Biometrics appointment after receiving resident card (IR-1), why?

[Ellinora 72]

Posted here earlier about getting an appointment letter for biometrics appointment, even though I've been in the country since October 14 (arrived on a IR-1 visa) and already have my green card in hand.

I wrote them a letter explaining I already have the 10 year green card and my biometrics were taken at the embassy and explaining that I can't make it to the Omaha office on such a short notice, since it's about a 20 hours drive.

Today I received another appointment letter with a new biometrics appointment date, this time to the Baltimore office, since I now live in Maryland.

Has anyone else had to go to a biometrics appointment after you've received your permanent resident card? If so, what was the reason?

The USCIS phone service was again useless and they just rudely told me to go to the appointment not offering any explanations on why I have to do biometrics again. I obviously have to go, I just wish I'd know why I have to spend more money (I have to take a cab there and it's an one hour drive), when I already have my card.

Anyone have any ideas as to why I have to do the biometrics appointment again? Your help is much appreciated!

[TBoneTX 46,337]

I'd phone USCIS again, cut off the clueless Customer Disservice front-liners who answer the phone and go into their robotic script, and demand escalation to an actual immigration officer. If the screener gives you any flak, state that they're required to escalate your call at your request.

The few hours spent on the phone and the temporary high blood pressure might prevent your having to go to Baltimore.

[Ellinora 72]

I'd phone USCIS again, cut off the clueless Customer Disservice front-liners who answer the phone and go into their robotic script, and demand escalation to an actual immigration officer. If the screener gives you any flak, state that they're required to escalate your call at your request.

The few hours spent on the phone and the temporary high blood pressure might prevent your having to go to Baltimore.

Thanks for replying TBoneTX, I really appreciate it! I called USCIS again, spoke to a supervisor, who said they don't know why I got the letter for a biometrics appointment. She said I should go to the appointment to find out why because, and I quote, "nobody here knows why". She also said she can't tell me if I should go or not, when I asked what happens if I don't go to the scheduled appointment.

I'm rather at loss here what to do. Maybe I'll ask husband (the USC) to call them again and see if he gets a different answer. Or maybe I'll write them another letter, I don't know.

Does anyone know what happens if I don't go to the appointment? Can they take away my permanent resident card, if I don't go to the biometrics appointment? I know it seems like peanuts to some, but I really would have better use for that money that I would have to spend on cab rides to Baltimore and back.

[Ellinora 72]

Anyone?

[dhlunar 25]

On the ASC appointment notice is there a case number on the form?

Is this case number either your original I-130 case or your IOE case number for the green card?

[Ellinora 72]

On the ASC appointment notice is there a case number on the form?

Is this case number either your original I-130 case or your IOE case number for the green card?

There is IOE application/petition/request number, which is the same as the receipt number in the GC.

[TBoneTX 46,337]

USCIS might refuse to talk with your husband (because it's "your" case) unless you're also on the line.

This is a real red herring; the supervisor recommended that you go, then said that she couldn't tell you whether you should go or not. As for the "no one here knows why," they need to find out. Period. What a cop-out. If the next supervisor is clueless, escalate the call higher until you reach someone with the answer.

[Ellinora 72]

USCIS might refuse to talk with your husband (because it's "your" case) unless you're also on the line.

This is a real red herring; the supervisor recommended that you go, then said that she couldn't tell you whether you should go or not. As for the "no one here knows why," they need to find out. Period. What a cop-out. If the next supervisor is clueless, escalate the call higher until you reach someone with the answer.

I absolutely agree. Called again and was told "it's probably a computer glitch, so you don't need to go." When I asked what should I do, the person just told me not to go to the appointment. I don't really feel good about just skipping the appointment, so I wrote another letter explaining what I was told by the USCIS customer service and that I won't be coming to the appointment because of that. I also asked them to confirm that they have received the letter and that no further action is required on my part as explained by the USCIS customer service representative. We'll see what happens.

Thank you everyone for your help! If you have any other suggestions regarding what I should do, I'd love to hear them!

[TBoneTX 46,337]

I hope that you talked with an actual Immigration Officer than to someone on the Customer Disservice line!

If not, call back (I know -- sigh) and get an IO. If he/she says the same about a computer glitch, get the IO's name and ask him/her to enter the "don't show up - computer glitch" conversation into your permanent record. See if the IO can generate something about this in writing for you.

Edited February 4, 2015 by TBoneTX

[Ellinora 72]

I hope that you talked with an actual Immigration Officer than to someone on the Customer Disservice line!

If not, call back (I know -- sigh) and get an IO. If he/she says the same about a computer glitch, get the IO's name and ask him/her to enter the "don't show up - computer glitch" conversation into your permanent record. See if the IO can generate something about this in writing for you.

Thank you for replying! I've now called a couple of more times and got through to supervisors twice. Both of them would not put anything into my records so to speak. First time the person told me that nothing will happen, I just don't go. Second time the person told me that these calls are recorded and that'll be my proof that I have addressed the issue. He insisted that the appointment letter is a mistake. I wrote letters to both the Virginia address in the appointment letter and directly to Baltimore Field Office. Should I still be calling and insisting they do something about it? My biometrics appointment is next week.

So annoying

[TBoneTX 46,337]

Have you involved your husband's Congressman? Go to the website and prepare the "release form" in advance, and call to speak with the "immigration liaison."

This gigantic immigration-law firm* has a very reasonably priced telephone or e-mail consultation service:

http://www.fosterquan.com

Click their link for "individuals & families."

*I have no connection with them beyond having been a satisfied customer years ago. Immigration law is Federal, so they need not be in your geographical area.

Edited February 10, 2015 by TBoneTX

[Ellinora 72]

Have you involved your husband's Congressman? Go to the website and prepare the "release form" in advance, and call to speak with the "immigration liaison."

This gigantic immigration-law firm* has a very reasonably priced telephone or e-mail consultation service:

http://www.fosterquan.com

Click their link for "individuals & families."

*I have no connection with them beyond having been a satisfied customer years ago. Immigration law is Federal, so they need not be in your geographical area.

Thank you for the info!

I just got a call from USCIS Baltimore and they told me they got my letter and that what USCIS customer service told me is true and that I don't have to attend the appointment.

She said that for some reason the system has been printing duplicates lately, so if someone else got a biometrics appointment letter out of the blue that might be why.

Hoping this settles it, but if not, I'll be sure to contact the congressman. Thanks again for your help and support!

[TBoneTX 46,337]

Amazing that 1) they called you and 2) USCIS customer disservice was actually correct about something. This is a great relief for you and great news for us. Happy endings are fun.