Biometrics appointment, what's next?

[Alonso&Sheryl 10]

So on 12/12/12 I mailed my paperwork (1-130 & 1-485). About 10 days after I received the receipts (12/22/12), and two days later (12/24/12) I got my appointment for biometrics. I have to questions.

Can I show up, maybe about a week before my appointment (Jan 7th), to do the fingerprints? Also, does my wife (who is the petitioner) need to be there?

After the biometrics appointment, what do I do? Just wait around? Someone told me that you get your work permit before the interview with the immigration officer, but after the fingerprints? Is this true? Or do I not get a work permit until after the interview with the officer?

Also, after I get the work permit, what do i do? I heard I have to go to a social security office and get a number. I am just a bit lost.

Thanks guys!

[Hypnos 6,576]

You can attempt to do a walk-in biometrics prior to the appointment date on your letter. You may want to search in these forums for the name of your ASC and see whether they accept walk-ins, because some do and some don't. It doesn't hurt to try though.

You will not need your passport or I-94 to apply for a social security number (when you go to the Social Security Administration to apply for a card), only a completed SS-5 form, your EAD and your birth certificate.

[Alonso&Sheryl 10]

Quick update.

Went today to get my biometrics done (even though my appointment is on 1/7/12). They did them without a problem since they weren't too busy. Therefore it is possible to get them done before, without requesting any permission prior to going.

In case anyone is wondering, the place I went to is in Pomona, California.

[Xanax 349]

Quick update.

Went today to get my biometrics done (even though my appointment is on 1/7/12). They did them without a problem since they weren't too busy. Therefore it is possible to get them done before, without requesting any permission prior to going.

In case anyone is wondering, the place I went to is in Pomona, California.

Every service center is different. Some won't let you in, some will, some will only let you in if not busy, ETC.

Congratulations on doing it early, maybe it will make your case go 1 week faster.

Now you wait for your EAD (work permit) 30-90 days. Once you have your EAD you can apply for an SSN (which you need to file taxes) and generally some time after that you have an interview.

Edited December 28, 2012 by Xanax

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

Quick update.

Went today to get my biometrics done (even though my appointment is on 1/7/12). They did them without a problem since they weren't too busy. Therefore it is possible to get them done before, without requesting any permission prior to going.

In case anyone is wondering, the place I went to is in Pomona, California.

Like Xanax said, every service center is different...but since you're in a pretty good one (by that I mean fast(er) one than some others) you might get your at the end of next week, or if holidays slow it, beginning of next next week (follow the math?! ) I also did my biometrics in CA (Sacramento) and it was quick as a wind, and by next week I had my EAD in my wallet. Good luck!

[Alonso&Sheryl 10]

Like Xanax said, every service center is different...but since you're in a pretty good one (by that I mean fast(er) one than some others) you might get your at the end of next week, or if holidays slow it, beginning of next next week (follow the math?! ) I also did my biometrics in CA (Sacramento) and it was quick as a wind, and by next week I had my EAD in my wallet. Good luck!

Unfortunately, I got a request for initial evidence, because they want proof of citizenship of my joint sponsor (my cousin). So whatever time I gained by going in early, has slowed down now because everything is on hold until I send that proof of citizenship, which will be tomorrow. Sucks, but oh well! I am sure everything will be okay at the end. Hopefully I can get my work permit a week after sending the proof, meaning next week, or the week after.

Edited January 7, 2013 by josealonsoramirez

[coolmind1414 13]

Good information.

Que: I live in Los Angeles. And seems its slower than some other places. Can I go to Sacramento or some near place(which are not that busy) and get EAD earlier than "Average time of LA"?

Also, does someone know if LA office allows early Bio metrics appointments?

Good luck guys

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

Unfortunately, I got a request for initial evidence, because they want proof of citizenship of my joint sponsor (my cousin). So whatever time I gained by going in early, has slowed down now because everything is on hold until I send that proof of citizenship, which will be tomorrow. Sucks, but oh well! I am sure everything will be okay at the end. Hopefully I can get my work permit a week after sending the proof, meaning next week, or the week after.

Hey there: RFE should not slow you down much, don't worry. Unless it takes forever for you to send off the stuff, but sounds like you'll be sending it off tomorrow, so do not worry, you're in good shape! Good luck!!!

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

Good information.

Que: I live in Los Angeles. And seems its slower than some other places. Can I go to Sacramento or some near place(which are not that busy) and get EAD earlier than "Average time of LA"?

Also, does someone know if LA office allows early Bio metrics appointments?

Good luck guys

Hey Coolmind: This is just my thought I am not sure, but I think you cannot change centers. I think they designate a center based on your area. They have applicants sorted by the county they live in, or even within a county they have it split up. Like in Sacramento there's like 3 or 4 centers, but those are all split up to regions of people's area, so first even I went to the wrong one by accident when I was going to have my biometrics and they immediately shooed me out saying that this is not my "regional office". So I highly doubt you can do that. For that you would have to literally move and do a change of address through USCIS and then ask them to move your whole application. That sounds like more time than what you are waiting for right now....good luck and just be patient! It will worth to be patient! It will pay back big time!

[Alonso&Sheryl 10]

Good information.

Que: I live in Los Angeles. And seems its slower than some other places. Can I go to Sacramento or some near place(which are not that busy) and get EAD earlier than "Average time of LA"?

Also, does someone know if LA office allows early Bio metrics appointments?

Good luck guys

It really depends on the center you were assigned to I guess. Just walk in, and ask if they can do your biometrics now. All you are wasting is the gas money. You should give it a try.

As far as going to Sacramento, I wouldn't recommend it. Matter of fact, I'd think it might slow down your case, if you were assigned to LA and your info randomly pops up in Sacramento. Finding out where to send it to, and how it ended up in the wrong region might slow down your case. Don't jeopardize it, just be patient, I am sure everything will be okay.

My parents also did their paperwork in the LA area, they got their green cards through my aunt who is a citizen. Oh boy it took forever! Nearly 10 years! BUT the good thing is you are doing your paperwork through marriage, right? That should only take between 3 to 6 months. So in comparison, its a very short wait. You are good though, just hang in there!

[coolmind1414 13]

@josealonsoramirez Thanks for your experience and nice advise. I really appreciate that.

Now, Questions to everyone

I got the confirmation email regarding I-130 and it says

"On December 31, 2012, we received this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN.."

Does it seem right for my case? My wife is USC.

[vbbv8118 4]

@josealonsoramirez Thanks for your experience and nice advise. I really appreciate that.

Now, Questions to everyone

I got the confirmation email regarding I-130 and it says

"On December 31, 2012, we received this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN.."

Does it seem right for my case? My wife is USC.

are you the one being petitioned by your USC wife? if so, then that's what the notice is for. you're (relative) being petitioned as an immigrant.

hope this helps.

[GreenTrain 1]

Good information.

Que: I live in Los Angeles. And seems its slower than some other places. Can I go to Sacramento or some near place(which are not that busy) and get EAD earlier than "Average time of LA"?

Also, does someone know if LA office allows early Bio metrics appointments?

Good luck guys

You can try Fresno even nearer than Sacramento for you

[coolmind1414 13]

You can try Fresno even nearer than Sacramento for you

Is it preferable?

thanks,

[coolmind1414 13]

are you the one being petitioned by your USC wife? if so, then that's what the notice is for. you're (relative) being petitioned as an immigrant.

hope this helps.

Yes, I am being petitioned by my USC wife.

Thanks for your reply.

Which notice number will tell me about the Biometrics appointment? As I received 4 emails with 4 different Receipts. I guess, the one which says

"On January 3, 2013, your fingerprint fee was accepted and we have mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. " is that right?

Thanks