Change of address process (after issue of interview req)

[lemont 0]

Hi guys,

I am currently awaiting an AOS for K1. Recently, my husband and I moved from WA to VA. We had set up a mail-forwarding service to a close friend in VA whom we stayed with while searching for a new home. After finding one and updating the address on the website, I received my request for interview paperwork, forwarded from WA. The interview is set for the 16th of July, in Seattle.

Which is obviously a problem.

So I called USCIS immediately and they told me to mail two items; a copy of the interview request letter, along with a cover sheet explaining I had already changed my address and to please update the interview location. They told me not to send it to Homeland Security, but to the Immigration Services building in Seattle that I am supposed to have my interview at... does this sound correct?

Thanks ahead for your time.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Hi guys,

I am currently awaiting an AOS for K1. Recently, my husband and I moved from WA to VA. We had set up a mail-forwarding service to a close friend in VA whom we stayed with while searching for a new home. After finding one and updating the address on the website, I received my request for interview paperwork, forwarded from WA. The interview is set for the 16th of July, in Seattle.

Which is obviously a problem.

So I called USCIS immediately and they told me to mail two items; a copy of the interview request letter, along with a cover sheet explaining I had already changed my address and to please update the interview location. They told me not to send it to Homeland Security, but to the Immigration Services building in Seattle that I am supposed to have my interview at... does this sound correct?

Thanks ahead for your time.

Yes, it sounds correct because if you do not show up in Seattle for the interview your AOS will be considered abandoned. I realize it is expensive and a royal PITA, but have you considered taking the necessary steps to go to the interview in Seattle? I would rather get the AOS over with and receive the GC sooner rather than dealing with the USCIS and trying to get a change of address and then a new interview date in VA. You are not a LPR until the GC is issued. What I propose will set you back about $1500 for airfare, hotel and rental car for you and your spouse to go to Seattle, but IMHO it is better than risking the AOS being denied and having to deal with that stress. Just remember that it is never the USCIS' fault and when it is you spend a lot of time and energy proving to them that they screwed up and that is why I would go to Seattle, but YMMV.

Good luck,

Dave

P.S. I would include the confirmation number for the change of address to CYA.

[lemont 0]

Hi, thanks for your response.

Unfortunately travel to Seattle is just not an option, financially. We're not the "broke" type usually, we are just in a tight spot with the move, and our wedding ceremony literally a day before, and the Navy not updating my husband's pay to reflect the new living costs!

I decided to go ahead and send the letter, I sent an identical copy to Homeland Security's HO too, for the sake of being thorough. I'll be sure to update. I don't mind so much if the GC is delayed by this. But of course, I am scared of any assumed abandonment, as you pointed out.