be done at any location. If you can feasibly manage it, you may have better luck somewhere else. There are actually 2 locations in Chicago, per USCIS (https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.summary&OfficeLocator.office_type=ASC&OfficeLocator.statecode=IL). Perhaps you can attempt the other one.

Edit: I see you were due to leave today. If you haven't gotten it worked out, I would still call USCIS (even from abroad if needed), speak to an IO, and see what can be done.

Edited July 21, 2012 by ceadsearc