I-485 under extended review

[ChasUno 101]

Just had an update from USCIS via email (but not via text, even though I am signed up for both) for the Service Request/ Case Inquiry I sent a few weeks back:

"Type of service requested:

-- Outside Normal Processing Times


The status of this service request is:

You or your representative contacted USCIS concerning your I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to notify us that you believe your case is outside of our normal processing time. Below is a summary of what we found and how the issue has been or may be resolved.

Our records show that your I-485 is currently under extended review. We regret that we are unable to provide you with a completion date at this time. We apologize for the delay.

We hope this information is helpful and appreciate your continued patience."

Looks like a typical non informative USCIS response, and I'm still none the wiser as to what is happening with my case. Online case status still says "Request for Initial evidence was sent" on November 27th and that "We will not take action on your case until we receive the evidence or the deadline to submit it expires." My RFIE response was sent via tracked mail and confirmed that it was delivered on December 26th.

I hope "extended review" isn't anything to worry about? My RFIE was for submitting an out of date I-865 form with my AOS application. Otherwise, everything else is clear, I have no criminal record nor health issues and have never overstayed a visa. I already have my EAD/ AP card, as well as an SSN. I still strongly suspect that they've somehow mislaid my RFIE, which is why it hasn't been updated on my online case status.

Anyone else been under "extended review"? I tried doing a search but couldn't find much that was clear about it.

Edited March 25, 2016 by ChasUno

[wbeem 568]

I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this.

We have also been stuck since December with the notice showing they received our response to our RFE but there is nothing else. No note of the biometrics (wasn't sure if that was even supposed to show) - nothing. So yesterday I called and because our local office is several months behind they wouldn't let me file a service request. What she did tell me is that the system won't update to show anything unless they need something from us (another RFE), is approved/denied or they call us for an interview. So the advice was much like what we got during our agonizing wait for our fiance petition: The nicest agent sympathetically telling us that we just need to wait a couple more months.

[ChasUno 101]

Thanks Wbeem, it's nice to know I'm not alone in this limbo land situation! I just wish USCIS would do a better job of keeping us informed, and update things online in a timely manner. It's also frustrating when seeing filers in December getting green cards, whilst others who filed in November or earlier continue to have to wait. I know each case is different, but with there being little consistency, it makes it hard to know what is likely to be going on.

I guess my one concern that they have mislaid the RFIE or never got it might not be the case, as the deadline for submitting the evidence has now long since expired. I would have hoped that they would have informed me if that were the case, so as they haven't, maybe SOMETHING is actually happening. I'll just to continue waiting and hope to hear something soon, and I hope you get to hear something soon also.

[wbeem 568]

I knew you had posted about this, but I thought it was on the November filer's thread. No wonder I couldn't find it!

Still no news for us either, but I don't really expect to hear anything for another month or two, at least. Our local office is showing that it's processing applications received before July 25th. That was updated a few weeks ago, but is relevant as at January 31st. Same as the good old TSC where they update the website with stats from 8 weeks earlier ...!

I think for us it's a bit easier this round. Having gone through the hell of TSC and getting overlooked and left behind for 8 months on top of the already (at the time) 7 month processing time, our biggest challenge was enduring the unknown and being apart. Now that we are together we are finding it annoying and frustrating, but not as difficult. I do think that has given us an advantage by way of a direct comparison. What are the processing dates for Tampa? I suspect they are probably over the five month processing goal, just like Orlando. It sucks

[ChasUno 101]

I knew you had posted about this, but I thought it was on the November filer's thread. No wonder I couldn't find it!

Still no news for us either, but I don't really expect to hear anything for another month or two, at least. Our local office is showing that it's processing applications received before July 25th. That was updated a few weeks ago, but is relevant as at January 31st. Same as the good old TSC where they update the website with stats from 8 weeks earlier ...!

I think for us it's a bit easier this round. Having gone through the hell of TSC and getting overlooked and left behind for 8 months on top of the already (at the time) 7 month processing time, our biggest challenge was enduring the unknown and being apart. Now that we are together we are finding it annoying and frustrating, but not as difficult. I do think that has given us an advantage by way of a direct comparison. What are the processing dates for Tampa? I suspect they are probably over the five month processing goal, just like Orlando. It sucks

Hi Wbeem,

I did mention it somewhere in the November filers thread, though went into more detail here to see if there was any information regarding the "extended review" that my case is apparently under.

Yes, it is easier this time round (going through AOS) as the anxiety of not being together is now not an issue. It's more that I/ we feel in limbo, as I need to do some retraining to get work in my chosen field, and I want to be fresh out of training and then get a job. BUT, I need to return to the UK to sort out some odds and ends, sell the last of my property and also arranging the shipping of the property I wish to bring over here. I estimate that I will need 6 weeks to accomplish that, however, despite having the AP/ EAD card, I don't want to plan a trip away to the UK if there's a chance I will be called up for interview during that time period. Thus with not knowing when, nor even an estimate of when, I am unable to make any concrete plans as of yet. Suffice to say, I've been doing loads of work on the house and in the garden to keep me occupied!

As for Tampa, yes, they are backlogged. USCIS states that the last case they worked on was August 27th, so still another couple of months for them to catch up with. That's assuming my case is even in Tampa! I just wish USCIS was better at updating us and also had a more detailed tracking system.

Anyway, plenty of work still to do on the house and garden so I'm not being left idle! Hope you also get some positive news about your case soon, we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed until then.

Edited March 31, 2016 by ChasUno