January 2016 AOS Filers

[D&L2226 0]

Hi guys,

a quick question to anyone who submitted service requests for EAD. Hubby and I submitted one today, as it is day 78 since we filed. We got a response a few hours later saying the case is still under review and we will receive an answer or notice soon.

My question: after how long did you guys actually receive an answer after filing a service request??

Day 87 here with no EAD and no AP. Filed service requests on 4/4 and 4/11 and got the same

On April 4, 2016, your inquiry about the status of your Employment Authorization application, referral number SR#########MSC, was assigned to an officer for response.

and then

On April 4, 2016, we sent a response to your inquiry about the status of your Employment Authorization application, referral number SR#######MSC.

and then

On April 4, 2016, your inquiry about the status of your Employment Authorization application, referral number SR########MSC, was completed.

​Same exact things occurred on 4/11 when submitting a service request. Same three lines of text just change the date. On 4/12 contacted the congressman and got a response today that states:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding this constituent’s immigration matter. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records confirm that your constituent’s case is pending background check clearance. USCIS is committed to adjudicating immigration benefits in a timely manner while also ensuring public safety and national security. A small percentage of applications and petitions have unresolved background check issues that temporarily delay adjudication. Although USCIS makes every effort to resolve such cases promptly, USCIS is unable to speculate when the background check will be completed.

If a background check reveals an issue that may impact an applicant’s eligibility for the requested immigration benefit, further inquiry is needed. The inquiry may include an additional interview and/or contact with another agency for updates or more comprehensive information. Upon gathering and assessing all available information, USCIS will adjudicate the application as quickly as possible.

USCIS realizes that your constituent may be frustrated by the progress of his or her case. However, the agency must balance individual inconvenience against broader issues of public safety and national security.

We hope the information provided is helpful.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

USCIS – National Benefits Center

Lee’s Summit, MO

Had no idea they did background checks on just the EAD. Sounds unusual. Guess only time will tell.

Edited April 14, 2016 by D&L2226

[heo luoi 206]

Hi guys,

a quick question to anyone who submitted service requests for EAD. Hubby and I submitted one today, as it is day 78 since we filed. We got a response a few hours later saying the case is still under review and we will receive an answer or notice soon.

My question: after how long did you guys actually receive an answer after filing a service request??

I honestly feel like Service Requests do absolutely nothing.

You definitely want to make an Infopass appointment.

Those, I feel, make a difference.

isn't 90 days the expected best case for EAD/AP, if only day 78 why a ServiceRequest/InfoPASS?

[AirConditioner515 15]

isn't 90 days the expected best case for EAD/AP, if only day 78 why a ServiceRequest/InfoPASS?

Because you don't have to wait for the full 90 days. There's no reason to.

Going to an Infopass appointment on day 78 is not going to result in the agent telling you to wait for the full 90 days. In fact, going to an infopass appointment will only benefit you.

Besides, Infopass appointments take about 2-3 weeks anyway. There's rarely any slots open with immediate availability.

[heo luoi 206]

Because you don't have to wait for the full 90 days. There's no reason to.

Going to an Infopass appointment on day 78 is not going to result in the agent telling you to wait for the full 90 days. In fact, going to an infopass appointment will only benefit you.

Besides, Infopass appointments take about 2-3 weeks anyway. There's rarely any slots open with immediate availability.

I get peoples frustration... but when its within normal timelines, not understanding what the realistic outcome you expect?

Just that they are still working on it?

That magically it will be approved the next day?

If its not late, not really sure what any new results would be expected. Just honestly trying to understand what value added is obtained from it.

I get when people were stuck in that hell of the TSC and not knowing anything or getting even NOA1 in the K1 phase and stuff but not really seeing how it applies here.

[heo luoi 206]

Can anyone elaborate on the AP application? Does this entitle my spouse to leave the country while her I-485 is still processing?

This question if probably better served in the broader AoS forum vs the JAN2016 local update thread.

Plenty of that is within the content of the guides....etc.

But the AP does provide the beneficiary the ability to cross into the US with the USCIS still reserving the right to refuse entry -past- the border(s).

Edited April 14, 2016 by heo luoi

[waiting4areason 13]

I get peoples frustration... but when its within normal timelines, not understanding what the realistic outcome you expect?

Just that they are still working on it?

That magically it will be approved the next day?

If its not late, not really sure what any new results would be expected. Just honestly trying to understand what value added is obtained from it.

I get when people were stuck in that hell of the TSC and not knowing anything or getting even NOA1 in the K1 phase and stuff but not really seeing how it applies here.

It clearly states on their website that if you don't have a response within 75 days you should submit a Service request. It's all right here: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/tip-sheet-employment-authorization-applications-pending-more-75-days

So to answer your question, yes the reason my husband and I submit the request is to have an approval and many approvals have come the very next day, it doesn't cost anything to try so we definitely will if that will bring attention to the case so it gets approved. Plus as many people here stated, it did not take 90 days for most to be approved. My husband wants to work and we definitely need the financial support so inquiring about our case because we have not heard anything in 78 days is certainly understandable.

[heo luoi 206]

It clearly states on their website that if you don't have a response within 75 days you should submit a Service request. It's all right here: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/tip-sheet-employment-authorization-applications-pending-more-75-days

So to answer your question, yes the reason my husband and I submit the request is to have an approval and many approvals have come the very next day, it doesn't cost anything to try so we definitely will if that will bring attention to the case so it gets approved. Plus as many people here stated, it did not take 90 days for most to be approved. My husband wants to work and we definitely need the financial support so inquiring about our case because we have not heard anything in 78 days is certainly understandable.

Interesting. Thanks!

[ALIENRJ187 43]

Hey guys!

I just got my email with the date of my interview. May 19th. Waiting for the letter with instructions. Anyone else got their interview scheduled?

Our interview is tomorrow, so we are bit nervous about that. Surprisingly not nearly as nervous as before the K1 interview or waiting for the biometrics letter. We've gone over all the interview questions on VJ, prepared a packet with joint info and information about our lives together with plenty of pictures. I'd have preferred some up to date experiences with AoS interviews in our thread but I think most people seem to be getting cards produced without interviews for January.

[ken&katie 2]

Can I ask is there anyone in this group that is not a k1 and is doing AOS. Thank you.

I'm doing AOS from F1 student.

[Bamafiler 0]

God has had his hand on me today, I finally got approved for my EAD!!!

I'm so happy,

3/31 RFE notice

4/07 notice in mailbox

4/08 sent out rfe (it was for ID) overnighted

4/11 message that it was received

4/14 EAD in production

my 131 says they've received the RFE, but I'm not worried since they come together

so happy!! I'm traveling for our ceremony for my part of the family and our honeymoon the 23rd!! hope I'll have it in before then

[jujuba 0]

01/13 Sent AOS package (I-485, I-131 and I-765)

01/15 Received

02/18 Biometrics Appt.

03/30 EAD/AP Received

04/13 Case is ready to be scheduled for interview

05/19 Interview date

It is funny that the day of the interview is the same as our wedding date.

I wish you guys good luck.

Good luck on your interview and please keep us posted how was it.

[violethill 2]

Good luck on your interview and please keep us posted how was it.

Thank You!

I will post updates.

[violethill 2]

Our interview is tomorrow, so we are bit nervous about that. Surprisingly not nearly as nervous as before the K1 interview or waiting for the biometrics letter. We've gone over all the interview questions on VJ, prepared a packet with joint info and information about our lives together with plenty of pictures. I'd have preferred some up to date experiences with AoS interviews in our thread but I think most people seem to be getting cards produced without interviews for January.

Yes, Looks like a lot o people got their green card without interview. I was hoping for that too.

Good Luck! I am sure it will go well. Please let us know how it went

[jandjin 19]

Finally we did fingerprint today. Went in 12pm and got out at 1:45pm. waiting game continues

[ALIENRJ187 43]

Get ready for our in depth interview story people. I hope it helps some people prepare for their own interviews. TL;DR at bottom.

We prepared for our interview by taking all our copies of forms with us and a ton of evidence of co-mingled finances, joint accounts, proof of living together, etc with us. We read all the questions of VJ and were a bit nervous when we woke up this morning.

Interview today at 12:15. We got there about 30 minutes early and had to wait for about 20-25 minutes before they called us back. When we got there it was pretty empty but when we went through the interview door the place was crammed. We were told there were oath ceremonies today for new citizens which was pretty cool. Lady was very kind and we walked to her office. An actual office, not a room with glass partitions like at her embassy interview. We sat and talked for five minutes before starting the interview, her explaining the process of what's happening and she will be asking questions and not to be offended by some of the questions.

She asked me the USC: Tell us how you met. I told her our entire story from meeting online to beginning dating to meeting twice to her moving here and our marriage.

She asked my wife: Why did you choose this man. My wife gave an extremely eloquent answer

She asked me: Why did you choose this woman. I said because I love her and everything about her.

She asked us both about our wedding: who was there, did my wife's family come, why didn't they come.

She asked me: Do you believe this is a marriage in good faith. YES!!!

She asked my wife: her mom and dads name,

what the organizations she belonged to were (law association organizations we put on the I-129F)

a bunch of the Yes/No questions about: are you a communist, are you a terrorist, etc that were in the I-129F.

Then she said: I'm approving your application.

The whole process of being questioned was about 15 minutes. She did not ask to see ANY evidence we brought with us, and we brought all the initial packets we sent in (I-129F, I-134, I-485, I-765, I-864, I-693, I-131) as well as a stuffed 13 separation folder filled with copies of co-mingled finances, joint accounts, proof of living together, etc.

Then we listened to her talk about what to expect next and we asked a few questions which took another 30 minutes.

Note: We did not need to get the I-551 stamp on the passport unless an emergency arises in the next few weeks. The I-551 will be a part of the 2-year card she will receive and we can use it to travel outside the country basically as soon as we get it. No AP needed. Just don't stay outside past six months. They will only stamp the I-551 on the passport in an emergency situation since they said the card should arrive in 2-3 weeks.

We have to fill out a joint I-751 in 21 months to apply for the 10 year card and submit our proof (all the proof we brought along but was never used, as well as new proof which we will accrue over the next two years). She gave us two pages with some information on them about our adjustment class - CF1 (since we were coming from a K1 visa) and what would be needed with the I-751. Also gave my wife a booklet welcoming new immigrants to the United States.

Note: She said that if you submit enough evidence with the I-751, you will 90% of the time not be interviewed at the field office and will be immediately approved. So as long as you have joint accounts together well in advance, proof of living together on bills, all the joint stuff that happens with marriage you likely won't need an interview.

We shook hands with the lady, went outside, hugged and kissed for a long time and came home to share the news with everybody here.

Overall the interview was really great, the lady was kind, polite and open and we were approved in 15 minutes.

TL;DR: Approved, interview went great.

Yes, Looks like a lot o people got their green card without interview. I was hoping for that too.

Good Luck! I am sure it will go well. Please let us know how it went