Family emergency

[suunto 0]

Hi!

Really time sensitive question here.

My father underwent surgery on saturday and is not doing well. I was finally sent a letter by the doc/hospital via email (pdf.)

I wanted to get an emergency AP, I guess I have proof enough (letter, birth certificate and all the paperwork for the AOS i applied.)

I normally would have gotten my AP in about three weeks from now, but that is not soon enough for me. I am sitting on hot coals.

I planned on going to the local USCIS first thing tomorrow morning, I heard that I might be able to have it "stamped" then and there.

My question:

I have seen this happen on the forums, but all people stated they got an Infopass appointment and then showed up earlier.

But:

- There is no option on the Infopass website for such a case.

- I don't want to spend my days anxiously waiting for the appointment letter just to show up before the appointment anyways.

Should I just go onto the infopass website, fill out whatever to get an appointment to be "in the system" then show up tomorrow.

Or just show up and explain my problem (not having an appointment) and the reason to the personel checking paperwork at the entry?

Thank you very much. Sorry for the spelling.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

This one I will choose:

Should I just go onto the infopass website, fill out whatever to get an appointment to be "in the system" then show up tomorrow.

[suunto 0]

I just noticed there is no phone number for the doctor. Just the letter and name from the University hospital.

Is that a problem? I am probably worrying too much.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

I don't think USCIS officer is going to call up the foreign hospital to ask.

Good luck to you.

[suunto 0]

Is there a good chance of getting it tomorrow? Or will I have to wait for the mail? All this makes me very insecure.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

This might help you:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/415912-emergency-ap/

I want to add that your mileage may vary for different USCIS office

Edited April 7, 2014 by Merrytooth

[suunto 0]

Final question:

Went to USCIS today. They said they can't or won't do it locally, but found out on which particular desk my application was laying....

They made phone calls, the status online changed immediately to:

- for the EAD: Card production

- for the AP: Post decision activity

They said 8-10 days. Rather long, but I have to live with it.

My question:

Were they maybe very prudent while saying 8-10 days (considering how fast status changed online...looks like the cards could be in the mail tomorrow or thursday)?

Why is the AP processing slower than the EAD (which I didn't really need) online? Glitch?

[aussie_jason 195]

For some reason the EAD is the most reliable status online to track but they are both the same as it will be a combo card for both EAD & AP, you will likely get another update tomorrow that it has been sent and then either that night or overnight you will get another update with the tracking number, then it is in the hands of USPS to get it to you.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

They went ahead and approved your EAD/AP combo card. The 8-10 days is the time they are saying it takes to get mailed to you. You could receive it sooner than that. Sorry they did not just give you an AP document on the spot to travel now, but this is the next best thing for you.

[hmh33 117]

If you're willing to take a (substantial) risk, you could travel to see your father immediately now that the AP has been approved. Have your spouse or someone else in the US send your card by fedex or something when it arrives.

The risk is that you are trusting that (1) the online status is correct, and it really has been approved already, and (2) the AP card won't be lost in the mail on its way to your spouse or from him/her to you.

[suunto 0]

I kind of took the middle, risk wise.

They approved it on the 8th and the card is in production (talked to a tier two IO on the phone,) he said max ten days to get it. Well.. I think it will be there earlier than that honestly (or so I hope) and i booked a flight for the 18th. I think that should be fine anyways, even in case my wife sends me the AP then (if I miss it by a day or so.)

Another question that popped up today:

I don't really know how long I will stay, first because of what might happen to my father (I mean there is hope,) or if I chose to stay a bit longer (wife would visit me in this case.)

Should i make sure to collect further evidence (hospital documentation etc.) in case it should come up in the interview for AOS (if there is one)?

Or doesn't it really matter since I didn't get an "on the spot" AP but they rather "sped up" the combo card for me?

As always with the immigration things... one stress relieved... there comes the next.

Thank you

Edited April 10, 2014 by suunto

[hmh33 117]

No need to collect evidence while you're there, it won't be relevant. Do make sure you don't miss your adjustment interview.

I hope you get there in time to see him. Personally, I would travel sooner.