AOS March 2016 filers/Part 2

[Linyahui 103]

19 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

Linyahui, I have some info for you via my lawyer. And for anyone still waiting really. She went to the local field office today to get on the handle about basically half of her clients being super delayed. Well, we got this info. One, all local offices slowed wayyyy down due to the political climate and administration changes that were up on the air. Now it seems things are smoothed out concerning this, since it appears no immigration law concerning AOS will change. Also some offices have been experiencing system problems with the computer software....I didn't think to ask if it included the NBC as well. But that issue is close to being resolved. 

I somehow missed this post yesterday. Thanks for sharing this update from your lawyer! It's somewhat comforting to know that half of her clients are super delayed, too, because maybe that means our case isn't forgotten, after all. Yet, what I can't wrap my mind around is the fact that eleven couples in Minneapolis have received their green cards who filed after us (and those are just couples who are members of VJ). At any rate, I can also ask whether St. Paul slowdowns affected our application somehow during the InfoPass appointment next week. Thank you!

 

Speaking of software problems...I've noticed that the USCIS processing times website hasn't been updated yet this month...maybe somehow related? 

[Linyahui 103]

19 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

Don't be afraid to ask for what is called the floor supervisor, it's like the manager of the IOs in that area, if the person you have doesn't or can't help you. Usually you can ask kindly and get one unless they are tied up at that time. They will never keep anything from you at an infopass but it makes it easier for them to reference if you have copies with you. 

 

Also, make note of their names on their name badge or when they say their name. Use it when you speak to them, like " Andy, I'm hoping you can help me with xyz..."  instead of just out and out asking. It helps a ton. 

Thanks for this advice, too, Sparkles! 

 

I totally agree about using a person's name in conversation...forming even a small connection can go a long way! I'm sure they will appreciate it, personally, when dealing with emotionally fraught customers all day who are (understandably) demanding during appointments. 

[sparkles_ 456]

8 minutes ago, Linyahui said:

I somehow missed this post yesterday. Thanks for sharing this update from your lawyer! It's somewhat comforting to know that half of her clients are super delayed, too, because maybe that means our case isn't forgotten, after all. Yet, what I can't wrap my mind around is the fact that eleven couples in Minneapolis have received their green cards who filed after us (and those are just couples who are members of VJ). At any rate, I can also ask whether St. Paul slowdowns affected our application somehow during the InfoPass appointment next week. Thank you!

 

Speaking of software problems...I've noticed that the USCIS processing times website hasn't been updated yet this month...maybe somehow related? 

Last month they also didnt update til close to the end of Jan. Perhaps is it from that. Ugh.

[mamu 3]

On ‎2‎/‎14‎/‎2017 at 3:35 PM, Heather&Kevin said:

Yes you're approved on the spot.    But the interviewer (or whoever is going to process the paperwork) still needs to do some formal processing, ticking boxes, pushing buttons, sending the official notice via the mail etc.   That is how our interviewer explained it.    He was very clear that we were approved on the spot - and he would be doing the paperwork by end of day.

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks for the info. My interviewer said that he would process the paperwork by the end of the day, also. He told me us to wait for 2-3 weeks for the GC to arrive. However, my case status bas changed since then; it's still "Interview is scheduled"

My EAD is going to expire soon. I don't know whether I should renew it or wait for the GC...

[newyorkaos 15]

23 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

My co sponsor is doing the same, won't be filing til a week or two before the deadline to avoid the penalty fee. I see it this way. They frequently take into account people who had income changes based on paystubs and job letters and such mid year. A w2 only before April 15 should be nothing major. I think it's a totally legit explanation as to why you won't file til April either. 2 grand is not exactly pocket change however you don't have to pay that asap either. It isn't owed to the IRS, so you can file and delay paying for months and it won't hurt you only come out of next year (2018) refund if you don't pay by then. My mother is a tax preparer and she schooled me on this  

Thanks for your input!:)

[Linyahui 103]

OK, I just checked the USCIS processing times page for Saint Paul, MN. As of December 31, 2016, it said processing cases from JULY 28, 2016 when last month it was January 23, 2016. THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. That would mean they'd processed six months' worth of cases in a month and Lord knows from when they'd be processing now. 

 

So, I checked a couple of other field offices (including Charlotte, Sparkles). Yep, suspicions confirmed. All field offices are now *apparently* processing cases from July 28, 2016. Sigh. Looks like they still haven't worked out some software kinks....

[Ninahi 53]

My IO at my InfoPass complained about their computer system not being reliable or up to date (on top of the staff shortage), so it can well play a part in all the delays.

My InfoPass appointment was probably close to 45 minutes long, but I think how long they'll let you stay will depend on the IO and when they determine that they have helped you adequately. Mine was very nice and accommodating (as was the other IO who also came over to look at my "weird" case, haha) so I didn't have to leave until I was satisfied that my questions had been addressed.

[sparkles_ 456]

3 hours ago, Linyahui said:

OK, I just checked the USCIS processing times page for Saint Paul, MN. As of December 31, 2016, it said processing cases from JULY 28, 2016 when last month it was January 23, 2016. THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. That would mean they'd processed six months' worth of cases in a month and Lord knows from when they'd be processing now. 

 

So, I checked a couple of other field offices (including Charlotte, Sparkles). Yep, suspicions confirmed. All field offices are now *apparently* processing cases from July 28, 2016. Sigh. Looks like they still haven't worked out some software kinks....

Charlotte went from May 4 to July 28. Only every single thing they process all of a sudden. 

 

Double sigh. Someone needs to pick up our freaking files already. Let us pray that this was the floodgates theory we talked about before possibly.

Edited February 18, 2017 by sparkles_

[sparkles_ 456]

Wondering where msmontander has been lately....been a while since we saw a post of theirs 

[newyorkaos 15]

21 hours ago, Linyahui said:

OK, I just checked the USCIS processing times page for Saint Paul, MN. As of December 31, 2016, it said processing cases from JULY 28, 2016 when last month it was January 23, 2016. THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. That would mean they'd processed six months' worth of cases in a month and Lord knows from when they'd be processing now. 

 

So, I checked a couple of other field offices (including Charlotte, Sparkles). Yep, suspicions confirmed. All field offices are now *apparently* processing cases from July 28, 2016. Sigh. Looks like they still haven't worked out some software kinks....

Funny Queens is the same thing, July. It jumped like 5 months, right? That was December, so what now they are processing September-- like no way!!! People with May PD have been getting interviews now. Just so inconsistent.

[newyorkaos 15]

21 hours ago, Linyahui said:

OK, I just checked the USCIS processing times page for Saint Paul, MN. As of December 31, 2016, it said processing cases from JULY 28, 2016 when last month it was January 23, 2016. THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. That would mean they'd processed six months' worth of cases in a month and Lord knows from when they'd be processing now. 

 

So, I checked a couple of other field offices (including Charlotte, Sparkles). Yep, suspicions confirmed. All field offices are now *apparently* processing cases from July 28, 2016. Sigh. Looks like they still haven't worked out some software kinks....

I think it's a glitch!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look at all the offices randomly they all say July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[newyorkaos 15]

The processing times is such a joke. Everything is July 28.

[newyorkaos 15]

17 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

Charlotte went from May 4 to July 28. Only every single thing they process all of a sudden. 

 

Double sigh. Someone needs to pick up our freaking files already. Let us pray that this was the floodgates theory we talked about before possibly.

Sparkles check all the local offices it says July 28-- that is totally a glitch in the system 

[sparkles_ 456]

55 minutes ago, newyorkaos said:

Sparkles check all the local offices it says July 28-- that is totally a glitch in the system 

Well that makes me want to puke. I guess what our lawyer said is correct, they have all been having computer system issues. 

[Linyahui 103]

2 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

Well that makes me want to puke. I guess what our lawyer said is correct, they have all been having computer system issues. 

Sorry, guys!! I thought you knew it was a glitch based on my post. I guess my sarcasm didn't come through the written word. :/ 

 

i even called USCIS yesterday to report this issue and the woman with whom I spoke said they were aware of it and hoped to correct it by next week...