Will I have to do a second biometrics appointment?

[B and E 19]

Hello VJ Members,

We filed I-485, I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (AP) concurrently on February 29th and received 3 hard copy receipts in the mail on March 12th.

My first problem is, I can't track EAD application online because the case number is not recognized. However, I can track both the i-485 and i-131 on the USCIS website. When I called the USCIS, they were also unable to track my EAD using the receipt number form my NOA1. They told me it could it could take up to 45 days to show up in the system and to call back after 45 days if I still can't track it.

My second problem is that, I received a biometrics appointment for April 4th but the letter only has a case number and barcode for the I-485. There is no case number for my I-765 even though we filed everything concurrently.

When I called USCIS about it, I was told to take all my receipt notices to the appointment and explain that I filed all 3 forms concurrently but only got a biometrics appointment for my I-485 and not my EAD and AP applications. I am worried that I will have to have a second biometrics appointment for EAD/AP. My ASC is more than an hour away and my husband has to take time off of work to take me. I also don't want anything to delay my EAD card so I can start working ASAP.

When I asked if there was a possibility that I would have to do a separate biometric appointment for EAD/AP, the person I spoke to said he didn't know.

Has anyone else been in this situation? Did you have to do a second biometrics and did you EAD take longer to approve?

Thanks for your help!

[marianath 27]

My Wife's is similar but different.

Applied I-485 and I-765 last December.

We got Biometrics Letter Early March with both application numbers on it.

Went for Biometrics to find out that they only took her picture and index fingerprint for her EAD and none whatsoever for her I-485.

For sure we have to go back for her I-485 since they are currently working on August 14 for Los Angeles area....sucks !!

1. Check your biometric appointment, does it show both application numbers ? I-765 and I-485.

2. What Code does it say on the top right portion, ours was code 2.

Code 1 is for fingerprinting of all 10 fingers. This is electronically sent to FBI the same day, they run it to match thru their database to match it with criminals/persons of interest and send the results the same day (or the next) to USCIS. Code 1 is very important as it is part of your security/background check and determines admissibility for GC. Code 1 expires after 15 months e.g. FBI needs to check their database again.

Code 2 (right index finger only+photo+sign) is for the generation of cards for immigration benefits e.g. EAD, GC etc. If you filed for EAD, you definitely need code 2 or the card can not be generated. Code 2 is done everytime we apply for a benefit.

Code 3 (fingerprinting all 10 fingers+photo+sign) is a combination of both, when USCIS wants to get a security check done on you as well as generate card.

[B and E 19]

Hi marianath,

Thanks so much for your response. So sorry they did the wrong thing your appointment. Dealing with the USCIS is very frustrating because they tend to be pretty disorganized.

To answerr your questions:

1.Our biometric appointment letter only has one application number, which is our I-485 case number on it. I know I'm supposed to have 2 case numbers( one for i-485 and one for i-765), but my letter only has my I-485 case number.

2. The code on our letter is code 3. Is that the right code we are supposed to have? And will being code 3 reduce the chance a second biometric appointment?

Thanks again,

BandE

[Wes&Charlotte 4]

3 hours ago, Wes&Charlotte said:

ARGH!! Just got a letter for a biometrics appointment for EAD TOMORROW!! Fortunately, I should be able to make it as hubby off work, but talk about short notice!!!! 

 

I actually wasn't expecting it though because I thought it was only necessary to have fingerprints done once.... I did biometrics in Atlanta just recently (12/29) for AOS.  Is this normal to get a separate one for EAD?? Has anyone else received their biometrics for EAD?? should I also expect one for AP?? and does this mean that I don't have any RFEs or can this still happen later??

 

Thanks!

 

C

 

**UPDATE**  I just looked at the letters again.  The first one was actually for AOS and EAD.  The second one (printed 20 days later) is for EAD.  Any thoughts??