AOS from H1B case still at NBC - is this normal?

[mypreciousss 1]

Hi all,

I am adjusting from H1B and filed the 130/485/765/131 on April 18, 2014 as the spouse of a US citizen. Our local office is Washington, DC. I was expecting to have our interview about 90 days after filing based on what I've read/heard about this local office. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened. Here is our timeline:

Package mailed: 4/18/2014

NOA date: 4/22/2014

Biometrics completed: 5/15/2014 (notice was for 5/22, I went for a walk-in)

Testing and Interview: 5/27/2014

EAD/AP received: 7/24/2014

I'm very surprised that our interview date hasn't been set yet, and it's starting to get frustrating. We opened a service request on July 9th, but haven't got a response yet. I called USCIS today and spoke to a Tier 2 agent. He said that the file is still at the National benefits Center and has not been sent to our local office yet (!) which explains why the interview date has not been scheduled. He had no idea why it was still at NBC, but said the service request response should hopefully have an explanation as to why.

Has anyone had this happen before or know what this indicates?

Thanks!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You set yourself up for disappointment by deciding how long the case would take beforehand. Many cases take longer than 3 months, it all depends on the current availability for your local office.

It is perfectly normal for your case to still be at NBC. They are waiting for an available interview date. You might have to wait for months more.

[eapa34 0]

Yes it is normal.

Package mailed: 2/20/2014

Biometrics: 3/24/2014

RFE:4/01/2014

EAD: 5/27/2014

Interview Date: 07/18/2014

Just be patient you will get it too. Sometimes if they are really busy, the process goes slow that's why your EAD card is good for a year.

[mypreciousss 1]

Thanks.. I thought that the file gets sent to the local office and then the interview gets scheduled, but it seems this is not the case. I was puzzled as to why it was at NSC, but I guess that's normal. Nothing to do but wait and see, I guess.

[RiceVinegar 2]

When I looked at timelines of April filers, I saw more people getting their interview dates AFTER receiving EAD/AP cards, including myself.

Wish you get your interview scheduled soon!

[mypreciousss 1]

Thanks RiceAgain, me too!

[christophec 16]

It also depends what is your local office. But yea... don't worry, patience!!!

[NancyNguyen 1,658]

OP has no idea how backlogged USCIS centers are now. Immigration is a challenge of patience.