Questions about AOS processing times...Angelenos, please chime in!

[Tina and Johan 206]

I have some questions about the AOS process. Specifically timelines and adjusting from family-based visas. I've done some research, but the last person to ask about this was in 2009, so that feels like too long ago. From your experience:

1. Does it matter if you are adjusting from a K1, or a B2, etc? Does this specific part of the process make a difference? (I've seen that some people already have their EAD's from before marriage, so not sure if this is a factor.)

2. Where do the applications really go? Mine on the USCIS website says it's in Nebraska, but I have MSC in my number, which implies Missouri. Does this factor in when waiting that marathon wait for any action on EAD, AP, or AOS?

3. It says on the USCIS website that local offices don't approve the EAD. If that's the case, then shouldn't the approvals be more linear? Why are people who filed weeks after us approved weeks before us?

4. If you are being processed through the Los Angeles office, is it San Fernando office or LA? Does your local office (SFV, specifically) have a timeline I can look at? Would it have been more timely for us to file in, say, Wyoming?! (small joke there)

5. Is it something to do with something in his file? We experienced the same frustration with timelines back when we were doing the K1 (not the paramount frustration that is TSC, but frustrating enough for our little corner of VJ), in that many many later February filers were blowing past us with NOA2's. Now the same is happening with August AOS filers.

6. Is my husband EVER going to be able to legally work in the US?!?! (rhetorical; don't answer that one. )

I am happily supportive of people in my group getting their approvals and interviews scheduled, but I am so sick of this waiting game. Our estimate was somewhere between 2 weeks ago and last week. I know it's not a concrete thing, but man, I really wish the process was more transparent.

Thanks in advance!

[Pickle 65]

Very interesting questions, and things I have been wondering too! The only answer I can give you is for #2 (well, kinda). I have an MSC number too, and I got that when my case first went to the National Benefits Center (which transitioned from Missouri Service Center, hence MSC), and then was forwarded to Nebraska. I've read before that everyone's files go through the NBC first, but not sure how accurate that information is.

I agree with you on #3, why are there September filers who already have their EAD's while filers from previous months are still waiting for updates?! I don't know if it is something to do with the length of time you have been in the US, if you already have an EAD (like me--I was wondering if they were having to do more background checks?!), if your visa type play a role, etc.

Looking forward to see some insights from others!

Edited October 15, 2014 by Pickle

[Tina and Johan 206]

thank you for your input! on a fun sidenote: Johan is actually South African, from Pretoria. We have the Ireland flag because that's where he was living when we did his K1.

[Pickle 65]

I am not surprised with a name like "Johan!" Glad to see another Saffa here on VJ. Good luck to you guys, and I really hope someone can shed some light on some or all of your questions (I'm sure it's not just us wondering about those things!).

[shell20 746]

Like you guys, I am still waiting for my EAD/AP. 12 days after a service request I received a generic answer from USCIS, saying that they are experiencing delays. Mycase also starts with MSC and is with Nebraska. I am actually wondering what the point of a service request is, other than for them to reply to say they have adjucated the case! It all sucks and I wouldn't be surprised if I got rfe's at this late stage.

Wishing you good luck with your AOS, hope it is sorted out ASAP for you!

I have some questions about the AOS process. Specifically timelines and adjusting from family-based visas. I've done some research, but the last person to ask about this was in 2009, so that feels like too long ago. From your experience:

1. Does it matter if you are adjusting from a K1, or a B2, etc? Does this specific part of the process make a difference? (I've seen that some people already have their EAD's from before marriage, so not sure if this is a factor.)

2. Where do the applications really go? Mine on the USCIS website says it's in Nebraska, but I have MSC in my number, which implies Missouri. Does this factor in when waiting that marathon wait for any action on EAD, AP, or AOS?

3. It says on the USCIS website that local offices don't approve the EAD. If that's the case, then shouldn't the approvals be more linear? Why are people who filed weeks after us approved weeks before us?

4. If you are being processed through the Los Angeles office, is it San Fernando office or LA? Does your local office (SFV, specifically) have a timeline I can look at? Would it have been more timely for us to file in, say, Wyoming?! (small joke there)

5. Is it something to do with something in his file? We experienced the same frustration with timelines back when we were doing the K1 (not the paramount frustration that is TSC, but frustrating enough for our little corner of VJ), in that many many later February filers were blowing past us with NOA2's. Now the same is happening with August AOS filers.

6. Is my husband EVER going to be able to legally work in the US?!?! (rhetorical; don't answer that one. )

I am happily supportive of people in my group getting their approvals and interviews scheduled, but I am so sick of this waiting game. Our estimate was somewhere between 2 weeks ago and last week. I know it's not a concrete thing, but man, I really wish the process was more transparent.

Thanks in advance!

sorry that was meant to say HAVEN'T adjudicated my case!

[Pickle 65]

Like you guys, I am still waiting for my EAD/AP. 12 days after a service request I received a generic answer from USCIS, saying that they are experiencing delays. Mycase also starts with MSC and is with Nebraska. I am actually wondering what the point of a service request is, other than for them to reply to say they have adjucated the case! It all sucks and I wouldn't be surprised if I got rfe's at this late stage.

Wishing you good luck with your AOS, hope it is sorted out ASAP for you!

sorry that was meant to say HAVEN'T adjudicated my case!

This is actually something that I was speculating about, and I saw Tina had the same concerns about in the August filer thread: what if a service request actually slows the process down? I'm just wondering and not trying to scare you at all I was just thinking that what if they were actually going to work on your case but when they received the service request it kind of "stalls" the process. I have no idea what they do with files when they get the service request or what actually happens, but there has been a few people now that I've seen that started a service request and then it takes so many days for them to receive a response.

Again, not trying to scare anyone away from trying it, I'm sure it has worked fine for some. It's just odd that something that is supposed to speed up the process generates emails like you received about the delays. Or the "contact us after 30 days if you have not heard anything from us regarding your service request" statement.

Good luck to you, shell20!

[shell20 746]

Yeah a service request you would think might speed the process up and draw attention to the fact that its an outstanding case. Perhaps instead of sending an email they could actually take a look at the case! I think my next step will be to email the ombudsman, as I have read up on it on the net and it says if you have waited 90 days and already requested a service request you can email them. I guess it wont hurt to try! Thanks any way for your warm wishes!

This is actually something that I was speculating about, and I saw Tina had the same concerns about in the August filer thread: what if a service request actually slows the process down? I'm just wondering and not trying to scare you at all I was just thinking that what if they were actually going to work on your case but when they received the service request it kind of "stalls" the process. I have no idea what they do with files when they get the service request or what actually happens, but there has been a few people now that I've seen that started a service request and then it takes so many days for them to receive a response.

Again, not trying to scare anyone away from trying it, I'm sure it has worked fine for some. It's just odd that something that is supposed to speed up the process generates emails like you received about the delays. Or the "contact us after 30 days if you have not heard anything from us regarding your service request" statement.

Good luck to you, shell20!

[Pickle 65]

Yeah a service request you would think might speed the process up and draw attention to the fact that its an outstanding case. Perhaps instead of sending an email they could actually take a look at the case! I think my next step will be to email the ombudsman, as I have read up on it on the net and it says if you have waited 90 days and already requested a service request you can email them. I guess it wont hurt to try! Thanks any way for your warm wishes!

Okay, looks like a service request can come in handy after all! Yes, you should definitely try to contact your ombudsman, I hope that will work for you!

[Tina and Johan 206]

Yeah a service request you would think might speed the process up and draw attention to the fact that its an outstanding case. Perhaps instead of sending an email they could actually take a look at the case! I think my next step will be to email the ombudsman, as I have read up on it on the net and it says if you have waited 90 days and already requested a service request you can email them. I guess it wont hurt to try! Thanks any way for your warm wishes!

Let us know how that works out. I'll look into it too.