What does calling DOS or writing an embassy really effect your case?

[Doc K 0]

Hello Everyone,

My fiancee and I are starting our 4th month of AP. As always, for the individuals who have been on AP way longer, please forgive me if my post seems inpatient. It seems our AP has now has potential to be a long term thing. We have had minimal date changes on the file and with each day we are losing hope that it is going to be over quickly.

The question I wanted to pose to everyone is what good does calling the DOS or emailing the embassy periodically really accomplish? It seems you get the same evasive answers, or get told, "AP is finished when it is finished." Has anyone had any experience where a call or an email made a difference? Can calling or emailing periodically hurt you? Some people have hinted at it, but no one has explained how calling/writing has either helped or hindered their case. Any stories are welcome. Thank you

Edited July 30, 2013 by Dr Kev

[stevie b 141]

Hello Everyone,

My fiancee and I are starting our 4th month of AP. As always, for the individuals who have been on AP way longer, please forgive me if my post seems inpatient. It seems our AP has now has potential to be a long term thing. We have had minimal date changes on the file and with each day we are losing hope that it is going to be over quickly.

The question I wanted to pose to everyone is what good does calling the DOS or emailing the embassy periodically really accomplish? It seems you get the same evasive answers, or get told, "AP is finished when it is finished." Has anyone had any experience where a call or an email made a difference? Can calling or emailing periodically hurt you? Some people have hinted at it, but no one has explained how calling/writing has either helped or hindered their case. Any stories are welcome. Thank you

although I am not in any way expecting AP for myself, I do know that there is nothing that can be done to influence your case while in AP.. inquiries will not hinder your case at all. .that would come into the realm of retaliation, which the us gov't will not condone

[SHUSS 11]

My husband's case has been in AP for 14 months and I call DOS every 2 weeks and have my congressman make inquiries every month about the case. I also email from time to time. It has not helped get us out of AP obviously but I have been asked for information after making these inquiries through my congressman and via email. I am not sure if I would have been asked had I not.

I have heard of many people getting put back in AP because the consulate tried to contact them and they did not respond. I do not want to give the consulate any reason to say they could not contact me. They have my phone number, my husband's phone number, both of our email addresses and 2 different congressmen they can contact to get in touch with me or my husband.

I am not sure if that fully answers your question but I think it is something that may help give you a feeling of security in the end.

[TBoneTX 46,076]

what good does calling the DOS or emailing the embassy periodically really accomplish? Has anyone had any experience where a call or an email made a difference?

It made a difference for me, but my situation in Guayaquil wasn't the same as the typical AP situation.

More than one immigration attorney has told me: The consulate or embassy will always have more and more-updated information on your case than the DOS status people will.

Also, please construct a VJ timeline so that people can better help you.

Edited July 31, 2013 by TBoneTX

[Doc K 0]

We hit the 100 business days (~5 months) mark of AP on Monday. To coincide with this milestone, I emailed the embassy directly. That day our file was updated twice and the next day our status changed to ready. I knew we were due to finish up AP and be approved, but I would like to think that my email made a difference.

Edited September 11, 2013 by Dr Kev